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After I'm Gone
A grieving family. A sister’s promise. A secret that will tear them apart…
My husband Olly and I share a perfect life, our evenings spent curled in our candlelit flat talking about all the places we’ll travel. But my world is shattered with the news that my sister has died in a tragic accident, leaving her two girls, Hayley and Mia, behind. The secret I’ve buried deep in my heart means I was never meant to be a mother – but I made a promise to my sister. I’m all the girls have now.
I give them everything – school on time in clean uniforms, our family’s favourite chocolate-laced chilli bubbling on the stove when they get home – but I never imagined being a mother would be this hard. Hayley and I used to be so close, but now she’s a ball of rage, screaming and lashing out wildly. Olly and I are reaching breaking point.
Then I find a Polaroid picture hidden in one of the girl’s rooms: Hayley is lying about the night her mother died. I need to find the truth – before anyone else does. Even if it means digging up the secrets that have held this family together for years. Even if it means revealing my own…
But when I do, will there by anything left of this fragile family to save?
A totally gripping and heart-wrenching story about keeping promises and dark secrets – and the sacrifices we make for the ones we love. Readers of Amanda Prowse, Jojo Moyes and Diane Chamberlain won’t want to miss this stunning page-turner.
My husband Olly and I share a perfect life, our evenings spent curled in our candlelit flat talking about all the places we’ll travel. But my world is shattered with the news that my sister has died in a tragic accident, leaving her two girls, Hayley and Mia, behind. The secret I’ve buried deep in my heart means I was never meant to be a mother – but I made a promise to my sister. I’m all the girls have now.
I give them everything – school on time in clean uniforms, our family’s favourite chocolate-laced chilli bubbling on the stove when they get home – but I never imagined being a mother would be this hard. Hayley and I used to be so close, but now she’s a ball of rage, screaming and lashing out wildly. Olly and I are reaching breaking point.
Then I find a Polaroid picture hidden in one of the girl’s rooms: Hayley is lying about the night her mother died. I need to find the truth – before anyone else does. Even if it means digging up the secrets that have held this family together for years. Even if it means revealing my own…
But when I do, will there by anything left of this fragile family to save?
A totally gripping and heart-wrenching story about keeping promises and dark secrets – and the sacrifices we make for the ones we love. Readers of Amanda Prowse, Jojo Moyes and Diane Chamberlain won’t want to miss this stunning page-turner.
- GenresFamily
402 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 3, 2024
1561 people are currently reading
605 people want to read
About the author
Clare Boyd
10 books138 followersClare Boyd lives with her husband and their two daughters in Surrey, where her little green shed at the bottom of the garden provides a haven for her writing life.
Before becoming a writer, she enjoyed a career in television, as a researcher in documentaries and then as a script editor in drama at the BBC and Channel Four, where her love of storytelling took hold.
Before becoming a writer, she enjoyed a career in television, as a researcher in documentaries and then as a script editor in drama at the BBC and Channel Four, where her love of storytelling took hold.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
March 24, 2024
One thing that Olly and Emily agreed on was their desire not to have children. However, when Emily's sister dies in an accident, her two girls, Hayley and Mia, are shuttled around a bit as Emily has to decide if she is willing to raise them..
Meanwhile, Olly is an aspiring writer, and Emily is none too pleased with the similarities between herself and his female protagonist. In fact, what Olly writes just might show the deep cracks in their marriage and as to what they want to do with their lives.
While Emily is struggling to navigate her new normal as an instant mother, she remains disturbed about the circumstances surrounding her sister's death. Deep secrets have seemingly been buried and just might be coming to the surface.
While the book began to read to me as a psychological thriller, it is anything but. In fact, it is an excellent women's fiction novel with family drama and secrets. It was impossible not to feel compassion for Emily, Hayley and Mia, all for very different reasons. Equally heartbreaking and heartwarming, the story was fabulous throughout.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Meanwhile, Olly is an aspiring writer, and Emily is none too pleased with the similarities between herself and his female protagonist. In fact, what Olly writes just might show the deep cracks in their marriage and as to what they want to do with their lives.
While Emily is struggling to navigate her new normal as an instant mother, she remains disturbed about the circumstances surrounding her sister's death. Deep secrets have seemingly been buried and just might be coming to the surface.
While the book began to read to me as a psychological thriller, it is anything but. In fact, it is an excellent women's fiction novel with family drama and secrets. It was impossible not to feel compassion for Emily, Hayley and Mia, all for very different reasons. Equally heartbreaking and heartwarming, the story was fabulous throughout.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
March 21, 2024
Such a lovely and bittersweet book! Emily and Olly are happily married; he's writing a book and she's a script-reader when her sister, Charlotte dies suddenly after a fall in the bathroom. She leaves behind two young daughters, Haley and Mia and Emily had promised she'd care for them if anything happened to her. But it appears Haley has "anger issues" and is easily provoked; she lashes out readily when things don't go her way (which is often for a 15-year-old)! Their father, David has a new wife and three little ones and lives in Ireland so Emily takes them in without knowing the full extent of the difficulties ahead of her, and there are many! Childless by choice, Emily does her best to mother the two but Hayley's temper often gets the better of her and things become tense as Emily realizes there are too many things she didn't know about the girls' relationship with Charlotte. It's a heart-wrenching story but lovely in its messages!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
April 5, 2024
We have Emily whose sister has just passed away after an accident. She made a promise to her sister that should anything happen to her then she would take care of her two daughters, Hayley and Mia.
Hayley is a very difficult child that is continually lashing out and has alot of anger issues that Emily can't believe is all down to her sisters death.
Emily believes that something more happened on the night her sister died so she tries to discover exactly what happened.
Along the way secrets are exposed and some hometruths revealed.
This really was a book of two halves for me, the first half got me thinking it was a mystery with a focus on who killed her sister, I didn't like any of the characters and was a little bored and struggled to get through it. Then out of nowhere just over half way I just started getting really involved in what was happening with this family and I was totally invested in their wellbeing. It was just so emotional what they were going through, it was realistic with the raw emotion of losing a parent and how to move on from that. Please stick with this book you won't regret it.
The writing is good, the character building was slow but then bam it hits you and you start to really care about these kids.
I really enjoyed this book. Well done.
Hayley is a very difficult child that is continually lashing out and has alot of anger issues that Emily can't believe is all down to her sisters death.
Emily believes that something more happened on the night her sister died so she tries to discover exactly what happened.
Along the way secrets are exposed and some hometruths revealed.
This really was a book of two halves for me, the first half got me thinking it was a mystery with a focus on who killed her sister, I didn't like any of the characters and was a little bored and struggled to get through it. Then out of nowhere just over half way I just started getting really involved in what was happening with this family and I was totally invested in their wellbeing. It was just so emotional what they were going through, it was realistic with the raw emotion of losing a parent and how to move on from that. Please stick with this book you won't regret it.
The writing is good, the character building was slow but then bam it hits you and you start to really care about these kids.
I really enjoyed this book. Well done.
April 14, 2024
DNF. Tried to like it but couldnt..
April 1, 2024
I was fortunate to receive an ARC of this book from Bookouture.
This book has so much depth to it and covers many different themes, without feeling things have been put in for the sake of a word account. As someone who doesn't plan to have children but has recently become an Auntie and is loving it, it is very rare to read a novel from a child free protagonist perspective. Our main character Emily really stepped up for her nieces and dealt admirably with all of the challenges that came with it, including a self absorbed husband.
The book also challenged my perceptions around alcohol use and turned my predictions on their head.
My favourite quote:
"It allows a brief respite from the wrenching foreverness of her death."
This book has so much depth to it and covers many different themes, without feeling things have been put in for the sake of a word account. As someone who doesn't plan to have children but has recently become an Auntie and is loving it, it is very rare to read a novel from a child free protagonist perspective. Our main character Emily really stepped up for her nieces and dealt admirably with all of the challenges that came with it, including a self absorbed husband.
The book also challenged my perceptions around alcohol use and turned my predictions on their head.
My favourite quote:
"It allows a brief respite from the wrenching foreverness of her death."
April 5, 2024
If you like gripping, emotional, & heartbreaking family dramas, #AfterImGone, is perfect. #ClareBoyd has penned a remarkable story about sacrificing for loved ones, trying to keep promises and, boy, quite a few secrets. There’s so much going on with Emily as she navigates a world without her sister, balancing taking care of her nieces & her own husband. She works through her inner struggles with obligations, what’s right & what her heart wants. This is a moving one.
Thank you, Clare Boyd. Bookouture & netgalley for my copy! All opinions are my own.
Thank you, Clare Boyd. Bookouture & netgalley for my copy! All opinions are my own.
May 22, 2025
A gripping story that captured my interest from the beginning all the way to the end. Hard to put down.
July 10, 2025
A great story how lies and deceit causes so much hurt in a family
October 21, 2025
I loved this book!! A great story that kept your interest to the end! A sister dies and the two daughters go with the other sister and craziness starts and doesn’t end till the end!
August 27, 2024
Horrible.
February 20, 2025
3 stars ⭐️
May 16, 2025
This book was a STRUGGLE!! Asking all of you out there if you would have put up with Hayley’s behavior like Emily did? Like, seriously? You’re going to let a 15 year old behave that way? It WAS abusive, Emily. How do you not see that? School is compulsory, but Hayley takes a “duvet day” whenever she wants??? I get that Emily was the egg donor, so Hayley was half her DNA, but c’mon. No one has that much patience and unconditional love.
Who waits months to get to the bottom of her sister’s death? Why all the secrets? Just ask the questions!!! What was Emily so afraid of? The truth?
Hayley doesn’t want to go to therapy, so it doesn’t happen? Those girls went through so much trauma. That would be non-negotiable. Look at how Charlotte and Emily’s lives turned out due to their trauma and the secrets they carried around. Let’s just follow the same practice with Hayley and Mia because our approach worked for us. Not at all.
And you mean to tell me that a big decision like terminating a pregnancy didn’t elicit a soul searching, honest conversation between Olly and Emily? Wow. That was unbelievable. And Emily never told her husband that she was Hayley’s biological mother because it was Charlotte’s secret? Another wow.
So much wrong with this book. Clearly I was not a fan of Hayley or Emily. Maybe a 3 rating is too generous.
Who waits months to get to the bottom of her sister’s death? Why all the secrets? Just ask the questions!!! What was Emily so afraid of? The truth?
Hayley doesn’t want to go to therapy, so it doesn’t happen? Those girls went through so much trauma. That would be non-negotiable. Look at how Charlotte and Emily’s lives turned out due to their trauma and the secrets they carried around. Let’s just follow the same practice with Hayley and Mia because our approach worked for us. Not at all.
And you mean to tell me that a big decision like terminating a pregnancy didn’t elicit a soul searching, honest conversation between Olly and Emily? Wow. That was unbelievable. And Emily never told her husband that she was Hayley’s biological mother because it was Charlotte’s secret? Another wow.
So much wrong with this book. Clearly I was not a fan of Hayley or Emily. Maybe a 3 rating is too generous.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2025
It's like I can 't decide if the author is really clever, or if she is as clueless as her characters, which makes it very intriguing
May 20, 2025
very good book lots of twists
Read
July 7, 2024Reading this book was just agonizing! Absolutely awful! I thought there would be some resolution to the mystery that had been building up through the narrative, and so I persisted, but it was a huge letdown.
Waste of 10 hours of my life!
Waste of 10 hours of my life!
March 31, 2024
After I'm Gone" by Clare Boyd is a heart-wrenching roller-coaster of a read that delves deep into themes of bereavement, addiction, abuse, and betrayal. From the very beginning, the emotional action grips you as Emily grapples with the sudden loss of her sister and takes on the responsibility of caring for her nieces, Hayley and Mia. The tension never lets up, keeping you hooked until the very end. Boyd skillfully crafts a narrative filled with twists and turns, making it a definite page-turner.
The characters are intricately developed, each grappling with their own demons and secrets, which adds layers of complexity to the story. Despite initial reservations, readers find themselves deeply invested in Emily's journey, learning to care for her as much as for Mia and Hayley. Through their struggles, the novel offers an insightful exploration of trauma, unconditional love, and the consequences of decisions made with the best intentions.
“After I'm gone” tackles difficult topics with sensitivity and authenticity. From the impact of addiction to the scars of abuse and the weight of betrayal, Boyd navigates these themes with finesse, never shying away from the raw emotions they evoke. The result is a poignant and thought-provoking story.
Thanks to NetGalley for this advanced review copy.
The characters are intricately developed, each grappling with their own demons and secrets, which adds layers of complexity to the story. Despite initial reservations, readers find themselves deeply invested in Emily's journey, learning to care for her as much as for Mia and Hayley. Through their struggles, the novel offers an insightful exploration of trauma, unconditional love, and the consequences of decisions made with the best intentions.
“After I'm gone” tackles difficult topics with sensitivity and authenticity. From the impact of addiction to the scars of abuse and the weight of betrayal, Boyd navigates these themes with finesse, never shying away from the raw emotions they evoke. The result is a poignant and thought-provoking story.
Thanks to NetGalley for this advanced review copy.
March 11, 2024
Emily is looking after her two nieces after her sister Charlotte was found dead in a locked bathroom, having fallen and hit her head fatally. She adores the girls but never wanted to be a parent herself. She thinks this is probably due to how her relationship with her mother was and still is, however Charlotte made her promise she would look after the girls if anything happened to her as she didn't trust anyone else. The girl's father left many years ago and now has a new family in Ireland. When she finds inconsistencies in what happened the night Charlotte died, she fears the girls may be hiding something from her. Can she find out the truth of what happened to her sister whilst still protecting her family?
Wow! I found myself happily turning and turning, ever wanting to find out more. I liked Emily and felt for her own heartbreak whilst trying to sort out those around her. Grief is a strange master and manifests in many ways in different people. This is sensitively very well written of how things can either fall apart or bond in the aftermath of such an event. A clever, well thought out twisty premise. A real page turner.
For more reviews please follow me on Twitter (X) or Threads @nickisbookblog
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April 3, 2024
First, I want to thank Clare Boyd, Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.
You will need tissues for After I’m Gone! Clare Boyd’s latest novel is an emotional one that pulled on my heart strings. After reading this book I just wanted to reach out to my sister, hug her and tell her how much she means to me.
My heart totally broke into so many pieces when Emily and I found out together about the loss of her sister Charlotte! I couldn’t imagine what it would have felt like hearing that tragic news over the phone! I had so many questions like how did she fall in the bathroom. Years ago I too passed out in the bathroom and fractured my neck. However, this was way worse than that.
Not only did I feel for Emily but her daughter’s she was leaving behind! Their life was about to be turned upside down! Who would they live with their Dad David (that was referred to as a sperm donor) or their Aunt Emily (who Charlotte wanted them to live with)?
Needless to say there were so many secrets that were about to come out regarding Charlotte’s death.
Clare educated her readers briefly addressing being Gluten Free and what Gluten does to your body.
You will need tissues for After I’m Gone! Clare Boyd’s latest novel is an emotional one that pulled on my heart strings. After reading this book I just wanted to reach out to my sister, hug her and tell her how much she means to me.
My heart totally broke into so many pieces when Emily and I found out together about the loss of her sister Charlotte! I couldn’t imagine what it would have felt like hearing that tragic news over the phone! I had so many questions like how did she fall in the bathroom. Years ago I too passed out in the bathroom and fractured my neck. However, this was way worse than that.
Not only did I feel for Emily but her daughter’s she was leaving behind! Their life was about to be turned upside down! Who would they live with their Dad David (that was referred to as a sperm donor) or their Aunt Emily (who Charlotte wanted them to live with)?
Needless to say there were so many secrets that were about to come out regarding Charlotte’s death.
Clare educated her readers briefly addressing being Gluten Free and what Gluten does to your body.
September 9, 2024
When Charlotte suddenly dies one night, her sister Emily is tasked with taking in her two children, Hayley and Mia. Despite Emily and her husband very vocally not wanting children, the couple must take care of their nieces, figuring out ways to handle their difficulties. But Emily doesn’t fully believe the story she’s been given, and both girls are clearly hiding something. She must figure out how to navigate her motherhood and her grief, as well as discover what really happened to her sister.
I was fully expecting to hate this book, but I was pleasantly surprised. It is part mystery and part family drama, and while that isn’t exactly a groundbreaking recipe, I think it worked here. The writing is decent enough and the characters are mostly well crafted with palpable emotion. This book doesn’t do anything unique, but it is a relatively well-done story with some relatable themes.
I did have issues with the pacing, and much of this book was predictable. The second half is definitely stronger than the first. The mystery’s solution is anti-climactic and the secrets are too drawn out. Despite all of this, it was a decently enjoyable read for me. Three stars.
I was fully expecting to hate this book, but I was pleasantly surprised. It is part mystery and part family drama, and while that isn’t exactly a groundbreaking recipe, I think it worked here. The writing is decent enough and the characters are mostly well crafted with palpable emotion. This book doesn’t do anything unique, but it is a relatively well-done story with some relatable themes.
I did have issues with the pacing, and much of this book was predictable. The second half is definitely stronger than the first. The mystery’s solution is anti-climactic and the secrets are too drawn out. Despite all of this, it was a decently enjoyable read for me. Three stars.
September 18, 2025
What a deeply disappointing read. If this hadn’t been the pick for my first in-person book club, I honestly wouldn’t have finished it.
The plot was painfully predictable and underwhelming. The story meandered with heavy-handed foreshadowing that promised a twist but delivered nothing.
Emily, the main character, was incredibly frustrating. Her choices often felt illogical, and I struggled to connect with her on any emotional level which made it difficult to stay invested in her story.
Despite being set in the UK, the book is filled with American terminology, which felt oddly out of place and was highly jarring.
And then there’s the epilogue — absolutely ridiculous and completely irrelevant to the main storyline. It felt like an afterthought that added nothing meaningful to the plot or characters. I literally turned the last page and thought: “is that 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 it?”
Overall, After I’m Gone lacked both originality and emotional depth. If you’re expecting “an absolutely addictive emotional family drama with a heartbreaking twist” (as the cover boldly promises), I’d suggest looking elsewhere.
P.S. Don’t even get me started on the Eastenders-style revelation - I actually burst out laughing. 😂
Rating: 1.5 ⭐️
The plot was painfully predictable and underwhelming. The story meandered with heavy-handed foreshadowing that promised a twist but delivered nothing.
Emily, the main character, was incredibly frustrating. Her choices often felt illogical, and I struggled to connect with her on any emotional level which made it difficult to stay invested in her story.
Despite being set in the UK, the book is filled with American terminology, which felt oddly out of place and was highly jarring.
And then there’s the epilogue — absolutely ridiculous and completely irrelevant to the main storyline. It felt like an afterthought that added nothing meaningful to the plot or characters. I literally turned the last page and thought: “is that 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 it?”
Overall, After I’m Gone lacked both originality and emotional depth. If you’re expecting “an absolutely addictive emotional family drama with a heartbreaking twist” (as the cover boldly promises), I’d suggest looking elsewhere.
P.S. Don’t even get me started on the Eastenders-style revelation - I actually burst out laughing. 😂
Rating: 1.5 ⭐️
March 9, 2024
When a parent dies, it's always hard. No matter how old you are, there are still quite a lot of times you need them, either to talk to or to ask for their advice or just simply spending time with them. A lot of people can spend many years together with their mom and dad, but some are not so fortunate. When you lose a parent at a young age, the blow is much harder. And I can testify to it.
This tragic occurrence is something Mia and her sister Hayley have to deal with. In addition to that they struggle with things that went on before that unfortunate day.
Auntie Emily has to cut the cord. Will she let go and give up or will she go on and fight.
Favorite character: aunt Jane, because she is the one who opened everyone"s eyes.
Least favorite characters: Olly, because he is not very forgiving and takes the easy way out and David because his behavior was beneath contempt.
A heartbreaking story with some rough edges, but filled with love as well. I loved the intrigue. 5 stars
Thank you
This tragic occurrence is something Mia and her sister Hayley have to deal with. In addition to that they struggle with things that went on before that unfortunate day.
Auntie Emily has to cut the cord. Will she let go and give up or will she go on and fight.
Favorite character: aunt Jane, because she is the one who opened everyone"s eyes.
Least favorite characters: Olly, because he is not very forgiving and takes the easy way out and David because his behavior was beneath contempt.
A heartbreaking story with some rough edges, but filled with love as well. I loved the intrigue. 5 stars
Thank you
August 4, 2025
I was expecting this book to be a psychological thriller. Instead it is an emotional, heart-wrenching story that tests family values and unconditional love.
As a mother with 2 young children, I can appreciate Emily and all of her emotions throughout the story…
Losing yourself and yearning to still be yourself.
Experiencing heartaches in so many different ways.
Testing every limit and boundary of your marriage.
Missing life the way it was before, yet not wanting to ever change a thing.
The list could go on and on.
Having children comes with so many trials and tribulations, yet it is truly the greatest joy of your life.
Those who rated the book poorly definitely missed the author’s whole concept.
Some of the book I found to be predictable, while other things were a complete shock.
I loved the tie-in of Aunt Jane and the little game she played to make everyone realize their true feelings.
Olly is a weak and selfish idiot. He surely will end up lonely. 😒
Wealth isn’t always referring to money.
“I’m the one who got the million dollar deal.” 🩷
As a mother with 2 young children, I can appreciate Emily and all of her emotions throughout the story…
Losing yourself and yearning to still be yourself.
Experiencing heartaches in so many different ways.
Testing every limit and boundary of your marriage.
Missing life the way it was before, yet not wanting to ever change a thing.
The list could go on and on.
Having children comes with so many trials and tribulations, yet it is truly the greatest joy of your life.
Those who rated the book poorly definitely missed the author’s whole concept.
Some of the book I found to be predictable, while other things were a complete shock.
I loved the tie-in of Aunt Jane and the little game she played to make everyone realize their true feelings.
Olly is a weak and selfish idiot. He surely will end up lonely. 😒
Wealth isn’t always referring to money.
“I’m the one who got the million dollar deal.” 🩷
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2024
Emily adores her sister Charlotte and her two nieces, Hayley and Mia. Her former brother-in-law James, not so much.
But, living a happily child-free life with her partner Olly, Emily is not expecting to have to make good on her promise to
Charlotte to look after the girls if anything happens to their mother.
Except something does. And when teenager Hayley begins to act out, Emily realises that she may not know her niece - or, for that matter, her sister - as well as she thought she did...
This is a suspenseful family drama and has some unexpected elements to it. Perfect for fans of Diane Chamberlain or Heather Gudenkauf.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
But, living a happily child-free life with her partner Olly, Emily is not expecting to have to make good on her promise to
Charlotte to look after the girls if anything happens to their mother.
Except something does. And when teenager Hayley begins to act out, Emily realises that she may not know her niece - or, for that matter, her sister - as well as she thought she did...
This is a suspenseful family drama and has some unexpected elements to it. Perfect for fans of Diane Chamberlain or Heather Gudenkauf.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
April 10, 2024
For the first half I didn’t love this book and I think the reason was that I didn’t warm to lots of the characters. I also found it a bit boring in places, with a fair amount of repetitions.
But then something changed and I became invested in the story and I felt sad at the struggles both girls were dealing with and the way Emily felt not having ever wanted children, but having found herself as a carer/guardian for them both. The effects on Emily and her own actions revealed long lasting secrets and traumas from her own childhood.
An emotional story which left me feeling slightly uncomfortable in places but pleased I had pursued with reading it. Certainly thought provoking and insightful. So slightly mixed views overall.
3.5 stars
But then something changed and I became invested in the story and I felt sad at the struggles both girls were dealing with and the way Emily felt not having ever wanted children, but having found herself as a carer/guardian for them both. The effects on Emily and her own actions revealed long lasting secrets and traumas from her own childhood.
An emotional story which left me feeling slightly uncomfortable in places but pleased I had pursued with reading it. Certainly thought provoking and insightful. So slightly mixed views overall.
3.5 stars
March 8, 2024
Emily and her husband Olly are living their happy-go-lucky life, choosing to not have children and celebrating an upcoming book release. Emily is known in her family as the strong one, and then the world crashes down around her. Her beloved sister, Charlotte, has died and now Emily is caring for her two girls, Hayley and Mia. The truth is, grief is cruel. Grief is especially cruel when secrets are bubbling under the surface, waiting to emerge. After I’m Gone is a heartbreakingly honest and authentic tale of how the pieces fall apart when we lose a loved one…and how even through the tears and truths revealed, we can find healing.
April 6, 2024
A very emotional read.
I identified with Emily about never wanting to be a mother. I thought Emily was high strung and I wasn’t keen on her coping mechanisms.
I thought Olly was self absorbed from the beginning and he doesn’t change.
I had to know what was in chapter 17 of the book and it revealed what I thought.
Boyd did whack me in the face with a big surprise later in the book that I hadn’t anticipated.
The book is about changes, assimilating and also letting go. There is quite a lot of angst and I did wonder why no one pursued professional counseling.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the early read.
I identified with Emily about never wanting to be a mother. I thought Emily was high strung and I wasn’t keen on her coping mechanisms.
I thought Olly was self absorbed from the beginning and he doesn’t change.
I had to know what was in chapter 17 of the book and it revealed what I thought.
Boyd did whack me in the face with a big surprise later in the book that I hadn’t anticipated.
The book is about changes, assimilating and also letting go. There is quite a lot of angst and I did wonder why no one pursued professional counseling.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the early read.
April 3, 2024
This is an incredibly emotional read. It will really capture your heart and stay with you forever. A real eye opener to how things can change in the blink of an eye.
The story itself really draws you in and will take up most of your day as you will not want to put this book down. I knew I had to keep reading as I wanted to know what really happened to her sister and if it really was accidental or not.
Absolutely fantastic characters aswell. Just brilliant will definitely be recommending this book.
The story itself really draws you in and will take up most of your day as you will not want to put this book down. I knew I had to keep reading as I wanted to know what really happened to her sister and if it really was accidental or not.
Absolutely fantastic characters aswell. Just brilliant will definitely be recommending this book.
April 11, 2024
Engrossing and fascinating family drama
Clare Boyd has fashioned an intriguing story about sisters whose lives are devastated by the discovery of a secret which profoundly alters their relationship. Her characters are vivid and at times provoke emotional sympathy and at other times inspire frustration and angst. Never boring and always credible - I was hooked from the beginning. This book is original and surely a candidate for literature prizes. As family dramas go, in the top drawer.
Clare Boyd has fashioned an intriguing story about sisters whose lives are devastated by the discovery of a secret which profoundly alters their relationship. Her characters are vivid and at times provoke emotional sympathy and at other times inspire frustration and angst. Never boring and always credible - I was hooked from the beginning. This book is original and surely a candidate for literature prizes. As family dramas go, in the top drawer.
April 2, 2024
This one draws you in from the start with the promise of mystery and intrigue. The characters suited their roles. This was more of a slow burn. A book like an onion where you slowly peel back each layer until the whole story becomes clear. There are many winding roads in this one and it keeps you wondering what really happened until the very end. A gritty, low key mystery that is not to gory or horrifying. Just a solid little read.
April 7, 2024
After I'm Gone is the second book I've read by this author via Bookouture and I thoroughly enjoyed it, even though it put me through the emotional wringer.
It's a beautifully written story of love, loss and family, and the sacrifices you will be willing to make for your family.
The characters are real, and I went through every emotion with Emily as she came to term with the loss of her sister.
It's enjoyable, thought provoking and a great family drama.
It's a beautifully written story of love, loss and family, and the sacrifices you will be willing to make for your family.
The characters are real, and I went through every emotion with Emily as she came to term with the loss of her sister.
It's enjoyable, thought provoking and a great family drama.
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