Before You

by Amber Bynum

Just when Sarah thought she’d never fall in love again…Living in the small town of Ashen Mills, Sarah’s life was a fairytale. Until her husband died in a tragic car accident the same day she found out she was pregnant.Sarah has put all her focus into being the best mom she can be to her daughter and growing her thriving business. But something is missing in her life.She’s tried to put herself out there, but all the good guys are already taken. That is, until a handsome new man moves in next door and her life gets flipped upside down.Peter has moved to Ashen Mills for a fresh start…He’s ready to raise his daughter in this quaint little town where no one knows who he is and no one knows anything about his past.But when Peter meets Sarah, there are instant sparks that even this ex-firefighter can’t put out. Their lives overlap in ways that soon make them inseparable.Just as quickly as they begin to fall for each other, the realization of how their pasts are intertwined may be just enough to break them.But sometimes all you need is a second chance… Before You is book 1 in the heartwarming, small-town romance Ashen Mills Series.

Genres: Romance

242 pages, Paperback

Published January 26, 2024

About the author

Amber is an Indie Author living in North Texas with her family of 5. She is best known for writing small town romance novels that tug on your heart strings.
If you asked Amber what she wanted to be when she grew up, she would have said...a stay at home mom who writes books! After years of writing behind closed doors, Amber is excited to finally release her books into the world.

When Amber is not writing you can find her reading or listening to audio books, creating new designs for her small business or chaffering her three kiddos all around town.

Reviews

[Lark _thebookchamber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute story! It was full of emotion and had my heart breaking for both Sarah and Peter for having to navigate life after what they each experienced! I loved their daughter’s friendship and knew that it wouldn’t be long before the proximity would have their feelings coming to light! And believe me, they came to light!! It was so sweet and Peter was an absolute angel! I did guess the little plot twist beforehand but I loved how it was connected regardless! Overall, a really good read and I cannot wait to see where it goes in book 2! 💖☺️

[Krystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put it down!

I loved this book and could not put it down (started and finished today). It was emotional but has so much love in it! It was very well written, and I can not wait to see what Amber writes next!!

[Nichole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before You was such a good read! I had a hard time putting it down. I really enjoyed the character development and fell in love with their story. I am looking forward to the next book!

[Natali Hanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this sweet story. It was heartfelt, romantic, small town, and just enough twist! Once I started I couldn’t put it down!

[Sharon A Shovan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarah and Peter. Sarah is a single mom with a little girl just starting Kindergarten. She lost her husband 5 years ago to a tragic accident just as she found out she was pregnant. It took her awhile to recover. Sometimes it seems like it was just yesterday but because of her child she tries to move on as best she can. Just before summer is over a new family moves in next door. Thinking about the possibility of her daughter having a playmate she is excited for her. While looking out the window she sees a gorgeous man unloading things for the house. She sees a little girl dancing around him with no wife but she could be inside the house. Sarah couldn’t help herself from staring long and hard at the man and to her embarrassment he notices and starts smiling. Oh boy, this is not a good start! Peter is a single dad with a daughter. They moved to this small town for a fresh start. Once the two girls meet they become fast friends. Hopefully this will work out so her daughter will be happy with a playmate next door. Sarah does not know about the father though.

[Devon Gilbreath · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up! Before You was such a sweet and nostalgic journey for me. It felt like diving back into the romances that younger me couldn't get enough of. (What does that say about my reading preferences now? Well, that's a whole other story... lol!) The bond between Kate and Alice was incredibly heartwarming, and it was impossible not to cheer for Sarah and Peter. Plus, I adored the little references to local North Texas spots—I'm also a huge fan of the Little Piggy pizza.

[Shelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 (Goodreads needs to update how their rating system can be used ) Cute, Adorable, Fun, Sexy, a little predictable the more I read it but that didn’t take away from this heartfelt romantic story about love, loss and found again. I will definitely read Never Til now, Wrens story because she just seemed like a spitfire and I think I’ll definitely (hopefully) enjoy her story just as much as Sarah and Peters

[Mama Bird Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a super sweet and emotional romance.
Both main characters lost their spouses and are raising daughters as single parents.
I don’t have a whole ton to say. I cried. It’s beautiful. I loved it! I’m so glad I bought the digital copy. I’m positive I will come back to this one.
It looks like there will be more to this series and can’t wait to dive into another story from Ashen Mills. ♥️

[Brooke Hunter · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kinda slow and too sweet for my taste. DNF due to her blaming him because he had the audacity to go back to work and leave his wife at home with their newborn. The wife gets shitfaced and causes an accident that killed her husband. Sarah asks “how can I forgive someone who had a hand in my husband’s death?” Ummm he didn’t. So yeah. That got on my nerves.

[Krissy Lanier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a sweet debut! I loved the characters. I truly enjoyed how sarah and Peter both had some pain from their past that they were working through. It made the book more real. You could feel their emotions throughout the story. Can’t wait to read more from Amber!

[LissaCole1206 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! If I could have skipped work to finish it in one sitting I would have. So cute. Had me in tears! Would be a super cute Hallmark movie! I felt all the emotions. Definitely going to read the rest of the series. Very nice break from the HUGE series I’m reading right now!

[Lauren Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Great, quick read! It was sweet and romantic!

[Candy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super cute story. Loved supporting one of my old neighbors/babysitter!

[Gwendolyn Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feb Book Club pick. And a local author, too!
Cute romance! Finished it in a day. Warm fuzzy (and a tad cheesy) small town romance! Got a little steamy a few times.

[Markie Hebert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, romantic, and an easy read that was captivating! The characters are relatable and the storyline was perfect!

[Dakotah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story with a big plot twist about 75% through. I felt like it was a very slow beginning until I got to about 60%. Overall good romance. I don’t think I’ll read the next book though

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so cute and sad.