Drawing Free [Kindle Edition]

Elena Aitken (Author)

Book Description

**NEW Edition contains BONUS content including a Reader's Discussion Guide**


“What would happen if I just kept driving?”

Moms aren’t supposed to have a life of their own, at least that’s what Becca Thompson believes. Between dealing with her youngest’s never ending tantrums, her teenager’s attitude and her ailing father’s rapidly failing memory, Becca doesn’t have time to worry about who she used to be.

Deep down, Becca knows she wants more than the daily chaos and the quick fixes her self-help books have to offer, but when her husband starts demanding more, the pressure proves to be too much. On the way to pick up her daughter, she makes the split second decision to take a different exit off the freeway and drives towards the mountains leaving her crumbling life in the rear-view mirror.

Fleeing to a remote mountain town, Becca knows she must rediscover her spirit, even if reconnecting with herself comes at the expense of everything she left behind.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...the story that unfolds is beautifully written, covering some delicate and difficult issues sensitively and with compassion..."

"I couldn't put it down."

...so honest in the way it portrays a mother's frustration with not only herself but the world around her. While this author could have taken the easy way out and given everyone a happy ever-after ending, she instead chose to be upfront and honest. This one of the most genuine heartfelt stories of motherhood imaginable." ~Bette Lee Crosby

From the Inside Flap

*Excerpt*

There was nothing quite as wonderful as starting the day with a hot cup of coffee. Especially when that cup of coffee was enjoyed in complete silence before the rest of the house woke up. I only had a vague recollection of such moments, since it'd been years since I'd actually enjoyed one. My latest book, The Right Foot: Setting yourself up for success, suggested setting the alarm a half hour early, to enjoy the quiet time, and with nothing to lose, I'd done just that.

Then I hit snooze. Twice.

By the time I dragged myself out of bed, there was only about five minutes left before I'd have to wake the girls for school. But I'd take what I could get.

I ran my hand along Jordan's bedroom door as I passed. For a split second I was tempted to open it and watch her sleeping. It was my favorite way to see her, at least since she'd become a teenager. But no, I had to start my day off right, and that meant a cup of coffee, even if it was rushed. At least it would be quiet.

A crash came in the direction of the kitchen. I froze. Panic pricked at the back of my neck. What if someone was in the house? Should I hide? No. Protect the girls. I glanced behind me to Kayla's room. The door was open. It only took me three steps to reach her room. Kayla's pink comforter was crumpled on the floor, her usual nest of stuffed animals, flung around the room.

"Kayla?" I hissed under my breath.

Another crash. Then, singing.

I sighed, the vision of my coffee dimming as I walked towards the high pitched rendition of Mary Had a Little Lamb. As soon as I rounded the corner into the kitchen and splashed straight into a puddle, that vision vanished completely.

My eyes took in the wreckage. The new jug of milk I'd just bought, lay, mostly empty on the floor blocking the fridge door. The high pitched beeping of the refrigerator door alarm filled my head. Again, I cursed Jon's insistence on purchasing top of the line appliances, the stupid things were always making noise. A mixture of corn flakes, fruit loops and my favorite granola covered the counters, and most of the floor, turning into a chunky sludge where it met the milk.

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Product Details

• File Size: 1233 KB
• Print Length: 320 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Ink Blot Communications; 1.5 edition (December 24, 2011)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B006PWS5W2
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #139,430 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars When a mother is lost January 8, 2012

By Steena Holmes

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

The author has a way that kept me engaged from the moment I started the book to when I ended it.

As a mother - I found myself relating to Becca. I think at one point or another every mother finds herself in Becca's shoes. As a mother with three girls - the thought of running away and not having to deal with things anymore is tempting. We all have those thoughts - even for a split second. This story - while a book of fiction - holds truth that will appeal to many. A mother losing herself in the daily life of her family. A woman lost, adrift... her journey was the heart of the story.

There were elements of truth in each story line. The key to remember is it is a work of fiction and not everyone's journey is the same.

As a former pastors wife - how Becca dealt with her own journey is one I've seen many times in a lot of women.

I enjoyed this story and have added this author on my favourite list.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great writing, tough questions, worthwhile! January 8, 2012

By Ironic Mom

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

DRAWING FREE is an engaging and evocative read. The writing is strong, the dialogue flows seamlessly, and Elena Aitken keeps the plot moving.

What I like most about this book, however, is that the author avoids plot cliches. The main character, Becca, is sympathetic and likeable, but she doesn't always make the "right" decisions. Characters who always make the right decisions are tiresome and predictable. We may not like all the decisions Becca makes, but this is fiction; furthermore, even in real life, we don't love all the decisions our friends (or even we, ourselves!) make. And it makes a book a lot more interesting.

I've read and loved all of the other books this author has written, and they are quite different in subject matter. I am SO GLAD she wrote "on the edges" of this one. She took risks and they worked. I recommend DRAWING FREE. It'll make you think.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars half way January 6, 2012

By K. Sullivan

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Wow! I'm only half way through this book and it's like I'm reading my life. My life in words! Shock, awe, and freedom knowing that maybe I'm not the only mom with this life (ok, so I have 4 kids). I must confess I've envisioned myself driving away and not coming back for a while, so again, speaks to me! First book I've read by this author and I look forward to reading more of her novels.

More About the Author

In no particular order, I am: a writer, a mother of twins, a swimmer, a wife, a volunteer, a runner, a friend, a triathlete, a daughter, a sister, a Brownie leader (recently retired), an auntie, a cyclist, employee and...

I'm trying to do it all and have it all because nobody said I couldn't. And even if they did, I probably wouldn't listen because I'm too busy.

I've been writing in one form or another since elementary school but although I always knew I wanted to be a writer when I grew up, instead I earned university degrees in Marketing and Psychology and writing got put on the back burner. After my twins were born I was buried in diaper changes, middle of the night feedings and mountains of laundry, so obviously it seemed like a logical time to start writing again. I guess it took me while to grow up.

I turned to non-fiction and became a regular contributor to local parenting magazines, published in four Chicken Soup for the Soul anthologies, and a compilation by Seal Press. It wasn't until 2005 that I tried my hand at writing fiction and wrote my first novel (at least since I was a kid). It's buried on my hard drive where it should be! And I just keep writing them. Nothing Stays In Vegas was the first novel that I've made available.

Besides my novels, you can read my work in:
Chicken Soup for the Brother and Sisters' Soul
Chicken Soup for the Runner's Soul
Chicken Soup for the Beach Lover's Soul
Chicken Soup: Christmas Magic
Chicken Soup: Hooked on Hockey
How to Put a Car Seat on a Camel