Before and Again
by Barbara Delinsky
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From Barbara Delinsky, the New York Times bestselling author of Blueprints and Sweet Salt Air, a brand-new audiobook about a woman in hiding finding the courage to face the world again.Mackenzie Cooper took her eyes off the road for just a moment but the resulting collision was enough to rob her not only of her beloved daughter but ultimately of her marriage, family, and friends—and thanks to the nonstop media coverage, even her privacy. Now she lives in Vermont under the name Maggie show more Reid, in a small house with her cats and dog. She's thankful for the new friends she's made—though she can't risk telling them too much. And she takes satisfaction in working as a makeup artist at the luxurious local spa, helping clients hide the visible outward signs of their weariness, illnesses, and injuries. Covering up scars is a skill she has mastered.
Her only goal is to stay under the radar and make it through her remaining probation. But she isn't the only one in this peaceful town with secrets. When a friend's teenage son is thrust into the national spotlight, accused of hacking a powerful man's Twitter account, Maggie is torn between pulling away and protecting herself—or stepping into the glare to be at their side. As the stunning truth behind their case is slowly revealed, Maggie's own carefully constructed story begins to unravel as well. She knows all too well that what we need from each other in this difficult world is comfort. But to provide it, sometimes we need to travel far outside our comfort zones.
From a multimillion-selling master of women's fiction, Before and Again is a story of the relationships we find ourselves in—mothers and daughters, spouses and siblings, true companions and fair-weather friends—and what kind of sacrifices we are or aren't willing to make to sustain them through good times and bad.
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Before and Again is one of those rare books that once you start, you just cannot put down, and as soon as you turn the last page you want to start all over again. Yes, it’s that good. Once again author Barbara Delinsky has written a book that will catch your heart and soul and stay with you for a long time.
On the surface, Before and Again is about the terrible, terrible mistake Mackenzie Cooper made. Five seconds of carelessness that cost her not only her daughter but her marriage, family, friends, job, privacy, even her name ―and the ability to look at herself in the mirror without seeing a monster. A monster that deserves to remain unforgiven for the rest of her life. No one could be harder on Mackenzie, now Maggie, than she is on show more herself. She is only at peace with her cats and dog. But as we get to know Maggie, we see that she is much stronger than she believes, and she has a good heart. She has made new friends, although she has not revealed much of herself to them, and her work as a makeup artist has meaning and helps others.
Before and Again has so many twists and turns and is so full of suspense that it is almost a mystery. Maggie may be the main character, but all the characters are so well developed and have such compelling stories of their own that you become immersed in all their lives. Circumstances and events challenge Maggie: she is not the only one to experience family tragedy or need forgiveness or a fresh start. She is forced to make choices, and some of those choices may compromise the layers she has built to hide her past.
This is not a short book or a fast read, but the writing is so fluid it’s an amazingly smooth read. I read it nearly straight through because the world outside of Maggie’s life just disappeared. I hate spoilers and don’t want to reveal too much about the choices Maggie and others must make because I was on edge until the very end wondering how – or if – things would be resolved.
Before and Again will introduce you to characters that are flawed but so engaging you must know the end of their stories, and take you through their heartache, loss, grief, guilt, hope, friendships, family drama, romance, and most of all - love. Barbara Delinsky is always one of my go-to authors, but she has outdone herself this time. Before and Again is a riveting, completely satisfying story that I recommend without hesitation. Thanks so much to the author, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and honestly review this amazing book. show less
On the surface, Before and Again is about the terrible, terrible mistake Mackenzie Cooper made. Five seconds of carelessness that cost her not only her daughter but her marriage, family, friends, job, privacy, even her name ―and the ability to look at herself in the mirror without seeing a monster. A monster that deserves to remain unforgiven for the rest of her life. No one could be harder on Mackenzie, now Maggie, than she is on show more herself. She is only at peace with her cats and dog. But as we get to know Maggie, we see that she is much stronger than she believes, and she has a good heart. She has made new friends, although she has not revealed much of herself to them, and her work as a makeup artist has meaning and helps others.
Before and Again has so many twists and turns and is so full of suspense that it is almost a mystery. Maggie may be the main character, but all the characters are so well developed and have such compelling stories of their own that you become immersed in all their lives. Circumstances and events challenge Maggie: she is not the only one to experience family tragedy or need forgiveness or a fresh start. She is forced to make choices, and some of those choices may compromise the layers she has built to hide her past.
This is not a short book or a fast read, but the writing is so fluid it’s an amazingly smooth read. I read it nearly straight through because the world outside of Maggie’s life just disappeared. I hate spoilers and don’t want to reveal too much about the choices Maggie and others must make because I was on edge until the very end wondering how – or if – things would be resolved.
Before and Again will introduce you to characters that are flawed but so engaging you must know the end of their stories, and take you through their heartache, loss, grief, guilt, hope, friendships, family drama, romance, and most of all - love. Barbara Delinsky is always one of my go-to authors, but she has outdone herself this time. Before and Again is a riveting, completely satisfying story that I recommend without hesitation. Thanks so much to the author, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and honestly review this amazing book. show less
What happened to Mackenzie Cooper could happen to any of us. She took her eyes off the road for just a moment to look at her GPS. But that moment changed her life. Her daughter dead, her marriage destroyed, turned away by her family, and hounded by the media, she changes her name and location and starts over.
Devon is a quiet little village in Vermont. People there ask no questions about one’s past. Mackenzie, now Maggie Reid, has a warm little cabin, two cats, and a dog. She works as a makeup artist at the local spa. She has new friends but is always afraid they will discover her past. She has only four months left on her probation period and is trying to keep her probation officer at arms’ length. THE last thing she is looking for show more is a romantic relationship.
But when her friend’s teenage son is accused of hacking into a powerful man’s social media account, Maggie has to decide which is more important – her privacy or loyalty to a friend. It is always said that secrets will come out, and so they do. Standing up for what she knows is right sets into motion events that Maggie never could have predicted.
Barbara Delinsky always writes compelling stories of love, heartbreak and healing, family, and relationships. Through her beautiful style of writing I am able to fall into her characters’ world and experience the heartbreak and grief she so masterfully laid out on the page. The characters are realistic, engaging and are written to remind us that everyone has a story. The story moved at the right pace. A true heartwarming story. I especially loved Maggie’s relationship with her pets. All pet lovers will relate. My only complaint would be that Edward is just too perfect. Where can I find a man like that!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to review this book. show less
Devon is a quiet little village in Vermont. People there ask no questions about one’s past. Mackenzie, now Maggie Reid, has a warm little cabin, two cats, and a dog. She works as a makeup artist at the local spa. She has new friends but is always afraid they will discover her past. She has only four months left on her probation period and is trying to keep her probation officer at arms’ length. THE last thing she is looking for show more is a romantic relationship.
But when her friend’s teenage son is accused of hacking into a powerful man’s social media account, Maggie has to decide which is more important – her privacy or loyalty to a friend. It is always said that secrets will come out, and so they do. Standing up for what she knows is right sets into motion events that Maggie never could have predicted.
Barbara Delinsky always writes compelling stories of love, heartbreak and healing, family, and relationships. Through her beautiful style of writing I am able to fall into her characters’ world and experience the heartbreak and grief she so masterfully laid out on the page. The characters are realistic, engaging and are written to remind us that everyone has a story. The story moved at the right pace. A true heartwarming story. I especially loved Maggie’s relationship with her pets. All pet lovers will relate. My only complaint would be that Edward is just too perfect. Where can I find a man like that!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to review this book. show less
Barbara Delinsky can always be counted on for well-written, detailed women's fiction (I learned more about the artistry of applying makeup than I ever needed to know). Before and Again deals skillfully with grief and forgiveness - even as I was wondering why Maggie's narration seemed so emotionless considering the losses she had suffered, I gradually realized that it reflected the polite facade she had constructed to survive. And once she begins to process her grief, the narration becomes much more gut-wrenching and poignant.
There are a few things, however, that kept me from enjoying this book more. First is Delinsky's utter disdain for the media, who are all portrayed as uncaring vultures preying on innocent victims. Even the reporter show more whose career has been hurt by a hacking scandal is seen as overreacting, and the sympathy is completely directed at the teenager accused of the crime.
