Review of 'Before the Mountain Falls’ by Luisa A. Jones
Release date: March 19th, 2026
Publisher: Storm Publishing
REVIEW
I have been trying to find adequate words to talk about this exceptionally written and very powerful novel by Luisa A Jones. Before the Mountain Falls is an incredibly moving story. It grabbed onto my heart and never let go from the moment I saw the opening quote by Oscar Wilde. “We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars”. And then the sadness gripped me when I read how Norma, the main character, is sitting and waiting on her wedding day for the groom who never shows up. Her emotional injury becomes visible in the crushed petals that fall on her lap. I knew this was going to be an emotionally charged novel—and it is— plus it is an honest portrayal of relationships between people of different classes and cultures. But there is so much more to this unforgettable story—including the impact of what happened to the Welsh people when WW2 began, and how they lost their homes and lands to the English government. Plus the lesser known evacuee situation for pregnant women and those with small children. Conditions for those evacuees did not always prove pleasant or fair.
Faith and religion are also a big part of this story and how sometimes people don’t practice what they preach. Initially a number in the community, those in a Welsh village and in big city London, were judgemental and unforgiving to Norma. She saw this with her landlord, employer and then in her new home in Wales. Emrys is a minister who should know better but whose actions and tongue are harsh. The Bible scripture “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you," certainly comes to mind. How we treat others will be reflected back on ourselves. So take the opposite stance by not condemning others, and avoid being condemned. ‘Forgive, and you will be forgiven," and so forth.
This novel shows the destruction of judging by mere appearances and self-righteous condemnation. A lot of this happens in Before the Mountain Falls until a few kind hearts lead by a positive example. The novel sends out a warning against hypocritical judgement. Nobody is above making mistakes. It is part of being human. And we don’t know what others have been through that has led to their unsavoury or unfortunate situations. The joy in this novel is the promise of hope and forgiveness when eyes open to the truth. Then healing comes and lives turn around.
Norma is on the brunt end of terrible treatment because she is pregnant and unwed. But even though she tried to remedy her situation, her plans to marry the father of her child did not work out. He turns out to be a worse character than she knew. Without work or a home now due to her pregnancy, she is forced to leave the city and become an evacuee, hoping it will give her a fresh start. I felt sad for her and all those women of the past who were rejected and who did not have the luxuries of support, love and family. Norma was basically abused and used in past relationships. But she is strong and it is her determination that keeps her going. Her journey into a new life and setting, shows her bravery. It is a second chance but not without many trials. Fortunately it eventually leads her to receive what she craves and should have. I was totally won over by this woman. The author has given us a full picture of both her vices and virtues making her realistic. Her character arc was well presented. The scraps of cloth she used to make her special gifts, represent a diverse group of people sewn together and beautified by special stitching (coming together from various backgrounds with common needs). We, as humans, have the same desires to be loved, have a home and opportunities to share and expand our skills.
And as for skills, Norma was an incredibly gifted seamstress. I loved her vision and passion to have her own business. Beautiful clothes meant a lot to her. They were a way she expressed herself. To let others know she was ‘worth looking at’, ‘deserving’ of their ‘attention’. It was her way of making up for years of poverty, plus it also gave her joy to share her gift with others: to make people happy through the beautiful items she created so they could feel the same as she did.
I appreciated how well all that the characters were presented. Norma, of course, stands out but next to her Gwenllian, Norma’s mother-in-law, for her feistiness and honesty. It is easy to see why Norma, once she got to know her, enjoyed talking to her. She became a surprising support and the voice of wisdom and grace along with Aneurin and Grandfather Joe (I adored these two). They are the beacons in this novel. I also appreciated the difficult position of Miriam who had a conscience, but often let the expectations of others (particularly her husband) rule her actions.
There are so many beautiful and moving passages in this novel but I will share one. When Norma is panicking about something she has done, she suddenly remembers what Aneurin said to her when she was afraid. ‘Look around you, now. Tell me what you see.’ She begins to focus on the birds, the path, the golden leaves and the mountain. The mountain that previously loomed ‘forbiddingly over her.’ Now that she has visited it, it feels more like a ‘guardian,’ ‘a reassuring presence.’ The mountain represents something new for her. It is constant and non-judgemental. This is the sort of support she has needed in her life and never had from people. She has always been fighting to survive, receive acceptance and just wanting to be loved and appreciated. Does she eventually find what she is looking for? Yes. And in the most beautiful ways imaginable. Her world changes and this story brims over with the power of forgiveness when people come together in a new harmony showing grace and kindness to each other.
This is a relationship driven story with many valleys, peaks and surprises. The mountain is a great symbol of strength and acceptance. We are reminded of all the discord below in its shadow until people find it in their hearts to not judge, to forgive and find peace with each other.
The novel is perfectly executed and the ending is uplifting but I wanted to read more! Hopefully there is a sequel? I highly recommend Before the Mountain Falls as it will leave a serious everlasting mark on your heart. A must read for ’26 Historical fiction lovers. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for a review copy.
