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After the Ocean
Win a free print copy of this book!
7 days and 14:38:31
100 copies available
U.S. only
How do you find your way back when you’ve left yourself behind? A painful unsolved mystery resurfaces after decades of confusion, sending one woman and her daughters on a journey of redemption in this emotional story about intergenerational trauma, family, and the beauty of Puerto Rico for fans of Nina LaCour, Xochitl Gonzalez, Elizabeth Acevedo, Annette Chavez Macias, and Julia Alvarez.
Thirty years ago, young music student Karen Oliveras married her dream man. Their Caribbean honeymoon cruise was idyllic—until the night Paul disappeared from their ship, presumed drowned. Reeling from loss, Karen was horrified when his wealthy, vindictive family tried to railroad her as a gold-digging murderer. She escaped home to Puerto Rico and then across the country, where she became Kara Daniels, suburban wife and mother of two. Still, the trauma and secrets of her past ruined her second marriage, and created a disconnect with, and between, her grown daughters, Meg and Gracie. But now, a recent photo in Karen’s mail shows Paul alive and well . . . Karen immediately delves into a search, no matter the cost. Unknown to her, Meg and Gracie are following close behind, each on a search of her own. . . . A gifted musician, Meg wants to understand why she's always felt like an imposter, raising self-sabotage to an art form. And Gracie, soon to discover that she’s Paul’s daughter, is fleeing yet another shattered relationship, hoping the truth can shed light on her choices. As Karen and her daughters’ paths converge, they will be forced to see each other anew, reconcile their mistakes and misunderstandings, and find a way to forgiveness—for a chance to both uncover Paul’s fate, and shape their futures on their own terms . . . PRAISE FOR FAMILIA“A masterfully woven tale of mystery, reconciliation, and familial love.” —Abby Jimenez, New York Times Bestselling Author of Yours Truly“Familia has it An old crime, unsuspecting victims, a genetic mystery that will explode a family. By page 30, I would have walked on coals to finish reading this story.” —Jacquelyn Mitchard, New York Times Bestselling Author of The Deep End of the Ocean
Thirty years ago, young music student Karen Oliveras married her dream man. Their Caribbean honeymoon cruise was idyllic—until the night Paul disappeared from their ship, presumed drowned. Reeling from loss, Karen was horrified when his wealthy, vindictive family tried to railroad her as a gold-digging murderer. She escaped home to Puerto Rico and then across the country, where she became Kara Daniels, suburban wife and mother of two. Still, the trauma and secrets of her past ruined her second marriage, and created a disconnect with, and between, her grown daughters, Meg and Gracie. But now, a recent photo in Karen’s mail shows Paul alive and well . . . Karen immediately delves into a search, no matter the cost. Unknown to her, Meg and Gracie are following close behind, each on a search of her own. . . . A gifted musician, Meg wants to understand why she's always felt like an imposter, raising self-sabotage to an art form. And Gracie, soon to discover that she’s Paul’s daughter, is fleeing yet another shattered relationship, hoping the truth can shed light on her choices. As Karen and her daughters’ paths converge, they will be forced to see each other anew, reconcile their mistakes and misunderstandings, and find a way to forgiveness—for a chance to both uncover Paul’s fate, and shape their futures on their own terms . . . PRAISE FOR FAMILIA“A masterfully woven tale of mystery, reconciliation, and familial love.” —Abby Jimenez, New York Times Bestselling Author of Yours Truly“Familia has it An old crime, unsuspecting victims, a genetic mystery that will explode a family. By page 30, I would have walked on coals to finish reading this story.” —Jacquelyn Mitchard, New York Times Bestselling Author of The Deep End of the Ocean
288 pages, Paperback
Expected publication December 24, 2024
About the author
Lauren E. Rico
14 books461 followersLibrarian Note: Also writes under the pen name L.E. Rico.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
September 12, 2024
Thank you to l NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I read Familia last year by this author and it was one of my favorite reads, so I immediately requested this book. I enjoyed this book and how it showed that redemption can be possible. I do feel like the story could’ve been more fleshed out towards the end or maybe we could’ve seen more at the end but I am happy with this story.
I read Familia last year by this author and it was one of my favorite reads, so I immediately requested this book. I enjoyed this book and how it showed that redemption can be possible. I do feel like the story could’ve been more fleshed out towards the end or maybe we could’ve seen more at the end but I am happy with this story.
October 7, 2024
I received a complimentary, advance copy from the publisher, which I appreciate. I really enjoyed this book and had a lot of trouble putting it down. I really, really wanted to know what would happen next. The writing at times was a little trite for me, but the plot was so good that it didn’t bother me enough to put the book down for a break. The back of the book says it’s for fans of Laura Dave and I’d agree with that assessment. Not so much the one that says it’s for fans of Celeste Ng and Ann Napolitano.
October 9, 2024
After the Ocean is a beautiful story about finding your way in life and doing what it takes to keep your child safe. The underlying thrill/mystery piqued my interest and the unraveling of a love story kept me glued to the pages. I loved the setting of Puerto Rico and the sprinkling of Spanish among the pages. This was a very thought-provoking novel and one that I would highly recommend! Unlike any other story I've read, it combined the best of both worlds of thriller and romance. Truly a fabulous book!
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing | Kensington for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing | Kensington for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 9, 2024
An absolutely stellar mystery! If you are a lover of classical music or even have *any* appreciation for the art form, you will melt with the way the author interweaves it into the characters, their lives, and the story. It’s beautifully written and I couldn’t put it down.
September 29, 2024
Very readable and engaging
October 2, 2024
An interesting and enjoyable read. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews