What do you think?
Rate this book
The Life & Loves of Becca Valentine
There are four of us: Samuel, Lucy, Thomas, and me – Eliza.
We came into being the day Becca Valentine was born. We’ve been by her side ever since. What she doesn’t know yet, is that one day she might become our mother.
Then two men come into her life. Both seeking her heart. And then we realise: everything rests on Becca’s love story. Because one of the men is Lucy and Thomas’s father. And the other is mine and Samuel’s. And there’s simply no way we can all be born.
We all want her to make the right choice. We all want to be born. To hold her hand one day. To feel her stroke our hair. To call her our mother.
Then we discover there is something we can do. We can change Fate. But we only have a single chance each. How would you make sure you were born? And what if doing that isn’t what’s best for the person you already love the most in the world – your mother?
We came into being the day Becca Valentine was born. We’ve been by her side ever since. What she doesn’t know yet, is that one day she might become our mother.
Then two men come into her life. Both seeking her heart. And then we realise: everything rests on Becca’s love story. Because one of the men is Lucy and Thomas’s father. And the other is mine and Samuel’s. And there’s simply no way we can all be born.
We all want her to make the right choice. We all want to be born. To hold her hand one day. To feel her stroke our hair. To call her our mother.
Then we discover there is something we can do. We can change Fate. But we only have a single chance each. How would you make sure you were born? And what if doing that isn’t what’s best for the person you already love the most in the world – your mother?
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 20, 2024
644 people are currently reading
742 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 196 reviews
August 31, 2024
My Reviews Can Also Be Found On:
The Book Review Crew Blog
And all of a sudden it struck me that biology didn’t matter as much as love.
This is my fourth book by Laura Pearson and I have loved every one of them. The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke Up , I Wanted You To Know and Missing Pieces have all been four or five star reads for me and The Beforelife of Eliza Valentine is no different. This one though was utterly unique...A group of children called The Almosts watch over their mother as she decides between two men and the children she may or may not have.
Full disclosure, I do not like love triangles because one way or another someone always gets hurt. I also did not like the way Becca flip-flopped between these two young men, it drove me mad. She kept claiming she had to keep doing what was best for her son Sam but dragging him back and forth between homes and having these men in and out of his life was not a good idea. But then I considered her age and realized it was probably true to life I was the same age as Becca 17 when I had my firstborn and while I didn't flip-flop between men I also didn't always make the best decisions. Also like Becca, I had a very understanding parent who was also very supportive...her dad and my mom.
The almost siblings act like real siblings, there is envy and fighting and I loved the idea behind this book...family isn't always about blood. We don't use the term step sibling or half sibling in my immediate family. Written with love without being too saccharine this story really touched my heart. The Almosts showed very real sibling rivalry but they grew to love each other the more time went on even sacrificing for each other before they were even born. This was such a wonderful take on siblings and a perspective that was so unique I was blown away.
I can always count on Laura Pearson to mess with my emotions through her characters. Once again they were all over the place, I laughed, I cried, I cheered them on...It was a roller coaster ride of emotions. This book asked the question "What would you sacrifice for the ones that you love the most?" Beautifully written with a concept so different than anything I've ever read before The Beforelife of Eliza Valentine deserves all the stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
The Book Review Crew Blog
And all of a sudden it struck me that biology didn’t matter as much as love.
This is my fourth book by Laura Pearson and I have loved every one of them. The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke Up , I Wanted You To Know and Missing Pieces have all been four or five star reads for me and The Beforelife of Eliza Valentine is no different. This one though was utterly unique...A group of children called The Almosts watch over their mother as she decides between two men and the children she may or may not have.
Full disclosure, I do not like love triangles because one way or another someone always gets hurt. I also did not like the way Becca flip-flopped between these two young men, it drove me mad. She kept claiming she had to keep doing what was best for her son Sam but dragging him back and forth between homes and having these men in and out of his life was not a good idea. But then I considered her age and realized it was probably true to life I was the same age as Becca 17 when I had my firstborn and while I didn't flip-flop between men I also didn't always make the best decisions. Also like Becca, I had a very understanding parent who was also very supportive...her dad and my mom.
The almost siblings act like real siblings, there is envy and fighting and I loved the idea behind this book...family isn't always about blood. We don't use the term step sibling or half sibling in my immediate family. Written with love without being too saccharine this story really touched my heart. The Almosts showed very real sibling rivalry but they grew to love each other the more time went on even sacrificing for each other before they were even born. This was such a wonderful take on siblings and a perspective that was so unique I was blown away.
I can always count on Laura Pearson to mess with my emotions through her characters. Once again they were all over the place, I laughed, I cried, I cheered them on...It was a roller coaster ride of emotions. This book asked the question "What would you sacrifice for the ones that you love the most?" Beautifully written with a concept so different than anything I've ever read before The Beforelife of Eliza Valentine deserves all the stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
September 23, 2024
In a Nutshell: One of the most unusual storylines I've ever read in contemporary fiction! An interesting combo of realism and magical realism. Wasn't a big fan of the characters' actions, but the rest of the book made this a memorable read.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
I grabbed this for three reasons: the whimsical title, the stunning cover and the author. ‘The Last List of Mabel Beaumont’ and ‘The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke Up’ were both such heartwarming reads. But this novel surpasses those two in imagination as well as execution.
Bookish Yays:
😍 The first sentence. Will join the elite list of one of the best opening sentences ever!
😍 The curious prologue, immediately establishing the unusual setting the four “Almosts” inhabit without simply copy-pasting a scene from the main plot. Exactly how prologues should function!
😍 The concept and the execution of the Almosts idea. So intricate and yet so precise that I began wondering how many “Almosts” I might have had! (The only unanswered query I had was if the Almost were *born* as old as Becca, thereby growing up as Becca does and being the same current age, or were they more like ageless souls waiting mortal lifespans.)
😍 The distinct personality traits of the four Almosts, and the realistic depiction of their *sibling* connection. They had the best character development in this book.
😍 The thought-provoking questions the plot raises about why people behave the way they do, and the difference between what's right and what's fair.
😍 The highlight on mothering versus fathering, and the myriad parenting-related decisions and confusions.
😍 Becca’s dad – what an awesome character! Loved his portrayal.
😍 The role reversal in the depiction of Becca’s parents, with her father being the primary caregiver and the mother being emotionally distant. This genre rarely experiments with family structures, so seeing this inverted parenting representation was wonderful.
😍 The Beatles trivia. I'm not even a huge Beatles fan but I still loved the titbits.
😍 The ending –perfection!
😍 The author's note – wow! (I couldn’t fathom how she didn’t believe in a beforelife and an afterlife after convincing me of the idea! 😉)
Bookish Mixed Bags:
🤔 Becca. While she was a responsible character – often mature for her age and a great (potential) mother, she was still just a teen. Her random decision flip-flops frustrated me, though her age and her family circumstances explained her uncertainty to some extent. I don’t mind unlikeable protagonists but Becca was more inexplicable than unlikeable. I just didn’t get what was going on in her head, and often felt like shaking her.
🤔 Eliza’s narration feels almost omniscient at times, not in terms of knowing the future, but in terms of knowing more about things like parenting, human behaviour and education or professional dilemmas, though she has no personal experience of any of these things. At times, her maturity level seems more than that of Becca. While her narration serves well to add an external perspective to Becca’s decisions, it also feels odd coming from an unborn child who is so worldly-wise.
🤔 This is more of a personal issue, so other readers might not find this weird. But I found it super-awkward to see future potential children watching their prospective parents having sex. Granted, they were virtually connected to their mother, so they couldn’t really walk away, but ewww: close your eyes, kiddos! (The love-making scenes were closed-door - Phew!)
🤔 After some twisty revelations, you can begin making your own guesses about what might happen, so the ending isn’t tough to figure out. But this doesn't reduce the intrigue of the plot. Plus, this genre is more about the journey than about the destination, and the journey is captivating.
Bookish Nays:
😕 One of the potential dads is a jerk, and his connection with Becca felt haphazard at best. Their relationship never felt grounded. I wish his character had been written in a more balanced way, thereby allowing us some uncertainty about whom to root for. Making him such a scumbag spoiled the excitement of guessing the ultimate winner of the dad wars.
😕 As we get the story only from Eliza’s viewpoint, we never know some essential details such as the above character’s age or his professional background. We also never know why his mother, a nurse, wasn’t more active in her son’s life. Her character would have added a much-needed sensible (womanly) voice to the narrative.
All in all, I was not a fan of some decisions the main characters made, but this didn’t stop me from being hooked on to the book. I love the way the author made the whole thing feel realistic even when it was clearly fantastical. The amazing creativity of the Beforelife concept makes this a compelling read.
Much recommended to readers of contemporary fantasy fiction. If you don’t enjoy fantasy, no issues; the writing focusses more on the characters than on the supernatural.
4 stars. (I would have gone higher had I been able to relate better to Becca. But Eliza won my heart and deserves this rating.)
My thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books, for a complimentary copy of 'The Beforelife of Eliza Valentine' via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
The digital version of this book is currently available free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
Samuel, Thomas, Eliza and Lucy, the four “Almosts”, are in the Beforelife, awaiting the time their mother Becca Valentine will give birth to them and bring them into the human world. They came into existence the day Becca was born, and are constantly by Becca’s side, bound to her until their conception. But Becca is unaware of them and doesn’t know that there are four possible children in her future.
Now, two men have shown up in Becca’s life as potential suitors. The problem is, one of them is going to father Samuel and Eliza, and the other will father Thomas and Lucy. But the order of their birth dates and their age gaps indicate that their path won't be smooth, especially considering that Becca is just seventeen. All four want to be born. But would that be possible without endangering Becca’s happiness?
The story comes to us in the first-person perspective of Eliza, Becca’s third potential child.
I grabbed this for three reasons: the whimsical title, the stunning cover and the author. ‘The Last List of Mabel Beaumont’ and ‘The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke Up’ were both such heartwarming reads. But this novel surpasses those two in imagination as well as execution.
Bookish Yays:
😍 The first sentence. Will join the elite list of one of the best opening sentences ever!
😍 The curious prologue, immediately establishing the unusual setting the four “Almosts” inhabit without simply copy-pasting a scene from the main plot. Exactly how prologues should function!
😍 The concept and the execution of the Almosts idea. So intricate and yet so precise that I began wondering how many “Almosts” I might have had! (The only unanswered query I had was if the Almost were *born* as old as Becca, thereby growing up as Becca does and being the same current age, or were they more like ageless souls waiting mortal lifespans.)
