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Beyond the Storm
They chose their own roads, but they couldn't change their destination. . .
Twenty years ago, Vanessa Massey couldn't wait to graduate from high school and make her small hometown of Danton Hill a distant memory--despite an indelible friendship she'd recently forged. But life has largely ignored her plans, and time has summoned her back to the shores of Lake Ontario for a school reunion that could change everything.
After four years as Danton Hill High's resident outcast, Adam Blackburn went on to a successful career in New York City. Yet now he's drawn homeward for a reunion he's surprisingly curious to attend--if he and his car survive the fierce summer storm that's hit. Adam always hated storms and their destruction. And sure enough, he soon collides with another vehicle in the blinding rain. But it turns out the driver is the one person he'd hoped to see: Vanessa.
Reunited by Mother Nature, the two take shelter in an abandoned farmhouse where they are forced to decipher their unresolved history. Together, they'll unravel the twists of fate that have brought them to the present--and discover the remarkable truth that may carry them through the future. . .
Twenty years ago, Vanessa Massey couldn't wait to graduate from high school and make her small hometown of Danton Hill a distant memory--despite an indelible friendship she'd recently forged. But life has largely ignored her plans, and time has summoned her back to the shores of Lake Ontario for a school reunion that could change everything.
After four years as Danton Hill High's resident outcast, Adam Blackburn went on to a successful career in New York City. Yet now he's drawn homeward for a reunion he's surprisingly curious to attend--if he and his car survive the fierce summer storm that's hit. Adam always hated storms and their destruction. And sure enough, he soon collides with another vehicle in the blinding rain. But it turns out the driver is the one person he'd hoped to see: Vanessa.
Reunited by Mother Nature, the two take shelter in an abandoned farmhouse where they are forced to decipher their unresolved history. Together, they'll unravel the twists of fate that have brought them to the present--and discover the remarkable truth that may carry them through the future. . .
- GenresFiction
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
About the author
Joseph Pittman
28 books35 followersJOSEPH PITTMAN is the author of the Todd Gleason Crime Novels, including the novels LONDON FROG, CALIFORNIA SCHEMING, and THE CANNES CON. Two collections of novellas are TWO TODD TALES, and TWO MORE TODD TALES, which are available in eBook and audio.
He has also written the beloved Linden Corners novels, which include TILTING AT WINDMILLS, A CHRISTMAS WISH, A CHRISTMAS HOPE, A CHRISTMAS DREAM (formerly The Memory Tree) and CHASING WINDMILLS. The first three titles are available on audio.
His nonfiction works include THE SHADOW DIARIES: A Year in the Life of a Rescue Dog, and THE BROADWAY DIARIES: 30 Years from Aisle to Stage.
His other novels include WHEN THE WORLD WAS SMALL, LEGEND'S END, BEYOND THE STORM, all available in eBook and audio.
He has also published the serialized suspense novel, THE ORIGINAL CRIME, which was released as a three-part eBook special under the part titles REMEMBRANCE, RETRIBUTION, REDEMPTION. All three volumes are available in eBook and audio.
Under the pseudonym Adam Carpenter, he is best-known as the author of acclaimed Jimmy McSwain Files, a detective series set in New York City. Titles include: HIDDEN IDENTITY, CRIME WAVE, STAGE FRIGHT, GUARDIAN ANGEL, FOREVER HAUNT, FRESH KILL, SECOND SHOT, and FALSE JUSTICE*. All are available in print, eBook, and audio,
Two novellas featuring Jimmy McSwain will be published Fall of 24: SILVER SHIELD and HEART BEAT.
*no audio yet
He has also written the beloved Linden Corners novels, which include TILTING AT WINDMILLS, A CHRISTMAS WISH, A CHRISTMAS HOPE, A CHRISTMAS DREAM (formerly The Memory Tree) and CHASING WINDMILLS. The first three titles are available on audio.
His nonfiction works include THE SHADOW DIARIES: A Year in the Life of a Rescue Dog, and THE BROADWAY DIARIES: 30 Years from Aisle to Stage.
His other novels include WHEN THE WORLD WAS SMALL, LEGEND'S END, BEYOND THE STORM, all available in eBook and audio.
He has also published the serialized suspense novel, THE ORIGINAL CRIME, which was released as a three-part eBook special under the part titles REMEMBRANCE, RETRIBUTION, REDEMPTION. All three volumes are available in eBook and audio.
Under the pseudonym Adam Carpenter, he is best-known as the author of acclaimed Jimmy McSwain Files, a detective series set in New York City. Titles include: HIDDEN IDENTITY, CRIME WAVE, STAGE FRIGHT, GUARDIAN ANGEL, FOREVER HAUNT, FRESH KILL, SECOND SHOT, and FALSE JUSTICE*. All are available in print, eBook, and audio,
Two novellas featuring Jimmy McSwain will be published Fall of 24: SILVER SHIELD and HEART BEAT.
*no audio yet
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 20, 2013
I have gained a new liking for storms. I’ve always LOVED massive thunderstorms that cause power outages and shake the very house you live in. I love walking through them, smelling the newly drenched plant life and getting soaked to the bone. And now, I love them EVEN more because they inspired such a great novel.
I absolutely loved both of the main characters in the story. Adam is the typical introvert/nerd type of kid that nobody likes in high school, which I thought I could relate with on some level since I am too that type of kid, while Vanessa is the typical beautiful, “popular” girl that everyone knows the name of and often envies. I love these characters because of how well they conform to the stereotypes associated with those types of people in our society. It’s a very realistic outlook on either character, and both of them are developed throughout the story. The author often went “back in time” in the story to show the previous encounters between these two characters and those around them, which I really enjoyed since it answered each and every question that may have been forming in my mind at the time of the story.
I’ll admit that the repeated mentions of the supernatural, reincarnation, and destiny caught me a bit off guard. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, since it did spice up the book a little bit, but it was overused. When they were together, it seemed that Adam just simply couldn't shut up about destinies for one freaking sentence. If there was a bad part to the book, hearing about that so many times definitely takes the cake.
Lastly, I wanted to mention how great the ending was. It brought everything together, and ended it on a high note. It was unexpected yet familiar, and brought a fantastic closure to the typical unexpected romance between the “nerd” and the “popular” girl.
*This book is an advance uncorrected proof, and was won via Firstreads.
I absolutely loved both of the main characters in the story. Adam is the typical introvert/nerd type of kid that nobody likes in high school, which I thought I could relate with on some level since I am too that type of kid, while Vanessa is the typical beautiful, “popular” girl that everyone knows the name of and often envies. I love these characters because of how well they conform to the stereotypes associated with those types of people in our society. It’s a very realistic outlook on either character, and both of them are developed throughout the story. The author often went “back in time” in the story to show the previous encounters between these two characters and those around them, which I really enjoyed since it answered each and every question that may have been forming in my mind at the time of the story.
I’ll admit that the repeated mentions of the supernatural, reincarnation, and destiny caught me a bit off guard. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, since it did spice up the book a little bit, but it was overused. When they were together, it seemed that Adam just simply couldn't shut up about destinies for one freaking sentence. If there was a bad part to the book, hearing about that so many times definitely takes the cake.
Lastly, I wanted to mention how great the ending was. It brought everything together, and ended it on a high note. It was unexpected yet familiar, and brought a fantastic closure to the typical unexpected romance between the “nerd” and the “popular” girl.
*This book is an advance uncorrected proof, and was won via Firstreads.
November 13, 2013
This book was a nice quick read. I would recommend for someone looking for a book similar to Nicholas Sparks but with a bit of a different twist. Truth be told I am not a fan of Sparks but what kept me interested was the idea of re-incarnation and the theme of fate.
The book is about two characters who had a past in high school but have had little connect in the 20 years since then. They find themselves in a situation where they are reconnected. Slowly they began to open up about their lives from the past 20 years and come to realize how they have been intertwined within those years. They also seem to start connecting with a house they have come upon and it's past residents. Soon they find out that the house holds some secrets about their past that took place in a prior life.
The book's writing style is interesting where it goes back and forth from 'Then' and 'Now'. This allows the history of the characters to be presented to the reader much easily than having dialogue that takes place during the present.
One of the things about the book I didn't like was the ending. It was not an ending I wanted and I feel like it's not the happy ending the reader has in mind either.
The book is about two characters who had a past in high school but have had little connect in the 20 years since then. They find themselves in a situation where they are reconnected. Slowly they began to open up about their lives from the past 20 years and come to realize how they have been intertwined within those years. They also seem to start connecting with a house they have come upon and it's past residents. Soon they find out that the house holds some secrets about their past that took place in a prior life.
The book's writing style is interesting where it goes back and forth from 'Then' and 'Now'. This allows the history of the characters to be presented to the reader much easily than having dialogue that takes place during the present.
One of the things about the book I didn't like was the ending. It was not an ending I wanted and I feel like it's not the happy ending the reader has in mind either.
June 6, 2013
Have you ever heard the expression "lets not meet by accident"? Well, that is exactly what Adam and Vanessa do to start this book off. They crash into each other on a lonely two lane road in upstate New York near Lake Ontario and they find themselves in a deserted farm house waiting out the storm, even though they both have been injured somewhat in the accident. Well, well, well, they were both on their way to their 20th high school reunion when they apparently got an early start on the reunion and gave whole new meaning to the phrase "running into each other." The book goes on to introduce us to the mysterious trunk in the old house with its bundled letters, and it also allows us to look into the life of the farm house's previous owner and events surrounding Adam's and Vanessa's high school prom from 20 years ago. This is a quick and enjoyable read.
Frank
Frank
June 8, 2013
My favorite thing about this book is that it kept my interest the whole time and although I guessed part of the ending, another part totally surprised me, so overall it was very interesting and kept me on my toes. There were times where the story felt a bit farfetched and I'm not used to that in a non science fiction novel, but Pittman pulled it off.
This is a book I just pulled off the "new fiction" table at Barnes and noble and read the back and I'm glad I did.
This is a book I just pulled off the "new fiction" table at Barnes and noble and read the back and I'm glad I did.
February 12, 2017
3.5
BEYOND THE STORM : Joseph Pittman
An intriguing listen about high school classmates that reunite by accident twenty years later. Their story is interwoven with a couple from the past. Mystery, suspense , and possibility of reincarnation hold the listener on the egde of reality.The ending was a bit predictable. This was a first listen to this author for me. I will look for more from him.
The narration was well done.The characters were well portrayed by Mindy Grall.
"I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator."
BEYOND THE STORM : Joseph Pittman
An intriguing listen about high school classmates that reunite by accident twenty years later. Their story is interwoven with a couple from the past. Mystery, suspense , and possibility of reincarnation hold the listener on the egde of reality.The ending was a bit predictable. This was a first listen to this author for me. I will look for more from him.
The narration was well done.The characters were well portrayed by Mindy Grall.
"I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator."
January 22, 2023
An interesting novel, concept, with too much se .
April 25, 2023
3 1/2 stars. It's a nice romance novel. I didn't expect the ending. I did listen to the audiobook, however, so maybe I missed clues.
May 24, 2023
Was just okay. Took me a long time to finish.. so that says enough.
June 21, 2013
*Disclosure* I won a free copy of this book from a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
I enjoyed this story from author Joseph Pittman. My rating would be more accurate at a 3.5 where it was better than an average story but for me but it didn't feel like a 4-star book.
I've only just recently started to read current books. I've poured over old stories with sometimes stuffy language and this story is a very simple read compared to them. I'm not up-to-date on contemporary authors or romance books either. But I still had fun reading this book.
The story centers around two people who both have managed to escape there childhood town but are drawn back with the 20 year high school reunion. The town is situated on Lake Ontario and the very first Chapter starts with a old story of a couple whose love gets cut short. Pittman separates his chapters from now, then, and before then, weaving a story between two "historic" star-crossed lovers and the new age, middle-aged adults that have been thrust together in a bizarre reunion of their own.
Present day Adam and Vanessa have the chance to rehash old wounds, failed love, current hardships and other secrets while trying to figure out how they keep ending up together. The love story of sorts also brings in elements verging on paranormal, as Adam and Vanessa realize their encounter is almost destined as they start to unravel clues to the "before then" couple and their connection to that past.
