After the Eclipse, (Paperback)

Where do I begin? After the Eclipse is one of those books that will have you sitting in silence for a few minutes after reading the last page. Lately, I haven't been reading the synopsis before starting a book, and the same thing applied when I started this book. I read the cover, and that was enough to pull me in. Two Solar Eclipses... Two Missing Girls... That was enough to have my mind racing and trying to figure out what does the solar eclipse has to do with their disappearance. Cassie's life hasn't been the same since her younger sister went missing over 16 years ago during the solar eclipse. While everyone in the town was gathering to watch the solar eclipse, Cassie was given strict orders from her parents - "Keep an eye on your sister!" But add some teenage hormones in the mix, you get a teenager that would rather have her attention on her young crush. We all know what happens next, Cassie's sister, Olive decides to wander off, never to be seen again. Before the new eclipse, another local girl goes missing. Cassie returns home to take care of her sick grandmother, but when she learns about the missing girl, the guilt of her past starts to take over. Cassie slowly decides to begin an investigation in the disappearance of the local girl. The similarities in both cases are enough to have Cassie determined to solve the case. Does this disappearance have anything to do with her sister's disappearance? What part does the solar eclipse play into the disappearances? While working on her investigation, Cassie also has to deal with the unfinished business of her past. Author Fran Dorricutt has weaved a stunning debut that's suspenseful, heartwrenching, thrilling, and fast-paced. The author has does an exceptional job of conceiving memorable characters that will have you experiencing their emotions as you read the words on the page. The story alternates between the past and the present. I will admit I didn't think I would be able to read Olive's journey before and after her abduction, but the way the author writes I was able to envision the fear that Olive felt. I also was able to feel the guilt that Cassie had been carrying with her for those 16 years. This book does include some heavy subject themes, but the way the author writes she handle the subjects with great care. I was able to get through the majority of the book without shedding a tear until a particular part in the book. I'm sure when you read the book, you will feel an array of emotions. I highly recommended this book!!