Before Another Sunset

by Jason Zandri

Westville, Texas. A small town with friendly people; families that have stayed and endured life’s ups and downs. Many have left as the town no longer can fully support its own. An old woman maintains one of the remaining small businesses at the center of town, helped by Maria, her second floor tenant. Maria’s daughter Caroline starts to question her father’s absence. She also dreams up an idea to help the local library. Friends uncover true feelings and a kind drifter’s travels bring him closer to the town.
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PREQUEL NOVELLA TO "ANOTHER SUNSET"

43 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2015

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This brief novelette (five chapters and an epilogue) describes the relationships between friends and neighbors in a rural town a good ways from the well-traveled interstate highway. With little in the way of "new blood" coming to the town, the resident folk look to each other for companionship and stability. Small town residents tend to form pacts that hold them together even through the roughest of times.

The main focus of the story is the relationship between Maria, a single mother who works at the cafe, and Henry, a shopkeeper from across the street. Zandri examines the reactions of two people when one wishes for a romantic relationship and the other party does not. And in such a small town, these types of decisions affect more than just the two involved, and are discussed by many. Beneath this is the beginning of the idea that when the people of the town come together, they can make good things happen. This sentiment is passed between characters like any good rumor, and eventually this will grow into an overwhelming idea for everyone.

Skirting this idea is one that, possibly for the desire to atone for past indiscretions, a man formerly employed in the investment industry has decided to drop everything and travel the country by hitchhiking with just a backpack and his charm and a list of contacts in high places. We only find out about this man at the end, after another character thanks him for helping alleviate a tax debt. This seemingly selfless action helps the truck driver keep his rig and his livelihood. In return, the man only asks for a ride to a next stop. The truck driver takes him back to that same small town. Thus setting up the next title Another Sunset.

4 stars - I found the writing pleasant and the plot steady. The characters suited their setting, thought they could use more development to be memorable.

#RRBC

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very short book that reads like the opening to a much bigger story, probably because Zandri created this book as a prequel to "Another Sunset." Something I didn’t know before picking this up.

I think because it was written as a prequel, Zandri chose to avoid any major climatic themes in this book. Even so, it’s a solid piece, giving us a taste of Zandri’s writing style, and setting the scene for more to come. Zandri has a nice easy way of telling the story; both the subject and his writing style meld together in an easy, slow and controlled manner. It’s a light, G-rated read anyone would enjoy.

Having finishing it, I am intrigued as to what is going to happen to the people in the small, sleepy town of Westville with the introduction of the new character mentioned in the epilog.

I think it would be a good idea if the author noted Before Another Sunset as a prequel in the book's online blurb. People generally like to know this. I know, I would’ve appreciated it.

[Marjorie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book in return for an honest review. This is a short novella introducing the characters in "Another Sunset". Although only five chapters in this novella, the character development is already there. I very quickly started liking these people and caring about them. There's a wonderful warm community spirit in this town. Reading this novella will make you glad that there's more to read about the citizens of Westville, TX in "Another Sunset". You'll want to spend more time with these folks. As one of the characters, David, says towards the end of the novella, "Another Sunset; another day done". You get the sense that these people make the most of each day.

[Jennifer Hinsman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before Another Sunset is a prequel to the author's book, Another Sunset, so it doesn't stand alone. There was plenty of charm in this short read. The characters are in Texas and I really felt like I was reading some authentic southern charm. It did leave me wanting more and I'd recommend it to anyone. I'd love to see what happens with the romance!

It's a quick easy read about characters in a small town.

[Yvette Calleiro · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contains a preview into three of Jason Zandri's books. The first one is a little story that takes place before Another Sunset. I actually really liked this little story. It's not my normal kind of read. It's set in a simple town with simple people, but I was left with the feeling that things aren't as simple as they appear to be. Even though it was a short story, the characters were really well-developed, even the little girl. After the short story came the first six chapters of Another Sunset. I'll be honest and tell you that I did not read the six chapters because I hate starting a book and then having to reread those same chapters when I finally buy the book, but the chapters are there to help the reader get a better feel for the story (and to absolutely hook you, of course). ;-)

The second book was I Hero: The Beginning. This book was more like what I love to read. It's about a man who is that all-around good guy who loves to help others. In helping one particular person, he finds that he is given superhero powers. Again, this was just a short story to hook you, and it absolutely hooked me! The author provided the first six chapters of this book as well, but I am waiting until I read it.

