Before and After

The Vals #1

by C.P. Cabaniss

Can before and after become now?

Valancy has lived two lives before and after.

Before grief devastated her, she was bold and fearless, with boundless dreams. After, she pulled into herself, leaving that life and its people behind for one of routine and order that promised safety. A decade later, her well-ordered life is thrown into disarray when Will, her best friend from before, shows up in her after. As the two reconnect, Valancy's old dreams begin to rekindle and she wonders if her before and after can become a better now.

Genres: Romance, Young Adult, Christmas, Fiction, Contemporary

Unknown Binding

First published November 21, 2023

About the author

C P Cabaniss lives in a small town in the southern United States where she teaches math, imagines—and sometimes writes—stories, and reads too many books at once. She is most inspired while with her horses, meditating in a historic cemetery, or exploring retired naval ships. She loves to travel and has long dreamed of adopting a nomadic lifestyle—though she has yet to determine what this would mean for her collection of books, which seems to grow by the day.

You can find her on Instagram @courtneysreads and YouTube @CourtneyReads

Reviews

[Maven_Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Before and After by C. P. Cabaniss Review

Before and After by C. P. Cabaniss is a tender, slow‑burn contemporary romance about healing, friendship, and finding love in the places you least expect it. The story centers on Valancy, a young woman who lived a bold, fearless life before tragedy struck her family and shattered her world, and who has spent the last decade living cautiously, avoiding old dreams and the people who knew her before. Her well‑ordered routine is disrupted when Will, her childhood best friend, unexpectedly shows up during a Thanksgiving trip home, reopening memories and feelings she thought she had long buried. As they reconnect, Valancy begins to reflect on who she was, who she’s become, and whether the “before” and “after” of her life might come together into a brighter now worth embracing.

What stayed with me most was how heartfelt and sincere this story feels: Valancy’s grief over losing her father is written with compassion and depth that made her emotional journey feel real and resonant, not rushed or superficial. The gentle pacing allows her reconnection with Will to unfold in a way that feels beautifully earned, filled with thoughtful conversations, poignant moments of self‑discovery, and that reassuring warmth that comes from reconnecting with someone who truly knows you. Will himself was a real standout for me: kind, observant, and patient, he made me feel the comfort of being seen and supported without pressure or grand gestures.

The holiday setting and themes of hope, healing, and second chances gave the book a cozy, hopeful atmosphere that reminded me of a gentle Hallmark movie with genuine emotional depth. With closed‑door intimacy (kisses only) and a focus on emotional rather than physical romance, this story is perfect for readers who love sweet, reflective romances that linger in the heart and mind long after the last page.

Rating: 3 out of 5
Because the warm emotional growth and sincere reconnection between Valancy and Will made this a beautifully uplifting romance about healing and hope.

[C.P. Cabaniss]

UPDATE
Paperbacks are now available!

The ebook will release November 21.

There are a couple of early reviews already posted - check out what people are saying and then grab your copy!

Original Update
I had a great experience writing this book and hope that you'll enjoy it if you pick it up.

Expected publication is November 21, 2023.

Watch this space for updates with the cover and preorder info.

UPDATE

The cover has been posted here and on other social media. Isn't it wonderful? It was designed by the very talented Hayley Morgan (@Quollityart on Instagram).

And the book is now live to preorder on kindle! It will also be available in Kindle Unlimited once it goes live on November 21. Here is the book page for the US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CHQY5BJL/...

The paperback will be available to purchase beginning November 7. That way, if you want to order a physical copy, you could potentially have it in hand when the ebook releases on November 21.

I hope you will enjoy Valancy's story!

[Bethany Meadows · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️

Before & After” follows Valancy and Will. As a teen, Valancy lost her father in a tragic accident. After the loss, she shut many people, including her friend Will, out of her life. Years later, she’s traveling home for Thanksgiving and she happens to meet Will at the airport! This chance meeting brings back memories Valancy has kept hidden away. As she and Will reconnect, healing finally begins. This is a sweet and clean romance! It deals with topics like grief and loss, in a positive way. Will was such a sweet and thoughtful guy! I love how he was so observant of the needs of others!

[Moriah Chavis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really cute! The audiobook was well narrated, and the story was fun. It was almost novella length, which isn’t a bad thing. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a wholesome Christmas themed romance.

[Ella Noellee · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was such a sweet childhood friends to lovers story. 🥹
I love the way that Will inspired Val and made her feel at ease with him🥹💖 he was such a gentleman and sweetheart🥰 them meeting up (accidentally) and dancing at the airport was adorable🥹
the narration was amazing! the voice actor that a really good job on doing the voiceover🥹🫶🏼 it was clear and concise🩷

tropes:
✈️childhood friends to lovers
✈️travel photographer MMC
✈️single POV
✈️Christmas volunteering
✈️caring MMC
✈️themes of healing and finding something that you love doing

spice: kisses only (level 🌶️)
no swearing

[Kortnee - The Closed Door Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Language🤐: Clean

Romance❤️‍🔥 : Kisses only

⚠️Loss of family member⚠️

Tropes/Micro Tropes
Day before Thanksgiving
• Second Chance Romance
• Friends to lovers
• Old Friends reunited
• Single POV
• Old and new meeting
• Finding dreams again

This story was a such a sweet story! I really enjoyed seeing Valancy's growth and coming back into herself! It was interesting to see the complex emotions that Valancy had to navigate as she is confronted with her pass when Will runs into her in the airport it has been a decade since she had seen him and she has created a whole new life separating her pass from her present. It was interesting to see her awaken to the fact of this separation of herself and learning to blend these parts of her life together. I found her quite relatable and fully enjoyed seeing how Valancy grew throughout this story! It's wonderful to see her learn how to dream and discover herself again! I feel like I could related in my own personal journey of discovering who I am even though it's very different than Valancy it made the story that much more enjoyable!

I had the opportunity to listen to the audiobook version of this story! It was really enjoyable to listen to the narrator did a wonderful job with it!

My personal reading is a 4.5 happily rounded up for Goodreads! Definitely a great story for those who love second chance romances and growth of wonderful characters!

[Alexis (IG: lexislimitlesslibrary) Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨Audio Review✨

I am a sucker for second chance romances and this story did not disappoint! I loved the development of the characters and how they still found joy in the trials and difficulties of their lives.

Thank you to the author for the gifted audiobook. All thoughts are my own.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Life is messy. You can fix messy. You know what you can’t fix?”
Not trying.

This is just one of the thoughts that will stick with you after turning the last page of 'Before and After'.

A gentle romance full of heart that deals with loss and hurt and different ways in which we all try to cope with something that makes our world fall apart. This book is like a balm for the soul of those who are trying to find themselves.
It is the tale of a young woman living a half life, hobbled by past hurt and mistakes and lacking the courage or motivation to even consider her dreams, let alone chase them. Until one chance meeting has her start to remember how life felt before tragedy struck. And she slowly begins to wonder if perhaps her future doesn’t have to be quite as bleak and lonely as she thought. If she finds the courage to try and do something about it.

After all, even if we cannot undo the past, we can change the present and alter the course of the future.

Well written and full of heart, this book gives us an absolutely relatable tale that could belong to any one of us. A sweet and fun tale of love found again, alongside the courage to take life by the horns and chase your dreams even knowing you might fail.

With a wonderful holiday vibe and characters you'd want as BFFs, 'Before and After' is one of those books that will leave you with a smile on your lips, warmth in your heart and, most importantly, that little nudge to reevaluate priorities and life and do more of what makes you happy. Do more of what makes you... YOU.

Happy reading everyone
And remember
Do your best. That’s all anyone can ask for.

[Janie Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great read. I have known Courtney for many, many years, and I feel honored to have read one of her amazing books. I think I will follow up with I've said Love.

[funkelbunt.liest · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 stars, rounded to 5

This was a really sweet and despite being rather short slow paced romance.

The book starts when former childhood best friends Valancy and Will meet again by chance and Valancy starts to evaluate her life after she cut all ties to her old life, including Will, about 10 years ago.

I really empathized with quiet, introverted Val, but it was Will, who gave this book life, especially with his kindness and thoughtfulness towards friends and strangers equally.

One main aspect of the book is grief, how we all deal with this differently and that’s a lifelong process.

I really enjoyed this book, which was mostly about Valancy reflecting her past and present emotions, motives and decisions, gaining insights about herself and taking new steps, but included a sweet friends to lovers romance, with the best friend who set this new thought process in motion.

“Until seeing Will again, she hadn’t realized she wasn’t whole. Or, at least, she hadn’t realized how fragmented she has become. Now she wonders if this continuous colliding of before and after can put her together again.”

“It’s impossible to undo the past, she knows, but she can change the present and alter the course of the future. She won’t regret the life she’s created, but it doesn’t mean she has to remain stagnant, either. She can meld the two halves of herself together - before and after can become now.”

The only thing I didn’t really enjoy was the sort of love triangle. I am not a fan of love triangles in general and in this case it felt kind of unnecessary for the plot in my opinion. I appreciate that it was only a minor side plot and that it was resolved without drama, but I just don’t enjoy reading about it, because I feel anxious not knowing if someone’s heart will be broken…

I definitely recommend this book and also the second “the Vals” book “I’ve said Love” where we will meet Valancy and Will again.

* Thank you to the author for letting me read an advanced copy of this book. I leave this review voluntarily and the expressed opinions are my own.

[Sharonb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe 3.5
Following the sudden death of her father when she was a teen, Valancy has struggled with grief from the loss. She has isolated herself from friends and her old life. In particular, she hasn't seen or been in contact with her childhood best friend, Will, for 10 years. She is also in a job she doesn't really like as she has put all her ambitions on hold. At an airport, when going home to her family for Thanksgiving, she unexpectedly meets Will. Over the following few weeks, they reconnect and Valancy begins to heal.

This is not my usual type of book to read, I don't usually enjoy modern books, but I do, occasionally like a romance. This is a clean romance with only non descriptive kisses, which is a major plus. Although initially I found it slow and I wasn't really enjoying it, by about 50% I was invested in Will and Valency's relationship. Will is an absolutely lovely character, always seeing what others need and doing things for them. The other characters, particularly Valency's friend and sister, were also fun to read. The theme of loss and grief and how individuals are affected differently by it runs throughout and is well written.

I have the second book in the series and will probably read that at some point. I would quite like to read some more of Valency and Will, but probably not for a while.

[McKenna Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook Review⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to the author @cpcabaniss_author
and @the_audio_collective for the #gifted audiobook.

Some love stories aren’t about grand gestures—they’re about healing, timing, and finding your way back to yourself.

Before and After is a no-spice contemporary romance that beautifully explores grief, growth, and second chances. Valancy has lived two lives: before loss reshaped her world, and after, when she chose safety and routine over dreams and connection. When Will—her childhood best friend and first love—unexpectedly reenters her life during an airport reunion, everything she carefully built begins to shift.

💫 What you’ll find inside:
🤍 Childhood friends → best friends → strangers → lovers
✈️ Airport reconnect
💔 Loss of a parent & deep grief representation
💋 Kisses only / closed-door romance
🌱 Healing, hope, and rediscovering old dreams

This story is tender and reflective, showing how love can wait patiently while people grow into who they’re meant to be. The emotional arc felt authentic and quietly powerful, especially as Valancy learns that her “before” and “after” don’t have to be separate—they can create a better now.

🎧 Audiobook Note: Narrated by Casey Montgomery, who did a wonderful job bringing emotional depth and nuance to the story. Her narration made this an especially immersive listen.

If you love gentle, heartfelt romances focused on emotional connection and healing—with zero spice—this one is well worth your time.

[Basemath Abernathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness!!! This is the cutest story ever!!!! I don’t usually read holiday or contemporary romance, but I fell in love with this story more every minute. It was so sweet and well paced!

Valancy Is a broken but beautiful character, and the love triangle was not overused or cringe. I really appreciate how the love triangle ended, it was very mature and respectful.

I love the guy she ended up with so much! They are a perfect pair and have a healthy, adorable relationship.

I love how every character, even the background ones, were given personalities. They were so great!! Especially Bill and Monica.

I was absolutely entranced by the narration, Casey Montgomery did a fantastic job! I highly recommend listening to this audiobook!

Negatives: Nothing at all!

Romance: Yes!! It’s so cute! Just kissing and holding.
Magic: No. But this story was magic unto itself!
Gore: None
Cussing: None

I received an ALC from the author. All thoughts are my own, I received no compensation for reviewing.

[Renná Bruce · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an adorable story. Told from the POV of Valancy, a young woman going through the motions and living life after the loss of her father. Unexpectedly, Valancy runs into her childhood bestie, Will.

Their meeting at an airport during the holidays resurfaces some feelings and memories she thought were buried with her father.

However, this chance encounter changes Valancy’s life and opens her heart to love, to change and to living her best life.

Loved Will. He was thoughtful, caring and kind. Valancy’s friend Valarie is the kind of friend we’d all be lucky to have and her sister, Anne, is the supportive and encouraging character she needs in her life.

A terrific holiday romance.
A clean, adorable rom-com.
Deals with parental loss (father).

This was my first book by this author and I will be looking for more!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded to 5 stars

Before and After is the first book I have read written by C.P. Cabaniss, and I cannot wait to read more. This is the first book in The Vals series, and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Casey Montgomery. She did a great job bringing the story to life.
The character development was great. I loved pulling back the layers and getting to see more behind who Valancy and Will are. Valancy lost her father in an accident. Seeing how Valancy deals with grief, shutting out her old life and starting a new one.

This book was all things holiday romance that was perfection, though it could be read at any time of the year. I loved getting to know each character and watching them develop. I was rooting for Val and Will the whole time.   
This second-chance romance was clean and sweet with kisses only.  

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. A positive review was not required. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Heidireadsitall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved everything about this story. Valancy was such a strong and captivating main character, and I loved watching her move through her grief to a place of healing and rediscovery. Her journey felt honest and hopeful.

Will was a wonderful male lead. He brought kindness, sweetness, and a sincerity that felt so refreshing.
Every scene with him added warmth and depth to the story, and the way he supported Valancy made my heart melt.

The portrayal of grief was handled with so much care and compassion. Nothing felt rushed or minimized. It felt real in a way that honors anyone who has been through it. And the sweet family support throughout the book was truly top notch.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves heartfelt stories filled with growth, connection, and healing.

[Scarlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will & Wordsy (Valency) are so sweet together, bringing the best out in each other. Having grown up together, everything was falling into place until it wasn’t. After losing Valency’s dad, both Will and Val are trying to heal and make sense of the loss. After being separated for ten years with no contact, Will shows back up in Val’s life...is this her chance to bridge her life between the before and after of tragedy?

I loved this sweet and easy read. C.P. Cabaniss is an independent author who effortlessly developed a story of friendship and healing that brought a joy to my soul (what can I say? I love happy endings!). Show her some love and read her stories @cpcabaniss_author

[Readingmytbrlist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will & Wordsy (Valency) are so sweet together, bringing the best out in each other. Having grown up together, everything was falling into place until it wasn’t. After losing Valency’s dad, both Will and Val are trying to heal and make sense of the loss. After being separated for ten years with no contact, Will shows back up in Val’s life...is this her chance to bridge her life between the before and after of tragedy?

I loved this sweet and easy read. C.P. Cabaniss is an independent author who effortlessly developed a story of friendship and healing that brought a joy to my soul (what can I say? I love happy endings!). Show her some love and read her stories @cpcabaniss_author

[Nic · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a super sweet and heartwarming story about life after loss. It’s a healing journey that balances grief and hope. And it’s done in a fantastic way. I love how some stories are able to resonate with you and this one hits the mark. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator does a fantastic job. It’s written in third person POV. I know that bothers some people, but not me.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The book was cute, fun, sweet, enjoyable. A solid read. Would read again at some point.

No Spice (Kissing is as far as it gets)

No Explicit Language

[Kaylynne J · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! This is my first read by C.P. And I will definitely be reading the rest of this series! I loved all the characters and the merging of Valancy’s life from before and now. So many great quotes & Will is an absolute gem 😭 I loved Valancy’s growth and realizations at the end & was caught up in all the feels at the end. It wasn’t a long read which is great! I can’t wait to read the next one to see what Valarie’s story is because I definitely wanted to know more while reading this one. This was a perfect addition to my Christmas reads.

[Samantha Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

A childhood friends-to-lovers story that was beautifully written and had me hooked from the start. It was sweet and heartwarming, and at one point, even brought tears to my eyes. I loved it! This is my first book by this author, and it won't be the last!

I listened to the audiobook at 1.2 in one day, and I found Casey Montgomery’s narration soothing and the story easy to follow and fall into. Definitely recommend!

[emeraldragonlady (Maddie) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is well written & Casey Montgomery did great narrating. I loved the idea of a second chance romance while reconciling your with your future. Val finally meets her catalyst from her past in an airport. And thus she is now one her way to grabbing her destiny and taking it into her own hands, instead of just being a bystander in her story. Everything between the characters feels organic and well thought out, not rushed, or stiff and I love this. It’s gives the story more authenticity and relatability for readers. And it happens during Christmas!! Love it!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story.

It was quick, easy, and perfect palate cleanser for the New Year. Think Hallmark movie but in words. The whole story made me smile. It was the definition of a cozy comfort read.

We follow Valancy as she weaves through her life after tragedy and on a delayed flight to thanksgiving she meets her old best friend which starts a lovely reunion. It starts her own journey into self discovery and rediscovery old forgotten dreams.

If you like:

- second chance romance
- friends to lovers
- and a little bit of angst.

Then you will like this book!

I truly recommend it.

Spoiler here

At the end she says a pretty funny line about burning a book and it made me laugh out loud.

[Cherilyn (Cherwhatyouread) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book. I really related to it as someone who has lost a parent and noticed the difference of the before and after. I loved how Valancy compared who she once was and who she had become to seeing how she could merge both sides of herself. Will is important to the entire story as the catalyst to inspire her self reflection.

[Debbie Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much. Valancy goes through a period where she puts the past behind her after a loss in her life. Years later, she runs into Will, and he is from her past. It is a time of bringing her past into the present. It shows that you can find love from an old friend from your past if you are open to it. If you like contemporary romance, this one is for you.

[Natscleanreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book by C.P. Cabaniss that I've read/listened to and I'm glad I took a chance on her. This story is sweet and tender, full of grief, loss, and recovery. Sometimes you need old friends to help you find yourself again. The narrator was wonderful and easy to listen to. There are no swears or alcohol and level 1 kisses only. Third Person single POV. Present tense.

[Megan Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing I could say negatively about this read. Such a fast paced, sweet romance book. Characters were relatable, had you rooting for them. If you like friends to lovers, second chance love and closed door romance this book is the one.

[Bookish Venturess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

This was an incredible book. I loved the characters so much. I also loved that it's a best friend to lovers/ second chance. Such a great heartwarming story. Perfect for the holiday season.

[Princesspint · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an emotional 😢 book 📖. When I lost my dad 👨, my world 🌎 came tunneling down. I lost myself in grief 😔, didn't care about anything. Although it wasn't a romance that brought me back. I'm still slowing 🐌 catching up on things I messed up during that time. New author too me.

[Carolina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this story. I enjoyed the characters and liked the character development of Valancy, the main character.

It has a slow start, but a few chapters in it picks up pace. There is a love triangle, but it's done well and isn't cringy.