I have recovered enough from book 1 now to be able to read book 2. Well at least the 1st book has stopped haunting my dreams. Was I foolish to potentially reignite it with book 2? The inability to think of anything else other than a blank, dark space that seemed to inhabit my head for what felt like months? Only time will tell I guess. For reference I read the 1st book in January 2024!
In order for it to make proper sense and understand the depth of emotion contained within the Jensy Willett books, you do have to have read book 1. I think without it book 2 would not have the same meaning or impact. You could read it as a standalone as it explains things as it goes. But why would you? You wouldn’t experience the emotional upheaval, the heart felt sorrow, guilt and numbness with them or the elation when things go well. The ability to create these emotions make the story into so much more than words on a page.
It is set soon after the 1st book ends. Jensy and Sophie are trying to figure out a way forward.
I found I was reading it waiting for something terrible to happen. Each new character that was introduced made me consider was this person going to introduce chaos? Will they bring trauma?
And then when the moment comes it isn’t something Jensy has done – it’s all perception. Although there is a lot of Jensy emotion in this book – there is also a lot of Sophie emotion too – in a way that is perhaps more relatable.

There’s a lot of knowledge on the page as well. Or research. Photography, coaching, corporate life, etc.

There is also a lot of emotion in this book. It didn’t hit me the same as the 1st though. Maybe this is because it involved a shooting and we don’t have guns here in the same way as the USA?
But it’s still very good. I recommend it. And will read the 3rd one soon.