This was an amazing book: sad and enlightening.

The story is told from the character Finn's point of view ,, after her death.

On a family ski trip with 2 families the unthinkable happens in an instant that changes their lives forever.

A deer appears in the road ahead and Finn's father applies the brakes to avoid hitting it, thereby sending the van skidding across the road , hitting the guardrail and tumbling down the hillside.

When the vehicle comes to a stop, the occupants are in various stages of injury and Finn is dead..

Her mom takes off Finn's clothes and tells  Finn's friend Mo to put them on since she isn't dressed for the cold and snow.  This makes Karen (Finn's aunt)  angry because she feels her daughter Natalie should be the one to have the clothes,

Cell phones don't work and no one will be looking for them for awhile.

Lines are drawn between the families, which isn't a good thing.

Finn's sister and her boyfriend decide to hike for hep and her other later decides she too will go to look for help.

Finn's younger brother Oz is simple minded and his Uncle Bob persuades Oz to go looking for hi8s mother and tricks him into giving Bob his gloves in exchange for 2 packages of crackers.

Oz and his dog set out to find his mother, unfortunately Bob tells Finn the wrong direction his mother was going in.

Finn's mother is able to make it to the roadway and to call for help..  The occupants of the vehicle are rescued and those with injurie and those suffering from frostbite  are taken to the hospital.

Oz and his dog and Chloe and her boyfriend Vance are still out in the snow and aren't rescued as another storm sets in.  Chloe seeks shelter in the hollow of a tree..  Oz and his dog are in the tundra.

Finn's uncle tell the sheriff that Oz got it into his head to go after his mother , Bob knows this isn't true and he doesn't know that he told Oz to go in the wrong direction.
'
The sheriff has suspicions about Bob's story..

Bob is asked to speak to the reporters about their ordeal and to his daughter he appears to be in his element.

Chloe is found and her boyfriend are found but another storm sets in and the search for Oz and his dog is halted and can't continue for a few days. but the searchers are looking for them in the wrong direction.

Oz's dog returns to the camper and is found.   The search or Oz is unfortunately called off  and he is never found.

Chloe and Mo will lose  some fingers and toes due to frostbite, both  suffer from their physical injuries  as as well as their mental anguish ..

Mo visits the sheriff to gain an understanding /co oberation of how the aftermath events of the crash occurred.

The sheriff arrests Finn's uncle and charges him with the negligent homicide of Oz.

Eventually the two families try to heal  but their interactions are never the same

Such a profound book.

5 Stars! Gripping and emotional- a group of family and friends struggle to deal with the aftermath of a horrible accident that takes place on a ski trip. There is guilt, denial and life changing consequences - those involved are forever changed! 
I could not put this book down. I could almost feel the words & emotions as I read them... and it gave me a lump in my throat, a knot in my belly and brought me to tears more than a few times. Its a very thought provoking & powerful story, one that you can't help but wonder what you would do in the same situation? Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC, in exchange for my honest review.

In an Instant will capture you immediately and not let you go until long after you've turned the last page. Kudos to the author, Suzanne Redfearn for sharing this treasure of a read with us!

Unique, mesmerizing, heart-rending, emotionally charged, this book will bring home just how much so many peoples' lives can be permanently altered in just a blink of an eye. It will also have you question what you would do in a similar situation, and how much right do we have to judge another's decision when so many of our own are faulty.

I am purposely being vague so as not to ruin a wonderful read. I loved every minute of it, and was sorry to see it end! A 5 star read for me.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for allowing me to read a copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. All opinions stated here are my own.

I really liked this book, it was intriguing and thought provoking. I definitely recommend this book!

More Tragic if i stay. Probably the singular best way to describe this book is to take a fairly well known book/ movie that has a very similar overall narrative structure - if i stay - and point out that this is a survival tale that is even more tragic than that tale. Going into this blind, I thought from the prologue that something would happen to a particular character (and that this tale would thus become more similar to Catherine McKenzie's I'll Never Tell), but the expected tragedy strikes an unexpected character instead. The rest of the book is then a tale about the fight to survive the tragedy, both in the immediate physical fight to live and in the aftermath of dealing with the consequences of that fight. Overall a very powerful, very raw, look at human nature and just what happens in the face of true imminent peril. One made even more powerful by the afterword, where the author reveals a stunningly tragic episode from her real life. Very much recommended.

Stunning, thought-provoking, poignant. This story explores the aftermath of tragedy, and does so brilliantly.

Wow! That must be awful accident in the winter..I absolutely loved it!

They both lost two kids and others are survived due to their frostbite during the terrible accident after a long night...Finn was watching them everything from the heaven and, she’s trying to telling them everything that doing the right thing to do but especially uncle bob that he shouldn’t be doing that to Oz ( Finn’s brother)...Uncle Bob was a very bad idea about trading him with the gloves and he wouldn’t give it to him.

Ann had cheated on jack because she’s loves bob but, she rather be with Jack and realize that bob did that to Oz cause she found out..I don’t think that Ann and Karen aren’t getting along with theirs friendship cause of their accident...

Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy...

Stars: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 | 5

Synopsis

Finn, her family and close friends are off up into the mountains for a long weekend away. But it's not long before tragedy strikes.

In an accident, sixteen year old Finn dies in an instant.

Told from her point of view whilst she is stuck somewhere in between the here and now and her afterlife, we see how others act in a crisis and in grief.

What did I think?

I've never read anything from Suzanne Redfearn so I went in with no expectations. But instantly I was hooked.

I honestly don't want to say too much about this book because I don't want to ruin it for others, but it was told beautifully.

First up - it passed my two bug bears test. It had short chapters and a great ending. Yay!

Now onto the other stuff.

I'm often overwhelmed with lots of characters, which this book does have, but I found it quite easy to distinguish between them all and their personal stories. All of the characters had enough depth for you to feel like they were real people and through Redfearn's writing, I felt exactly how Finn would want me to feel about each of the people in her life. I loved Mo. I didn't trust Uncle Bob. I felt her Mother's pain.

The style of the writing in this book reminded me a lot of The Lovely Bones, however the plotline itself bears no resemblance. It's a unique story in its own right.

I really would urge others to read this. It's a great read and I felt so immersed in the story being told.

This was a really unique and heart-wrenching story, and the way in which it was narrated was so creative.

Life can change in an instant and that’s exactly what happened to Finn Miller’s family and best friend. After a tragic accident, Finn’s life ended abruptly and she was left stuck between worlds while those around her fought to survive. It was really interesting reading this story from Finn’s POV while she wasn’t physically there, and it also broke my heart for her to have to watch them suffer through it all and not be able to help them.

But this was also a story of redemption and much more is revealed about Finn’s family in the aftermath of the accident. The truth about what really happened during their time of survival slowly comes to light, bit by bit, and they could either let it divide them further or help them find peace as they attempt to get closure and move on.

Highly recommend!

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3165772352

Aptly named, how a accident in a snow storm can change so many lives.   Two families are driving in inclement weather to go on a skiing trip when their camper skids on snow and ice down a steep hill.   Finn, 16, the daughter dies and her father is severely injured.

Isolated, short of food and water, stress increases and decision are made from desperation.   The wife in fear for her husband’s life decides to try and get help. She travels with a young man they had picked up on their way.  Conditions are very severe, will they make it in time?
Meanwhile in the camper, the other family decide selfishly to look after themselves to the detriment of Finn’s mentally disturbed brother and a friend of Finns.

The book is narrated by Finn, who after her death looks and listens to everyone from “above”.
The aftermath of the accident changes all their lives dramatically.  Their true characters emerge and Finn becomes a ghost witness to their emotional lives,  wishes all the time that she could talk to them.

A well written book from a neat perspective, a good read.

I loved this book and I couldn't put it down till the last page was savored.   I have enjoyed several of Suzanne Redfearn's books and this one ranks at the top.  The book blurbs tell you that Finn dies in a car accident that involves her family and several friends.  She is stuck between heaven and earth because so many love her and she can't leave till they accept that she's gone.  The family dynamics both before and after the accident are well written and so life like.  They could easily live on the same block as you.  I don't give out many 5* ratings but this book just grabbed me.  I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I really enjoyed this story but do want to make it known, I also believe in angels. I wasn’t sure what to expect from this one, it does take a bit to get into the real story, but once it does, it was hard to put down. 
I’ve heard stories from friends and family that say they believe their loved ones “stayed around” for a bit until they felt all was taken care of and then moved on toward the light, so this one was completely believable to me. I can’t imagine having to go thru what this family had to endure during this terrifying accident. I came to care about Finn, Oz and especially Mo. If you enjoy a heartfelt tale of love and loss, this is one for you. 
I was allowed an ARC from Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for my honest unbiased review. This one gets 5 stars.

An unforgettable story of a 16 year old girl, Finn, who loses her life in a car accident. Unable to move on, she watches as her family copes with the immense tragedy as they fight for survival after the car tumbles over the side of a mountain. 

In an Instant tore me to pieces. It serves a huge reminder that tomorrow is never promised. The writing was beautiful and you can really feel the emotion behind every word. Truly heartbreaking and thought-provoking, In An Instant explores grief, blame, and loyalty as a family tries to pick up the pieces.

This was my first book by this author and this story was heartbreaking and amazing! I will differently look up more of her books.. highly highly recommend

I enjoyed this book. It was a quick read and moved at a quick pace. Overall the writing was great and the characters were well developed. 3/5 for me.

Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC!
Finn is your typical, average teenager. She sometimes gets along with her parents, has a wonderful best friend and is trying to figure out how to ask the cute boy in cowboy boots to the dance. On a family trip to their cabin, everything in Finn’s life comes to an end. After a tragic car crash, Finn now watches down on her family as they try to escape the side of a mountain in a blizzard. The moments after the crash set the foundation for what is about to come. Choices are made, people are chosen, and mistakes are made. Friendships are severed and people’s true character is shown. When Finn’s family tries to go back to normal life, nothing is the same for them again. 


This story was very heartbreaking and tragic, yet not so much that you’re crying till the end. Finn does die, and it’s horrible and sad, but it’s also the main point of the story. It is so interesting how the story then turns and everything is based on what Finn is watching from her afterlife. She watches how her family and friends tear apart and rebuild. You get into her frustration at their actions and her heartache at their pain. It was a new type of story I haven’t read before and I liked how different it was. It’s also very smooth and easy to read, there are no skipping in events and narratives that sometime get confusing. I will say the majority of the action does end right in the middle of the book and the second half can get a little bit boring. Some more turns in the plot would have really brought this book home, but it was still enjoyable nonetheless. 

Rate: 3.5/5
Fiction
Author: Suzanne Redfearn

I love it when the ARCs I choose end up on my favorites of the year list. It doesn’t matter how many of them might not be the best, and how many I might DNF during the year, because there are always a couple that will stand out in the best way possible.

After reading «In an Instant», I will read anything Suzanne Redfearn publishes in the future. Atmospheric and utterly heartbreaking, the story of the Millers family made me cry a dozen times, the tears of sadness and joy.

«In an Instant» wasn’t my first book about a car accident or about survival. But it was definitely the most memorable one. Only because Suzanne Redfearn created the most heartbreaking story, where in just over 300 pages she managed to unfurl a large cast of characters showing everyone’s weaknesses and strengths.

No one can read this book and stay indifferent. I’m 100% certain that even people who rarely cry when reading a book will tear up at some point while reading «In an Instant». Emotionally intense, this was a story about family, love and what people are capable of in the most extreme situations.

Even those this is not a thriller or mystery, it’s better to go into this book without knowing too much about the plot. This way you won’t see those emotional punches coming your way!

The way Suzanne Redfearn decided to tell this story was told was a very ingenious writing choice. I can’t say too much about it, but it was a creative way of showing everyone who was involved in the accident and also allowed for a more emotional approach.

Another highlight of this book, besides all of the feelings, was the atmosphere. The accident and survival felt very dark, and I could almost feel everything the characters were going through. Suzanne Redfearn did an amazing job describing the setting, and also getting to the bottom of human emotions. She dug very deep to find all of their fears, regrets, and desires.

P.S. Don’t forget to read the author’s note at the end of the book!

I cannot stop thinking about this book! It really makes you think about how you would behave in a life or death situation. What choices would you make? What would you do to survive? I really liked that the author told the story from Finn's perspective - so the reader "sees" everything that happens in the aftermath of the accident as Finn watches over her family and friends. I think the characters were well done and made me, as a reader, feel exactly how the author wanted to me feel about them (I was NOT a fan of Uncle Bob...). Finn was, by far, my favorite character, though. Even in death, she tries to help those who are struggling the most after the accident - sending encouragement and offering words or warning. This would be an excellent book club pick as I think it could inspire a lot of good discussion.

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for providing a copy for review.

I just read this book straight through. In about 4 or so hours. The first half of the book had me on edge. Wondering what would happen, who would survive, and anger for the way Oz was treated. 
Then the last half of the book I was following Finns family with her as she visits them. It was wild to see it in that perspective. 
Nonstop reading. It’s been a while since I’ve done that.

In an Instant by Suzanne Redfearn is a full length standalone romance novel that had me in twists and knots.
In an Instant is told in a single pov, Finn, a young girl tells a gripping heart-wrenching story about family, love and loss, that had me in tears more than one time. I literally just finished the book and I'm sitting here and can't get the book out of my head. The characters and the storyline stubbornly stay with me. I will not spoiler here, only so much, what a ride!
In an Instant is an beautifully thought out, beautifully told and excellent written story. I read the book, cover to cover in one sitting, I couldn't put it down, I simply couldn't and who needs sleep anyway.
It's a tragic story, a tearjerking, nailbiting pageturner. S. Redfearn is a new to me author and I'm more than happy I gave her book a try - I was in for a big surprise. This won't be my last read by her.
I recommend In an Instant and give 5 Stars.