Susannah Westbrook never thought she’d find love again.After a failed marriage, focusing on her children instead of her love life was the best thing to do. Now years later, she’s content with her life. But when she meets Colton Hale, she decides that she wants to be more than just content—she’s ready to take a chance on love once again.After just a year of being together, Colton is ready to spend … Colton is ready to spend forever with Susannah—to give her the happily ever after she deserves. But old insecurities have a way of making a comeback when you least want them to.
Will they be able to get over all their befores for a chance at their happy ever after?
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A return to Magnolia Sound! This is quite quickly becoming one of my favorite places to visit and I love the families and townspeople. This is the love story of Susannah and Colton. Susannah has raised her children, seen them find their true love and started a second career as a B and B innkeeper. Little did she expect to find love again after her disastrous first marriage ended.
Colton has been working for Coleman construction for years. He loves his job, he loves his town and now he loves Susannah. And he thinks she loves him…but why won’t she agree to marry him? Can he wait around until she decides the time is right? Should he just give it up and find a new life elsewhere?
This is a sweet sweet love story of a couple who are a little more mature in age but still have the same fears, the same wants and needs as younger couples. In fact , with their life experiences, they want only the best. Can they put it all together in time to celebrate the new year together?
I’ve really been looking forward to reading this book and Samantha Chase did a great job with Susannah and Colton’s story. No matter how old you are, you always have the chance to get your heart broken and in turn, try to learn from your mistakes and move forward. This was a perfect story for Susannah and Colton. I enjoyed their story and everything in between. From the guys getting together the morning after to help with ‘damage control’ to Georgia trying to be new and improved with her attitude, I can see her getting there and I’m excited to see if her transformation continues. The way this book moves with our couples and watching how things ultimately came together, couldn’t have been better. And I must say, the way this ended was totally perfect! My favorite quote from this book is, “And all the befores, all our nows, and all our tomorrows…this life we have is precious and I never want us to take them for granted.” Thank you Samantha Chase for this great story.
Susannah Westbrook has raised her children Sam and Mallory on her own. And she has done a great job. It’s now time for her to do things for herself, like start a bed and breakfast at the beautiful southern home her grandfather willed her and fall in love.
Colton Hale worked for Susannah’s grandfather and as soon as Colton saw Susannah he knew she was the one for him.
This was a sweet Christmas romance, with characters I have come to love from the Magnolia Sounds Series, a series I absolutely love and adore! I wish Magnolia Sounds was a real place so I could go and visit it. I love that Colton and Susannah are a little older than your normal romance couple and I love how they just compliment each other. This book shows so much love not just between Colton and Susannah but their family as well. This was a great read especially right before Christmas. You will be glad you read it and it will leave you with a big smile on your face!
Ever since we first met Susannah I could not wait for her story. This amazing woman raised two pretty awesome (and stubborn) kids on her own. When she started dating Colton it made everyone’s heart happy – they were both finally getting their own HEA.
Or not…
Their story starts in heartache and we go along for the ride as Susannah works out why her past overshadows her hope for the future and how Colton stays in wait but wondering if his heart can take it. This is a fabulous couple and the kids were as involved as ever – even meddling to help out as much as they could. This is a great “adult” romance. These two have both been married before but one carries more scars than the other. This is about finding your worth and knowing that no matter if your kids are grown and finding love, doesn’t mean you don’t deserve your own HEA.
Samantha Chase is the very essence of what a great writer is all about. The stories she writes are beyond amazing. I personally feel as if she knows what every reader is looking for in a book. She creates magic every time she puts pen to paper.
In All the Before we get the story I personally have been waiting for. Susannah and Colton’s story. We have had Mallory and Sam’s stories and have gotten to know her a little throughout the Magnolia Sound series. Now it is time for her story and what a phenomenal story it is. I really adored this story. This was a story about a woman who sacrificed everything to raise her children as a single mother. Now as her children are grown and embarking on their own journeys she is able to focus on her life. Susannah and Colton come together to work on her bed and breakfast plan. Once working together things really heat up.
