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On the Edge
For as long as she can remember, Kristen Craemer has been running from something. In high school and college, she ran competitively, until her Olympic dreams were shattered. Now, she runs to escape—from her past, from intimacy, from reality, and from the cold, black mist that haunts her nights.
Desperate to stop running, she turns to therapy, alcohol, and pills—anything to dull the fear—but her struggle intensifies with every passing night. Gradually, the nightmares encroach on her days, until everything she holds dear slips further away.
Kristen’s fears increase when she meets Ethan, a bronze-eyed Jesus freak. The claims he makes about God are too unbelievable to be true, and to Kristen they are more terrifying than her recurring dreams. She can’t open her heart to Ethan, and she won’t open her heart to his faith. Instead, Kristen keeps running, and every time she runs she finds herself standing at the shore of the Pacific Ocean, glaring into the crashing waves and fighting the urge to submerge herself beneath the turbulent water forever.
On the Edge is the powerful story of a “girl next door” who struggled to make it out of childhood alive, only to drown daily in shame and fear . . . until she finally dives over the edge and into redemption.
Desperate to stop running, she turns to therapy, alcohol, and pills—anything to dull the fear—but her struggle intensifies with every passing night. Gradually, the nightmares encroach on her days, until everything she holds dear slips further away.
Kristen’s fears increase when she meets Ethan, a bronze-eyed Jesus freak. The claims he makes about God are too unbelievable to be true, and to Kristen they are more terrifying than her recurring dreams. She can’t open her heart to Ethan, and she won’t open her heart to his faith. Instead, Kristen keeps running, and every time she runs she finds herself standing at the shore of the Pacific Ocean, glaring into the crashing waves and fighting the urge to submerge herself beneath the turbulent water forever.
On the Edge is the powerful story of a “girl next door” who struggled to make it out of childhood alive, only to drown daily in shame and fear . . . until she finally dives over the edge and into redemption.
318 pages, Paperback
Published March 21, 2016
2 people are currently reading
1301 people want to read
About the author
Theresa Santy
1 book49 followersTheresa Santy loves Kimchi and almost anything that is yellow. Her superpower is the ability to see faces in coffee foam, but she would trade that for an invisibility cloak in a hot second.
Theresa's favorite motto is "be who you are," but as an INFJ, she faces numerous challenges that cause her to question what that really means. One thing is certain: She holds strong convictions about the weightier matters of life, and she loves to sit down and write deep, like heart-wrenching, gut-twisting deep, until her mind goes blank and she can't produce another word.
Theresa's favorite motto is "be who you are," but as an INFJ, she faces numerous challenges that cause her to question what that really means. One thing is certain: She holds strong convictions about the weightier matters of life, and she loves to sit down and write deep, like heart-wrenching, gut-twisting deep, until her mind goes blank and she can't produce another word.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 14, 2017
Thank you Theresa Santy for my copy of 'On The Edge' in return for an honest review.
I must start by saying that this is a beautifully printed paperback - I was drawn to the gorgeous burgundy dress on the cover and the simple gold cross hanging from the title - I just knew I was going to love this book and I am so pleased I have had a chance to read it as I was hooked from the first page to the thrilling climatic end!
Going through a bit of a sad time myself I drew a lot of comfort from this book but even if I hadn't have been this is still an absolute gem. I just didn't want to put it down and when I did I found myself thinking about it. I really, really liked troubled Kristen with her dark childhood drawn out into adulthood and saw so much real life in her. Shes a funny character, with wry quips and she's not frightened to say what she thinks. Ethan was a fabulous character too, sensitive, kind and truly believed in his faith. I live beside the sea myself and truly felt the pull of the ocean that Kristen was sensing, it really is a powerful draw!
The writing flows effortlessly, is intelligent and well written and through the multi layers in the story you really feel a part of it. Although there is an obvious Christian perspective running through the story it is not forced upon you or intrusive and really does fit the plot so well.
Although I'm probably a non believer the story did make me question lots of things and though there are some very sad parts to the book you do have that feel good feeling once it's finished.
I so want people to read this, it's a lovely book and it deserves to do really well. I'm not surprised it was the Faithwriters Page Turner winner!
