Before We Were Perfect is a contemporary fiction novel written by S.D. Moore and illustrated by Kostovski Nikola. Julz Havreaux and her sisters are known to devotees of tattoos and body manipulation in Flagstaff, Arizona as the Wicked Sisters, whose shop, Wicked Sisters Ink & More, combines high-tech ink facilities with a fully functional cosmetic surgery center. Her older sister, Jaxx, is a cosmetic surgeon, and each of the other three sisters is an RN. Julz had not always planned to be a tattoo artist; however, she had once dreamed of being a scientist and still had physics books lining the shelves of her small apartment. Her current struggles are mainly concerned with feelings of lightheadedness and numbness in her lower limbs that have been making everyday life a challenge. Her Halloween plans, a holiday which the entire family loves, are muted by the fact that drinking while taking her Lupus meds is contraindicated, but, even sober, the clumsiness she experiences because of her autoimmune disorder often leaves her at a distinct disadvantage, as in slipping and ending up helpless on her stomach on an icy sidewalk ... with her bunny costume revealing just a bit more than it should. Since the book signing her mother insisted they go to, however, Julz seems to have acquired a guardian angel of sorts, whose own past makes him particularly empathetic to her situation.

S.D. Moore’s contemporary fiction novel, Before We Were Perfect, is a sweet and quirky story about a closely knit Cajun family who’ve made the move to Flagstaff in the wake of Katrina and are part of a community of fellow Katrina refugees. I was charmed by the high energy family even if I was a bit put off by closeness which seemed somewhat overwhelming at times, especially as Julz’s mom tries to set her up with a doctor and squelch anything that might be happening with the horror writer. Moore’s story incorporates a tender, moving romance with a real-life story about veterans, the hardships they encounter while deployed and the scars that they live with afterwards. Before We Were Perfect is beautifully written, and the characters are vibrant, funny and very real. It’s most highly recommended.

A young tattoo artist battles to live a normal life despite the monster that haunts her in the poignant romance novella Before We Were Perfect by S.D. Moore. Julz and her sisters, Jaxx, Jade, and Joe, are the owners of the unique and extraordinary tattoo establishment, The Wicked Sisters Ink and More. With their medical and technical backgrounds, Julz and her sisters can provide unparalleled services to their clientèle. Their combined talents and genius have produced a thriving and successful business. However, despite their ingenuity, Julz has days where she physically struggles to be a part of their operation. Her inhibiting ailment inspires Julz to create a programmed technology with astounding robotic tools, helping her maintain her position in the family business. Julz is part of a brilliant enterprise and a loving family, but is there more to life? Is there something else out there just beyond her reach, ready and waiting for her? If so, can Julz find the courage to open her heart and accept it?

Before We Were Perfect by S.D. Moore is a heart-warming romantic novella with a punch. The story begins with an introduction to the main character's family and their business. As the novel unfolds, the main character's drama builds to a critical peak and then explodes in a riveting finale. With spicy characters that are endearing and lovable, it is easy to get caught up in the turmoil of their topsy-turvy lives. This is an extraordinary tale of strength and ingenuity in the face of physical circumstances that are ordinarily debilitating. It is a story of personal power and hope that will charm and inspire those who enjoy romantic novels starring female protagonists with grit. This is an outstanding story and I loved it.

Before We Were Perfect by S.D. Moore is essentially a lighthearted family drama plus romance story. As a result, fans of both genres—romance and family drama—should find something to enjoy in it. Before We Were Perfect is a story about four sisters and their family who live in Flagstaff, Arizona. The setting is a tattoo shop where Julz works as a tattoo artist and her sisters also work or are a part of her life there in various capacities, including as tattoo artists themselves as well as medical staff. As the story progresses, with the daily dose of humor and bonding between the family, enter David, a writer who is wounded and who used to be a fighter and warrior. As his encounters with this family become more frequent, their interactions and the ensuing drama - full of love, humor, and some doses of grim reality - is what makes up the plot of the novel.

Before We Were Perfect is a fairly quick read. Although the setting and the plot itself are quite simple and straightforward, the characters themselves make it an interesting read. The camaraderie between the sisters and the family is well drawn and makes one feel as if they are part of the family themselves in some way. David’s story and his past are also well woven into the overall narrative. I found the dialogues between the characters relatable, and the underlying humor shows the closeness of the family. Because this story doesn’t fit into just one genre, I think it may appeal to a variety of audiences such as those who are fans of romance, drama, realism, etc.

This book brought back stories from magazines I read in n the eighties that were always about beating the odds and how the people that love you will always have your back.

Thank you for helping me remember.