Title: After All
Author: Heidi McLaughlin
First published March 24, 2020
336 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781542020510 (ISBN10: 1542020514)
Rating: 4.18
Overview
Bestselling author Heidi McLaughlin tells the story of Brooklyn Hewett, a woman who left Cape Harbor 15 years ago after the love of her life, Austin Woods, died in a tragic accident. In her absence, Brooklyn has focused on raising her daughter, but when the opportunity arises to renovate the old Driftwood Inn, she knows it’s time to return home.
However, the road to happiness is not an easy one. Austin’s best friend, Bowie Holmes, still lives in Cape Harbor, and Brooklyn can’t forget the night they spent together and the guilt she feels for betraying Austin’s memory.
As they work on the Driftwood Inn, Brooklyn and Bowie are forced to confront their past transgressions, and in doing so, they discover that they’re rebuilding more than just a hotel. Join Brooklyn on her journey to forgiveness and long-awaited happiness in this heartfelt story of loss and redemption.
About the Author
Meet Heidi McLaughlin – an incredibly talented author who has made quite a name for herself in the literary world. Her impressive collection of novels includes The Beaumont Series, The Boys of Summer, and The Archers, all of which have been featured on the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestseller lists.
Heidi’s passion for reading inspired her to pursue a career as a writer, and she has since written over twenty novels, including the highly acclaimed Forever My Girl. This book was so well-received that it was adapted into a movie by LD Entertainment and Roadside Attractions, and hit theaters in January 2018.
The film starred Alex Roe and Jessica Rothe, and was a major success.
If you’re a fan of Heidi’s work, or are simply interested in learning more about this talented author, be sure to check out her website at heidimclaughlin.com. There, you can stay up-to-date on her latest projects and connect with her directly.
Editoral Review
Heidi McLaughlin’s latest novel, After All, takes readers on an emotional journey full of love, heartache, and second chances. Published on March 24, 2020, the book explores themes of loss, grief, and self-discovery through the eyes of its two main characters.
McLaughlin is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who has written over thirty novels, including the hit series Beaumont, Boys of Summer, and Archer Brothers. Her writing style is known for its heartfelt portrayal of characters and their emotions, as well as its engaging storytelling.
After All tells the story of Jude and Everly, two old flames who reunite after years of separation. The novel takes place in the small town of Alton Bay, where both characters are struggling to overcome their pasts and find a new beginning.
The book’s setting is atmospheric and evocative, capturing the essence of small-town life with authenticity and charm. One of the strengths of After All is its focus on character development.
McLaughlin has created complex and multidimensional characters who feel real and relatable. Jude and Everly’s struggles with loss and grief are palpable, and their journey towards healing and forgiveness is heartwarming and inspiring.
The book’s pacing is also noteworthy, as McLaughlin skillfully balances the emotional intensity of the story with moments of levity and humor. The plot structure is well-crafted, with several surprising twists and turns that keep readers engaged and invested in the story.
Another strength of After All is its exploration of issues such as mental health and addiction, which are highly relevant in today’s society. McLaughlin handles these themes with sensitivity and compassion, highlighting the importance of seeking help and support in times of need.
However, the book is not without its flaws. The writing style can be overly sentimental at times, and some readers may find it too saccharine or predictable.
Additionally, some of the supporting characters feel underdeveloped and peripheral to the main story. Despite these limitations, After All is a must-read for fans of contemporary romance and women’s fiction.
Its themes of love, loss, and self-discovery resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds. McLaughlin’s engaging storytelling and memorable characters make this book a standout in the genre.
Overall, After All is a powerful and moving novel that deserves to be on every reader’s bookshelf. It receives a rating of four out of five stars, based on its compelling characters, engaging plot, and relevant themes.
Fans of authors such as Colleen Hoover, Emily Giffin, and Jill Santopolo will find much to love in this book.