Also (I'm staying somewhat vague here to avoid spoilers) one of the men in Maggie's life makes a major decision without consulting her that comes off more as stalkerish than romantic, and I wanted Maggie to demand an apology when she learned the truth about his intentions.
Finally, while I understand that the point of the book is to demonstrate the impact of her friend Grace's crisis on Maggie's determination to keep her past hidden, it feels a little weird for the major action in the book to be sidelined in favor of Maggie's personal growth and romantic rebirth. I wish Delinsky had given Grace and her son more attention, or even a spin off told from their point of view.
Still, it's been a few years since Delinsky's last release and her novels are always guaranteed page turners. I just had a few more complaints than usual as I turned the pages.
I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. show less
There are a few things, however, that kept me from enjoying this book more. First is Delinsky's utter disdain for the media, who are all portrayed as uncaring vultures preying on innocent victims. Even the reporter show more whose career has been hurt by a hacking scandal is seen as overreacting, and the sympathy is completely directed at the teenager accused of the crime.
Also (I'm staying somewhat vague here to avoid spoilers) one of the men in Maggie's life makes a major decision without consulting her that comes off more as stalkerish than romantic, and I wanted Maggie to demand an apology when she learned the truth about his intentions.
Finally, while I understand that the point of the book is to demonstrate the impact of her friend Grace's crisis on Maggie's determination to keep her past hidden, it feels a little weird for the major action in the book to be sidelined in favor of Maggie's personal growth and romantic rebirth. I wish Delinsky had given Grace and her son more attention, or even a spin off told from their point of view.
Still, it's been a few years since Delinsky's last release and her novels are always guaranteed page turners. I just had a few more complaints than usual as I turned the pages.
I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. show less
It's every woman's nightmare to lose a child. One second, one glimpse, and your child is gone forever. The aftermath is like an out of body experience, the weight of their death on your shoulders. Not to mention the media attention and the trial while you are grieving, attempting to keep it all together. It's unfathomable. You looked away for a split second and didn't see the stop sign. It wasn't like you were texting! You were looking at your GPS, trying to find a house on a heavily wooded street, headed to a playdate, and suddenly the nightmare that you never dared to dream has become a reality. In an instant you've lost everything in your life that matters.
It's been five years since that fateful day, the day that she lost her show more five-year-old daughter Lily, and Mackenzie Cooper has pieced together a life that looks nothing like the life she had before. The only reminders are her mugshot, which she keeps taped to the medicine cabinet in her bathroom, and the faded red scar on her forehead that she constantly keeps covered on her forehead. She is a makeup artist at The Devon Inn and Spa in Devon, Vermont, which isn't far off from her previous career as a well-known sculptor. Devon is the perfect place for Mackenzie, who now goes by Maggie Reid, to start a new life with no questions asked. It is a quiet life she leads, just her and her animals, no husband, and no children; a place where she can keep it together and control her environment. Or so she thought.
Grace Emory works as a masseuse at the spa with Maggie. Grace's son Chris is arrested for hacking Twitter accounts of some of the biggest names in New York and the FBI has been trying to crack the case for awhile. Internet crime is a federal offense and these "big names" are looking for justice. In an instant, Mackenzie is once again thrust into the spotlight, standing by her friend, as the media storm opens secret pasts and relationships that no one expects.
All in all, I enjoyed Before and Again. The first chapter has you immediately hooked as you first wonder what happened to Lily and, once you find out the truth, wondering how a mother and father deals with such an incredible tragedy. The book is very well written, with little twists and turns, and secrets here and there, which keep the reader interested. The ending was a little predictable but I really love how the writer left us with hope for these characters. The character development is wonderful and by the end you feel like you are reading about one of your friends, longing to see that happy ending.
I had few complaints with this novel. One was the cursing, which was unnecessary in many of the places in my opinion, and really took a lot away from the story itself for me personally. I also thought there were spots that were too drawn out but when you look at it in the scheme of a grieving mother it makes a lot of sense, and in that respect more forgivable.
