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lizzyslibrary_31's review against another edition
4.0
Such a good follow up to In an Instant!! Suzanne Redfearn has become one of my favorites!
laelyn's review against another edition
1.0
Whew. This was... kind of a mess?
I haven't read any of Redfearn's previous books. I requested this arc purely on the basis of what the blurb told me it was about. I honestly think... this book was just not written for me.
Its characters are, as the author notes herself later on, all characters of previous books. Their past, which I can assume is being told in those books, is being talked about here as well but in a way that made me feel like I was reading a sequel and was supposed to know about all of this already. It actually made me google if this was a sequel. As such, the protagonists come off as rather shallow and underdeveloped, because I assume most of their character development happened in previous books. I didn't care for any of them, which is a bad thing in a book that relies heavily on the emotions it evokes in the reader. BUT, and here is the big but, I do think that readers who enjoyed Redfearn's previous novels and know these characters will enjoy this one, too.
I was also disappointed in how the sexual assault of one of the characters was handled. It all felt so... superficial, almost carelessly put together at times. There was basically no exploration of the survivor's feelings, and not much time was spent on how the other girls, her friends, felt about it either. The book focused more on a romance I didn't care about and a criminal investigation into one of the girls who was about to be charged with attacking the perpetrator of the aforemention assault. The trauma this girl went through felt like a gimmick, the rapist was more focused on than the girl who survived his assault. The twists were not based in the story itself, and one especially made absolutely no sense with what we've been told before, so I honestly was in a constant state of "what does this book actually want to tell me???". It's definitely not a book that deals with the aftermath of sexual assault. I could not tell you what this story is actually about. It's a mess, there's no nuance to anything, everything is superficial and the blurb is entirely misleading.
There's also some really weird messaging at the ending of the book that had some red flags for me. Basically, it mentioned cancel culture in regards to men being accused of sexual assault on social media that read to me like the author actively criticising people for using social media to call out their attackers, because do we even know how many men are wrongly accused and have to suffer the consequences? It feels like the old "evil women coming for innocent men for their own gain" argument that felt out of place in this novel, and any novel about sexual assault actually, and I honestly cannot fathom why this was in here.
The writing is okay, but neither very engaging nor very complex. It's a quick read and the subject matter itself is something worth exploring, but that's really all the positives. As someone who, as I've said, hasn't read any of Redfearn's bibliography, I might just not be the reader this book was aiming for, and hey, that's okay.
I haven't read any of Redfearn's previous books. I requested this arc purely on the basis of what the blurb told me it was about. I honestly think... this book was just not written for me.
Its characters are, as the author notes herself later on, all characters of previous books. Their past, which I can assume is being told in those books, is being talked about here as well but in a way that made me feel like I was reading a sequel and was supposed to know about all of this already. It actually made me google if this was a sequel. As such, the protagonists come off as rather shallow and underdeveloped, because I assume most of their character development happened in previous books. I didn't care for any of them, which is a bad thing in a book that relies heavily on the emotions it evokes in the reader. BUT, and here is the big but, I do think that readers who enjoyed Redfearn's previous novels and know these characters will enjoy this one, too.
I was also disappointed in how the sexual assault of one of the characters was handled. It all felt so... superficial, almost carelessly put together at times. There was basically no exploration of the survivor's feelings, and not much time was spent on how the other girls, her friends, felt about it either. The book focused more on a romance I didn't care about and a criminal investigation into one of the girls who was about to be charged with attacking the perpetrator of the aforemention assault. The trauma this girl went through felt like a gimmick, the rapist was more focused on than the girl who survived his assault. The twists were not based in the story itself, and one especially made absolutely no sense with what we've been told before, so I honestly was in a constant state of "what does this book actually want to tell me???". It's definitely not a book that deals with the aftermath of sexual assault. I could not tell you what this story is actually about. It's a mess, there's no nuance to anything, everything is superficial and the blurb is entirely misleading.
There's also some really weird messaging at the ending of the book that had some red flags for me. Basically, it mentioned cancel culture in regards to men being accused of sexual assault on social media that read to me like the author actively criticising people for using social media to call out their attackers, because do we even know how many men are wrongly accused and have to suffer the consequences? It feels like the old "evil women coming for innocent men for their own gain" argument that felt out of place in this novel, and any novel about sexual assault actually, and I honestly cannot fathom why this was in here.
The writing is okay, but neither very engaging nor very complex. It's a quick read and the subject matter itself is something worth exploring, but that's really all the positives. As someone who, as I've said, hasn't read any of Redfearn's bibliography, I might just not be the reader this book was aiming for, and hey, that's okay.
steel_city_peach's review
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Pay Attention
I was excited about this book because I loved In An Instant. I was glad to get an update on the characters and the aftermath of their tragic accident. At first, I couldn’t see where this book was going. It seemed like it was going to be sweet and sappy. It quickly turned into something much deeper. The trauma that the women endured was so heavy. It was beginning to look like Mo was going to be destroyed. Some form of justice was eventually served. I enjoyed how things were all tied up by the end. I loved that this story visited the Chelan Native American tribe that was featured in Redfearn’s book, Hush Little Baby. This book turned out to be so much more engrossing than I expected.
louiseturner's review against another edition
3.0
The author refers to the characters/plot from In An Instant throughout the book. I read it nearly 3 years ago and couldn’t remember them clearly. If you haven’t read that one, you’ll definitely want to do so before reading this one.
rmarcin's review
4.0
3.5 rounded to 4.
It has been 8 years since Chloe and Mo's lives were changed forever by an accident. (Book - In An Instant). Now, Chloe is a vet, struggling to make ends meet. Mo is heading a media company, and in love with Kyle. Their friend Hazel is available to go with Mo to celebrate her story and interview with Jake Tapper. However, when Mo takes a call and returns to the bar, she finds that Hazel is gone. Later, they find Hazel, drugged and raped by Allen, and Mo is furious when she finds out this is the latest in a pattern. Hazel refuses to testify, and disappears. Mo and Chloe set off to find Hazel and keep her from danger. But, Mo's outrage threatens to catch up with her when Allen is found beaten. Mo is the suspect. Now how does she prove her innocence? Is she in danger?
I enjoyed re-visiting the characters, and cared about the outcome. I like this author's stories.
It has been 8 years since Chloe and Mo's lives were changed forever by an accident. (Book - In An Instant). Now, Chloe is a vet, struggling to make ends meet. Mo is heading a media company, and in love with Kyle. Their friend Hazel is available to go with Mo to celebrate her story and interview with Jake Tapper. However, when Mo takes a call and returns to the bar, she finds that Hazel is gone. Later, they find Hazel, drugged and raped by Allen, and Mo is furious when she finds out this is the latest in a pattern. Hazel refuses to testify, and disappears. Mo and Chloe set off to find Hazel and keep her from danger. But, Mo's outrage threatens to catch up with her when Allen is found beaten. Mo is the suspect. Now how does she prove her innocence? Is she in danger?
I enjoyed re-visiting the characters, and cared about the outcome. I like this author's stories.
judithdcollins's review
4.0
Suzanne Redfearn fans will enjoy catching up with familiar characters from previous books in her latest powerful and emotionally charged novel, MOMENT IN TIME.
If you read [b:In an Instant|51037979|In an Instant|Suzanne Redfearn|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1562407147l/51037979._SX50_SY75_.jpg|68794775] you will enjoy catching up with Mo and Chloe —Kyle, Eric, and Chloe's Mom, Ann, as well as characters from her previous novels, Hunter and Fitz from [b:Hadley & Grace|51043761|Hadley & Grace|Suzanne Redfearn|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1588123984l/51043761._SY75_.jpg|75872375] and Paul and Hawk from [b:Hush Little Baby|17333460|Hush Little Baby|Suzanne Redfearn|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1369824200l/17333460._SY75_.jpg|24064788].
The author deals with the crimes of sexual assault with raw honesty and sensitivity, to emotional healing, revenge, rage, shame, depression, secrets, and guilt.
How far would you go to protect someone you love?
As the author portrays, we recall the accident eight years ago, which has a ripple effect on Mo and Chloe's lives. Does time heal most wounds, and do grief and regret grow lighter with time?
From innocent victims, date rape, GHB, mind-numbing amnesia, and drugs to a quest for justice for women. Some of these guys are serial predators disguised in sheep's clothing, and the scary part, most of the time the women know their predators.
I appreciated the Author's Note and her inspiration for the novel giving a voice to all women and teens out there and the devastating traumas that can develop from these injustices. The ending is heartwarming as the broken characters climb out of the wreckage.
Before reading this one as a standalone, I would recommend the previous books mentioned. MOMENT IN TIME is a gripping and heartrending coming-of-age story and the strong bonds of friendship.
A special thank you to the author, Lake Union, and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy.
Blog Post Review @ www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating:
If you read [b:In an Instant|51037979|In an Instant|Suzanne Redfearn|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1562407147l/51037979._SX50_SY75_.jpg|68794775] you will enjoy catching up with Mo and Chloe —Kyle, Eric, and Chloe's Mom, Ann, as well as characters from her previous novels, Hunter and Fitz from [b:Hadley & Grace|51043761|Hadley & Grace|Suzanne Redfearn|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1588123984l/51043761._SY75_.jpg|75872375] and Paul and Hawk from [b:Hush Little Baby|17333460|Hush Little Baby|Suzanne Redfearn|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1369824200l/17333460._SY75_.jpg|24064788].
The author deals with the crimes of sexual assault with raw honesty and sensitivity, to emotional healing, revenge, rage, shame, depression, secrets, and guilt.
How far would you go to protect someone you love?
As the author portrays, we recall the accident eight years ago, which has a ripple effect on Mo and Chloe's lives. Does time heal most wounds, and do grief and regret grow lighter with time?
From innocent victims, date rape, GHB, mind-numbing amnesia, and drugs to a quest for justice for women. Some of these guys are serial predators disguised in sheep's clothing, and the scary part, most of the time the women know their predators.
I appreciated the Author's Note and her inspiration for the novel giving a voice to all women and teens out there and the devastating traumas that can develop from these injustices. The ending is heartwarming as the broken characters climb out of the wreckage.
Before reading this one as a standalone, I would recommend the previous books mentioned. MOMENT IN TIME is a gripping and heartrending coming-of-age story and the strong bonds of friendship.
A special thank you to the author, Lake Union, and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy.
Blog Post Review @ www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating:
kdurham2's review
3.0
Check out the full review at Kritters Ramblings
Three friends and roommates have been living and loving San Francisco when one night two of the three go out to celebrate a work accomplishment, the one night will change their lives forever. Mo and Hazel meet up with some of Mo's friends and Hazel is sexually assaulted and Mo and Chloe vow to avenge what happened to her.
A hard book to read as a serial rapist has gotten away with this so many times due to a "lack of evidence" and to watch these two friends try to find the best solution to help Hazel, but also to find justice. This book took so many twists and turns and I think I even gasped at one moment! A story of women friendship, a little mystery and revenge all wrapped up in one cover and ended up being an extremely wild ride.
Three friends and roommates have been living and loving San Francisco when one night two of the three go out to celebrate a work accomplishment, the one night will change their lives forever. Mo and Hazel meet up with some of Mo's friends and Hazel is sexually assaulted and Mo and Chloe vow to avenge what happened to her.
A hard book to read as a serial rapist has gotten away with this so many times due to a "lack of evidence" and to watch these two friends try to find the best solution to help Hazel, but also to find justice. This book took so many twists and turns and I think I even gasped at one moment! A story of women friendship, a little mystery and revenge all wrapped up in one cover and ended up being an extremely wild ride.
thenovelgnome's review
3.0
I read “In an Instant” by Suzanne Redfearn and was really excited to learn “Moment in Time” included some of the same characters. I loved “In an Instant” and I really wanted to love this book just as much but unfortunately I didn’t.
From the beginning, I did not feel the characters were well developed and I had a difficult time making connections with them. Even with all of the the mentioning of previous characters and the accident from “In an Instant” did not add to the development of this story. I am a reader who wants to be invested and without a strong connection to at least one of the characters- I can’t be.
There were several parts of the book that were not believable and possibly not legally correct. By the end of the book there were still a couple of unresolved issues and unanswered questions.
I did appreciate the discussion questions at the end of the book and the note from the author sharing background information for her writing about some of the topics.
Even though this was not one of my favorites, I am still glad I read it and I am still a fan of Suzanne Redfearn based on my previous reading experience with her work. This book might be for you if you enjoy reading Young Adult Fiction or Mystery Thrillers.
I would like to thank Netgalley for providing a copy of this book for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
From the beginning, I did not feel the characters were well developed and I had a difficult time making connections with them. Even with all of the the mentioning of previous characters and the accident from “In an Instant” did not add to the development of this story. I am a reader who wants to be invested and without a strong connection to at least one of the characters- I can’t be.
There were several parts of the book that were not believable and possibly not legally correct. By the end of the book there were still a couple of unresolved issues and unanswered questions.
I did appreciate the discussion questions at the end of the book and the note from the author sharing background information for her writing about some of the topics.
Even though this was not one of my favorites, I am still glad I read it and I am still a fan of Suzanne Redfearn based on my previous reading experience with her work. This book might be for you if you enjoy reading Young Adult Fiction or Mystery Thrillers.
I would like to thank Netgalley for providing a copy of this book for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
thenovelgnome's review against another edition
3.0
I read “In an Instant” by Suzanne Redfearn and was really excited to learn “Moment in Time” included some of the same characters. I loved “In an Instant” and I really wanted to love this book just as much but unfortunately I didn’t.
From the beginning, I did not feel the characters were well developed and I had a difficult time making connections with them. Even with all of the the mentioning of previous characters and the accident from “In an Instant” did not add to the development of this story. I am a reader who wants to be invested and without a strong connection to at least one of the characters- I can’t be.
There were several parts of the book that were not believable and possibly not legally correct. By the end of the book there were still a couple of unresolved issues and unanswered questions.
I did appreciate the discussion questions at the end of the book and the note from the author sharing background information for her writing about some of the topics.
Even though this was not one of my favorites, I am still glad I read it and I am still a fan of Suzanne Redfearn based on my previous reading experience with her work. This book might be for you if you enjoy reading Young Adult Fiction or Mystery Thrillers.
I would like to thank NetGalley for providing a copy of this book for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
From the beginning, I did not feel the characters were well developed and I had a difficult time making connections with them. Even with all of the the mentioning of previous characters and the accident from “In an Instant” did not add to the development of this story. I am a reader who wants to be invested and without a strong connection to at least one of the characters- I can’t be.
There were several parts of the book that were not believable and possibly not legally correct. By the end of the book there were still a couple of unresolved issues and unanswered questions.
I did appreciate the discussion questions at the end of the book and the note from the author sharing background information for her writing about some of the topics.
Even though this was not one of my favorites, I am still glad I read it and I am still a fan of Suzanne Redfearn based on my previous reading experience with her work. This book might be for you if you enjoy reading Young Adult Fiction or Mystery Thrillers.
I would like to thank NetGalley for providing a copy of this book for an honest review. All opinions are my own.