“A sensitive, fascinating journey into the story of one of Canadian literature’s most unexplored characters. I thoroughly enjoyed this thoughtful, debut novel, including the unexpected twist at the end! Everyone who loves the epic Anne series needs to read this book!”
–Genevieve Graham, bestselling author of The Forgotten Home Child

“There's such ‘scope for the imagination’ in L. M. Montgomery’s Marilla Cuthbert, and in her debut novel, Marilla Before Anne, Louise Michalos depicts a rich and vivid history of love, heartbreak, and resilience to illuminate this character we know so well. I was captivated by this story.”
–Kerry Clare, author of Waiting for a Star to Fall

“Taking us back to Marilla's passionate youth, this book is part old-style romance, part history, with complicated heroes, heroines, and villains. It plays fast and loose with the Marilla and Matthew who may already live inside readers’ heads—those willing to take that leap are in for a galloping ride.”
–Liz Rosenberg, author of House of Dreams: A Biography of L. M. Montgomery

“Beloved characters live in our minds. For those who think they know Marilla Cuthbert, Louise Michalos creates a heart-rending and imaginative fantasy of who our Marilla might have been.”
–Lesley Crewe, bestselling author of The Spoon Stealer

“Talk about family secrets! For people who love imagining the world that swirls around Anne Shirley, this rendering of Avonlea and its inhabitants will keep you spellbound. Louise Michalos reminds us that who we are is a fleeting moment between what we have become and what we are becoming. This first novel is an entertaining immersion in the possibilities of narrative.”
–Linda Little, award-winning author of Scotch River and Grist