A Contemporary Jane Austen in Appalachia

Emotional intelligence, humor, desire, longing fully developed characters and meticulous detail have me just about to begin the third book in the series, having just finished the second!

This book offers an intimate account of the arc and trajectory of a lesbian couple, with one in the relationship being an impending divorcée and newcomer to the LGBTQ community of a small town in the south.

It is not a work of pornography, and it’s not a formulaic romance, truly a rarity amongst the genre. In fact, this book transcends.

Having worked with many young lesbian mentees from our local community college, I can say with certainty that I would definitely recommend this book to them and to any young women, who are finding their way with their sexuality. I also recommend it to anyone - for all that it is and for the many pearls of wisdom to be discovered along the journey of self-discovery and love.

6 people found this helpful

Tastefully told

I find Ann McMan writes an engaging thoughtful story without unnecessarily graphic sex scenes . The sweetness of the story is well defined and the characters are well developed

6 people found this helpful

Better than the first

It's not often that the second book is better than the first. The first book had some parts that were a bit cheesy but aftermath had me cracking up. I can't wait to read the next in the series

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hoping for a third book in the series

loved it . I'm hoping that the story will continue to a 3 rd book there's so munch story left to say .

3 people found this helpful

Absolutely Fabulous!

I was laughing uncontrollably out loud at one part! Very entertaining! Again, I think the writing is amazing and the characters well developed. Can't wait for more from this author!

3 people found this helpful

add as good as the first book

i felt like i was there with them. love everything about the book. hope ann will write another series

3 people found this helpful

I need another book

Ann McMan you're my hero. There were tears, laughter and life lesson moments all wrap up together. Did I mention laugher...actually hilarious. The Hooters scene was funny, the hotel and later on the gay bar; and let's not forget no one messes with Celine's kid! And David is a must have friend! Syd is so funny and Maddie can't get any sexier when she is clueless! I would love to see a 3rd book and I wonder which journey Ann McMan will steer us through. What a ride. I really enjoyed this book and hope for a 3rd. But, hands down Jericho is still a winner!

2 people found this helpful

Better than Jericho?

Hard to believe but reading/listening to Jericho and Aftermath back to back I found I preferred Aftermath to its rambling precursor.
Jericho sets the stage and gives us a cast of quirky and memorable characters. In Aftermath these characters get to romp and play. It helps to just sit back and let the broad comedy in many scenes envelope you. You know what's coming and still can't help yourself but laugh. The red Camaro spread across the county after the storm, the snakecapade at the revival meeting, Maddie and Syd's weekend getaway and the luncheon dustup when Sydney and Doris meet to discuss her prenup all were written with McMan's dry wit and perfect comedic timing.
What elevates Aftermath over Jericho for this reader is the way the author balances humour with the pathos of impending loss. Henry's dad is recovering from injuries sustained overseas and will soon be reclaiming his son from Maddie and Syd. The end of their foster care is in sight but it doesn't change the love Maddie and Syd feel towards young Henry.
Roma Jean Fremantle has been the face of pure slapstick in both Jericho and the opening scenes of Aftermath. Her clumsiness is often mentioned and generates lots of laughs. In Aftermath we see a Roma struggling to come to terms with her feelings towards girls. The conversations she has with Maddie voicing her fears and concerns are universal and oh so relatable.
5 stars for the perfect balance of comedy and tragedy.

2 people found this helpful

not a remake

I enjoyed every moment of this book. I innocently bought the first book having no idea what it was really about halfway through I thought you got to be kidding what am I reading then when I finished I couldn't wait for the next one. It's been a sensitive education with an unwilling pupil. So glad she took on the task and did an excellent job.

2 people found this helpful

Better than Jericho

What made the experience of listening to Aftermath the most enjoyable?

Everything? Is it a cop out to say that? Because I love everything about this book.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Probably Maddie. She's warm, loving, and a total smartass.

What about Christine Williams’s performance did you like?

She's so good at performing these books that I can't imagine anyone else reading them.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

often hilarious, occasionally heartrending, and entirely satisfying

Any additional comments?

Ann McMan did it again with Aftermath, putting out another book that’s an instant favourite. Do yourself a favour and pick up the audio book. I can’t recommend it highly enough.

I received a free copy from the publisher for an honest review at The Lesbian Review.

2 people found this helpful