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Storms of Life #2
Before the Storm
This is not a simple story of first loves, this is an emotional yet touching look at life and how the smallest decisions can shape futures.
What you think you know can change before your eyes. Fathers abuse, mothers deceive, best friends betray, sisters dismiss, love controls, and anger consumes.
After graduating from high school, Easton Grace knows exactly what he wants and how to get it. His goal for the summer includes two things: avoiding his father’s wrath and protecting his sister. His carefully laid plans are quickly changed when a girl comes to town causing him to lose his tight grasp of control on everything, including himself.
Following years of sorrow, Taylor Monaco returns to a town she never wanted to see again but will forever call home. Her life was eternally changed by the people in this town, especially one boy. Her heart desires someone she’s not sure her soul can handle.
Can Easton and Taylor find their path before it’s too late - before the storm?
What you think you know can change before your eyes. Fathers abuse, mothers deceive, best friends betray, sisters dismiss, love controls, and anger consumes.
After graduating from high school, Easton Grace knows exactly what he wants and how to get it. His goal for the summer includes two things: avoiding his father’s wrath and protecting his sister. His carefully laid plans are quickly changed when a girl comes to town causing him to lose his tight grasp of control on everything, including himself.
Following years of sorrow, Taylor Monaco returns to a town she never wanted to see again but will forever call home. Her life was eternally changed by the people in this town, especially one boy. Her heart desires someone she’s not sure her soul can handle.
Can Easton and Taylor find their path before it’s too late - before the storm?
Unknown Binding
First published August 29, 2013
About the author
Sarah Dosher
12 books252 followersSarah Dosher was born and raised in rural Oklahoma where she currently resides with her cowboy husband and twins (one cowboy and one cowgirl).
She is addicted to books and The Golden Girls. Her love for characters inspired her to write her first novel, Haven from the Storm.
Visit her website at sarahdosher.com.
She is addicted to books and The Golden Girls. Her love for characters inspired her to write her first novel, Haven from the Storm.
Visit her website at sarahdosher.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 1, 2013
5 Why Does It Have To End? Stars
Disclaimer #1: This is a prequel. Read the first book, Haven From the Storm first. It is actually the second book and Before the Storm is the first book in chronological order but Ms Dosher recommends that you read them in the order they were written. Haven thenBefore.
Disclaimer #2: I did that. I read them in the order they were written and it ripped my heart out. But I don't recommend reading them the other way around. Why should I be the only person with my heart ripped out?
I knew how the book was going to end because the end of this book is the beginning of the first book. I knew what was going to happen. As the Percentage Bar on the bottom of my Kindle crept to the right, I cringed. I dreaded each click turning to the next page because I knew how it ended and STILL I was sucked right in. I wanted it to go on and on so thatdidn't have to happen.
Lily and Easton live a pretty dismal life. Their dad is abusive and their mom has checked out. The book toggles between their past when Lily is like 10 or so and Easton is 13/14ish and 4 years later when Easton is graduating from high school. You see the progression of the abuse, the isolation, the desperation and the need Easton has to protect Lily.
Lily is very sheltered from what is actually happening in her house. Easton makes sure of that. He locks her door, watches her sleep and tries to keep her unaware of the reality. In the older years she is ready to have a boyfriend, experience life. But Easton has made of habit of protecting her and he doesn't know how to stop.
We meet Taylor when she comes to stay with her aunt in Lily and Easton's town when they are young. Lily befriends her and Easton has his first crush, first kiss with her. Then she leaves. Years later Taylor reappears at Easton's graduation ceremony. He is drawn to her but can't place that "I've seen her before feeling".
I know that just looking at you turns me into a entirely different man. I may not remember everything about you, but I remember how you made me feel.
As we get the back story and current story intertwined, we learn what happened to make her leave and cause her to come back. To say Taylor and Easton are star-crossed is an understatement. In the years that they have been apart, Taylor has had to face her own demons. She doesn't feel she is the same person Easton once knew.
THIS is not me. I'm someone else now. The real me is dead and gone, and she's never coming back.
And Easton...Oh Easton. Here we get the recipe for Making An Alpha Male. Start with one good looking, athletic kid. Add in years of shielding those he loves. Stir in a vulnerable girl who also needs him in different ways. Include driving a truck just cause its Oklahoma. Shake well. Age for a few years and....ding....An Alpha Male is made.
I'm not being forceful. I just get what I want.
I loved this book. Even knowing how it was going to end, I loved the reading of it. Ms Dosher sucks you into her world and you go willingly knowing you are going to get your heart stomped in the process. Reading this made me mad at the characters in Haven From the Storm all over again. I may need to go back and reread it now just to be pissed at them all over again. Don't skip this one just because you think you know how its going to end. Its the getting there that makes it worth it.
Disclaimer #1: This is a prequel. Read the first book, Haven From the Storm first. It is actually the second book and Before the Storm is the first book in chronological order but Ms Dosher recommends that you read them in the order they were written. Haven thenBefore.
Disclaimer #2: I did that. I read them in the order they were written and it ripped my heart out. But I don't recommend reading them the other way around. Why should I be the only person with my heart ripped out?
I knew how the book was going to end because the end of this book is the beginning of the first book. I knew what was going to happen. As the Percentage Bar on the bottom of my Kindle crept to the right, I cringed. I dreaded each click turning to the next page because I knew how it ended and STILL I was sucked right in. I wanted it to go on and on so thatdidn't have to happen.
Lily and Easton live a pretty dismal life. Their dad is abusive and their mom has checked out. The book toggles between their past when Lily is like 10 or so and Easton is 13/14ish and 4 years later when Easton is graduating from high school. You see the progression of the abuse, the isolation, the desperation and the need Easton has to protect Lily.
Lily is very sheltered from what is actually happening in her house. Easton makes sure of that. He locks her door, watches her sleep and tries to keep her unaware of the reality. In the older years she is ready to have a boyfriend, experience life. But Easton has made of habit of protecting her and he doesn't know how to stop.
We meet Taylor when she comes to stay with her aunt in Lily and Easton's town when they are young. Lily befriends her and Easton has his first crush, first kiss with her. Then she leaves. Years later Taylor reappears at Easton's graduation ceremony. He is drawn to her but can't place that "I've seen her before feeling".
I know that just looking at you turns me into a entirely different man. I may not remember everything about you, but I remember how you made me feel.
As we get the back story and current story intertwined, we learn what happened to make her leave and cause her to come back. To say Taylor and Easton are star-crossed is an understatement. In the years that they have been apart, Taylor has had to face her own demons. She doesn't feel she is the same person Easton once knew.
THIS is not me. I'm someone else now. The real me is dead and gone, and she's never coming back.
And Easton...Oh Easton. Here we get the recipe for Making An Alpha Male. Start with one good looking, athletic kid. Add in years of shielding those he loves. Stir in a vulnerable girl who also needs him in different ways. Include driving a truck just cause its Oklahoma. Shake well. Age for a few years and....ding....An Alpha Male is made.
I'm not being forceful. I just get what I want.
I loved this book. Even knowing how it was going to end, I loved the reading of it. Ms Dosher sucks you into her world and you go willingly knowing you are going to get your heart stomped in the process. Reading this made me mad at the characters in Haven From the Storm all over again. I may need to go back and reread it now just to be pissed at them all over again. Don't skip this one just because you think you know how its going to end. Its the getting there that makes it worth it.
September 18, 2013
4.5 stars! I started hyperventilating every time I thought about turning to page one of this book. I don’t want to give anything away if you haven’t read the first book in the series, Haven from the Storm, yet. But, when you already know what the end result of a book will be before you start it, and you are pretty sure your eyeballs will never recover from the expulsion of moisture by the time you finish the book, you’ve got to give yourself a little pep talk to get started! I have to say though, this book left me with an incredible sense of peace by the time I was finished.
I love how easy it is to read Sarah’s books. She has a way of pulling you in and making you feel the emotions of her characters like you ARE the character. Her dialog is always smooth and realistic, never forced. You can tell that writing is her passion, with unique stories and characters who’s pasts are anything but perfect. She throws her entire self into her writing and it shines brightly through the pages.
Easton is a complicated broken boy, whose worst fear is becoming like the man who raised him. He is a fierce protector and uses high handedness to keep those he loves from harms way. When Taylor comes back to town, Easton feels an instant connection to the mysterious girl, who feels more familiar to him than he understands. She on the other hand hold resentment and bitterness towards the past that he cannot remember and the role he played in her lifetime of heartbreak.
We also get to see more glimpses of Dean and Lilly in this book, and I think I love them even more now than I did after Haven. I am hoping with Sanctuary from the Darkness, since it is the final book in the series, that we will get to see certain characters from Before the Storm find their HEA, even though it is Derek and Adley’s book. :*
Full review at Beauty Brains and Books
I love how easy it is to read Sarah’s books. She has a way of pulling you in and making you feel the emotions of her characters like you ARE the character. Her dialog is always smooth and realistic, never forced. You can tell that writing is her passion, with unique stories and characters who’s pasts are anything but perfect. She throws her entire self into her writing and it shines brightly through the pages.
Easton is a complicated broken boy, whose worst fear is becoming like the man who raised him. He is a fierce protector and uses high handedness to keep those he loves from harms way. When Taylor comes back to town, Easton feels an instant connection to the mysterious girl, who feels more familiar to him than he understands. She on the other hand hold resentment and bitterness towards the past that he cannot remember and the role he played in her lifetime of heartbreak.
We also get to see more glimpses of Dean and Lilly in this book, and I think I love them even more now than I did after Haven. I am hoping with Sanctuary from the Darkness, since it is the final book in the series, that we will get to see certain characters from Before the Storm find their HEA, even though it is Derek and Adley’s book. :*
Full review at Beauty Brains and Books
books-boxed-sets
April 22, 2020In boxed set - "Rapture"
May 28, 2021
Before the storm
Books was great hope you write a whole lot more I'm going to look for more of your books and hope to find more loved these they were write with a lot of love
Books was great hope you write a whole lot more I'm going to look for more of your books and hope to find more loved these they were write with a lot of love
September 20, 2013
4.5 STARS!
Haven from the Storm was a 4 star book for me so I couldn't wait to read Before the Storm to get the story of Lily's beloved brother Easton. Though I knew what the outcome would be, I was nonetheless heartbroken and crying at the end of this book wishing for a different ending for this beautiful cast of characters.
I will start off by saying that I truly enjoyed the past and present POV's in this book offering additional insight into the characters history. The book starts off at Easton Grace's graduation from high school. Easton is Lily's older brother. Easton and Lily have had a tough time growing up in their home with an abusive alcoholic father and a shell of a mother who offers them no protection. Easton will be going to college soon and his goal is to have a great summer while protecting his sister and shielding her from their abusive father. What he doesn't plan for is the beautiful Taylor Monaco walking back into his life after so many years.
Taylor also had a tough life growing up in a home with a sister who was very ill and parents who basically ignored her. When she was younger she moved to this small town in OK to live with her aunt and to enjoy life, to be a kid and to make new friends.
Easton and Taylor have a history together - one that can't be ignored nor forgotten. When they see each other, despite the hurt and pain from the past, they are drawn to each other because of their strong connection.
I don't want to spoil this story for anyone as I feel that this book was so emotional and heartbreaking and heartwarming all in one that it has to be experienced going in blindly. Sarah did an amazing job picking out quotes to start off each chapter as each one suited each chapter perfectly. There were so many hardships and obstacles faced in this book by the characters that it emotionally tore me apart. And knowing what the outcome would be in this book and actually experiencing it and seeing it with my own eyes broke my heart as all I could think about was the loss of life at such a young age and knowing that there was so much lost time, so many regrets and what ifs and the thought of what the future could have been killed me :(
Sarah has a way with words that makes you feel each emotion and it was truly a beautiful thing to experience.
So thank you for these wonderful characters and I hope that we have some HEA to look forward to - I think you know who I am referring to (hint hint!)
<3
Favorite Quotes:
"Easton, I've never wanted anyone but you. I came back to this town because I had no other choice, but I stayed because it's where you are. Half of my heart stayed here when I left, and I didn't realize how much I missed it all these years until the moment I saw your face again."
"I know you'll never forget me. You love me just as much as I love you. After I walk away tonight, I want you to remember what you gave up because you were too stubborn to fight for it, the only thing you should be fighting for."
Haven from the Storm was a 4 star book for me so I couldn't wait to read Before the Storm to get the story of Lily's beloved brother Easton. Though I knew what the outcome would be, I was nonetheless heartbroken and crying at the end of this book wishing for a different ending for this beautiful cast of characters.
I will start off by saying that I truly enjoyed the past and present POV's in this book offering additional insight into the characters history. The book starts off at Easton Grace's graduation from high school. Easton is Lily's older brother. Easton and Lily have had a tough time growing up in their home with an abusive alcoholic father and a shell of a mother who offers them no protection. Easton will be going to college soon and his goal is to have a great summer while protecting his sister and shielding her from their abusive father. What he doesn't plan for is the beautiful Taylor Monaco walking back into his life after so many years.
Taylor also had a tough life growing up in a home with a sister who was very ill and parents who basically ignored her. When she was younger she moved to this small town in OK to live with her aunt and to enjoy life, to be a kid and to make new friends.
Easton and Taylor have a history together - one that can't be ignored nor forgotten. When they see each other, despite the hurt and pain from the past, they are drawn to each other because of their strong connection.
I don't want to spoil this story for anyone as I feel that this book was so emotional and heartbreaking and heartwarming all in one that it has to be experienced going in blindly. Sarah did an amazing job picking out quotes to start off each chapter as each one suited each chapter perfectly. There were so many hardships and obstacles faced in this book by the characters that it emotionally tore me apart. And knowing what the outcome would be in this book and actually experiencing it and seeing it with my own eyes broke my heart as all I could think about was the loss of life at such a young age and knowing that there was so much lost time, so many regrets and what ifs and the thought of what the future could have been killed me :(
Sarah has a way with words that makes you feel each emotion and it was truly a beautiful thing to experience.
So thank you for these wonderful characters and I hope that we have some HEA to look forward to - I think you know who I am referring to (hint hint!)
<3
Favorite Quotes:
"Easton, I've never wanted anyone but you. I came back to this town because I had no other choice, but I stayed because it's where you are. Half of my heart stayed here when I left, and I didn't realize how much I missed it all these years until the moment I saw your face again."
"I know you'll never forget me. You love me just as much as I love you. After I walk away tonight, I want you to remember what you gave up because you were too stubborn to fight for it, the only thing you should be fighting for."
September 18, 2013
I honestly just finished Before the Storm, and couldn't wait to write my review. Currently I'm an emotional wreck, crying like a baby, and at a complete understanding of Haven from the Storm. This book is by far the most emotional book I have read in a while. This book made me feel the book from beginning to end, but especially the end.
This is book #2, but actually is more like book #1. Before the Storm is the story of Easton, Lilly's brother. Easton has always been overprotective, and at times to a fault. He doesn't want to end up like his father- controlling, angry, and abusive. He does everything in his power to change that and look out for his sister. I will say it is almost a hindrance for both Lilly and Easton, but Easton does what he does because he cares for Lilly above anyone else... except maybe Taylor :)
Before the Storm is written in the past and present. This allows you to know what happen that summer so many years ago when Taylor came to Kolby to visit her Aunt to escape her life from her parents and sick sister. She is finally able to live. Taylor feels that she is invisible to her parents. She decides to allow Lilly and Easton to get close to her; she begins to live. Her summer isn't full of roses. Instead she has to deal with a girl named Bailey who is nothing more than a mean girl. I can't comprehend Bailey's reasoning for wanting to be mean to Taylor. I felt that her life must be pretty miserable for her to have to take it out on Taylor. My only other thought is that she wants Easton. I mean dang, she was just taking out the trash, and from that point on she made her life hell.
When the book is in the present, Taylor is back in town. Easton notices her, but can't identify this girl across the gym. All he knows is that he is drawn to her. Lilly is the one makes the connection from the moment she sees her. Within this book, you see Easton trying to reconnect with Taylor, Easton trying to keep Dean away from Lilly, and how one natural disaster impacts the lives of the characters in Haven from the Storm.
Before the Storm is a book that will have you with all of your emotions out on the table. You want Easton ad Taylor to be together, but will that happen? You see the impact that Grandma Violet makes on Dean, Easton, Taylor, and Lilly. Your heart will hurt for Easton and Lilly's home life. I just wanted to take them both in my arms and protect them from their father. When the book ends, you now understand the impact of that awful day when a tornado took lives, but lives end for many other reasons.
Before the Storm is a phenomenal story of how lives are impacted by child abuse, love of friends, natural disasters, overcoming your fears, finding your one true love, and living life to the fullest. Personally, I know want to pic up Haven from the Storm and read it again. I now know the full emotions of Lilly and Dean. The story behind their story, and why a red hawk is so important!
This is book #2, but actually is more like book #1. Before the Storm is the story of Easton, Lilly's brother. Easton has always been overprotective, and at times to a fault. He doesn't want to end up like his father- controlling, angry, and abusive. He does everything in his power to change that and look out for his sister. I will say it is almost a hindrance for both Lilly and Easton, but Easton does what he does because he cares for Lilly above anyone else... except maybe Taylor :)
Before the Storm is written in the past and present. This allows you to know what happen that summer so many years ago when Taylor came to Kolby to visit her Aunt to escape her life from her parents and sick sister. She is finally able to live. Taylor feels that she is invisible to her parents. She decides to allow Lilly and Easton to get close to her; she begins to live. Her summer isn't full of roses. Instead she has to deal with a girl named Bailey who is nothing more than a mean girl. I can't comprehend Bailey's reasoning for wanting to be mean to Taylor. I felt that her life must be pretty miserable for her to have to take it out on Taylor. My only other thought is that she wants Easton. I mean dang, she was just taking out the trash, and from that point on she made her life hell.
