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Before Forever
Sometimes the greatest love story is the one you never yours.
Grief clung to Ellisa Allen like a second skin, pulling her into destructive relationships and whispering she would never be “enough.” In less than two years, longing and loss collided so fiercely that she wondered if real love—or God—could ever find her after all the broken pieces.
Before Forever is the tender and honest story of how it did.
For anyone who’s ever wondered, “Can God redeem my story—and my heart?” Before Forever whispers yes.
Before Forever traces late-night texts and blurred boundaries, toxic patterns and unnamed grief. It celebrates the quiet rise of healing and a love worth waiting for. At its heart is Graham—a devoted soldier whose steadfast pursuit shows that real love doesn’t tiptoe into your life. It walks in with fire, fights for you, and invites you into a forever you never saw coming.
Grief clung to Ellisa Allen like a second skin, pulling her into destructive relationships and whispering she would never be “enough.” In less than two years, longing and loss collided so fiercely that she wondered if real love—or God—could ever find her after all the broken pieces.
Before Forever is the tender and honest story of how it did.
For anyone who’s ever wondered, “Can God redeem my story—and my heart?” Before Forever whispers yes.
Before Forever traces late-night texts and blurred boundaries, toxic patterns and unnamed grief. It celebrates the quiet rise of healing and a love worth waiting for. At its heart is Graham—a devoted soldier whose steadfast pursuit shows that real love doesn’t tiptoe into your life. It walks in with fire, fights for you, and invites you into a forever you never saw coming.
Audible Audio
Published June 17, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
May 18, 2026
I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. Thanks for choosing me.
I am a firm believer in the whole "books find you when you need them" concept, and I am so certain this book landed in my lap at just the right moment. I've been doubting, raging, and fighting my faith repeatedly for a long time. I've been stuck in a vicious cycle for such a long time that I even started thinking I'd never be able to stop the spiral. Then I came across the giveaway post for this book, figuring the worst that could happen would be I didn't win. And then I felt it, while reading Elissa's journey I felt a tiny spark in me. At first I fought it, told myself I was insane and even convinced myself that a book couldn't have caused such a change in me in so little time. And yet it did. This book mended something that I'd previously thought unhealable. Parts of her experience felt like they were mine. It was like looking in a mirror sometimes. It felt like I was reliving some of my own life. Her insecurities were mine, her grief was mine. Some of the happier experiences too.
I sat with Ellisa as she told her story, I cried with her, raged with her, yelled with her and laughed with her. I was able to feel her emotions on every page and I am grateful that she was brave enough to share her story with the world. I will never not think of Ellisa and Graham.
This is a book that should be on everyone's TBR, a book that restores hope and faith, and brings with it a story of a love so strong and pure that you'll feel like you're reading a fairytale sometimes but you'll know deep in your heart its so much more than that. Its two people who chose each other, who choose to do the work in every single moment they share. Its two people fighting to keep their love alive and intact. Its the work and grit that goes into the happily ever after part. Its a man being exactly who he says he is and choosing to be there for the good parts and the bad parts too. Its a woman reclaiming her faith and coming out stronger for it. Its a woman saying "I deserve better" and chasing after it. Its a breath of fresh air.
I will always be thankful for this book, because I know that I can stop the spiral and figure it all out from here. ❤️
I am a firm believer in the whole "books find you when you need them" concept, and I am so certain this book landed in my lap at just the right moment. I've been doubting, raging, and fighting my faith repeatedly for a long time. I've been stuck in a vicious cycle for such a long time that I even started thinking I'd never be able to stop the spiral. Then I came across the giveaway post for this book, figuring the worst that could happen would be I didn't win. And then I felt it, while reading Elissa's journey I felt a tiny spark in me. At first I fought it, told myself I was insane and even convinced myself that a book couldn't have caused such a change in me in so little time. And yet it did. This book mended something that I'd previously thought unhealable. Parts of her experience felt like they were mine. It was like looking in a mirror sometimes. It felt like I was reliving some of my own life. Her insecurities were mine, her grief was mine. Some of the happier experiences too.
I sat with Ellisa as she told her story, I cried with her, raged with her, yelled with her and laughed with her. I was able to feel her emotions on every page and I am grateful that she was brave enough to share her story with the world. I will never not think of Ellisa and Graham.
This is a book that should be on everyone's TBR, a book that restores hope and faith, and brings with it a story of a love so strong and pure that you'll feel like you're reading a fairytale sometimes but you'll know deep in your heart its so much more than that. Its two people who chose each other, who choose to do the work in every single moment they share. Its two people fighting to keep their love alive and intact. Its the work and grit that goes into the happily ever after part. Its a man being exactly who he says he is and choosing to be there for the good parts and the bad parts too. Its a woman reclaiming her faith and coming out stronger for it. Its a woman saying "I deserve better" and chasing after it. Its a breath of fresh air.
I will always be thankful for this book, because I know that I can stop the spiral and figure it all out from here. ❤️
May 19, 2026
GOD IS GOOD, all the time.
A true love story, Ellisa a young woman struggling with loss and past hurts that have built up defenses in her and unwanted needs that she tries to fill in the wrong ways ,like we all do. A young man Graham serving in the military with his own struggles. He reaches out to Ellisa, whom he knew in kindergarten, and the rest is history, and at just the right time.
A good read. Ellisa is open in telling her story. I recommend this book to any woman that loves a good romance, that needs to know she is not alone in her struggles. See how faith can change things.
A true love story, Ellisa a young woman struggling with loss and past hurts that have built up defenses in her and unwanted needs that she tries to fill in the wrong ways ,like we all do. A young man Graham serving in the military with his own struggles. He reaches out to Ellisa, whom he knew in kindergarten, and the rest is history, and at just the right time.
A good read. Ellisa is open in telling her story. I recommend this book to any woman that loves a good romance, that needs to know she is not alone in her struggles. See how faith can change things.
June 4, 2026
This is a very well written book the story n characters are very interesting. It’s spiritual and emotional. A beautiful story! I was so captivated from page one! A must read! I highly recommend reading this beautiful book!📕
July 28, 2026
I am “Toby’s” big sister in real life and have known Ellisa and Graham a long time. However, I never knew much about Ellisa’s story prior to Graham. Her path leading to the love of her life pulled at my heart strings. I’m proud of her for sharing it.
May 10, 2026
Best book I have read in a very long time
This is the best book I have read in a long time. I had trouble putting it down. It was so relatable and such a great read❤️
This is the best book I have read in a long time. I had trouble putting it down. It was so relatable and such a great read❤️
May 12, 2026
Great book about love and faith
May 13, 2026
True Love Story
Ellissa is a new creation on Jesus. The beginning was tough to read. God shows up and His grace is sufficient.
Ellissa is a new creation on Jesus. The beginning was tough to read. God shows up and His grace is sufficient.
May 25, 2026
One of the best reads I have had in a long time! I love Graham and Ellisa’s love story. What a testament to trusting God and His timing. A must read!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews