MOMENT IN TIME by Suzanne Redfearn

 

From the bestselling author of In an Instant comes a heartrending story about the power of friendship during the most challenging moments in life.

It’s been eight years since a tragic accident changed Mo Kaminski’s and Chloe Miller’s lives forever. Now in their midtwenties, they’re sharing an apartment in San Francisco and navigating the normal challenges of early adulthood. Along with their roommate, Hazel, they are making their marks on the world—Mo revolutionizing the news with her media start-up, Hazel using her big brain to anticipate the future, and Chloe rescuing abandoned strays in the city.

But when Hazel disappears after being sexually assaulted, Mo’s and Chloe’s lives are again suddenly ripped apart. And when the perpetrator turns up drugged and beaten, the mystery of where Hazel is deepens. Intensely worried and desperate to discover the truth, they set out to find Hazel and bring her home.

Mo and Chloe are no strangers to tragedy, but this journey will test them in ways they never imagined. The stakes are high; the future uncertain; the need for justice essential.

Will their commitment to their friend bring them closer together—or ultimately drive them apart?

MY THOUGHTS 

This is my third book by this author. She writes books that pull at your heartstrings and make you stop and think. If you read, IN AN INSTANT, you may remember two of the main characters in this book. Mo and Chloe. Best friends who survived a tragedy years earlier. 

Three young women's lives will never be the same after one night in which two are celebrating. Mo has done something that is pretty awesome and wants to celebrate. Chloe can't so Hazel goes. Hazel's life is changed forever. She's introduced to a man who hurts her in the worse way. Then of course Mo thinks it's her fault. 

This book deals in date rape and HGB, date rape drug. It's not explicit but you know what happened and what is possibly going on. When the man is hospitalized one of the three is blamed and the story takes off. It's a fight to the end as to who did what and why. Hazel has reason. Mo is blamed. Chloe is only trying to help. Each has their own baggage and secrets. Each loves the others with all they have. Neither would ever consider ratting out the others. Strap in for a ride you won't soon forget. 

This book gets pretty intense in places but again not explicit. The mystery of who did it and the mystery of why someone accuses another will have you wondering. The love between one and her sweetheart is so sweet. Another finds love after being done so dirty. There is even a dog in this one that you will fall in love with. Her name is Ruby. Ruby is a hero in many ways but one particular way will have you holding your breath.

This is such a good and very touching story. A tough one but well written. At the end you will want to read the Author's Note. It is not to be missed. Date rape is real. This part was hard. It hit me in the heart and soul. It's a shame that it still happens and more than ever it seems. There has to be something that can be done. Stop blaming the victims for one thing. Pass laws for another. Do something to help victims emotionally at no charge and no shame. Just do it!

Thank you #NetGalley, #SuzanneRedfearn, #LakeUnionPublishing for this ARC. This is my own true thoughts about this book.

5/5 stars and a must read. A touching one too. Be prepared. Have tissues.