This book simply wasn’t for much as much as I wanted it to be. I didn’t love the writing or the pacing. I don’t think I got past 30% before DNF-ing.

While this is a difficult topic with shattering emotions, Dianne C. Braley has written a compelling and well thought out story. Much thanks to #NetGalley and #KoehlerBooks for the opportunity to read this book.

The summer before by @diannecbraley
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Trigger warning :⁠-⁠) suicide attempt, depression, sexual abuse, intrusive thoughts. Read trigger warnings before ...as it really deals with heavy subjects .

♡ We all read books about the victim who has gone through several major traumas and are survivors. But we rarely take time and look from the perspective of other people - family, friends, loved ones affected by the incidents. How deep it goes? What about the people whose own family member, Friend or closely related is the victim ? How much it affects them?

♡ We often feel for the victims but what about the people who also suffer because the perpetrators (one who commits such monstrous act ) are any of our own family member or closed one? How much guilt, shame one feel and how much it is unbelievable to accept that the person whom we care for, love with everything and believe they are the good ones turns out to be the monster we never knew existed?

♡ If this both situation comes along to one person, Madeline is that person ...This book exactly deals with that perspective. What you would feel or go through when the victim who has gone through such abuse is own closed one. And the perpetrator who did such act is also own closely related. My heart ached for both the characters ~ SUMMER & MADDIE. Its kind of mysterious too and deep heartbreaking story 💔.

♡ How much it affects the secondary victims? The writer did an amazing job in portraying such heavy subject . I was immediately hooked up from totally unique perspective. This book made me take time and process things.

♡ Tbh I always wondered what I would feel if the crimes we hear all around is done by any of my knowing person. How would it make me feel, how would I see that person, Its easy to say we would raise voice against crime and all. But its always easy to say THAN done right. When it actually happens, when it really comes at your doorstep what one would do is totally a different concept. I HOPE no one has to face such sitautions ever.

♡ This book will stick with me for so so much long time.
Thank you @netgalley and @diannecbraley for such an amazing book.

I can’t believe I haven’t heard more things about this book! What a beautiful, gut wrenching, heartfelt book. You are constantly rooting for the FMC. I have never read anything by this author but I am definitely looking forward to more! Definitely would recommend if you are looking for a tearjerker ❤️ Thank you NetGalley and Koehlerbooks for the ARC.

This was a really well-written coming-of-age story about family, love and finding yourself. The two sisters at the heart of the story are both relatable and endearing, and their evolving relationship adds emotional depth. The pacing drags a bit in the middle, but the heartfelt moments and strong character development made it an enjoyable read. Definitely character-driven.

Dianne C. Braley’s *The Summer Before* is a raw and deeply emotional exploration of friendship, trauma, and the long, painful road to healing. With lyrical prose and unflinching honesty, Braley weaves a story about the enduring bonds of love and the devastating ripple effects of betrayal and silence. This is a novel that will sit heavy in your heart but ultimately leave you with a sense of hope and the power of confronting the past.

At its core, the story revolves around Madeline and Summer, two girls who call themselves sisters, bound by a friendship so deep it feels unbreakable. But when Summer’s long-hidden secret is revealed—a secret that exposes the horrific abuse she’s endured—everything shatters. The fallout from the trial that follows devastates both families and leaves Madeline grappling with the weight of guilt and her perceived betrayal of her closest friend.

Six years later, Madeline is living in Boston, struggling to rebuild her life while haunted by the echoes of her choices and her inability to help Summer when it mattered most. Braley’s portrayal of Madeline’s mental health journey is both tender and unflinching, capturing the isolation, guilt, and self-doubt that consume her. It’s not just Summer’s pain that lingers—it’s also the ways in which their families failed them, and the scars those failures left behind.

Braley’s writing is vivid and evocative, immersing readers in the small, meaningful details that define Madeline’s world—from the suffocating weight of her family’s expectations to the glimmers of light and humanity she encounters in her attempt to heal. The Boston setting provides a stark contrast to the idyllic, almost nostalgic memories of “the summer before,” emphasizing the emotional distance between who Madeline once was and who she is now.

The novel’s strength lies in its complex characters. Madeline is flawed and deeply human, her self-blame and reluctance to forgive herself mirroring the complicated dynamics of familial love and friendship. Summer’s presence, even in absence, looms large, and Braley paints her with compassion, showing both her resilience and the vulnerability that was so often ignored.

