Kindle Unlimited
Unlimited reading. Over 4 million titles. Learn more
Read and Listen for Free
OR
Kindle Price: $9.99

Save $5.88 (37%)

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Audiobook Price: $21.88

Save: $19.89 (91%)

Read with our free app
You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions

Buy for others

Give as a gift or purchase for a team or group.
Learn more

Buying and sending eBooks to others

  1. Select quantity
  2. Buy and send eBooks
  3. Recipients can read on any device

These ebooks can only be redeemed by recipients in the US. Redemption links and eBooks cannot be resold.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Suzanne Redfearn
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

No Ordinary Life Kindle Edition

by Suzanne Redfearn (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 2,975 ratings
See all formats and editions
Faye Martin never expected her husband to abandon her and their three children . . . or that she'd have to struggle every day to make ends meet. So when her four-year-old daughter is discovered through a YouTube video and offered a starring role on a television series, it seems like her prayers have been answered. But when the reality of their new life settles in, Faye realizes that fame and fortune don't come without a price. In a world where everyone is an actor and every move is scrutinized by millions, it's impossible to know whom to trust, and Faye finds herself utterly alone in her struggle to save her family. Emotionally riveting and insightful, NO ORDINARY LIFE is an unforgettable novel about the preciousness of childhood and the difficult choices a mother needs to make in order to protect this fragile time in her children's lives.
Previous slide of product details
  1. Print length
    316 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  4. Publication date
    December 8, 2019
  5. File size
    1574 KB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  9. See all details
Next slide of product details

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Redfearn takes readers on an engaging...view of celebrity. Redfearn writes at a fast clip, short chapters filled with witty dialogue and action. The result is a well-paced tale."―Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"Top Pick! From a deeply emotional place, Redfearn writes with a beautiful rawness that captures the emotions of the characters. Steady pacing, heartfelt dialogue and intense conflict make this story an extraordinary read."―RT Book Reviews

"Suzanne Redfearn's NO ORDINARY LIFE is a gripping exploration of a mother's love and the lengths she'll go to protect her children. Redfearn honestly captures one family's meteoric rise and heartbreaking undoing. Compulsively readable, this poignant story will stay with readers long after the last page is turned."―Heather Gudenkauf, New York Times bestselling author of The Weight of Silence

"Redfearn specializes in tales of families in crisis... Fans of Steena Holmes and Amy Hatvany will appreciate Redfearn's family drama."―Booklist

"Redfearn...writes with insight and empathy; this book is more nuanced than most domestic thrillers"―The Sunday Star

"Once again, Suzanne Redfearn delivers a fast-paced, compelling story of family, frustration, and the unexpected consequences of a mother's choice. NO ORDINARY LIFE provides a dazzling look inside the entertainment industry, illustrating both the lure and lunacy of child stardom. A gripping story, with twists and turns...and characters I felt close to and rooted for."―Lori Nelson-Spielman, international bestselling author of The Life List

About the Author

Suzanne Redfearn is the award-winning author of three novels: Hush Little Baby, No Ordinary Life, and In an Instant. In addition to being an author, she's also an architect specializing in residential and commercial design. She lives in Laguna Beach, California, where she and her husband own two restaurants: Lumberyard and Slice Pizza and Beer. You can find her at her website, SuzanneRedfearn.com, on Facebook at SuzanneRedfearnAuthor, or on Twitter @SuzanneRedfearn.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B082J97VVF
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 8, 2019
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1574 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 316 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 2,975 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Suzanne Redfearn

Suzanne Redfearn

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

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

4.2 out of 5 stars
2,975 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the story easy to read and enjoyable. They also describe the storyline as interesting, thought-provoking, and realistic. Readers praise the characters as well-developed. Opinions are mixed on the pacing, with some finding it disturbing and chilling, while others say it's horrible and a waste of time to read.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more
ReadabilityStorylineCharacter developmentEnlightenednessPacing
43 customers mention "Readability"43 positive0 negative

Customers find the story well-written, enjoyable, and entertaining. They appreciate the author's great way with words and descriptions. Readers also mention the plots are twisting and engaging.

"Loved this story. So real. I can see all of this happening and loved reading.this family story. Will also read everything from this author." Read more

"...It wasn’t as good as some of her other writing but it was a very easy read." Read more

"...This novel combines humor, guilt, remorse and pride, all the emotions that are felt by real-life moms...." Read more

"She does a great job of character development. Easy and quick read and enjoyable. You don’t want to set the book down." Read more

30 customers mention "Storyline"25 positive5 negative

Customers find the storyline interesting, realistic, and thought-provoking. They also say the book is believable and full of twists and turns. Readers also mention the author writes about interesting issues.

"Loved this story. So real. I can see all of this happening and loved reading.this family story. Will also read everything from this author." Read more

"Overall the story was interesting but the mother of the children was very annoying in all her insecurities and wishy washiness" Read more

"...An unusual topic and was very interesting from all different perspectives. I like this author and have read other books written by her...." Read more

"I enjoyed this book, unusual characters and unpredictable. I would recommend it to anyone...." Read more

17 customers mention "Character development"12 positive5 negative

Customers find the characters well-developed and realistic. They also say the child actors are well-known.

"I enjoyed the characters and their development. It wasn’t as good as some of her other writing but it was a very easy read." Read more

"...These child actors are very well known. The author doesn’t gloss over the problems but instead presents them as what they are...." Read more

"...There is no depth to the characters, nor do they show any growth during the story...." Read more

"She does a great job of character development. Easy and quick read and enjoyable. You don’t want to set the book down." Read more

4 customers mention "Enlightenedness"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enlightening, entertaining, and profound. They say it provides an interesting look into the inside life of a child actor.

"It was an interesting look into the inside life of a child actor. The drama, the deception, the desire to win at all costs...." Read more

"...her newer book - "In an Instant," which, next to this, is actually profound. In sum: For escapism, choose this...." Read more

"...From beginning to end, you will find this book enlightening & entertaining...." Read more

"I enjoyed this book because it opened my eyes to a world I'm not familiar with. It was totally believable." Read more

14 customers mention "Pacing"7 positive7 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book. Some mention it's disturbing, chilling, and infuriating, while others say it'd be a waste of time to read.

"The kids in this story are adorable and heartbreaking. Thrir mother takes her time trying to learn boundaries...." Read more

"...Ending is predictable. The whole story is not believable and a waste of time to read...." Read more

"...The writing was excellent and it was interesting and different and full of twists and turns...." Read more

"...Pure trailer trash. She just throws herself from tantrum to tantrum highlighting her sorry, spineless choices" Read more

Another great book by Redfearn!
4 out of 5 stars
Another great book by Redfearn!
"I watch paralyzed, knowing regardless of how this turns out, that this moment will not be forgotten, the moment I was too much of a coward to stand up for my kid and stop this from happening.".This is my third book from the amazing author @suzanneredfearn and I loved it! It had a refreshingly, unique storyline about a struggling single mom whose youngest daughter is discovered on YouTube and becomes an instant celebrity and how Hollywood, not only affects her daughter, but the entire family. Redfearn goes into the "behind the scenes" of filming a popular TV show and all the lengths the mom must take to protect her family. The story had a lot of emotion with some unexpected twists and I always love when the writing pulls me in right away which this definitely did! This would be a perfect bookclub pick with plenty to discuss and make sure to read the "A Note From the Author" section at the end to understand how/where Redfearn got the ideas for this book! I will be waiting patiently for a new book by Redfearn and can't wait! I recommend reading all her books and so glad I finished my June reads with a bang!
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

Christina
5.0 out of 5 stars Great
Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2024
Verified Purchase
Loved this story. So real. I can see all of this happening and loved reading.this family story. Will also read everything from this author.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
amanda
4.0 out of 5 stars good read
Reviewed in the United States on June 27, 2024
Verified Purchase
I enjoyed the characters and their development. It wasn’t as good as some of her other writing but it was a very easy read.
Helpful
 Report
Brenda R
5.0 out of 5 stars TRULY REMARKABLE!!!!!
Reviewed in the United States on July 8, 2016
Verified Purchase
NO ORDINARY LIFE is the second novel written by Suzanne Redfearn, her first novel is named "Hush Little Baby". I can honestly say that Ms. Redfearn is in the same genre of story telling as Jodi Picault and Heather Gudenkauf. In this book, Suzanne gives us a look at how a mother can be done in when her children become celebrities. This novel combines humor, guilt, remorse and pride, all the emotions that are felt by real-life moms. The mother in this novel has the heart of a mother tiger. She wants nothing but to protect her cubs and provide for their future.

When you find yourself alone, scared, and responsible for your three young children, you will do whatever you can to make life bearable. Faye Martin is struggling to be a single mom after her husband, Sean, abandons them. Waitressing barely pays the bills, so Faye and the kids have no choice but to move in with Faye’s mom. It’s during a trip to a strip mall/promenade to try and find a better job that Faye’s youngest, Molly, is “discovered.” A video of the 4 year old dancing and singing goes viral and the little girl is flagged for a Gap commercial. Molly is soon starring in a hit TV show with Faye as her manager. While acting brings in money, it also brings in many problems. Balancing a normal life along with the hectic schedule of TV production, Faye gets pulled in many directions. The money, cars and fame are nice, but at what cost to Faye’s family? With everyone grabbing for a piece of her child’s success, who can she trust? Agents, directors or even herself?

