When Does Life Begin?

by Brandi Easterling Collins

Is Lydia ready to move on or is she lying to herself?

For aspiring actress Lydia Dawson, the whole world is a stage. Haunted by past heartache and the death of her best friend, Lydia struggles between reliving the past and reaching for her future.

At a prestigious acting workshop, Lydia meets Kolton and feels an instant connection. But is she ready for a new leading man in her life or is it safer to guard her heart?

234 pages, Paperback

Published September 23, 2023

About the author

Brandi Easterling Collins discovered her passion for writing in junior high when she began hand-writing her first novels in pencil on notebook paper. She later earned a bachelor's degree in creative writing. She is an author and blogger who lives in Dardanelle, Arkansas, with her husband, two kids, and four dogs.​ "Caroline's Lighthouse" is her first published YA novel, which was followed by "Jordan's Sister," "What I Learned That Summer," "One Shot," and "When Does Life Begin?"

Collins describes herself as a reformed perfectionist who writes stories about strong, flawed women who overcome heartache and challenges without having to be rescued.

Reviews

[Sarah Louise Dale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the honor of beta reading this story and I felt transported into Lydia’s life of facing her past and finding her future. The author has such a way of writing her stories that make the characters come alive and be these people you want to reach out and help. I saw a lot of myself in Lydia and it made connecting to her a whole lot stronger. This is not the first novel I’ve read by this author, nor will it be the last.

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lydia, an aspiring actress, has been dealt a really hard hand in her past. She has many new opportunities presented through an acting workshop she attends, but her past is holding her up.

This dual timeline novel is a bit heavy as Lydia navigates her past and mental health. I found it very emotional and enjoyed themes of friendship and family and forgiveness. I love reads that have imperfect characters and typically enjoy characters who are navigating mental health and I feel this was done really well.

Trigger warnings: attempted suicide and death of loved ones