SOMEWHERE ABOVE IT ALL

A novel of new beginnings and second chances by debut author Clayton.

Marren Halleck married her childhood sweetheart, Brody, a sweet, athletic, talented, and handsome man, beloved by all in his small Arkansas town. He’s on his way to a lucrative professional baseball career when a serious injury sidelines him and puts him on a path of opioid addiction, which not only destroys his marriage, but later ends Brody’s life. Crushed by grief and desperate to feel whole and in control, Marren trains for the biggest challenge of her life: to summit Mount Kilimanjaro. After arriving in Tanzania alone, she forms bonds with the members of her climbing group, including an intriguing, mysterious solo climber named Chris Courtland, to whom she grows particularly close. Marren believes that he may be the key to helping her move beyond her grief. However, when her past pain meets her present-day reality, she must find the personal strength to move forward. In a tale that makes frequent use of flashbacks, Clayton successfully takes the reader on an engaging journey—not only through grief, but on a tour of climbing Kilimanjaro, complete with sights, sounds, and sensations. Each person in the climbing group has a distinct personality, which adds flavor to the story. Although the portrayal of the relationship between Marren and Brody feels a bit rushed, the strength of their bond still comes through, allowing the reader to feel the weight of the protagonist’s loss. The story’s themes are rather familiar, and its references to the opioid crisis can have the feel of a public service announcement. Nonetheless, readers will enjoy the story’s characterizations and relatable premise.

An emotional and highly readable tale of love, loss, and self-discovery.