Publisher's Synopsis
Sadie Reynolds is a liar with secrets. At school, she's part of the popular crowd known as AE, despite being broken inside. She hides it well. She has to. The slightest bit of imperfection will land her in the same shoes as her Geeky neighbor named Ian. Ian and his only friend are the object of Sadie's friends' ridicule, ire, and entertainment. The AE rule the school with intimidation and retribution against anyone who would dare question their supremacy. Sadie steers clear of most of it, terrified someone will find out her secret. She isn't the least bit perfect. In fact, she suffers from PTSD stemming from the murder of her mother right before her eyes when she was a child. She can barely cope from day-to-day, hiding her truth and trying to fit in. But she knows it's only a matter of time. Hayden is a "Waverly," a kid with the misfortune of living in the small farming town of Waverly that borders the very affluent Lexington Parrish. The AE doesn't mix with "Waverlies." Ever. Desperate to get away from her oppressive friends, Sadie crashes into Hayden at a bonfire, and the attraction that sparks between them is nothing short of electric. But Hayden's an outsider and when things heat up, Sadie will be forced to choose between her friends and her new boyfriend. Only Queen Bee Britt isn't having it. She will not allow Sadie to cross her. Sadie can either do what Britt wants her to do, or she will reveal Sadie for the PTSD freak that she is. Sadie does some soul searching about who she is and who she wants to be. She can't live her life like this. Not any more. One fateful night will help her see how much things have to change. She's determined to no longer allow the AE to rule her life. She will be strong, stand up for Ian and love who she wants in Hayden. Determined and invigorated, Sadie goes to school feeling hopeful for the first time in forever. But, the unthinkable happens. Shooters attack dozens of students leaving the school a decimated shadow of what it once was. Suddenly who lives where, wears what or loves whom seems like the least of Lexington Parish's problems, as everyone and everything changes forever in the after. IN THE AFTER by Elisa Dane is a hard-hitting and heart-warming story of tragedy, love, loss, and redemption. It depicts a school shooting. Reader caution is advised. It is recommended for readers 14+.