Other than that Before and Again is a tale that once you finish will have you hugging your children tighter, feeling thankful for your family, and never taking even the slightest moment for granted. show less
It's been five years since that fateful day, the day that she lost her show more five-year-old daughter Lily, and Mackenzie Cooper has pieced together a life that looks nothing like the life she had before. The only reminders are her mugshot, which she keeps taped to the medicine cabinet in her bathroom, and the faded red scar on her forehead that she constantly keeps covered on her forehead. She is a makeup artist at The Devon Inn and Spa in Devon, Vermont, which isn't far off from her previous career as a well-known sculptor. Devon is the perfect place for Mackenzie, who now goes by Maggie Reid, to start a new life with no questions asked. It is a quiet life she leads, just her and her animals, no husband, and no children; a place where she can keep it together and control her environment. Or so she thought.
Grace Emory works as a masseuse at the spa with Maggie. Grace's son Chris is arrested for hacking Twitter accounts of some of the biggest names in New York and the FBI has been trying to crack the case for awhile. Internet crime is a federal offense and these "big names" are looking for justice. In an instant, Mackenzie is once again thrust into the spotlight, standing by her friend, as the media storm opens secret pasts and relationships that no one expects.
All in all, I enjoyed Before and Again. The first chapter has you immediately hooked as you first wonder what happened to Lily and, once you find out the truth, wondering how a mother and father deals with such an incredible tragedy. The book is very well written, with little twists and turns, and secrets here and there, which keep the reader interested. The ending was a little predictable but I really love how the writer left us with hope for these characters. The character development is wonderful and by the end you feel like you are reading about one of your friends, longing to see that happy ending.
I had few complaints with this novel. One was the cursing, which was unnecessary in many of the places in my opinion, and really took a lot away from the story itself for me personally. I also thought there were spots that were too drawn out but when you look at it in the scheme of a grieving mother it makes a lot of sense, and in that respect more forgivable.
Other than that Before and Again is a tale that once you finish will have you hugging your children tighter, feeling thankful for your family, and never taking even the slightest moment for granted. show less
Before and Again by Barbara Delinsky
St Martin’s Press
Women’s fiction, digital ARC
June 2018
Thank you to St Martin’s Press/NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.
Sometimes life leads in directions that can’t be predicted. This was certainly true for Mackenzie Cooper, a dedicated mother, wife and sculptor. When she is held responsible for a fatal car accident which kills her young daughter, Mackenzie’s life is forever. The accident destroyed her self esteem, her career, her marriage and relationships with family and friends. changed. Unable to forgive herself and the the aftermath that follows, she moves to Vermont to reinvent herself.
In Vermont, Maggie Reid is able to live a simple life in Devon where show more the residents all seem to have their own reasons for moving to this quaint town. Trying to maintain a low profile until her probation is complete is a mandatory requirement. Michael Shanahan, her probation officer, makes frequent visits to ensure she maintains compliance. She manages to keep her past a secret working as a makeup artist at an upscale spa. The spa becomes a refuge for the broken hearted who work through their grieve working at the spa. Maggie forms many close relationships which don’t require reliving the past.
Maggie befriends Grace who has moved there as a massage therapist with her teenage son, Chris who is eventually accused of a major hacking incident. This brings a media spotlight that slowly unravels a town which values their privacy. It seems Maggie is not the only resident with a past she’d rather forget. Risking her own probation, Maggie continues to support her friend while trying to avoid the media attention.
This novel explores how it’s possible to find redemption and reconciliation with the past. Before one can truly move forward it is important to reconcile with the past, again. This necessary experience can allow healing and resolution of guilt which ultimately prevents living one’s best life.
Another brilliant novel by a beloved author with complex characters and rich storyline. show less
St Martin’s Press
Women’s fiction, digital ARC
June 2018
Thank you to St Martin’s Press/NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.
Sometimes life leads in directions that can’t be predicted. This was certainly true for Mackenzie Cooper, a dedicated mother, wife and sculptor. When she is held responsible for a fatal car accident which kills her young daughter, Mackenzie’s life is forever. The accident destroyed her self esteem, her career, her marriage and relationships with family and friends. changed. Unable to forgive herself and the the aftermath that follows, she moves to Vermont to reinvent herself.
