First, Jess's mother left Jess and her father for another man. When she returned she was pregnant and when her second daughter, Tegan, was eight she left again with yet another man. For the past ten years, Jess Greene had devoted her life to raising her half-sister. Unbeknownst to Jess, Tegan had contacted the famous podcaster who had created a wildly popular podcast years ago about quite possibly the man their mother had left them for. Tegan wanted answers as to why, except for five postcards, had there been no word from their mother. She planned to join the podcaster and her assistant, Adam, on a search for their mother whether Jess approved or not. Knowing she couldn't stop her and fearful for what they may find, Jess joined them hoping she could continue to protect her sister. However, she insisted on certain conditions and rules. Would the four of them find the answers they were looking for? THE OTHER SIDE OF DISAPPEARING, by Kate Clayborn, is the profound story of four people who come together for a common goal, but who come away with much more than they were looking for. The two main characters are Jess and Adam. They are both intense and retrospective due to their pasts. Their respective losses have made a profound impact. As an unexpected relationship develops, their focus changes. As it broadens neither is quite sure how to proceed. With several missteps and plan changes it becomes doubtful Jess's conditions and rules still apply. Skillfully crafted and with sensitivity, this story takes a look at those who are left behind not by their own choice. It is filled with emotion, serious conversations and the possibility of new beginnings. Highly recommended.
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 . . .