*The Summer Before* doesn’t shy away from tough themes—abuse, betrayal, and suicide—but Braley approaches them with sensitivity and purpose. The story’s pacing mirrors Madeline’s journey, with moments of emotional reckoning unfolding alongside quieter, introspective scenes that give readers space to breathe and process.

This is a story about confronting the past, not just to seek closure, but to break free from its chains. Madeline’s path to reconciliation—with Summer’s memory, with her family, and most importantly, with herself—is deeply affecting and will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to move forward after making mistakes or feeling powerless.

Dianne C. Braley has crafted a deeply moving novel that doesn’t offer easy answers but instead gives space for reflection, growth, and ultimately, redemption. *The Summer Before* is a poignant and beautifully written exploration of the ties that bind us, the weight of secrets, and the courage it takes to reclaim your life after loss. This is a must-read for fans of literary fiction that grapples with the complexities of human relationships and the resilience of the human spirit. Five stars—it’s a story that will stay with you long after the final page.

Madeline and Summer are more than best friends. They might as well be sisters; they've claimed the title, anyway - and sisters tell each other everything. But Summer has a secret she's been hiding for years. Someone's been hurting her, someone close. And when it comes out, it destroys everything around her with the force of dying stars.

If someone you love was assaulted, abused, or a victim of a crime - you are a secondary victim. If the perpetrator is also someone you love, there are no words.

Six years after the trial, Madeline is a haunted young woman trying to build a new life in Boston, but the guilt of her betrayal brings her to the brink of suicide. To let go of the past, Madeline must confront her father, mother, and all those involved with the trial that split her family apart.

"The Summer Before" was an incredible page turner for me and kept me on the edge of my seat. The narrative was so powerful here, it wouldn't allow me to shy away from the raw emotions that came through its pages. There were many times I was the on the brink of tears as I journeyed through this captivating book. Bradley's unflinching approach to storytelling is raw and insightful avoiding details that could be too heavy hitting.

This book dealt with a heavy topic in a sensitive and mindful way. It was interesting to read from the perspective of not the survivor but of someone close to them instead. Having said this, I felt like the plot moved a bit too slowly for my tastes and was not able to engage the reader. Throughout the novel, I did not have any connection to maddie and frankly, did not care too much for her at all. I can’t say if reading this would be a different experience for someone who is closer to the issue but it wasn’t for me.

The Summer Before, wins.

The tears I shed while reading this book, I don't think I could have ever been prepared...

So much more than just a story, I truly felt it all. The Summer Before covers hard topics and at times can get pretty dark while also allowing you to witness the power of friendship.

This book has a powerful message and needs to be read by all.

Five stars.

Check out this teaser :

If someone you love was assaulted, abused, or was a victim of a crime-you are a secondary victim.

If the perpetrator is also someone you love, there are no words.

Madeline and Summer are more than best friends. They might as well be sisters; they've claimed the title, anyway-and sisters tell each other everything. But Summer has a secret she's been hiding for years. Someone's been hurting her, someone close, and when it comes out, it destroys everything around her with the force of dying stars.

Six years after the trial, Madeline is a haunted young woman trying to build a new life in Boston, but the guilt of her betrayal brings her to the brink of suicide. To let go of the past, Madeline must confront her father, mother, and all those involved with the trial that split her family apart-or continue her descent, finishing what she started to escape it.

This one was very promising, but I did not get along with the characters. Totally personal preference but I could not connect with their motivations or the voice, it made me doubt their friendship at certain points. That said, they were well fleshed out and I did think the plot was engaging. Might be a case of right book, wrong time so I may return to it in the future and I would still be interested in other books from Dianne Braley.

Thank you @netgalley for the Advanced Reader Copy of the Summer Before by Dianne C. Braley. This story takes place mostly on Martha’s Vineyard, which is always a draw for me. Madeline and Summer grew up together, and were as close as sisters. Summer spent a lot of time at Maddie’s fancy house, and Maddie’s parents included Summer in things that her mother could not afford. But early on we learn that Summer was repeatedly sexually abused by Maddie’s father, and he is now in jail for it. Maddie does not believe that he did it, and her friendship with Summer is ruined. But the story follows Maddie as she works through what happened and starts to realize the truth. I liked the story, but didn’t love how everything worked out, I felt like some areas could have been explored further. #thesummerbefore #diannecbraley #sexualabuse #femalefriendship #bookstagram #booklover #reader #bookblog #lovetoread #fictionreader #bookreview #bookrecommendation #readersofinstagram #bookloversofinstagram #takeapagefrommybook #readallthebooks #booksbooksbooks #booksofinstagram #bookwormproblems #bookaholic #booknerd #whattoread #readingtime #bookaddict #ilovetoread #ilovebooks #needtoread #readallday #netgalley #advancedreadercopy

This novel deals with trauma, betrayal, and healing. Madeline and Summer’s bond as young girls makes the revelation of Summer’s hidden abuse all the more devastating. The author did a great job exploring the complex feelings of guilt and anger that must arise when a loved one is both victim and perpetrator. Though heavy at times, this was a compelling read, and I was rooting for Maddie to find the ability to rebuild her life.

Thank you to Netgalley and Koehler Books for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review

This started off strong for me and then idk why it just lost me?!? I am curious what the story unravels but every time I tried to pick it up I just couldn’t make progress. I have seen good reviews!!

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC publication for an honest review.

What an emotional and thought-provoking book dealing with a very real and dark topic. This story absolutely broke my heart for both Madeline and Summer! These two girls were as close as sisters, sharing such a deep bond that was suddenly and selfishly ripped away because of an ugly, and tragic situation neither girl was responsible for. Maddie loved Summer, but she also loved her father...it was inconceivable that what Maddie said could be true. To believe meant her father was a monster...On the other hand, she loved Summer and deep down knew she would never lie.

The book is told from Maddie's perspective years after her father's conviction for abusing Summer. Maddie's life has spiraled with the realization that Summer was telling the truth. After an attempt to end her life, Maddie is now trying to face the facts through therapy and also listening to the transcripts from the trial. Maddie's boyfriend Jay is beyond supportive! There is also the complicated relationship Maddie has with her mother. At first, I was so disappointed in her mother, but then there was a sad twist added to the already sordid tale that explains a lot to her mom's actions. The only person in the book who I couldn't feel sorry for was the father! It may have added another layer to delve into the "why" of his actions. There definitely was no remorse or apology on his part. Monster is an apt description for him...
While we get a brief look at Summer's current life and a brief reunion with Maddie, I would have loved to of heard from Summer's side. (Maybe a book told from her point of view could happen?!) And I wish there was some way for the two to retrieve what was lost between them. It was just so unfair that they had to lose so much...:( At least we could see their progress of healing even if t it was at such cost.

4 stars

First of all, I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for approving my request and giving me access to download this book. I loved it! Thank you!

Life can hold a lot of surprises. Even when you think you know someone. Secrets that can change everything and turn your life upside down. Putting you in a situation where you have to reflect on everything you have ever known before. To reconsider who you are as a person. To lose yourself. To reinvent yourself. Or to find your way back to the person you were before. It is a long road; it takes time, but if you are strong enough or lucky enough, you can make it. Madeline is on this journey. She lost her best friend to a secret, betraying her by not being there for her when the secret came out. Betraying her by not believing her. And she has been feeling guilty ever since. She realizes that she has to take the blindfold off and face the demons of the past to let go. To finally live.

As I said before, life can hold a lot of surprises. Just like this book. Despite the heavy topics and my on-going reading slump, where I tried to push through every single book just so I could tell that I had read them, this book was a real pageturner. I didn't want to put it down, and I was genuinely surprised by that because I have not felt like that in a long time. I loved that it had an unusual point of view regarding this topic, and I loved our main character as well. I think that the author did a fantastic job by creating the whole plot, and the writing was also beautifully done. I loved the characters, the friendship, the parallels... everything. I loved everything.

Madeline and Summer were like sisters until the unthinkable happened. Summer came forward after many years that Madeline's father sexually abusing her. Madeline couldn't believe her. Madeline is torn between her best friend and the love of her father. Madeline thought there was no way her father did this but she couldn't understand why Summer would lie. This was an emotional read, that explores love, friendship and finding out the truth. This was a very good read and I would recommend it.

Triggers: suicide references, CSA

⭐️⭐️⭐️
Madeline's best friend Summer had a hidden secret that shattered their trust, tearing apart their families and leaving Madeline grappling with the fallout. Years later, she confronts the past, seeking closure and healing.


While the premise was intriguing, for me there felt like there were a few holes in the plot. I also feel like there could have been some expansion on certain experiences.

I really enjoyed this book. It kept me engaged and it only took a few days to read. I think this is going to be a good book club option for several clubs. I plan recommending to my book friends and I look forward to reading more by this author.

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this book early in exchange for an honest review. I gave this book 3.5 stars. I really enjoyed it but the book is heavy so be ready to feel when you read this!

This book was just okay... I think the writing style was not for me, and it made me dislike the book. It felt choppy and rushed. I think the plot is not really there, the characters were pretty good, but the overall book was not good to me

Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complementary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!