I was approved to read an advanced copy of After Always by Barbara J. Hancock from NetGalley. I am so glad I had the opportunity to read it! Here is my thoughts on the book and why I think you should read it. 



"Lydia Li’s life ended when Tristan died. At least, that’s how it felt. Sure, they had problems and he could be a little…intense…at times, but he’d loved her. He was the Romeo to her Juliet… And now he was gone.

When her parents get her to agree to a summer across the country with a music teacher who runs an inn, Lydia agrees. But it’s different than what she expected. There’s something else there. Something that feels a lot like Tristan. But that’s impossible, right?

Then there’s Michael Malone, the quiet guy who’s Tristan’s opposite in every way. And Lydia can’t help but be drawn to him…and whatever the house is hiding."- Synopsis from Amazon

In the beginning of the book you are introduced to a young woman, Lydia Li, who has finished high school and is getting ready for college. She had been in a relationship with a young man named Tristan who was lost at sea during a sailing trip. Their relationship seemed perfect but as you read further you realize her eyes had been close to the problems she didn't want to face. One thing I love about Lydia is that even though her life had been ripped apart and the past still haunting her, she tries to remain in control of the situations that arise. 

There is also a great comparison between the two men that have been a part of her life. One being night and the other day. I enjoyed how the author really built up the characters and did a lot of comparing which helps put everything into perspective. 

This book took me for a ride! I was expecting a YA Contemporary love story, but it ended up also having a paranormal aspect to it which added a whole new level to what was already going on. If you are fan of creepy inns, hauntings, and learning to trust and love again then this book is for you. It will be available on October 1st, 2018.

There was something about the synopsis about After Always by Barbara J. Hancock that caught my attention, so when the opportunity came about to review it, I jumped at the chance. I'm glad I did.

I felt like the pacing was a little all over the place in After Always. There were some places where the pacing dragged, and in other places, the pacing sped up too quickly where I was lost about what was going on. However, there were also some places where the pacing was perfect. Regardless, After Always held my attention throughout.

I enjoyed the plot. Lydia gets sent to an old inn for music lessons after her boyfriend dies in a tragic accident in the hopes she will start to heal. Lydia had been to the inn before with her mother when she was three. However, there is something sinister afoot at the inn. Lydia, alone with the intriguing Michael, must figure out what it is before it claims them both as well as the inn. Along the way, we learn more about Lydia's relationship with Tristan which isn't exactly what it appeared to be. I didn't feel that there were any major plot twists. Perhaps there are a few minor ones. This doesn't make the plot any less enjoyable though. I had many questions, but they were all answered towards the end of the book. I did feel like the ending was a bit too easy. I won't elaborate because I don't want to give any spoilers away.

The world building was written very well. The author, Barbara J. Hancock, is a master with words. I enjoyed reading about the world Miss Hancock had created for her characters. It was easy to imagine myself as a character in After Always. I could easily imagine the inn where all the action takes place.

I liked the characters in After Always. However, I would have enjoyed reading more about the background of Lydia. I would have liked to see how she was right before her relationship with Tristan. I would have also liked to read more about her relationship with Tristan. Lydia does speak about their relationship, but I found myself craving more information about it. I would have also liked to read more about Octavia's and Jericho's relationship a bit more. It would have been interesting to read more about the courting days between them as well as how their marriage was at the beginning. We do get a glimpse at Michael's family history which was nice. My favorite character in After Always was Hannah. I just felt like I could relate to her the most even if she isn't mentioned as much throughout the book.

Trigger warnings include dating abuse, death, violence, ghostly possession, and very mild swearing in a few places throughout the book.

Overall, After Always is a decent spooky read. It is written beautifully and has an interesting plot as well as likable characters. I would recommend After Always by Barbara J. Hancock to those aged 15+

This was a great, fun read! My first read from this author, and it won’t be my last.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

Thank you to Entangled Publishing, LLC.for the arc of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This book held me from he beginning, I had difficulty putting it down, I really enjoyed it, but I do feel a little bit flat about the ending, I am not sure what I was expecting but I feel a little let down by it.