I loved their story. I felt like “Wow this is amazing to read.” I loved reading Susannah’s story. I felt so connected to her. I felt as if I could relate somewhat to some of her struggles. It felt really good to read about the struggles that most middle-aged women have after having kids and raising them. I loved that I could relate to her struggles and felt as if I were there instead of reading a book. All the Befores had all the feels. I felt my heart swoon and felt myself catching my breath and even felt my heart break a bit for Susannah. The connection that Cole and Susannah have is beyond amazing. I love the way he loves her. I love the connection that she has with Sam and Mallory(her children). There is an amazing connection Mallory and Susannah have. Their connection is beyond that of just a mother and daughter. The relationship they have is one that I hope to have with my daughter when she is grown up. I even loved the way Susannah dealt with Georgia(her cousin). I must admit I’ve gotten to know Georgia through the previous books and I must say she can be hard to handle but Susannah dealt with and did a great job. I read this entire story in one sitting and I must say it is my favorite Magnolia Sound book thus far. I love every aspect of All the Befores. Samantha Chase did a phenomenal job writing this story and I feel it was perfect. I loved getting to see that even middle age couples can have romance and passion. Thank you Samantha Chase for such an amazing story.
Susannah has been part of every story in this series, but now the focus is on her. This novella picks up after her two kids and nephew find love. In each of their stories we saw Susannah dating Colton and now in her story we start off with one heck of an emotional moment.
From that beginning the story does a mixture of voices and moments talking about what all she experienced in her first marriage and how even though time has past old wounds can still hurt. Her children and Colton are amazing with their ardent support and love, but it is her internal dialogue that slowly starts to change its view that was fascinating to watch.
Along with her relationship and emotional roller coaster we see more of her and her cousins dynamic and some major tea is spilt between their confrontation. But in true Magnolia Sounds fashion that seems to have led to a new peace and relationship growth.
This story is shorter(hello novella), but it is jam packed with many of the favorites from this series and let’s us see how everyone is doing. As always the descriptions of the places and outfits are mesmerizing and I would love to visit this new Inn. The ending and epilogue were sweet and full of some great surprises. I enjoyed my time at Magnolia Sounds and can’t wait to return with the next story!
Thank you, Samantha Chase!!! I freaking loved this book for oh so many reasons. When I first read the blurb, I could not wait for it to hit my Kindle. As an experienced participant of the older generation, I LOVED seeing a book written about an older couple. In most of the romance novels I read I imagine my younger self, or even my son falling in love. This time I could almost see myself falling in love again. For this, Ms. Chase, I thank you.
OK, on to my review. I have been reading this series from the very beginning and have absolutely loved each and every one so far. But, this one, from what I have said above, has become my favorite in this series.
Susannah Westbrook is a freaking heroine in my book!! She has my utmost respect. Raising two phenomenal children, twins, into adulthood by herself without any help from the deadbeat sperm donor, who I personally think, should have been dropped off in the middle of the ocean without a lifejacket (bitter much). Sorry/not sorry, for that rant. Because of this poor excuse for a man, Susannah has built up many insecurities in herself. So, when Colton Hale comes along and shows some ser-i-ous attention to Susannah and then askes her to marry him, Susannah tells him no. She tells him “no” because she feels that she is not good enough for him. Can I PLEEEEEASE go punch her ex in the mouth? PLEEEEEASE!!!
I loved seeing all of the characters from the previous books. I loved seeing them rally around Susannah and Colton during Susannah’s aversion to marriage. Oh my, Sam’s idea, at least that is the way I took it…. FABULOUS!! Sorry Ladies, if you want to find out what that idea is… You will need to read this phenomenal book.
I was gifted with a copy of this book for my opinion and my love of reading wonderful books such as this one. ANNNND you can bet your/my last dollar, that I will be purchasing the Audible version so I can listen to this fabulous book over and over again.
Thank you for reading my review. I know you will love this book as much as I have, so what are you waiting for, go purchase it from your favorite vendor and start reading.
Good night, and have a great day
It’s Christmas time in Magnolia Sound!
Susannah and Colton have been dating for awhile and now one of them is ready for more while the other is more than a little afraid.
I absolutely loved that this was a fun, sexy, heartfelt romance between two forty somethings who communicated, had sex, and behaved like mature adults but without feeling “old.”
I loved that with the Christmas setting we got to see the whole family and the beautiful home Ezekiel created for them! I can’t wait for my next trip to the Sound!
I received a complimentary review copy of this book but all opinions are my own.
Susannah and Colton’s story All the Befores, book 3.5 in Samantha Chase’s Magnolia Sound series is an emotional and heartwarming tale of building self-confidence, family and understanding. All the before are the experiences that hurt Susannah and Colton before they met and started dating; taking a chance on a life together.
After her divorce, Susannah believed focusing on her children instead of her love life was the most important thing she needed to do. Her adult children are with the loves of their lives, and she’s comfortable with her life. Maybe now would be the time to take another chance on love. Yet after dating Colton for almost a year she rejected his proposal of marriage; even though she loved him and knew he would make her happy. As the opening of her B&B approaches, Susannah needs to stop letting old insecurities drive her future. I loved all the surprises occurring in this story.
Ms. Chase wrote a wonderful and emotional story that is not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with sexual chemistry, amusing banter, and endearing characters giving Susannah and Colton the love, happiness, and confidence needed for them to have a forever life together. I highly recommend All the Befores to other readers and look forward to reading the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Heartwarming & Exhilarating! Susannah Westbrook has been dating and falling for Colton Hale since she met him a little of a year ago. As her labor of love, her Bed and Breakfast, “Magnolia On The Sound” is about to be opened to the public. Susannah’s past insecurities and failure causes her to second guess the love, and the life, that she has made with Colton. So when he proposes to her, she not only turns him down but she also breaks up with him, even though she loves him.
Susannah struggles with the pain of her past marriage and the painful words of her ex-husband that have plagued her for decades. Constantly keeping her from taking a chance on love ever again. Worried that she would not be able to survive failure once again. But as her children rally to her side and try to reassure and persuade her to move forward in her life and her love with Colton it doesn’t seem like it is enough.
But although Colton is gutted from her refusal. At the urging of Susannah’s children he is ready to try to fight for their love and help her view their future in a different light. So when problems start with the opening of her bed and breakfast, it is Colton who is there to help fix the issues, and make sure that her dream will open on time. Kind, loving, positive and dependable Colton. But will it be enough to change her mind?
This was heartbreaking and heartwarming with all the feels that will bring you to your knees, and build you back up once again. I was seriously crying at the beginning of this book and crying once again at the end. But at the end it was happy tears as well as tingles from such a exhilaratingly, fantastic ending. Loved this so much!!
“And all the befores, all our nows, and all our tomorrows… this life we have is precious and I never want us to take them for granted.”
Gifted with a early copy for an honest review.
Oh to be Susannah …
What a fabulous book. My favorite Magnolia Sound to date (and that is saying a lot!)
So great to see Susannah and Colton’s story take life … and what a life it is. They’re a bit more mature than most of the author’s stories, which is great for for many of us who fit into that age bracket. Both Susannah and Colton are easily relatable. They’ve each had previous marriages and have grown to appreciate the friendship and romantic aspect of their relationship
Against the backdrop of Mallory and Sam getting married, Colton is ready to take things to the next level. He had a marriage that really didn’t work and he is certain that Susannah is it for him. Her Inn is in shape and almost ready to open and she’s on top of things. The story pulled me in immediately when Colton’s surprise proposal isn’t received well and things go about as far south as they could. Susannah’s insecurities, carryovers from her previous marriage to a real jerk, has given her heaps of doubts about being in permanent relationships.
This book kept me engaged from the start … it’s so tightly woven that I forgot it was a novella. Familiar characters Sam, Mallory, Shelby, and Jake join forces to pull them back together. This book has love, family, self-doubts from past heart-break, and a vision of love. The way the author brought out the past colliding with the present for each of the characters had me feeling their pain and hoping for the future. As soon as I finished I started an immediate re-read.
Ms. Chase is among my favorite writers and this book is a perfect example. The characters are realistic and the storyline tugs at your heart. You’ll end the book wishing for more news (fingers crossed for bonus chapters or a major part of another book) featuring Susannah and Colton. Here’s hoping that Ms. Chase is hard at work at the next book!
Download this book now! If it’s your first Magnolia Sound book, don’t worry. The writing is a standalone with characters that will make you smile when you see them in other books! If it’s not your first Magnolia Sound book, you’ll feel right at home with familiar characters and sights. Either way, you’re in for a treat, for sure!
I received an ARC. This is my honest review.
