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When a car accident kills Suzanne Summerfield's husband and parents, she wakes from a coma to find her world empty. Along with the heavy weight of survivor's guilt comes the discovery that her life may not be what she thought it was. While struggling with loss, Suzanne finds something that changes everything. Cleaning out her parents' attic, she discovers adoption papers and medical records from Bolivia. Many are covered up. Most are in Spanish. With Marilee's determination and the help of their friend Polly, the search for answers begins. It starts with dusty boxes and old family memories, then stretches across continents as Suzanne travels to Bolivia to uncover the truth.
The people in Suzanne's life are more than background characters. Marilee gives tough love and steady support, pushing Suzanne to keep going when she wants to stop. Polly brings warmth, humor, and quick thinking. Together, they show that healing is rarely done alone. Helms avoids filling the pages with endless inner sadness. Instead, the truth comes out in real, believable talks. Some are gentle while others are blunt. All feel real. Suzanne's talks with her friend Marilee and the people who step in to help have the closeness of private moments. They are the kind that make one lean in to hear more.
Helms finds the right balance in her writing. The story is clear and easy to follow without ignoring the hard parts. Grief is shown honestly. It is messy, uneven, and often stuck. Yet under the sadness, there is a steady thread of strength. As the mystery grows, it becomes as much about living with the truth as it is about finding it.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review