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Before the Storm (Before The Storm #1)

by Diane Chamberlain (Goodreads Author)

4.03 of 5 stars 4.03 · rating details · 3,681 ratings · 311 reviews

Fifteen-year-old Andy Lockwood is special.Others notice the way he blurts out anything that comes into his mind, how he cannot foresee consequences, that he's more child than teenager. But his mother sees a boy with a heart as open and wide as the ocean.

Laurel Lockwood lost her son once through neglect. She's spent the rest of her life determined to make up for her mistake...more

Paperback, 471 pages

Published June 1st 2008 by Mira (first published June 1st 2007)

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Aug 31, 2008 Julie (jjmachshev) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: requested-review, 2008-reads

Should you measure your life by the mistakes you’ve made? Or whether or not you let those mistakes define your life? “Before the Storm” by Diane Chamberlain is a gut-wrenching tale of mistakes, forgiveness, and endurance. This story made me cry. No, not just cry, but sob. This is NOT a happily ever after tale. This is a getting through and learning to live with what life throws at you tale. There’s so much more that you’ll just have to read the book to understand, but I’ll do my best to give you...more Should you measure your life by the mistakes you’ve made? Or whether or not you let those mistakes define your life? “Before the Storm” by Diane Chamberlain is a gut-wrenching tale of mistakes, forgiveness, and endurance. This story made me cry. No, not just cry, but sob. This is NOT a happily ever after tale. This is a getting through and learning to live with what life throws at you tale. There’s so much more that you’ll just have to read the book to understand, but I’ll do my best to give you an idea of what to expect.

This is the story of Laurel. She met the love of her life in college. Jaime. Jaime who was more saint than sinner. Their life was happy until she bore their first child Maggie and was stuck with a serious case of post partum depression which went untreated but left Laurel unattached to Maggie and feeling like a complete failure…at everything! During a separation, Laurel was pulled from her loneliness by Jaime’s brother Marcus. Marcus was the black sheep to Jaime’s golden boy. He deadened his pain with alcohol, and unintentionally taught Laurel to do the same. Their relationship changed one drunken night, but both agreed NEVER to think about it again. Jaime and Laurel got back together…just in time for Laurel to find out she’s pregnant again. Still depressed and spiraling out of control, she continues to deaden her pain with wine coolers—and gives birth to a child with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. That’s Laurel’s wake-up call to turn her life around.

Fourteen years later Laurel is a survivor. ’s life is about to fall apart all over again. She survived Jaime’s death. She survived single parenthood. But now her life is about to fall apart all over again. Her beloved and special son Andy is accused of setting a fire that killed three people, hurt countless others, and destroyed a church. Now she’s fighting to save her son. But there are still secrets to be discovered and the more Laurel learns, the more she wonders if she really knows any of the special people in her life, especially her children.

This novel is written mostly in first person, so if that bothers you, you’ve been warned! The story moves between time and perspective. From Laurel’s early life, to Andy’s view of the world, to Marcus’ efforts to be involved, to Maggie’s heartbreaking efforts to become a woman—they’re all here and each characters words drive the story and plot to its inevitable conclusion. The reader feels the pureness of spirit behind Andy’s actions, the enthusiasm and naiveté of Maggie, Laurel’s desperate attempts to atone for her earlier actions, and Marcus’ efforts to become a better man for all of them. I keep deleting parts of this review so as not to give too much away, but it’s so hard. Even with the time and voice changes, I didn’t get confused. Ms Chamberlain has a talent for pulling the reader INTO the story. So many times I found myself wanting to comfort one character or warn another. I felt the small-town ties and the burdens of everyone knowing too much about everyone else and how actions of youth in a small town can and do follow you forever into adulthood. The bias of have vs have not, old-timer vs newcomer, normal vs not normal, family vs family, religion vs religion and all those other things that pretty much define small town America.

