Title: After Math
Author: Denise Grover Swank
First published March 10, 2013
250 pages, Paperback
Rating: 3.74
Overview
ISBN 9781482658644
For Scarlett Goodwin, life was all about sticking to her plan. The plan to get her degree in Mathematics, get a good job and never end up like her mother and sister living in a trailer park.
She had her social anxiety under control and was content with her life. That was until Tucker Price came into the picture.
Tucker Price, the star soccer player of Southern University, was failing his College Algebra class, which put his eligibility at risk. The university chancellor offered Scarlett an expensive piece of computer software for the Math department if she agreed to privately tutor Tucker.
Scarlett was hesitant to spend several hours a week with Tucker, given his bad boy reputation.
But Scarlett soon realized that Tucker was not the person everyone else saw. He was carrying a mountain of secrets, and she suspected that his self-destructive behavior was due to them.
The deeper Scarlett delved into the cause of his pain, the more she got sucked into his chaos. Scarlett’s carefully plotted life was thrown off its axis, and she was forced to choose between sticking to her plan or following her heart.
Editoral Review
After Math by Denise Grover Swank is a gripping tale of love, loss, and redemption. Published on March 10, 2013, the book tells the story of Scarlett Goodwin, a young woman who struggles to overcome the trauma of her past and find her place in the world.
Denise Grover Swank is a bestselling author of romance and mystery novels. After Math is a departure from her usual genre, but she proves to be a master storyteller in this poignant and heartfelt novel.
Set in a small town in Arkansas, After Math follows Scarlett as she returns to her hometown after a failed marriage and a devastating car accident. Scarlett is determined to rebuild her life and start anew, but her past catches up with her in unexpected ways.
The novel explores themes of family, friendship, and forgiveness, as Scarlett navigates the complexities of her relationships with her estranged mother, her high school sweetheart, and the town’s wealthy golden boy. Swank’s writing is vivid and evocative, bringing to life the small town charm and the characters’ emotions.
The plot is well-paced, with enough suspense and twists to keep the reader engaged. Swank does an excellent job of balancing the romance and the mystery elements of the story, creating a compelling narrative that keeps the reader guessing until the very end.
The characters are well-developed and relatable, with flaws and complexities that make them feel like real people. Scarlett is a strong and resilient protagonist, but she is also vulnerable and flawed, making her journey all the more compelling.
The supporting characters are equally well-drawn, with their own backstories and motivations that add depth to the story.
One of the strengths of the novel is its exploration of mental health issues and the impact of trauma on individuals and families. Swank handles these sensitive topics with sensitivity and nuance, creating a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
If there is a weakness in the novel, it is the predictability of some of the plot twists. While the overall story is engaging, some of the revelations are too easily guessed, which can detract from the suspense.
Overall, After Math is a well-crafted and emotionally resonant novel that will appeal to fans of romance and mystery alike. Swank’s writing is engaging and heartfelt, and her characters are memorable and relatable.
The novel offers a compelling exploration of trauma, forgiveness, and second chances, making it a worthwhile read for anyone looking for a thoughtful and entertaining story.
Rating: 4/5