I don't always like discussing the plot in reviews as I feel it spoils it sometimes so I'll leave it to the blurb for that, however, there are some emotional moments that some people may find a little upsetting but everything is handled so professionally you can't help but be entranced by this delightful book. It's as much a light thriller as it is a contemporary Christian fiction so will suit a lot of readers.
Thank you again Theresa - I thoroughly enjoyed it!!!
5 well deserved stars!!
I must start by saying that this is a beautifully printed paperback - I was drawn to the gorgeous burgundy dress on the cover and the simple gold cross hanging from the title - I just knew I was going to love this book and I am so pleased I have had a chance to read it as I was hooked from the first page to the thrilling climatic end!
Going through a bit of a sad time myself I drew a lot of comfort from this book but even if I hadn't have been this is still an absolute gem. I just didn't want to put it down and when I did I found myself thinking about it. I really, really liked troubled Kristen with her dark childhood drawn out into adulthood and saw so much real life in her. Shes a funny character, with wry quips and she's not frightened to say what she thinks. Ethan was a fabulous character too, sensitive, kind and truly believed in his faith. I live beside the sea myself and truly felt the pull of the ocean that Kristen was sensing, it really is a powerful draw!
The writing flows effortlessly, is intelligent and well written and through the multi layers in the story you really feel a part of it. Although there is an obvious Christian perspective running through the story it is not forced upon you or intrusive and really does fit the plot so well.
Although I'm probably a non believer the story did make me question lots of things and though there are some very sad parts to the book you do have that feel good feeling once it's finished.
I so want people to read this, it's a lovely book and it deserves to do really well. I'm not surprised it was the Faithwriters Page Turner winner!
I don't always like discussing the plot in reviews as I feel it spoils it sometimes so I'll leave it to the blurb for that, however, there are some emotional moments that some people may find a little upsetting but everything is handled so professionally you can't help but be entranced by this delightful book. It's as much a light thriller as it is a contemporary Christian fiction so will suit a lot of readers.
Thank you again Theresa - I thoroughly enjoyed it!!!
5 well deserved stars!!
May 23, 2016
Sometimes you just know a book will be a hit because the main character is so good, and this is one of those. Kristen Craemer won me over with her wry observations and kind heart. In the very first paragraph she throws a challenge to the ocean. 'Go ahead, twinkle until you evaporate, you massive body of water. And keep dreaming, because you'll not lure me in.' Straight away, I knew my journey with this girl would be interesting.
Kristen is an anxious interior designer who presents a sassy, cheerful front to others, but feels herself to be a mess on the inside. We learn quite a few things about her from the first five chapters. She's been devastated by a wealthy boyfriend who left her, and she's also mourning the sudden deaths of two close friends. She was raised by a drunken mother and drinks herself, mostly to keep away her dreaded nightmares about being pursued by some menace to the brink of the ocean. Kristen battles a strange compulsion to dash into the ocean and never come out again. She also has an inexplicable terror that her dream is blending into reality.
The pace moves steadily, and there is always a feeling that something more is soon to be revealed. Perhaps that's why this novel was the Faithwriters Page Turner winner. As Kristen reacts to unexpected bombshells and confrontations, it becomes evident that she had a rough start in life and is even more courageous and resilient than we first give her credit for.
Her romantic interest, Ethan, has also had a rough upbringing. He is the sort of Christian many of us may have come across. He spouts phrases and religious jargon he's evidently picked up from other Christians to the extent that it's second nature to him and he doesn't realise he's doing it. (Some people call this 'Christianese' but perhaps that word itself fits into the definition.) His talk is incomprehensible to Kristen, who often calls him up on it. For example, when he refers to his 'identity in God', she rightfully replies that she doesn't know what that means. It may be a good wake-up call for Christian readers who tend to do the same, especially since Ethan is clearly sincere in his desire to get to know her better, with no agenda to evangelise.
One thing I really appreciate is the fact that there is no swearing or crude language, and clearly no need for it. People have said there's a place for it in good characterisation, but this novel seems to be proof that a story will always work without resorting to coarse language. Several of Theresa Santy's characters are desperate or despicable people who would surely swear in real life situations, yet you don't miss it when they don't. I wouldn't have even noticed if I hadn't been thinking about it, and then looking out for it.
Altogether, it's an original, uplifting story which I'm glad I read.
Kristen is an anxious interior designer who presents a sassy, cheerful front to others, but feels herself to be a mess on the inside. We learn quite a few things about her from the first five chapters. She's been devastated by a wealthy boyfriend who left her, and she's also mourning the sudden deaths of two close friends. She was raised by a drunken mother and drinks herself, mostly to keep away her dreaded nightmares about being pursued by some menace to the brink of the ocean. Kristen battles a strange compulsion to dash into the ocean and never come out again. She also has an inexplicable terror that her dream is blending into reality.
The pace moves steadily, and there is always a feeling that something more is soon to be revealed. Perhaps that's why this novel was the Faithwriters Page Turner winner. As Kristen reacts to unexpected bombshells and confrontations, it becomes evident that she had a rough start in life and is even more courageous and resilient than we first give her credit for.
Her romantic interest, Ethan, has also had a rough upbringing. He is the sort of Christian many of us may have come across. He spouts phrases and religious jargon he's evidently picked up from other Christians to the extent that it's second nature to him and he doesn't realise he's doing it. (Some people call this 'Christianese' but perhaps that word itself fits into the definition.) His talk is incomprehensible to Kristen, who often calls him up on it. For example, when he refers to his 'identity in God', she rightfully replies that she doesn't know what that means. It may be a good wake-up call for Christian readers who tend to do the same, especially since Ethan is clearly sincere in his desire to get to know her better, with no agenda to evangelise.
One thing I really appreciate is the fact that there is no swearing or crude language, and clearly no need for it. People have said there's a place for it in good characterisation, but this novel seems to be proof that a story will always work without resorting to coarse language. Several of Theresa Santy's characters are desperate or despicable people who would surely swear in real life situations, yet you don't miss it when they don't. I wouldn't have even noticed if I hadn't been thinking about it, and then looking out for it.
Altogether, it's an original, uplifting story which I'm glad I read.
April 5, 2016
Wow! What a terrific book! Ms. Santy has a unique voice, one that fits her characters and the telling of their story so well. The characters are very relatable -- Kristen is everyone who has ever struggled with believing in a God who allows difficult things to happen; and Ethan is all those Christians who have ever wanted to be able to explain the hope they have, but still wrestle with how to present that hope to unbelievers, and even to grasp the full meaning for themselves. This book was hard to put down (I can see why it won the Faithwriters Page Turner Contest!) and when it was over I was sad to say goodbye to Kristen and Ethan. I'm looking forward to more stories by this talented author!
May 13, 2016
On the Edge is one of the best debut novels I’ve read in a long time. Okay, it takes a while to find itself at the beginning and not everyone will enjoy the first person present tense narration (and that could by why I found the beginning difficult), but it’s worth the effort.
Kristen Craemer is an LA interior designer who is running. She can no longer run in real life, so now she runs in her dreams, and the dreams always turn into nightmares and they always lead her to water—the magnificent Pacific Ocean. Her life is slowly unravelling: she’s making mistakes at work, therapy isn’t helping, and nor is the liquid diet of drugs and alcohol.
Then she meets Jesus-freak Ethan Adams, and soon finds two awkward things: she likes him (as in, really likes him) even though he’s a Jesus-freak, and their mothers are in the same addiction therapy group. So this is a story of a woman whose messed-up childhood is still affecting her adult life, and meeting a guy with a messed-up childhood who seems to have it all together.
One of the difficult parts of writing a review of a book isn't what you put in to the review, but what you leave out. Readers and authors, quite understandably, don't want book reviews to include plot spoilers. But some readers also want to be warned about certain aspects of the book they might not want to read. Some reviewers call these trigger warnings: content that might act as a trigger for some readers.
And here's the problem. I want (need?) to include some trigger warnings for On the Edge, but to tell you any more would act as a spoiler. So be warned: if you read reviews to find out if there's anything in the book you want to avoid, you might be best avoiding On the Edge.
But you’d be missing out. The plot and characters are outstanding. The writing is outstanding—I loved lines like this:
This Kierkegaard writes so deep, he makes my brain ache.
