In a Nutshell: One of the most unusual storylines I've ever read in contemporary fiction! An interesting combo of realism and magical realism. Wasn't a big fan of the characters' actions, but the rest of the book made this a memorable read.

Plot Preview:
Samuel, Thomas, Eliza and Lucy, the four “Almosts”, are in the Beforelife, awaiting the time their mother Becca Valentine will give birth to them and bring them into the human world. They came into existence the day Becca was born, and are constantly by Becca’s side, bound to her until their conception. But Becca is unaware of them and doesn’t know that there are four possible children in her future.
Now, two men have shown up in Becca’s life as potential suitors. The problem is, one of them is going to father Samuel and Eliza, and the other will father Thomas and Lucy. But the order of their birth dates and their age gaps indicate that their path won't be smooth, especially considering that Becca is just seventeen. All four want to be born. But would that be possible without endangering Becca’s happiness?
The story comes to us in the first-person perspective of Eliza, Becca’s third potential child.

I grabbed this for three reasons: the whimsical title, the stunning cover and the author. ‘The Last List of Mabel Beaumont' and ‘The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke Up’ were both such heartwarming reads. But this novel surpasses those two in imagination as well as execution.

Bookish Yays:
😍 The first sentence. Will join the elite list of one of the best opening sentences ever!
😍 The curious prologue, immediately establishing the unusual setting the four “Almosts” inhabit without simply copy-pasting a scene from the main plot. Exactly how prologues should function!
😍 The concept and the execution of the Almosts idea. So intricate and yet so precise that I began wondering how many “Almosts” I might have had! (The only query I had was if the Almost were *born* as old as Becca, thereby growing up as Becca does and being the same current age, or were they more like ageless souls waiting mortal lifespans.)
😍 The distinct personality traits of the four Almosts, and the realistic depiction of their *sibling* connection. They had the best character development in this book.
😍 The thought-provoking questions the plot raises about why people behave the way they do, and the difference between what's right and what's fair.
😍 The highlight on mothering versus fathering, and the myriad parenting-related decisions and confusions.
😍 Becca’s dad – what an awesome character! Loved his portrayal.
😍 The role reversal in the depiction of Becca’s parents, with her father being the primary caregiver and the mother being emotionally distant. This genre rarely experiments with family structures, so seeing this inverted parenting representation was wonderful.
😍 The Beatles trivia. I'm not even a huge Beatles fan but I still loved the titbits.
😍 The ending –perfection!
😍 The author's note – wow! (I couldn’t fathom how she didn’t believe in a beforelife and an afterlife after convincing me of the idea! 😉)

Bookish Mixed Bags:
🤔 Becca. While she was a responsible character – often mature for her age and a great (potential) mother, she was still just a teen. Her random decision flip-flops frustrated me, though her age and her family circumstances explained her uncertainty to some extent. I don’t mind unlikeable protagonists but Becca was more inexplicable than unlikeable. I just didn’t get what was going on in her head, and often felt like shaking her.
🤔 Eliza’s narration feels almost omniscient at times, not in terms of knowing the future, but in terms of knowing more about things like parenting, human behaviour and education or professional dilemmas, though she has no personal experience of any of these things. At times, her maturity level seems more than that of Becca. While her narration serves well to add an external perspective to Becca’s decisions, it also feels odd coming from an unborn child who is so worldly-wise.
🤔 This is more of a personal issue, so other readers might not find this weird. But I found it super-awkward to see future potential children watching their prospective parents having sex. Granted, they were virtually connected to their mother, so they couldn’t really walk away, but ewww: close your eyes, kiddos! (The love-making scenes were closed-door - Phew!)
🤔 After some twisty revelations, you can begin making your own guesses about what might happen, so the ending isn’t tough to figure out. But this doesn't reduce the intrigue of the plot. Plus, this genre is more about the journey than about the destination, and the journey is captivating.

Bookish Nays:
😕 One of the potential dads is a jerk, and his connection with Becca felt haphazard at best. Their relationship never felt grounded. I wish his character had been written in a more balanced way, thereby allowing us some uncertainty about whom to root for. Making him such a scumbag spoiled the excitement of guessing the ultimate winner of the dad wars.
😕 As we get the story only from Eliza’s viewpoint, we never know some essential details such as the above character’s age or his professional background. We also never know why his mother, a nurse, wasn’t more active in her son’s life. Her character would have added a much-needed sensible (womanly) voice to the narrative.

