In an Instant
by
Suzanne Redfearn
Genre: Thriller/Women’s Fiction
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Date of Publication: March 1, 2020
Number of Pages: 331
A deeply moving story of carrying on even when it seems impossible.
Life is over in an instant for sixteen-year-old Finn Miller when a devastating car accident tumbles her and ten others over the side of a mountain. Suspended between worlds, she watches helplessly as those she loves struggle to survive.
Impossible choices are made, decisions that leave the survivors tormented with grief and regret. Unable to let go, Finn keeps vigil as they struggle to reclaim their shattered lives. Jack, her father, who seeks vengeance against the one person he can blame other than himself; her best friend, Mo, who bravely searches for the truth as the story of their survival is rewritten; her sister Chloe, who knows Finn lingers and yearns to join her; and her mother, Ann, who saved them all but is haunted by her decisions. Finn needs to move on, but how can she with her family still in pieces?
Heartrending yet ultimately redemptive, In an Instant is a story about the power of love, the meaning of family, and carrying on…even when it seems impossible.
Life is over in an instant for sixteen-year-old Finn Miller when a devastating car accident tumbles her and ten others over the side of a mountain. Suspended between worlds, she watches helplessly as those she loves struggle to survive.
Impossible choices are made, decisions that leave the survivors tormented with grief and regret. Unable to let go, Finn keeps vigil as they struggle to reclaim their shattered lives. Jack, her father, who seeks vengeance against the one person he can blame other than himself; her best friend, Mo, who bravely searches for the truth as the story of their survival is rewritten; her sister Chloe, who knows Finn lingers and yearns to join her; and her mother, Ann, who saved them all but is haunted by her decisions. Finn needs to move on, but how can she with her family still in pieces?
Heartrending yet ultimately redemptive, In an Instant is a story about the power of love, the meaning of family, and carrying on…even when it seems impossible.
Every so often a book comes along and stamps itself on your soul, and this story definitely did that to me. If I could rate this one a million stars, I would. Wow. This book. This. book. I’m just going to say that even though we’re only about two and a half months into the year, this one will be on my best of the year!
It’s so hard to completely discuss this book without giving away spoilers, and you really want to go into this one with very little information. Masterfully written and with such glorious prose, you’ll find yourself mesmerized and so caught up in this family’s tragic saga that you will not be able to let go until you know the end. This story is powerful and poignant, begging readers to question everything they ever thought they knew about themselves and others even those they trust.
“Nothing is as it was. The pretense of valor, her own and others’, has been decimated and the ugly truth of human nature revealed.”
This is a heartbreaking and truly unforgettable exploration of our own humanity. Split second decisions are made all the time, yet some of those result in ramifications that leave a legacy built on the consequences of those choices. As characters confront their own survival, the ultimate healing comes with forgiveness and not just to others, but to oneself as well. The road is not the same for everyone, but it is a breathtakingly emotional journey, especially as readers travel that path with them.
“Like everyone else, she is stumbling forward, one foot in front of the other, not always in the right direction but staggering on just the same.”
The narrative is incredibly spiritual. There are so many moments scattered throughout that ask us to question our mortality and an afterlife, especially for Finn as she lingers between two worlds. Ultimately, Finn helps us to understand that it’s okay to feel sad, but always remember to celebrate the time you had together with a loved one so their presence is never forgotten.
“Carry me inside you as a light that brightens your world and makes everything better.”
This is one of those perfect reading experiences that will always hold a special place in my heart. I have so much love, respect, and appreciation to the author for sharing this story (be sure to read the Author’s Note at the end). As hard as it was to pick up the next book on my schedule, we learn so gracefully from In an Instant that life marches on, so onward I go, but the memory remains.
Many thanks to Great Escapes Book Tours and the author for providing me with a free copy of the book for review. I loved it so much I purchased my own physical copy. This is my honest and thoughtful opinion.
Suzanne Redfearn is the award-winning author of three novels: Hush Little Baby, No Ordinary Life, and In an Instant. In addition to being an author, she’s also an architect specializing in residential and commercial design. She lives in Laguna Beach, California, where she and her husband own two restaurants: Lumberyard and Slice Pizza and Beer.
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Many thanks again to Great Escapes Book Tours and the author! It was an absolute pleasure reading, reviewing, and hosting! And be sure to check out the other stops on the tour for more opinions and author extras!
TOUR PARTICIPANTS
February 26 – Laura`s interests – SPOTLIGHT
February 27 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW
February 28 – I’m All About Books – SPOTLIGHT
February 29 – Gimme The Scoop Reviews – REVIEW
March 1 – A Wytch’s Book Review Blog – SPOTLIGHT
March 2 – eBook addicts – REVIEW
March 3 – This Is My Truth Now – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
March 4 – A Chick Who Reads REVIEW
March 5 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT
March 6 – Hearts & Scribbles – SPOTLIGHT
March 6 – MJB Reviewers – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW
March 7 – The Book Diva’s Reads – SPOTLIGHT
March 7 – StoreyBook Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
March 8 – Brooke Blogs – REVIEW
March 9 – That’s What She’s Reading – REVIEW
That's What She's Reading 
Thank you for being part of the book tour for \”In an Instant\” by Suzanne Redfearn.Sounds like a fabulous book and I can't wait for the opportunity to read it.2clowns at arkansas dot net
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