It’s not typical Christian fiction (too much alcohol, too many drugs), but I think this is what Christian fiction should be: real. Telling difficult stories, and showing Jesus in the lives of characters. Not preaching. Basically, the whole book was outstanding, and you should read it. Unless the triggers . . .
Thanks to Breath of Fresh Air Press for providing a free ebook for review. Although I’ve now bought the paperback as well. Yes, it was that good.
Kristen Craemer is an LA interior designer who is running. She can no longer run in real life, so now she runs in her dreams, and the dreams always turn into nightmares and they always lead her to water—the magnificent Pacific Ocean. Her life is slowly unravelling: she’s making mistakes at work, therapy isn’t helping, and nor is the liquid diet of drugs and alcohol.
Then she meets Jesus-freak Ethan Adams, and soon finds two awkward things: she likes him (as in, really likes him) even though he’s a Jesus-freak, and their mothers are in the same addiction therapy group. So this is a story of a woman whose messed-up childhood is still affecting her adult life, and meeting a guy with a messed-up childhood who seems to have it all together.
One of the difficult parts of writing a review of a book isn't what you put in to the review, but what you leave out. Readers and authors, quite understandably, don't want book reviews to include plot spoilers. But some readers also want to be warned about certain aspects of the book they might not want to read. Some reviewers call these trigger warnings: content that might act as a trigger for some readers.
And here's the problem. I want (need?) to include some trigger warnings for On the Edge, but to tell you any more would act as a spoiler. So be warned: if you read reviews to find out if there's anything in the book you want to avoid, you might be best avoiding On the Edge.
But you’d be missing out. The plot and characters are outstanding. The writing is outstanding—I loved lines like this:
This Kierkegaard writes so deep, he makes my brain ache.
It’s not typical Christian fiction (too much alcohol, too many drugs), but I think this is what Christian fiction should be: real. Telling difficult stories, and showing Jesus in the lives of characters. Not preaching. Basically, the whole book was outstanding, and you should read it. Unless the triggers . . .
Thanks to Breath of Fresh Air Press for providing a free ebook for review. Although I’ve now bought the paperback as well. Yes, it was that good.
December 3, 2017
On the edge is the story of Kristen Craemar, who lives a dysfunctional life. She had a traumatic childhood which continues to plague her adult life. She turns to therapy but doesn’t fully committed to the process, and finds alcohol an easier option to cope with the demands of her life and work commitments.
The book is written from the Kirsten’s point of view. However, I found her a little difficult to relate to, mostly because, and this is just a personal gripe, I found it hard to have empathy for someone with her level of irresponsibility. I know this stems from her deficient childhood, but even so, others have been dealt similar difficulties.
At times the story felt like a soap opera, moving from one drama to another, which was a little overwhelming. Ultimately there were reasons for many of these incidences, and a mystery did develop and resolve towards the end of the book.
Ethan was my favourite character, but only knowing him via Kristen, made it difficult to really understand his motives. For most of the story, he was the only Christian influence and he had a positive effect, even though he seemed quite young in his faith.
Overall, it was a well-written and action packed read.
The book is written from the Kirsten’s point of view. However, I found her a little difficult to relate to, mostly because, and this is just a personal gripe, I found it hard to have empathy for someone with her level of irresponsibility. I know this stems from her deficient childhood, but even so, others have been dealt similar difficulties.
At times the story felt like a soap opera, moving from one drama to another, which was a little overwhelming. Ultimately there were reasons for many of these incidences, and a mystery did develop and resolve towards the end of the book.
Ethan was my favourite character, but only knowing him via Kristen, made it difficult to really understand his motives. For most of the story, he was the only Christian influence and he had a positive effect, even though he seemed quite young in his faith.
Overall, it was a well-written and action packed read.
March 27, 2016
On the Edge is an incredibly relatable story. I laughed, I cried, and at times I felt like I was reading my own thoughts and fears. It has such a powerful message, and I recommend everyone give it a read!
April 6, 2016
This book takes you in today's society....through today's trials & addresses a host of situations that are common in many people's lives.... daily struggles with both emotional & physical issues. A very thought provoking & touching read!