If I keep writing I’ll just give too much away. So if you’re looking for a sweet, pleasant read, then you should just move on along. If you’re looking for a book that will make you think and worry and cry and laugh and likely hug your loved ones a little harder…then please find a copy of “Before the Storm” by Diane Chamberlain. It’s an emotional, yet cathartic read about life, relationships, and learning.
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Jul 18, 2008 Kelly Moran rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: my-reviews

I found Before the Storm, by Diane Chamberlain, enchanting. Diane Chamberlain is an award-winning author of seventeen novels. She resides in North Carolina.
Laurel Lockwood, due to post-partum depression and alcoholism, lost her son to the system. Returned at a year old, Laurel spent the rest of her life making up for her mistakes and being the best mom she could be to them. Her son, Andy has special needs and she hesitated to let him go to the church lock-in social. The church that night is cons...more I found Before the Storm, by Diane Chamberlain, enchanting. Diane Chamberlain is an award-winning author of seventeen novels. She resides in North Carolina.
Laurel Lockwood, due to post-partum depression and alcoholism, lost her son to the system. Returned at a year old, Laurel spent the rest of her life making up for her mistakes and being the best mom she could be to them. Her son, Andy has special needs and she hesitated to let him go to the church lock-in social. The church that night is consumed by fire, trapping the children and chaperones inside. Andy survives and manages to save others, as well. But the hero of the small town quickly turns into a suspect when some witnesses step forward and evidence is found tying him to the arson. Her daughter, Maggie has secrets of her own as the plot unfolds in this twisted investigation. Laurel finds herself asking how well she really knows her kids and how far she was willing to go to protect them.
Taken in first person point of view, from several different sources, makes this book a compelling read. Normally first person is very difficult to make secondary characters stand out and be heard. But this book almost had no secondary characters, as each had a voice. The book also jumped from past to present, seeming as if you are reading two different stories at once. Typically when this is done, it makes the book drag out, but it only engaged me further. Doing this style also can be harder to follow, but that wasn’t the case either.
Diane Chamberlain is a mastermind at crimes of the soul. Before the Storm breaks your heart again and again with each chapter. Amongst this, the investigation is alluring and not at all predictable. There were a few twists the reader will see coming, but the way it was written you can’t help but feel surprised anyhow. And whoa, the ones you don’t see…watch out. The characters were believable and relatable. It’s hard to imagine they are fiction. Even down to the flaws you loved them, rooted for them. The plot flowed well, both the past and the present. I think most of all, I liked that the book was written without giving you a whole picture of the history of the characters or events. You had to learn both in pieces. Very intriguing. Before the Storm is a haunting, powerful, and mesmerizing story, sure to win the hearts of any audience.

Kelly Moran
Author and Reviewer
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Aug 12, 2008 Jodee rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Extended family members of persons with FASD

Recommended to Jodee by: Diane Chamberlain

I stepped into the pages of Before the Storm by Diane Chamberlain as my daughter born with fetal alcohol and adopted after the death of her birth mother was spiraling into the the abyss of mental health commitments and early adult transitioning challenges. Andy, born exposed prenatally to alcohol, captured my heart and as I watched my daughter toss and tumble into the realm of social services I found myself laying the book down for a moment to catch my breath and breath deeper to understand Laur...more

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Jun 26, 2008 April rated it 5 of 5 stars

Recently called the "Southern Jodi Picoult," Diane Chamberlain is an author you must read. This book is the first I've read from her, and definatley not the last. Surprises, twists, in depth character development, truely a gifted writer. This book is a quick easy read, great for the beach or vacations or just about anywhere. Let me know what you think.

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Sep 02, 2008 alicia rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book had so much going on.The main character I didn't think I was going to like and while there was so many upsetting things about the stroyline i really enjoyed the book.A great one one a flawed family.It really pulled at my heart strings and made me want to slap and hug the family at the same time.

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Aug 02, 2008 Katie O rated it 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed her most recent book so much (The Secret Life of Cee-Cee Wilkes), that I picked up this other novel that Chamberlain wrote. She has a style really similar to Jodi Piccoult's - definitely keeps your attention through the whole book and develops the different characters well. Great beach reading.

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Sep 03, 2008 Kerry rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was another great book from Diane Chamberlain...I'm so glad I picked it up. There was never a slow moment in this one. I loved how it was told from all the character's points of view throughout the story. It surprised me at the end even when I thought I had it figured out!

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Aug 25, 2008 Ronnie rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: everyone

I didn't think i would love this one as much as The Secret Life of Cee Cee Wilkes but I was wrong. Loved it like all the other Diane Chamberlain books I have read and can't wait for After the Storm to come out!

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Aug 29, 2008 Lisa rated it 5 of 5 stars

Once again, another one by Diane Chamberlain that I could not put down! I loved this book and cannot wait to read After The Storm.

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Sep 19, 2008 Kathryn Ann rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book was a real page-turner. It is a very easy read and keeps you thinking. There is a great twist at the end.

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Aug 22, 2008 Denise rated it 5 of 5 stars

Very good story, suspense and complex characters. I can not wait for thesequel.

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Aug 20, 2008 Mary rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: everyone

I really enjoyed this book. This was the best read so far this summer.

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Sep 14, 2008 Mom rated it 4 of 5 stars

Wow - things aren't always what they seem....

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Sep 24, 2008 Robin rated it 4 of 5 stars

I almost always like this author’s books and this was perfect for a day on the Tahoe beach. Chamberlain’s stories always revolve around some kind of intense family relationship issues and this was about a mother who suspects her autistic son may have set a church fire so that he could save lives and be a hero. This kept me reading and the ending was a surprise. I didn’t like it quite as well as her other books (KEEPER OF THE LIGHT and THE BAY AT MIDNIGHT are two favorites) but try this for a qui...more

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May 04, 2013 Carmen Gwazdacz rated it 4 of 5 stars

Is it possible to respect an author's talent, like the storyline, but not necessarily the author's writing style? If so, this is my experience with Diane Chamberlain's "Before The Storm." The plot revolves around a tragic fire during a youth group sleepover. One child emerges as hero only later to become the main suspect. Really, however, this is a tale of a single mother raising two children and there is plenty of story to go around. It is also a story about secrets; lots and lots of secrets. C...more Is it possible to respect an author's talent, like the storyline, but not necessarily the author's writing style? If so, this is my experience with Diane Chamberlain's "Before The Storm." The plot revolves around a tragic fire during a youth group sleepover. One child emerges as hero only later to become the main suspect. Really, however, this is a tale of a single mother raising two children and there is plenty of story to go around. It is also a story about secrets; lots and lots of secrets. Chamberlain touches on a variety of social issues ranging from postpartum depression, alcoholism, stresses of single parenting a child with a disability, to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. For me, this may have been the problem. There are so many issues confronting the characters that each one could have been a full story in itself. The story whips along at brisk pace with bits of soap opera drama tucked in various places and like soap opera drama some of the details are stretched enough to challenge credibility. There is hardly time for one storyline to develop before another one is thrown at us leaving lose ends. Having said that, I do compliment Diane Chamberlain for giving us a fairly well constructed and entertaining story that brings to light some very serious issues. There were plenty of unexpected twists and turns in the plot to keep a reader entertained. Although, I didn't necessarily appreciate the writing style, I did become vested enough in Chamberlain's characters to look forward to her sequel, "The Secrets She Left Behind". Perhaps in the sequel there will be some closure to the open ended-ness I found in "Before The Storm". Having said that, I am giving this book a 4 because I believe the problem I had with book deals more with my individual taste in books then the book itself. I was entertained and it was good enough for me to say I will read another book by the same author. Even though this book let me down in spots, overall, I believe this is a book that would appeal to a majority of a reading audience.(less)

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Jan 04, 2013 Ubi rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I definitely love this book!

The writer narration was good. You actually switch from Andy to Laurel to Maggie to Marcus to Jamie. I actually never liked the writer whom use 'I' word in the story but this one was different.

Andy have a problem with FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder)means he is not normal. He can't think critically. Some might said 'KBKK'. He just accepts things literally and that's it. He can't think beyond that.He have lost his father when he is young.

Maggie, her 17 years ol...more

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Oct 06, 2008 Jeanne rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2008-reads

I'm not sure how to review this book. I have been a fan of Diane Chamberlain and have read all of her books. Her characters are not always likable, and most deal with some phobia or emotional problem. I understand that this is not supposed to be a feel-good book, and that it is a story of surviving one's mistakes. The book has a good deal to do with empathy, and I just failed to empathize with these characters. Perhaps Ms. Chamberlain's earlier books set the standard too high.

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Nov 05, 2009 Amy rated it 4 of 5 stars

After reading the fantastic, “The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes,” I was anxious to dive into another Diane Chamberlain novel to see if it would be half as thrilling as her first book that I read. I was not disappointed with “Before the Storm,” which sucked me in and was quickly read within two days.

