This Happened to Jessica

Secrets of Redemption #2

by Michele Pariza Wacek

How many more are going to die because you refuse to remember?

Becca would like nothing better than to put the past behind her and focus on making Redemption her home. But what do you do when the past refuses to stay buried?

Becca still can't remember the night sixteen-year-old Jessica disappeared from a party, never to be seen again. Which is bad enough (especially since she was supposedly the last person to see Jessica alive), but it's not the worst …

Strange events are making Becca think there's a link between what happened to Jessica fifteen years ago and the darkness happening now.

With help from her friends and her teenage crush, Daniel, Becca races against time to uncover the truth about Jessica before another sixteen-year-old girl is doomed to the same fate as Jessica …

Genres: Mystery, Audiobook, Mystery Thriller, Fiction, Thriller, Paranormal

366 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 27, 2018

About the author

A USA Today Bestselling, award-winning author, Michele taught herself to read at 3 years old because she wanted to write stories so badly. It took some time (and some detours) but now she does spend much of her time writing stories. Mystery stories, to be exact. They're clean and twisty, and range from psychological thrillers to cozies, with a dash of romance and supernatural thrown into the mix. If that wasn't enough, she posts lots of fun things on her blog, including short stories, puzzles, recipes and more, at MPWNovels.com.

Michele grew up in Wisconsin, (hence why all her books take place there), and currently lives there after spending nearly 30 years living in the mountains of Prescott, Arizona, with her husband and southern squirrel hunter Cassie.

When she's not writing, she's usually reading, hanging out with her dog, or watching the Food Network and imagining she's an awesome cook. (Spoiler alert, she's not. Luckily for the whole family, Mr. PW is in charge of the cooking.)

Reviews

[DJ Sakata · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite Quotes:

The best way to describe her was round—round face, round glasses, round bosom , round belly. Her silver-grey hair was cut short, and it “poofed” around her face like a dandelion gone to seed. She looked like a stereotypical grandmother, except for her sharp eyes, which peered out at me from behind black-rimmed frames. She smelled like a combination of mothballs and chamomile.

I had found some of Aunt Charlie's bags she had custom made to package her teas and tinctures. Across one side was stamped "Charlie's Concoctions" with a cartoon picture of a witch's cauldron.


My Review:

The ingenious Michele Pariza Wacek’s devious scheming and strong word voodoo has returned in full force. I was again mesmerized, ensnared, and held enthrall by the continuation of her intricately woven and brilliantly nuanced tale, despite my irritation and exasperation with the main character of Becca - I wanted to shake her silly. The storylines were complex, maddeningly paced, taut with tension, dripping with intrigue, and confounding eerie; tension and anxiety wafted off my Kindle. I need a fresh manicure from biting my nails!

Ms. Wacek has mad skills and she has gifted us with characters who were intricately developed, riddled with issues, and simultaneously annoying and enticing. I feel quite familiar with them now and would enjoy gossiping with and about them over wine at The Tipsy Cow. While part of the mystery was solved, my curious mind has a long list of unanswered questions yet to be addressed. My greedy fingers are crossed that the clever and conniving Ms. Wacek will reveal all in the final installment. Needless to say, I will be anxiously awaiting its arrival.

[Lyn❤Loves❤Listening to Real Voices Only!!!!❤️🎧📚 Addict ON HIATUS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio - 5 Stars
Story 4 Stars

[Kathy Brackin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Took me a while to finish in between packing and moving but was very slow

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

It Grabbed My attention and focus so strong I could not put it down. A word of advice when you get your copy. Grab a snack, a comfy seat, kick back and relax. You will not be moving until you finish this bad boy here. Remarkable job. Thanks for sharing.

[Jeanine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is just as good as the first one!

[Katherine Yearwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love to submerge yourself in a good mystery than the 2nd installment to Michele PW new series Secrets of Redemption titled This Happened to Jessica will be the book for you. This story Just like its predecessor takes us into the mystery of what happened to Jessica that night 12 years ago. But where It Began With A Life, left us with the burning needing to know what transpired that night that left one girl missing and another forgetting the details all these years. This Happened to Jessica will answer all those questions.

I solved the mystery in the last book…This book just confirmed what I already knew to be the truth. But I must give Michelle PW her props. Though I solved the mystery behind Jessica’s disappearance. I didn’t realize that there was two mystery to be solved, though in reality they were surrounded by the same mystery.

With the same characters making their appearance, this story was one of the best mystery romances that I came to enjoy. I am hoping that there is another title in this story because it just felt that though the mystery of Jessica’s disappearance was solved. I felt that there is an even burning mystery of where is the body.

