Synopsis "Moving Forward Too: When the Past Returns to Bite!"
This fictional novel is a sequel to Moving Forward - From Breaking Point to Turning Point. In this story, Samantha McKellen has moved back to Bristol, UK, from London to be close to her parents. As a single mum, she feels that it is best for her daughter to be close to her grandparents. Samantha McKellen's dad, Samuel, on the other hand, enjoys a relaxed life. He takes his family to South Africa on holiday, ahead of his daughter, Anita's wedding. The exotic holiday is exciting and fabulous. Samuel in planning the holiday seems to have carefully thought about every individual in the group. Observant as he is, everything seems to go as expected. The whole holiday is uneventful and the family return home, content that they have had the best holiday together. The family members are returning to their routine when Samantha's daughter, Briella, is suddenly reported as missing from her nursery. Quickly, the fun memories from the holiday are forgotten as all focus is on missing child. Samantha is so shocked by Briella's kidnap, that she becomes incapacitated. This event seems to reveal Samantha's worst nightmare and her greatest fear. Samantha's confidence takes a hit and she becomes erratic and fearful in her behaviour. Her siblings and their families rally around to support her but Samantha seems to have become numb to the pain she is experiencing. Whether intentionally or unintentionally, she seems to keep a strong facade and does a lot to help her friends and family instead of accepting their help. Samantha shuts down emotionally as she realises that she 'can't have her cake and eat it'. As Samantha seems to dwindle into the background, Samuel takes lead by calling on his network of friends to find Briella. Because of the promises he has made, Samuel feels responsible for bringing Briella back home. He uses everyone and everything at his disposal to his advantage and leaves no stone unturned. Samuel, aware of the possible outcomes, pursues every avenue relentlessly. Is Samuel only concerned about the outcome or do the means to the solution bother him also? As Samuel begins to deal with an attack that he considers personal, what will he find? Will Samuel be clandestine and does he have reason to, or will he choose the more explicit route? Does he have what it takes to protect and preserve his family? Will Briella be found? Will the fear that she could be lost forever materialise? There are internal dialogues that Samuel has, about how to deal with the fear and pain he feels. He battles with the level of strength and support he needs to give his family as the head of his household. He wants to share the truth about his own grief with them, and yet feels that it is his responsibility to protect them even from his own weakness. Samuel feels that it is his duty to be strong for them but how successful will he be with this? This story journeys through Samantha's strength and weaknesses. When she thought that her life was steady, she feels like the rag is suddenly pulled from under her feet. This event exposes Samantha's confusion, guilt and worst nightmare, and moves her to become vulnerable. In this time, what or who can Samantha turn to for strength? This story is about family, friends and even strangers each playing their part in lifting up a person who is down. It is also about a beauty that can be birthed out of vulnerability.
