Lake Union Publishing In an Instant

Well-developed and emotionally-charged "In An Instant” opens when a disastrous camper accident on a snow-covered mountain road kills sixteen-year-old Finn Miller and leaves her father seriously injured. With biting cold winds, snow falling and daylight gone decisions are made that have Finn’s sister Chloe and her boyfriend struggling through the storm looking for help, and when they don’t return her mother Ann and Kyle following them into the night. The Gold family; Finn’s friend Maureen (aka Mo); mentally challenged Oz Miller; and his dog Bingo are left behind to care for the injured Jack and will make tragic life and death decisions that will haunt their lives until the truth of that night is revealed. Told from sixteen-year-old feisty and stubborn Finn Miller’s perspective, as her spirit lingers on after her death, intensity and suspense escalate not only with the hazardous struggles to find help; the negligence causing a young boy’s death, but also in the decisions made to survive. Yet the most poignant and evocative part of the story lies in the choices made by friends and families who afterwards are guilt-ridden and searching for the truth of that night as they struggle to put the pieces of their lives back together. In a plot filled with anger, guilt, self-loathing, vengeance and lies, judgements will be made that will heal or destroy the lives of those affected. Intriguing with an affair, a search in the mountains, and a friend determined to make the truth known, the story quickly winds flawlessly to a compelling climax. Among a host of complex and fascinating characters are lawyer and mother Ann Miller who’s determined and relentless in a tough situation but domestically neglectful of her children’s needs; former yacht captain and stay-at-home dad Jack Miller who’s calm and caring until angry and vengeful after the accident; the self-absorbed Bob and Karen Gold; their haughty, self-centered daughter Natalie; overweight, mentally challenged thirteen-year-old Oz Miller; and the eighteen-year-old smart, tough, haunted Chloe Miller. All these personalities and others infuse this plot with emotional tension, heart-provoking power that captures the reader from the first page to the last. I thoroughly enjoyed “In An Instant” a story of tragedy, survival, and family love.

I was reading the review for this one and think it’s copped some unnecessary flack. There’s always going to be lovers and “haters” of a book, but i definitely had a different perspective of this one. Especially working with neuro/developmental population so when someone comments about how unrealistic the characters are in this one, I can say to you that in my experience it’s almost a perfect reflection of some of the people I have met who have/known someone with a neuro/developmental disability. Is it pretty to read? No. I think the author did a pretty good job at keeping her biases out of the story to give us a look at how some families function. I enjoyed the young girl’s narration. I saw a review comment saying that not one person shed a tear when she died, that wasn’t true, both her father and her best friend did. They were actually inconsolable at one point. I found it to be one of those stories that stays with you because you just think about it so much. What would you do in that same situation? It’s impossible to say unless you’re in that situation. Which what i loved about this book. You’re continuously thinking, would I do that? No way… I think we’d be surprised at some of the things we might do if we were faced with death. I really enjoyed the story further into the book. Again, the narration of the young girl really added something extra to it. You felt sad and frustrated on her behalf, especially because she was witnessing everyone’s trauma without being able to help. Great book, if you like books that make you question life and consequences.

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.

This is a really good summer read. I enjoyed it a lot. The story line was interesting. I enjoyed the characters in the story. I am going to seek out other books written by this author.

A truly gripping story. Each character in the book is deeply affected by an accident and, subequently, the variety of repercussions that will change their lives forever. The author weaves a powerful tale based on a tragedy that affects each character in a different way and it makes the reader question "what would I have done?" I was mesmerized by this story, a true work of literary excellence. It is right up there with the best novels I have ever read. Poignant. Believable. Surprising. Tear-jerking. Smile making. Breathtaking. This book made me feel every emotion known to humanity. It quickly awakened my emotions and immediatlely pulled me in. Thank you, Ms. Redfearn for a great read. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well-written novel that illustrates multiple facets of human interaction and behavior. I will keep this one.