Moment in Time

First let me say I liked this book.  It may not sound like it in a minute, but I really did. Did I want to shake a few characters and rattle some sense into their heads? I wish.  Did I find much of the story preposterous? Geez, yes.  Did I want to keep reading it despite these things? Absolutely!

I’ve read a lot of books full of bad decisions made by the main characters, but this one may take the cake. Whether it be the worst decisions or the worst luck ever, these characters are put through the ringer before things end on a relatively positive note.

If you’ve read Suzanne Redfearn’s book In an Instant, you’ll be familiar with the main characters Mo Kaminski and Chloe Miller, who are eight years out from the accident that resulted in tragic losses for both of them.

Living with their friend, Hazel, they’re each in various stages. Mo is making a name for herself with her reporting site, FactNews, and is still in a relationship with Kyle, who was also in the accident eight year prior. Hazel is a highly intelligent, quirky and successful geopolitical analyst who’s never had a romantic relationship. Chloe’s a struggling veterinarian who’s been dumped and left broke by her long-time boyfriend, Eric, who emptied their bank account.

What begins with Chloe bringing home an injured stray dog, and Mo taking Hazel to a bar, turns into the hottest mess ever when one of them is sexually assaulted and the other two try to right the wrongs. One thing after another happens casting the appearance of guilt on one of them when the perpetrator of the rape is found beaten and in a coma. Solving the mystery of what happened before one of them has to pay for the crime is the crux of the story.

Along the way, friendships and relationships are tested, new ones are formed, and a lovable dog named Ruby steals the show. Seriously. She may be the smartest character in the book. It’s a well-told story, if you can be patient with the MCs’ choices.  They may have made many collosally dumb ones, but they were still likable and I was rooting for them!

Redfearn’s goal was to draw attention to drug-induced rape and the legal and personal ramifications of it.  Though the story requires a LOT of suspension of disbelief, she succeeded.  A moment in time is all it takes for life to change, and this book is a solid reminder.

★★★ ½ (rounded to 3)

Thanks to Lake Union Publishing, NetGalley and author Suzanne Redfearn for this digital ARC to honestly review.  It’s now available.