I have not done a book review in a while, as the Fall season has been quite busy with a lot going on. However, with the holidays upon us, it’s always good to take a break and re-energize before the craziness of holiday shopping and parties begin. I have blogged about Diane Chamberlain before, as I love all of her books, so here I go again (click here for the review of my favorite book of hers). Some of her books are part of a series or trilogy, as are the two that I am reviewing today, Before the Storm and Secrets She Left Behind. Once again, I do suggest you read them in order, as it always makes it easier to follow the story line. I simply could not wait to read the sequel to see how the story unfolds, and trust me, you will be just as anxious!
Photos Courtesy of Diane Chamberlain.
Before the Storm (Synopsis)
Fifteen-year-old Andy Lockwood is special. Others notice the way he blurts out anything that comes into his mind, how he cannot foresee consequences, that he’s more child than teenager. But his mother sees a boy with a heart as open and wide as the ocean. Laurel Lockwood lost her son once through neglect. She’s spent the rest of her life determined to make up for her mistakes, and she’s succeeded in becoming a committed, protective parent—maybe even over-protective. Still, she loosens her grip just enough to let Andy attend a local church social—a decision that terrifies and infuriates her when the church is consumed by fire. But Andy survives…and remarkably, saves other children from the flames. Laurel watches as Andy basks in the role of unlikely hero and the world finally sees her Andy, the sweet boy she knows as well as her own heart. But when the suspicion of arson is cast upon Andy, Laurel must ask herself how well she really knows her son…and how far she’ll go to keep her promise to protect him forever.
Secrets She Left Behind (Synopsis)
One afternoon, single mother Sara Weston says that she’s going to the store—and never returns. In her absence, she leaves her teenaged son alone with his damaged past and a legacy of secrets. Keith Weston nearly lost his life in an act of arson. He survived—but with devastating physical and emotional scars. Without his mother, he has no one to help him heal, no money, nothing to live for but the medications that numb his pain. Isolated and angry, his hatred has one tight focus: his half-sister, Maggie Lockwood. Now the person Keith despises most is the closest thing he has to family—until Sara returns. If Sara returns. . .
So, I hope I have peaked your interest in these terrific mysteries. Now just pick up a copy of these books, or download them to your e-reader, and enjoy a great read!
Have you ever read a novel by Diane Chamberlain? If you have, I’d love to hear which was your favorite.
Listen2Mama 
Reading is very rare for me. In fact, I haven’t picked up a book in about 20 years, but these sound like really good reads 🙂
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These both sound really interesting books – going to head over to Amazon now and see if I can download them. x
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I am going on a long road trip and need a good book. Thanks.. I will look into this.
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This sounds like a great book! I’d love to sit down and get into one of these books! I just need to find the time!
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I haven’t read anything by this author. The Secrets She Left Behind sounds interesting and definitely like something I would give a try – it’s an interesting possibility at least.
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I love to escape into some fiction that transports me somewhere else. Love it. I’ll put these on my list.
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I am so looking forward to a couple of days off so I can sit with a book and just relax. This is a new author for me but from what you have written she sounds like an author I would chose for myself. Looking to see what book #1 is in both series. I have to start from the beginning 🙂
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maybe this is what it takes for me to actually sit down and to read a book
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Both of these stories sound really interesting. It would be interesting to find out whether or not Andy was the arsonist.
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Reading is something I’ve got to add to my New Year’s bucket list for next year! I love a good mystery and both of these stories captured my interest! You did an excellent job of outlining the books!
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I love a good mystery Book, I have never read anything by Diane Chamberlain before though, I must check out her Books!
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I am uber intrigued, I want to read these books and you’re right best to read them in order to understand the sequel. Thanks for sharing
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Those are definitely page turners! I am so interested in the second story. I wonder how it ends, but I guess it’s for me to find out!
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I was just looking at books. I know once the holidays are over I will need a good one. Will have to look for these.
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This sounds like a book I would not want to put down! Much suspense!
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I need to get back into reading again. This is a great idea!
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I’m on a break from school and have been thinking I should read a book while I can. This one sounds like a great choice.
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The second one sounds most appealing to me. I may have to pick that one up for my flight next week.
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These are both good stories with parental relationship theme. It would be a good read on how to see them get past the conflicts and challenges.
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Both books sound interesting. I will add them to my list of must read books.
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I want to read one of these books. I really love reading books. 🙂
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These books both sound really good. I love finding new authors from word of mouth.
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Both books sound good and I am sure an enjoyable read on a lazy weekend. The best kind of read. I have not read books by this author before but I have heard about her. I might just have to catch one of these over the holidays when I have some down time.
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I love to read while i have a nice hot bath. I just finished my book. This looks like a great book to start reading.
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I like True Crime and Mysteries. These two sound like good reads I would enjoy.
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Sounds like two good books to enjoy over the holiday break. I’ll have to check to see if they come in audiobook.
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This is really interesting, I’d like to know more about this.
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Before the storm sounds like an intriguing book that both me and my wife would love to read. Going to grab a copy this week thanks for the great review!
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I haven’t read a mystery book in a while. I’ve been more into romances lately. I might add these to my to-read list for my Kindle.
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These mysteries sound very intriguing. They are the perfect reads during the holidays when you are on vacation.
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I haven’t read any of Diane Chamberlain’s novels. I am more of a crime and suspense novel kind of reader, but I am open to other genres. I will take your word and look for these books. Thanks for the synopsis. They do look like a promising read.
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I think you would really enjoy her books.
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Ooh I’m always adding books to my reading list and love a good series, definitely checking these out soon. What are some of your other favorite mysteries?
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I love to read, although finding the time to do it these days is very difficult. Your review of the above book however, really wants me to check it out.
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I have not allowed myself to take some time to read a good book. I may need to get this for over the holiday break.
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My mom read this and said it was great! It’s currently on my to read list and I can’t wait to read it!thank
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I haven’t had the chance to read a book in a couple months. I need a new one to read – I’ll have to check these out more.
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