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?
more
All the Befores by Samantha Chase is #3.5 in the Magnolia Sound Series. This too can be read as a standalone, but why would you want to miss out on all the fun? Samantha Chase wrote a wonderful story about a middle aged couple finding love again. This book drew me right in, making me forget everything else and did not let me go until I turned the last page. This was a nice quick and easy read. I love being able to relate to this middle aged couple, they both have a failed marriage under their belt and it has left some scars. This is very well written and the characters are well defined and believable you feel as if they are your friends. This is a book about insecurities, love, hope, friends and family. I think out of all the Magnolia Sound books this is my favorite. I can’t wait to see what is in store for this series next.
Fabulous!
Susannah and Colton are both in their 40’s (a bit older than most of the characters Samantha Chase writes about. And I loved that! Both of these characters have had previous marriages. After dating for a year, they explore taking their relationship to the next stage. But old insecurities come back to make things difficult.
This novella is a fast read filled with Samantha Chase’s signature laughter and evoking feelings as the reader relates to the H and h.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Oh my! This one has all the feels and then add on some more to send it over the top. Susannah comes home to the Inn and finds Mallory but all she wants is to be alone…Colton has proposed marriage and she turned him down. This is the start of this emotional novella. She had a very bad first marriage and was left emotionally abused by it with many insecurities but once she has time and distance and her family (including Georgia) around her she finally gets some perspective and soon is willing to take that leap. Now, with Jake and Mallory getting married on New Years when do they? That was the special part but I’m not telling that one, read this for yourself, it was special!
Loved, loved this story of Susannah and Colton, a seasoned romance. Both with past failed marriages and Susannah busy raising her twins. Now the twins are adults and it’s Susannah time to find love but will her insecurities hold her back from having her HEA.
This is a story that has come from Ms. Chase’s heart with so many words of wisdom on marriage. Loved these characters, nothing better than a holiday wedding.
This is a novella but a packed full story, that I could not put down. This is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone. I highly recommend.
I have been waiting for this book forever and it did not disappoint. I absolutely love Susannah and Colton and the entire group from Magnolia Sound. I enjoyed watching Susannah finally find her confidence in herself and realize that she deserves to be happy and loved just like everyone else.
Such a wonderful start about a couple in the mid forties finding love after not so good relationships in each of their pasts. Susannah and Colton the cutest couple and Colton wants to take things to the next level and he thought that Susannah was on the sane page or was thinking the same way. Susannah however has her reservations and the fear of her not being enough or being a good wife, her ex husband told her so often and after a while it began to believe him.. Colton was shocked when Susannah turned him down and couldn’t believe what was happening. Susannah used the excuse of both her kids Sam and Mallory that were getting married or some to be engaged and of course her labor of love the B&B that she put all her love sweat and tears into. She didn’t think that she could give anymore and would fail as a wife as well.. This sweet story will get u in all the feels. This series is fabulous and I highly recommend it. Cheers to another fabulous book Samantha Chase.
4 stars
There’s a lot to like about the newest story in the Magnolia Sound series. It’s a stand alone story but a reader’s enjoyment would benefit from knowing the other couples in the book.
Susannah spent her life recovering from an emotional abusive ex-husband and subsequent divorce. She threw herself into raising her twins, who are now grown and on their way to wedded bliss. Now’s the perfect time to focus on her own happily ever after, if she’d just get out of her own way.
Colton is shocked when Susannah turns down his proposal. They’re perfect for each other! He knows she was hurt in her marriage but they’d come so far, or so Colt thought. Now he has to figure out if what they had, what they could have, is worth fighting for.
Susannah and Colt were a great couple and I love that they weren’t 20 somethings. These are people in their 40s, navigating live’s challenges and fighting for their happily ever after. Steamy and dreamy!
AnnMarie – Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
Magnolia Sound makes me happy. Everything about it has always appealed to me. Every story in this series has been a great read. This one was no different. Altho it’s a novella, it was still full of charm and heart, perfectly developed and very satisfying. Susannah and Colton both got a second chance to get love right with this one and it was just *happy sigh*
If you’re new to Samantha Chase, this is a great story to start with but be prepared, you’ll want to read all about Magnolia Sound from beginning #trust
Samantha Chase takes us back to Magnolia Sound in All the Befores and gives us the perfect Christmas gift of Susannah and Colton’s story. Having read many romances featuring young couples just starting out, it was refreshing to read about a couple in their forties who have loved and lost and are fighting for their second chance.
Susannah has been focused on raising a wonderful son and daughter and renovating the home she inherited from her grandfather into a B&B. Meeting and developing a relationship with Colton has been a bonus, but she’s thrown for a loop when he asks her to marry him. Even though she loves Colton, her ex-husband made her feel so insecure and lacking that she is afraid to take a chance on marriage again. Mallory encourages her Mother – “embrace who you are and where your life is right now” – and tells it like it is..
“Do you know how many women your age would love to have a man look at them the way Colton looks at you?”
I loved how assured Colton was about his feeling for Susannah. He makes her feel beautiful, wanted and sexy. Neither of them is perfect, but they’re perfect for each other.
“She knew Colton accepted her for who she was – the good and the bad, the insecure and the confident.”
Chase brings us up-to-date with all the residents of Magnolia Sound and wraps it all up in a celebration of the holidays, love, life, and new beginnings. It’s a wonderful addition to the series that I heartily recommend.
I received an ARC. This is my voluntary review.
Susannah Westbook inherited her grandfather’s house and is on the verge of realizing her dream of opening a bed and breakfast. She met Colton Hole while he did the remolding of the house.
Life is going well until a proposal comes into play and Susannah runs scared because of her past. Colton is such a good man. He patiently waited while she realized she was allowing her past to control her future.
This book just proves that you are never too old to find old your happily ever after.
Susannah and Colton have a chance at true and lasting love. But Susannah’s fears and insecurities stand in the way. She needs to work through them in order to be fully committed to Colton. Their story kept me hooked, and I really enjoyed it. I definitely recommend this book.
This might be my favorite, yet. I love that this story focuses on a couple closer to my age. I also have an adult daughter that I raised as a single mom and could relate more to Susannah’s journey. I always love Samantha Chase’s writing and characters.
All the Befores is book 3.5 in the Magnolia Sound series by Samantha Chase.
All the Befores was a beautiful, heartwarming tale of love from a 40+ year old couple. I LOVED this novella!!! Susannah and Colton’s story was so fun to read. I have really enjoyed watching the love story of the matriarch of the Westbrook family flow. I’ve LOVED this series so far watching Ezekiel Westbrook’s grandchildren finding love, now Susannah had her chance
This story is so heartwarming and beautifully told at the magic of Christmas. Samantha Chase writes such beautiful stories that pull you in and hold you captive, and a storyline that you never want to end. I ADORED this sweet, fun, low angst story of people my age finding love after not expecting to! Perfect 5 star read!!
All The Befores
Magnolia Sound #3.5
Samantha Chase
This is all time favourite Magnolia Sound story. Susannah and Colton have played such large roles throughout the series, I was stoked for them to get not only their own story but happy ever after. As an older couple the story dynamic was perfect, after reading so many books of people in their 20’s and 30’s, Samantha has created a beautiful story, with new perspective and I adored it.
After seeing Mallory and Sam find their happy ever afters it is time for Susannah Westbrook to finally take hers. Watching her twins find the love of their lives, and opening her own inn everything is just about perfect- she just needs hers, and it is right in front of her. But with a failed marriage under her belt, raising twins on her own and moving back to Magnolia Sound to create the inn her grandfather left her, she has reservations, and not the dinner type.
Colton Hale has had his own life failings, but moving to Magnolia Sound was one of his best. He has great friends, a great job and sees the most beautiful woman everyday while rebuilding the inn, Susannah owns. It’s not long before their feelings make themselves known and the attraction grows. But with a choice to ask her to marry him, Colton is thrown when she says no. He knows her issues, Hell he has his own marriage track record but he knows his forever lies with her. Never fear, enter Sam and Mallory to save the day. Instead of the kids turning against him, they help him see what she’s to scared to…. There is life left for Susannah she just needs to take the leap.
While only a novella, this story is jammed packed of all the Magnolia Sound favourites, of course, Sam and Shelby, Mallory and Jake. This was perfect with the spotlight on Susannah and Colton and their flaws and faults, but their will to work for their forever perfection made All The Befores the best story yet.
All the Befores gives me hope after divorce! I loved finally getting to read Susannah’s story, and her reasoning behind the choices she makes. Colton on the other hand, needs to be cloned so I can have one of my own. He’s such a kind, patient and loving person, that you can’t help but fall for him. This was the perfect tale of finding your happily ever after, no matter what you’ve been through, and at any age. I loved it!
In All the Befores we get Susannah and Colton’s story and what a story it is!! Susannah is a single mother who raise two amazing kids on her own. Now that she has an empty nest she’s trying to put herself out there even though her ex did a number on her. Colton has been in love with Susannah since he met her. They finally begin dating and after dating for awhile he knows she’s his forever. Colton is wonderful in this story!! He’s patient and loving. You really need to read this book and go on this journey with them as it’s so well written and beautiful in it’s honesty of emotions. This book is very special since it tackles topics we don’t always see in books so thank you Me. Chase for being even more AMAZING and giving us something so realistic and honest for a lot of us. I would definitely recommend this book and ANY other book by Ms. Chase as she truly writes these beautiful, genuine heartfelt stories that really affect the reader. I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.
Samantha Chase did a great job dealing with an “older” couple. The mother of Sam and Mallory. For years after her husband walked away, Susannah Westbrook tended to her children to give them the best she could alone. With her children all grown, she’s in Magnolia Sound turning her childhood home into a B & B. She’s ready to live life for herself. Colton Hale is working on the renovations for Susannah and the friendship turns to love. But Susannah is plagued with doubt left on her by her ex.
A great addition to the Magnolia Sound series. This book can be read as a stand-alone but by reading the series you get more of the background. I highly recommend this book and the series.
5 PERFECTION STARS!! Love this book so much!!! Samantha Chase gives us readers perfection again with her writing. Susannah and Colton’s story will touch all your emotion buttons and have you flipping pages. I read this book in one sitting and I know you will too.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review. I would consider this a 4.5 stars – very enjoyable read!
“Susannah Westbrook never thought she’d find love again…” I enjoyed this newest installment of the Magnolia Sound series from Samantha Chase! After watching her children find love, it was fun to see Susannah’s challenges. Set during the holidays, Colton and Susannah’s story is a classic “hallmark-style” story with the holidays set in the background!
While this is a stand-alone, I found it very helpful to have read the previous Magnolia Sound books because of the background that it provides.
All Of the Befores a Novella in A Magnolia Sound
Samantha Chase
5 Stars
Amazing! Fabulous! What a really wonderful short story about Savannah and Colton. Savannah has raised two kids, Mallory and Sam. Savannah has turned her Grandfather’s home into a Bed and Breakfast. Colton worked for the Grandfather.
“Your grandfather was very astute and I’m forever thankful for him. I just wish he could have seen all the ways his gifts and his wisdom blessed this family.”
“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.”
This story is very heartwarming and sweet. Samantha did an awesome job and didn’t disappoint.
Very highly recommend!