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Before the Light: Luna's Journey
Two diaries hold the secrets of Luna and Zane, two souls whose lives are about to collide in unexpected ways. Luna’s just your average 18-year-old girl trying to make sense of life in a small Italian town, hanging out with her boyfriend Marco and best friends Emily and Jessica. But as high school drama unfolds, her perfect little world starts falling apart faster than you can say 'page-turner.'
What she thought was true love with Marco quickly takes a nosedive as school bullying and tangled secrets push them apart. And just when things couldn’t get any more complicated, a classic enemies-to-lovers twist enters the scene, flipping Luna’s world upside down. Her seemingly picture-perfect parents are dealing with their own mess, throwing Luna into a whirlwind of self-discovery.
Old childhood traumas she thought she’d buried begin creeping back in, making her question the happiness she built like a fragile house of cards. Just when she thinks she’s got a grip on it all, everything shatters, leading to a tragedy that leaves her feeling utterly lost. That's when she starts leaning into rebellion and finds a strange camaraderie in one of her former foes, her unexpected lifeline.
This isn't just a love story; it’s a wild journey through the ups and downs of growing up, where you learn that life can be messy, dark, and downright heartbreaking. With all the twists, secrets, and emotional turmoil, get ready for a ride that’ll make you feel every bit of Luna’s struggles.
'Before the Light' digs deep into the bittersweet transition from innocence to experience, proving that sometimes you have to dive into the darkness to find your light. Can Luna rise from her past, or will she get sucked into the shadows? Join her as she navigates her way from sunny Italy to the bustling streets of New York City, where her story continues to unfold in the second book of the trilogy ‘Luna’s Crossroads.’CONTENT
This novel contains themes and scenes that some readers may find disturbing or distressing. Reader discretion is strongly advised.
The following sensitive topics are depicted within this violence, profanity, bullying, rape, molestation, death, miscarriage, child abuse, and sexual content.
What she thought was true love with Marco quickly takes a nosedive as school bullying and tangled secrets push them apart. And just when things couldn’t get any more complicated, a classic enemies-to-lovers twist enters the scene, flipping Luna’s world upside down. Her seemingly picture-perfect parents are dealing with their own mess, throwing Luna into a whirlwind of self-discovery.
Old childhood traumas she thought she’d buried begin creeping back in, making her question the happiness she built like a fragile house of cards. Just when she thinks she’s got a grip on it all, everything shatters, leading to a tragedy that leaves her feeling utterly lost. That's when she starts leaning into rebellion and finds a strange camaraderie in one of her former foes, her unexpected lifeline.
This isn't just a love story; it’s a wild journey through the ups and downs of growing up, where you learn that life can be messy, dark, and downright heartbreaking. With all the twists, secrets, and emotional turmoil, get ready for a ride that’ll make you feel every bit of Luna’s struggles.
'Before the Light' digs deep into the bittersweet transition from innocence to experience, proving that sometimes you have to dive into the darkness to find your light. Can Luna rise from her past, or will she get sucked into the shadows? Join her as she navigates her way from sunny Italy to the bustling streets of New York City, where her story continues to unfold in the second book of the trilogy ‘Luna’s Crossroads.’CONTENT
This novel contains themes and scenes that some readers may find disturbing or distressing. Reader discretion is strongly advised.
The following sensitive topics are depicted within this violence, profanity, bullying, rape, molestation, death, miscarriage, child abuse, and sexual content.
417 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 4, 2025
14 people are currently reading
3852 people want to read
About the author
Roksolana Lebid
14 books60 followers Hi there! My name is Roksolana. I was born in Ukraine but grew up in a small town in Italy. From a young age, I've always felt a bit different, and I preferred to spend more time in my imaginative world rather than in the real one.
I have always loved trying new things. I have a degree in Fashion Design but have explored many other fields. Now I’m a full-time photographer and a mom. I enjoy doing many things: I play piano daily, I work out, walk, paint, read books, and in the past couple of years, I discovered I love to write.
It’s more than a hobby; it feels so real, as if I’m right by my characters’ side, sharing joy and tears with them. It’s extraordinary. I can’t wait to continue writing.
www.roksolanalebid.com
Instagram @bookstagramluna
TikTok @roksolanalebid
Facebook @roksolanalebidbooks
I have always loved trying new things. I have a degree in Fashion Design but have explored many other fields. Now I’m a full-time photographer and a mom. I enjoy doing many things: I play piano daily, I work out, walk, paint, read books, and in the past couple of years, I discovered I love to write.
It’s more than a hobby; it feels so real, as if I’m right by my characters’ side, sharing joy and tears with them. It’s extraordinary. I can’t wait to continue writing.
www.roksolanalebid.com
Instagram @bookstagramluna
TikTok @roksolanalebid
Facebook @roksolanalebidbooks
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
October 23, 2025
Oh how this book tugged at my heart strings!
Before the Light is the coming of age story of Luna, a young girl living in Italy during her last year of school. A pivotal period in the lives of all teenagers, Luna’s world is changing in ways that she could never imagine. As she contemplates her future, friends are made and lost. Young love fizzles out and grows anew. Relationships with those she cares about change. She makes decisions that will have a lasting impact on the rest of her life.
It’s a beautiful and tragic story. Luna feels like a porcelain doll, the image of the girl everyone expects and wants her to be. However, this image of perfection that she tries to uphold is not sustainable. She starts to crack under the pressure. As her world shifts around her, she lets the facade chip away. It’s now as those walls crumble that she finds herself remembering secrets from her childhood that have lain buried in her subconscious. It’s a painful revelation that comes to light.
As Luna is finding herself, she is also falling for the “bad boy” Zane. He’s a troubled youth, but he sees Luna for who she really is and not just who he wants her to be. Despite their youth, the love shared between Zane and Luna is so pure and good. And he affectionately refers to her as “dummy,” which I find teasing and adorable.
When I say the end of this book had me in tears, I mean it. My heart was absolutely breaking. Life can be so unfair.
I really enjoyed this book. Luna makes questionable decisions, but Luna is still just a teenager. I think she is a very well written character in that respect. She feels like a teenage character with the world before her. Some of the inner dialogue and word choices throughout seem a little off or bulky in my opinion, but the author’s first language is not English, so I do understand. I didn’t let it take away from the story.
This truly was an emotional rollercoaster of a story that had me invested from the very beginning. I think I needed a cathartic cry after recent events of my own life, and this book gave me just that.
I look forward to seeing where Luna’s journey takes her and how the events of her past are going to affect her future actions. Thank you to the author for reaching out. All thoughts are my own.
Before the Light is the coming of age story of Luna, a young girl living in Italy during her last year of school. A pivotal period in the lives of all teenagers, Luna’s world is changing in ways that she could never imagine. As she contemplates her future, friends are made and lost. Young love fizzles out and grows anew. Relationships with those she cares about change. She makes decisions that will have a lasting impact on the rest of her life.
It’s a beautiful and tragic story. Luna feels like a porcelain doll, the image of the girl everyone expects and wants her to be. However, this image of perfection that she tries to uphold is not sustainable. She starts to crack under the pressure. As her world shifts around her, she lets the facade chip away. It’s now as those walls crumble that she finds herself remembering secrets from her childhood that have lain buried in her subconscious. It’s a painful revelation that comes to light.
As Luna is finding herself, she is also falling for the “bad boy” Zane. He’s a troubled youth, but he sees Luna for who she really is and not just who he wants her to be. Despite their youth, the love shared between Zane and Luna is so pure and good. And he affectionately refers to her as “dummy,” which I find teasing and adorable.
When I say the end of this book had me in tears, I mean it. My heart was absolutely breaking. Life can be so unfair.
I really enjoyed this book. Luna makes questionable decisions, but Luna is still just a teenager. I think she is a very well written character in that respect. She feels like a teenage character with the world before her. Some of the inner dialogue and word choices throughout seem a little off or bulky in my opinion, but the author’s first language is not English, so I do understand. I didn’t let it take away from the story.
This truly was an emotional rollercoaster of a story that had me invested from the very beginning. I think I needed a cathartic cry after recent events of my own life, and this book gave me just that.
I look forward to seeing where Luna’s journey takes her and how the events of her past are going to affect her future actions. Thank you to the author for reaching out. All thoughts are my own.
November 18, 2025
I absolutely loved the story. I cant believe the path Luna and Zane's lives took, I have so many questions about what happens next, can not wait for book 2!
November 18, 2025
This book is a must read. While reading, you will go through every emotion you can imagine. I laughed and sobbed while reading.
November 19, 2025
Great book to read
This book was a very great book to read. I enjoyed all the chapters and have a very good understanding of lunas life.
This book was a very great book to read. I enjoyed all the chapters and have a very good understanding of lunas life.
August 10, 2025
Book Review: Before the Light: Luna’s Journey (Luna Diaries, #1) by Roksolana Lebid
Rating: 4.5/5
Roksolana Lebid’s Before the Light is a raw and emotionally charged coming-of-age novel that masterfully captures the turbulence of adolescence through the lens of 18-year-old Luna, a protagonist whose journey from innocence to self-awareness is as painful as it is transformative. Set against the backdrop of a small Italian town, the story weaves together themes of first love, betrayal, and the haunting weight of repressed trauma, culminating in a narrative that is equal parts heartbreaking and hopeful.
Emotional Resonance & Thematic Depth
From the outset, Lebid immerses readers in Luna’s world—a delicate balance of school drama, fragile friendships, and the illusion of familial perfection. The author’s portrayal of Luna’s relationships—particularly her toxic dynamic with Marco and the fractured bond with her best friend Emily—evoked a visceral sense of nostalgia and unease, reminding me of my own teenage struggles with identity and belonging. The enemies-to-lovers subplot is deftly handled, with the slow-burn tension between Luna and her bully-turned-confidant offering a nuanced exploration of vulnerability and redemption.
However, the novel’s greatest strength lies in its psychological depth. As Luna’s childhood trauma resurfaces, Lebid skillfully parallels her protagonist’s internal unraveling with external chaos, creating a poignant commentary on the façades we construct to survive. The diary device—Luna’s personal reflections juxtaposed with her love interest’s nascent journaling—adds a meta-literary layer that elevates the narrative beyond typical YA tropes.
Constructive Criticism
Strengths:
-Atmospheric Setting: The Italian small-town milieu is rendered with vivid authenticity, serving as both sanctuary and prison for Luna.
-Character Complexity: Secondary characters like Jessica and Luna’s parents are fleshed out with morally ambiguous motives, avoiding simplistic archetypes.
Weaknesses:
-Pacing: The first act’s focus on school drama may test some readers’ patience before the deeper psychological plot unfolds.
-Tonal Shifts: The transition from teen romance to dark psychological fiction is abrupt, potentially alienating readers seeking tonal consistency.
How I would describe this book:
-A Normal People meets Sharp Objects—Lebid’s debut will leave you breathless and bruised.
-For fans of The Light of Luna Park’s emotional heft and The 50 Greatest Coming-of-Age Novels’ timeless angst.
-Proof that the hardest battles are fought in the quietest corners of the heart.
Personal Remarks & Gratitude
Reading Before the Light felt like revisiting my own teenage diaries—cringeworthy yet cathartic. The scene where Luna confronts her parents’ imperfections (no spoilers!) left me in tears, a testament to Lebid’s ability to mine universal truths from specific pain. Thank you to the publisher for the Goodreads Giveaways review copy; the cover’s muted palette and fractured light imagery perfectly mirror the story’s exploration of broken illusions.
Final Thoughts
While the novel’s tonal shifts and slow start may deter some, Before the Light ultimately shines as a powerful meditation on resilience and self-discovery. Its unflinching honesty and layered storytelling make it a standout in contemporary YA/NA crossover fiction.
Rating: 4.5/5 (Docked half a point for pacing, but a must-read for fans of psychological coming-of-age tales.)
Rating: 4.5/5
Roksolana Lebid’s Before the Light is a raw and emotionally charged coming-of-age novel that masterfully captures the turbulence of adolescence through the lens of 18-year-old Luna, a protagonist whose journey from innocence to self-awareness is as painful as it is transformative. Set against the backdrop of a small Italian town, the story weaves together themes of first love, betrayal, and the haunting weight of repressed trauma, culminating in a narrative that is equal parts heartbreaking and hopeful.
Emotional Resonance & Thematic Depth
From the outset, Lebid immerses readers in Luna’s world—a delicate balance of school drama, fragile friendships, and the illusion of familial perfection. The author’s portrayal of Luna’s relationships—particularly her toxic dynamic with Marco and the fractured bond with her best friend Emily—evoked a visceral sense of nostalgia and unease, reminding me of my own teenage struggles with identity and belonging. The enemies-to-lovers subplot is deftly handled, with the slow-burn tension between Luna and her bully-turned-confidant offering a nuanced exploration of vulnerability and redemption.
However, the novel’s greatest strength lies in its psychological depth. As Luna’s childhood trauma resurfaces, Lebid skillfully parallels her protagonist’s internal unraveling with external chaos, creating a poignant commentary on the façades we construct to survive. The diary device—Luna’s personal reflections juxtaposed with her love interest’s nascent journaling—adds a meta-literary layer that elevates the narrative beyond typical YA tropes.
Constructive Criticism
Strengths:
-Atmospheric Setting: The Italian small-town milieu is rendered with vivid authenticity, serving as both sanctuary and prison for Luna.
-Character Complexity: Secondary characters like Jessica and Luna’s parents are fleshed out with morally ambiguous motives, avoiding simplistic archetypes.
Weaknesses:
-Pacing: The first act’s focus on school drama may test some readers’ patience before the deeper psychological plot unfolds.
-Tonal Shifts: The transition from teen romance to dark psychological fiction is abrupt, potentially alienating readers seeking tonal consistency.
How I would describe this book:
-A Normal People meets Sharp Objects—Lebid’s debut will leave you breathless and bruised.
-For fans of The Light of Luna Park’s emotional heft and The 50 Greatest Coming-of-Age Novels’ timeless angst.
-Proof that the hardest battles are fought in the quietest corners of the heart.
Personal Remarks & Gratitude
Reading Before the Light felt like revisiting my own teenage diaries—cringeworthy yet cathartic. The scene where Luna confronts her parents’ imperfections (no spoilers!) left me in tears, a testament to Lebid’s ability to mine universal truths from specific pain. Thank you to the publisher for the Goodreads Giveaways review copy; the cover’s muted palette and fractured light imagery perfectly mirror the story’s exploration of broken illusions.
Final Thoughts
While the novel’s tonal shifts and slow start may deter some, Before the Light ultimately shines as a powerful meditation on resilience and self-discovery. Its unflinching honesty and layered storytelling make it a standout in contemporary YA/NA crossover fiction.
Rating: 4.5/5 (Docked half a point for pacing, but a must-read for fans of psychological coming-of-age tales.)
November 1, 2025
Before the Light is a deeply emotional and beautifully tangled coming-of-age story that follows Luna and Zane — two souls connected by fate, pain, and the messy beauty of growing up.
Luna seems like your typical 18-year-old girl living in a quiet Italian town, spending her days with her boyfriend Marco and her best friends Emily and Jessica. But beneath that perfect surface, her world begins to crack and what once felt like true love quickly unravels.
When her picture-perfect life starts to fall apart, Luna is forced to confront her past — the buried traumas, family struggles, and the ache of growing up too fast. Just when she thinks she’s lost everything, she finds an unexpected connection with someone who used to be her enemy… and that bond might just save her.
This isn’t your typical love story — it’s raw, emotional, and full of gut-wrenching twists. My heart is breaking for Luna. She’s been through so much, yet her strength shines through every page. The writing pulls you in until you feel every ounce of her pain, confusion, and hope.
By the end, I was completely hooked — and now I’m desperate for book two! If Before the Light is just the beginning of Luna’s journey, I can’t wait to see where her story goes next. 🌙💔
Luna seems like your typical 18-year-old girl living in a quiet Italian town, spending her days with her boyfriend Marco and her best friends Emily and Jessica. But beneath that perfect surface, her world begins to crack and what once felt like true love quickly unravels.
When her picture-perfect life starts to fall apart, Luna is forced to confront her past — the buried traumas, family struggles, and the ache of growing up too fast. Just when she thinks she’s lost everything, she finds an unexpected connection with someone who used to be her enemy… and that bond might just save her.
This isn’t your typical love story — it’s raw, emotional, and full of gut-wrenching twists. My heart is breaking for Luna. She’s been through so much, yet her strength shines through every page. The writing pulls you in until you feel every ounce of her pain, confusion, and hope.
By the end, I was completely hooked — and now I’m desperate for book two! If Before the Light is just the beginning of Luna’s journey, I can’t wait to see where her story goes next. 🌙💔
November 11, 2025
Before the Light is a coming of age story about Luna and her journey through senior year at a school in Italy. As a typical teenager, we see her go through many trials including overprotective parents, losing friends, losing love, finding love, and trying to keep her grades up.
Enemies to lovers 🖤
Her diary & his diary 📔
Small town
Virgin FMC
Secrets 🤫
In this story, we meet Zane who flipped Luna’s world upside down. She starts to question everything she knew and what she had planned for years. He’s portrayed as your typical “bad boy” but we find out later he had good reasons for the way he is.
Before the Light is not a happy story. There is no white knight, no fairytale love story. It is harsh, realistic, tragic, and heartbreaking. We see Luna in many lights just as we are shown in different lights as we grow and experience life.
I related to many things in the book and I was literally bawling by the end. I was not expecting it so it broke me and I had to just sit and think it all over.
While toned down and more of a “fade to black”, there are a few triggers to be aware of.
-bullying
-rape/molestation
-death
-miscarriage
Enemies to lovers 🖤
Her diary & his diary 📔
Small town
Virgin FMC
Secrets 🤫
In this story, we meet Zane who flipped Luna’s world upside down. She starts to question everything she knew and what she had planned for years. He’s portrayed as your typical “bad boy” but we find out later he had good reasons for the way he is.
Before the Light is not a happy story. There is no white knight, no fairytale love story. It is harsh, realistic, tragic, and heartbreaking. We see Luna in many lights just as we are shown in different lights as we grow and experience life.
I related to many things in the book and I was literally bawling by the end. I was not expecting it so it broke me and I had to just sit and think it all over.
While toned down and more of a “fade to black”, there are a few triggers to be aware of.
-bullying
-rape/molestation
-death
-miscarriage
October 11, 2025
The roller coaster of emotions I went through while reading this…just WOW. You follow our FMC Luna’s journey through her last year of school - boyfriend who she’s known her whole life, best friends, and two loving parents. Luna then falls for our MMC Zane who, off the bat, seems to be your typical bad boy. We delve more into Luna and Zane’s relationship, Luna’s past, and a glimpse into what could be their future. Once you think things are going well and these two could get a HEA, events unfold, and you experience some gut wrenching feelings, or at least I know I did! You learn throughout the story that so many things link them together and you end up loving them more than you originally thought.
Overall, plot was great! There were moments where I felt as though more clarity was needed to understand the depth of what was trying to be conveyed, but as a whole, you will definitely be feeling all the feelings after reading this novel!
Overall, plot was great! There were moments where I felt as though more clarity was needed to understand the depth of what was trying to be conveyed, but as a whole, you will definitely be feeling all the feelings after reading this novel!
October 15, 2025
This story is full of firsts — first love, first heartbreak, first loss.
Luna, in her final year of school, goes through more than most, and it’s easier to list what she didn’t experience. It reads like a true coming-of-age story, showing the confusion and growth that come with stepping into adulthood. As an only child trying to decide her future, Luna’s journey captures the shifting dynamics of friendships and the evolving relationships we have with our parents as we grow up.
The pacing dragged a bit in places, but overall, it was a touching and emotional read — one that left me in tears by the end. Luna’s close bond with her father is beautifully written, while her complicated relationship with her mother adds depth and tension. Honestly, her mother’s storyline could have been a book of its own, given how much her actions affect Luna.
A school break-in sets off a chain of events that make Luna’s final year an emotional whirlwind. I don’t recall whether there were any trigger warnings, but there are definitely moments that could be difficult for some readers.
Despite a few slower sections, this was a heartfelt and memorable story about growing up, facing pain, and finding strength through life’s first big moments.
Luna, in her final year of school, goes through more than most, and it’s easier to list what she didn’t experience. It reads like a true coming-of-age story, showing the confusion and growth that come with stepping into adulthood. As an only child trying to decide her future, Luna’s journey captures the shifting dynamics of friendships and the evolving relationships we have with our parents as we grow up.
The pacing dragged a bit in places, but overall, it was a touching and emotional read — one that left me in tears by the end. Luna’s close bond with her father is beautifully written, while her complicated relationship with her mother adds depth and tension. Honestly, her mother’s storyline could have been a book of its own, given how much her actions affect Luna.
A school break-in sets off a chain of events that make Luna’s final year an emotional whirlwind. I don’t recall whether there were any trigger warnings, but there are definitely moments that could be difficult for some readers.
Despite a few slower sections, this was a heartfelt and memorable story about growing up, facing pain, and finding strength through life’s first big moments.
October 11, 2025
First I loved this book. I do believe the authors first language is not English, and that does show some in the writing but it isn’t horrible, it did take a minute to adjust to the different writing just because I’m so used to writers whose first language is English. The story also flowed more (to me) in a way that felt like your best friend trying to relay a story about her life. Not all the details were perfect, not everything flowed perfectly together, but it was perfectly imperfect in a way that actually made me feel MORE connected with Luna. I am looking forward to the next two books for sure!
October 15, 2025
Oh Luna, love! This story introduces us to Luna and 18 year old student in Italy. We meet Luna while she is in a relationship with Marco, her childhood friend. We learn early on that these two are not end game. Lol
Introduce Zane, and Luna doesn't like him due to the crowd he hangs out with. Zane and Luna end up dating and fall madly in love.
Luna goes through so much. She relearns about a childhood trauma she endured, which end up becoming an adult trauma as well. This book ends in a tragedy that left me bawling my eyes out.
Honestly, I wasn't sure how much I would enjoy this, but now I can't wait to see where Luna's journey takes her.
Introduce Zane, and Luna doesn't like him due to the crowd he hangs out with. Zane and Luna end up dating and fall madly in love.
Luna goes through so much. She relearns about a childhood trauma she endured, which end up becoming an adult trauma as well. This book ends in a tragedy that left me bawling my eyes out.
Honestly, I wasn't sure how much I would enjoy this, but now I can't wait to see where Luna's journey takes her.
July 1, 2025
The TWs are strong in this one. Please believe me when I say you’re going to cry. Luna’s story is so complex and so heartbreaking. Luna is a high school student just trying to get through her final year. She is faced with trial after trial while slowly unlocking memories that her brain locked away from her years ago. She is trying to figure out life and love and is hit with tragedies that most would never survive. I’d just like to add that if you want to really spiral from a cliffhanger of all cliffhangers then go back and re read the Prologue after you finish this book. I am not ok! 😭
October 10, 2025
This book had me hooked from the beginning with its intriguing plot and relatable characters. Luna, an 18-year-old girl, finds herself navigating the ups and downs of her final year of school when she’s unexpectedly thrust into a whirlwind of first loves, family drama, harsh realities, and mysterious secrets. As Luna embarks on this thrilling journey, I can’t help but feel a deep connection with her, with all of her ups and downs in her life. This story has me laughing and crying, truly caring for Luna and what has happened to her. I eagerly await the next installment in the series!
December 31, 2025
Wow
Before The Light is an amazing story.
We follow 18 year old Luna through her last year of school. Always the perfect student, daughter, and friend, Luna begins to feel the pressures of life and makes many questionable decisions.
My heart broke for Luna. She experienced so much pain, but pushes through determined to make something of herself.
Lebid's writing was beautiful and really brought the story to life. I believe that everyone could relate to this story in one form or another.
This is a must read that I will be suggesting to everyone.
Before The Light is an amazing story.
We follow 18 year old Luna through her last year of school. Always the perfect student, daughter, and friend, Luna begins to feel the pressures of life and makes many questionable decisions.
My heart broke for Luna. She experienced so much pain, but pushes through determined to make something of herself.
Lebid's writing was beautiful and really brought the story to life. I believe that everyone could relate to this story in one form or another.
This is a must read that I will be suggesting to everyone.
August 21, 2025
You know when you get a feeling about a character that starts off friendly but you know as a reader that they are shady af? I definitely had that feeling. This story most certainly contains some TWs, so definitely check that. I like when a story makes me have feelings. This made me have feelings. Some good, some bad, some happy and some sad. It’s really hard to say much more without giving away important details so I’ll just say, it was good and I’ll read the next one.
September 2, 2025
Before the Light is a captivating story that touches the heart. Right from the start, Luna's journey pulls you in—not just with mysteries to solve, but with the thrill of first love. It's the kind of love you never forget, adding a special touch to the story. The author invites readers to follow their heart and trust their instincts, reminding us not to be afraid to open up to love. This book is a heartfelt journey about courage and self-discovery, leaving a lasting impression.
October 12, 2025
“Before the Light” is a remarkable read that takes you on an emotional journey. Right from the start, the author's beautiful prose and the story's profound emotional depth captured my attention. Roksolana's writing stands out for its authenticity and immersive quality, making it a compelling experience.
I recommend this book to anyone interested in themes of resilience, growth, and self-discovery, as it leaves a lasting impression long after the final page.
I recommend this book to anyone interested in themes of resilience, growth, and self-discovery, as it leaves a lasting impression long after the final page.
October 14, 2025
Just wow you don't know
This is a very great read you don't know what you are getting till you get deep into it because it has so many twists and turns .
This is a very emotional book that will have you wanting a tissue because the trauma and tragedy in this is so heart breaking.
The Luna and Zanes love story is one the most call beautiful because he gave up his life for her and that's what makes this so sad because they didn't get the life they was planning.
This is a very great read you don't know what you are getting till you get deep into it because it has so many twists and turns .
This is a very emotional book that will have you wanting a tissue because the trauma and tragedy in this is so heart breaking.
The Luna and Zanes love story is one the most call beautiful because he gave up his life for her and that's what makes this so sad because they didn't get the life they was planning.
October 16, 2025
I have to say that as much as I went into this thinking it was going to be similar to things I've read in the past, I was wrong. The book has a slow burn 🔥 feeling to begin, but when it picks up, its like getting whiplash! I definitely connected with Luna on a personal level, and if you've read it and feel the same, im so sorry 💜
When I rate 5 stars, it doesn't always mean the book is for everyone, but the ones that it is for will know. Have all your tissues prepped!
When I rate 5 stars, it doesn't always mean the book is for everyone, but the ones that it is for will know. Have all your tissues prepped!
January 17, 2026
I received a free digital copy of this book from the author. There are several things that led me to request it. The cover…The one with the cracked doll face and human (yes actual human-the authors!) eyes really drew me in. Also the description of the book.
The story for me started a little slow but picked up quickly. I can say that I connected with Luna and truly felt for her by the end.
I am hopeful to find and read the next book in this trilogy.
The story for me started a little slow but picked up quickly. I can say that I connected with Luna and truly felt for her by the end.
I am hopeful to find and read the next book in this trilogy.
July 2, 2025
Roksolana Lebid sure knows how to bring a story to life. This book was about a girl named Luna, who was 18, in school to be a fashion designer. The author has such a beautiful way of writing with all the emotional layers. I felt all the feels with this book, one minute I was happy, and the next thing I knew I was crying. Such a compelling story and I highly recommend reading it.
October 9, 2025
This one was amazing it was so good that i couldn’t stop reading every page would pull in. Luna story is amazing and heartbreaking at the same time maybe there a lot of luna out there would be connected with her story I was one of them.. i really recommend this if you looking for something that’s that is going to have cry and have little of everything ..
October 9, 2025
Finished reading last night and still can’t wrap my head around everything Luna went through. Finally finding the one thing she was needing in life not only with Zane but her baby too to just end up how it went down. I cried for her…literally cried! My heart still aches for her. BUT I am waiting patiently to hear what she overcomes next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2025
So many emotions!
I finished this book 2 days ago, but needed time to process. I loved it! The characters were mostly great (once you read you'll understand). There were so many times that I was absolutely angry and disgusted, then there were times I was completely torn up. I will give nothing away, but I will say.... READ THIS ONE!!! You definitely will not regret it.
I finished this book 2 days ago, but needed time to process. I loved it! The characters were mostly great (once you read you'll understand). There were so many times that I was absolutely angry and disgusted, then there were times I was completely torn up. I will give nothing away, but I will say.... READ THIS ONE!!! You definitely will not regret it.
October 28, 2025
Love the story of Luna and Zane. There’s a lot of happy and sad parts in the story.
I’m not one for many words so I almost always refer back to the blurb.
You will want to read it until the end. It’s a can’t put down. I’m a little bit of a slow reader and i finished this in 4ish days. I can’t wait for books 2 and 3 to come out and see the rest of the story following Luna.
I’m not one for many words so I almost always refer back to the blurb.
You will want to read it until the end. It’s a can’t put down. I’m a little bit of a slow reader and i finished this in 4ish days. I can’t wait for books 2 and 3 to come out and see the rest of the story following Luna.
November 10, 2025
Before the Light follows Luna, a young woman balancing the everyday pressures of school, family, friendship, and first love—until the shadows of her past begin to surface. Lebid writes with a careful hand, letting secrets unfurl in ways that feel both intimate and inevitable. The result is a story that aches with truth while still offering genuine warmth and hope.
What moved me most was how thoughtfully the author intertwines Luna’s life with Zane’s. Their connection doesn’t explode—it deepens, page by page, with quiet gestures and vulnerable conversations. Lebid portrays Luna’s traumatic upbringing with restraint and respect, never exploiting pain, but illuminating it. That tenderness makes Luna’s small victories feel monumental, and it makes the stakes of her choices land with real weight.
The pacing is propulsive without feeling rushed; revelations arrive at just the right moments, and several turns caught me off guard in the best way. By the final chapters, I felt both satisfied and hungry for more—eager to follow Luna into part two and see how she continues to claim her voice.
Unpredictable, heartfelt, and highly readable, Before the Light is a compassionate look at healing and the messy, beautiful work of letting yourself be loved.
What moved me most was how thoughtfully the author intertwines Luna’s life with Zane’s. Their connection doesn’t explode—it deepens, page by page, with quiet gestures and vulnerable conversations. Lebid portrays Luna’s traumatic upbringing with restraint and respect, never exploiting pain, but illuminating it. That tenderness makes Luna’s small victories feel monumental, and it makes the stakes of her choices land with real weight.
The pacing is propulsive without feeling rushed; revelations arrive at just the right moments, and several turns caught me off guard in the best way. By the final chapters, I felt both satisfied and hungry for more—eager to follow Luna into part two and see how she continues to claim her voice.
Unpredictable, heartfelt, and highly readable, Before the Light is a compassionate look at healing and the messy, beautiful work of letting yourself be loved.
November 10, 2025
This book had me feeling all of the emotions- it was an easy read - it had all the things you want in an Enemy to lovers- Romance book- it had me up and down in emotions so it made me want to continue reading making it hard to put the book down! I loved the FMC which is not very common for me! I can’t wait to read the 2nd book! I highly recommend this book!
November 10, 2025
Before the Light is not a light read; it's an 'emotional damage ship' that delivers a poignant and raw look into a young girl's life. If you're a fan of deep, character-driven coming-of-age stories, this book is for you.
Follows 18-year-old Luna in a small Italian town.
Her "perfect" life unravels as her relationship crumbles and family secrets emerge.
Follows 18-year-old Luna in a small Italian town.
Her "perfect" life unravels as her relationship crumbles and family secrets emerge.
November 28, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️.9 / 5⭐️
This book follows Lunas coming of age story in Italy & what an emotional roller-coaster 😢. Poor Luna gone through so much at such a young age. I hated & loved every character all at the same time 😩. It did take me a little longer to get into the story but Bestiessss once I did I was in love & heartbroken 🥹.
This book follows Lunas coming of age story in Italy & what an emotional roller-coaster 😢. Poor Luna gone through so much at such a young age. I hated & loved every character all at the same time 😩. It did take me a little longer to get into the story but Bestiessss once I did I was in love & heartbroken 🥹.
July 22, 2025
I had won this book from goodreads giveaway and I did enjoy this book i was not expecting dealing with many roller coaster emotions. I definitely recommend this book and can’t wait to read the next book to Luna’s story.
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