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Before We Were Strangers

By: Brenda Novak
Narrated by: Ann Marie Gideon
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Publisher's summary

Something happened to her mother that night. Something no one wants to talk about. But she’s determined to uncover her family’s dark secrets, even if they bury her.

Five-year-old Sloane McBride couldn’t sleep that night. Her parents were arguing again, their harsh words heating the cool autumn air. And then there was that other sound - the ominous thump before all went quiet.

In the morning, her mother was gone.

The official story was that she left. Her loving, devoted mother! That hadn’t sat any better at the time than it did when Sloane moved out at 18, anxious to leave her small Texas hometown in search of anywhere else. But not even a fresh start working as a model in New York could keep the nightmares at bay. Or her fears that the domineering father she grew up with wasn’t just difficult - he was deadly.

Now, another traumatic loss forces Sloane to realize she owes it to her mother to find out the truth, even if it means returning to a small town full of secrets and lies, a jilted ex-boyfriend, and a father and brother who’d rather see her silenced. But as Sloane starts digging into the past, the question isn’t whether she can uncover what really happened that night...it’s what will remain of her family if she does?

©2018 Brenda Novak, Inc. (P)2018 Harlequin Enterprises, Limited
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What listeners say about Before We Were Strangers

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    4 out of 5 stars

Good read-kept me interested.

Was dying to know how this book was going to end from the beginning! Very good!

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Incredible

This book is really out of the ordinary - so unique, thrilling and smart. I really really enjoyed it tremendously. You will too!

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1 person found this helpful

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Feel good, romantic suspense

I enjoyed Before We Were Strangers,. it's about second chances, honesty and love. Sloane returns to her home town after leaving 10 years earlier in search for answers to her mother's disappearance when she was 5 years old. plenty if angst, suspense, twists and turns and romance make it a great read.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Powerful Story

When Sloane McBride returns to her hometown, she has a specific purpose. She wants to find what happened to her mother who disappeared twenty-three years ago after a fight with domineering husband. Sloan thinks that her father might have killed her? Now she's going to find the truth and find peace. Sloane can't escape the memories of that night. I sympathized with her. It would be terrible to be haunted by the past. I was impressed by her determination. She won't be stopped by the pressure from her father. To add to her stress she must deal with her first love, Micah. He's bitter. Sloane may have left him without warning, but she still cares for him. Can they put the past behind them? I liked Micah. He's willing to help her even though it puts his career at risk. I was impressed with his character. Even though he suffered when Sloane left. He's helping her. Their chemistry is amazing. Brenda Novak has written an powerful story. The plot is filled with so many unexpected twists that I was stunned. Her characters come alive with their powerful dialogue. I cared for Sloane and Micah. I wanted them to be successful. I just wasn't sure that they could get through the lies and deceit. Before We Were Strangers is a keeper. I bought this as an audiobook. I felt that the narration increased the tension. I

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EXCELLENT!!

This is an excellent read with a steady flow in character development and storyline. Enjoy!!

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1 person found this helpful

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Good mystery

This story line was sooooo good!! keeps you thinking and on theedge of your seat. definitely a good listen!

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Okay story about unlikable people

Kind of an interesting story about stupid, unlikable people making bad choices and then being surprised by the results. A few interesting twists and turns at the end. I won't return it because it kept me entertained enough to finish it, but I'm not sure I'll read anything else by this author. I want to like and care about the characters, and I just couldn't. Things come out okay for the protagonist (I can't call her a heroine) but she rounds other people's lives to get there.

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loved it!

the characters and narration were good,, a easy listen for relaxing, and loved it!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Standalone Novel

Standalone Novel

After hearing an argument between her parents, Sloane McBride's mother disappears. Now that she has grown up, Sloane is determined to find out what happened that night. She is convinced that her father must have killed her and covered it up, but he's the mayor and no one will go against him. Micah Evans, Sloane's former boyfriend, has been divorced for a year and is shocked to find Sloane in Paige's house. Even after all these years, the two have chemistry. Micah begins to help Sloane with her investigation, but the mayor is set on destroying anyone who gets in his way.

If you're looking for a story where every character is suspect, this is the book for you!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Before We Were Strangers

I love love it. It deserves five-plus stars. There was nothing not to like, lots to love, and it was very well written by a fantastic author Brenda Novak has magic in her in the way she writes her stories. You start to read and don't want to put it down. I stood up all night reading this book. It left me wanting more, like all her books. I also love the narrator.

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1 person found this helpful