BOOKS

The Next Day Came,

A Trilogy

Dr. KD Wagner Is A Multiple Bestselling Author, Eippy Award Winner, International Speaker, And Former Law Enforcement Officer.

Life Can Be Overwhelming—

But You Don’t Have to Face It Alone

The Next Day Came

In the quiet after the storm of my sons’ tragic departures, I found a voice through writing. Each book I authored – ‘Jeffrey – The Injustice of Murder,’ ‘Bud – Homicide Turns a Blue Star Gold,’ and ‘Kathy – How I Survived Tragic Loss’ – serves as a lighthouse for those lost in the sea of grief.


Jeffrey begins the story of tragedy which often strikes us without warning. For KD Wagner, this devastation struck her when somebody robbed and senselessly murdered her eighteen-year-old son, Jeffrey. Instantly, her world reduced to the smoke and ashes of every parent’s worst nightmare. Wagner chronicles these events in this gut-wrenching narrative of loss, injustice, and finally, hope.

Bud shifts the focus to my second son, a proud Navy serviceman, whose life was senselessly cut short. This book delves into the unique pain of losing a child who had dedicated his life to serving his country, and the bittersweet pride of becoming a Gold Star Mother.

In Kathy I lay bare my entire journey – from the initial shock and despair to the gradual, hard-won path to healing and helping others. This book is more than my story; it’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, a guide that offers rays of hope to those who feel engulfed in darkness.

Testimonials

“The author takes us along on her life journey - a mother's love and struggle to make sure her kids have the best life possible. With her simple and honest writing style, she makes it easy for the reader to go through an emotional journey with her. Her inner strength in the face of adversity rubs off on the reader as well. Eating for the rest of the books in the trilogy so I can travel along and learn.”

Pavi Mohan

“If you’ve ever suffered the loss of a loved one, the stories in The Next Day Came Trilogy: Jeffrey: The Injustice of Murder, Bud: Homicide Turns a Blue Star Gold, and Kathy: Survive Tragic Losses with Limitless Resilience, will change your life as they changed mine after the loss of my dad and best friend. The emotions of anger, aloneness, and depression became overwhelming, but when I listened to KD and heard her unimaginable life experiences, I felt the love, strength, and empathy she learned through her losses. I found peace in my heart. A must-read!”

Private Matt Seliski,

U.S. Army

"Kathy's resilience truly shines through in her writing. She takes the reader on a powerful yet vulnerable journey in a way that leaves one heartbroken and inspired at the same time. After reading The Next Day Came Trilogy, there is a deep ache in my heart, but I also laughed and smiled while learning more about her boys."

Carly Carruthers

#1 International Bestselling Author of Your Epic Book Launch

"I'm beyond emotionally moved by Kathy's writing. This goes very deep for me as I relate to her in her story big time!"

Crystal Davis

#1 International Bestselling Author of The Authentic Driven Life

“People say that lightning never strikes the same place twice, but they are oh so wrong. After reading BUD – Homicide Turns a Blue Star Gold and JEFFREY – The Injustice of Murder, I cannot fathom how KD survived not only the loss of one son but both her sons in such a short time. Her strength and belief in her love for her children and their love and respect for her are incredible. I learned so much about the US Navy, the military, and the American Gold Star Mothers, who lost a child on active duty in the US Military. They continue to support Veterans and the community. KD’s strength and willingness to honor her sons and help others to heal is mind-boggling and courageous.”

Mary K. Wagner

“This story transcends the world of loss, including the millions of loved ones lost to the pandemic. With raw truth, KD reveals the fragility of life and love. After gun violence took her eighteen-year-old son, unbelievably, two years later, another homicide took her only other child. KD finds the strength to climb from the depths of hell to honor the legacies of her two sons. Bud and Jeffrey changed lives, but KD’s stories will change the world. A must-read for everyone!”