😍 The distinct personality traits of the four Almosts, and the realistic depiction of their *sibling* connection. They had the best character development in this book.
😍 The thought-provoking questions the plot raises about why people behave the way they do, and the difference between what's right and what's fair.
😍 The highlight on mothering versus fathering, and the myriad parenting-related decisions and confusions.
😍 Becca’s dad – what an awesome character! Loved his portrayal.
😍 The role reversal in the depiction of Becca’s parents, with her father being the primary caregiver and the mother being emotionally distant. This genre rarely experiments with family structures, so seeing this inverted parenting representation was wonderful.
😍 The Beatles trivia. I'm not even a huge Beatles fan but I still loved the titbits.
😍 The ending –perfection!
😍 The author's note – wow! (I couldn’t fathom how she didn’t believe in a beforelife and an afterlife after convincing me of the idea! 😉)
Bookish Mixed Bags:
🤔 Becca. While she was a responsible character – often mature for her age and a great (potential) mother, she was still just a teen. Her random decision flip-flops frustrated me, though her age and her family circumstances explained her uncertainty to some extent. I don’t mind unlikeable protagonists but Becca was more inexplicable than unlikeable. I just didn’t get what was going on in her head, and often felt like shaking her.
🤔 Eliza’s narration feels almost omniscient at times, not in terms of knowing the future, but in terms of knowing more about things like parenting, human behaviour and education or professional dilemmas, though she has no personal experience of any of these things. At times, her maturity level seems more than that of Becca. While her narration serves well to add an external perspective to Becca’s decisions, it also feels odd coming from an unborn child who is so worldly-wise.
🤔 This is more of a personal issue, so other readers might not find this weird. But I found it super-awkward to see future potential children watching their prospective parents having sex. Granted, they were virtually connected to their mother, so they couldn’t really walk away, but ewww: close your eyes, kiddos! (The love-making scenes were closed-door - Phew!)
🤔 After some twisty revelations, you can begin making your own guesses about what might happen, so the ending isn’t tough to figure out. But this doesn't reduce the intrigue of the plot. Plus, this genre is more about the journey than about the destination, and the journey is captivating.
Bookish Nays:
😕 One of the potential dads is a jerk, and his connection with Becca felt haphazard at best. Their relationship never felt grounded. I wish his character had been written in a more balanced way, thereby allowing us some uncertainty about whom to root for. Making him such a scumbag spoiled the excitement of guessing the ultimate winner of the dad wars.
😕 As we get the story only from Eliza’s viewpoint, we never know some essential details such as the above character’s age or his professional background. We also never know why his mother, a nurse, wasn’t more active in her son’s life. Her character would have added a much-needed sensible (womanly) voice to the narrative.
All in all, I was not a fan of some decisions the main characters made, but this didn’t stop me from being hooked on to the book. I love the way the author made the whole thing feel realistic even when it was clearly fantastical. The amazing creativity of the Beforelife concept makes this a compelling read.
Much recommended to readers of contemporary fantasy fiction. If you don’t enjoy fantasy, no issues; the writing focusses more on the characters than on the supernatural.
4 stars. (I would have gone higher had I been able to relate better to Becca. But Eliza won my heart and deserves this rating.)
My thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books, for a complimentary copy of 'The Beforelife of Eliza Valentine' via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
The digital version of this book is currently available free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
January 25, 2025
Suppose there are babies who may or not be conceived just waiting to find out their fates, and who watch and wait together? This is the imagined scenario in this story.
Becca finds herself pregnant whilst still at school. Will she find her happy family with Ryan, or will her original crush win out? How many children will Becca have, and with whom?
This book deals with various themes, but with a supernatural twist.
A truly original idea from Laura Pearson.
Becca finds herself pregnant whilst still at school. Will she find her happy family with Ryan, or will her original crush win out? How many children will Becca have, and with whom?
This book deals with various themes, but with a supernatural twist.
A truly original idea from Laura Pearson.
September 5, 2024
I couldn’t put this book down ! Such an original storyline !
Becca Valentine has four almosts. These are her possible future children, who have to wait around and see if they are born . Each one Samuel, Thomas, Eliza and Lucy have their own distinct personalities each waiting for their conception date and possible birth.
Teenager Eliza’s story pulled at my heartstrings! Having been a teenage mother myself I could relate to her struggles! Whilst my friends were leading a completely different life I was looking after my baby but just like her the joy he brought to me was priceless.
The support of family is also very important and I loved how Eliza’s father’s solid support was never far away.
Eliza has to navigate motherhood whilst questioning her own emotions relating to the two men in her life ! The father of her child and the one who always seemed to be around for her. Who would she end up with ? I was so rooting for a happy ending for her.
This book makes you think how events and decisions in our lives shape our future. A unique book which I really enjoyed.
Becca Valentine has four almosts. These are her possible future children, who have to wait around and see if they are born . Each one Samuel, Thomas, Eliza and Lucy have their own distinct personalities each waiting for their conception date and possible birth.
Teenager Eliza’s story pulled at my heartstrings! Having been a teenage mother myself I could relate to her struggles! Whilst my friends were leading a completely different life I was looking after my baby but just like her the joy he brought to me was priceless.
The support of family is also very important and I loved how Eliza’s father’s solid support was never far away.
Eliza has to navigate motherhood whilst questioning her own emotions relating to the two men in her life ! The father of her child and the one who always seemed to be around for her. Who would she end up with ? I was so rooting for a happy ending for her.
