Before the Storm

By: Diane Chamberlain

Narrated by: Abby Craden, Kris Koscheski

Laurel Lockwood lost her son once through neglect. She's spent the rest of her life determined to make up for her mistakes, and she has succeeded in becoming a committed, protective parent - maybe even overprotective. Still, she loosens her grip just enough to let Andy attend a local church social - a decision that terrifies her when the church is consumed by fire. But Andy survives...and remarkably, saves other children from the flames. Laurel watches as Andy basks in the role of unlikely hero and the world finally sees her Andy, the sweet boy she knows as well as her own heart.

But when the suspicion of arson is cast upon Andy, Laurel must ask herself how well she really knows her son...and how far she'll go to keep her promise to protect him forever.

©2008 Diane Chamberlain (P)2014 Tantor

Critic reviews

"A complex and emotional story." ( RT Book Reviews)

Very relatable for me

I could relate to so many elements of this story, and it's set in North Carolina, as most of this author's books are.
The female narrator was wonderful, with a very subtle Southern drawl. The narrator of Marcus was not great, making that character sound more mentally challenged than Andy, who is meant to be affected by FASD.
There is some small-town drama that probably seems far-fetched to some but was very realistic to me as a small-town Southerner.
My favorite character was Laurel's late husband Jamie, who wanted to start a "church" where everyone could worship however/whoever they wanted, just be in the same place as other people with good intentions. I thought I was the only one who ever had that idea! Jamie also has "empathy" tattooed on his arm to remind him to put himself in others' shoes.
It's a pretty good plot, and I recommend the book.

engaging and unpredictable

I like how Diane Chamberlain has twists and turns that are unpredictable and keep the reader engaged

Excellent story

Held my interest the whole way through. Couldn’t believe laurel didn’t know better not to drink while pregnant. Selfish!

Great story, but I would prefer to read it myself

The story was well done and intriguing, but the narrators were very distracting. Their awful Southern accents and slow drawls were painful to listen to .

Excellent story

I absolutely loved this book. It had me hooked from the very beginning and I couldn't put it down. I am so excited to read the next part, Secrets She Left Behind, so I can find out what happens!! The narrator did a great job telling the story. This is my favorite Diane Chamberlain book so far!