It's been a while since I read the first book in the series, so I had to reacquaint myself with Maddie, Syd, David, Michael, and the others by skimming through [b:Jericho|12594758|Jericho|Ann McMan|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1315809882s/12594758.jpg|17609725]. Aftermath is a good "peek at what happens between the pages" of Jericho, but it's not on the same level as the original story. The blurb pretty much sums up what to expect with Aftermath, so I'll go the 'ole two likes and a wish route with my review. Like #1: The Storm - Even though it was only a chapter long, the realistic build-up of the storm was a gripping, page-turning series of events. Mother Nature has a way of raising Cain, which caused me to fear the worst for a few of Jericho's likeable, well-known citizens. Like #2: Deb Carson and her brand new, fire engine red Camaro - Yep, I feel ya Debs! I'm a sucker for classic muscle cars. I'd be thoroughly pissed if I knew that the neighbors in my small town were harboring parts of my beloved car; it's ungodly—Food Bonanza and Bixby Bowladrome be damned. Wish: Character development - With the exception of Roma Jean, there isn't much character/relationship development with this story. Sure, emotions are there (tears were shed and tempers were lost), but something is missing. Perhaps it's because of Henry. There wasn't enough…I don't know…substance to chew on when it came to him. Simply put, I just couldn't connect with him nor the circumstances surrounding his situation.

Aftermath is book 2 in the Jericho series. I enjoy the ongoing story of Syd, Maddie, and their friends and family in Jericho. The addition of a foster child, Henry, adds a nice new dimension to the series. I also appreciate the fact that Maddie's mother plays a bigger role in book 2; I really like her. Michael and David are more prominent this time around as well. Altogether, Aftermath is a worthy follow-up to Jericho, but I miss the aspect of meeting someone new, and the awkwardness that ensues. Still, I look forward to reading the final book in the trilogy, Goldenrod.

**Four years later and the audiobook of Aftermath has me changing my review and rating from a 4 to a 5 star review.
Hard to believe but reading/listening to Jericho and Aftermath back to back I found I preferred Aftermath to its rambling precursor.
Jericho sets the stage and gives us a cast of quirky and memorable characters. In Aftermath these characters get to romp and play. It helps to just sit back and let the broad comedy in many scenes envelop you. You know what's coming and still can't help yourself but laugh. The red Camaro spread across the county after the storm, the snakecapade at the revival meeting, Maddie and Syd's weekend getaway and the luncheon dustup when Sydney and Doris meet to discuss her prenup are all written with McMan's dry wit and perfect comedic timing.
What elevates Aftermath over Jericho for this reader is the way the author balances humour with the pathos of impending loss. Henry's dad is recovering from injuries sustained overseas and will soon be reclaiming his son from Maddie and Syd. The end of their foster care is in sight but it doesn't change the love Maddie and Syd feel towards young Henry or the need they have to make this transition painless for the boy.
Roma Jean Fremantle has been the face of pure slapstick in both Jericho and the opening scenes of Aftermath. Her clumsiness is often mentioned and generates lots of laughs. In Aftermath we see a Roma struggling to come to terms with her feelings towards girls. The conversations she has with Maddie voicing her fears and concerns are universal and oh so relatable.
5 stars for the perfect balance of comedy and tragedy.

On to Goldenrod

Some questionable content at times but ultimately a cute follow up on the town and sweet lil fam. Interested to see where 3 goes

If you read Big Stone Gap and thought "huh, this is good, but it would be even better if it were gay", I'd highly recommend this series. Small-town happenings and real, hilarious, frustrating, devastating friendships and relationships.

What I like about this book is that everything was alright eventually. I'm tired of sad or complicated endings. I like this.

Ann McMan is a wonderful author. Makes me wonder why I haven't read more of her books. I especially love Jericho, which I have read and re-read a few times. This book, the sequel to Jericho, has more of the same lovable, colorful characters of this small Appalachian town. Syd and Maddie have now been together for a couple of years and they've been caring for Henry, their surrogate son, whose soldier father is away at war. We see the town just as a tornado hits and cuts a huge swathe of devastation. We are there as the town rebuilds and life marches on. This book made me laugh and it made me tear up too. I highly recommend reading Jericho first before this book. I think it makes for a deeper appreciation of the people in this town.