This book makes you think how events and decisions in our lives shape our future. A unique book which I really enjoyed.
August 30, 2024
I seem to be on a run of strange/different books. I'm not sure whether this one would be classified as sci-fi or fantasy. Neither one of these is a genre I read but somehow I got drawn into this one and a couple of others.
The premise is that “beforelife” is a place where one's “spirit” (for lack of a better word) or “Almost” exists before conception. The Almost knows what their conception date is and tries to steer fates to make it happen. They watch over their parents-to-be. This is outside the reality of my mind.
The earthly characters are realistic. They are teens and young adults, living in the moment, not always making the right choices. But, there are some lessons learned from the poor decisions. Their part of the story is easy to follow, easy to understand.
The Almosts are very interesting. They have their own distinct personalities. They're all looking forward to their conception date, which might or might not happen. They have feelings. Such an interesting concept. And, who knows, it might be possible in an alternate universe.
I enjoyed this book, more than I thought I would. I have mentioned before that my mind deals with logic and reality. But, sometimes it’s good to take a detour.
I think this could be also classified as a Young Adult book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
December 30, 2024
This was such a unique premise, and it came together very well. I loved the idea of the before life made up of almost lives and possibilities. It was truly thought-provoking and beautifully written.
This story of what ifs and what could have been was emotional, and I enjoyed Laura Pearson's writing style very much. I will definitely be on the lookout for more of her books.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This story of what ifs and what could have been was emotional, and I enjoyed Laura Pearson's writing style very much. I will definitely be on the lookout for more of her books.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
May 12, 2025
I really enjoyed this. A very weird concept , the unborn, waiting to see if they would be conceived and by the right dad. Kept me reading and yes I would recommend
August 30, 2024
Well, I’m pretty emotional after reading that.
Poor Becca, after having a mum who clearly didn’t love her and getting her future turned on its head completely the night she lost her virginity, didn’t really stand a chance. Especially when the person she lost her virginity’ to was Ryan.
I hated Ryan from the start. Loved Becca’s dad and poor Eliza too.
Anyway, I won’t give anything away, just go and read it, please.
P.s. I suppose if people believe in the afterlife then surely you can believe in the beforelife. It’s got me thinking now, haha.
4.5 stars
Poor Becca, after having a mum who clearly didn’t love her and getting her future turned on its head completely the night she lost her virginity, didn’t really stand a chance. Especially when the person she lost her virginity’ to was Ryan.
I hated Ryan from the start. Loved Becca’s dad and poor Eliza too.
Anyway, I won’t give anything away, just go and read it, please.
P.s. I suppose if people believe in the afterlife then surely you can believe in the beforelife. It’s got me thinking now, haha.
4.5 stars
September 23, 2024
This was my first encounter with a book written by Laura Pearson and I was blown away by the unique storyline. I was captivated and finished it in one day. I hesitate to go into too much detail because of spoiling. I will say that the book is told from the point of view of the Almosts who are a person’s unborn children. Do not miss this❤️❤️
January 15, 2025
This was a very interesting concept, and I wish some of the ideas and characters had been flushed out a bit more. There was a bit of a disconnect.
Becca kept putting herself in super dangerous situations and always let it happen, and did nothing to prevent it from happening again. The author tries to make us think Becca is a strong woman, but she really isn’t. Not when it really, really mattered. This book was a bit of a disappointment. More on that below, which I don’t recommend reading the rest of my review should you want to read this book.
**Spoiler Alert**
And does Becca not call the police on this guy who has been really violent, and as good as raped her? I just don’t get that mentality. Beyond frustrating. And why Antony keeps putting himself in Becca’s life. They have no idea who the other person is once they hit their 20s. Why is he so hung up on someone he had a crush on when he was 15? I just don’t get it.
Becca kept putting herself in super dangerous situations and always let it happen, and did nothing to prevent it from happening again. The author tries to make us think Becca is a strong woman, but she really isn’t. Not when it really, really mattered. This book was a bit of a disappointment. More on that below, which I don’t recommend reading the rest of my review should you want to read this book.
**Spoiler Alert**
And does Becca not call the police on this guy who has been really violent, and as good as raped her? I just don’t get that mentality. Beyond frustrating. And why Antony keeps putting himself in Becca’s life. They have no idea who the other person is once they hit their 20s. Why is he so hung up on someone he had a crush on when he was 15? I just don’t get it.
September 2, 2024
An unusual read but, very good. It was addictive and cleverly written. I enjoyed this one. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
January 4, 2025
17 and 22...
September 20, 2024
Anyone who has ever read the great writing craft guide/memoir On Writing by Stephen King will be familiar with the idea of the ‘What If’ as the starting point for a story. What if vampires invaded a small town in New England leads you to the plot for Salem’s Lot. What is a family take a job in an isolated hotel and the patriarch starts to go mad? The Shining. This book has one of the greatest ‘what if’ premises I have ever read and it’s one of those times where I wonder where the idea came from. What if all the children you potentially could have existed close to you on another plane, watching all you do, up until the time they were conceived… or not.
I have to say, I am probably someone who was always going to be particularly susceptible to this premise. I lost my first child at birth and, whilst I never got to spend any time with him whilst he was alive, he already felt like a real person to me, I already knew him before he was born. So this book touched me very deeply. However, for those of you who might be in a similar position to me and worry that the subject matter might upset them, I can assure you that the subject is handled with great sensitivity and tenderness and I was not remotely upset at all, just greatly touched and at peace.