The story really centralizes on the idea that there are people destined to be together. That chance happening occur for a reason. Not that bad for a love story. I like Adam better than Vanessa; he welcomes the ideas of destiny and fate while Vanessa scoffs at him. Vanessa keeps running off and gets cumbersome at a character. She seems to get mad at Adam for agreeing with her, or for making some joke that he has no idea that it will upset her (later we do find out why). Adam is all like hey let's talk and she is like noooo (runs away) and Adam is like ok let's just be glad we're okay and she like nooooo we have to talk! I found her constant battle with Adam irritating, and she seems more like a 25 year old stuck on her cheerleader and quarterback boyfriend days than a woman nearing 40. I know the ending explains the reasons for Vanessa constant battle against what Adam wants in its own way, making her off putting on purpose to tease about the ending, but I think there could have been better ways. I won't go into detail since the story doesn't have quite the ending a typical love story might.
Anyway this book would probably be better suited for women (or men) in their 30s, 40s, 50s who have had time to experience life and reflect on high school based on those experiences. Or for those who like romance books, particularly ones that involve destiny, some mystery, or about finding love later in life after (as in after divorce or after bachelor years). There are a few sections of sexual encounters but it's not very graphic but enough it would get an "r" rating they were movie scenes. I guess to sum things up, I liked the book enough, including the actual flow and writing style Pittman uses to read about his other books published.
I enjoyed this story from author Joseph Pittman. My rating would be more accurate at a 3.5 where it was better than an average story but for me but it didn't feel like a 4-star book.
I've only just recently started to read current books. I've poured over old stories with sometimes stuffy language and this story is a very simple read compared to them. I'm not up-to-date on contemporary authors or romance books either. But I still had fun reading this book.
The story centers around two people who both have managed to escape there childhood town but are drawn back with the 20 year high school reunion. The town is situated on Lake Ontario and the very first Chapter starts with a old story of a couple whose love gets cut short. Pittman separates his chapters from now, then, and before then, weaving a story between two "historic" star-crossed lovers and the new age, middle-aged adults that have been thrust together in a bizarre reunion of their own.
Present day Adam and Vanessa have the chance to rehash old wounds, failed love, current hardships and other secrets while trying to figure out how they keep ending up together. The love story of sorts also brings in elements verging on paranormal, as Adam and Vanessa realize their encounter is almost destined as they start to unravel clues to the "before then" couple and their connection to that past.
The story really centralizes on the idea that there are people destined to be together. That chance happening occur for a reason. Not that bad for a love story. I like Adam better than Vanessa; he welcomes the ideas of destiny and fate while Vanessa scoffs at him. Vanessa keeps running off and gets cumbersome at a character. She seems to get mad at Adam for agreeing with her, or for making some joke that he has no idea that it will upset her (later we do find out why). Adam is all like hey let's talk and she is like noooo (runs away) and Adam is like ok let's just be glad we're okay and she like nooooo we have to talk! I found her constant battle with Adam irritating, and she seems more like a 25 year old stuck on her cheerleader and quarterback boyfriend days than a woman nearing 40. I know the ending explains the reasons for Vanessa constant battle against what Adam wants in its own way, making her off putting on purpose to tease about the ending, but I think there could have been better ways. I won't go into detail since the story doesn't have quite the ending a typical love story might.
Anyway this book would probably be better suited for women (or men) in their 30s, 40s, 50s who have had time to experience life and reflect on high school based on those experiences. Or for those who like romance books, particularly ones that involve destiny, some mystery, or about finding love later in life after (as in after divorce or after bachelor years). There are a few sections of sexual encounters but it's not very graphic but enough it would get an "r" rating they were movie scenes. I guess to sum things up, I liked the book enough, including the actual flow and writing style Pittman uses to read about his other books published.
October 27, 2025
TBR book challenge: read 50 books off my physical bookshelf before buying new books.
**Book 3 of 307**
3.5 stars, rounded up. When will good reads allow half stars?! Come on!!!
I was not expecting that twist, wow. The writing was really good, I actually connected with the characters. I was a little confused at some parts with the letters and other people, so that’s why it’s not ranked higher.
**Book 3 of 307**
3.5 stars, rounded up. When will good reads allow half stars?! Come on!!!
I was not expecting that twist, wow. The writing was really good, I actually connected with the characters. I was a little confused at some parts with the letters and other people, so that’s why it’s not ranked higher.