When the book is in the present, Taylor is back in town. Easton notices her, but can't identify this girl across the gym. All he knows is that he is drawn to her. Lilly is the one makes the connection from the moment she sees her. Within this book, you see Easton trying to reconnect with Taylor, Easton trying to keep Dean away from Lilly, and how one natural disaster impacts the lives of the characters in Haven from the Storm.
Before the Storm is a book that will have you with all of your emotions out on the table. You want Easton ad Taylor to be together, but will that happen? You see the impact that Grandma Violet makes on Dean, Easton, Taylor, and Lilly. Your heart will hurt for Easton and Lilly's home life. I just wanted to take them both in my arms and protect them from their father. When the book ends, you now understand the impact of that awful day when a tornado took lives, but lives end for many other reasons.
Before the Storm is a phenomenal story of how lives are impacted by child abuse, love of friends, natural disasters, overcoming your fears, finding your one true love, and living life to the fullest. Personally, I know want to pic up Haven from the Storm and read it again. I now know the full emotions of Lilly and Dean. The story behind their story, and why a red hawk is so important!
October 21, 2013
4 Stars!!
Before the Storm is book two in the Storms of Life series. Even those this is the second book in the series I highly recommend reading Haven from the Storm first. I thought I knew how this book was going to play out after I read Haven from the Storm, I was wrong. So wrong. This book is just as beautifully written as Haven from the Storm and I loved how it brought us back even further in Easton and Lilly's lives. I always love getting the back story and really getting to know the characters; it helps me connect so much more. Before the Storm centers around Easton, Lilly, Dean and new comer Taylor. Easton doesn't have the easiest of times with his home life. Even though he has experienced so much hate and hurt he is so strong. He makes it his priority to make sure Lilly is safe and taken care of. Easton thought he had his summer planned out until an unexpected visitor throws those plans out of whack. I loved slowly finding out the history with Taylor. It was like I was experiencing their relationship grow with them. Even as a child, Easton Grace was a smooth talker. I can see why Taylor fell for him.
This book goes from past to present and it flip flops with each chapter. It took me a little bit to get in the rhythm but once I did I loved how it did this. Throughout the book I was constantly wondering what happened between Easton and Taylor in the past and I couldn't read fast enough to find out.
We also get to see this book in Taylor's eyes. Her childhood is just as heartbreaking as Easton's but in a different way. I really felt for Taylor and it broke my heart when little by little her past was revealed. As much as there is sadness and heartbreak in this book, there are also happy moments. Moments that made me laugh and helped easy the pain in my heart.
We can't forget about Lilly and Dean, they play a major part in this book. There are moments in the story that happen that I thought "So THAT is what happened!" and the scene from Haven from the Storm replays in my head. I love love love how Sarah filled in all the blanks.
Sarah's has a way of writing where it flows so perfectly and makes you not want to put this book down. Everyone needs to read this book!
Before the Storm is book two in the Storms of Life series. Even those this is the second book in the series I highly recommend reading Haven from the Storm first. I thought I knew how this book was going to play out after I read Haven from the Storm, I was wrong. So wrong. This book is just as beautifully written as Haven from the Storm and I loved how it brought us back even further in Easton and Lilly's lives. I always love getting the back story and really getting to know the characters; it helps me connect so much more. Before the Storm centers around Easton, Lilly, Dean and new comer Taylor. Easton doesn't have the easiest of times with his home life. Even though he has experienced so much hate and hurt he is so strong. He makes it his priority to make sure Lilly is safe and taken care of. Easton thought he had his summer planned out until an unexpected visitor throws those plans out of whack. I loved slowly finding out the history with Taylor. It was like I was experiencing their relationship grow with them. Even as a child, Easton Grace was a smooth talker. I can see why Taylor fell for him.
This book goes from past to present and it flip flops with each chapter. It took me a little bit to get in the rhythm but once I did I loved how it did this. Throughout the book I was constantly wondering what happened between Easton and Taylor in the past and I couldn't read fast enough to find out.
We also get to see this book in Taylor's eyes. Her childhood is just as heartbreaking as Easton's but in a different way. I really felt for Taylor and it broke my heart when little by little her past was revealed. As much as there is sadness and heartbreak in this book, there are also happy moments. Moments that made me laugh and helped easy the pain in my heart.
We can't forget about Lilly and Dean, they play a major part in this book. There are moments in the story that happen that I thought "So THAT is what happened!" and the scene from Haven from the Storm replays in my head. I love love love how Sarah filled in all the blanks.
Sarah's has a way of writing where it flows so perfectly and makes you not want to put this book down. Everyone needs to read this book!
November 4, 2013
**CHRISTINA'S REVIEW**
Taylor Renee Monaco is a beautiful woman who spent one summer as a child at her Aunt Lori’s in Oklahoma. Little did she know that one summer would change who she was and affect all those around her as well.
Easton Jason Grace is a loving brother to Lily and best Friends with Dean. When Taylor comes to town his whole world flips upside down.
This book just like Haven from the Storm bounces between past and present. Weaving the story so well that it flows as if you are right there with the characters.
When Taylor is sent to her Aunt’s house for the summer, she didn’t know what to expect. Aunt Lori runs a thrift store in town and asks Taylor to do some work for her and as payment she will get to rewards from the thrift store. While taking out the trash she is tormented by Bailey a girl across the street and her friends.
“She’s so trashy. Maybe that’s what we’ll call her. Trashy.”
When Easton rides up on his bike and hears Bailey, he stops and notices and responds, feeling the need to stop Bailey from hurting this girl,
“Shut up, Bailey. You don’t even know her. Did you ever think of going and helping her? Maybe being nice for once?”
The summer goes on and Easton, Bailey, Dean and Lily spend a lot of time playing together. Taylor has never had friends like this before and it really pulls her out of her shell. When tragedy strikes Taylor is whisked back home and not to be heard from again until Easton is graduating High school.
This book is full of love and tears. Is a love that has been held for years in your heart enough to forgive things in the past? Will the truth come out? This book is an excellent prequel to Haven From the Storm. I rate this book a 4. But want to leave you with the wise words from Grandma Violet:
“You may have lost them here, but they’ll never leave you. They give you more reason to live. Live because they can’t, be because they aren’t. Love with that grief, but don’t let it rule you.”
Taylor Renee Monaco is a beautiful woman who spent one summer as a child at her Aunt Lori’s in Oklahoma. Little did she know that one summer would change who she was and affect all those around her as well.
Easton Jason Grace is a loving brother to Lily and best Friends with Dean. When Taylor comes to town his whole world flips upside down.
This book just like Haven from the Storm bounces between past and present. Weaving the story so well that it flows as if you are right there with the characters.
When Taylor is sent to her Aunt’s house for the summer, she didn’t know what to expect. Aunt Lori runs a thrift store in town and asks Taylor to do some work for her and as payment she will get to rewards from the thrift store. While taking out the trash she is tormented by Bailey a girl across the street and her friends.
“She’s so trashy. Maybe that’s what we’ll call her. Trashy.”
When Easton rides up on his bike and hears Bailey, he stops and notices and responds, feeling the need to stop Bailey from hurting this girl,
“Shut up, Bailey. You don’t even know her. Did you ever think of going and helping her? Maybe being nice for once?”
The summer goes on and Easton, Bailey, Dean and Lily spend a lot of time playing together. Taylor has never had friends like this before and it really pulls her out of her shell. When tragedy strikes Taylor is whisked back home and not to be heard from again until Easton is graduating High school.
This book is full of love and tears. Is a love that has been held for years in your heart enough to forgive things in the past? Will the truth come out? This book is an excellent prequel to Haven From the Storm. I rate this book a 4. But want to leave you with the wise words from Grandma Violet:
“You may have lost them here, but they’ll never leave you. They give you more reason to live. Live because they can’t, be because they aren’t. Love with that grief, but don’t let it rule you.”
December 2, 2013
Lily has always loved Dean but the night she saw him with another girl broke her heart. Then the tornado came and killed her mother and brother leaving her with an abusive father, then to make it even worse Dean disappears after the funeral.
Lily has gone through the last four years, hiding in her room away from her father hoping to avoid him at all costs or to make sure that he doesn’t get upset. Things are going as well as expected for Lily, she is getting good grades and is counting down till she is done school and can move out of the house, then one day Dean appears in one of her classes and Lily’s world comes tumbling down. Will Lily & Dean make amends and follow through with their hears or will Lily be forever enslaved to her abusive father until she graduates?
This book touches on a very hard subject, child abuse. Any one who reads this will have their hearts broken and wanting to remove Lily for this environment. As a mother, this book was very hard for me. It is hard to understand how a parent can do this to their child and have no qualms about it. Then to make matters worse, the School. How can school not do anything about abuse if she denies that her father is doing it (they know him and know that he is doing this)….I don’t work in a school or know about all the laws regarding child abuse but this part was one of many that made me angry.
Aside from the abuse part of the story, you can’t help but get involved in the situation between Lily & Dean. It is obvious that they have a love for each other that has been building over the years. I loved the red hawk that was always around Lily and how she thought it was Easton…(loved the things he did to Dean ;)). There are other things that happen throughout the story that make you want to gasp and like I said you want to help Lily in any way possible.
A great story for anyone to read….make sure to add it to your to be read list
Lily has gone through the last four years, hiding in her room away from her father hoping to avoid him at all costs or to make sure that he doesn’t get upset. Things are going as well as expected for Lily, she is getting good grades and is counting down till she is done school and can move out of the house, then one day Dean appears in one of her classes and Lily’s world comes tumbling down. Will Lily & Dean make amends and follow through with their hears or will Lily be forever enslaved to her abusive father until she graduates?
This book touches on a very hard subject, child abuse. Any one who reads this will have their hearts broken and wanting to remove Lily for this environment. As a mother, this book was very hard for me. It is hard to understand how a parent can do this to their child and have no qualms about it. Then to make matters worse, the School. How can school not do anything about abuse if she denies that her father is doing it (they know him and know that he is doing this)….I don’t work in a school or know about all the laws regarding child abuse but this part was one of many that made me angry.
Aside from the abuse part of the story, you can’t help but get involved in the situation between Lily & Dean. It is obvious that they have a love for each other that has been building over the years. I loved the red hawk that was always around Lily and how she thought it was Easton…(loved the things he did to Dean ;)). There are other things that happen throughout the story that make you want to gasp and like I said you want to help Lily in any way possible.
A great story for anyone to read….make sure to add it to your to be read list
September 19, 2013
Let me start off first by saying that Sarah Dosher is a friend of mine but she's also an extremely talented writer. If she ever stops writing I will drive my butt on over to Oklahoma and beat some sense into her. Now having said that and getting my peace out...
Before the Storm is a freaking fantastic read that had me on a roller coaster ride chock full of emotions. She did something that some of us are too scared to do. She went back to the beginning. The very beginning, before the storm when things were still not alright but it was before tragedy struck Easton. This is Easton's story. Having read Haven from the Storm and getting to know Easton some in that book made me love him all the more in this one. I went into this story with my eyes wide open already knowing the outcome with tears constantly brewing and then finally falling hard.
Taylor is the girl from Easton's past that has now come back to town. A pivotal point in the book for me was Easton's reaction to seeing Taylor for the first time; an awareness that was lingering. There was that instant connection where you just knew that they were meant to be.
Easton's character is one for the record books. I don't mean character as fictional, I mean his overall character as a man. I loved his compassionate and and care taker attitude. Always one to protect his litter sister Lilly from the dangers of their father as well as the dangers of falling for his best friend.
Before the Storm is a book that will leave you with tears pooled in your eyes and your heart begging for more. I'm glad that Sarah took the chance and wrote his story because it was certainly worth telling. Easton is a hero and one that will forever live on.
Before the Storm is a freaking fantastic read that had me on a roller coaster ride chock full of emotions. She did something that some of us are too scared to do. She went back to the beginning. The very beginning, before the storm when things were still not alright but it was before tragedy struck Easton. This is Easton's story. Having read Haven from the Storm and getting to know Easton some in that book made me love him all the more in this one. I went into this story with my eyes wide open already knowing the outcome with tears constantly brewing and then finally falling hard.
Taylor is the girl from Easton's past that has now come back to town. A pivotal point in the book for me was Easton's reaction to seeing Taylor for the first time; an awareness that was lingering. There was that instant connection where you just knew that they were meant to be.
Easton's character is one for the record books. I don't mean character as fictional, I mean his overall character as a man. I loved his compassionate and and care taker attitude. Always one to protect his litter sister Lilly from the dangers of their father as well as the dangers of falling for his best friend.
Before the Storm is a book that will leave you with tears pooled in your eyes and your heart begging for more. I'm glad that Sarah took the chance and wrote his story because it was certainly worth telling. Easton is a hero and one that will forever live on.
January 9, 2014
Before the Storm is the second novel from Sarah Dosher and Book Two in her Storms of Life Series.
If you’ve read the first book in the Storms of Life Series, Haven from the Storm, you know Easton Grace’s fate. Even though you know how the story will end, the journey along the way is absolutely captivating. I loved Easton’s story even better than the first novel!
There are scenes that paralleled Haven from the Storm, however, the novel truly is a completely different story from Lily’s. The book is eye opening, heart breaking, and beautifully tragic. I can’t reveal anything about the story without giving away spoilers, so I’ll just say this story hooked me and Before the Storm still resonates and lingers in my mind.
I fell in love with the characters. Easton is such a complex character. He self sabotages, loves so fiercely, and is his harshest critic. As much as this was Easton’s story, this was also Taylor Monaco’s story.
Taylor really shined in Before the Storm. She’s strong yet vulnerable. I definitely finished the book with a major girl crush on Taylor. There’s something relatable and realistic about her that makes you root for her and want her to find happiness in her life. I really hope Sarah Dosher considers writing a follow up novel for her.
If you fell in love with Haven from the Storm, you’re going to fall even harder for Before the Storm. If you haven’t become familiar with Sarah Dosher’s novels, I cannot recommend them enough. They’re beyond fantastic – emotional and gritty – and should be at the top of your TBR list.
If you’ve read the first book in the Storms of Life Series, Haven from the Storm, you know Easton Grace’s fate. Even though you know how the story will end, the journey along the way is absolutely captivating. I loved Easton’s story even better than the first novel!
There are scenes that paralleled Haven from the Storm, however, the novel truly is a completely different story from Lily’s. The book is eye opening, heart breaking, and beautifully tragic. I can’t reveal anything about the story without giving away spoilers, so I’ll just say this story hooked me and Before the Storm still resonates and lingers in my mind.
I fell in love with the characters. Easton is such a complex character. He self sabotages, loves so fiercely, and is his harshest critic. As much as this was Easton’s story, this was also Taylor Monaco’s story.
Taylor really shined in Before the Storm. She’s strong yet vulnerable. I definitely finished the book with a major girl crush on Taylor. There’s something relatable and realistic about her that makes you root for her and want her to find happiness in her life. I really hope Sarah Dosher considers writing a follow up novel for her.
If you fell in love with Haven from the Storm, you’re going to fall even harder for Before the Storm. If you haven’t become familiar with Sarah Dosher’s novels, I cannot recommend them enough. They’re beyond fantastic – emotional and gritty – and should be at the top of your TBR list.
September 17, 2013
Before the Storm is an amazing story of love, loss, and redemption. This is one of those stories that has you on a roller coaster of a ride with emotions.
Easton Grace is every girls dream man. He is sexy brooding and has secrets. He is a protector and a great brother. He protects his sister from their abusive father and dense mother. Easton can't wait to graduate high school so he can move away from his house and take care of his sister. He wants to get away from his father and start a new life. One where there is no abuse and neglect. He will do anything to protect his sister Lily so he plans on taking her with him. But all that changes when he meets one girl who came into life one summer and then left but now she is back and man he wants her more than anything. He realizes that there is something there.
Taylor Monaco never wanted to come back to the town that broke her one summer. The guy she feel in love with wasn't who she thought he was so she left broken hearted and never thought in a million years when she had to return to the town she would see him again and all the feelings she felt long ago come back and flood her mind and her heart. Taylor wants Easton but she is so nervous and scared because she does not want to get hurt again.
Will Taylor and Easton find there HEA? Will they be able to open up and love each other openly? This is such an amazing story that it will capture you and leave you breathless!
Team Easton Grace all the way!
Easton Grace is every girls dream man. He is sexy brooding and has secrets. He is a protector and a great brother. He protects his sister from their abusive father and dense mother. Easton can't wait to graduate high school so he can move away from his house and take care of his sister. He wants to get away from his father and start a new life. One where there is no abuse and neglect. He will do anything to protect his sister Lily so he plans on taking her with him. But all that changes when he meets one girl who came into life one summer and then left but now she is back and man he wants her more than anything. He realizes that there is something there.
Taylor Monaco never wanted to come back to the town that broke her one summer. The guy she feel in love with wasn't who she thought he was so she left broken hearted and never thought in a million years when she had to return to the town she would see him again and all the feelings she felt long ago come back and flood her mind and her heart. Taylor wants Easton but she is so nervous and scared because she does not want to get hurt again.
Will Taylor and Easton find there HEA? Will they be able to open up and love each other openly? This is such an amazing story that it will capture you and leave you breathless!
Team Easton Grace all the way!
September 16, 2013
Tears, Tears and MORE tears… My oh My.. This beautifully written book did a number on me.
I had read Haven from the Storm so I knew the story but the way Sarah has written these books it is hard not to become attached to the characters and have them find a special place in my heart.
From the first page my heart was breaking for these characters and their back stories, they certainly had not had a easy upbringing.
Easton with his horrible family upbringing and Tori with hers, two very broken souls trying to mend their hearts.
From childhood they knew there was something between them. But unforeseen things happen and their story takes a different turn.
To adulthood when they find each other again, however still fighting their demons, their chemistry is still well and truly there.
The more I read the more I kept think how brave Sarah was to write this story, it is very very emotional and touching.
Sarah has to be one of my favorite authors now, because she took a chance writing this book and it is solid and simply beautiful.
I can not recommend these books enough to my friends and family and to my likers.
You love romance, you will LOVE these books!
I had read Haven from the Storm so I knew the story but the way Sarah has written these books it is hard not to become attached to the characters and have them find a special place in my heart.
From the first page my heart was breaking for these characters and their back stories, they certainly had not had a easy upbringing.
Easton with his horrible family upbringing and Tori with hers, two very broken souls trying to mend their hearts.
From childhood they knew there was something between them. But unforeseen things happen and their story takes a different turn.
To adulthood when they find each other again, however still fighting their demons, their chemistry is still well and truly there.
The more I read the more I kept think how brave Sarah was to write this story, it is very very emotional and touching.
Sarah has to be one of my favorite authors now, because she took a chance writing this book and it is solid and simply beautiful.
I can not recommend these books enough to my friends and family and to my likers.
You love romance, you will LOVE these books!
September 17, 2013
I loved this series!!!
Before the Storm goes back and forth with past and present day events. Easton made it his job to protect his sister from their abusive father and closed off mother. Their family dynamic broke my heart but they got through it with the help of their friends and Dean's grandmother.
When Taylor comes to visit her aunt one summer she meets Easton. Easton wants to be her friend but he ends up hurting her unintentionally and she is left heartbroken when she leaves.
Fast forward to Easton's high school graduation. He see's a beautiful dark haired girl that he is sure he knows, but he can't remember from where. Once he realizes who she is things change. The attraction is still there full force but Taylor harbors anger from how things ended before.
This is a story about two people who suffer from the same kind of past and pain coming together to relate. Sarah Dosher writes beautifully about forgiveness, strength, and love.
This book is the prequel to Haven Before the Storm- Dean and Lilly's story. However, they are meant to be read in the order the author states.
Before the Storm goes back and forth with past and present day events. Easton made it his job to protect his sister from their abusive father and closed off mother. Their family dynamic broke my heart but they got through it with the help of their friends and Dean's grandmother.
When Taylor comes to visit her aunt one summer she meets Easton. Easton wants to be her friend but he ends up hurting her unintentionally and she is left heartbroken when she leaves.
Fast forward to Easton's high school graduation. He see's a beautiful dark haired girl that he is sure he knows, but he can't remember from where. Once he realizes who she is things change. The attraction is still there full force but Taylor harbors anger from how things ended before.
This is a story about two people who suffer from the same kind of past and pain coming together to relate. Sarah Dosher writes beautifully about forgiveness, strength, and love.
This book is the prequel to Haven Before the Storm- Dean and Lilly's story. However, they are meant to be read in the order the author states.
September 1, 2013
When I read Haven From The Storm, my heart hurt. I can't lie. Lily and Easton most certainly did NOT have an easy life, but they overcame that nonsense and they persevered. I knew how Before the Storm ends going into it since it is a prequel to Haven From the Storm, but alas, Sarah turned me into a bawling mess of running mascara and hiccups all over again.
The story centers around Easton, Dean, Lily...and a new addition, Taylor.
The relationship that Easton and Taylor have is so seriously intense. They have this connection that is apparent even when words aren't spoken. They have a way of relating to each other that is just beyond words. Sarah does SUCH a fabulous job of telling their story.
Before the Storm is just one of those books that leaves a lasting impression. There are characters who NEED each other, there are supporting characters that just enhance the story even more and in the end, you're left wondering "what if." To me, that's the perfect recipe for any 5 star book.
The story centers around Easton, Dean, Lily...and a new addition, Taylor.
The relationship that Easton and Taylor have is so seriously intense. They have this connection that is apparent even when words aren't spoken. They have a way of relating to each other that is just beyond words. Sarah does SUCH a fabulous job of telling their story.
Before the Storm is just one of those books that leaves a lasting impression. There are characters who NEED each other, there are supporting characters that just enhance the story even more and in the end, you're left wondering "what if." To me, that's the perfect recipe for any 5 star book.
September 3, 2013
In a disposable world, two young people find each other as they feel lost to everyone else. Easton has only ever felt unconditional love from his younger sister Lily. He bravely masks a terrible home life of abuse and neglect at the hands of his drunken father and his disconnected mother.
When Taylor, a gangly girl from Texas shows up one summer, Easton is drawn to her. He is conflicted as how to be her friend and does her wrong, unintentionally, on more than one occasion. She disappears at the end of the summer before he has a chance to say goodbye.
Years later, she reappears just as the summer is beginning after high school graduation. The bond between them pulls them back together, but old wounds from the past continue to cause stresses in their fragile relationship.
The story bounces back and forth from past to present to tell how a friendship turns to love between these two damaged souls.
A lovely story that is beautifully written and will cause your heart to surge, break and surge again.
When Taylor, a gangly girl from Texas shows up one summer, Easton is drawn to her. He is conflicted as how to be her friend and does her wrong, unintentionally, on more than one occasion. She disappears at the end of the summer before he has a chance to say goodbye.
Years later, she reappears just as the summer is beginning after high school graduation. The bond between them pulls them back together, but old wounds from the past continue to cause stresses in their fragile relationship.
The story bounces back and forth from past to present to tell how a friendship turns to love between these two damaged souls.
A lovely story that is beautifully written and will cause your heart to surge, break and surge again.
November 21, 2013
I fell in love with Lily and Dean in Haven From the Storm, and when I learned that Sarah was going to write the prequel, I wasn't really sure how much I was going to be able to get into it, simply because I knew how it *had* to end.
Boy was I wrong. From the first page, Sarah drew me back into the world of Dean, Lily, and Easton, with the wonderful addition of Taylor. I admit my heart hurt the entire time I was reading, knowing it wasn't going to end happily (remember, it's a prequel), but I still had to keep reading. The relationship of Easton and Taylor is something I think we all wish we could have. They connect and communicate on a level that is beyond ordinary and it's beautiful. Sarah took a story that was full of heartache and gave it a feeling of hope, and she does it beautifully.
And let me say this. For an author to take a story that already has a predetermined ending, and draw the reader in, give them hope, and then break their heart, leaving them a sobbing mess and wondering what happened and what might have been, says a lot about that author's talent.
Boy was I wrong. From the first page, Sarah drew me back into the world of Dean, Lily, and Easton, with the wonderful addition of Taylor. I admit my heart hurt the entire time I was reading, knowing it wasn't going to end happily (remember, it's a prequel), but I still had to keep reading. The relationship of Easton and Taylor is something I think we all wish we could have. They connect and communicate on a level that is beyond ordinary and it's beautiful. Sarah took a story that was full of heartache and gave it a feeling of hope, and she does it beautifully.
And let me say this. For an author to take a story that already has a predetermined ending, and draw the reader in, give them hope, and then break their heart, leaving them a sobbing mess and wondering what happened and what might have been, says a lot about that author's talent.
August 30, 2013
This is a story you don't want to miss!! If you loved Lily and Dean in Haven from the Storm, you will definitely want to read about Lily's brother Easton.
This is his story and what leads up to the events in Haven. Easton is so broken. He has just graduated and looking forward to getting away from home and starting a new life. But, when Taylor comes back into town, things change. Sometimes for the better and sometimes not. Taylor has come back to town with bitter feelings toward Easton. She thinks he betrayed her when they met years ago. Her feelings change and they both realize they were wrong.
Easton and Taylor are brought together and this is a touching story about the hurt they share and trying to break through it all to be together. I love seeing behind the scenes of what happened to Easton before Haven.
This is one I definitely recommend.
This is his story and what leads up to the events in Haven. Easton is so broken. He has just graduated and looking forward to getting away from home and starting a new life. But, when Taylor comes back into town, things change. Sometimes for the better and sometimes not. Taylor has come back to town with bitter feelings toward Easton. She thinks he betrayed her when they met years ago. Her feelings change and they both realize they were wrong.
Easton and Taylor are brought together and this is a touching story about the hurt they share and trying to break through it all to be together. I love seeing behind the scenes of what happened to Easton before Haven.
This is one I definitely recommend.
September 24, 2013
My heart is breaking right now for Easton and Taylor, damn right now I want to scream! Life is so unfair! Easton being the one good person in Taylor's life is gone but yet that SOB of a man called his Father lives??? Some say God works in mysterious ways well I have to say this is one of them. Why in the world would he take Easton, the only good person in this mess of a life that he and Lily share? I'm heartbroken here, sobbing like I've lost a family member! I just wish this story could have ended differently even though I knew going in it couldn't. Wow, glad it's over and now let me grieve and move on! A fantastic but sad story!
January 3, 2014
Sobbing mess by the end of this book. I knew going into reading this book that it was going to be a very hard read. You knew there wasn't going to be a happily ever after in the end. The one thing I didn't really like was the flopping from past to present....I'm just not a fan of that. The storyline was good with lots of twists and turns I wasn't expecting. Easton and Taylor....wow what a great love story....love couples with a history. Would highly recommend this series!!
September 10, 2013
Even though I read Haven from the Storm and knew what happened, I still cried like a baby at the end. I really liked reading about Easton and getting his side of the story. I felt my heart ache every time he fought his demons. I felt so strongly for Taylor every time she was bullied; it was like I was hurting along with her. I really hope there are more books in this series.
November 1, 2013
For me, this one was hard to read. Knowing the ending kinda kills my want to read it. Once I did try to get through it, I felt like I was shoving sand with a rake. I felt like I was forcing myself. It was hard to get around all the abuse and bullying. Very tough read for me but others seem to love this book.
September 13, 2015
A repeat of the first storm series book
This book basically repeated the Storm Series Book 1. There were chapters that were identical....I felt I was wasting my time reading this. I kept reading hoping there would be a significant event. The first book of the series was good....this was a waste of time.
This book basically repeated the Storm Series Book 1. There were chapters that were identical....I felt I was wasting my time reading this. I kept reading hoping there would be a significant event. The first book of the series was good....this was a waste of time.
October 9, 2013
Even though I knew Easton was going to die. His story was unbelievable. I knew he kept a lot inside of him and never showed how much he took from his dad but what he endured made me so sad and angry. I loved knowing that for a brief moment in time he found his peace.
October 12, 2013
this is such a great book! since it is book 2 & if you read book 1, you know how hard it is to read cuz you know what happens.
ms. dosher, if you read this, please give an update in a future book on her.
ms. dosher, if you read this, please give an update in a future book on her.
September 19, 2013
I'm already a huge fan of Sarah's after reading Haven from the Storm so needless to say I am an even bigger one after this one! Full review to come soon!
September 6, 2013
Enjoyable prelude to After the Storm! Full review to come after tour!
Blog tour coming soon at:
http://www.autumnreview.com/
Blog tour coming soon at:
http://www.autumnreview.com/
October 2, 2013
Wow this one was great. Love, laughter, and tears. It did seem like the book skipped a little info but I think it might have been because of the POV. Still worth buying though.
September 10, 2016
You can read my review at:
http://lustfulliterature.com/christin...
http://lustfulliterature.com/christin...
November 24, 2013
Filled with so much emotion , this book will have you starting and not stopping till its done!!! Just like the first book this one is just as good!! Highly recommend !!!
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