The Other Side of Disappearing

Clayborn (Georgie, All Along) takes readers on an engrossing road trip romance that doubles as a journey of self-discovery. Ten years ago, hairstylist Jess Greene’s mother, Charlotte, ran off with a known con man never to be heard from again, and the 21-year-old took over raising her eight-year-old half-sister, Tegan. Now 18, Tegan blindsides Jess when she invites a true crime podcast to help them locate Charlotte. Upon meeting Jess, college football star turned journalist Adam Hawkins is immediately concerned about his team’s possible impact on her life, seeing how closed off she is and her resistance to the idea of confronting the past. When Jess reluctantly agrees to participate, Adam does his best to protect her and her sister from hurt and the public eye as they travel from state to state seeking clues about Charlotte’s location. Jess, who’s always been self-sufficient, slowly realizes that Adam is someone she can lean on, particularly after the road trip takes them to his family farm. Clayborn’s sensitive characterization of Jess and Tegan’s sisterly bond, as well as the intense chemistry building between Adam and Jess, will keep readers hooked. This is a treat. Agent: Taylor Haggerty, Root Literary. (Apr.)