Review: Before Ever After

by Samantha Sotto
publisher: Crown
date published: August 2, 2011
format: ARC
pages: 304
source: from the publisher
Amazon / Goodreads / B&N

From Goodreads:

Three years after her husband Max's death, Shelley feels no more adjusted to being a widow than she did that first terrible day. That is, until the doorbell rings. Standing on her front step is a young man who looks so much like Max; same smile, same eyes, same age, same adorable bump in his nose; he could be Max's long-lost relation. He introduces himself as Paolo, an Italian editor of American coffee table books, and shows Shelley some childhood photos. Paolo tells her that the man in the photos, the bearded man who Paolo says is his grandfather though he never seems to age, is Max. Her Max. And he is alive and well.

As outrageous as Paolo's claims seem; how could her husband be alive? And if he is, why hasn't he looked her up? Shelley desperately wants to know the truth. She and Paolo jet across the globe to track Max down; if it is really Max and along the way, Shelley recounts the European package tour where they had met. As she relives Max's stories of bloody Parisian barricades, medieval Austrian kitchens, and buried Roman boathouses, Shelley begins to piece together the story of who her husband was and what these new revelations mean for her "happily ever after." And as she and Paolo get closer to the truth, Shelley discovers that not all stories end where they are supposed to.

What I Thought

Before Ever After is very interesting in the way it is constructed. Rather than a linear plot line, it is composed of what is meant to be a present day point of view, as well as several memories that took place 5 years prior to the primary setting of the story and many third-person omniscient scenes that take place during various points in history. This is a style of writing that some may have issues with, but I actually rather enjoy it, as I like seeing how pieces of time can add up to something all its own. It makes for more detail, more action, and more story, in general.

The characters that make up Before Ever After are a nice mixture of different personalities and backgrounds. Each has something special to bring to the table, as well as their very own special something that makes them easy to become fond of. I was especially intrigued by the quirky character that is Max. The man has some truly off-the-wall interests and idiosyncrasies. His relationship with Shelley was sweet and flirtatious. However, I had some problems becoming completely convinced with regard to what draws them to each other. A lot of the initial foundation of their flirtation and courtship was established upon physicality and I didn't see much of the emotional aspect until later into the story. The suddenness of their engagement also threw me for a loop. When a couple of major breakthroughs finally happen for each of the characters, the atmosphere surrounding them becomes more poignant and enough to reconcile everything and make you root for Max and Shelley.

The part of the plot concerning immortality was especially intriguing. It wasn't all about how great it would be to never die. Instead, it concerns the ramifications, the difficulties, and the loneliness that comes with immortality. As I learned more about Max's journey through history, I really got the sense that this was an individual who had truly come to treasure the briefest moments for all that they provided. Several aspects of his story made me feel very sad for him. I couldn't imagine what it must feel like. It really goes a long way toward explaining the dynamic of Max's relationship with Shelley. Once you look at it that way, you can see why he wanted to waste no time.

Before Ever After is a lovely romance with an unexpected dash of the fantastic. I really enjoyed going back in time with Max as he recounted several points in history and followed the fate of a family line. This book begs for sun-dappled mornings with a cup of tea and a comfortable chair. If you want to take it further, take a page from Max's book and serve up a dish of eggs for breakfast. For its quirky romance and historical subplots, I give Before Ever After 4 hoots.

Obligatory legal statement: This finished copy was provided to me free of charge by the publisher in exchange for a fair and unbiased review. Many thanks to Crown for the opportunity of reviewing this book.