FICTION

Before Anyone Else

by Leslie Hooton
Turner. Mar. 2020. 384p. ISBN 9781684424016. $31.99; pap. ISBN 9781684424009. $18.99. F
COPY ISBN
DEBUT Bailey Edgeworth was raised by men, never knowing her mother. Bae, as she is affectionately called by her brother and his handsome best friend Griffin, yearns to make a name for herself outside of her family’s famous culinary shadow. She leaves her Atlanta home base and heads to New York, where she becomes a famed designer of five-star restaurants. From designing wins to flops in love, Hooton paints a portrait of Bailey’s life, complete with a love affair with Griffin and a hurried marriage to a mysterious English restaurateur. The author’s story is filled with twists, turns, and unexpected outcomes. It’s about finding out whom to put before anyone else and the constant tug of war that the decision entails.
VERDICT Hooton’s debut captures the dynamic of thirtysomething women as they navigate careers, love, and the everyday struggles of life. It will be popular with fans of Stephanie Evanovich’s Under the Table and other career-oriented chick lit. Readers should not expect uproarious comedic moments, but there is sly humor on the pages.
Reviewed by Jacqueline Rammer, Lakeview Community Lib., Random Lake, WI , Mar 01, 2020
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

MEDIA

The Phoenix Bride
by Siegel, Natasha
GRAPHIC NOVELS

Spiral and Other Stories
by Koch, Aidan
FICTION

Not in Love
by Hazelwood, Ali
FICTION

Heads Will Roll
by Winning, Josh
FICTION

The Year of What If
by Patrick, Phaedra
GRAPHIC NOVELS

Anna
by Oberländer, Mia
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?