[Fee (Ebook Addicts) · Rating 5 out of 5]

**You must read the first book in this series! This is not a stand alone.**

Once again I was hooked by this book, after finishing book 1 I immediately started this one and I could not put it down. They mystery surround Jessica's disappearance and Becca's memories slowly returning keep me reading in the wee small hours of the night!

After the chaos that ensued towards the end of book 1, Becca is home, her husband is in jail and her stepdaughter Chrissie is in foster care. Yeah you REALLY need to read the first book! 

Now Becca frustrated me a little in this book (she did in the first but more so in this one) I really wanted to smack her upside her head and say 'get it together!' she seemed to be in a fog after everything that happened, ok I feel for her I probably would to. But now that she is still dreaming of Aunt Charlie and knowing now that she is there to help Becca remember what happened that night that Jessica disappeared, Becca seems to just drag on the clues that Charlie is dropping. As frustrated as I was with Becca I could see her point in her own frustrations with Charlie - who just gave her riddles instead of straight up telling her, though I understand why Charlie could't as well. Urgh see its frustrating!

I had an idea what happened that night to Jessica, and in this book we do get to the bottom of it, but honestly looking back the "Who" surprised me, but now it made sense, but once we get to the bottom of that mystery there is another wrapped up in it as well that leads us to book three in the series.

With missing pets, peeping toms and a missing girl - it would appear that history is repeating itself, but will Becca remember “the evil that was done” or will she continue to block out the past?

Michele PW has done it again with keeping me up into the early hours, and once again had me on the edge of my seat to the very end.

5 stars!

[Nancy Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

2nd book in this trilogy. I read the first book and was able to immediately start on the second - and couldn'g put it down. Loved it. I love the way the author was able to present an entire mystery and solve it - and yet set up to for the third book. I was feeling nervous and on edge by the storyline - and glad to have this particular mystery settled. But so ready to read the third book and get answers to questions still set before the reader. Luckily I have the third book so I can get started right away.

[✴ Cindy ✴ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I stayed with the series to see if she ended up with Daniel. As we got to know him more in this book, he revealed himself to be a condescending asshole. He doesn't tell her the full story when even an idiot can see that her life is in danger and keeping the details from her is making it worse. Poor Becca didn't have any luck with men.

[Kathi Hoops · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book can hardly wait for book three!

Love the book keeps you guessing! Hope book goes up all the loose ends ! You start this and you will not want to put it down! Hey sleep is over rated anyway .

[Rose Wubker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Second Book in Series

This Happened to Jessica follows up on the underlying storyline in book one of this series. If you didn't read book one, I highly suggest it as it is really tantalizing but not necessary as this book can stand alone on it's own.

[Shamina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This would have been a solid 4 stars, but I found the ending unsatisfying.

[Maddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn't expect to like this book as much as i did. It was a good as the first. I'm so excited for the 3rd when I have the credits for it 🤩

[Hayley Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect book to close out spooky season.

[tiffany ning · Rating 5 out of 5]

oooh this was a really good sequel to the first one in my opinion!!! we finally get to break into those old memories and the reveal.... had my jaw dropping fr

[Amy Owczarzak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait! Just downloaded the next book!!!!wasn't expecting that ending!!!!

[Sue Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This happened to Jessica by Michelle P.W.
A fantastic read. This is book 2 and we find out what happened to Jessica. It wasn't who I thought it was. I was surprised with who it was. Becca is still my favourite character. Cant wait for book 3. 5*.

[Michele Wacek]

15 years ago, 16-year-old Jessica vanished, never to be seen again. Can Becca, the last person who saw her, discover the truth before it's too late?

Book 2 in the multiple award-winning Secrets of Redemption series.

Amazon/KU: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H38DL8W

[Alana Pool · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a feeling I knew who took Brittany! This book was great but some of the horror, ghost parts of the story was a bit weird & cheesy. Overall, the author has a great way of telling the story! I just want to know what happened to Jessica!