May 19, 2017
Vanessa and Adam are two high school friends who have come home for their twenty-year reunion, each with the express purpose of seeing the other. After colliding with each other on a stormy road, they make their way to an vacant farmhouse for shelter. After reminiscing about the past, they reconnect and painful memories and secrets come to the surface. I won't give away any spoilers, other than to say that there is a supernatural aspect to the story. I would have given the story a 5 rating but the twist at the end was not what I was hoping for.
I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator. This review is my honest opinion.
I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator. This review is my honest opinion.
July 6, 2013
I won a good reads copy of this book on Good reads first reads give-a-way.
I went back and forth on what rating I felt this book deserved. Ultimately if I could rate it at 3.5 stars I would, however, since there is no in-between rating I went with the 3 stars.
Most of the novel was very predictable to me and did not quite grab my attention. The concept of destiny was a bit over mentioned and redundant. The force driving these two people together was very clear throughout the novel and so the constant reminder of that was not needed and unnecessary.
What I enjoyed about this novel was how much of a light and easy read it was. The ending was perfect, not at all what was expected and I appreciated that and enjoyed it.
To conclude my review: I enjoyed the novel and would recommend others to take the time and read it. It is a light and easy read with a great ending. If you believe in destiny and and/or other strong forces that drive people together, you will definitely appreciate this story.
I went back and forth on what rating I felt this book deserved. Ultimately if I could rate it at 3.5 stars I would, however, since there is no in-between rating I went with the 3 stars.
Most of the novel was very predictable to me and did not quite grab my attention. The concept of destiny was a bit over mentioned and redundant. The force driving these two people together was very clear throughout the novel and so the constant reminder of that was not needed and unnecessary.
What I enjoyed about this novel was how much of a light and easy read it was. The ending was perfect, not at all what was expected and I appreciated that and enjoyed it.
To conclude my review: I enjoyed the novel and would recommend others to take the time and read it. It is a light and easy read with a great ending. If you believe in destiny and and/or other strong forces that drive people together, you will definitely appreciate this story.
June 16, 2013
This was my first read by Joseph Pittman and loved it! I am looking forward to reading more of his work! This was a poignant love story which was fascinating and keeps you hanging on (a page turner) with a couple who had known each other since childhood and drifted apart from after high school and found their way back to each other. Very well written---Two lost souls – with some paranormal, mystery of another couple and their great love, a log cabin, mystery and a good ending!
July 9, 2013
Hmmmm...I find myself somewhat confused. On one hand, I wanted to read to find out what was happening, but on the other hand, found complete predictability. I enjoyed what was an easy read; however, it seemed redundant, and for lack of a better word-cheesy. I didn't dislike it, but I would not necessarily recommend the book.
December 20, 2014
I liked it but not a lot. It was about two people who were in high school together and go to the senior prom and what happens to them after that until their 20 year reunion. Has a lot of supernatural in it which I did not like.
April 18, 2016
A good story, although a bit far fetched. It held my interest, but didn't totally captivate me.
The story of two couples, from the past and present, who meet in a car accident and are able to rekindle what has been buried within for several years. Love newly found, lost and reincarnated.
The story of two couples, from the past and present, who meet in a car accident and are able to rekindle what has been buried within for several years. Love newly found, lost and reincarnated.
June 22, 2013
Wow. This book blows.
June 27, 2013
ZOMG ... I was left feeling a storm of emotions ... both heartbreaking and happy.
July 26, 2016
I won this via First Reads
I enjoyed the book, it was a good read. I wish the book had been just a little less predictable, though.
I enjoyed the book, it was a good read. I wish the book had been just a little less predictable, though.
October 7, 2013
Ehh I don't really know what to say about this book. It was OK....It took me awhile to get into it. I wanted to know how it ended otherwise I would of stopped. It got good at the end. Lol
September 25, 2013
Pretty good story and a relaxing read. However, it seemed a bit corny, predictable, and even forced at times.
December 27, 2013
Really?
January 22, 2014
3.5 stars
May 22, 2014
Not for me. Remove the sex and this book was six pages long. I am not big on reincarnation either. Wish I had read something else.
April 10, 2015
Nice romantic story. I'm usually reading thrillers or crime novels, but this was so well written, I couldn't put it down.
June 7, 2016
A little far fetched...the ending was good and I was glad it ended. I wasn't totally captivated by this book, but I can't start a book and not finish it.
August 8, 2016
What a twist!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews