After the Ocean

How do you find your way back when you've left yourself behind? A painful unsolved mystery resurfaces after decades of confusion, sending one woman and her daughters on a journey of redemption in this emotional story about intergenerational trauma, family, and the beauty of Puerto Rico for fans of Nina LaCour, Xochitl Gonzalez, Elizabeth Acevedo, Annette Chavez Macias, and Julia Alvarez. Thirty years ago, young music student Emilia Oliveras married her dream man. Their Caribbean honeymoon cruise was idyllic-until the night Paul disappeared from their ship, presumed drowned. Reeling from loss, Emilia was horrified when his wealthy, vindictive family tried to railroad her as a gold-digging murderer. She escaped home to Puerto Rico and then across the country, where she became Emily Daniels, suburban wife and mother of two. Still, the trauma and secrets of her past ruined her second marriage, and created a disconnect with, and between, her grown daughters, Meg and Gracie. But now, a recent photo in Emilia's mail shows Paul alive and well . . . Emilia immediately delves into a search, no matter the cost. Unknown to her, Meg and Gracie are following close behind, each on a search of her own. . . . A gifted musician, Meg wants to understand why she's always felt like an imposter, raising self-sabotage to an art form. And Gracie, soon to discover that she's Paul's daughter, is fleeing yet another shattered relationship, hoping the truth can shed light on her choices. As Emilia and her daughters' paths converge, they will be forced to see each other anew, reconcile their mistakes and misunderstandings, and find a way to forgiveness-for a chance to both uncover Paul's fate, and shape their futures on their own terms . . . PRAISE FOR FAMILIA "A masterfully woven tale of mystery, reconciliation, and familial love." -Abby Jimenez, New York Times Bestselling Author of Yours Truly "Familia has it all: An old crime, unsuspecting victims, a genetic mystery that will explode a family. By page 30, I would have walked on coals to finish reading this story." -Jacquelyn Mitchard, New York Times Bestselling Author of The Deep End of the Ocean

Lauren E. Rico is an award-winning author. Her novel Familia was an Indie Next and Library Reads pick, as well as an Apple iBooks Best of the Month Selection, and an add-on for Book of the Month Club. She is also one of the top classical music broadcasters in the country. Her voice has been heard nationally on SiriusXM and on radio stations in New York City, Charlotte, Connecticut, and Tampa. She's even been known to accompany travelers as they fly the skies as part of the in-flight entertainment on several airlines. When she's not talking on the radio or typing on her laptop, Lauren enjoys puttering around the house with husband Tom and their rescue pup, Sandy. Visit laurenrico.com.