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Maria Before Us
Eight days since I lost them both in a car accident.
Seven nights I’ve held my nephew as he relives the crash he survived.
Six casseroles sit on the kitchen counter from neighbors who don’t actually care.
Five fingers drum against the wooden grain to my right.
Four bodies try to ignore the growing tension in the room.
Three years since I’ve seen the man who’s almost here.
Two car doors shut.
One doorknob twists.
This was me Before Us.
**PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A NOVELLA**
NOVELLA 1/6
Due to adult content this novella is 18+
Seven nights I’ve held my nephew as he relives the crash he survived.
Six casseroles sit on the kitchen counter from neighbors who don’t actually care.
Five fingers drum against the wooden grain to my right.
Four bodies try to ignore the growing tension in the room.
Three years since I’ve seen the man who’s almost here.
Two car doors shut.
One doorknob twists.
This was me Before Us.
**PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A NOVELLA**
NOVELLA 1/6
Due to adult content this novella is 18+
- GenresRomance
70 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2019
103 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Ellie Messe
7 books415 followersI'm a fun loving book dragon who has the ability to make sailors blush with colorful language and obscene gestures. I love reading, mostly romance, young adult and new age. I'm a part of a BANGerangin' book club that is guaranteed to be better than yours. I like to spend my days wondering around department stores while reading erotica out loud, scaring the piss out of people, and playing "The floor is lava". (Adulting is lame.)
My Reader's Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/29384...
Follow Me on Facebook:
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Follow Me on Instagram: @EllieMesse.Author PLEASE NOTE @EllieMesseAuthor is a dead account.
Or visit www.elliemesse.com
My Reader's Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/29384...
Follow Me on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/ellie.messe.1
Follow Me on Instagram: @EllieMesse.Author PLEASE NOTE @EllieMesseAuthor is a dead account.
Or visit www.elliemesse.com
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 29, 2020
This was a short quick read that I liked Although I wished I had realized that this book was part of another series. This was my first time reading this author. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to going back to read this series.
Want to read
March 22, 2020🎁 The complete Broken Series (4 book series) is FREE on Amazon today (3/22/2020)! 🎁
February 25, 2020
Much needed
Ellie brings us back into the Broken world with Maria's version of what happened before and I can't be more grateful. These characters are everything and I love that we get a chance to see how their amazing story unfolded. I love Maria and Josh more than I already did.
Ellie brings us back into the Broken world with Maria's version of what happened before and I can't be more grateful. These characters are everything and I love that we get a chance to see how their amazing story unfolded. I love Maria and Josh more than I already did.
June 18, 2020
I loved this novella. I loved how we finally see what the go was with Maria and Josh. 10/10 for me.
May 7, 2020
Your going to cry
The broken series 0.5.
So this is a biased review but *shrugs*.
I wish this was a full length book. It was written so beautifully that you will cry - or at least tear up multiple times. Its so heartbreaking, so emotional, so.. *deep breath to not cry*.
I will forever read and reread the broken series. I wish and hope there is more to come. To the author: Can you please make a family tree? I’ve read the series twice and i’m still a little confused. :)
This book is in Maria’s perspective. You’ll get some background on her and Josh, but mostly in terms of their relationship (past, present and future in this book). You’ll learn more about Parker and Drew’s parents and read about what happens after they pass.
**Important side note: I don’t think you need to read the first three books to understand this one. I mean, you won’t have full appreciation of the characters, but it is a great intro into the series and the authors’ writing style.
** If you haven’t read the other books: Read what I said above about “this book is in..”. Book 1 of the series is about Parker and Ryan. Book 2 and 3 is about Drew and Emma. Maria and Josh are their guardians, and this book (0.5) is about them.
The broken series 0.5.
So this is a biased review but *shrugs*.
I wish this was a full length book. It was written so beautifully that you will cry - or at least tear up multiple times. Its so heartbreaking, so emotional, so.. *deep breath to not cry*.
I will forever read and reread the broken series. I wish and hope there is more to come. To the author: Can you please make a family tree? I’ve read the series twice and i’m still a little confused. :)
This book is in Maria’s perspective. You’ll get some background on her and Josh, but mostly in terms of their relationship (past, present and future in this book). You’ll learn more about Parker and Drew’s parents and read about what happens after they pass.
**Important side note: I don’t think you need to read the first three books to understand this one. I mean, you won’t have full appreciation of the characters, but it is a great intro into the series and the authors’ writing style.
** If you haven’t read the other books: Read what I said above about “this book is in..”. Book 1 of the series is about Parker and Ryan. Book 2 and 3 is about Drew and Emma. Maria and Josh are their guardians, and this book (0.5) is about them.
July 24, 2021
Wow.
