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In an Instant Kindle Edition

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 72,093 ratings

An Amazon Charts bestseller.

A deeply moving story of carrying on even when it seems impossible.

Life is over in an instant for sixteen-year-old Finn Miller when a devastating car accident tumbles her and ten others over the side of a mountain. Suspended between worlds, she watches helplessly as those she loves struggle to survive.

Impossible choices are made, decisions that leave the survivors tormented with grief and regret. Unable to let go, Finn keeps vigil as they struggle to reclaim their shattered lives. Jack, her father, who seeks vengeance against the one person he can blame other than himself; her best friend, Mo, who bravely searches for the truth as the story of their survival is rewritten; her sister Chloe, who knows Finn lingers and yearns to join her; and her mother, Ann, who saved them all but is haunted by her decisions. Finn needs to move on, but how can she with her family still in pieces?

Heartrending yet ultimately redemptive, In an Instant is a story about the power of love, the meaning of family, and carrying on…even when it seems impossible.

Popular Highlights in this book

Editorial Reviews

Review

A 2020 Goodreads Choice Awards Semifinalist: Best Fiction

“The characters are sensitively portrayed, as is their recovery, and the hopeful ending is realistic. Readers of domestic dramas will be enthralled.” Booklist

“Suzanne Redfearn’s In an Instant (2019) is a remarkable book, which manages to be fast-paced and easily accessible to the casual reader, yet deeply satisfying and perceptive, providing insight into the nature of grief and loss…” The Albuquerque Journal

“Suzanne Redfearn’s latest is a wonder. A thoughtful exploration of life, death, and the world in between, In an Instant is a powerful and poignant read.” —Mary Kubica, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author

In an Instant begins as an action-packed tale of survival that is positively addictive; then it digs deep into an emotional and thought-provoking exploration of our humanity and what it means to make difficult moral choices in the most harrowing of circumstances. Redfearn tackles it all brilliantly and compassionately in this mesmerizing and wondrous novel. It’s a triumph on every level, and I absolutely loved it.” USA Today bestselling author Julianne MacLean

“When a sudden car accident shatters a family, they’re left to pick up the pieces while trying to solve the mystery of just what happened that night. Redfearn deftly pivots from character to character in this multiple-points-of-view narrative, unraveling the past and weaving together a new future for the family. In an Instant is sure to please fans of The Lovely Bones and Big Little Lies.” —Catherine McKenzie, bestselling author of The Good Liar and Hidden

“Suzanne Redfearn’s In an Instant is part ghost story, part love letter to a family in crisis after a devastating accident in the midst of a brutal snowstorm. This cleverly crafted novel chronicles a heartbreaking journey from grief and despair to one of acceptance, forgiveness, and ultimately hope. Through Redfearn’s luminous prose, In an Instant succeeds in building an unforgettable portrait of human frailty and strength in the face of unfathomable loss.” —Heather Gudenkauf, New York Times bestselling author of The Weight of Silence and Before She Was Found

In an Instant is a triumph! When tragedy strikes, two families are thrown into chaos as the lines of morality are blurred. Redfearn handles a family’s shock and grief with the perfect balance of empathy and hope and will have you contemplating what really lies underneath the shiny veneer of those closest to you. Make In an Instant your first read of 2020.” —Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke, bestselling authors of Girls’ Night Out

“Breathtaking, compelling, heart stopping, and original. An utter page turner—I couldn’t put the book down. I highly recommend this unforgettable story. Kudos to Suzanne Redfearn.” —Jane Porter, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author

“Told in gripping prose, In an Instant is both an addictive, suspenseful read and a thoughtful exploration of what each of us would do in a time of intense trauma. Redfearn’s characters are so real and the plot so mesmerizing I couldn’t think about anything else. A must for book clubs!” —Anita Hughes, author of Rome in Love and Christmas in Vermont

“Suzanne Redfearn’s latest, In an Instant, is a captivating, heartbreaking, but ultimately uplifting novel about a family’s devastating tragedy and its aftermath. Reminiscent of The Lovely Bones, the story is told by sixteen-year-old Finn, who struggles to find closure for herself while watching her loved ones do the same. Redfearn deftly explores those split-second decisions that can alter our destinies and the guilt we hold on to, despite our need to let go. In an Instant reminds us what it is to be human—vulnerable, fallible, and also resilient and triumphant when we face our challenges with unity and love.” —Janis Thomas, bestselling author of What Remains True and All That’s Left of Me

“In the wake of a tragic car accident, the survivors are forced to make unimaginable choices in desperation to survive, spiraling into a heart-wrenching journey to live with those same choices afterward, forever haunting the ones they love and perceptions of self. Told through the perspective of a teenage girl whose life is cut short—her desperation to be alive and connected to her family is a reminder of how fragile the things we take for granted truly are. Suzanne Redfearn’s In an Instant will make you thankful for every breath you take.” —Kristin Fields, author of A Lily in the Light

From the Publisher

Perfect for fans of The Lovely Bones, this poignant story of loss, survival, forgiveness, and redemption has all the feels, and then some. But the strongest feeling of all is hope.

