Review: Out of the Crash

OUT OF THE CRASH by Susan Poole
Fiction, Women’s Fiction
5*****

BLURB: After a fatal hit-and-run devastates their close-knit community, author Caroline Beasley and high school senior Ethan Shawver find themselves at a crossroads as their lives intertwine in unexpected ways. Both are left reeling as they try to make sense of the tragedy that has irrevocably changed their lives. Caroline struggles with the dark implications of her son’s role in the crash, feeling the weight of guilt and despair. Meanwhile, Ethan grapples with the sudden loss of his mother and stumbles upon a disturbing family secret that threatens to upend everything he believes. As they each search for truth and healing, they must confront their deepest fears and regrets to find a way forward.

THOUGHTS: This is an extremely emotional story about two families who are torn apart by a tragedy. It’s also about how a tragedy can affect more than just the families but spread out to the community – and the consequences. The two families – the Beasleys and the Shawvers – are torn apart when eighteen-year-old Kyle Beasley hits Amy Shawver with his car. As Ethan Shawver deals with the sudden death of his mother, he has to also deal with the fact that he knows Kyle…knows the entire Beasley family. He and his dad never got along. His mother was the person who smoothed over their issues. Now what do they do? Meanwhile, Caroline Beasley, Kyle’s mother, is dealing with her son being arrested and jailed and put on trial. In remission from breast cancer, Caroline is a best-selling author and speaker. She is also someone who internalizes everything. She kept her family out of her cancer challenges and is rarely home due to her speaking engagements. But now she has to put all that behind her and fight for her son. Which makes her realize how much she has lost by being who and what she is.

The story circles around the issues with Kyle, Ethan, and Caroline, showing them at their worst…and best. Everyone reacts differently to things like this and this book shows what can happen to families – not just of the victim, but of the person behind the wheel as well. This is a well-written story that will make you think. It’s a deep look at what can happen when life suddenly changes and you are forced to look at life in a different way. Even with the satisfying ending, this is a book that will stay with you and make you feel.

Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Recommended.