Before The Storm is a complex family drama that is told from each family member’s point of view. Laurel is the mother of two children, but her focus is solely centered upon her son Andy who is her fif...more

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Jul 02, 2008 Kathy added it Recommends it for: No one

Recommended to Kathy by: I always read Diane Chamberlain.

Did not like this book or the characters. I have read and enjoyed most of Diane Chamberlain's books but this one fell flat. I have no patience with people wallowing in self pity such as alcoholics. Laurel Lockwood, the main character, was a nurse who should have known that she needed the help that was offered for her depression following the birth of her daughter. Two children were mentally injured by Laurel's poor choices. Maybe the wrong person was sent to jail.

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May 16, 2010 Carole rated it 4 of 5 stars

Diane Chamberlain has been called the Southern Jodi Picoult and certainly there are similarities, for instance each chapter is narrated by a different character, and family relationships are explored in depth. However, while I have read and didn't particular warm to Jodi Picoult's books, I have to say that this story really captivated me.

The first chapter was narrated by Andy which I thought was inspiring as straight away we got a feel for his character and how he thinks and feels about his fami...more

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Mar 03, 2013 Minty McBunny rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013, march-2013

While it was filled with many unlikeable people, I did enjoy this story well enough up until the ending when it all fell apart.

I felt it was implausible, if not downright impossible, to believe that the arsonist would wait as long as they did to confess, given who was accused and how far the repercussions of those accusations were reaching. No decent human being (which we're led to believe the arsonist is) could stand by and watch someone they care about go through the hell the accused was subj...more

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Oct 05, 2010 Fredsky rated it 3 of 5 stars

Told in Ms. Chamberlain's usual style of mixed-up times and characters' voices, Before The Storm was more interesting to me than other books of hers I have read. The characters are well-made. They face a variety of problems. The main mother in the family suffered postpartum depression after her first child was born. It was quite severe, and she refused medication for it for a long time. Then she self-medicated with alcohol. Next, I learned a great deal about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD...more

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Jan 03, 2012 Leah Iannone rated it 2 of 5 stars

I thought this book sounded interesting. A teenage boy with fetal alcohol syndrome who is a sort of social outcast attends his first dance at a church and ends up saving a bunch of people from a fire that starts in the church. He goes from local hero to a person of interest in the arson. The beginning of this book had all the makings for a great "no thinking" read. I thought I had found a new Jodi Picoult. The story was fast moving and I enjoyed the characters. But then at about 65% (Kindle user...more

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Aug 31, 2008 Leslie rated it 4 of 5 stars

I went to buy The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes on Valerie's recommendation, but B&N was out so I bought this one instead. I've only read one chapter but think I will enjoy it. I plan on reading most of the night! OK, read it and loved it. They are right when they say Chamberlain is the southern Jodi Picoult (my very favorite author!)

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Aug 02, 2011 Lin rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

It took me a couple of attempts to get into this, partly because it sounded similar to a Jodi Picault book and partly because it's written in different voices and at first I found Andy's voice hard to listen to. But I'm glad I persevered, even though the first line of the synopsis of the sequel to this (secrets she left behind) contains a spoiler. This wasn't as many layered as some of this author's books, bu the characters (yes, even Andy in the end) were engaging and interesting, and the plot...more

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Aug 31, 2012 Heather Hettinger rated it 4 of 5 stars

I can't stop reading Diane Chamberlain. I feel hooked. This is similar to how I felt when I read Barabara Delinsky and Nicholas Sparks (among many others), wanting to go back and read everything by them that I could. I have a tendency to do that. :) I'm not sick of her yet-though I am sensing she has some issues with fidelity. She can make a very likable character very un-likable; her knack for exposing flaws in a seemingly idyllic person or relationship is startling. In that same regard, she ca...more

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Mar 16, 2013 Mandi Jane rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: parenting-and-kids, contemporary

We all make mistakes that we can never take back. After all is said and done, we just have to deal with the consequences the best we can.

Diane Chamberlain's writing reminds me of Jodi Picoult's, but better. My sister and I bonded over this novel, both of us having suffered from postnatal depression in the past - which is portrayed accurately and sensitively in this book. I thank goodness that our kids are fine.

