Customer Reviews

Before The Storm

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Diane Chamberlain has done it again with BEFORE THE STORM. Not only does this talented and gifted author "find" the voices for the characters in this book, she lets us in to understand their thoughts and feelings. BEFORE THE STORM is a great read for those of any age...Teenagers will relate to the story as well as adults. Chamberlain writes about a family that is typical of the 21st Century-nothing perfect about them-but the love and care abounds. From Andy to Maggie to Mom...they are enchanting characters. I started the book and did not put it down until I finished. I wanted to get to the end to discover the outcome, but once I reached that end, I craved more of the story. Even though there is a sequel, AFTER THE STORM, this is still a stand-alone book. I must add that my journey with the family in this book permitted me to discover and understand some of the issues that plagued them. Thank you, Diane, for your diligence in this PERFECT read...Brenda Burke

I can tell "once the social worker, always the social worker". I knew Diane when she was "one of those" in San Diego. I do believe her novels are so awesome because of her background, her knowledge, her experience in human frailty and insight into the not so perfect people in this world. Her writing is superior to many authors, her story telling is captivating in every sense and she makes you want the story to continue for much longer. The good news is this time----she's writing the sequel. So we all have that to look forward to.
The characters in this story are very human---they make mistakes that change their worlds. A woman becomes a single mom of a much rejected daughter and a fetal alcohol syndrome son. Her life is complicated as is the lives of the children and everyone around her.
There's a fire at a church, her son becomes a hero when he saves others but then the story does a few twists and turns before you have a chance to discover who is to blame.
This story keeps you riveted to the pages and makes you want more. And we'll get more----I hope sooner than later.
I'm so proud of you , Diane, and all your success. Every book you write becomes my "favorite". Keep it going------I love reading your books. And it appears others have also "found" you and enjoy your stories as much as I do. I'm so thrilled to have "known" you and can proudly say you're the greatest-because I always knew you were.

Diane Chamberlain always delivers a great story with complex characters and lots of twists. Before the Storm was no exception. The characters were very flawed, but likable. I can honestly say that the ending was a total surprise, I did not guess correctly at all. My only criticism is that the ending wrapped up a little too quick for me. There were a few relationships that in my opinion were never addressed or resolved. It was like the whole book centered around all these dynamic relationships and in the final chapters everyone is like "really...that's what happened, ok". Definitely read this book and anything else by Chamberlain.

I have read all of Diane Chamberlain's books over the last several years. This book was as good, if not better, than the Secret Life of CeCe Wilkes, her last book. I did not want to put the book down. A must read for Diane Chamberlain fans!

Before the Storm focuses around widow Laurel Lockwood and her two children, Andy and Maggie. Andy is a 15 year old with a rare disorder called Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder due to the fact that Laurel was an alcoholic who drank throughout her pregnancy. Maggie is a 19 year old who is in love with an older, divorced swim instructor and who is particularly close to her brother. When Andy saves the lives of dozens of teenagers when a fire breaks out at a church, his hero status quickly turns to doubt and suspicion when the fire is revealed as arson. As Laurel struggles to protect her son from the allegations she is forced to confront her past and the many secrets that lie beneath the surface.

This is an amazing book that I absolutely could not put down. Chamberlain weaves a mesmerizing, believable story that is filled with love, deception, human frailties and star crossed lovers. The author creates a wonderful setting of Topsail Island and a cast of characters that are rich and vibrant. I adore this book.

All the characters were likeable and the story seemed truthful, but Laurel's alcoholism didn't seem that real, maybe because she was only drinking wine coolers? Or perhaps I read the book too quickly? For some reason I figured out the end of the book way before the mystery was revealed. If you are looking for a book about loving your family in good times and bad, this is a gripping tale that will have you reading until the wee hours of the morning.

I picked this book up at the library off of the "new" arrivals and was not dissapointed. I will definatley be searching out other books by Diane Chamberlain. I used to love to read Karen Kingsbury and Jodi Piccult however, I noticed that their books were becoming very repetitive and quite boring. This book is continually moving forward, the characters were constantly evolving and the ending was perfect. I would suggest this book to a fellow reader.

This book kept me glued and I loved the unfolding of the story! From the beginning of the book you felt as if you had a grasp on each character that was ever changing with each new twist. The writing was so well done you could feel the sorrow and regret come off the pages! I have read as many books as possible by this author and love that with each new writing the stories get better and better!

Diane Chamberlain is one of my favorite authors, and BEFORE THE STORM is one of her best books. Since others have synopsized the story, I won't. I will just say that what made this book so special for me is the complexity of the characters. Although they are filled with human frailties, they are correspondingly filled with great heart, warmth, and generosity of spirit. Chamberlain really understands people -- how even the best person can do bad things under certain circumstances. I highly recommend this book . . . and anything else Chamberlain has written.

The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes was my first Diane Chamberlain novel. I sped right through that one, and moved on to another..that being Before the Storm. I absolutely could not put this book down! I was so enthralled with it, that I literally almost read through it in one night.

Diane Chamberlain seems to have "the knack" for creating memorable characters that readers become attached to. The ONLY reason I was not going to give this book five stars is because I felt there were a lot of loose ends that weren't tied up in the end of the story. However, after reading other reviews, I realize that it was meant to be that way, and can't wait to read the sequel. I loved this book, and this author is quickly becoming one of my favorites!