Book Review – In an Instant by Suzanne Redfearn

In an Instant
FIRST OFF!!! GO IN BLIND – not even the synopsis – if you’re okay with (and even LOVE) INTENSE, good or bad SURPRISES!!! Even skip over my review altogether and just go read it for an unforgettable story. 😉

This was my selection in this month’s “Amazon First” read that I jumped on due to the recommendations and all of those incredible reviews. The enthusiasm for it, cinched it for me and because of that, I didn’t even read the reviews (or the synopsis). I knew it was a “women’s romance/thriller” and that was good enough for me. I wanted to go in blind, and had no clue what I was in for, and was delighted!! AND!! I got to buddy-read it with my book twin!

Tasha J: Kindle Firsts are here! I actually got something other than a thriller and went with In an Instant. It sounds amazing and I’m really in the mood for it

Maryse: YAY!!!! YES!! That’s the one I got too. It sounds amazing and I’m in the mood to start it right now. 😀

Tasha J: In an Instant. I stayed up until 2:30am and got to 64%!! It’s definitely the kind of book you just don’t want to put down and I’m feel all kinds of emotions toward the characters.

Michele G: For those of you who picked In An Instant for your February First Pick…GREAT CHOICE! I read the ARC and 5 starred it! It’s kind of a melancholy story in places because it surrounds a tragedy, but it really speaks to human nature…the good and the bad. I thought it was pretty amazing! I hope you all enjoy it!!    

Mona: Ohmygosh Maryse! Thank you for recommending In an Instant! I read it today in one sitting. I could not put it down! I highly recommend tissues with this one! I’m looking forward to your review to see what you thought!

Vicki: I loved this book! Kept my interest the whole time and a very satisfying ending. Hope you enjoy it!

In fact, I had NO clue what to expect, so when the intensity ramped up in the first quarter as quickly as it did, making me gasp, and my jaw drop when I realized what was going on, I was screaming this one from the rooftops!!!! I LOVE when that happens.

Maryse: WHAT I’M CURRENTLY READING UPDATE!! Who wants to read a really awesome book (at least so far – I’m at 30%)? I just started it, read the blurb, was intrigued, received a few “MUST READ IT!!!” recommendations and I dunno what I was expecting but HOLY MOLY this was not it… and I’m HOOKED!!! It already made me gasp out loud and it’s SO much better than what I was anticipating (it’s not a thriller, it’s listed in women’s fiction & women’s romance – but it’s freaked me out!!).

I AM SO INTO THIS I had to force myself to go to sleep last night past 1am because I couldn’t stop reading and was on edge. It’s one of the February Kindle First options, so if you’re a Prime Member, jump on it!!!!

Erin: Picked this up this month! the sample had me hooked.

Donna: Thank you! Just got it on Prime! Love the cover 🤩.

Maryse: Just you wait, Donna!!!!

Donna: that’s what I like to hear!

Kim: Right! I couldn’t put it down!

Cézanne: Ohh I just ordered it. I have no idea what it’s about but the cover is striking.

Karen: Ooooohhh….it’s an Amazon First Reads so free on Prime! Looks intense and my interest is piqued.

And then I got worried. 😧

I worried once I realized what was going on… that I had already just screamed it from the rooftops too fast AND I know some of my fellow readers aren’t into certain twists. I worried that I’d have some mad at me. 😉

Nancy: I did finish IN AN INSTANT by Suzanne Redform. It was different & when *spoiler spoiler spoiler spoiler* I was not sure if I could finish. But having it told by her perspective was very unique. I was horrified when *spoiler spoiler spoiler*. *spoiler* & *spoiler* were heartbreaking characters. …it is one of those books that stays with you!

See what I mean? Might not finish? Horrified? Eeeeeeep!!! I totally get her (and felt that too – well the horrified part, anyway).

But thank goodness, now that I’ve finished and actually went back and read the blurb I realize it spells out a whole lot, right up front, so it’s no secret going in, what exactly, you’re heading into. I don’t feel so bad now. *snort* 😛 *phew*

But to me? It was so much better having NO clue. I was on the edge of my seat!!!!! The impact slapped me right in the face, and I loved experiencing it from start to finish that way. But if you’re curious (and like knowing what you’re in for more than I do), give that blurb a go. Though I recommend GO IN BLIND!!

So what’s it about? Gah! How can I tell you without telling you? Okay… I’m only saying this much.

It’s from a single POV… sort of. 😉 And it starts off with two families (two sets of parents, their teens, & their BFFs) that head out to their rustic cabin on a winter wonderland retreat, traveling there in a travel trailer of sorts. Everyone is excited and happy. Well… for the most part. People in close quarters and difficult circumstances show their true colors.

And we get to experience their trip, and their lives… via a wonderful, relatable heroine.

It is so well written, and I could see every detail as if it were a movie.

Now skip this next part if you still want to go in blind…ish. I don’t spoil the story per se, but I definitely analyze my experience of it and I don’t want you going in with preconceived notions.

The whole first half, kept me titillated and even shocked at times. The second half was good too, just… a little easier on me. My momentum (and devouring of this story) slowed somewhat at that point.

The circumstances change and while my heart remained engaged, my nerves had it a bit easier, though not completely out of the woods. It’s like the story changed… modes. From survival mode to surviving the aftermath (and real life) mode.

…like so many things you wish you could undo, it is simply too late—

The aftermath, and every single detail that would slowly come to realization for the people involved in this tragedy, and where things go from there.

Like soldiers who fought beside each other, once the war is over, they return to their separate lives, their only bond a tragic shared memory all would rather forget.

And that’s good and needed in a survival story like this. What is life going to be like… now?

Dread coils my stomach in a constant ache as I realize the worst is yet to come. Denial and regret, shameful gratefulness and guilt, grief and hopelessness…

Lots of personal growth here, but not enough of… something for me, in terms of resolution and certain reactions that didn’t quite hit the level I expected, in the grand scheme of things. I had to suspend belief for some reactions, and I still have questions.

All in all, a compelling story, and I loved that it branched out and not only kept us guessing, but had us analyzing and realizing that in certain situations, some people prove themselves wholeheartedly. In good and bad ways. Some that you thought were cold and emotionless, could actually become true heroes. And some that you thought were great… hmm… not so much.

Yet some just emotionally lost… may even be found again.

My whisper is simple and disguised as a breath. “Write it. Write the truth.”

4 STARS! Great read, but it went from a surefire 4.5 to 5 star for me, to 4 stars because of my momentum “slow down”. Into the second part of the story, I was able to put it down, when initially, I was devouring it. Still though. I’ll never forget this one, and come time for the best of 2020 list, this one might still make mine! 😀