Latest Book By Dianne C. Braley

The Summer Before

“THE SUMMER BEFORE is a gripping and emotionally charged exploration of trauma, guilt, and the unyielding strength of friendship. With the intensity of Kate Elizabeth Russell’s My Dark Vanessa and a haunting complexity that lingers long after the last page, this novel offers a profoundly empathetic and thought-provoking examination of the aftermath of a harrowing experience and its far-reaching consequences.”

– Anna David, NYT bestselling author/CEO, Legacy Launch Pad Publishing

“Masterfully crafted, The Summer Before is a poignant exploration into the repercussions of evil, even for those on the periphery of a crime. Part love story, part coming-of-age story, part legal thriller, Braley weaves a meaningful story of love, healing, and ultimately hope. An emotional page-turner I couldn’t put down.”

– Suzanne Redfearn, #1 Amazon bestselling author of In an Instant

Book Synopsis

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.

Madeline and Summer are more than best friends—they’re sisters in everything but blood. But Summer has a dark secret. Someone close has been hurting her, and when the truth emerges, it shatters their world.

Six years after the trial, Madeline is a haunted young woman in Boston, tormented by guilt and betrayal. On the brink of suicide, she embarks on a journey to confront the past, heal, and reclaim her life.

And can this be the intro? With the words New Book?

📖 THE SUMMER BEFORE is a gripping and emotional novel for fans of All Girls by Emily Layden and My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell.

Pre-order today and be among the first to dive into this powerful story.

Meet The Author

A raw, gritty New Englander, Dianne C. Braley found love for the written word early on, reading and creating stories while trying to escape hers, growing up in the turbulent world of alcoholism. After putting her pencil down for a time, she became a registered nurse finding strength and calm in caring for those who couldn’t care for themselves. Still, she never lost her drive to write, and later she found her passion again on the island of Martha’s Vineyard with the help of a famous author who became her friend and motivator.

What Readers Are Saying

That was quite a rollercoaster to read, very emotional and powerful, and it was so gritty and achingly real.

Samantha G.

The writing here is both atmospheric and elegant.
Brianna S.

An exquisite debut from a thrilling new voice. The Silence in the Sound is a poetic story, powerfully told. Emotional yet exhilarating, Dianne C. Braley’s novel is alluring through every page.

Anna David

NY Times bestselling author of Party Girl and founder of Legacy Launch Pad

In The Silence in the Sound, Dianne Braley fashions a moving tale in which complicated love—for an alcoholic father, testy patient, unnervingly enigmatic lover, and Martha’s Vineyard—interweaves to create a compelling narrative. Georgette returns as an adult to the island, lured by the memory of a significant weekend there as a teenager with her father. She becomes the private nurse to the famous author Mr. S. for whom, despite his difficult nature, she develops a deep fondness. But Georgette can’t outrun the damage from growing up with an addict in a dysfunctional home as she becomes entangled in a complicated relationship with Dock—a local contractor with a mysterious past. Brimming with rich characters and a provocative storyline, Braley movingly explores if our history indelibly determines our future.
Abby Remer

Published author and writer for the Martha’s Vineyard Times

This story is a compelling exploration and damnation of the harmful effects of substance abuse and how the harm it causes lingers beyond the self.
J. Flowers-Olnowich

The Silence in the Sound is an unflinching look at the legacy of addiction and the soul-destroying effect it has on family and friends. Love does not conquer all for George, and her long journey from anger to forgiveness is grueling. In George, author Braley has given us a believable, flawed character whose story compels the reader to root for her.
Susan Wilson

NY Times bestselling author of One Good Dog

Recent Blog Posts

BOOK BIRTHDAY!

BOOK BIRTHDAY!

It’s finally here—The Summer Before’s official launch day! I’m thrilled, but let’s be real: I’m also completely exhausted. Between all the marketing, social media, and endless blogging, my hands are practically claws at this point. I could use a robot (or three paid...

Exciting News: Pre-Order My New Book Today!

Exciting News: Pre-Order My New Book Today!

I am thrilled to announce that my new book, "The Summer Before," is now available for pre-order! This project has been a labor of love because of what I believe it can do to help and reach more victims, the ones who remain silent in crimes of assault, and I can't wait...

Unveiling Shadows: Delving into the Mystery of a Criminal Cold Case

Unveiling Shadows: Delving into the Mystery of a Criminal Cold Case

As a writer, certain topics inevitably pull you into their enigmatic embrace, urging you to explore their depths, unraveling layers of intrigue and unanswered questions. Recently, I found myself at the crossroads of curiosity and contemplation when asked to delve into...

BLIND SPOT: BOOK/AUTHOR RECOMMENDATION

BLIND SPOT: BOOK/AUTHOR RECOMMENDATION

As an author, and an AWARD WINNING one I'll add... sorry, but I had to; I am often asked to review other authors' books. It’s a courtesy many of us do for each other, especially if we respect each other’s work or want to help a new author with the launch of their...

WHAT’S THE NEW BOOK ABOUT?

WHAT’S THE NEW BOOK ABOUT?

As a novelist, everyone asks, “What’s your upcoming book about?” I stutter my words as I have yet to nail down that perfect elevator pitch to hook a potential reader, and I don’t want to disappoint. It is such an undertaking trying to sum it up in one sentence because...

Awards & Featured On

The Silence in the Sound, An engaging story of love, grief, and remoteness on Martha’s Vineyard -Kirkus Reviews

Pencraft Award Winner 2022, Literary Excellence

pencraftaward.com

Best Book Awards Finalist of American Book Fest

americanbookfest.com

Women’s Fiction Writers Association

womensfictionwriters.org

New York Book Festival Honorable Mention

Subscribe to our email newsletter

Stay updated with our upcoming book, giveaway, and blog post.