Before the Storm

By: Diane Chamberlain

Narrated by: Abby Craden, Kris Koscheski

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 has succeeded in becoming a committed, protective parent - maybe even overprotective. Still, she loosens her grip just enough to let Andy attend a local church social - a decision that terrifies 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.

©2008 Diane Chamberlain (P)2014 Tantor

Critic reviews

"A complex and emotional story." ( RT Book Reviews)

Great book...HORRIBLE performance

What did you like best about Before the Storm? What did you like least?

The story was very well done.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Quite a bit, there are two narrators for this book and they are horrible. The woman does this inflection thing at the end of most sentences that causes me to just focus on that, in addition to this almost breathy quality. Both narrators just sound so fake.

Do you think Before the Storm needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

It does have a follow up book.

Very relatable for me

I could relate to so many elements of this story, and it's set in North Carolina, as most of this author's books are.
The female narrator was wonderful, with a very subtle Southern drawl. The narrator of Marcus was not great, making that character sound more mentally challenged than Andy, who is meant to be affected by FASD.
There is some small-town drama that probably seems far-fetched to some but was very realistic to me as a small-town Southerner.
My favorite character was Laurel's late husband Jamie, who wanted to start a "church" where everyone could worship however/whoever they wanted, just be in the same place as other people with good intentions. I thought I was the only one who ever had that idea! Jamie also has "empathy" tattooed on his arm to remind him to put himself in others' shoes.
It's a pretty good plot, and I recommend the book.

Great story, but I would prefer to read it myself

The story was well done and intriguing, but the narrators were very distracting. Their awful Southern accents and slow drawls were painful to listen to .

Excellent story

I absolutely loved this book. It had me hooked from the very beginning and I couldn't put it down. I am so excited to read the next part, Secrets She Left Behind, so I can find out what happens!! The narrator did a great job telling the story. This is my favorite Diane Chamberlain book so far!

One of my favorites, so many twists and turns

Could not put this one down! Another great novel by Diane Chamberlain, great narration as well

3.5 stars

3.5 stars. I’ve read some books by this author that I’ve really liked. This book had a good premise and good mystery but fell a bit flat for me. I mean who can’t diagnose post partum depression in the 90s? I don’t like spoilers but let’s just say some of the characters just confused me. The ending just didn’t do it for me. Personally, I saw so many other options. I’m surprised there is a second book but I’ll probably read it because I’m curious where the author intends to take the story. I will also say that the narrator had a quality that sort of annoyed me
At the ends of some sentences. I think she was going for trying to leave some intrigue but it just kind of didn’t work for me.

Good Diane Chamberlain Story, but...

What did you like best about Before the Storm? What did you like least?

I thought the story was interesting, although a bit drawn out. It would have had more punch minus some of the filler, but the "mystery" part of it was good. I changed my mind multiple times about who the culprit was, which to me is a sign of a good plot.

What didn’t you like about Abby Craden and Kris Koscheski ’s performance?

Kris Koscheski's performance was well done, but Abby Craden was probably the worst reader I have ever experienced in audible books, which I have listened to from one source or another for twenty years. Perhaps if you were just sitting down next to the speaker, it would be okay, but her voice dropped often and way too much. I understand that she was probably trying to create an effect, but I am definitely not used to having to turn the volume up and down on an audio book just to hear it comfortably. And I definitely do not sit next to the speaker listening to a book-I am often driving, using ear buds while walking or doing things around the house listening to the book and having to constantly alter the sound level is absurd.

Do you think Before the Storm needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

It might be interesting to have a sequel to learn what happens in Maggie's and Andy's lives.

Good Book

I liked the story overall.. However the narrator whispered so much during certain characters that I constantly had to adjust the volume. Very annoying!

Excellent story

Held my interest the whole way through. Couldn’t believe laurel didn’t know better not to drink while pregnant. Selfish!

Excellent Story - excellent narrators

Love the characters, story and the narration was spot on! I highly recommend this book!