I've Been Here Before: and other stories

by Eleanor Wells

In five disparate tales, introspective women at key turnings points face otherworldly experiences which force them to consider who they are and who they might have been.

An ex-figure skater is haunted by her best friend’s ghost in “The End of All Things.”

The frontwoman of a rising punk band navigates a strange liminal space towards a mysterious train in “Our Lifelong Dreams.”

In “I’ve Been Here Before,” a nihilistic college student experiences vivid memories of a past life that ended in a tragic roller coaster accident sixty years before.

With the supernatural echoes of The Twilight Zone and the melancholy of F. Scott Fitzgerald, the stories of I’ve Been Here Before explore how mortality and imperfection are what give life meaning.

Genres: Short Stories, Audiobook

132 pages, Unknown Binding

First published March 11, 2026

About the author

Eleanor Wells is a writer, filmmaker, and actress, born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She graduated from Emerson College in 2017 with a BA in Media Arts Production and resides in Los Angeles, California.

Reviews

[Bookaholic__Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my very first time reading anything by Eleanor Wells and I was really impressed with it. The way that all the stories lean into the theme of deja vu or reincarnation was written beautifully. Don't go into this expecting happy endings, these stories while beautiful are bleak and grief stricken.


I really enjoyed the last story the most about Sienna and the theme park. I would absolutely have loved that story to be a novel all on its own. I wanted to get to know those characters in more depth, plus a theme park is a great setting.


Overall I had a great time with this collection. But if I must complain about anything it would be that while these were good as short stories, a few of them could be phenomenal if they were fleshed out more into full length novels.

I received a copy in exchange for my honest review

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

One thing I personally enjoy in a contemporary writer is the ability to seamlessly sprinkle in pop culture references, which Wells does. It's gloomy and touches on the deep pain of human life - of what is unforgettable, of what hurts us deepest, and the "what ifs?" that humans can't help but ponder. Wells writes very strong story beginnings that pull you in. I listened to this, and I was able to differentiate the characters strictly due to strong point-of-view writing, characters I felt were fairly well-rounded. I liked this collection.

May contain spoilers.

The End of All Things
Not going to lie, this one I couldn't get into as much because the character and mother who died have me and my mother's names, so I was a bit distracted (that's my own issue, no knock to the author haha). However, I did enjoy how this story explored Emma's hesitation to get back on the ice after her friend, who appears from beyond the dead to encourage Emma. It does not dwell in the pits of fresh grief but instead shows how it can linger within us, years on. I do wish we perhaps got more of the ice skating, since it's the initial connection between Emma and Hannah, but I liked the bittersweetness to this tale.


Fragments of Another Life
To me, this is the strongest story in the collection. The pacing of a woman frustrated with traffic and the issues of her life, addressing each one by one, connecting to what's around her, is pretty spot on and intriguing as an introduction. I felt the confused sadness of Camila seeing her dead mother again, the confusion and revelations over the course of this story kept me intrigued. It's a story I felt took a turn I did not expect, and I would recommend sampling this one first. Very good magical realism-type!

Our Lifelong Dreams
A tale of amnesia. This famous singer cannot recall who she is, which of course ensues a journey of discovery - of who she was and who she will be in the afterlife. There is a lot of reflection and regret in this one.

The Game of Life
A waitress gets an intriguing customer who seems to know about her past - a little too much of a fan, for lack of a better term. He calls himself "not a stalker," but he for sure seems like it. That ending...just ooooof. Tense. I didn't see that coming.

I've Been Here Before
Despite this being the title of this collection, I think I liked this story the least. I found this as gloomy as the other stories, and perhaps since it was the last story, and I listened to this all the way through, I didn't appreciate it as much.

These are my thoughts spilled just after each story. Overall, this is a solid collection of short stories.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ALC! This book is out now.
This was a simple and straightforward audiobook. I liked how each story felt like a coming of age moment for the FMC in it. I liked the slight paranormal/supernatural twinge to each story, it did deliver on the Twilight Zone feel. I have nothing bad to say about this book, the narrators were great and the writing was pleasant. I'm finding this author doesn't write books in an exciting manner, which is more of a me problem, but it didn't detract from my enjoyment of this book. It was a quick, easy read on a Sunday morning. This book is emotional and reflective and will make you think about what you value in life!

[Tierney Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've Been Here Before is a hauntingly introspective collection of short stories, an evocative volume in which Eleanor Wells explores the lives of women at crucial turning points, weaving together a tapestry of experiences that feel both deeply personal and universally resonant.

I really enjoyed the neat integration of supernatural and speculative elements. Ranging from ghostly visitations to eerie, liminal spaces, each story uses its paranormal device as a lens to examine mortality, grief, and the what-ifs of our pasts. The Twilight Zone-esque atmosphere is expertly maintained throughout the different stories, providing just enough chill to keep us off-balance while never losing sight of the human emotions at the core of the narrative. Whether it is a former figure skater confronting the echoes of a lost friendship or the uncanny arrival of past-life memories, the speculative elements perfectly highlight the fragility of the characters’ current realities.

The audio version of the collection is very good. Unlike some collections where the narration can feel inconsistent, the narrators here are all good; each brings a distinct, polished quality to their story that helps differentiate the various female perspectives while maintaining the cohesive, melancholy tone of the book.

This is a beautifully written, reflective, and thought-provoking work, an excellent choice for anyone who appreciates a dash of magical realism to tell stories that linger, asking us to consider not just who we are but who we might have been.

Thank you to the author and publisher and to NetGalley for the opportunity to find lots of enjoyable emotional resonance in this super audio ARC.

[Nedelitta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Date Read: 27 June '26

⭐️3.5 | 🎧2

A collection of 5 short stories connected through a theme of mortality and imperfection. All of them have a dreamy and melancholic feeling with some vibes similar to The Twilight Zone. We also have lots of what if’s, regrets and grief.

I liked all of the stories equally, they were good but I feel like they could've moved me more? I can't tell if it's me, the writing or the audiobook as tbh I didn't like half of the narrators. I do absolutely love that cover tho, look at it!

Would definitely recommend if you're in a melancholic or dreamy mood.

[Alicia Grez · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve Been Here Before: and Other Stories is a collection of short stories exploring transcendentalism, the supernatural, and paranormal experiences through the lives of five women.

I didn’t love or hate this book and only a few of the stories truly stood out to me. While I really liked the overall concept, I didn’t quite get the eerie or unsettling feeling I was hoping for. That said, some stories were more engaging than others. If I were to rank them by enjoyment, it would be:

1. Our Lifelong Dreams – The frontwoman of a rising punk band navigates a strange liminal space leading toward a mysterious train.
2. The Game of Life – A bartender meets a mysterious man who sends her down a path of relapse and vengeance.
3. I’ve Been Here Before – A nihilistic college student experiences vivid memories of a past life that ended in a tragic roller coaster accident sixty years earlier.
4. Fragments of Another Life – A young woman dreams of a life where she never left home to pursue a career as a producer in Los Angeles—a glimpse of what might have been.
5. The End of All Things – An ex–figure skater is haunted by the ghost of her best friend.

The Game of Life really caught me by surprise. I did not see that ending coming, and I absolutely loved it.

Overall, I’d recommend this as a lighter read, especially after heavier books or as something to enjoy in between book club reads.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Victoria (storieswithtorie) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I absolutely love a good short story collection because every entry has the chance to leave a completely different mark on you, and that’s exactly what happened here. Some stories hit me much harder than others, but there wasn’t one that I found forgettable.

I’ve always been someone who has incredibly vivid dreams that stay with me long after I wake up, so the themes throughout this collection really resonated. It was easy for me to imagine the alternate paths these characters explored and to get swept up in the strange, almost dreamlike quality of their experiences. The blend of the supernatural with very human emotions made for an atmospheric and thought-provoking read.

If you’re looking for action-packed stories, this may not be for you, but if you enjoy introspective fiction that lingers in your mind and makes you wonder about the roads not taken, I think this collection is well worth picking up. It left me reflecting on it long after I turned the last page.

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve Been Here Before is a quick read with five short stories - all with a bit of supernatural creepiness. All of the stories feature a different female main character who finds herself in unfamiliar territory. I would have to say I enjoyed The Game of Life and Fragments of Another Life the most, as I liked where the stories took me and how they wrapped up. One of the stories I didn’t like (The End of All Things), it just didn’t seem to have a point, unless I just completely missed it. I was really liking I’ve Been Here Before, but I didn’t like how it ended, so it took away the enjoyment a little bit. I had similar feelings about Our Lifelong Dreams.

It can be hard to rate a short story book since some I liked and some I didn’t, so I’m going to meet in the middle with 3 stars. It’s a fast read, so it’s great for someone that just wants a quick book with some eerie themes.

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op | Pumpkin Carriage Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Skirmantė · Rating 3 out of 5]

This collection had a really interesting, a bit eerie atmosphere. Every story had a supernatural twist to it, and there was something a little unsettling about all of them that I enjoyed.

Fragments of Another Life was my favorite by far. It was the story that grabbed me the most, and I found myself much more invested in it than the others.

What didn't work as well for me was how disconnected the collection felt. The stories seemed to share similar topics, but even then they didn't feel particularly tied together.

I also felt like a lot of the stories needed more depth. I know short stories don't have a lot of space to work with, but several of them felt like they were missing important background information. I kept wanting more development because some of the ideas were really interesting, but the stories ended before they fully clicked for me.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Trish · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed I've Been Here Before more than I thought I would.
These stories touch on big topics, grief, memory, identity, loneliness, and regret, but what makes them interesting is the way Eleanor Wells uses paranormal and supernatural elements.
She creates an eerie atmosphere that runs through much of the collection. The stories felt unsettling at times, and I found the strange elements to be a compelling way of exploring what it means to be human.
Some stories landed more strongly than others, my favorite being Our Lifelong Dreams, but overall I found the collection thoughtful and imaginative.
A solid collection for readers who enjoy literary fiction with a touch of the supernatural.
I am grateful for the audio ARC from Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op.

[Aster Carlyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stories about who we are and who we might have been. This collection felt like a literary Black Mirror with the melancholy turned all the way up! Final Score: 4.35

What This Book Did Well
I was really impressed with the themes that Wells’ managed to weave throughout these stories including grief and identity even though each story is a true standalone. There’s more depth there than I anticipated, which I’m learning is just how this author works! I was also surprised at how quickly the stories gripped me and made me feel connected with the protagonists. Each story was so different, while being cohesive which is hard to explain in a review and I don’t want to risk spoiling anything.

I would definitely say this fits solidly within the literary category, but I loved the supernatural edge to some of these stories. I feel like that's a genre blend combo I don’t see very often, and it was really fun and refreshing!

Audiobook Experience
I would definitely recommend the audiobook edition! Each story is narrated by a different narrator with their own styles. It made it really easy to separate the stories in my mind and I felt like I was getting a “sample” of each narrator's style which was fun. No hiccups with the audiobook noted!


Where It May Fall Short
I feel like with all collections of stories, some stories may land better with some readers than others, not because the stories themselves are flawed, more so people have different tastes.

A note on content - I would recommend checking out the content warnings for this one, I don’t think I would call anything graphic, but some of the topics are darker/heavier including death and sexual assault.

Final Thoughts, Opinions & Recommendations
My favorite ended up being the title story, I’ve Been Here Before which surprised me a bit. It started off a little slow, but as it went on it became really captivating and a bit heartbreaking. The End of All Things was my second favorite, it felt deeply relatable even though I’m not a skilled athlete in the slightest, which says something about how the author writes of ambition, longing, and loss.


My thanks to NetGalley & Pumpkin Carriage Press for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

TL;DR
Would I Recommend it? Yes!
Would I Reread it? Possibly.
Would I Read More From This Author? Yes!

Star Score Breakdown
Personal Enjoyment: 4.5
Overall Execution: 4.5
Craft & Writing Quality: 4.5
Characters: 4.25
Plot: 4
Final Score: 4.35

[Raymond Muraida · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve Been Here Before by Eleanor Wells is a series of five short stories where each one explores women facing uncertain futures while dealing with haunted pasts, in its many different forms. My personal favorite, The End of All Things, nearly broke my heart as a young woman, Emma, is asked to give a speech for Hanna’s, her one-time, best friend and fellow ice skater, remembrance ceremony. Emma had skills but never believed in herself, while Hanna’s dream of Olympic stardom was a siren’s call. The many forms of loss and grief throughout the story were palpable. Another story I enjoyed, Fragments of Another Life, was much like watching the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life.” But in this story, the main character, Camilla, immediately hits the proverbial tree in Bedford’s Falls where Clarence grants George Bailey his wish. Camilla, throughout the story, experiences a life not lived. The story, Our Lifelong Dreams, was very unsettling as Allison has gone to the light, but any further directions after that are muddy and uncertain. My anxieties were kicked in high gear as I read, The Game of Life, when a bartender, Imogen, is preparing for last call at the bar and meets a dark-eyed customer who knows EVERYTHING about her and soon those memories become very triggering and very dangerous. The last story, I have to admit, I had to read twice, and I’m glad I did. I’ve Been Here Before is a story of past lives that brings a college student, Sienna, to a tragic event that occurred over sixty years ago.
I enjoyed reading this book of short stories as I put myself inside each of the main characters’ place, I felt all of their changing emotions. When I finished most of the stories, I could not stop thinking they could have benefited by being a novella or novel. Emma’s story was the shortest, the saddest, the one with the most hope, and I wanted more.
An E-ARC of I’ve Been Here Before was provided by NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op | Pumpkin Carriage Press in exchange for my honest review.

[Ghada ツ · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I died thinking that all of my dreams were about to come true: is there a better way to go?"

To be honest, this was an impulse request; I was craving an audiobook and really liked the cover. That is to say, I walked into these stories blind and in my humble opinion that has proved to be the best way to go about them: that is, without expectations. That's why I'm keeping this review abstract.

I've Been Here Before is a dissection of grief, wasted potential, and all the little ways we fail each other and ourselves despite having the best of intentions. I usually avoid short stories like the plague unless it's a prequel/sequel of a series or the story was written by an author I already like; the endings just tend to arrive too abruptly for my taste; my favourite thing about this book was how the characters' regrets and complicated histories made most of the stories feel lived-in regardless of how long the reader got to spend in them; it feels like they just keep going without you. If I have to choose one, my favourite was Our Lifelong Dreams; there is something so deeply satisfying about an author who seems to know how it is to feel like you're too young but too old and there is so much more you still want to do but these days you're always too tired to do anything about any of it so you just sit there feeling guilty but somehow vaguely wronged too. I hope this makes sense, because I wouldn't know how to explain it a second time. What I do know is that Wells just seems to get it.

That is to say, I highly recommend this book. However, please do yourself a favour and check out the trigger warnings before picking this up; some of these stories might not be for everyone <3

Thank you to Netgalley and Pumpkin Carriage Press for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have Been Here Before is an atmospheric and quietly unsettling piece that moves within the liminal space between memory, intuition, and the uncanny. Eleanor Wells has a clear talent for mood. The story’s sense of deja vu is rendered with a soft, persistent eeriness that gives the narrative its strongest moments.

The book succeeds most clearly in its thematic ambition. Wells gestures toward ideas of cyclical time, inherited trauma, and the porousness of identity. These themes lend the story a conceptual richness even when the plot remains understated. The setting functions almost symbolically, becoming a place where past harm and present curiosity intersect in compelling ways.

However, the execution does not always match the promise. The emotional arc feels slightly underdeveloped, and the protagonist’s interiority never quite deepens enough to sustain the weight of the themes. The pacing in the middle section drifts, which weakens the tension established early on. As a result, the ending feels more like an evocative suggestion than a fully realised culmination.

Still, there is something compelling here. Wells’ prose is elegant, and the central concept lingers after reading. This is a thoughtful and atmospheric story that reaches toward profound ideas, even if it does not explore them as fully as it could. A solid and intriguing read that left me admiring its intentions while wishing for greater narrative and emotional depth.

Thank you to NetGalley and Pumpkin Carriage press for the e ARC copy in return for an honest review.

You can also find a review on my bookstagram Gothika_reads

[Robert Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve Been Here Before is a collection that understands the power of limitation—of narrowing its focus not to reduce meaning, but to refine it.

Across these stories, Eleanor Wells returns again and again to moments of fracture: points at which identity loosens, memory becomes unreliable, and the boundary between the internal and the external begins to dissolve. What is striking is not simply the presence of the otherworldly, but the way it is handled. These elements are never allowed to dominate the narrative. Instead, they function as pressure points—forcing each character into a confrontation with who they are, or who they might have been.

The collection’s strength lies in its restraint. Wells does not over-explain the mechanisms behind the uncanny, nor does she retreat into obscurity for its own sake. There is a deliberate balance at work—one that allows ambiguity to exist without sacrificing emotional clarity. The result is a series of stories that linger not because they resolve, but because they refuse to.

There are echoes here of classic speculative and literary traditions, but the voice remains distinctly controlled and contemporary. Each piece feels intentional, shaped around a central question rather than a conventional arc.

In a form that often struggles to maintain cohesion or impact across multiple entries, I’ve Been Here Before succeeds by committing fully to its thematic core: the idea that it is precisely our uncertainty—about memory, about identity, about the paths not taken—that gives these moments their weight.

A thoughtful and quietly disquieting collection.

[Marcia Vida · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I’ve Been Here Before: And Other Stories” is a poignant collection that examines grief, identity, alternate realities, and the thin line between memory and imagination. The author establishes a reflective tone, inviting readers into narratives where characters confront loss and regret, pondering “what could have been.”

One of the collection’s strengths is its blend of realism with subtle speculative elements. In “The End of All Things,” Emma revisits the past and the lingering presence of a lost friend, with vivid settings that make memories feel tangible. The story illustrates how grief can warp time, making the past feel immediate.

Similarly, “Fragments of Another Life” explores alternative paths through Camilla’s experience of different life choices, each leading to varied outcomes. This prompts readers to reflect on their own lives while maintaining a balance of emotional depth and surrealism.

The collection showcases distinct character voices, with each protagonist facing their own internal struggles. The writing is accessible and introspective, focusing on atmosphere rather than plot twists, which lends an intimate quality to the stories, although the pacing may be slow for some readers.

In summary, "I’ve Been Here Before: And Other Stories” is a reflective collection that resonates long after reading, appealing to those who appreciate character-driven stories rich in emotional depth and a hint of the surreal.

Try it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[K.C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've Been Here Before is a cool, well-curated set of short stories which were cohesive and thematically aligned. Wells guides the audience on a bunch of vignettes, many of the plots have elements relating to death or paths not taken, and while the tone varies story to story, they feel more reflective and wistful than macabre or sanguine.

I have never in my life used the terms hypnogogic or hypnopompic before, but in light of the (apt) Twilight Zone comparisons made by others, I feel like they may apply to these something about a lot of these stories, many of which felt like entering or leaving a dreamlike state. I feel torn because I earnestly enjoyed this work, though I don't think it is likely to stick with me. That being said, it was a great introduction to Eleanor Wells, and I fully appreciated her imagination and writing style. I plan to read more of her work!

Listening to the audiobook was great, with very talented well-cast, and sonorous group of sharing the work of Wells. Amanda McKnight, Katrina Lenk, Broghanne Jessamine, Kat Bohn, Tavish Grade all deserve kudos for their interpretations.

Beyond literary-fiction aficionados, and short story enthusiasts, something tells me fans of Maggie Rodger's music would appreciate this book.

I received an Audio ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to the author and publisher for the opportunity to be part of the audience.

[Tekisha | ReadwithTDE · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella was beautifully written and performed. It is an exploration of transcendence in the form of a collection of short stories rooted in unfinished business (this is my best description without giving too much away).

Each story illuminated a different perspective and each one was excellently narrated. I particularly enjoy books that take me on an unknown and unexpected journey; stories that don't completely tie up every loose end, and yet still feels complete. The blend of magical realism paired with some dark undertones allows the exploration of profound questions, without leaving the reader devastated, dark, or sad. There are some triggers and the opening warns you this before diving in.

I highly recommend this read but go in knowing this is not lighthearted. This is the kind of book that lingers and you will be pondering this for weeks to come.