This book follows Maria & Josh- Parker & Drew's aunt & uncle whom you meet in Broken & takes place before. You get a glimpse into Maria's life before Arizona, a glimpse at Josh and Maria's history, a glimpse at the grief, pain and heart ache. Maria lost her sister and brother-in-law, Josh lost his brother and sister-in-law, and Parker and Drew lost their parents.
This story may have been short, but I loved getting to see a look into Josh & Maria before they moved to Arizona. It made my heart constrict and I cried. It is best to read after Broken & Famished - where you meet Josh, Maria, Parker & Drew & see everyone, & know what happened- but can be read as a prequel as well. I loved it & wished there was more- not just with Josh and Maria's story, but everyone else's as well. I don't want to say goodbye to these characters. 5⭐ out of 5⭐.
This book follows Maria & Josh- Parker & Drew's aunt & uncle whom you meet in Broken & takes place before. You get a glimpse into Maria's life before Arizona, a glimpse at Josh and Maria's history, a glimpse at the grief, pain and heart ache. Maria lost her sister and brother-in-law, Josh lost his brother and sister-in-law, and Parker and Drew lost their parents.
This story may have been short, but I loved getting to see a look into Josh & Maria before they moved to Arizona. It made my heart constrict and I cried. It is best to read after Broken & Famished - where you meet Josh, Maria, Parker & Drew & see everyone, & know what happened- but can be read as a prequel as well. I loved it & wished there was more- not just with Josh and Maria's story, but everyone else's as well. I don't want to say goodbye to these characters. 5⭐ out of 5⭐.
February 15, 2020
Gripping and heart wrenching.
I absolutely love the Broken world Ellie created. It’s emotionally gripping and heart wrenchingly beautiful. I feel a connection to all the characters on such a deep level. This novella was a delicious treat and made me crave them even more. Maria’s Story is impactful and well crafted. I was on a rollercoaster of emotions that never ended. It’s a quick read but I was lost in the pages immediately and cried from so deep in my soul I had to pause to remember to breathe. She evokes all the feels effortlessly and the characters have a raw vulnerability that truly let me share in their experience. Ellie just continues to amaze me and I’ll be here for all the words that are to come.
I absolutely love the Broken world Ellie created. It’s emotionally gripping and heart wrenchingly beautiful. I feel a connection to all the characters on such a deep level. This novella was a delicious treat and made me crave them even more. Maria’s Story is impactful and well crafted. I was on a rollercoaster of emotions that never ended. It’s a quick read but I was lost in the pages immediately and cried from so deep in my soul I had to pause to remember to breathe. She evokes all the feels effortlessly and the characters have a raw vulnerability that truly let me share in their experience. Ellie just continues to amaze me and I’ll be here for all the words that are to come.
February 15, 2020
Waited long enough
I waited for this novella just like every other Broken reader casualty. The words in this story are strong and not subtle, in the sense that my emotions weren’t ready. I felt the feelings Ellie Messe wrote because she wrote them so vividly.
You meet Maria and Josh in Broken, and their love story seems so perfect. Like they have fallen in line with the stars. But you’d never know it was a tragedy that pulled them together after different paths tore them apart.
I waited for this novella just like every other Broken reader casualty. The words in this story are strong and not subtle, in the sense that my emotions weren’t ready. I felt the feelings Ellie Messe wrote because she wrote them so vividly.
You meet Maria and Josh in Broken, and their love story seems so perfect. Like they have fallen in line with the stars. But you’d never know it was a tragedy that pulled them together after different paths tore them apart.
February 16, 2020
I can't contain myself!
Ellie has done it again with her amazing way with words. I cried so many times during this short journey, honestly it shocked me.
Ellie is able to convey Maria's pain in such a way that you really feel it. To. Your. Core. I'm sad it was so short, because honestly I just want MORE. Ellie you are an amazing author! NEVER STOP WRITING. 💜
Side note: ignore the grammatical errors! They are tiny and insignificant, especially for an indie author!
Ellie has done it again with her amazing way with words. I cried so many times during this short journey, honestly it shocked me.
Ellie is able to convey Maria's pain in such a way that you really feel it. To. Your. Core. I'm sad it was so short, because honestly I just want MORE. Ellie you are an amazing author! NEVER STOP WRITING. 💜
Side note: ignore the grammatical errors! They are tiny and insignificant, especially for an indie author!
June 1, 2020
Wanted so much more from this!
It wasn't a bad story, but there was just to much unresolved left in it. I've read all the previous books connected to this and enjoyed them very much. I was just left with disappointment and the feeling of wanting to know more . Like why did he leave without her in the first place? When did he finally realize she wasn't lying? To much unsaid for my liking.
It wasn't a bad story, but there was just to much unresolved left in it. I've read all the previous books connected to this and enjoyed them very much. I was just left with disappointment and the feeling of wanting to know more . Like why did he leave without her in the first place? When did he finally realize she wasn't lying? To much unsaid for my liking.