After a tragic accident sends a van of eleven people over the side of a cliff in a snowstorm, sixteen-year-old Finn’s too-short life ends abruptly. Lingering between this world and the next, she watches as her family and friends struggle to survive, and following the rescue, how they then struggle to live with decisions they made in a life-or-death situation.

Redfearn’s beautifully authentic character development completely won me over. Finn is bursting with life and energy and infectious faith. She wants so badly for her family and friends to be OK, and for her memory to be a happy one—and as a reader, I needed those things desperately as well. I turned each page with my heart in my throat, finding myself cycling through intense feelings of grief, then anger, then joy, then sadness, and finally hope.

Hope that the world is in fact a good place, and that even though people make bad choices, ultimately most of us are good too. Hope that there is forgiveness and connection to be found if only we are willing to seek them. Hope that even though life (and this story) aren’t tied up neatly with a pretty bow, closure and peace and second chances are possible.

- Alicia Clancy, Editor

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07NVD1276
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Lake Union Publishing (March 1, 2020)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 1, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4720 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 333 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 1542006589
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 72,093 ratings

About the author

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Suzanne Redfearn
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Suzanne Redfearn is the award-winning and bestselling author of six novels. Her newest novel, "Where Butterflies Wander" is about an unexpected journey of healing after a horrible family tragedy.

"In an Instant" published in 2020 was an Amazon #1 bestseller as well as a Goodreads Choice Awards Finalist. It was named Best New Fiction from Best Book Awards and has been translated into twenty-four different languages.

Her work has also been recognized by RT Reviews, Target Recommends, Publisher’s Marketplace, and Kirkus Reviews.

A former architect, Suzanne lives in Laguna Beach, California, where she and her husband own two restaurants: Lumberyard and Slice Pizza & Beer.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
72,093 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the book mesmerizing, excellent, and sweet. They also say the story is thought-provoking, poignant, and makes them look at life differently. Readers praise the writing quality as well-written, vivid, and deep. They describe the storytelling as compelling, engaging, and entertaining. They find the characters engaging, real, and likable. Customers describe the story as heartbreaking and hopeful. They mention the pacing is pitch-perfect.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

2,468 customers mention "Readability"2,440 positive28 negative

Customers find the book good, stunning, and memorable. They describe it as a perfect reading experience and powerful. Readers also mention the story beautifully tells the struggle of the human spirit.

"This book was very touching for me. Good story and interesting how each reacts to the tragedy...." Read more

"...with an awkward narrative initially, this is still definitely worth a read if you’re in the mood for a character study type novel as the most..." Read more

"...Must read!The audio reader was also really, really really excellent. I listened to most of this while driving to and from a road trip." Read more

"...of the perspective of the character who tells the story, the book is very visual and would make a compelling movie but only if the depth of purpose..." Read more

2,423 customers mention "Thought provoking"2,351 positive72 negative

Customers find the story thought-provoking, poignant, and moving. They say it makes them look at life differently. Readers appreciate the depth of realistic emotion and scarcity of sentimentality. They describe the story as interesting and shocking.

"Unusual perspective that leaves you soul searching. Far more thought-provoking than I anticipated...." Read more

"This book was very touching for me. Good story and interesting how each reacts to the tragedy...." Read more

"...There are so many characters in this book and the author does an amazing job at going into detail of how each character is feeling emotionally and..." Read more

"Wow! Poignant, amazing writing, heart wrenching and interesting all at once. Must read!..." Read more

1,068 customers mention "Writing quality"985 positive83 negative

Customers find the writing quality of the book well-written, heartbreaking, and easy to read. They appreciate the vivid descriptions and the raw intensity. Readers also say the book is complex, well-paced, and engaging throughout.

"...few chapters seem slow, but they set the stage for an enjoyable, deep read." Read more

"Wow! Poignant, amazing writing, heart wrenching and interesting all at once. Must read!..." Read more

"...of realistic emotion and scarcity of sentimentality; the overall quality of the writing; and the believable portrayals of people coping with grief,..." Read more

"...journey..it's fun then hard, real n Heart retching.. It was well written n told well." Read more

961 customers mention "Storytelling"920 positive41 negative

Customers find the storytelling compelling, mesmerizing, and engaging throughout. They say the author does a great job entering the minds of the characters. Readers also mention the book is refreshing and would make a compelling movie.

"...The first few chapters seem slow, but they set the stage for an enjoyable, deep read." Read more

"...So this story brought back some sad memories but I also found it interesting and true to life of how each person dealt with the death...." Read more

"...character who tells the story, the book is very visual and would make a compelling movie but only if the depth of purpose is maintained and it’s not..." Read more

"...It really hooked me from the start and I didn’t want to put it down except I wanted to know how it would end." Read more

769 customers mention "Character development"747 positive22 negative

Customers find the characters well-developed and likable.

"...There are so many characters in this book and the author does an amazing job at going into detail of how each character is feeling emotionally and..." Read more

"...The unlikely characters were written perfectly - some people just aren’t good people at the core, and the author did a great job of capturing..." Read more

"...Chloe and Moe were likable and strong so it was great they were both able to rise above everything and move on with grace in the end...." Read more

"...Now that's a very profound observation.The characters are so real in this book and the fly on the wall point of view gives the reader..." Read more

505 customers mention "Heartbreaking story"440 positive65 negative

Customers find the story heartbreaking, sad, and hopeful. They appreciate the realistic emotion and lack of sentimentality. Readers also mention the quote about regret is absolute gold. They say the funeral for Finn is poignant and filled with love for her life. Thankfully, the book ends with a realistic sense of forgiveness and healing after grief.

"...which the story was told; the depth of realistic emotion and scarcity of sentimentality; the overall quality of the writing; and the believable..." Read more

"...It's such a sad but beautiful story. Highly recommended!" Read more

"...It is a powerful story, sad, and at times infuriating but also heartwarming and filled with redemption." Read more

"...nature, choices made in extreme circumstance and the power of acceptance and forgiveness...." Read more

184 customers mention "Pacing"140 positive44 negative

Customers find the pacing of the book to be fast and perfect. They say it's a quick and easy read with a great flow. Readers also mention the transitions are instantaneous, immediate, and shocking.

"...It was written so well. It just flowed. I highly recommend... but have a box of Kleenex handy." Read more

"...It was totally moving and I could not put it down. This is my third book in a row from this author!..." Read more

"Excellent book. It kept me intrigued. Super Fast Delivery. Great Seller." Read more

"...Far more thought-provoking than I anticipated. The first few chapters seem slow, but they set the stage for an enjoyable, deep read." Read more

242 customers mention "Difficulty to put down"137 positive105 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the book. Some mention it's powerful and hard to put down, while others say it'll be easy to read but hard to set aside.

"...This was a good book! it was hard to put down! So much going on but all easily tied together." Read more

"This book was difficult to put down. It tested people's character and touched many emotions. It gives you hope of a peaceful afterlife." Read more

"Loved this book. Hard to put down." Read more

"This book had my attention right from the start was very hard to a put down and get things that needed to be done...." Read more

Poignant, powerfully, and utterly unforgettable!
5 out of 5 stars
Poignant, powerfully, and utterly unforgettable!
Every so often a book comes along and stamps itself on your soul, and this story definitely did that to me. If I could rate this one a million stars, I would. Wow. This book. This. book. I'm just going to say that even though we're only about two and a half months into the year, this one will be on my best of the year!It's so hard to completely discuss this book without giving away spoilers, and you really want to go into this one with very little information. Masterfully written and with such glorious prose, you'll find yourself mesmerized and so caught up in this family's tragic saga that you will not be able to let go until you know the end. This story is powerful and poignant, begging readers to question everything they ever thought they knew about themselves and others even those they trust."Nothing is as it was. The pretense of valor, her own and others', has been decimated and the ugly truth of human nature revealed."This is a heartbreaking and truly unforgettable exploration of our own humanity. Split second decisions are made all the time, yet some of those result in ramifications that leave a legacy built on the consequences of those choices. As characters confront their own survival, the ultimate healing comes with forgiveness and not just to others, but to oneself as well. The road is not the same for everyone, but it is a breathtakingly emotional journey, especially as readers travel that path with them."Like everyone else, she is stumbling forward, one foot in front of the other, not always in the right direction but staggering on just the same."The narrative is incredibly spiritual. There are so many moments scattered throughout that ask us to question our mortality and an afterlife, especially for Finn as she lingers between two worlds. Ultimately, Finn helps us to understand that it's okay to feel sad, but always remember to celebrate the time you had together with a loved one so their presence is never forgotten."Carry me inside you as a light that brightens your world and makes everything better."This is one of those perfect reading experiences that will always hold a special place in my heart. I have so much love, respect, and appreciation to the author for sharing this story (be sure to read the Author's Note at the end). As hard as it was to pick up the next book on my schedule, we learn so gracefully from In an Instant that life marches on, so onward I go, but the memory remains.Many thanks to Great Escapes Book Tours and the author for providing me with a free copy of the book for review. I loved it so much I purchased my own physical copy. This is my honest and thoughtful opinion.
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Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2024
Unusual perspective that leaves you soul searching. Far more thought-provoking than I anticipated. The first few chapters seem slow, but they set the stage for an enjoyable, deep read.
2 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2024
This book was very touching for me. Good story and interesting how each reacts to the tragedy. I lost my daughter to a drunk driver, and I saw the accident. So this story brought back some sad memories but I also found it interesting and true to life of how each person dealt with the death. The whole time I read the book I kept wondering if my daughter could see us after she passed. I believe she could. Someone said to me after her passing, Live your life like you want her to see how well you are doing, Make her happy. This fit this situation. Also interesting what happens in a situation like this to whom you thought were "real" friends. Really enjoyed this book.
16 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on October 14, 2021
• Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

• General Overview: The novel follows the story of two families who are caught up in a serious, tragic accident high in snowy mountains and the lengths that each individual go to to survive. The book takes the ingenious idea of narrating the aftermath of the crash from sixteen year old Finn’s PoV. It’s ingenious because Finn dies in the crash and therefore she takes on an almost omniscient role and the book becomes a sort of fly-on-the-wall exposé of the crash victim’s broken lives.

•What did I think?: This book was an absolute page turner for me! I picked it off of the recommended shelf on Kindle Unlimited and I am so glad that I did! ‘In an Instant’ is such a beautifully written novel that tackles grief and how different people cope with traumatic events. Everyone reacts differently and this book shows the gambits of emotion from all sides and the emotions hit the reader as you read it.

I was intrigued to find out that Suzanne Redfearn had inspiration from an event in her childhood when writing this novel. You can tell that her raw emotion from her memories really helped fuel the tone of all the characters as they navigate through the traumatic events that unfold.

There are so many characters in this book and the author does an amazing job at going into detail of how each character is feeling emotionally and coping with the traumatic events they all just went through. Because of this, it is so easy to become attached to these characters and feel the emotions that is being portrayed by their thoughts and actions.

There are also some plot twists in the story that I personally didn’t see coming and I’m a sucker for plot twists. There were moments where I was mad, sad, and shocked at some of the outcomes. Suzanne Redfearn did such a great job at using suspense to keep us locked in and turning the pages to see how everything would turn out.

This is a novel that really asks questions about what we as humans are capable of doing to each other. It dares to look at our darkest thoughts of purely self preservation and asks the reader do you know what you would do in these most bleak of moments? No one character in this book is left guilt free. They all experience shame on some level at how they survived and because they survived.

• Do I recommend this book?: Yes! This is one of those books that really the less you know about it the better. While the prose may not be that beautiful with an awkward narrative initially, this is still definitely worth a read if you’re in the mood for a character study type novel as the most thought provoking themes truly reveal themselves after approx 1/3 the way through.
9 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2024
Wow! Poignant, amazing writing, heart wrenching and interesting all at once. Must read!
The audio reader was also really, really really excellent. I listened to most of this while driving to and from a road trip.
Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2024
What we do in a terrible life threatening situation? Often and for various reasons I’ve asked that very question. In An Instant offers a reflective and thoughtful opportunity to considered what that would/might look like and give reader the opportunity to contemplate the possibilities. What would we do? Who am I should I find ,myself in such a situation? What would I REALLY HANDLE IT? What is my character…..for real….. if I find myself as did these people? What values do we live out now and would they be sustained in a crisis? A Powerful story that I’m very glad I discovered (by accident), read, and will contemplate for a long time to come.
Reviewed in the United States on March 1, 2023
What I initially thought was going to be just a coming of age/family drama turned out to be so much more. It would be wrong to give away any plot details. The story needs to be read and experienced firsthand by the reader.