The main reason for this is that the characters are drawn so beautifully. They leap off the page fully formed and absolutely real. You will fully believe that these children already exist, fully formed and with their own wants, fears and personalities, just waiting to come into our lives. This is how I feel to this day about my baby, who will always exist as a person and not just an idea, I think every day about what he would be like if he hadn’t been taken from me too soon (he would have been 21 next month, the same age as my two stepdaughters) and I see him clearly in my mind’s eye and in my two daughters. The idea that our possible children are close, even when they aren’t here is one I find beautiful and the author expresses this idea perfectly throughout this book.
There is so much love in this story, it will melt the stoniest of hearts and it is a book that came to me unexpectedly but at a perfect time. I was offered it and just accepted on a whim, despite the fact that I am trying to avoid taking on too many new NetGalley arcs at the moment, and I have to believe that this is one of those serendipitous times when the right book finds you as fate decrees. Sometimes literary magic happens, and this book is one of those times. I absolutely loved it and have bought a physical copy to add to my library for the future, I suggest you do yourself a favour and do the same.
I have to say, I am probably someone who was always going to be particularly susceptible to this premise. I lost my first child at birth and, whilst I never got to spend any time with him whilst he was alive, he already felt like a real person to me, I already knew him before he was born. So this book touched me very deeply. However, for those of you who might be in a similar position to me and worry that the subject matter might upset them, I can assure you that the subject is handled with great sensitivity and tenderness and I was not remotely upset at all, just greatly touched and at peace.
The main reason for this is that the characters are drawn so beautifully. They leap off the page fully formed and absolutely real. You will fully believe that these children already exist, fully formed and with their own wants, fears and personalities, just waiting to come into our lives. This is how I feel to this day about my baby, who will always exist as a person and not just an idea, I think every day about what he would be like if he hadn’t been taken from me too soon (he would have been 21 next month, the same age as my two stepdaughters) and I see him clearly in my mind’s eye and in my two daughters. The idea that our possible children are close, even when they aren’t here is one I find beautiful and the author expresses this idea perfectly throughout this book.
There is so much love in this story, it will melt the stoniest of hearts and it is a book that came to me unexpectedly but at a perfect time. I was offered it and just accepted on a whim, despite the fact that I am trying to avoid taking on too many new NetGalley arcs at the moment, and I have to believe that this is one of those serendipitous times when the right book finds you as fate decrees. Sometimes literary magic happens, and this book is one of those times. I absolutely loved it and have bought a physical copy to add to my library for the future, I suggest you do yourself a favour and do the same.
September 20, 2024
“A powerful story about friendship, found family, lost love, identity, self-acceptance and living life authentically and to its fullest.” – Boldwood Books
I loved this book!!! A “beforelife” story setting is such a unique and fascinating idea! I found myself hanging on the edge of my seat so often throughout the book.
The journey these four souls take together, watching the moments that lead to what could eventually be their start in the world, patiently watching their mother grow up, watching her meet their father all the moments that bring them closer and closer to becoming a family. They know that some of them might not be born in the end, but they can’t help but cultivating a relationship with each other anyway in hopes that they’ll someday be brothers and sisters – ugh it’s tragic and fantastic. It gives you hope, and it breaks your heart! I was constantly on the edge of my seat and often holding my breath and somehow wanted to root for every single one of them, hoping they would find a way to all be born and stay together forever!
My heart went out to Becca Valentine, I wanted to hug her, scream at her, and beg her to do the right thing. She took me on quite an emotional ride. I loved Eliza in her beforelife, and it was heartbreaking to watch in suspense along with her, wondering what was going to happen to her and the others.
I won't ruin it, but the ending was everything for me. I definitely cried – but I won't say if they were happy or sad tears. You’ll just have to read it and find out!
I loved this book!!! A “beforelife” story setting is such a unique and fascinating idea! I found myself hanging on the edge of my seat so often throughout the book.
The journey these four souls take together, watching the moments that lead to what could eventually be their start in the world, patiently watching their mother grow up, watching her meet their father all the moments that bring them closer and closer to becoming a family. They know that some of them might not be born in the end, but they can’t help but cultivating a relationship with each other anyway in hopes that they’ll someday be brothers and sisters – ugh it’s tragic and fantastic. It gives you hope, and it breaks your heart! I was constantly on the edge of my seat and often holding my breath and somehow wanted to root for every single one of them, hoping they would find a way to all be born and stay together forever!
My heart went out to Becca Valentine, I wanted to hug her, scream at her, and beg her to do the right thing. She took me on quite an emotional ride. I loved Eliza in her beforelife, and it was heartbreaking to watch in suspense along with her, wondering what was going to happen to her and the others.
I won't ruin it, but the ending was everything for me. I definitely cried – but I won't say if they were happy or sad tears. You’ll just have to read it and find out!
September 28, 2024
Laura Pearson - The Before Life Of Eliza Valentine.
Where do I start?
I loved the concept of this book. It’s the first book I’ve read that explores the idea of a before rather than after life.
I was fascinated by the whole idea. I did have to park my enquiring mind and just let myself get lost in the story.
I am a huge fan of Laura Pearson’s books. She uses her words so beautifully and creates stories that are incredibly touching and emotional.
#TheBeforeLifeOfElizaValentine captivated and charmed me.
