What Happened to Hannah

Author: Mary Kay McComas
ISBN: 978-0062084781
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Source: TLC Book Tours
Rating: Recommended
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About the Book:
As a teenager, Hannah Benson ran away from home in order to save herself. Now, twenty years later, the past comes calling and delivers life-changing news: her mother and sister have passed away, leaving Hannah the guardian of her fifteen-year-old niece.
Returning home to bitter memories and devastating secrets, Hannah must overcome her painful past to pave a future with her niece, the last best chance at a family for both of them. She begins to create a new, happier life with her niece and rekindles a relationship with Grady Steadman, one of the few people she’s ever called a friend.
But she can’t forget what she cannot forgive, or lay to rest those ghosts that will not die. Will love and trust—and the truth—give her the strength to stand her ground and fight for what she deserves?

My Thoughts:
If I could only describe this novel in one word it would be emotional.  What Happened to Hannah took me on an emotional journey, keeping me hooked until the end.  It was a completely satisfying read, yet it wore me out as well.  I loved that about it.  Hannah is a guarded character who keeps herself distant, behind barriers she doesn't intent to let anyone break down.  She is deeply hurt and scared.  This makes her reluctant to love or trust anyone, especially if they are close to her immediate family.  I understood this part of Hannah and her methods of emotional self protection.

Hannah reveals her past to the reader in a personal and passionate way.  Little by little the reader gets to know Hannah and see past her rough exterior.  The story has some difficult themes to read as it discusses child abuse and the terror children experience in those situations.  However, it also shows how some overcome that terror and learn love, acceptance and worthiness.  I love reading these type of stories of hope in the midst of turbulence.  Love, forgiveness, growth, acceptance and second chances.

I enjoyed the pace of this book, the story line and the fluid writing of Ms. McComas.

Recommended to those who:
Enjoy Fiction
Enjoy family stories, especially dysfunctional ones
Enjoy emotional elements
Enjoy deep or disturbing topics

Not recommended to those who:
Have suffered from abuse and cannot read stories related to it.
Readers under the age of 16 -- mature audiences for this one.