Debra Vickers

Lifelong Family Friend

“As a Navy mom who has suffered a military loss of a child, this story of another Navy mom whose death of two sons will inspire any Gold Star Mom with a broken heart over the loss of her child.”

Mona Gunn

Past National President of the American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. Mother of SMSN Cherone L. Gunn, USS Cole Terrorist Attack 2/14/78–10/12/00

“This is a raw, heartfelt look into the love and grief of a gold star mother and how she turned the devastation of losing her two sons, Jeffrey and Bud, into a mission to make them proud. This book touched my soul, and I will keep a little piece of these young men in my heart. Love and grief last a lifetime….what you do with that lifetime after loss is the shining light of this book.”

Lenita J. Lane


"Kathy's loss of Jeffrey is heartbreaking. Her story of survival is inspiring. Hard to put down once you start reading. How do you survive the loss of a child, let alone two? Bud's story is filled with a mother's love for her sons. Kathy's survival through grief, depression, and "the promise" is inspiring. A must-read for everyone. Jeffrey, Kathy, and Bud were the 3 Musketeers. The family photos bring you closer to them. A loving family until the unthinkable happens. A story of love, heartbreak, and determination."

Paula Melhorn

“This story shows how a mother's love for her sons and her promise to them kept her going, one day at a time. Reading this brought tears to my eyes. Seeing the difference Bud made in the lives of others and how he is remembered is beautiful. He made a difference.”

Juliee Golden

“Kathy takes you through the trials of a single mother of two. Her amazing resiliency to keep on in the ever-changing role of a mother who lost a child. Kathy's courage to reach out for support and to bring her story of courage to print; helping others to find their strength, courage, grit, and resilience. This was relatable not to the loss of a child - but to my husband and Jeffrey. Loss is loss. Finding that Different Place, filled with great memories.”

Amanda J.


“I ran out of books, read this one in a day. It’s interesting to learn about how challenging life can be, as well as people’s general philosophy on life and death. There’s some overlap about the theology of guardian angels with my own understanding of how the world works.”

Sara D.

“Yesterday, I heard of the sudden death of my cousin's son, in his early 40's. Previously, I have experienced the murder of a friend's son, as well as navigating the sudden death of my husband, and so when I heard of KD's book, I knew it would be a tremendous help to my family and me at this difficult time. I recommend this book because, having walked in those footsteps, KD is well versed in how to help the reader in their own grief. A book that brings hope in the middle of great sadness.”

Susie Briscoe

“I cannot imagine the unreal emotional nightmare that Dr KD was forced to endure! Our children are the most prized and valued things in our lives. When your child dies due to an illness or an unforeseen accident, it must be devastating. But murdered? Our imagination cannot even comprehend what this author has gone through. To hear it in her own words is something you must experience yourself to understand a small amount of her pain.”

John Lee

“Hats off to the author for being so open and honest about their past and grief. Losing a child would be the worst, but to then be able to share the grief and recovery is something you cannot fathom, and to be able to share these moments is honorable- hats off to Dr Wagner. Jeffrey was a page-turner, so when I was informed about BUD coming out, I knew it would be another well-written and emotional sequel. I wasn’t disappointed, how the author has come through the trauma in her life and been able to talk about it is phenomenal. If you are looking for a self-help book written by someone who has been there and done that - look no further!”

G. L. Bird

“Wow, getting through so much grief is challenging at the best of times, but to endure it twice is unfathomable for most people. When love, courage, belief, and resilience all come into play, this author rocks in sharing her grief and love and, more importantly, coming through it and shining while moving forward. I am honored by the messages in this book and take my hat off to this author. A great insight!”

Lynda Dyer

“The story is very emotional. A must-read one for awareness and inspiration as well! These books are amazing and give the readers hope to rise above any adversity! Very inspirational indeed!”

Susana Tuya Sarmiento

As Seen On

COPYRIGHT © 2025 THENoMore9to5CLUB. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.