In Vermont, Maggie Reid is able to live a simple life in Devon where show more the residents all seem to have their own reasons for moving to this quaint town. Trying to maintain a low profile until her probation is complete is a mandatory requirement. Michael Shanahan, her probation officer, makes frequent visits to ensure she maintains compliance. She manages to keep her past a secret working as a makeup artist at an upscale spa. The spa becomes a refuge for the broken hearted who work through their grieve working at the spa. Maggie forms many close relationships which don’t require reliving the past.
Maggie befriends Grace who has moved there as a massage therapist with her teenage son, Chris who is eventually accused of a major hacking incident. This brings a media spotlight that slowly unravels a town which values their privacy. It seems Maggie is not the only resident with a past she’d rather forget. Risking her own probation, Maggie continues to support her friend while trying to avoid the media attention.
This novel explores how it’s possible to find redemption and reconciliation with the past. Before one can truly move forward it is important to reconcile with the past, again. This necessary experience can allow healing and resolution of guilt which ultimately prevents living one’s best life.
Another brilliant novel by a beloved author with complex characters and rich storyline. show less
Before and Again by Barbara Delinsky
St Martin’s Press
Women’s fiction, digital ARC
June 2018
Rating: 4/5
Thank you to St Martin’s Press/NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.
Sometimes life leads in directions that can’t be predicted. This was certainly true for Mackenzie Cooper, a dedicated mother, wife and sculptor. When she is held responsible for a fatal car accident which kills her young daughter, Mackenzie’s life is forever. The accident destroyed her self esteem, her career, her marriage and relationships with family and friends. changed. Unable to forgive herself and the the aftermath that follows, she moves to Vermont to reinvent herself.
In Vermont, Maggie Reid is able to live a simple life in show more Devon where the residents all seem to have their own reasons for moving to this quaint town. Trying to maintain a low profile until her probation is complete is a mandatory requirement. Michael Shanahan, her probation officer, makes frequent visits to ensure she maintains compliance. She manages to keep her past a secret working as a makeup artist at an upscale spa. The spa becomes a refuge for the broken hearted who work through their grieve working at the spa. Maggie forms many close relationships which don’t require reliving the past.
Maggie befriends Grace who has moved there as a massage therapist with her teenage son, Chris who is eventually accused of a major hacking incident. This brings a media spotlight that slowly unravels a town which values their privacy. It seems Maggie is not the only resident with a past she’d rather forget. Risking her own probation, Maggie continues to support her friend while trying to avoid the media attention.
This novel explores how it’s possible to find redemption and reconciliation with the past. Before one can truly move forward it is important to reconcile with the past, again. This necessary experience can allow healing and resolution of guilt which ultimately prevents living one’s best life.
Another brilliant novel by a beloved author with complex characters and rich storyline.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2219633400
https://www.bookbub.com/books/before-and-again-by-barbara-delinsky-2019-01-02 show less
St Martin’s Press
Women’s fiction, digital ARC
June 2018
Rating: 4/5
Thank you to St Martin’s Press/NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.
Sometimes life leads in directions that can’t be predicted. This was certainly true for Mackenzie Cooper, a dedicated mother, wife and sculptor. When she is held responsible for a fatal car accident which kills her young daughter, Mackenzie’s life is forever. The accident destroyed her self esteem, her career, her marriage and relationships with family and friends. changed. Unable to forgive herself and the the aftermath that follows, she moves to Vermont to reinvent herself.
In Vermont, Maggie Reid is able to live a simple life in show more Devon where the residents all seem to have their own reasons for moving to this quaint town. Trying to maintain a low profile until her probation is complete is a mandatory requirement. Michael Shanahan, her probation officer, makes frequent visits to ensure she maintains compliance. She manages to keep her past a secret working as a makeup artist at an upscale spa. The spa becomes a refuge for the broken hearted who work through their grieve working at the spa. Maggie forms many close relationships which don’t require reliving the past.