The third book preview was for I Hero: Nathan Returns. I didn't read this one because I was too afraid that there would be spoilers since it's the sequel to I Hero: The Beginning. But for those of you interested, the author also provides six chapters of this book as well.

This is a GREAT way to preview this author's writing style. I know that I cannot wait to read these novels, especially the I Hero books! :-)

[Stephenee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story - my only complaint was that it was too short!! I really wanted more - I wanted Caroline to find a step-father that would pick her up and hug her....I wanted Maria to fall in love....I wanted to know about the good deeds that kept happening. I enjoyed the small time living and the friendships and relationships that everyone had - it was a great read and I can't wait to read the next book to learn more about Charlotte, Caroline, Maria, Henry and the gang. Even just reading about a small town makes me feel like I am a part of the town and this was a community that seemed like it was full of love. I wish that it was my community and may have to take a long ride down. You will think about this book and the characters long after you have finished reading it. It is one of those that will stick with you for a while and that you will be comparing the next books that you read to it. I know that it will be just as amazing as the prequel was! Do yourself a favor and add this to your TBR list sooner rather than later! Don't miss out on a feel good, fun read!

[Joy Lo-Bamijoko · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like short reads. If you read a good number of them, it feels as if you have read a lot of books. I’ve read quite a few recently, and this is one of them.

This is a very laid-back story about a laid-back town. Nothing really important happened here, except that we learn about a few of the inhabitants, and their concerns. What I was expecting as a full-blown love affair ended as nothing. It was just a one sided feeling.

I could say that this was like a story written as project for a writing course. I wrote a couple like that for my writing course, that’s why it looked and sounded familiar. The story, however is very well written, grammatically correct. I don’t know how I feel about it. It sounded as if the author started a conversation, but did not take it further… to the next level.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a copy of Before Another Sunset to read and review. This was a short, sweet story, that builds up a character foundation to the next book, Another Sunset.

It shows the careful, wary but strong nature of single mother, Maria - a central character in the next story. It also sets up the entrance of David, who will tie together a universe in the next story.

This prequel shows the caring community of a small town, each looking out for the other. Hard working Maria stays true to who she is, never looking for a quick fix or easy way that does not align with who she is.

This little story was a pleasant prequel and didn't give away exactly where it would go.

[Kim Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story and my only complaint is I wish there had been more. There was the beginning of a romance and I was really pulling for Henry, hoping Caroline got a daddy, etc. The writing and characterization were excellent with a Texan/Southern flair. As a small town, southern girl, although not a Texan, I really appreciated the dialogue used that wasn't over the top like many stories you find about southerners. I felt like I was right there in the small town of Westville, Texas as I read. All in all, if you’d like a short and pleasant read about a small town, don’t pass up Before Another Sunset.

[Karen K. Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was just OK. I was given a free copy of ANOTHER SUNSET to review for an honest opinion. I already had this book on my kindle, so I decided to read it to get to know the characters a little better before reading ANOTHER SUNSET. I was disappointed because the characters were not well developed in this book. I didn't feel I got much of anything out of reading this book. Overall, I'm glad I didn't let this book influence my thoughts of the next book.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before Another Sunset is the prequel to Another Sunset. It's a short story which introduces you to the characters in a small town. I liked getting to know the background of the people before going on to the next book.

It's a quick easy read that will make you look forward to reading more about the caring people in this small town in Texas!

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really liked the story; 1-2 typographical errors; 2 or more grammatical errors; used the work "smirk/smirked" multiple times in error, I believe: 'in an affected or smug manner' is a definition I discovered, and it sounds like a pretentious way to smile---the characters doing the 'smiling' wouldn't have been pretentious in most circumstances where "smirk" was used.

Good book!