I had no idea how the story would end, but I was fully invested in Eliza’s journey.
This book is fresh and unique. I honestly haven’t read anything like it.
At its heart is a true love story. If Rebecca, Eliza’s potential mother, follows her heart, Eliza may never be given life. You need to read this book. Any description I attempt will not do the story justice.
#TheBeforeLifeOfElizaValentine is a fabulous read. It will make you think, feel and fall in love.
You’ll be swept away by this spellbinding tale.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Where do I start?
I loved the concept of this book. It’s the first book I’ve read that explores the idea of a before rather than after life.
I was fascinated by the whole idea. I did have to park my enquiring mind and just let myself get lost in the story.
I am a huge fan of Laura Pearson’s books. She uses her words so beautifully and creates stories that are incredibly touching and emotional.
#TheBeforeLifeOfElizaValentine captivated and charmed me.
I had no idea how the story would end, but I was fully invested in Eliza’s journey.
This book is fresh and unique. I honestly haven’t read anything like it.
At its heart is a true love story. If Rebecca, Eliza’s potential mother, follows her heart, Eliza may never be given life. You need to read this book. Any description I attempt will not do the story justice.
#TheBeforeLifeOfElizaValentine is a fabulous read. It will make you think, feel and fall in love.
You’ll be swept away by this spellbinding tale.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 26, 2024
I would like to thank Rachel’s Random Resources and Boldwood Books for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Beforelife of Eliza Valentine was written by Laura Pearson, a new discovery for me, but one I will be seeking out again soon. The book was written in a unique way: the life of Becca Valentine, narrated by her possible daughter, Eliza. Becca had several possible children, from two possible fathers, who were with her every day up to their conception day when they were either conceived or no longer there. I truly loved the concept that our possible children were with us from the beginning and had a vested interest in our lives. Becca didn’t have an easy story. She had two very different men in her life and struggled to figure out what was the right choice for her. In the end, Eliza learned that her possible mother’s happiness mattered most of all. I loved Becca, Eliza and the other possibles, and Becca’s father. The story was really well written, well paced and highly engaging. I didn’t want to put it down. I found the entire story so interesting that I am fascinated to see what other gems this author may have penned! This is a low spice book that I would recommend for readers who enjoy contemporary women’s fiction about coming of age and the consequence of our choices on the paths our lives take. This is not a book to be missed.
The Beforelife of Eliza Valentine was written by Laura Pearson, a new discovery for me, but one I will be seeking out again soon. The book was written in a unique way: the life of Becca Valentine, narrated by her possible daughter, Eliza. Becca had several possible children, from two possible fathers, who were with her every day up to their conception day when they were either conceived or no longer there. I truly loved the concept that our possible children were with us from the beginning and had a vested interest in our lives. Becca didn’t have an easy story. She had two very different men in her life and struggled to figure out what was the right choice for her. In the end, Eliza learned that her possible mother’s happiness mattered most of all. I loved Becca, Eliza and the other possibles, and Becca’s father. The story was really well written, well paced and highly engaging. I didn’t want to put it down. I found the entire story so interesting that I am fascinated to see what other gems this author may have penned! This is a low spice book that I would recommend for readers who enjoy contemporary women’s fiction about coming of age and the consequence of our choices on the paths our lives take. This is not a book to be missed.
August 11, 2024
the concept of the “beforelife” was so intriguing to me and i was thrilled when i was selected to receive an ARC of laura pearson’s latest book.
eliza valentine is one of becca’s “almosts” - potential children she may carry and give birth to during her lifetime. becca has four total “almosts” and they are as close as siblings might be after birth. (maybe even closer!) eliza, lucy, samuel, and thomas watch becca from afar as she moves through her life. as their conception dates approach, the stakes ramp up - will becca make the decision(s) that will lead to their births or will they be lost to the potential, left to wonder what life would have been like?
i’ve never seen the movie “inside out”, but this book is similar to what i’d expect it to be - small beings (not yet human) who watch scenarios play out and try to occasionally have an impact on them.
will the choices becca makes lead to a human life for eliza and her potential siblings or will they remain her “almosts” for all eternity?
thank you to Boldwood Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. all opinions are my own.
eliza valentine is one of becca’s “almosts” - potential children she may carry and give birth to during her lifetime. becca has four total “almosts” and they are as close as siblings might be after birth. (maybe even closer!) eliza, lucy, samuel, and thomas watch becca from afar as she moves through her life. as their conception dates approach, the stakes ramp up - will becca make the decision(s) that will lead to their births or will they be lost to the potential, left to wonder what life would have been like?
i’ve never seen the movie “inside out”, but this book is similar to what i’d expect it to be - small beings (not yet human) who watch scenarios play out and try to occasionally have an impact on them.
will the choices becca makes lead to a human life for eliza and her potential siblings or will they remain her “almosts” for all eternity?
thank you to Boldwood Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. all opinions are my own.
May 19, 2025
This book has been at the forefront of my mind for a week and will continue to do so for a little while longer I think.
I love the whole concept of being watched and followed by our almost children. It’s almost quite comforting to think this.
Laura’s books are always well written and I just love her writing style especially how she handles some difficult topics with the care that they require.
Becca is a teenage girl who is let down by a boy so finds comfort in the arms of another boy which results in her life changing forever when she finds out she is pregnant. Told from the POV of one of her almost children it’s a story of survival and hopefulness. There are some elements of DV but these are handled well.
