Before Ever After: A Novel
Aug 2011 · Crown
4.8star
10 reviewsreport
Ebook
304
Pages
family_home
Eligible
info
reportRatings and reviews aren’t verified Learn More
About this ebook
A young widow embarks on a globe-spanning quest to discover the truth about her late husband in the dazzling first novel, full of heart and magical realism, from the bestselling author of Water Moon.
“A highly original and engaging mix of romance, mystery, and magic that will challenge everything you think you know about happily ever after.”—Jill Smolinski, author of The Next Thing on My List
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 that he could be his 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 his grandfather, who looks just like Max, though he seemingly hasn’t aged a day, is Max. Her Max. And he is alive and well.
As outrageous as Paolo’s claims seem—how could her husband be alive? And how does he look identical in those photographs from decades ago?—Shelley desperately wants to know the truth. She and Paolo jet across the globe to track Max down—if it is really Max. Along the way, Shelley begins to piece together the story of who her husband was. As she and Paolo get closer to the truth, Shelley discovers that not all stories end where they are supposed to.
“A highly original and engaging mix of romance, mystery, and magic that will challenge everything you think you know about happily ever after.”—Jill Smolinski, author of The Next Thing on My List
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 that he could be his 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 his grandfather, who looks just like Max, though he seemingly hasn’t aged a day, is Max. Her Max. And he is alive and well.
As outrageous as Paolo’s claims seem—how could her husband be alive? And how does he look identical in those photographs from decades ago?—Shelley desperately wants to know the truth. She and Paolo jet across the globe to track Max down—if it is really Max. Along the way, Shelley begins to piece together the story of who her husband was. As she and Paolo get closer to the truth, Shelley discovers that not all stories end where they are supposed to.
Ratings and reviews
4.8
10 reviews
Kate Byers
- Flag inappropriate
September 30, 2015
Couldn't put it down!! So many emotions. It just draws you in and keeps you guessing. Beautiful sad yet happy story.
Intan P. Aulia R.
- Flag inappropriate
July 27, 2025
This book is awesome 👌
Argeline Amores
- Flag inappropriate
January 15, 2021
this is a hidden gem❤️
About the author
SAMANTHA SOTTO fell in love with Europe’s cobbled streets and damp castles when she moved to the Netherlands as a teenager. Since then, she has spent nights huddled next to her backpack on a Greek beach, honeymooned in Paris, and attended business meetings in Dusseldorf in the pleasant company of a corporate credit card. Before Ever After was inspired by her experiences living, studying, and traveling through Europe. She is the author of Love and Gravity and Before Ever After.
Rate this ebook
Tell us what you think.
Reading information
Smartphones and tablets
Install the Google Play Books app for Android and iPad/iPhone. It syncs automatically with your account and allows you to read online or offline wherever you are.
Laptops and computers
You can listen to audiobooks purchased on Google Play using your computer's web browser.
eReaders and other devices
To read on e-ink devices like Kobo eReaders, you'll need to download a file and transfer it to your device. Follow the detailed Help Center instructions to transfer the files to supported eReaders.
