Before We Were Innocent

Ten years ago, Bess and Joni survived a summer in Greece that ended in tragedy—and though they were cleared of involvement in their friend Evangeline’s death, the media never let them forget. Their teenage lives were shattered under the harsh glare of public scrutiny.

Joni seized the moment to reinvent herself as a confident motivational speaker, embracing the spotlight that once threatened to destroy her. Bess, however, retreated into a carefully controlled life, determined never to lose everything again.

Now, Joni returns, asking Bess for a favor—an alibi she desperately needs. Bound by loyalty and old debts, Bess reluctantly agrees. But as they revisit the past they’ve both tried to escape, old wounds reopen, and the truth they thought they buried refuses to stay silent.

Before We Were Innocent is a gripping story of friendship, betrayal, and the haunting power of secrets that refuse to die.