After reading this book, I am left thinking: If the past is prologue and the future is unknown, if know what happened and/or what happens next actually change my present behavior? Would any of us change? And, really, do we even have the ability to...

Mood: If you want a fascinating set of stories that draw you in, hold you there, but leaves you simultaneously wanting more and being okay with where it ends, this is for you.

[Rachel:) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This anthology is comprised of five stories of young women capturing themes of regret, longing, loss and more. Each tale felt different from each other, some with a more cosmic - almost dreamlike quality - while others were much more rooted in the contemporary. Some felt stronger than others, but overall, I enjoyed the selection.

Our LIfelong Dreams was definitely the stand out of this collection, but the ending of The Game of Life caught me by surprise in the best way. Both took different routes to explore reflection and regret, but they were both equally thought provoking and human.

The author had come really interesting ideas, and presented them well. The narrators were all excellent, and I enjoyed hearing a different voice for each story. Together they told stories that could be a bit unsettling and bittersweet, but it never felt too heavy. Add in the overall short duration of the audiobook, and it worked nicely between longer reads/listens for me. If you're looking for something a bit different, that makes you think, and has has some unique twists, I'd highly recommend giving this a listen!

Thanks to Victory Editing, the author, and Netgalley for providing an ALC in exchange for an honest review.

[MarleneReadsBooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ALC in exchange for an honest review.
I've Been Here Before is a collection of five thought-provoking short stories, each exploring interesting ideas and themes. I enjoyed the collection overall, although some stories resonated with me more than others. The second story was a particular standout and easily my favourite of the five.
Having a different narrator for each story was a great choice, as it made it immediately clear when a new story began and gave each one its own distinct feel. However, I wasn't equally keen on all of the narrators, so some stories worked better for me in audio than others.
My main issue was with the frequent use of dialogue tags such as “she said” and “she replied”. In audiobook format, this became very noticeable and repetitive, which unfortunately made me less engaged with the stories at times.

This was overall an interesting and thought-provoking collection, and while it didn't completely work for me, I'm glad I listened to it and think fans of literary short fiction will find plenty to enjoy.

[Angel Molinari · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of listening to this book before its release, When I read that this book was being compared to The Twilight Zone, I was genuinely excited to give it a listen. Unfortunately, it just didn't work for me.

The stories had a hard time holding my attention, and I kept feeling like they were building toward something bigger that never quite arrived. One of the things I love most about The Twilight Zone is the social commentary and thought-provoking lessons woven into the stories. I didn't really find that here, which left me feeling a bit underwhelmed.

I also struggled to connect with the characters. In the very first story, I spent so much time trying to figure out who was who between the two main characters that it made it difficult to get invested in what was happening.

Overall, this collection simply wasn't my cup of tea. While I can see how some readers might enjoy it, it never fully pulled me in and ultimately left me wanting more.

Thank you Netgally for the opportunity.

[Waldkauzz · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short story collection, drenched in themes of regret, grief, maturing and collapse.
Featured are a young woman observed by her recently dead friend, a woman encountering a life where none of her tragedies occurred, a singer on a journey accompanied by the dead who have shaped her life, a down-on-her-luck waitress meeting a customer who seems to know her eerily intimately, a young woman dreaming her past life's death and seeking out that connection in her real life.

All together, an enjoyable focus on female-lead stories, accompanied by darker themes and experienced in a liminal setting between reality and fantastical elements. The stories in themselves are well written, but often develop quite simplistic, making the reading feel a bit younger than the subject matter. But even if a little bit forgettable, the stories are able to create a haunting mood and well-crafted atmosphere.

Recommended for young/new adults. Thanks to NetGalley and Pumpkin Carriage Press for an ALC for an honest review.

[Aimee Beloved Nerdy Auntie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to I’ve Been Here Before by Eleanor Wells. This was my second audiobook of short stories from Eleanor Wells this week, and I am officially hooked on her storytelling. Each story felt completely unique, helped in large part by the choice to use a different narrator for every tale. That made the listening experience incredibly immersive. What connected them all was a delicious sense of unease, suspense, and the feeling that something was just slightly off. I never felt like I was standing on solid ground, and that constant uncertainty kept me engaged from beginning to end. These stories are eerie, atmospheric, and wonderfully unsettling. If this collection is any indication of what Eleanor Wells can do, I will absolutely be seeking out more of her work.

