Emily Lockwood has been hiding a secret for many years, a secret she never thought she'd have to explain to anyone, especially her daughter. When her mother puts her home on the market, Emily's ex-best friend, love of her life (Ben Landry) returns to town, and when ever Emily is in her mother's home, at certain times, out of the blue, she goes back in time. When these episodes happen, she can't move, can't talk, she stands firmly in place and watch's herself, her parents, friends interacting with each other. As she watches she becomes aware that she can not interact with them, but is instead forced to listen and watch. She learns a lot from these episodes, more then she ever thought possible. She learns what her mom had to do for the sake of her family, she views her times as a teenager and adult interactions with Ben Landry, and along with the final moments of her father's life. The flashbacks help Emily (and us) understand some of the secrets that have been kept within her family and give her some clarity as to why certain events happened in her life.

Sharla Lovelace's BEFORE AND EVER SINCE is fiction, but yet for many people in our world, these events have happened in their lives. I actually can relate to some incidents in the book. Especially, when her mom puts the home on the market for sale and it's hard for her daughters to give it up. When my parents died, I purchased my family home from my sister, I still live here with my family. I could not let go of it. BEFORE AND EVER SINCE warms my heart.

As Emily deals with the reappearance of her best friend Ben Landry, she finds her feelings for him are still very strong as are his for her. She fights hard not to be hurt by him again and becomes frustrated with him at times. They both try to fight this love that's so strong between them. But there's one big secret that Emily must reveal to Ben, her family and friends. As the time comes closer for her to do so, she fears she will lose everyone in her life, but the secret must be told in truth.

I loved the story and I love the characters. The story and the characters will grab you from the first page, demanding that we go on this journey with them. It was a journey I'm glad I took. I look forward to reading more from Sharla Lovelace in the future.

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