August 1, 2016
Outstanding work of fiction! This book is tagged "Faithwriters Page Turner Winner", and I can see why.
October 25, 2017
On the Edge grabbed my attention from the first paragraph as Kristen resists being lured into the water on New Year’s Eve. Kristen is an intriguing character. On the surface, she seems fine, working as an interior designer, going out with friends, and dating a nice guy, but inside she suffers from nightmares of her past. She doesn’t know what she is running from, but her fears stop her from opening her heart to love and faith and lead toward destructive behavior. She doesn’t know what to believe or who to trust. As the story unfolds, people from her past and present collide with some surprising twists. Theresa Santy is a clever writer who knows how to write a fast paced, suspenseful story about well-developed characters. I look forward to reading more of her stories.
February 3, 2017
Thank you, Theresa, for my copy of this book through Goodreads Giveaways in return for a review. It's a romance and mystery all in one package, but it's a multifaceted mystery. Very cleverly written in managing this plot although I wanted to know more back story behind some of the other characters, especially Alana. Good for anyone who thinks their life is hard!! Kristen's story will make you feel like your journey is a walk in the park. It was hard to keep reading at first but I'm glad I persevered as I was drawn into the mystery. Also, it was satisfying to watch Kristen's personality mature and develop as the book progresses. The present tense was very hard to get used to and distracted my focus from the story although I understand it helped to demonstrate Kristen's personality. Good writing overall!
June 3, 2016
This was an excellent read. I loved the characters. There were so many twists and turns, I found it hard to put down. Sometimes I wanted to slap Kristen, but mostly I wanted her to find peace and love and the truth about her past. For an edge of your seat thriller, this is a great book.
Merged review:
This book kept me on the edge the whole time. It has so many twists and turns that kept me turning pages to find out what happened next. Colorful characters with heart-wrenching problems, and one crisis after another. Sometimes I was so frustrated with Kristen, the main character, but I also wanted her to find the love, peace and truth she sought. This book has real-to-life characters with real-to-life issues.
Merged review:
This book kept me on the edge the whole time. It has so many twists and turns that kept me turning pages to find out what happened next. Colorful characters with heart-wrenching problems, and one crisis after another. Sometimes I was so frustrated with Kristen, the main character, but I also wanted her to find the love, peace and truth she sought. This book has real-to-life characters with real-to-life issues.
April 10, 2016
Ms. Santy’s characters demonstrate an honest, no-holds-barred look at the issues facing young adults today. Woven throughout the story are surprising change-ups and fast-paced action. A page-turner evoking laughs, tears. A good read.
June 4, 2018
On The Edge is the story of Kristen Craemer, a young woman haunted and running away from the memories of a traumatic childhood. Kristen uses any means possible to escape the memories of her past by avoiding her mother and even results to using alcohol to numb the pain and stop the nightmares that threaten to unravel the truth and force her to confront those memories.
Theresa Santy is a wonderfully gifted storyteller; she brings Kristen’s story to life with vivid description that as the reader, you will find yourself engulfed and invested in Kristen’s journey. The beautiful case of supporting characters such as Kristen’s mother, Kristen’s childhood friend, Ethan, and her best friend, Alana also have their individual stories that are entwined within Kristen’s life and showcase how the relationships in our lives shape and affect us. Kristen’s introduction and ambivalence in believing in God is also told in a real way.
This is a beautifully written story that I recommend that everyone should read. The themes of love and faith are impactful.
Happy Reading!
Note: I received a free copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Theresa Santy is a wonderfully gifted storyteller; she brings Kristen’s story to life with vivid description that as the reader, you will find yourself engulfed and invested in Kristen’s journey. The beautiful case of supporting characters such as Kristen’s mother, Kristen’s childhood friend, Ethan, and her best friend, Alana also have their individual stories that are entwined within Kristen’s life and showcase how the relationships in our lives shape and affect us. Kristen’s introduction and ambivalence in believing in God is also told in a real way.
This is a beautifully written story that I recommend that everyone should read. The themes of love and faith are impactful.
Happy Reading!
Note: I received a free copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
June 6, 2018
Very well crafted character driven story with an uplifting tone. Just the right touch for a Christian Book genre.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews