Book Review: The Other Side of Disappearing by Kate Clayborn – A Compelling Tale of Family, Secrets, and Self-Discovery @kateclayborn @KensingtonBooks @edelweiss_squad @netgalley

“The Other Side of Disappearing” is a poignant exploration of family bonds, secrets, and self-discovery that will keep readers enthralled until the very end.

Acknowledgments:

Thank you to Kensington Publishing, Netgalley and Edelweiss+ for the DRC of this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

From The Publisher:

Hairstylist Jess Greene has spent the last decade raising her younger half-sister, Tegan—and keeping a shocking secret. Ever since their reckless mother ran off with a boyfriend she’d known only a few months, Jess has been aware that he’s the same accomplished con man who was the subject of a wildly popular podcast, The Last Con of Lynton Baltimore.

Now thirty-one, Jess didn’t bargain on Tegan eventually piecing together the connection for herself. But Tegan plans to do exactly what Jess has always feared—leave their safe, stable home to search for their mother—and she’ll be accompanied by the prying podcast host and her watchful, handsome producer, Adam Hawkins. Unwilling to let the sister she’s spent so much of her life protecting go it alone, Jess reluctantly joins them.

Together, the four make their way across the country, unraveling the mystery of where the couple disappeared to and why. But soon Jess is discovering other things too. Like a renewed sense of vulnerability and curiosity, and a willingness to expand beyond the walls she’s so carefully built. And in Adam, she finds an unexpected connection she didn’t even know was missing, if only she can let go and let him in . . .

My Thoughts:

In “The Other Side of Disappearing,” Kate Clayborn weaves a captivating tale of family, secrets, and self-discovery. The story follows hairstylist Jess Greene, who has devoted the last decade to raising her younger half-sister, Tegan, while harboring a shocking secret about their mother’s disappearance. When Tegan decides to search for their mother, Jess reluctantly joins her, accompanied by the probing podcast host Salem and her attentive producer, Adam Hawkins who are searching for a conman who Salem had interviewed many years before.

One of the book’s strengths lies in its well-developed characters, whose intricate backstories are gradually unveiled, keeping readers engaged and invested in their journey. Despite the challenging circumstances they face, Jess and Tegan emerge as resilient and well-adjusted individuals, a testament to Jess’s commendable sacrifice and dedication to her sister’s well-being.

The investigative road trip embarked upon by Jess, Tegan, Adam, and Salem provides a compelling backdrop for unraveling the mystery of their mother’s disappearance. As they delve deeper into the past, emotional truths come to light, adding layers of complexity to the narrative and keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

Clayborn skillfully integrates elements of romance and personal growth into the storyline, as Jess and Adam’s connection deepens amidst the unfolding mystery. The importance of therapy emerges as a recurring theme, underscoring the characters’ journey towards healing and self-acceptance.

Overall, “The Other Side of Disappearing” is a captivating and emotionally resonant read that will leave readers enthralled from beginning to end. Clayborn’s adept storytelling and rich character development ensure that this novel stands out as a compelling exploration of love, resilience, and the power of family bonds. Fans of Clayborn’s work will undoubtedly cherish this latest addition to her repertoire, while newcomers will find themselves eager to explore more of her captivating storytelling.

Other Books I Have Reviewed Written by Kate Clayborn:

Georgie, All Along

Love Lettering