July 20, 2021
Short but sweet
This was a perfect short read. Both Maria and Josh are from the broken series, aunt and uncle to Parker and Drew, and much older. It’s nice to get to go back a little and read, even if short about how it all started out for the two of them.
I loved it and wish it could of had a little more to it, it was that good.
Definitely a book to recommend, I’d just recommend reading the broken series first before you do.
This was a perfect short read. Both Maria and Josh are from the broken series, aunt and uncle to Parker and Drew, and much older. It’s nice to get to go back a little and read, even if short about how it all started out for the two of them.
I loved it and wish it could of had a little more to it, it was that good.
Definitely a book to recommend, I’d just recommend reading the broken series first before you do.
March 2, 2020
It would have been five stars if it was a little longer. I realize that it was a novella but I felt the story needed to be slightly longer. We all know that Maria and Josh marry but what was Josh's point of view when he realized Maria was moving to Arizona? Still it was a great story. Bummed that it did not appear on my Goodreads feed as I read Ellie Messe books in a day.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2020
YES!!!!
Everything! Gah! I loved this! I LOVED Maria and Joshs back story. It adds to much depth and dimension to the characters and stories of the Broken Series. It’s everything I wanted and more. Ellie’s amazing talent with slaying words, twist and angst. It was perfect. Just perfect!
Everything! Gah! I loved this! I LOVED Maria and Joshs back story. It adds to much depth and dimension to the characters and stories of the Broken Series. It’s everything I wanted and more. Ellie’s amazing talent with slaying words, twist and angst. It was perfect. Just perfect!
June 29, 2020
Tearjerker if you have experienced grief and very relatable
Maria’s story was more than I expected for a small novel. This is a quick read and touched my heart with the words used to describe the grief and heartbreak that occurs with death. I wanted more and was left satisfied yet yearning for more.
Maria’s story was more than I expected for a small novel. This is a quick read and touched my heart with the words used to describe the grief and heartbreak that occurs with death. I wanted more and was left satisfied yet yearning for more.
February 17, 2020
Perfect prequel
Maria and Josh's relationship always intrigued me in the broken series. I am so excited Ellie gave us more about their history. It was everything I never expected and absolutely treasured. Great novella.
Maria and Josh's relationship always intrigued me in the broken series. I am so excited Ellie gave us more about their history. It was everything I never expected and absolutely treasured. Great novella.
February 19, 2020
Loved
I was so excited to see Maria and Josh get to tell their own story <3 I love the broken world and Ellie you have a way with words and ways of making your reading see a whole story from just words.
I was so excited to see Maria and Josh get to tell their own story <3 I love the broken world and Ellie you have a way with words and ways of making your reading see a whole story from just words.
May 14, 2023
ok
I was enjoying the story and finding out the history behind Maria and Josh….when it suddenly ended. I knew it was a novella so would be shirt but it just felt a bit too rushed at the end and I was left feeling disappointed.
I was enjoying the story and finding out the history behind Maria and Josh….when it suddenly ended. I knew it was a novella so would be shirt but it just felt a bit too rushed at the end and I was left feeling disappointed.
February 16, 2020
What I’ve been wondering
It was so fun to get to read the beginning of Josh and Maria. I have missed these people and always wondered what things were like for these two and the boys before Famished. Thanks Elle for filling in some gaps!
It was so fun to get to read the beginning of Josh and Maria. I have missed these people and always wondered what things were like for these two and the boys before Famished. Thanks Elle for filling in some gaps!
February 17, 2020
Love this book
This book was amazing ♥️♥️♥️
The story of Maria was much needed ♥️♥️♥️
I highly recommend to read this book after you have read the broken series! 😄
This book was amazing ♥️♥️♥️
The story of Maria was much needed ♥️♥️♥️
I highly recommend to read this book after you have read the broken series! 😄
February 17, 2020
Amazing
Love love lie! Great little tidbit on Maria and how everything went after the boys parents died. Tear jerker so be sure to have some Kleenex nearby.
Love love lie! Great little tidbit on Maria and how everything went after the boys parents died. Tear jerker so be sure to have some Kleenex nearby.
February 20, 2020
Love, Love, Love!!
Ellie has done it yet again! The 'Broken' series is so absolutely amazing! If you haven't read it you are missing the best series ever!!
Ellie has done it yet again! The 'Broken' series is so absolutely amazing! If you haven't read it you are missing the best series ever!!
February 24, 2020
Looooove that I got to see how they got started, absolutely loved this story.
March 29, 2020
This author is really gifted. She is able to allow us into the feelings of her characters and we hurt, laugh and heal right along with them. I loved Maria and Josh.
Want to read
March 9, 2024Prch Amz March 22, 2020
October 6, 2020
Loved it
A wonderful short story of how maria and Josh ended up with the boys and a little background to their relationship loved it xx
A wonderful short story of how maria and Josh ended up with the boys and a little background to their relationship loved it xx
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews