‘After The One’ by Cass Lester is a story of grief and new beginnings. I read this book in two days as I was swept up with Charley and Pam’s lives.

Charley hates April 16th. It is her husband’s birthday and that reminds her of his death, she just shuts down completely on the anniversary of anything connected with him. She does have friends that are attempting to draw her back out of her self imposed shell.

Charley is made redundant from work and this point in time seems to be the best for a fresh start for Charley, it is just getting her to actually do it. She has clung to familiarity since her husbands death. Then, one day her Mother-In-Law, Pam turns up at her front door having walked away from her 40-year marriage. So…two women, two losses all be it different types of loss, how will they get through this?
The fact that we see the two women suffering together and able to see each other’s suffering gives each woman chances to compare their loss. This helps them as we see them grow closer together and move on with their lives at the same time.

A story about grief and all the stages that need to be worked through before they can move forward with purpose. As they work through the grief it is also about new beginnings and coming to terms with the death of a loved one or a relationship and realising they don’t die at that time too. They still have a life to lead and a new start is ahead if they take the support from friends and family.

As I said, thought-provoking and lovely sweet story that gives hope to anyone who has suffered loss or need a new start.

Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources and Cass Lester for the book and my place on the tour.