Definite Thumbs Up!
On several occasions, I have found debut novels to be great reads and certainly "Before Ever After" is no exception. Well, except, perhaps, it goes beyond simply being a "great read".
I was immediately drawn into the story by Sotto's excellent writing skills, finding myself willingly carried off on a thought-provoking adventure. Her characters were so well portrayed that I felt a comfortable kinship to them and enjoyed being in their company. Having traveled to two of the locations in the novel might have some bearing on my feelings of "being there", but the author painted all locales with a sense of familiarity.
I would strongly recommend this book to reading groups as the subject matter guarantees much discussion.
Rated of 5
by Julia H. (Excelsior, MN)
Before Ever After
I was completely captivated by Samantha Sotto's novel, Before Ever After. It wasn't exactly what I was expecting, but when I sat down to read it, it was difficult to tear myself away. I liked Shelley's character a lot, it's difficult to lose a spouse. The story moves back and forth in time, especially to the European tour Shelley took around the off the beaten track areas where she met her husband Max. The historical stories of a woman named Isabelle and her ancestors were very compelling and touched on many areas of history. I think the twists in the story would make it great for book club discussions.
Rated of 5
by Laurette A. (Rome, New York)
A totally surprising and very satisfying read
"Before Ever After" took me literally by surprise. Samanth Sotto's first novel hooked me from the beginning and slowly reeled me into the story to the point where I had to make myself stop reading in order to get anything else done. Without giving the plot away let me say that the author is a great storyteller and I highly recommend this book that others have described as a romance-mystery-historical adventure. This book is a winner and was tailor-made for book clubs and possibly a movie! My only regret is that Ms. Sotto did not include the recipe for Max's baked eggs! You won't be disappointed reading this.
Rated of 5
by Margaret R. (Atlanta, GA)
Good Summer Read
Before Ever After is a good summer read. I found the structure a little distracting - too much quick shifting between time frames. The historical stories were the best part of the book. It almost seemed as though two different authors were writing the book, because the quality of the writing was so good in the stories of the historical adventures and somewhat stilted in the present times. Still it was an enjoyable and different historical romance novel.
Rated of 5
by David S. (San Diego, CA)
Before Ever After by Samatha Sotto
A neat blending of romance, thriller, and history into a fast-paced story that will keep the reader engrossed from the first page to the last. A well done first novel that makes for a fun summer read for both guys and gals.
Rated of 5
by Carol T. (Ankeny, Iowa)
Before Ever After
I, too, am a fan of time travel, so was a little disapponted to discover this is the story of an immortal man. That aside, the author had an an interesting idea and with a little more effort to round out the characters and make time more linear, could have created a memorable book.
Rated of 5
by Amy O. (Scottsdale, AZ)
I Love You Max!
Quite a unique read. Here we have a not your normal historical, time-shifting, love story of a page-turner. Talk about a magic mystery tour. Max is a tour guide extraordinare. Not only is he irrestible to Shelley but he also makes the past seem to come alive. Although the writing is sometimes a bit thin, Sotto takes us along a memorable path of a story strewn with nuggets of wisdom about life and the death defying power of love. A must read for this summer!
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