Echoes by Kristen Heitzmann

At some point in a series largely based on characters, the main characters achieve hero personalities and new characters are introduced to replace their roles. This is the biggest mistake Heitzmann has made in Echoes, the much awaited sequel to Secrets and Unforgotten. I never like much awaited sequels.
The plot follows Sofie Michelli, Lance's sister, an odd character to choose for this role. She falls in love with the social worker that comes to investigate the situation with Maria Espironza's baby. Meanwhile, Rese and Lance immediately get engaged and begin planning the wedding.
The characters meander through life, bumping into obstacles along the way, such as Carly, Sofie's step-daughter, and Eric, Sofie's estranged husband. I needn't tell you the end, you already know it. The characters of Sofie and Matt, the social worker, are not up to Kristen's usual standards, however.
My one piece of advice for this book is for it to be rewritten, this time from Star's viewpoint. That would truly be an interesting read.
2.5 stars