Suzanne Redfearn did a lot of research to give this novel authenticity. Some child actors succeed while others are overcome by the pressures. Some had helicopter moms who hovered over every aspect of the young actor’s career. Others emancipated themselves as soon as possible so they could direct their own future. These child actors are very well known. The author doesn’t gloss over the problems but instead presents them as what they are. As you read this book you may find yoursellf asking, “What would I do? Do you follow your heart or your head? Do you go for the short-term fix or the long-term results?" Please read the author's note at the end of the story. As Ms. Redfearn’s writing shows, knowing and doing can be two different things. Another 5+star book by this amazing author. Please do not stop writing Suzanne!!!
5 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
MS
3.0 out of 5 stars Annoying heroine
Reviewed in the United States on October 15, 2022
Verified Purchase
Overall the story was interesting but the mother of the children was very annoying in all her insecurities and wishy washiness
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Mark
4.0 out of 5 stars good read
Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2024
Verified Purchase
She does a great job of character development. Easy and quick read and enjoyable. You don’t want to set the book down.
Helpful
 Report
Donna D
5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful
Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2024
Verified Purchase
The kids in this story are adorable and heartbreaking. Thrir mother takes her time trying to learn boundaries. But i loved it and will read more by this author.
Helpful
 Report
Niki
5.0 out of 5 stars I Had A Hard Time
Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2024
Verified Purchase
Moving beyond my feelings of rage at the mother which is probably some deep-seated inadequacies I'm projecting but I digress:
I also originally had feelings of shallowness in the story.
That isn't true. The author also reveals the story isn't meant as some broad strokes demonization of child acting.
I think the story was simply meant to make you think.
And feel. This author makes you feel. But after you feel you need to reflect on those feelings.
Part of a truly free society is nuance, IMHO.
Extreme opinions based on the worst of the worst shoved down your throat every day do not in fact give you the authority to dictate the decisions of others. However, a balanced, well-informed basis for an opinion does make room for a truly productive debate for solutions.
This is an unbelievably zoomed-out, big-picture approach to the themes here but it's where I ended up when reflecting myself in the author's words. The solutions that we need to make directly to the themes in this book also apply to so many other issues we are facing.
Stop worrying so much about telling others what they should be doing. Stop worrying about other individuals at all, in fact. Especially stop worshipping them: rather an actor, a musician, a politician. They are human and deserving of some forgiveness and grace every once in a while as well.
Let's worry about solving the big issues. And that's done with our feelings but also with the facts and reflecting on those feelings. Straight up, lacking humanity, logic is getting us nowhere fast.
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
MiniMeMama
4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting read
Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2024
Verified Purchase
It was an interesting look into the inside life of a child actor. The drama, the deception, the desire to win at all costs.

Wasn’t a fan of the ending… but you’ll have to read to discover why.
Helpful
 Report

Top reviews from other countries

Elske de Visch Eybergen
5.0 out of 5 stars A reluctant read
Reviewed in Canada on October 24, 2020
Verified Purchase
Initially, although I had downloaded it, I was reluctant to read it as the description interested me but repelled me. A well written story, it draws you in. It is about what choices we make. The relationship within families and how important it is to pay attention. Faye's choices and dilemma resonated to me, as a mother. Making good, uncertain, wondering who to trust choices, those define our outcomes. Well written and well researched. Would recommend it to other mom's. Those "momma bears", who have a circle of people who care snd they trust. Kudos to you!
Report
T. Jackson
5.0 out of 5 stars Very interesting depiction of being a celebrity
Reviewed in Canada on January 21, 2021
Verified Purchase
A good read about what the impact on the whole family can be, when a child becomes a celebrity. How a parent can get caught up in the money and trying to navigate parenting and each day.
Report
Beverly Hopkins
5.0 out of 5 stars gift for my grand daughter
Reviewed in Canada on November 23, 2019
Verified Purchase
this book is a gift for my grand daughter , she liked the authors first novel and wanted this one.
Report
Mary-Anne
1.0 out of 5 stars A big nope.
Reviewed in Canada on March 25, 2024
Verified Purchase
A terrible story about a weak minded mother who makes pathetic choices.. No idea if it truly reflects showbiz but it was not an engaging read.
Report

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report