Before Anyone Else

Written by Leslie Hooton

Narrated by Justis Bolding

As a designer of upscale restaurants, 30-year-old Bailey Ann Edgeworth can go into an empty space and immediately
see what it would take to transform it into a beautiful and memorable spot. She learns transforming her own life is
another proposition entirely. It can get messy and it doesn’t always go according to a neat blueprint. Bailey’s brother
Henry and his best friend Griffin are stars in the restaurant field. They are known as the “Color Wheel Boys” because
of their renowned Buckhead restaurants Vert, Blanc and Noir. Bailey is determined to chart her own course; to not be
forever known as Hank’s daughter, Henry’s sister, or “whatever” she is to Griffin.

Bailey’s dreams propel her to New York where her vision garners accolades and fame. After a perceived rejection by
Griffin, she rushes into an impetuous marriage with an enigmatic English chef. Their combined charisma and desire
lift them to the top of the culinary world. Just when she seems on the verge of having it all, a shocking betrayal throws
Bailey’s world into chaos. She begins a spectacular downfall complete with secretive drug use, shady associates, and her
career in turmoil. Just what are the secret ingredients to transforming food, a dilapidated building, and one’s own life
into something extraordinary?

Before Anyone Else examines the complicated relationship between love and ambition and explores how our earliest
relationships and experience shape us into who we ultimately become.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Mar 24, 2020
• ISBN: 9781980064923

Leslie Hooton

Leslie Hooton is the author of three novels. Her debut novel, Before Anyone Else, garnered a Zibby nomination. Leslie’s second novel, The Secret of Rainy Days, was a book club favorite. Her third novel, After Everyone Else, the sequel to Before Everyone Else, will be published June 28th. Kevin Wilson, Jane Rosen, Patti Callahan, Lisa Barr, and other wonderful writers have offered praise for Leslie’s novels. She has had essays published in “Moms Don’t Have Time to Grieve,” and she has an upcoming essay in Newsweek. Leslie attended The Sewanee Writers Conference for many years. Leslie has been a guest on numerous podcasts and her talks are engaging and thought-provoking. Leslie has often said some people have a stroke of luck, and she had one at birth. Having limited use of her right side and numerous surgeries allowed her to be a keen observer of human behavior. She refers to her body as her “bargain basement body” and doctors as the “men in white coats” because she has had a lifelong relationship with them. She uses dictation for each of her novels and often jokes “I haven’t typed a single word.” She brings this unique perspective to her writing with humor and heart.

Reviews for Before Anyone Else

[Chana Rivka Hersh · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I loved this book and am thrilled about her next book. Bae is such a relatable and likable character and I love how Hooton makes grammar, food, and architecture characters as well. Excellent, light read; yet, so intriguing that I didn’t want to put the audiobook down. Excellent narrator too. Also loved the book cover. Her book The Secret of Rainy Days is fabulous as well. Great author!

[kylie · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book was a sweet read. I really enjoyed the journey Bailey went on through her twenties. She learned many lessons we all go through during that time of our lives.

Bailey goes through many trials learning how to navigate love, loss, and becoming her own person.

I would recommend this to anyone who would like a sweet coming of age book with romance mixed in.