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Happened to Jessica is the second book in the Secrets of Redemption series, so you really MUST READ It Began With a Lie (Book 1) FIRST, since this story takes place afterwards. I loved the first book, but I think that I'm going have to go with this one being my favorite. See, Becca is trying to put her life back together after all the chaos of her husband's actions, and try to make Redemption her home. But now there's new things from her past trying to come out, like the night she threw a party when she was in High School where one of her best friends disappeared, and Becca was the last person to see her alive, and she can't remember what happened. Not to mention, there are strange things happening in the present that she thinks are linked to that night 15 years ago, and she's racing to remember before anyone else disappears. This story legit kept me on the edge of my seat cover to cover, without moving, until every last page was devoured, because I needed to know what happened, and who dun it. I was suspicious of everyone, and everything by the time the finale hit to be honest. And each new clue that was revealed had me more suspicious of each secondary to be honest, so yeah, that cast of secondaries was deep with the good, the bad, and the very ugly in my opinion. There were some humorous moments with all the colorful people in Redemption, though a lot of them could be very cranky as well. Needless to say, I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE Michele Pariza Wacek's mystery series, and I pray that she's not ending it yet, because I still have a few questions left, plus, I'm just plain addicted. HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.**

This Happened to Jessica is book two in the Secrets of Redemption series. This series MUST be read in order. This book is NOT a standalone. Seriously, read the first book before you read this one. It’s a fantastic book so you don’t want to miss it!

When I read the first book I struggled with liking Rebecca and I can’t say that opinion has changed a lot in this book. She has not made much progress after everything that happened with her husband and seems to be in a holding pattern, unable to make a decision about her life. Even with the smallest decisions needed in her life. That I found frustrating.

Rebecca does decide she needs to remember what happened and starts to put effort into getting her memory back. As with the first book, there’s a lot going on and as we’re seeing it through Rebecca’s eyes, I’m never sure if I should take it at face value. As for what happened to Jessica, I had a theory in the first book and I was right. BUT, there’s a third book! One part of me is happy about that because I’m hoping for growth from Rebecca but, another part of me wanted it all wrapped up in a pretty bow!

If you enjoy psychological thrillers, romantic suspense or paranormal elements you NEED to read this book. Actually, if you think you don’t enjoy those tropes, you still need to read this book. I am not a fan and do not typically read paranormal books, but I completely accepted it this time around. It’s just normal in this town, to be honest. I even convinced my mom she had to read the first one. She was so engaged in reading it that she stayed up until 2 am to finish it and she can’t wait to read the next one! Give this series a try, you won’t be able to put it down either!

Rating: 4.5 stars

[Katy The Sleepy Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Secrets of Redemption series. After the first book, I immediately started this one to see exactly what happened to Jessica that fateful night that Rebecca cannot remember. What secrets will be revealed, and can Rebecca remember, before it's too late?

The last book left Rebecca alone after another failed marriage. Shes living in the house her Aunt Charlie left her, trying to decide if she should stay and start up her aunt's tea and tincture business. Some people in the town just want her to leave, still blaming her for Jessica going missing, as she was the last one to see her alive, or was she? Rebecca still can't remember exactly what happened that night and now more strange events are happening around her. Another 16-year-old girl has gone missing and now more than ever, Rebecca has got to remember what happened that night.

Another fantastic story by this author. I love that the books go in reverse order. I could not put this book down. The characters are believable and endearing. I love Rebecca and her friends and I'm really anxious to see if things pan out with Daniel, her teenage crush, sort of boyfriend. The town itself is also very intriguing and I love the paranormal elements that go with it. I guarantee if you like paranormal mystery books, then this is the series for you.

[Lucii Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with the first book in this series, it was exceptional, gripping, heart-racing and dramatic. It's many twists and turns really keep the reader guessing and hooked.

The characters were fabulous, as with the previous book. I certainly didn't see the ending coming. My guesses in my head were totally off the playing field so I was left shocked and reeling at the revelations. I still really love the main character, Rebecca, though in this book, she shined in a different way.

The storyline picks up where the first book ended and I liked that it was easy to get back into (though I read it as soon as I finished the first book) but you definitely CAN NOT read this one without the first book... so don't attempt to.

Again, as with my review of the first book, the author's penmanship was impeccable, masterful and enticing. One thing that did irritate me, as it did with the first book but I forgot to mention, was that WHATEVER colours the character wore, it always brought out the colour of their eyes and hair.

I'm looking forward to future work from this author, and I see great things coming her way.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 in the Redemption series. I would say that it is necessary to read book 1. The town of Redemption has an eerie past, starting with an event that was beyond strange and catastrophic, in 1888. In modern times, it still feels as though there's something weird about the town. For one thing, people go missing. The principal character, Becca is living in her late aunt Charlie's house where something terrible happened 15 years previously. Becca keeps getting a strange, chilling message that she doesn't understand.
This book is a thrill ride of psychological suspense. There is something evil in the town of Redemption and although this book seemed to end on a more positive, optimistic note, the feeling that The Evil that was Done hasn't finished with Becca, her friends or the town by a long way. I have been almost on the edge of my seat throughout books 1 and 2 and couldn't stop reading. I can't wait to start on book 3. There are a lot of books in this series and I'm really wondering if the secret of what happened back in 1888 might be revealed in the last one. I will keep reading because this author has made sure, with her brilliant story telling, that I Have to know!

