Before The Streetlights Come On

by Ashley Antoinette

Ellie, Sloan, Courtney, and Shy have been friends since they were teenage girls, and they have seen each other through many seasons of womanhood.

They are now entering their 40s, and they have experienced everything together. They have gossiped over their first kiss. They have jumped bi$%@$ and been jumped on. They’ve survived college. They’ve been each other’s bridesmaids. They’ve consoled each other through divorces. They’ve experienced childbirth together. They have even done drive-bys when trying to catch cheating boyfriends. The one thing they’ve learned over the years is that good friends will see you through the rain until the sun shines again.

As mothers, wives, and career women, it hasn’t been easy for them to stay connected, but when the holidays roll around it’s the perfect excuse for their foursome to reunite. Friendsmas, is the occasion and Ellie is returning home to celebrate. When the reunion opens old wounds, they are forced to face one another and to also look in the mirror and face themselves.

Before The Streetlights Come On, is a book of true friendship. When the men in their lives switch up. When their children act up. When their jobs are fucked up. When the universe seems like it’s cutting up; Ellie, Sloane, Courtney, and Shy tap into the power of their girl tribe to see them through when they feel like giving up.

New York Times Bestselling Author, Ashley Antoinette crafts a relatable, endearing, and refreshing feel good story that empowers and reflects the very brand she has built with Ash Army.

Genres: Christmas

341 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 2, 2025

Reviews

[Castina · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️
This was the perfect read. Friendship, family, and finding new love. I felt like I was right there living every moment with them. I really hope we get an update because I’d love to see what’s changed. Ashley finally gave us an HEA!

Highly recommend! This was a reread now that the audio dropped. Wesleigh’s narration was absolute perfection!!

[MJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

Drama, spice and sisterhood!

[Darcy J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️ “Before the Streetlights Come On.”

Ellie, Shy, Sloane, and Courtney. 🩵
The way Ashley Antoinette crafted these stories individually and into one was amazing and made for a great reading experience. I don’t know that I have a favorite friend because I liked them equally. I’m satisfied with the way it ended, HOWEVER, lol...there is so much more story that could be explored with each friend.

It’s Christmastime and Ellie is heading to Michigan for family and friend holiday activities. I’m already sold. Yall know MI is my second home. There’s an itinerary and the girls are going to do all the holiday things with each other and sometimes with their kids.

My notes for these men in this book might be a little unhinged because I was here for Loyal...until I gave him a hard side-eye. Cassidy is my man, my man. I love the way he connected to the friend group through his sister. His redemption song was strong and mighty. And Cairo...well, you’ll see my spoiler-ish notes about him.

The way the ladies poured into each other and were there for each other through these heavy life decisions and situations they were going through made me emotional. We all need friends like that. Community. There are just some things in life that are easier to get through with with friends who genuinely love you. Whether it’s divorce, raising kids, taking care of parents, etc.

Shy’s backstory is one I want to know more about. I loved her energy to be the friend who is not afraid to say what needs to be said and address the elephant in the room. Sloan’s pain controlled her future but what a beautiful result life can hand you when you just let. it. go! And surrender to love. Courtney...oh Courtney. I am just so proud of you. And my girl Ellie...her situation can be so beautiful but I need clarification on Loyal because he was “my man, my man,” until he wasn’t.

Before the Streetlights Come On is a book I would absolutely reread at Christmastime or anytime! It’s feel-good. It’s Black. It’s love. It’s Christmas. It’s family.
✨Found Family / Friend Group
✨Closeknit Family
✨Insta-Love

[Dominique Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friendsmas must read

Ashley Antoinette “Before the Street lights Come On” 📚❤️ I really enjoyed this story of these 4 childhood friends who grow up and lid separate lives between starting families, building careers, moving away, love, lost, finding their self worth they still remained friends through it all. This was a true story about friendship/ sisterhood.

True sisterhood means lifting one another, offering a helping hand in times of trouble, celebrating each others victories, deep supportive love, mutual encouragement, and unity in faith, emphasizing compassion, bearing with each other in love, confessing sins and praying for healing.

I definitely give this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[TellsOfABibliophile · Rating 5 out of 5]

💕🎄♾️

This book was different from what Ashley typically writes. The story was rooted in sisterhood, growth, and trying to figure life out when nothing feels clear yet.

This wasn’t about the usual chaos or drama we’re used to. It felt more reflective. More real. It touched on that in between stage of life where you’re just trying to find yourself, your purpose, and your people while navigating relationships, mistakes, and emotions that don’t come with a manual.

I had the physical copy of this book for a while, but if I’m being honest, it was hard for me to sit down and finish it. Once the audiobook dropped I’m like yeahhhh time to immersive read 😈.

Overall, this was a soft Christmas holiday read. Not in an over the top festive way, but in that quiet, reflective sense warm, nostalgic, and perfect for slower days when you just want something chill.

