Review: Aftermath (Secrets & Lies #2)
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 08 11, 2012
I received a free copy of Aftermath (Secrets & Lies #2)by Joanne Clancy through a free Amazon download offered August 8th and 9th.Again I have nothing but praise for this author.This is such an intriguing story, the 2nd part in the trilogy.I read this book in one sitting. I couldn't put it down.The first book leaves off to see if Kerry and daughter Saoirse are alright. And what about the fate of Kerry's husband Conor and Hope's husband Niall.It is difficult to imagine what it must be like to experience a tsunami.When Kerry returned to consciousness, she was clinging to a tree. Her survival instincts had taken over. But where was her daughter Saoirse. The last thing Kerry had said to her was "Catch the Roof".We then learn that Saoirse managed to haul herself onto the roof.Hours passed for Kerry and then two Japanese rescuers tried to assist her, but she had two broken legs and couldn't be moved. They came back with others and loaded her on a mattress/raft. Kerry was brought to a room in the Hotel with other survivors, but no doctors or nurses. Eventually,she was transported to a hospital along with other injured.Kerry experienced such great acts of kindness from complete strangers.She was sent to another hospital and told she had a fractured pelvis and broken legs, but wouldn't require an operation.Back in Ireland, her twin sister, Maura and family contacted the authorities in Japan to locate her whereabouts.When Maura located Terry, she flew directly to Japan.In the interim, Maura located Saoirse, soon to be reunited with her older sister Emer and her mom.But Conor was still missing.Kerry learned to control her unbearable pain with her energy, cutting back on her morphine.Finally the day came for her and her two daughters to fly back to Cork, Ireland from Japan, to continue her rehabilitation.Terry felt a deep sadness about leaving Conor behind, but she knew she would return to Japan as soon as she could.But returning to Ireland made her feel guilty for being alive...but what about Conor. The aftermath of the tsunami had shown her what was important in life.Hope was 6 months pregnant, with her son, with her husband Niall still missing.She couldn't grieve him, because she didn't know if he was dead or alive.At the time of the tsunami, Niall was in Japan on business. Following the devastating news, Hope and her mother had flown to Japan to search for him...but no such luck.Halfway through the book, the author throws us a left curve...which totally blows us away.I can't say any more, or I will spoil it for others. Just read this book.I was then glued to the book until the end.I can't wait for the 3rd part of the trilogy , "Redemption", which I believe Joanne said will be available in the winter. These are well written novels and so enjoyable to read.Thank you Joanne and keep up the great work.