Early ReviewersMartha Stacy

In the tranquil village of Amberley, young Maria Stone's world is disrupted when her Aunt Claudette accepts a new position in the Lake District.

Forced to leave behind her beloved home and best friend, Maria faces an uncertain future. As they prepare for their departure, unsettling hints about Aunt Claudette’s past surface, raising questions about her overprotectiveness and the village's relief at their leaving.

Years earlier, a grief-stricken Claudette Raymond arrives in London, seeking solace after the loss of her fiancé. Tragedy seems to shadow her, triggering a series of events that shake her world. As Claudette navigates her new reality, her story of loss and resilience unfolds, casting shadows that reach into her present life.

In the Lake District, Maria finds herself puzzled by her aunt’s mistrust. Nature becomes her refuge, but as she befriends a kind young man, old shadows in Claudette's past resurface, revealing long-buried secrets.

Before and Beyond is a compelling historical fiction novel set between the late 1800s and early 1900s. It explores hidden truths, familial bonds, and the resilience of two women facing love, loss, and the quest for freedom. As Maria's journey unfolds, the past and present collide, revealing the depths of her aunt's hidden story. And in this captivating tale, the weight of the past hangs heavily, hinting that only forgiveness can break the chains and set them free to embrace the future.