Suzy Vitello

After Brady's sister dies in a horrific cheerleading accident, grief unravels Brady and her family. And the boy everyone blames for the accident seems to be her only ally in the search for answers in the wake of her sister's death.

The Moment Before

“Don’t get me wrong. I loved my sister. I never, not once, wished her dead.” Brady and Sabine Wilson are sisters born eleven months apart, but they couldn’t be more different. Popular Sabine, the head cheerleader dating the high school hunk, seems to have all the luck, while her younger, artsy sister "Brady Brooder" is a loner who prefers the sidelines to the limelight. After Sabine dies in a horrific cheerleading accident, grief unravels Brady and her family. Once recognized for her artistic talent, 17-year-old Brady finds herself questioning the value of everything she once held dear. Her best friend betrays her. Her parents’ marriage is crumbling. And the boy everyone blames for the accident seems to be her only ally in the search for answers in the wake of her sister’s death. As an unlikely friendship emerges, Brady learns more about Sabine—and love—than she bargained for.

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This is one of those times where I wish I gave half stars, but I don't, so I had to make a choice between 2 and 3 stars. I'd give The Moment Before a 2 1/2, but I can't go to 3. The concept was interesting and there were bits of the book I really enjoyed. But, I didn't feel like there was enough character development. For a book as short as this one was, I had a hard time staying interested in it, but I think that goes back to the characters. If I don't connect with the characters in a book, I have a difficult time sticking with it.

I liked Brady. I felt bad for her and her family with the loss of her sister. Of course, that loss grew more prominent, I think, as she began to learn more about who her sister really was. Add to that the betrayal of a friend and things were looking pretty sad for her. The one bright spot was Connor, her sister's friend, cheerleading partner and the person blamed for the accident that caused her death. I wanted more from Connor. He intrigued me, but I don't feel like I ever learned enough about the real guy underneath.

Brady was on an interesting journey as she learned more about her sister, herself, life and love. I guess I just wanted more. Of everything. That said, I liked the author's writing style. She had a unique voice and I'll be looking for other books by her in the future. This one just wasn't for me.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

The Moment Before

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