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Before and Ever Since

by Sharla Lovelace (Goodreads Author)

4.4 of 5 stars 4.40 · rating details · 48 ratings · 19 reviews

EMILY LOCKWOOD, YOUR PAST IS SHOWING...

Emily Lockwood has been sitting on a secret for so long, and buried so deep that she really doesn’t even think of it anymore. Why should she? She has a successful career, an ex-husband who rarely tests her patience, a mother who usually does, and a stubbornly independent grown daughter. Everything is fine, just another crazy kind of...more

Paperback, 336 pages

Published November 6th 2012 by Berkley Trade

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Dec 18, 2012 Margaret rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. book provided by NightOwl

Emily was born and raised in her home town. She has carried a secret from everyone for 21 years. No one knew, not even her ex-husband. When her past starts to catch up with her she tries with all her might to keep her secret. The thing is she is given a small gift in her parents’ house. She has to decide if keeping her secret is the best thing for everyone. Or to tell it before everyone finds out on their own.
Ben came back to town after almost 21 years of being gone. He...more

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Oct 18, 2012 Vanessa rated it 5 of 5 stars

I so adored this book! I wasn't sure if I would given it it first person, but Sharla made that work great!! At time I did wish to know the other character's thoughts and yet I was afraid of stepping into that minefield given what is revealed over the course of the story. That was harsh, but I could understand the reasoning that got them all there. I also liked that Emily was shown things from different views so that she could see she didn't always have the whole story. I liked that she also said...more

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Oct 23, 2012 Cocktails and Books rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: blog-tour, 2012-reading-challenges, contemporary-romance

Emily Lockwood's been hiding a secret for the past twenty one years. A secret she never worried about coming out, until her mother put her house up for sale, her ex-best friend arrived back in town and Emily suddenly starts taking trips down memory lane courtesy of her childhood home.

Sharla Lovelace is a gifted storyteller. She creates characters that are very down-to-earth, flawed and understand that there isn't a fairy tale happily ever after waiting for them at the end. They're ok with things...more Emily Lockwood's been hiding a secret for the past twenty one years. A secret she never worried about coming out, until her mother put her house up for sale, her ex-best friend arrived back in town and Emily suddenly starts taking trips down memory lane courtesy of her childhood home.

Sharla Lovelace is a gifted storyteller. She creates characters that are very down-to-earth, flawed and understand that there isn't a fairy tale happily ever after waiting for them at the end. They're ok with things being good or just OK.

Emily must deal with her mother's decision to sell her childhood home and the sudden flashbacks she starts having when she enters certain rooms in the house. The flashbacks tell the story of not only what her mother did for the sake of their family, but shows Emily what she didn't see in some of her teenage and young adult interactions with Ben Landry, 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.

In Before and Ever Since, we get a story that is messy and doesn't tie up with a beautify bow at the end. As Emily deals with the reappearance of her best friend Ben Landry, she finds herself dealing with feelings she thought had been long buried. She bounces back and forth between being nice to Ben to being down right ugly to him. Behind it all is her confusion over her feelings as well as her apprehension that the secret she's long held buried will blow up now that Ben is back. As a reader, you are right there with Emily, feeling her confusion and pain at every interaction she has with Ben. It's raw, it's gritty and it's not tied up with a pretty bow, which makes it feel so very real.

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.(less)

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Nov 03, 2012 Dorine rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, favorites

5 Blue Ribbon Review + Recommended Read courtesy of Romance Junkies. Full review also available at my blog, TBR Mountain Range. For a light-hearted contemporary story that surprises you with its deep, emotional, black moments, you don't want to miss this one! From the first sentence, first paragraph and first page, I was enamored by this heroine's voice. And the hero? Scrumptious!

Sometimes I wonder if I can do a book justice by trying to describe how good it really is, and this novel is one of...more 5 Blue Ribbon Review + Recommended Read courtesy of Romance Junkies. Full review also available at my blog, TBR Mountain Range. For a light-hearted contemporary story that surprises you with its deep, emotional, black moments, you don't want to miss this one! From the first sentence, first paragraph and first page, I was enamored by this heroine's voice. And the hero? Scrumptious!