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased This Happened to Jessica as soon as I finished book one, It Began With A Lie, as I had to find out if Becca would remember what happened the night Jessica disappeared.
Becca is doing her best to move on from all that has happened since she moved back to Redemption. It isn’t easy though when she still doesn’t remember what happened to Jessica. When further trauma hits the town, some residents blame Becca and her ‘weird’ aunt and she starts to believe she might be better off moving back to New York after all. She is determined to unlock her memories though.
I raced through this book. I’m really enjoying this series. I feel totally invested in the characters and their stories. I have purchased book three and will be starting it straight away.

** I purchased the Kindle edition on 1st April 2024 **

https://chataboutbooks.blog/2024/04/1...

[Regina Lively · Rating 4 out of 5]

A GREAT NOVEL!

This novel is book 2 of “The Secrets of Redemption Series”.
I’ve read both novels & will be heading off to read book 3. This series is so good, I can’t put it down.
In book 1, Becca was a wuss, allowing herself to be controlled by her husband & her 16 year old stepdaughter.
In book 2 we see a much stronger Becca. She knows her own mind & listens to her intuition. In book 2 she’s the new, improved Beeca.
Ms. Pariza Wacek did a wonderful job of drawing her characters. The plot is believable, tense & exciting.
I haven’t found a series that I read beyond book 2. But “It Happened to Jessica” is an exception. I plan on reading book 3 today, then on to book 4. I also pre-ordered book 5.
I’m now a fan of this author.
I recommend this novel to those who enjoy small-town suspense & romantic suspense. You’ll really enjoy this novel & the entire series.

[Judi Haley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd in the series about Redemption, WI. Rebecca lived their with her Aunt Charlie until she was 16. Then the evil started happening.

That one night changed everyone. Rebecca was in love with Daniel, but he had betrayed her but asking to meet her, then standing her up. They had a party that night with all their friends which
resulted in Becca being in the hospital and Jessica missing. Becca went back to New York to live with her parents and never remembered what happened that night to make her wind up in the hospital with alcohol poisoning.

Now Becca is back in Redemption as her 2nd marriage is falling apart. Her Aunt Charlie had left her the house, but strange things are happening. She is seeing ghosts, talking to her Aunt Charlie and trying to remember that night.

Great book to keep you reading.

[AvidBibliophile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets, Revelations, and New Beginnings! 🕯

Mysteriously disappearing pets, mangled bodies, returning memories, and crazy old Maude. This tale picks up right where its predecessor left off, and the thrilling twists and turns continue to take this cast of characters on a paranormal ride through devilishly dark suspicions and misconstrued acts of loving “protection” and secrecy! I was glad to see the stepdaughter return to the storyline. Friendships are strengthened and love blossoms gradually. If I were to mention any possible negatives, it would be the presence of a few typos and subjective overuse of the term “on earth” throughout this series, but those details are minor, and I can’t wait to dive into book 3!

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling!

This book is a great continuation of the first book, It Began with a Lie. The author keeps the reader on their toes throughout the whole story. I am personally loving this series and am beginning the third book, The Evil That Was Done, immediately.

Following Becca through all of the turmoil and confusion that still haunts her from Jessica’s disappearance and through the current tragedies she faces is a thrill from beginning to end.

I will admit, I was sure I knew what happened to Jessica…and every time I was set on a conclusion, the author tossed in another great twist that made me question my logic. Overall, I was wrong about what happened to Jessica. I can’t wait to see where the author takes this series.

[Belinda Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Becca still has no memory of what happened to Jessica 15 years ago. Strange and eerie things are still going on in Aunt Charlie's house and outside. Developments come to light in the series of events connected to the mystery, and I was excited and got goose bumps waiting to see how the story unfolded. When another terrifying occurrence happens, the town is shook to the core and stunning new developments are connected to Jessica. Scary twists and turns and the ending is shocking when the person involved in Jessica's disappearance and the latest crime that occurred is revealed. I was shocked. If you love scary, thrilling, paranormal mysteries, then you will love this book and you should begin with the first book in the series "It Began with a Lie". Excellent. I highly recommend. 5 stars.