Btw… Cassidy is MINES 👩🏾‍❤️‍💋‍👨🏾

[Mariah Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives such a reminder that having a circle of people you can trust is needed. Realizing that carrying all the weight isn’t needed for one person. Before the streetlights come on tells that story of even though life is busy and all the things are happening, taking time to breathe and see family and hone in on what’s important is what really matters. The friendship that Elle, Shy, Courtney and Sloan have was something to cherish. This book gave Yasmin,Hendrix, and Soledad ( Skyland series) vibes but during the holidays. I loved this hands down. Definitely something to read and discuss with your best friends.

[Keiera A · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨📚 Before the Street Lights Come On — Ashley Antoinette 📚✨
What I loved most about this book was the friendship! It was so real, layered, imperfect, and deeply loving.
Ellie was wrapped in community in the most beautiful way. From friends sharing clothes, love, and space. Her dad? Absolute gem 👏🏾 And watching her navigate motherhood during a tough separation felt tender and grounding.
Sloan… whew. Successful OBGYN, no man, no kids, life on repeat and somehow the most emotionally present friend. Her trauma ran deep, and the way she connected with Ellie (even from a distance) spoke volumes. I related to her heavy. Her conversations especially the one with Brooklyn were necessary, honest, and healing.
Shy brought the boldness, the unapologetic energy, and the reminder that joy still matters. She also gave a reminder it’s ok to be true to you & your circle .
Courtney broke my heart. A teen pregnancy, unresolved grief, postpartum struggles, and a marriage carrying too much unspoken pain. Watching her choose therapy felt like watching someone I know in real life finally exhale. (And yes… I hated James.)
The kids Tessa & Brooklyn in my opinion added so much depth. Conversations no child should have to have, but handled with so much care. Sloan stepping in when it mattered? That’s real friendship. And Loyal’s genuine care for wounds he did not create 🥹.
Cassidy coming home, trying to rebuild, and his bond with Sloan was one of my favorite dynamics. And Loyal? I loved the type of man he was to Ellie patient, steady, protective, and intentional. Quiet support, no ego, just showing up the way it matters.
Baby Papa’s meals had me wanting a seat at that table every chapter!
This book was funny, emotional, nostalgic, heartbreaking, and warm all at once. It reminded me that healing doesn’t happen alone , it happens in kitchens, group chats, therapy sessions, late-night talks, and friendships that truly show up.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A story about growing up, loving hard, and finding yourself even after life changes the plan.

[Ebony · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was sooo refreshing to read. I listened on audible and immediately were immersed into their world. I love reading a book and being able to relate to the characters in a variety of ways. Highly recommend reading!!

[Ariel Jones-Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

be still my heart

Woah chile, this book took me through there but in a good way. I read this with my best friend and it just made me realize how God has truly blessed me to have her in my life. Having her in those dark moments but also in the moments that shined. Friendship and love is what God gives us when we least expect it. This book was written well, it spoke to me and I really am happy I got to read it with my bestie.

[Ro_Monique_ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars | Ashley Antoinette is so skilled at building a cast of characters that you can either relate to, admire, or abhor. This started out as a sweet Friendsmas reunion between four women, in their mid to late 30’s, who have been friends since grade school. They are in different places in their lives as it relates to career, family, and relationships which is so representative of real friend groups. Over the course of two weeks we get a look at their dynamic, explore their hurt and love. The story gets complicated and hot and heavy (🌶️🌶️) with the male characters we’re introduced to. Sometimes it was a bit fast and extreme.

Loved the audiobook narration. This was an enjoyable “holiday” read.

[Leese · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this book on New Year’s Eve was the best decision. The many lessons shared were such good reminders to have going into a new year. I loved the friendship between these 4 women because they clearly knew each other and what each person needs individually.

The audiobook was amazing thanks to the always-perfection narration performed by Wesleigh Siobhan. I couldn’t recommend the audio more.

I highly recommend this book but if you have any sensitive content triggers, I strongly recommend checking the content warnings as this book touched on a few traumatic topics.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew! This is the best "friend group" book I've ever read!

[Jacquelyn Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Well- Balanced novel!


This book was great. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. It had real family issues, real friendship issues, and realistic relationship issues. It was just enough of all of it. At times it made me smile, laugh, cry, a s mad! Ashley, you did as I expected- you showed out on this one!

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is nothing like a book on Sisterhood. There were so many emotion’s stirred and I loved it! Ten stars and hoping for a sequel!🤎

[Natasha Platt · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!!

Loved this book! Being from Flint this story really touched my heart! Black women with strong friendships being loved thru all of their flaws! I loved it!

[Arlisia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before the Street Lights Come On is one of those stories that grabs you early and sits heavy on your heart in the best way. Ashley Antoinette steps outside her usual lane with this one, delivering a narrative that’s raw, emotional, and deeply human. The world she builds feels lived‑in, and every character carries a weight that makes you lean in and care.

This story felt different from anything I’ve read by her — but I was absolutely here for it. Each woman has an intricate, layered storyline that makes you root for her, flaws and all.

• Elliott was the first one I connected with. I saw pieces of myself in her, and that made her journey hit even harder.
• Sloan is the woman who has accomplished everything she set her mind to, yet still finds herself longing for the two things she can’t seem to grasp.
• Shy looks like she has it all together, but her story is a reminder that appearances can be deceiving.
• Courtney has endured a devastating loss and been blessed with a new beginning, but she’s still suffering in silence.


