By: Gillian Jackson
Narrated by Jodie Harris
ISBN: 9781666635850
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Publication Date: 04/04/2023
Format: Audiobook
My Rating: 4 Stars (ARC)
When a sudden blast of severe weather causes a traffic accident, the effects will ripple through the lives of many long after the scene is cleared...
Hannah has lost a leg, as well as her memory of the event, leading her to fear she may have been at fault. Struggling with recovery and anxiously awaiting the inquest results, she remains at home with her husband and kids.
Joe wants to take his own life after his wife died in the accident, leaving him injured and alone.
Meanwhile, the Joneses mourn their son and decide to embark on a project to honor him: opening a center for rescued animals.
But when the survivors find their paths crossing again, there are consequences that no one could predict...
My Review
Gillian Jackson's latest, THE ACCIDENT, is an emotional, beautifully written, yet haunting tale of one car accident in which the ripple effects change lives forever, both good and bad. Readers see how their lives intersect in remarkable ways AFTER the accident and their healing process.
As fate would have it, time flashes before their eyes. Hannah is driving; it is icy and snowy. The car slides, and a pile of cars. A dreadful tragedy, and it was really no one's fault.
However, grief, guilt, blame, revenge, remorse, and many emotions exist. Second-guessing their activities or what they could have done differently that day to eliminate this accident.
THREE DEATHS.
~Hannah Graham wakes up in the hospital and discovers she has no leg or memory of what happened.
~Joe Parker has minimum injuries, but his wife is DEAD.
~Alan and Cassie Jones receive news that their 15-year-old son, Timothy riding as a passenger, has been killed in the same accident. The back story of their son is heartbreaking yet beautiful.
There is an inquest that is stressful, and no charges are filed. What happens next is the aftermath of the accident.
Three families' lives are changed in an instant. These families try to put their lives back together. A new normal. However, some stay positive, and some do not.
Can they put the past behind them and allow the tragic event to change their lives for the better of those around them? However, some families fall apart. One husband leaves his wife for another woman, one mother-in-law is not so nice, and a brother is not supportive.
However, Hannah is a trooper even with the loss of her leg and an unsupportive through all of this, as well as Joe and the Jones family. They do not hold grudges or try and get revenge. But channel their grief and loss positively as the accident survivors come together.
In this gripping novel, you will see the good and the bad of human nature.
The two main protagonists are Hannah and Joe. Their cross paths, as does Cassie. It is amazing how their lives connect and offer a satisfying conclusion. It is hopeful, which ends on a positive note.
The author handles the loss and grief with sensitivity and compassion. We all deal with grief and loss in our individual ways. Some are destructive and revengeful, and some try to do something to honor their loved ones in productive ways —we see examples of both sides here.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and hope it lands in the right reader hands, who will appreciate her writing and its critical takeaway message. My first book by the author, and I look forward to reading more.
This is not a THRILLER. You will be disappointed if you go into it thinking it is. However, the novel is more of a character study and an introspective of grief, loss, and life after tragedy. I would classify it as psychological fiction or family life fiction. The novel is well-done, and I look forward to reading more by this author. The storyline was both realistic and emotionally charged.
I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator, Jodie Harris, delivered an engaging performance and listening experience. I enjoy being introduced to new authors through audiobooks. The book reminded me of Jodi Picoult and Emma Robinson's books.
Thank you, #DreamscapeMedia, for an ALC gift via #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Audio Pub Date: April 4, 2023
My Rating: 4 Stars
About the Author
Gillian lives in Darlington in the North East of England with her husband and rescue dog, Liffey. With four adult children and nine grandchildren, there is always plenty to do, but her passion for writing occupies much of her time. After a career in child care as the owner/manager of a day nursery, Gillian changed course and trained as a therapeutic counsellor. Following this, five years working in the voluntary sector for Victim Support brought a whole new range of experiences as she supported victims of crimes, from burglary to homicide. Combining these experiences with a lifelong love of writing, Gillian often writes about gritty issues, but with a sensitive touch.
Gillian has signed an eight book contract with Bloodhound Books. The first three are currently available on most ebook platforms and as paperback editions while the others will be released in 2022 and 2023. There are also three women’s fiction novels currently available – see Books page.
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