Wednesday, April 5, 2023

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT by Christina Suzann Nelson, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

"Usually, I work on stories with happy endings despite horrific traumas. I wouldn't even touch this if we didn't have a connection."

"Do you know the name Heather Crane? The people of Deep Valley, Oregon do. Every last resident has something to say about the girl who has been missing for thirty-six years. Follow along and hear the story. Maybe you hold the key to bringing Heather home."


Podcaster Faith Byrne suddenly has time on her hands, an entire summer to be exact; her recent divorce managed to divide her family in half giving her two daughters the opportunity to spend the summer with their dad and his soon-to-be new wife. However, returning to Deep Valley, Oregon was the last thing Faith expected to be doing, where unknown to her, one of her childhood friends had disappeared without a trace over three decades earlier . . . and now, Heather Crane's older sister Brooke is desperate to find closure; her mother having grieved to the point of no return and the entire town still bearing the brunt of the tragedy.

Admittedly, the three interchangeable viewpoints from both the past and the present, were a little confusing to navigate at the beginning of this story. Once that hurdle was crossed, the narrative took fascinating twists and turns as most investigations into cold cases are apt to do. Grief is a formidable adversary, but necessary at times, as each of these characters grew to realize. On the other hand, truth is a powerful defender and in this instance clears the way for "what happens next".

"In the end, this was a story that fit right in with her theme. It rang out with hope, perseverance, and strength. When Faith drove away from Deep Valley this time, she could do it knowing the job she came to do was complete."


*I purchased this book and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

SEE REVIEWS BY KIM AND PAULA

BackCover Blurb:
Popular podcaster and ex-reporter Faith Byrne has made a name for herself telling stories of greatness after tragedy--but her real life does not mirror the stories she tells. While her daughters spend the summer in Hawaii with her ex-husband and his new wife, she must manage life on her own. But all that changes when she's asked to spotlight her childhood best friend's missing person case on her podcast.

Dora Crane has never accepted that her younger daughter could be dead, keeping her home looking the same as when her daughter disappeared. But when her husband leaves her, and her older daughter intervenes, she agrees to counseling and to pack up her missing daughter's belongings under one condition: Faith Byrne comes to Deep Valley and sheds light on the cold case.

As the investigation moves forward, the two women uncover desperate secrets, and Faith and Dora must face the long-hidden truth before they can begin to move forward.

Award-winning author Christina Suzann Nelson masterfully leads readers on a journey of discovery, healing, and friendship in this suspenseful and poignant tale. 

Bethany House Publishing, January 17,2023
Available in digital ebook, paperback, or audiobook:


 


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