Review: In The After by Ashley Mackler- Paternostro

 In the After by Ashley Mackler-Paternostro

Published: October 16 2012

Publication: Self Published

Format: Ebook ARC provided by author

Rating: 5/5

Synopsis

There is a reason fairy tales end when they do ... because happily ever after is just the beginning of real life. Once upon a time in the quaint, forgotten coastal town of Joyce, Washington Emmy Burns existed in the middle of an inconsequential life that resembled a small-town fairy tale; days filled with caring for her daughter Avery, running her small but thriving pottery store, married to the only man she had ever loved. But all of that changed when the fog rolled out one beautiful morning, leaving emptiness where Emmy had stood only the day before. She had seemingly and without a sound vanished into the thick misty air of the Pacific Northwest, taking with her a lifetime of secrets.
In the aftermath Stephen Burns is content telling the police his wife must have simply chosen to walk away from him and their daughter. But Sidney Ruth, Emmy's closest friend, knows the truth. Sidney is the one person who had watched as the vines grew around the dark forest that was the Burn's marriage trapping Emmy inside and keeping everyone who loved her out.
Years of abuse has to lead to this moment. As the days unfurl so do the secrets Emmy kept walled away, leaving the people of Joyce wondering: What really happened to Emmy Burns in her happily ever after?

My Thoughts

Amazing. Wonderful. Heartbroken. Emotional.

Those are just a few of the things I thought/felt while I read In The After. This book stirred so many emotions that words simply cannot explain. This is one of the most heartbreaking books I've read in a long time. Emily and Sidney have been friends since they were little and have vowed to always be there for one another. No matter what. So when Emmy goes missing Sidney sticks to that. Being there for her friend, Emmys voice and the keeper of her secrets. Letting everyone and anyone who would listen letting them know Emmy wouldn't just walk away from everything, especially her daughter. If she did there had to be reason... leading everyone to look at Emmys husband Stephen.

While I wont spoil the book I will say it's a very heartbreaking story that literally had me in tears, especially at the very end. When I was done I felt I had gone through an emotional roller coaster. I can say without a doubt that this is one of my favorite books this year and one of my all time favorites. I dare anyone to read this and not be emotional involved or moved to tears. It's that good people!

I would like to thank Ashley Mackler-Paternostro for allowing me a preview copy of her book. She's an awesome and amazing writer. Please also check out her debut book if you haven't The Milestone Tapes [review] another must read. I advise anyone who wants a GREAT read pick this book up, trust me you won't regret it.

Review: The Milestone Tapes by Ashley Mackler Paternostro

The Milestone Tapes by Ashley Mackler-Paternostro
Published: March 13, 2012

　
Synopsis
Jenna Chamberland never wanted anything more than to be a wife and mother. That is, until she realized that her life was ending after a three-year battle against breast cancer. Now, all she really wants is more time.
With 4,320 hours left to live, Jenna worries for her loved ones and what she knows awaits them on the other side: Gabe will have to make the slip from husband to widower, left alone to raise their seven-year-old daughter; Mia will be forced to cope with life without her mother. In a moment of reflection, Jenna decides to record a set of audiocassettes — The Milestone Tapes – leaving her voice behind as a legacy for her daughter.
Nine years later, Mia is a precocious sixteen-year-old and her life is changing all around, all she wants is her mother. Through the tapes, Jenna’s voice returns to teach Mia the magic of life, her words showing her daughter how to spread her wings and embrace the coming challenges with humor, grace and hope.

My Thoughts

I'd had this book in my Kindle for months. Got it one day while searching the free Kindle reads. I must admit I loved the cover way before I ever read the description of what the book was about. I tend to do that...yes I do tend to judge a book by it's cover. One day about two months ago I decided I would read this.
WHY DID I WAIT SO LONG?!! The Milestone Tapes is a lovely and touching story of a mother dying of cancer and whose love for her daughter will stop at nothing for always being there for her...even when she's gone. The thought of making these "tapes" so that Mia will never forget her and guide her through life is so sad yet comforting. No book has moved me this much in years. Trust me I'm not the most emotional person on the planet so that says alot.
If you like check out The Milestone Tapes and In The After, the new book by Ashley Mackler Paternostro... you won't regret it. Both are amazing books so check them out and check out my review on In The After next week.

WoW

Waiting on Wednesday (WoW) is a weekly event hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

This week’s WoW feature is:

In The After by Ashley Mackler-Paternostro
Expected publication: sometime late 2012



Synopsis
There is a reason fairy tales end when they do ... because happily ever after is just the beginning of real life.
Once upon a time in the quaint, forgotten coastal town of Joyce, Washington Emmy Burns existed in the middle of an inconsequential life that resembled a small-town fairy tale; days filled with caring for her daughter Avery, running her small but thriving pottery store, married to the only man she had ever loved. But all of that changed when the fog rolled out one beautiful morning, leaving emptiness where Emmy had stood only the day before. She had seemingly and without a sound vanished into the thick misty air of the Pacific Northwest, taking with her a lifetime of secrets.
In the aftermath Stephen Burns is content telling the police his wife must have simply chosen to walk away from him and their daughter. But Sidney Ruth, Emmy's closest friend, knows the truth. Sidney is the one person who had watched as the vines grew around the dark forest that was the Burn's marriage trapping Emmy inside and keeping everyone who loved her out.
Years of abuse has to lead to this moment. As the days unfurl so do the secrets Emmy kept walled away, leaving the people of Joyce wondering: What really happened to Emmy Burns in her happily ever after? [Goodreads]
　
Actually I was lucky to received a ebook ARC from the author a few weeks ago and I'm excited to dive into this. I've been a fan every since I read the authors first book The Milestone Tapes. If you haven't read it please check it out it's an awesome read. As soon as I read it I will post a review. I'm sure I will love this also.


*Goodreads says 10/16/12 but I couldn't confirm the date through Amazon or BN. So I went with the date given on the authors website