What happen when you are divorced, single mom and your kids are adults and start having their own families?
There is not many books about this. Thank you Samantha for writing this story. Loved reading about Susannah kids, but waited for her story. After failed marriage, she thought she is not worth of man love, but Colton was proving to her that she is worth it. Colton asked one question and Susannah’s fears are back.
Loved this story, Susannah and Colton are great.
Based off characters development this is honestly my favorite Samantha Chase book. It was so refreshing to read a book about an older couple. Also about a couple that one or both of them aren’t extremely rich. I love how Susannah has real “issues” that I think most women can relate to. Don’t get me wrong I love all of Samantha’s books, but this book was like a breath of fresh air. I also loved all the updates on the other couples from Magnolia Sound. It was also nice to see the human side of Georgia. Can’t wait for Courtney and Dean.
I just love Magnolia Sound, and Susannah getting her HEA! But it doesn’t come easy for her and Colton, as Susannah is still struggling with her past and what her ex husband drilled into her head. Can Colton win her over and convince her that her ex husband was a jerk and blaming her for his own short comings? Read along in this novella, and find out! Trust me you will love this and appearances of all the Magnolia Sound crew! Keep them coming Samantha! 5 Magnolia stars for this one!
I love this series so much!!! And I absolutely adore Susannah and Colton!! Samantha Chase made me so very happy with this story! I love over 40 romance especially when it is a part of a series. The fact that we get to see Mallory and Sam’s mom Susannah find love and a happily ever after again after what her first husband put her through is just so heartwarming. And that it is with Colton is even better. What a man!! I don’t want to say more because it is not a long story and it is so worth experiencing it all for the first time when you read it yourself.
Susannah has been there watch her children grow up, she has dealt with the death of grandfather and the rebuilding of the plantation house into a bed and breakfast. But with all of those milestones she has always put the family first, so when Colton pops the question, she ends up walking away as to not rock the boat. Will her children allow her to be second fiddle to their lives? Will she realize that she is entitled to her own HEA? With each and every book in the series, Susannah has kept everything together and it was a joy to watch her finally get her moment in the sunshine and she did it with grace and finesse. Truly another fabulous book in the Magnolia Sound series.
I love it when a favorite author gives us a story about a mature older couple! Susannah & Colton have interacted throughout the previous books about Susannah’s children. They have worked together to bring her visions of the B & B she wants to open to life. As they’ve worked together, their attraction has continued to grow until Colton can’t see his future without her.
It’s amazing what insecurities a broken relationship can leave someone with. Susannah didn’t even realize she had them until her relationship with Colton brought them out. As beautiful & accomplished as she is, she still hears her ex’s voice in her head. Colton didn’t realize how ingrained these feelings were so they took him off guard. I really enjoyed the way her children pushed for her happiness & tried to help her with her confidence. Another great book by a terrific author!
I loved this amazing book!
I’ve looked forward to reading
Susannah Colton’s story.
There is a lot going on in Magnolia Sound. Celebrating the holidays,
wedding planning & opening the B & B.
It’s a romantic & moving story that pulls on your heartstrings from start to finish.
A MUST READ!!
Holy partridge in a pear tree, who knew the chemistry and angst between a forty-something couple could be so delightful and delicious? Susannah Westbrook and Colton Hale have been dating for a year, in the midst of both of Susannah’s children finding their soul mates, renovating the home her father left her and opening a new B&B in Magnolia Sound. Colton is ready to take the next step, but Susannah surprises him with her hesitancy.
I’ve loved all the stories about Ezekiel Westbrook’s grandchildren finding love, but there’s something extra special about Susannah and Colt’s story. Maybe it’s the finding your soul mate as more mature adults, or the fact that fear and uncertainty can lead to growth and happiness at any age, but this story completely captivated my heart.
Add in holiday decorations and festivities, the first guests in the B&B and the sound of wedding bells, and this story has a little of everything to please any romantic heart. This is a fairly quick read, but Susannah and Colton’s story is overflowing with heart and home and holidays. I’ll bet my eggnog this is one you won’t want to miss, so get your copy today.
Heartwarming, sexy, fun and engaging romantic journey filled with exciting charters, witty dialog, emotional twists and a quick yet highly entertaining adventure! Really enjoyed this heartwarming second chance journey.