**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