Before and Again

A Novel

By: Barbara Delinsky

Narrated by: Mary Stuart Masterson

From Barbara Delinsky, the New York Times bestselling author of Blueprints and Sweet Salt Air, a brand-new audiobook about a woman in hiding finding the courage to face the world again.

Mackenzie Cooper took her eyes off the road for just a moment but the resulting collision was enough to rob her not only of her beloved daughter but ultimately of her marriage, family, and friends—and thanks to the nonstop media coverage, even her privacy. Now she lives in Vermont under the name Maggie Reid, in a small house with her cats and dog. She’s thankful for the new friends she’s made—though she can’t risk telling them too much. And she takes satisfaction in working as a makeup artist at the luxurious local spa, helping clients hide the visible outward signs of their weariness, illnesses, and injuries. Covering up scars is a skill she has mastered.

Her only goal is to stay under the radar and make it through her remaining probation. But she isn’t the only one in this peaceful town with secrets. When a friend’s teenage son is thrust into the national spotlight, accused of hacking a powerful man’s Twitter account, Maggie is torn between pulling away and protecting herself—or stepping into the glare to be at their side. As the stunning truth behind their case is slowly revealed, Maggie’s own carefully constructed story begins to unravel as well. She knows all too well that what we need from each other in this difficult world is comfort. But to provide it, sometimes we need to travel far outside our comfort zones.

From a multimillion-selling master of women’s fiction, Before and Again is a story of the relationships we find ourselves in—mothers and daughters, spouses and siblings, true companions and fair-weather friends—and what kind of sacrifices we are or aren’t willing to make to sustain them through good times and bad.

Critic reviews

"Mary Stuart Masterson is quite wonderful narrating Delinsky's uplifting novel...Worthwhile listening." -AudioFile

Life is a Balance of Holding On and Letting Go

Have always loved her books but this one - this one was different for me. Resonated in me, spoke clearly to my soul, uncovered a pain that had been living in the shadows of my life. Thank you for the words and ideas expressed so eloquently. Wonderful story of people coping to figure out their lives and what made them whole. Story of strength and looking for peace amidst the chaos of life. Life goes on whether we want it to or not. And Mary Stuart Masterson delivered it so well - would not have been the same experience without her performance.

So So

I've read better Delinsky books. It was okay, just not very engaging. Almost stopped but half way through decided it was worth finishing.

Interesting but a little slow

This book is slow paced but it's a good story. Interesting but a little predictable.

So So

Story is too long. Takes too long to get to the plot and then seems it just ends. Reader is too monotone.

Would have been a better read then audible.

I have always loved Barbara Delinsky and never miss one of her stories. This was another great story, but wishing I had gotten it in ebook instead of Audible. The reader just was not up to what I am use to listening to. There was no definition in the characters' voices...including male/female. At times it was hard to figure out who was doing the speaking. There were several sections I had to go back and listen to a 2nd or 3rd time to figure out who was saying what.