It has a vibe of supernatural meets sliding doors and I loved it.
I love the whole concept of being watched and followed by our almost children. It’s almost quite comforting to think this.
Laura’s books are always well written and I just love her writing style especially how she handles some difficult topics with the care that they require.
Becca is a teenage girl who is let down by a boy so finds comfort in the arms of another boy which results in her life changing forever when she finds out she is pregnant. Told from the POV of one of her almost children it’s a story of survival and hopefulness. There are some elements of DV but these are handled well.
It has a vibe of supernatural meets sliding doors and I loved it.
August 29, 2025
The Life and Loves of Becca Valentine has a unique concept: the idea that the children whose mother you may become are there at your side, from your own birth, hidden from view but awaiting their own conception. It sounds a bit bizarre but the way the story is written makes it incredibly plausible. There are four of them in the beginning, Samuel, Lucy, Thomas and Eliza and it's Eliza who narrates the story.
Through her we witness Becca meeting Anthony and Ryan. Each of the siblings knows who their father is and from their potential conception dates they know that they can't all make it all the way to being born. It's an ingenious way to take what are essentially the ups and downs of Becca's romantic and home life and turn it into something even more intriguing, almost a race for life. The siblings can't help but think about themselves but they also want to do what is best for Becca, somebody they have spent years alongside.
It's a lovely novel and quite an emotional one for the reader who not only sees Becca's difficulties, but also the beforelife situation as each conception date gets closer and closer. This is a book that is written with compassion and sensitivity, a love story in more ways than one. I really enjoyed it.
Through her we witness Becca meeting Anthony and Ryan. Each of the siblings knows who their father is and from their potential conception dates they know that they can't all make it all the way to being born. It's an ingenious way to take what are essentially the ups and downs of Becca's romantic and home life and turn it into something even more intriguing, almost a race for life. The siblings can't help but think about themselves but they also want to do what is best for Becca, somebody they have spent years alongside.
It's a lovely novel and quite an emotional one for the reader who not only sees Becca's difficulties, but also the beforelife situation as each conception date gets closer and closer. This is a book that is written with compassion and sensitivity, a love story in more ways than one. I really enjoyed it.
October 2, 2024
4.5 (RTC)
🎧Audiobook Review🎧
#adprproduct
I want to thank NetGalley for approving me for an ARC of this book.
🏘️Family
🥰Relationships
✨Chances
💓Unique
Laura Pearson is one of those authors whose books I eagerly await. Her writing is beautiful and her ability to find new and interesting topics always amazes me. This story is filled with so much love, hope and reflection. The connection between Samuel, Eliza, Lucy and Thomas is unique, I was holding back tears. Another superb story to add to the collection.
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
🎧Audiobook Review🎧
#adprproduct
I want to thank NetGalley for approving me for an ARC of this book.
🏘️Family
🥰Relationships
✨Chances
💓Unique
Laura Pearson is one of those authors whose books I eagerly await. Her writing is beautiful and her ability to find new and interesting topics always amazes me. This story is filled with so much love, hope and reflection. The connection between Samuel, Eliza, Lucy and Thomas is unique, I was holding back tears. Another superb story to add to the collection.
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
September 30, 2024
The book version of Inside Out!
A cute read, with some difficult topics to navigate but what a sweet premise for a story.
A cute read, with some difficult topics to navigate but what a sweet premise for a story.
November 20, 2024
A unique story unlike any I’ve read before. Life is a journey, who you choose to share that journey with you can make or break it. I loved the relationship the main character Becka had with her Dad.
December 29, 2025
I adore this authors books .. all have been a hit for me, and they’re very different concepts in each book! Loved this one just like the previous ones
December 16, 2024
2.5 ⭐️ Ryan is a douche
August 24, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I believe this is Laura's sixth book - the others being The Last List of Mabel Beaumont, The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke Up, Nobody's Wife, I Wanted You to Know Missing Pieces. This is the third I have read along with the first two in that list, but I also have the other three on my shelf. I am never disappointed with her books and know I am in for an absolute treat.
What I love about her books is they're so unique. She creates worlds and stories that I read nowhere else and I think that's such an achievement, because if we're honest, most ideas have already been done, just with each author giving it their own spin, but I read things I only get from Laura's work.
What is interesting is how Laura has managed to combine what are effectively fantasy characters and a sci-fi premise, with very real, relatable, everyday feelings and goings-on.
This one took me a little longer to get into than her others. Not because it was bad (I'm not sure Laura has the word "bad" in her vocabulary), but because the other's I've read are rooted in reality, recognisable and familiar things that could happen to you or I. Whereas this one asks you to suspend belief a bit to believe what's going on, and so I wasn't expecting that, but it is really jolly good.
It's about love - new, old, and lost - relationships, parenting, self-identity, loss, second chances, lost opportunities, friendships, family - related and those found. It's so powerful. It's so moving without being heart-breaking; it's funny without being comedic; it's beautiful without being corny. It's the correct amount of everything.
Laura's books...how do I put this...they read like she's written them with so much love and kindness, like she truly cares for these characters and their lives as if they were her own children. She has a huge heart and she leaves a small slice of it in every book she writes, and it shows.
I am very much an advocate for reading the author notes at the end of the book and this is no exception. Laura has been open and honest as ot how this book came about and what it meant to her, and that made it more beautiful.