Sometimes I wonder if I can do a book justice by trying to describe how good it really is, and this novel is one of those indescribable-without-experiencing-it types of love stories. The book kicks off with a great first sentence, onto a fun paragraph, peaking with an engaging first page of the first chapter that drew me right in. I was immediately hooked on the heroine's comedic look at her lousy life that just gets worse as the day continues. If you've ever had one of those days, weeks or years, you'll completely relate to these characters and their methods of dealing with harbored lifetime heartache that will hopefully be forgiven. After all, doesn't everything always happen for a reason?

Emily Lockwood is a divorced single mom of a nearly twenty-one-year-old daughter. Her cheating husband became her ex-husband some time ago, but he still butts into her life for various reasons, usually concerning their daughter. Not today.

Today he decides to tell Emily that he wants to buy her mother's house. Except Emily knows her mom's house isn't for sale. After all, as a realtor herself, wouldn't she know that? Not today.

In Emily's life, surprises should be expected since her ex-husband surprised her enough with his multitude of indiscretions. Emily has moved beyond all that history, or at least, she thought she had, until the love of her life, before the ex-husband, returns to their hometown and rekindles more than their lust for each other.

Can Emily deal with her mother selling their family home and the emotion it renews from her childhood, plus a secret she's so desperate to keep that it seems to seep from every wall of the house? Ben Landry is back, taunting her memories just as much as the house she's trying to pack up, not to mention her sister who knows her secret, and her crazy aunt who is bound to discover it. Let's not forget Emily's free-spirited daughter and her boyfriend, who come to help Emily's mom, as well as the meddlesome ex-husband and his annoying realtor girlfriend. All of them descending upon one house and the memories it holds. What could possibly go wrong? Emily is about to find out in ways she never dreamed possible. Until today.

Light-hearted with situations so real that you can't help but laugh, while shaking your head in agreement ‒ BEFORE AND EVER SINCE resonates with entertaining characters that you can relate to because someone you know is just like them. It's so easy to get into the rhythm of a light-hearted story like this, so when the black moment comes, you feel like you've been thwacked over the head with a vacuum, which proceeds to suck the life right out of you in one huge unexpected sob. It didn't take long to realize that this book wasn't finished with putting this reader through the wringer yet, and I gladly rode the emotional roller coaster right to the end. Fantastic!

BEFORE AND EVER SINCE is an outstanding contemporary story with a mystical element that fuels the conflict. Never quite sure what their family home has in store for Emily, you can't help but hope that somehow she'll find the happiness she deserves. I highly recommend BEFORE AND EVER SINCE as a creative exploration through human emotions and the power of forgiveness. Author Sharla Lovelace has a style all her own ‒ a talent you don't want to miss!(less)

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Oct 31, 2012 Janga rated it 4 of 5 stars

Before and Ever Since is a hybrid of women’s fiction and romance. In part, it is the story of Emily’s coming to terms with who she is and discovering that even the people she knows best and loves most are more complex and layered than she ever realized. During the course of the story, Emily’s relationship with her mother, her sister, and her daughter changes. But at the heart of the story is her relationship with Ben, past and present.

Lovelace creates a cast of characters who, with few exceptio...more

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Feb 06, 2013 Jess (Gone with the Words) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: female-narrator, contemp, read-2012, adult

Read this review on my blog! --> Before and Ever Since by Sharla Lovelace

In Before and Ever Since, Sharla Lovelace gives us such a compelling story. Not only was this a story about love—found, lost, and found again—but also about what makes a family a family. It’s also about secrets, the good and bad they can bring.

I completely loved this story. Aside from being compelling, it was also magical. I don’t think I’ve ever been so wrapped up in the lives of characters so quickly as I was with thes...more Read this review on my blog! --> Before and Ever Since by Sharla Lovelace

In Before and Ever Since, Sharla Lovelace gives us such a compelling story. Not only was this a story about love—found, lost, and found again—but also about what makes a family a family. It’s also about secrets, the good and bad they can bring.