Ashley crafted these women — and the supporting cast around them — with such care. This isn’t her typical gangster, shoot‑’em‑up urban fiction. This is a story about friendship, love, loss, healing, and the consequences that follow the choices we make.

And honestly, it feels like there’s more to be told. I’m hoping we get a sequel because these characters still have more story in them.

Highly recommend.

[Pookie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellie x Sloan x Courtney x Shy

This book? Yeah… it hit home in a way I wasn’t ready for. The sisterhood felt authentic. The conflicts hurt, but the love between them was genuine.

I literally saw pieces of myself (and my friends) in every chapter. It felt like the author was sitting in on my group chats, taking notes, and then airing out our business in 300+ pages. What I loved most was that these were grown women dealing with grown-woman situations. No petty nonsense just for shock value. Just layered friendships, complicated emotions, and the kind of life stuff that actually happens. It was messy, heartfelt, and frustrating at times, but that’s what made this read so relatable.

This was an immersive reading experience and the GOAT knocked this one out of the park! I think I love her kid voice just as much as I love her male voice. Highly recommend!

[Atoshia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before The Streetlights Come On is a powerful reminder of the value of sisterhood and true friendship. The book highlights how easy it is to get caught up in our own lives and forget to check on the people we care about. While friends may appear to have everything together, they may actually be struggling. When the characters come together, they reconnect, open up, and support each other, showing why their bond matters so much.

[Kandyce Kemet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slone,Ellie,Shy & Courtney

Are now my very best friends. Ashley really knows how to pull at the heartstrings!! These ladies were all so unique in their own ways. Babyyy Loyal has truly made me reconsider my relationships with Ahmeek and Ethic (but not for real ) I’ve loved every single body of work by Mrs Ashley Antoinette this one is no different. Thank you for sharing your gift 💜. It’s truly Marvelous

[Aliah Aerial · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Christmas Friendsmas story I didn’t know I needed!

I truly enjoyed following the story of Ellie, Sloan, Courtney, & Shy! Each character had their own unique problem that ended up reaching some type of resolve by the end of the book! Ellie stressed me completely out, but I loved Loyal for her! Cassidy and Sloan were my favorite couple! I hope to read a follow up with the characters in a novella soon!

[Leslie McIntyre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good!!!

You can never go wrong with a read from Ash. I love seeing black, beautiful, successful and strong women. On our own, a black woman is a force to be reckoned with. Together, we’re unstoppable. My girl and I have been besties for 45 years. I wouldn’t trade her for the world. This book will make you hug your day one’s a little tighter and a little closer. Looks like there might be a part 2………can’t wait!!

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not supervised I loved this Mrs. Antionette has a mean one game, she knows how to write a good man and a woman that will slick talk 🤭Really felt like I was one of the girls with this one, apart of the crew 🤭 loved how friendship was portrayed in this book, the support and strength for a friend when they need it, the importance of friendship how friendship should be honest we will argue but it’s how we move past it. Loved the jokes had me cackling. Never judge a book by its cover 🫂

[Tina Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title caught my attention, because as a child/ young teenager I had to be home before the street lights came on. So I was very excited to read the book. I won’t lie it started off as a little boring and long winded, but I refused to give up on reading it. I’m glad I finished it. I love the friendship and the relationships they were in. If I had known it was an audio version, I would have loved to listen to the audio book.

[Theblkrtheberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!

This was one of the best holiday reads I've read thus far. It has a mixture of everything; the holidays, family, friendships, dysfunction, chaos, fun and love. I am praying for a book 2 and 3. I would love to know how they all progressed.

Thank you Ashley Antoinette for an awesome book.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soul Stirring

This was a beautiful story of friendship, healing, restoration, self-discovery, and ultimately LOVE! 💕

The friendship between Ellie, Sloan, Shy, and Courtney was tender and sweet. The love shown by Loyal for Ellie and Cass for Sloan! 🥲

There was so much wisdom pouring from these pages!

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Girlfriends

This was such a feel good story Ashlee never disappoints in her writing this focused on friendship of four women! It gave me the feels of a modern day waiting to exhale or even the TV show girlfriend. I loved it so much. I definitely would love a part two to see what happens with Shy, Courtney, Really with the whole gang.

[Kim Ayertey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book down!

This was a phenomenal read. I enjoyed the story lines, development of the characters. I cried and laughed out loud. I skipped chores to finish this book and stayed up to enjoy the ending . Oh did I mention the spice level? WOW!!!

[Victoria Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

the lights stayed on

Omg this book was amazing I have ready many books but the way this books pulls you in from the first page. I know this book and character ma might be fiction but the way that you tell this story it makes you want to know these friends.

[Tina Giles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this!

This book was everything. It had me over here all emotional. I love all the relationships. I was so happy for Ellie. She let that wall down and accepted love. Love always win. Highly recommend!

[Tamekia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friendsmas

Very good book! Refreshing to see stories around my age group!! Of course Sloan was my favorite character but this story was so good! Loved the family and friendship vibes!