Before the Storm

Said it all in the title!

The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes was my first Diane Chamberlain novel. I sped right through that one, and moved on to another..that being Before the Storm. I absolutely could not put this book down! I was so enthralled with it, that I literally almost read through it in one night. Diane Chamberlain seems to have "the knack" for creating memorable characters that readers become attached to. The ONLY reason I was not going to give this book five stars is because I felt there were a lot of loose ends that weren't tied up in the end of the story. However, after reading other reviews, I realize that it was meant to be that way, and can't wait to read the sequel. I loved this book, and this author is quickly becoming one of my favorites!

I have read all of Diane Chamberlain's books over the last several years. This book was as good, if not better, than the Secret Life of CeCe Wilkes, her last book. I did not want to put the book down. A must read for Diane Chamberlain fans!

I can tell "once the social worker, always the social worker". I knew Diane when she was "one of those" in San Diego. I do believe her novels are so awesome because of her background, her knowledge, her experience in human frailty and insight into the not so perfect people in this world. Her writing is superior to many authors, her story telling is captivating in every sense and she makes you want the story to continue for much longer. The good news is this time----she's writing the sequel. So we all have that to look forward to. The characters in this story are very human---they make mistakes that change their worlds. A woman becomes a single mom of a much rejected daughter and a fetal alcohol syndrome son. Her life is complicated as is the lives of the children and everyone around her. There's a fire at a church, her son becomes a hero when he saves others but then the story does a few twists and turns before you have a chance to discover who is to blame. This story keeps you riveted to the pages and makes you want more. And we'll get more----I hope sooner than later. I'm so proud of you , Diane, and all your success. Every book you write becomes my "favorite". Keep it going------I love reading your books. And it appears others have also "found" you and enjoy your stories as much as I do. I'm so thrilled to have "known" you and can proudly say you're the greatest-because I always knew you were.

Diane Chamberlain has done it again with BEFORE THE STORM. Not only does this talented and gifted author "find" the voices for the characters in this book, she lets us in to understand their thoughts and feelings. BEFORE THE STORM is a great read for those of any age...Teenagers will relate to the story as well as adults. Chamberlain writes about a family that is typical of the 21st Century-nothing perfect about them-but the love and care abounds. From Andy to Maggie to Mom...they are enchanting characters. I started the book and did not put it down until I finished. I wanted to get to the end to discover the outcome, but once I reached that end, I craved more of the story. Even though there is a sequel, AFTER THE STORM, this is still a stand-alone book. I must add that my journey with the family in this book permitted me to discover and understand some of the issues that plagued them. Thank you, Diane, for your diligence in this PERFECT read...Brenda Burke