I completely loved this story. Aside from being compelling, it was also magical. I don’t think I’ve ever been so wrapped up in the lives of characters so quickly as I was with these, but that’s probably because Ms. Lovelace throws us for a whirlwind right from the start. I loved that! No build up, just...”get ready, folks! Shtuff’s about to hit the fan!” I didn’t expect to have such depth to the love story between Emily and Ben. I mean, they had a thing when they were teens, I didn’t realize how much bigger than a “thing” it actually was. It was one of those epic friendships from childhood that turns into love, only to have it break your heart in the end. But who did the breaking, reeeeally? I thought I knew...

But now Emily and Ben have gotten a second chance at...something, and no matter how hard they try to fight it, their sparks are undeniable and, oh, so obvious to everyone. I loved their chemistry. And I loved how it was all laced with this tension that was so very palpable. I also really enjoyed the complicated family dynamics. I loved Emily’s mom for wanting to go out and have an adventure. I really enjoyed Emily’s relationship with her daughter, and even the relationship with her sister.

I think the biggest surprise was finding out just how real and emotional this story turned out to be. Even with its fantasy/supernatural elements, where Emily somehow was seeing the past, even then it felt so real. The emotions from these characters were so vivid for me, I cried a few times toward the end. What can I say? When characters and their stories are written this well, I can’t help but feel so invested. And so for all these reasons, I’m really looking forward to reading more from this Texas author.(less)

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Nov 29, 2012 Terry (Ter05 TwiMoms/ MundieMoms) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: could-not-put-it-down-books, romance, time-travel

I loved Sharla Lovelace's first book The Reason Is You, and she did it again. She manages to pull you into the story with her main character who is telling it in the first person partly because Emily is just so darn down to earth and real. This book is not YA, Emily is 40 and has a grown daughter. She is divorced and a fairly successful realtor who works out of her home. Her ex is rather a jerk and she caught him cheating on her some years ago.

The story begins when Emily finds out that her mothe...more I loved Sharla Lovelace's first book The Reason Is You, and she did it again. She manages to pull you into the story with her main character who is telling it in the first person partly because Emily is just so darn down to earth and real. This book is not YA, Emily is 40 and has a grown daughter. She is divorced and a fairly successful realtor who works out of her home. Her ex is rather a jerk and she caught him cheating on her some years ago.

The story begins when Emily finds out that her mother's house is up for sale and not only that, is listed with the woman her husband cheated with. The discussions between Emily, her sister Holly, and her mother are priceless, and of course we know Em's feelings throughout. This is the home where they grew up, the home where their now deceased father lived with their mom, and they expected mom to live there forever. Surprise surprise when mom actually would like a different life for herself. They experiene so much shock that all those old memories are tied up in a home they all shared.

But there is much more to this story, because Em has a secret that only she and her sister share. Enter the man her mom has hired to fix up the house for the sale, Ben. Emily is in total shock when she sees him because 20 years previously he simply walked out of her life and she had never seen him again. They were childhood friends - best friends even though she was dating her ex back through high school. Then right when she needed Ben he was gone. I just do not want to do spoilers here because so much of this the reader needs to find out as they read. So I will say this much about Emily and Ben. Their relationship is very shaky and both are harboring some kind of resentment, but underneath it is sizzling. Em can not get past her anger at his leaving for a reason she does not understand, but that does not stop her from wanting him. As I said, this is not YA but a book about adults. There is a sensual scene with the two of them dancing that is really hot. It is not smutty but there is sex - I described it to a friend as a YA book about adult emotions and actions. Not sure that makes sense but it did to me. Ben is a worthy book crush and Emily's story is often sad and frustrating, but she has a journey to make to find what she really wants. Her secret which I am not going to go into here is a big one and many people can be hurt if it is revealed.

Okay, but there is also a supernatural twist too. When Emily is in her mother's house she feels like she may pass out, and suddenly she is in the past. The first time she observes her parents as newly weds. She can see and hear them but they can not see her and she can not move from the spot she was standing in. When she comes out of the trance only ten seconds or so have passed and yet it seemed like over half an hour. This happens a number of times as she learns things about her family as well as about herself and Ben. All in all it is the writing that makes this a great read and that makes you want so much for Emily and Ben to figure all this out and be together. And I loved that this is a stand alone book just as this author's previous book was. I'll read whatever she writes next!(less)

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Nov 11, 2012 Laura Drake rated it 5 of 5 stars

Lovelace has done it again - written a richly textured story that plucks every emotional string you have. She does it with humor and down-home charm, and I found it unputdownable.

Do yourself a favor, and pick this one up (or any one she's written,) you won't be sorry, and will be waiting for the next, right beside me!

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Nov 18, 2012 Cynthia Ellingsen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Fabulous! Sharla has a great voice. This is definitely a book worth reading, especially curled up in a pair of cozy pajamas when you have nowhere to be for at least 24-hours - 'cause you won't want to put it down.

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Jan 16, 2013 Alison rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

This was the first book I've read of Sharla's, but loved it. The characters were flawed (like normal people are, which I love) and the storyline kept me very entertained. Highly recommend!

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Mar 19, 2013 Marinda rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorite-books

Loved this book. Maybe it's because I've been reading so many YF books and it was nice to re-settle into a book for adults. Maybe it was the writing style, or the story. But I loved it. It was one of those books that I didn't want to finish because I will miss the characters.

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Mar 12, 2013 Christy rated it 4 of 5 stars

I won this book and was plesently surprised at how much I enjoyed it! A wonderful read I loved the dynamic of Emily and Ben!

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Oct 22, 2012 chele marked it as wishlist

expected release November 6, 2012

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Jan 31, 2013 Melvina Davis rated it 5 of 5 stars

ANOTHER AWESOME BOOK FROM SHARLA LOVELACE!!!
Sharla Lovelace is a truly gifted storyteller. She manages to pull you into the story with her characters. This story and all the characters will grab you from the first page. I could not put it down!! I can't wait to read more from Sharla Lovelace in the future:)

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Nov 10, 2012 Samantha rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-s-challenge, arc, fiction

review to come

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Nov 12, 2012 Miscjoy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: the-book-pushers

Loved it! Review as posted on November 12, 2012 at The Book Pushers: http://thebookpushers.com/2012/11/12/...

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Feb 10, 2013 April marked it as to-read

Shelves: first-reads, won-it

I received a copy of this book free through Goodreads first Reads.

I work at a Senior/Youth center and donate all print books I win in giveaways to the library.

I hope I get a chance to check this one out in the near future!!!

I can say it must be a really good read because it has been checked out since I added it to the library shelves!!

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Dec 21, 2012 Maria rated it 5 of 5 stars

Great story!

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Apr 30, 2013 Genevieve Wilson added it

Loved, loved, loved this novel. So witty. So charming. So sexy. I'm marking everything Sharla Lovelace writes as a must-read.

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May 23, 2013 Aimee marked it as to-read

May 19, 2013 Lulu marked it as to-read

May 15, 2013 James V. Brown Library added it

Shelves: fiction, fiction-fantasy, fiction-romance, on-order

May 11, 2013 Legato Darksummers added it

Shelves: daddy-dark-s-baby-warrior-list

May 08, 2013 Kirstie marked it as to-read

May 08, 2013 Gabriela Scheinberg marked it as to-read

May 08, 2013 Ann is currently reading it

May 05, 2013 Michelle Shepard marked it as to-read

Apr 20, 2013 Jessica Ramirez marked it as to-read

Apr 19, 2013 Stephanie Parent marked it as to-read

Apr 15, 2013 Jennifer rated it 4 of 5 stars

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About Sharla Lovelace

Sharla Lovelace is the National Bestselling Author of THE REASON IS YOU, JUST ONE DAY, and BEFORE AND EVER SINCE. Being a Texas girl through and through, she's proud to say she lives in Southeast Texas with her family, an old lady dog, and an aviary full of cockatiels.

Sharla is available by Skype for book club meetings and chats, and loves connecting with her readers! See her website www.sharlalo ...more

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