Some of the factors I liked best were the perspective from which the story was told; the depth of realistic emotion and scarcity of sentimentality; the overall quality of the writing; and the believable portrayals of people coping with grief, anger, and guilt. Upon reading the author’s comments at the end of the story, the realism and honesty in which it is told becomes even more apparent and understandable.

Perhaps because of the perspective of the character who tells the story, the book is very visual and would make a compelling movie but only if the depth of purpose is maintained and it’s not turned into something lesser.
3 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2024
A great story of love, friendship, survival and perseverance and how forgiving yourself/others frees you to live the life you are meant to live.
4 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on September 7, 2024
It started a little slow, but as soon as the accident came, it changed. If I could give it ten stars, I would. Along with being such a great story, it gives a lot of definition to grief and how things change.
One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Baiba
5.0 out of 5 stars 🥹
Reviewed in Germany on November 26, 2023
Beautiful, heartbreaking, sad.

The tragedy happened in the beginning, and it’s the after, how everyone deals with what happened. From a very unexpected and interesting point of view, a psychologically perfect story. I devoured it in one day!
Inês Buttros
5.0 out of 5 stars In an Instant
Reviewed in Brazil on April 10, 2021
This was so good! I cried throughout the whole book. Great characters, my heart aches for all of them. It speaks to the sensitivity and care behind every journey. What a masterclass in writing! Well done, Suzanne Redfearn.
Wendy
5.0 out of 5 stars Survival, Tragedy and Family Love
Reviewed in Canada on February 3, 2021
Well-developed and emotionally-charged "In An Instant” opens when a disastrous camper accident on a snow-covered mountain road kills sixteen-year-old Finn Miller and leaves her father seriously injured. With biting cold winds, snow falling and daylight gone decisions are made that have Finn’s sister Chloe and her boyfriend struggling through the storm looking for help, and when they don’t return her mother Ann and Kyle following them into the night. The Gold family; Finn’s friend Maureen (aka Mo); mentally challenged Oz Miller; and his dog Bingo are left behind to care for the injured Jack and will make tragic life and death decisions that will haunt their lives until the truth of that night is revealed.

Told from sixteen-year-old feisty and stubborn Finn Miller’s perspective, as her spirit lingers on after her death, intensity and suspense escalate not only with the hazardous struggles to find help; the negligence causing a young boy’s death, but also in the decisions made to survive. Yet the most poignant and evocative part of the story lies in the choices made by friends and families who afterwards are guilt-ridden and searching for the truth of that night as they struggle to put the pieces of their lives back together. In a plot filled with anger, guilt, self-loathing, vengeance and lies, judgements will be made that will heal or destroy the lives of those affected. Intriguing with an affair, a search in the mountains, and a friend determined to make the truth known, the story quickly winds flawlessly to a compelling climax.

Among a host of complex and fascinating characters are lawyer and mother Ann Miller who’s determined and relentless in a tough situation but domestically neglectful of her children’s needs; former yacht captain and stay-at-home dad Jack Miller who’s calm and caring until angry and vengeful after the accident; the self-absorbed Bob and Karen Gold; their haughty, self-centered daughter Natalie; overweight, mentally challenged thirteen-year-old Oz Miller; and the eighteen-year-old smart, tough, haunted Chloe Miller. All these personalities and others infuse this plot with emotional tension, heart-provoking power that captures the reader from the first page to the last.

I thoroughly enjoyed “In An Instant” a story of tragedy, survival, and family love.
2 people found this helpful
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Tom
5.0 out of 5 stars Simply amazing!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 14, 2023
Wow. As I get to the end of the book, the only lingering word I have in mind is just "wow" while my heart swells with emotion.
This book is truly a rollercoaster of emotion that takes you through the highs and lows of a horrific accident and its aftermath.
We see the story through the eyes of Finn who dies and watches the event unfold before her, helpless to do anything.
We see kind and caring people show their ugly side in the face of danger and how the regret consumes them.
And we see love in a strange form, bonds built and broken in the face of tragedy.
You'll find Finn an incredibly likeable character who will make you laugh and break your heart throughout the book, and combined with the fantastical writing too, it truly makes a masterpiece of a page turner that you won't be able to put down.
If my rating isn't enough, then so many high rates around it show it's worth every second of your time.
One person found this helpful
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ES
5.0 out of 5 stars Deeply moving
Reviewed in India on November 27, 2020
When life get past the impossible it takes time to see the truth and light of the choices.
An emotional read which give you a perspective of life through eyes of a lost life.
Don't miss it.

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