Rachel Wiltshire and Matt Randall have been a couple throughout high school with plans of loving each other forever. Each intends to keep the relationship together even though they will be separated when they leave for university. Rachel's closest friend, Jimmy Boyd, has always been there to lean on since childhood. Their group of seven friends has always been close and shared all their expectations. Matt is jealous of Jimmy and Rachel's close friendship. Everything is about to change and their lives will be changed forever as well.

While gathering together at a restaurant in Bishopsford, their home town, a tragic accident happens. An out of control car crashes through the window in the restaurant and is aimed directly at their group. The last thing Rachel remembers is being trapped at the table and Jimmy sacrificing his safety to throw her out of harm's way. Recovering in the hospital with a severe head wound and horrible facial scar, Rachel is sick to learn that her closest friend is dead because of her.

Five years later Rachel is working in London, having moved on in her life and breaking her engagement to Matt. Reluctantly returning for her friend Sarah's wedding, she is devastated at having to face her friends and relive Jimmy's death. Rachel's headaches are becoming so severe she has been told to follow up with her doctor as they indicate something seriously wrong. Visiting Jimmy's grave, she loses control of her leg functions and vision, and collapses on the ground next to his grave. Waking up in the hospital, everything has changed and she is told of a life for which the last five years are entirely different than what she has had.

Everyone is thinking Rachel has neurological problems accompanied by a rare sort of amnesia, she sets out to convince everyone that this is not her real life, and that she has lived the last 5 years in a completely different one. Rachel believes that somehow reality has split in two different realms and all their lives have somehow fractured at the moment of the accident. In one life, Jimmy strives to help Rachel come to terms with reality and give her the eternal love she desires.

THEN AND ALWAYS is one of the most bizarre and captivating stories I have ever read. The emotions throughout this story swing from devastation to total tranquility and peacefulness. I was so caught up in this fantastic tale I could barely put it down to eat. If this doesn't cause your mind to work overtime, nothing will. The end is astounding and will evoke such emotion you will not be able to contain the tears. It will most likely be a long time coming before I read another story as all-consuming as THEN AND ALWAYS. Dani Atkins has a fantastic ability for creativity and talent in storytelling. I am so moved by this tale which will be remembered for a very long time to come.