What do you think?
Rate this book
Before I Go: Frank's Story
Frank Happy hoped he could flee the violence that plagued his growing up years and start a new life with his mother and brother in the quiet coastal town of Eastport, Maine. But building a life when anger resides on one shoulder and fear on the other is not an easy task.
Delving deep into the complexities of family relationships and the devastating consequences of anger and unforgiveness, Before I Go, the prequel to the first novel of The Eastport Series, takes you on a tender, faith-filled, and at times gut-wrenching journey through Frank Happy's life–from his teenage years through adulthood.
Fans of Lisa Wingate and Jan Karon will want to add this gripping tale to their collections.
Before I Go grabbed me by the throat in the first few pages. The characters are relatable and develop in a way that made me care what happens in their lives. As someone whose roots in Eastport, Maine, run deep, I enjoyed the way the landmarks and the character of the community I know and love are woven seamlessly throughout this touching story of love and faith overcoming adversity.
Kevin Raye,
Former Maine Senate President
Eastport native, and fourth generation
co-owner of Raye’s Mustard Mill
Before I Go has captivating characters and fast-moving action in an ideal setting. Before you can blink there is a fight, a car crash, and a romance. Marilyn K Blair has a gift, not just for storytelling, but for making you feel a part of the story. You’ll feel the highs and lows, the ins and outs of life, and relive significant moments of what we have all faced. You’ll be moved as you read, and your heart will be stirred for what we all long for.
Gordon Douglas
Comedian, Inspirational Speaker,
Author of Growth Spurts & Growin’ Pains
www.gordondouglasisfunny.com
Marilyn K Blair’s characters are complex and believable. She deals realistically with life’s pain and challenges and how they affect our relationships and our faith. Before I Go grabs you from the first pages and tells of human frailty and heartbreak redeemed by unconditional love. You’ll need a few tissues on hand for this one!
Cheryl Weber
Lancaster Christian Writers Coordinator
www.LancasterChristianWriters.org
Before I Go compellingly portrays true-to-life trauma on hearts and minds, while also offering hope through the power of love, forgiveness, and faith. In this latest Eastport Series novel, Marilyn K Blair provides readers with not only a satisfying backstory for the previous books, but also a vision of the difference faith in God can make.
Scott Fisher
Pastor, Delaware Valley Christian Church
Delving deep into the complexities of family relationships and the devastating consequences of anger and unforgiveness, Before I Go, the prequel to the first novel of The Eastport Series, takes you on a tender, faith-filled, and at times gut-wrenching journey through Frank Happy's life–from his teenage years through adulthood.
Fans of Lisa Wingate and Jan Karon will want to add this gripping tale to their collections.
Before I Go grabbed me by the throat in the first few pages. The characters are relatable and develop in a way that made me care what happens in their lives. As someone whose roots in Eastport, Maine, run deep, I enjoyed the way the landmarks and the character of the community I know and love are woven seamlessly throughout this touching story of love and faith overcoming adversity.
Kevin Raye,
Former Maine Senate President
Eastport native, and fourth generation
co-owner of Raye’s Mustard Mill
Before I Go has captivating characters and fast-moving action in an ideal setting. Before you can blink there is a fight, a car crash, and a romance. Marilyn K Blair has a gift, not just for storytelling, but for making you feel a part of the story. You’ll feel the highs and lows, the ins and outs of life, and relive significant moments of what we have all faced. You’ll be moved as you read, and your heart will be stirred for what we all long for.
Gordon Douglas
Comedian, Inspirational Speaker,
Author of Growth Spurts & Growin’ Pains
www.gordondouglasisfunny.com
Marilyn K Blair’s characters are complex and believable. She deals realistically with life’s pain and challenges and how they affect our relationships and our faith. Before I Go grabs you from the first pages and tells of human frailty and heartbreak redeemed by unconditional love. You’ll need a few tissues on hand for this one!
Cheryl Weber
Lancaster Christian Writers Coordinator
www.LancasterChristianWriters.org
Before I Go compellingly portrays true-to-life trauma on hearts and minds, while also offering hope through the power of love, forgiveness, and faith. In this latest Eastport Series novel, Marilyn K Blair provides readers with not only a satisfying backstory for the previous books, but also a vision of the difference faith in God can make.
Scott Fisher
Pastor, Delaware Valley Christian Church
550 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 8, 2025
1 person is currently reading
1 person want to read
About the author
Marilyn K. Blair
9 books7 followersMarilyn K Blair is a wife, mother, teacher, businesswoman, enthusiastic Philadelphia sports fan and devoted woman of faith. Recently, she met a life goal by dancing on the Phillies' dugout with the Philly Phanatic during Spring Training in Florida.
Much like her main character in Iris and Mo, Iris Hornbeam, Marilyn has spent the bulk of her career writing handbooks, procedures, proposals, lesson plans, and curriculum. She is excited to leave the world of information writing behind for the world of fiction.
Marilyn is an avid RV-er with her husband and they are looking forward to retirement years when they can spend the bulk of their time on the road again...and again...and again.
Much like her main character in Iris and Mo, Iris Hornbeam, Marilyn has spent the bulk of her career writing handbooks, procedures, proposals, lesson plans, and curriculum. She is excited to leave the world of information writing behind for the world of fiction.
Marilyn is an avid RV-er with her husband and they are looking forward to retirement years when they can spend the bulk of their time on the road again...and again...and again.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 of 1 review
August 11, 2025
This was a very good story, lots of twists and turns...love the main characters, always cheering for them!
Displaying 1 of 1 review