Maggie befriends Grace who has moved there as a massage therapist with her teenage son, Chris who is eventually accused of a major hacking incident. This brings a media spotlight that slowly unravels a town which values their privacy. It seems Maggie is not the only resident with a past she’d rather forget. Risking her own probation, Maggie continues to support her friend while trying to avoid the media attention.
This novel explores how it’s possible to find redemption and reconciliation with the past. Before one can truly move forward it is important to reconcile with the past, again. This necessary experience can allow healing and resolution of guilt which ultimately prevents living one’s best life.
Another brilliant novel by a beloved author with complex characters and rich storyline.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2219633400
https://www.bookbub.com/books/before-and-again-by-barbara-delinsky-2019-01-02 show less
I'm a big fan of Barbara Delinsky's books and this was one of her best in my opinion. For such a long book, it was fast reading and I enjoyed every page of it.
The characters were well-developed and likable. Maggie (aka Mackenzie) moved after her daughter was killed in an accident when she was 5 when Maggie (then Mackenzie) took her eyes off the road and ran a stop sign covered by leaves of a tree branch. She's always blamed herself of course. She leaves her marriage with Edward and moves to Devon, VT to start another life under a new name. She finds solace in doing make-up at the Spa and makes new friends and a new life. In comes her ex-Edward (using a new name too of Ned) who buys the Inn.
Maggie is on probation from the accident from 4 show more years ago so she really wants to help one of her best friends who also works at the spa. Her son was accused of hacking computers, including the one at the Inn. Her probation officer tells her to get out of the spotlight but she doesn't do so because of Grace and takes a risk of her picture being everywhere including People magazine.
To make a long story short (the book was almost 600 pages long), Edward falls back in love with her and she him. She's been estranged from her mother too and that gets resolved too. show less
The characters were well-developed and likable. Maggie (aka Mackenzie) moved after her daughter was killed in an accident when she was 5 when Maggie (then Mackenzie) took her eyes off the road and ran a stop sign covered by leaves of a tree branch. She's always blamed herself of course. She leaves her marriage with Edward and moves to Devon, VT to start another life under a new name. She finds solace in doing make-up at the Spa and makes new friends and a new life. In comes her ex-Edward (using a new name too of Ned) who buys the Inn.
Maggie is on probation from the accident from 4 show more years ago so she really wants to help one of her best friends who also works at the spa. Her son was accused of hacking computers, including the one at the Inn. Her probation officer tells her to get out of the spotlight but she doesn't do so because of Grace and takes a risk of her picture being everywhere including People magazine.
To make a long story short (the book was almost 600 pages long), Edward falls back in love with her and she him. She's been estranged from her mother too and that gets resolved too. show less
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Barbara Delinsky was born on August 9, 1945 in suburban Boston. She received a B.A. in psychology from Tufts University and an M.A. in sociology from Boston College. After graduate school, she worked as a researcher with the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. After her first child was born, she worked as a show more photographer and reporter for the Belmont Herald. She has written more than 60 novels including Shades of Grace, Coast Road, While My Sister Sleeps and Not My Daughter. Some of her novels have been made into television movies including Three Wishes starring Valerie Bertinelli and A Woman's Place starring Lorraine Bracco. She wrote the nonfiction book Uplift: Secrets from the Sisterhood of Breast Cancer Survivors. She has also written under the pen names Bonnie Drake and Billie Douglass. Barbara's novels, Blueprints and Sweet Salt Air, made the New York Times bestseller list in 2015. (Bowker Author Biography) show less
Common Knowledge
- Canonical title
- Before and Again
- Original publication date
- 2018
- People/Characters
- Maggie Reid; Ned Cooper; Chris; Grace
- Dedication
- To my two Ws - Wrenna and Will - with love before, again, and always
- First words
- Mackenzie Cooper had no idea where she was or, more critically, why she hadn't already arrived.
- Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)This picture on my phone, in my hand, was proof of the future, and it held promise.
Classifications
Statistics
- Members
- 452
- Popularity
- 67,243
- Reviews
- 25
- Rating
- (3.84)
- Languages
- English, Italian
- Media
- Paper, Audiobook, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 21
- ASINs
- 3