All in all, I was not a fan of the decisions some of the characters made, but this didn’t stop me from being hooked on to the book. I love the way the author made the whole thing feel realistic even when it was clearly fantastical. The amazing creativity of the Beforelife concept makes this a compelling read.

Much recommended to readers of contemporary fantasy fiction. If you don’t enjoy fantasy, no issues; the writing focusses more on the characters than on the supernatural.

4 stars. (I would have gone higher had I been able to relate better to Becca. But Eliza won my heart and deserves this rating.)

My thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books, for a complimentary copy of 'The Beforelife of Eliza Valentine' via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
The digital version of this book is currently available free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers.

Laura Pearson writes books aimed directly at my heart, or so it seems. On this occasion, we explore the premise of a beforelife, the cognitive but unformed state where our unborn children can observe their parents while waiting for their conception, or perhaps not. These beings are with us from birth and are there to judge each of our decisions before either joining us in pregnancy or disappearing from our lives.
Becca Valentine has four, Samuel, Lucy, Thomas and our narrator, Eliza. It didn’t take long for me to fall in with this premise and I was soon rooting for each of the would-be babies, hoping that they would all find their way into Becca’s life. Of course, with Lucy and Eliza’s conception dates being close together, I had to be realistic with my hopes.
As we met each of the babies, it was impossible not to fall for them. Each one was capable of reasoned thoughts, and after discovering that they could interact with Becca and her would-be partners, there was an opportunity to manipulate the outcome of their parent’s meetings.
This is an interesting concept, and I loved how it challenged my existing understanding of the pathway from birth to death. To think that I may have had other babies besides my beautiful daughter had me questioning the choices I had made. I emerged satisfied that those choices were right for me but mindful that there could have been others in the ether.
Once again, I can highly recommend this author and would encourage you to read all her books, but pay special attention to this one, as it is a real thought provoker

What an absolutely beautiful book! It's both heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time and Laura Pearson does a sterling job of bringing out all the emotions in this complex story. You will be able to see from the blurb that the concept of The Beforelife Of Eliza Valentine is unique and a little quirky, and at first, it did take me a while to get my head around it, but I am so so glad I took the time to figure it out because it was absolutely worth it!

The Beforelife Of Eliza Valentine is narrated by the titular character. She's an Almost, a baby who hasn't been conceived yet and it's her task to ensure the circumstances are right for her to eventually come into this earth. She has three potential siblings: Samuel, Thomas and Lucy - and through the novel, we follow the life and loves of her mother, Becca Valentine through Eliza's eyes. Laura Pearson has developed all the characters brilliantly. I loved my birds’ eye view on Becca's life, whilst also learning about how Eliza and her siblings felt about Becca's decisions and the twists and turns that her life took. I warmed to both Eliza and Becca really quickly and I felt really involved in their lives. I read the whole novel in less than a day as I was so invested in what would happen to them. There are other characters who have prominent roles in Becca's life, such as her dad, and Ryan and Anthony who are well constructed too. Ryan, in particular, made my skin crawl and I love when an author can make me feel such a strong reaction about their characters!

It's difficult to talk too much about the plot of The Beforelife Of Eliza Valentine without giving away spoilers, but throughout the story, Laura Pearson writes about some really sensitive issues. This makes it quite difficult to read in places, but she approaches the issues in a respectful way, whilst not shying away from their serious nature, and I hope the messages in the novel reach the people who need to hear them.

The Beforelife Of Eliza Valentine didn't end in the way I expected, but that's the reason Laura Pearson is a writer and I'm not, because her ending was so much better! Becca and Eliza will stay in my heart for a long time.

The Beforelife of Eliza Valentine by Laura Pearson

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

There are four of us: Samuel, Lucy, Thomas, and me – Eliza.

We came into being the day Becca Valentine was born. We’ve been by her side ever since. What she doesn’t know yet, is that one day she might become our mother.

Then two men come into her life. Both seeking her heart. And then we realise: everything rests on Becca’s love story. Because one of the men is Lucy and Thomas’s father. And the other is mine and Samuel’s. And there’s simply no way we can all be born.

We all want her to make the right choice. We all want to be born. To hold her hand one day. To feel her stroke our hair. To call her our mother.

Then we discover there is something we can do. We can change Fate. But we only have a single chance each. How would you make sure you were born? And what if doing that isn’t what’s best for the person you already love the most in the world – your mother?

My Opinion

What an interesting idea! This was one of those book that has such an interesting plot that it was difficult to put down. Becca Valentine's almosts have to sit around and wait to find out if they will be conceived. Narrated by Eliza, you could really feel the emotions of the almosts, wishing to come into existence whilst also seeing the struggles of their mother. An emotional read.

Rating 4/5

The Beforelife of Eliza Valentine by Laura Pearson has a unique premise, executed so beautifully by the author that it exceeded my expectations.
Eliza is one of Becca Valentine's Almosts, along with Samuel, Thomas and Lucy. They came into existence the day that Becca was born, and represent her potential future children. They watch over her as she grows up, eagerly awaiting the day that she will meet their father, a man that they will magically recognise on sight, and look forward to being born into the world and experiencing everything that human life has to offer. The first spanner in the works happens early when it becomes apparent that not all four of the Almosts have the same father, and so the chances of all of them being born are greatly reduced. Becca finds herself torn between two very different men, and the choices she makes will determine the future of Eliza and her siblings, but they are not without a say, each has one chance to sway the outcome.
This sounds far more complicated than it actually plays out in the book as the story unfolds. I loved Becca as a character and was always rooting for her, even when I did not like some of the choices she was making. Seeing her growth over the course of the book felt really satisfying but watching some of the terrible things she struggled through made for difficult reading at times. Objectively there was no comparison between her two love interests, and it was clear from the beginning which option gave her a potentially better future, what added some much needed tension to the book was the fact that this choice was not the father of Eliza and so seeing how she struggled with what that would mean for her future, her chance to be born really captured my attention and kept me reading. In fact I loved this book so much that I read it in a single day, and I was sad to see it end, I just wanted more time with these wonderful characters.
This is a whimsical magical story with moments of pure joy and absolute heartbreak that will take the reader on a rollercoaster of emotions while telling a story unlike anything else they have read before.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

About six months ago I read my very first book by this author, The Last List of Mabel Beaumont, which I absolutely adored. So fast forward and I receive an email inviting me onto the blog tour for Laura’s latest book. I don’t even read the blurb I just reply back immediately to sign me up ! So I started reading this book with the intention of reading a few chapters but before I knew it I was several chapters in and honestly couldn’t put it down. It’s such a unique concept , a book about the ‘BeforeLife’ and it was told in such a fabulous and at times heart wrenching way. There’s not one single thing I didn’t like about this book from the actual story itself to the cast of wonderful characters who each had a great part to play in the story. I must give a special mention to Becca’s dad who I thought was marvellous. If you like emotional reads with a slight difference I can wholeheartedly recommend this book.

Such an interesting, creative and unique storyline. I adore this author and this further exemplifies why. Becca Valentine has four “almosts”. An almost is a soul, a potential person waiting to be born. Eliza is such a complex character and is trying to get through life unaware of the souls watching and waiting. It's a lovely, sweet, emotional, funny, kind, curious read. I very much enjoy her writing style.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I've read a few of Laura Pearson's stories and she has a unique way of storytelling that always draws me in. The Beforelife was no different. Well, it WAS different. A different type of magical realism. A very different story. I have read soul stories before that were considered non-fiction and the thought that a beforelife exists has been bandied about in those books. This takes on a different angle. What if you heard the story from those who are in the beforelife? Who watch over their prospective mothers while they grow up and find their meanings in life? What do they think when their mothers make decisions that could either prevent or cause their births? How can they even possibly change circumstances so that things happen the way they want? How do they "feel" and "love" while waiting to be born? The author takes us on a journey of love and of pain. There are triggering events in this story but the author dealt with them realistically and gently.

I'm reviewing this via NetGalley as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.

After reading just the first few pages of this, I was drawn in. I was intrigued by Eliza as a narrator, and what she had to say. I found it a little bit mind-boggling to think about the Beforelife, and the concept of it, but it seemed amazing to contemplate.

I felt that Eliza's story was special. Eliza's narrative, and Eliza herself, seemed ambiguous and sort of magical.

I found this book romantic and quite touching, in an unusual sort of way. Reading this, I experienced a kind of nostalgia and a “what if” sort of feeling. It was thought-provoking in that way, and lovely to read. It wasn't a long read, but by the time I finished, I felt as though I'd been on a journey with Eliza and the other characters.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.

Anyone who has ever read the great writing craft guide/memoir On Writing by Stephen King will be familiar with the idea of the ‘What If’ as the starting point for a story. What if vampires invaded a small town in New England leads you to the plot for Salem’s Lot. What is a family take a job in an isolated hotel and the patriarch starts to go mad? The Shining. This book has one of the greatest ‘what if’ premises I have ever read and it’s one of those times where I wonder where the idea came from. What if all the children you potentially could have existed close to you on another plane, watching all you do, up until the time they were conceived… or not.

I have to say, I am probably someone who was always going to be particularly susceptible to this premise. I lost my first child at birth and, whilst I never got to spend any time with him whilst he was alive, he already felt like a real person to me, I already knew him before he was born. So this book touched me very deeply. However, for those of you who might be in a similar position to me and worry that the subject matter might upset them, I can assure you that the subject is handled with great sensitivity and tenderness and I was not remotely upset at all, just greatly touched and at peace.

The main reason for this is that the characters are drawn so beautifully. They leap off the page fully formed and absolutely real. You will fully believe that these children already exist, fully formed and with their own wants, fears and personalities, just waiting to come into our lives. This is how I feel to this day about my baby, who will always exist as a person and not just an idea, I think every day about what he would be like if he hadn’t been taken from me too soon (he would have been 21 next month, the same age as my two stepdaughters) and I see him clearly in my mind’s eye and in my two daughters. The idea that our possible children are close, even when they aren’t here is one I find beautiful and the author expresses this idea perfectly throughout this book.

There is so much love in this story, it will melt the stoniest of hearts and it is a book that came to me unexpectedly but at a perfect time. I was offered it and just accepted on a whim, despite the fact that I am trying to avoid taking on too many new NetGalley arcs at the moment, and I have to believe that this is one of those serendipitous times when the right book finds you as fate decrees. Sometimes literary magic happens, and this book is one of those times. I absolutely loved it and have bought a physical copy to add to my library for the future, I suggest you do yourself a favour and do the same.

I can honestly say that I have never read anything quite like this book. It has a uniqueness to it that made it all the more gripping for its novelty. It is the story of four unborn siblings as they observe their mother, Becca, from a different plane, from the time of her birth to the time of their own conception.

I was interested to read that the author wrote this based on a dream that she had many years ago, which I guess explains it uniqueness. It is to be applauded that the author could take her dream and turn it into a story that was both easy to read and engaging.

The book has much to say about how the choices we make impact not only our own lives but the lives of others too. It is story of love, hope and sacrifice. It was heartwarming and left me with a lovely warm feeling inside. It was a delight to read.

In this book everyone has a beforelife where they get to observe their prospective mother. They know their possible conception date, but not everyone gets to be conceived and then they disappear. Becca Valentine has 4 almost who are waiting to be conceived, unfortunately they cannot all be born as 2 have one father and 2 another, and conception dates do not work out.

We mainly follow Eliza, almost number 3 as she follows her mother’s life. Almost are given one chance to influence their birth by inhabiting someone else’s body to push things in their favour so it needs to be used wisely.

Will Eliza, Sophie, Samuel and Thomas get born and will Becca get the life she deserves?

This book made me teary on the bus on the way home towards the end. Once I got my head around the unusual concept of the book, I really enjoyed it.

"The Beforelife of Eliza Valentine" is a captivating and emotionally resonant exploration of love, family, and the complexities of fate. Laura Pearson, author of the bestselling "The Last List of Mabel Beaumont," delivers another heartwarming and thought-provoking tale that will leave readers pondering the choices we make and the impact they have on our lives and the lives of those around us.

**Plot Summary (No Spoilers):**

In this unique narrative, we meet Eliza, one of four souls who exist in the Beforelife, awaiting their chance to be born. They've been watching over Becca Valentine since the day she was born, knowing that one day she might become their mother. But there's a catch: only two of them can be born.

When two men enter Becca's life, the souls realize that her choice of partner will determine their fate. One man is destined to be the father of Lucy and Thomas, while the other is Eliza and Samuel's potential father. As they grapple with their own desires and the implications of Becca's choices, they discover a way to influence fate, but at a cost.

**Character Analysis:**

Eliza is a captivating narrator, her voice filled with warmth, humor, and a touch of melancholy. We witness her love for Becca, her longing to be born, and her internal conflict as she navigates the complexities of their unique situation.

The other souls, Samuel, Lucy, and Thomas, are equally well-developed, each with their own distinct personalities and desires. Their interactions with Eliza and their observations of Becca's life create a rich tapestry of emotions and perspectives.

Becca, though unaware of the souls watching over her, is a relatable and sympathetic character. Her struggles with love, loss, and finding her place in the world resonate with readers, making her a compelling figure to root for.

**Writing Style and Effectiveness:**

Pearson's writing is both lyrical and accessible, drawing readers into the story with ease. Her prose is infused with warmth and humor, even as it tackles weighty themes of love, loss, and the complexities of fate.

The narrative structure, with its alternating perspectives between Eliza and Becca, creates a dynamic and engaging reading experience. The pacing is well-balanced, allowing for moments of quiet reflection alongside scenes of emotional intensity.

**Strengths:**

* Unique and captivating premise
* Well-developed characters with relatable struggles
* Evocative writing style that balances humor and emotional depth
* Thought-provoking exploration of profound themes

**Weaknesses:**

* Some readers may find the magical realism elements a bit too whimsical
* The ending may leave some readers wanting more closure

**Conclusion and Recommendation:**

"The Beforelife of Eliza Valentine" is a heartwarming and thought-provoking read that will stay with you long after the final page is turned. Laura Pearson's masterful storytelling, relatable characters, and exploration of profound themes make this a must-read for fans of contemporary fiction and anyone seeking a story that will touch their hearts and minds.

If you're looking for a book that will make you laugh, cry, and ponder the mysteries of life and love, I highly recommend "The Beforelife of Eliza Valentine."

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

Becca Valentine, she has 4 ‘not quite’ - children who are waiting in the pre-existence. Yet to see if her life will include them in it.

We read about her as she handles all the issues in the family and the what the children go through as they grow up. There are two men in her life, but she’s yet to decide who to choose,

The story was different, gave you food for thought.

The characters were relatable and mixed, where some you liked, and others, not.

I highly recommend this book.

What an absolutely brilliant concept. Laura Pearson is a terrific writer and this book deserves to be another best seller. The lives of unborn children watching to see what will happen to them. Bravo.

My favourite book of the year, so far. I just wanted to keep reading and the characters became so important.
Becca made mistakes but I so wanted things to turn out well for her, though of course this meant that things might not turn out well for Eliza, Lucy, Thomas and Samuel.
Definitely one to reread and savour.
Thanks to Natgalley.

Lucy, Thomas, Samuel, and Eliza are Becca’s Almost’s. They came into being the day Becca was born and all have a chance at being born. They can only stay with Becca and they know their conception date and when they see him they will know their father. But the Almost’s have discovered they do not have the same father and the chances of them all getting to be born are getting slimmer and slimmer as two different men compete for Becca.
A unique concept, incredibly beautiful and powerful. Watching Becca navigate her life through the lens of her potential children was so fascinating. @laurapauthor went incredibly deep with this book about love, destiny, survival, and strength. I have thoroughly enjoyed all of this author’s books and #thebeforelifeofelizavalentine was no exception. Small warning it does dip into domestic violence as well as miscarriage.
Thank you to @theboldbookclub @boldwoodbooksnl and @netgalley for letting me have a copy to review. Look for this one September 20
#booklover #bookstagram #booksbooksbooks #readmorebooks #bookstagrammer #bookreview #bookrecommendations #bookworm #booknerd #readmorebooks #readersgonnaread #readersofinstagram

Lovely story of the possible children of people living in another realm, knowing their conception dates and their parents to be. The possible children disappear when they are actually conceived, or if they miss their conception date.

The Beforelife of Eliza Valentine is an enchanting and thought-provoking novel. The story follows Becca Valentine and her four potential children—Samuel, Thomas, Eliza, and Lucy—who exist in a realm known as the "Almosts." These unborn children watch Becca’s life, wondering if they will ever be born, as her choices and relationships with two men, Anthony and Ryan, determine their futures.

This is a magical and yet emotional story that explores love, choices, and family. The book blends imagination and real-life emotions without feeling too heavy.

This book is great for readers who enjoy heartfelt stories with a bit of magic!

This book is an interesting take of the beforelife or known as the "Almosts" Eliza, Samuel, Thomas and Lucy.

The "Almosts" of Becca Valentine, following Becca, unseen and unheard, from the day she was born to see who will be become her children and who the father will be, Anthony or Ryan

Another great read by this author, even though the concept was a little different.