It's not an upsetting book, although there are some difficult upsetting bits, but I actually found the beauty (especially the last few lines - which I won't spoil) the most moving thing about it.
Once again, Laura has created a stunning book and I will continue to collect and read them for as long as she writes them. As dramatic as it may sound, her books make for a better world in my opinion.
I believe this is Laura's sixth book - the others being The Last List of Mabel Beaumont, The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke Up, Nobody's Wife, I Wanted You to Know Missing Pieces. This is the third I have read along with the first two in that list, but I also have the other three on my shelf. I am never disappointed with her books and know I am in for an absolute treat.
What I love about her books is they're so unique. She creates worlds and stories that I read nowhere else and I think that's such an achievement, because if we're honest, most ideas have already been done, just with each author giving it their own spin, but I read things I only get from Laura's work.
What is interesting is how Laura has managed to combine what are effectively fantasy characters and a sci-fi premise, with very real, relatable, everyday feelings and goings-on.
This one took me a little longer to get into than her others. Not because it was bad (I'm not sure Laura has the word "bad" in her vocabulary), but because the other's I've read are rooted in reality, recognisable and familiar things that could happen to you or I. Whereas this one asks you to suspend belief a bit to believe what's going on, and so I wasn't expecting that, but it is really jolly good.
It's about love - new, old, and lost - relationships, parenting, self-identity, loss, second chances, lost opportunities, friendships, family - related and those found. It's so powerful. It's so moving without being heart-breaking; it's funny without being comedic; it's beautiful without being corny. It's the correct amount of everything.
Laura's books...how do I put this...they read like she's written them with so much love and kindness, like she truly cares for these characters and their lives as if they were her own children. She has a huge heart and she leaves a small slice of it in every book she writes, and it shows.
I am very much an advocate for reading the author notes at the end of the book and this is no exception. Laura has been open and honest as ot how this book came about and what it meant to her, and that made it more beautiful.
It's not an upsetting book, although there are some difficult upsetting bits, but I actually found the beauty (especially the last few lines - which I won't spoil) the most moving thing about it.
Once again, Laura has created a stunning book and I will continue to collect and read them for as long as she writes them. As dramatic as it may sound, her books make for a better world in my opinion.
October 26, 2024
Wow. Another of Laura’s books which I’ve had to gambol through in a day, desperate to find out how things will go whilst simultaneously not wanting the experience to be over.
The themes of Laura’s books are all so different, yet each startling & thought provoking in their own way- & I have a new favourite author. I can’t wait to see what she writes next.
The themes of Laura’s books are all so different, yet each startling & thought provoking in their own way- & I have a new favourite author. I can’t wait to see what she writes next.
November 8, 2024
This is another book that is not my usual go to genre but something about it pulled me and I read it in less than a day! From the first sentence I was drawn in by this unique story. It is really thought provoking and is a beautiful story, that I didn’t want to end but knew it had to.
When a baby girl is born so are her potential future babies. They know who they are and when they could be conceived. They get one chance to help make it happen and if they don’t they disappear forever to an unknown. This book follows Eliza Valentine in her beforelife as she watches her mother Becca Valentine. Becca’s journey into motherhood isn’t straight forward and neither is her love story. Becca has 4 maybe babies to 2 potential fathers, will she follow her heart or do what she thinks she has to, to get the family her heart aches for!
This is a beautiful story and I really wish that this could be real! I will definitely be looking to read more of Laura Pearson’s books.
When a baby girl is born so are her potential future babies. They know who they are and when they could be conceived. They get one chance to help make it happen and if they don’t they disappear forever to an unknown. This book follows Eliza Valentine in her beforelife as she watches her mother Becca Valentine. Becca’s journey into motherhood isn’t straight forward and neither is her love story. Becca has 4 maybe babies to 2 potential fathers, will she follow her heart or do what she thinks she has to, to get the family her heart aches for!
This is a beautiful story and I really wish that this could be real! I will definitely be looking to read more of Laura Pearson’s books.
April 4, 2025
I really enjoyed The Beforelife of Eliza Valentine. I loved the outlandish story line, it was heart warming and I will forever think of this book when I walk in to a room and then can't remember why I'm there!
September 19, 2024
In this book everyone has a beforelife where they get to observe their prospective mother. They know their possible conception date, but not everyone gets to be conceived and then they disappear. Becca Valentine has 4 almost who are waiting to be conceived, unfortunately they cannot all be born as 2 have one father and 2 another, and conception dates do not work out.
We mainly follow Eliza, almost number 3 as she follows her mother’s life. Almost are given one chance to influence their birth by inhabiting someone else’s body to push things in their favour so it needs to be used wisely.
Will Eliza, Sophie, Samuel and Thomas get born and will Becca get the life she deserves?
This book made me teary on the bus on the way home towards the end. Once I got my head around the unusual concept of the book, I really enjoyed it.
Thank you to NetGalley for my advance copy of this book.
We mainly follow Eliza, almost number 3 as she follows her mother’s life. Almost are given one chance to influence their birth by inhabiting someone else’s body to push things in their favour so it needs to be used wisely.
Will Eliza, Sophie, Samuel and Thomas get born and will Becca get the life she deserves?
This book made me teary on the bus on the way home towards the end. Once I got my head around the unusual concept of the book, I really enjoyed it.
Thank you to NetGalley for my advance copy of this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 196 reviews