[Jessie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I've Been Here Before" by Elanor Wells was gifted to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This was an audiobook composed of several short stories narrated by Amanda McKnight, Katrina Lenk, Broghanne Jessamine, Kat Bohn, and Tavish Grade. This fabulous cast of women did an amazing job on this audiobook. Each of them matched their voice perfectly to the tone of the narrative, and it was very easy to tell which character they were portraying.

Each of the short stories was interesting in its own way and kept me so intrigued that I refused to stop the audio until I finished the one I was on. I'd love to say that I had a favorite story, but that would be a lie. I will tell you that you do not have to listen to them in order. Also, these stories do touch on some sensitive topics, so please check your trigger warnings.

If you are looking for an audio experience that is quick and has many types of stories to tell, give this one a listen.

[ArleneTirado · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first audiobook read on Netnelly, as I am new to this platform. I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook by Eleanor Wells. Within the five short stories, I found an incredible vulnerability & rawness of emotions that each woman endured in their life journeys. Each story is unique & take root in your mind & soul. Topics are very real & relatable. I found myself thinking of family members who also struggled with hardships in life. The reflections of life & death in the each of the stories for these women, brought how fragile life truly is & how each decision we make, can have a profound impact on themselves or those left behind. Incredible narrators for each story.

This is a review of the audiobook.

[Tara'e · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op | Pumpkin Carriage Press for providing me with an ALC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This collection of short stories explores how five different girls and women experience and process grief, with each story incorporating its own unique supernatural element. I really appreciated the different perspectives on loss and how each character's journey felt distinct while still tying into the collection's overall theme. The narrators all did an amazing job bringing the characters to life, adding depth and emotion to each story. Overall, I enjoyed this collection and would definitely be interested in reading more from this author in the future. My overall rating I would say is 3.5.

[cheska (bookishdaylight) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the audiobook arc!

A short story collection that follows different characters with different settings and plotlines. I find myself intrigued, confused, and somewhat entertained by the stories narrated. Although, considering I listened to this on audiobook, I somehow seem to forget easily about the characters since it is a short story, and I find myself not caring in some areas. It also has this mysterious but dreamy atmosphere with the what-ifs plotline. It somehow ties it back together since it has this ambiguity and sense of righteousness to each of the characters' stories, which is interesting to note. Overall, this was a quick and interesting read but had little to no impact.

[lottie ｡꒰ঌ ✦໒꒱ ༘*.ﾟ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and Pumpkin Carriage Press for a copy of this e-arc.

Very unsure what to think about this book.

I don't think I quite understood what the author was going for with these stories, or what the overall theme was whilst reading because there was not much depth in it as it all felt rather empty. The writing itself wasn't terrible, but I think it lacked prose that could have amped it up a bit and added that missing depth, but it did have some issues with telling not showing which did not help.

Overall, I think the author can improve from this book and hope they do, but this was not for me.

[terezija ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review of the Netgalley advance copy

It has been a few hours since I read this, and I am still unsure what exactly I think.
This 5 short stories connect to the same themes : death, regret, sadness, grief — yet I am unsure were they explored half as good as they should have been.
The writing was really good and immersive but very surface level. I feel like in every story so much more could've been explored. The main plot was well set up and thought out but you were always left feeling like so much was missing.
I hope I will get a chance to give Eleanor Wells another shot in the future, since I see so much potentional for growth.

[Lexisbookishburrow · Rating 3 out of 5]

This audiobook contained 5 short stories, each centering around a different woman as she goes through life changing supernatural reflections. We’re shown glimpses of their lives as they reflect on grief, regrets, and death. There was only one story that really stuck with me, Fragments of Another Life. I thought that one was exceptionally done while the others for me lacked quite a bit.
I loved getting to see the character’s chance of seeing what her life might have been if she never left home. Overall it was a decent listen that lacked the deep thoughtful melancholiac punch it was trying to serve.