Not only did I identify with the protagonist, I learned something - though I knew that...more

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Jun 17, 2011 Katrina rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Before the Storm is the second book I have read by the author Diane Chamberlain. The previous book I read by her was The Lost Daughter and I have to say I really enjoyed it so I had high hopes for this book.

One thing that really strikes me about the two books I have read by Diane Chamberlain is the fact they are very similar in style to the books by Jodi Picoult. It is highlighted on both books that they are likely to be enjoyed by fans of Jodi Picoult but usually I take things like that with a...more Before the Storm is the second book I have read by the author Diane Chamberlain. The previous book I read by her was The Lost Daughter and I have to say I really enjoyed it so I had high hopes for this book.

One thing that really strikes me about the two books I have read by Diane Chamberlain is the fact they are very similar in style to the books by Jodi Picoult. It is highlighted on both books that they are likely to be enjoyed by fans of Jodi Picoult but usually I take things like that with a pinch of salt. But having read both they are fairly similar – even down to the covers. Both authors seem to have covers which highlight the moral dilemma that the book features and the general style just seems so similar. I suppose it’s a good way of hooking Picoult fans in to reading Diane Chamberlain’s books or vice versa.

I did enjoy Before the Storm. I like books which make me think and which have me interested. However, very early in reading the book I did make a mistake which lead to me finding out the main plot twists way before I should have. I had casually turned to the back pages not to read the final page of the novel (because why would I want to do that) but rather to look at the adverts for her other novels along with seeing the books ‘special features’ – sometimes it seems like they are trying to make books like DVDs. Anyway one of the adverts was for Before the Storm’s sequel – I didn’t even realise there was a sequel – anyway in the little blurb about the book it basically gave away two of the biggest plot points of the novel so when I read it in the novel there was absolutely no element of surprise. I wish I had had that though because the twists are fairly good.

I really liked the characters and found myself actually caring a great deal about them and what was going to happen to them. I suppose it is a credit to Diane Chamberlain’s writing that, despite knowing the answers, I still found myself worrying about the characters. I found learning about Laurel’s history really interesting and seeing how she got to where she was and became the person she was. Her relationship with her children was also very interesting – the way in which she treats them differently. I also loved how the beginning and ending – her two short pieces in italics before the prologue and after the epilogue – were really interesting. The way it came almost in full circle – having to fight for Andy and for Maggie.

Part of me wishes we had been able to learn a little more of Sara and of Keith because both characters are pretty important and yet we do not really know much about them bar their financial situation and the fact that Sara’s husband left many years previously. I was also really interested in Emily – Andy’s friend – but she too was in very little of the book. The character of Layla also seemed a bit useless given she appears for such a short part of the book and does not really serve much purpose. There were so many characters to keep track of that maybe it all just became a bit to tangled with two main secondary characters.

I also found the books timeline to be a bit complicated especially the bits in Laurel’s past. The time between Maggie’s birth and Andy’s just seems very difficult to keep track of especially once Laurel became pregnant with Andy. I just found myself unable to work out just where I was timewise.

I do think I will read the sequel ‘Secrets She Left Behind’ when it comes out in August. I’d like to know what becomes of Andy, Maggie, Laurel and Marcus along with Keith, Sara and Emily. (less)

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Sep 30, 2008 Nancy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction

A teenage boy with learning issues from fetal alcohol syndrome is hailed a hero after rescuing a large number of teenagers from a fire at a "lock in". Then, questions come up as to how the fire started. An easy read with an interesting story told from many points of view.

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Feb 24, 2013 Judy Collins rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

Another winner by Diane Chamberlain! Similar to the controversial topics of Jodi Picoult books (have read all her books) and being Diane is one of my favorite authors, could not wait to dive in. I had to get up at 5:30am to finish it as could not wait for the finale!

The book takes you through the lows of Laura –postpartum depression, alcoholism, and (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) FASD and the consequences of losing her children for a wakeup call and her struggles to find her way back. Along...more

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About Diane Chamberlain

I'm the author of 22 novels published in more than eleven languages. I like to write complex stories about relationships between men and women, parents and children, brothers and sisters, and friends. Although the thematic focus of my books often revolves around family, love, compassion and forgiveness, my stories usually feature a combination of suspense, mystery and intrigue.

I live in North Car...more

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