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Life on Hold
Rae Maddox's mom, Gina, thinks nothing of packing up and moving. New apartment, new town, new job--it's all an adventure to Gina, but for Rae, each move is just one more friend lost, one more chance to feel like an outsider. When they arrive in Wisconsin, Gina promises to stay put until Rae graduates. Cautiously optimistic, she wades into the social whirl at Whitman High School, making a few friends and even earning a chance at love.
But when the vice principal pairs her with a new student, Allison Daly, things go bad in a big way. It seems Allison was orphaned after her parents died in a suspicious house fire, leaving their daughter to bounce between relatives' homes. When a sleepover at Rae's house goes terribly wrong, Rae sees a troubling side of Allison--and learns a few secrets about her own mother in the process. Suddenly Rae is at risk of losing everything and everyone she cares about--unless she steps up and takes charge of her life once and for all.
But when the vice principal pairs her with a new student, Allison Daly, things go bad in a big way. It seems Allison was orphaned after her parents died in a suspicious house fire, leaving their daughter to bounce between relatives' homes. When a sleepover at Rae's house goes terribly wrong, Rae sees a troubling side of Allison--and learns a few secrets about her own mother in the process. Suddenly Rae is at risk of losing everything and everyone she cares about--unless she steps up and takes charge of her life once and for all.
197 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 4, 2009
1049 people are currently reading
1222 people want to read
About the author
Karen McQuestion
52 books2,650 followersKaren McQuestion is an Amazon Charts bestselling author whose books have sold over three million copies. Some of her titles include The Moonlight Child, Dovetail, and A Limited Run.
Her publishing story has been covered by the Wall Street Journal, Entertainment Weekly, and NPR. Additionally she appeared on ABC's World News Now and America This Morning.
Her website:www.karenmcquestion.com\
Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Karen-M...
Her publishing story has been covered by the Wall Street Journal, Entertainment Weekly, and NPR. Additionally she appeared on ABC's World News Now and America This Morning.
Her website:www.karenmcquestion.com\
Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Karen-M...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
October 16, 2017
Short, but pretty good! I enjoyed the characters!
May 25, 2020
4+ stars.... great emotional ride!
March 4, 2019
Written for a young adult (teenage) audience, this book by Karen McQuestion tackles the always-difficult and oh-so-important subject of teenage depression and suicidal thoughts/actions.
Fifteen-year-old Rae has recently moved—yet again—and finds herself the new girl in school—yet again. Her single mom, Gina, works as a manicurist, and whenever she gets bored, angry or just feels adventurous, she and Rae move. For the first time, Rae has a clique of friends and is feeling almost happy as she puts her life on hold, awaiting the time she can go to college and escape her mother's whims to move every year. Meanwhile, Allison moves to town, and Allison has a history that is shocking and scary. When Gina and Allison hit it off, Rae is not only in awe of her mom for her nurturing abilities, but also a bit jealous.
While the book is highly readable and will hold a teen's attention throughout, the two main characters—Rae and Gina—are not quite believable. Gina, who is the adult, is petulant and irresponsible. Rae, who is the teenager, is far more conscientious and considerate than the average 15-year-old, making up for all Gina is not.
A thought: This might be a good book for teen girls and their moms to read together. It is likely to spark an important conversation.
Fifteen-year-old Rae has recently moved—yet again—and finds herself the new girl in school—yet again. Her single mom, Gina, works as a manicurist, and whenever she gets bored, angry or just feels adventurous, she and Rae move. For the first time, Rae has a clique of friends and is feeling almost happy as she puts her life on hold, awaiting the time she can go to college and escape her mother's whims to move every year. Meanwhile, Allison moves to town, and Allison has a history that is shocking and scary. When Gina and Allison hit it off, Rae is not only in awe of her mom for her nurturing abilities, but also a bit jealous.
While the book is highly readable and will hold a teen's attention throughout, the two main characters—Rae and Gina—are not quite believable. Gina, who is the adult, is petulant and irresponsible. Rae, who is the teenager, is far more conscientious and considerate than the average 15-year-old, making up for all Gina is not.
A thought: This might be a good book for teen girls and their moms to read together. It is likely to spark an important conversation.
October 21, 2024
I like the concept of the story, however I don’t think it was executed well.
March 26, 2011
Article first published as Book Review: Life on Hold by Karen McQuestion on Blogcritics.
Life if sometimes really messed up when you are a teenager. Your parents don’t understand what you are going through. You can’t argue and win because they have all the answers. What Rae Maddox had a problem with, was moving. Every time she would just get settled in a new school, it was time to move on. Her mom was pretty cool but it was definitely something that created an issue for her. Because she handled it all with aplomb, her mom never really understood. At her current school, she has a couple of people that she hangs out with. She does not call them friends because then she will be moving and lose more people that are close to her. The pain is too much, and she will just have to start again.
Kylie and Mason are the group she hangs with, but Blake and his friends are the, “cool Kids.” She is just not a part of that crowd. So when she is singled out by her principle to help a new student adjust she does not understand. She is still feeling her own way to belonging, but as usual, she goes with the flow. The new student Allison is quiet and standoffish. Rae struggles with finding a common ground. When she finds out that Allison’s parents just recently died in a fire, she tries very hard to understand. Allison is Blake’s cousin, but he goes out of his way to treat her rudely and taunt her. When Allison meets Rae’s mother, Rae is unsure how she feels about the bonding that occurs.
What Rae does not realize is that Allison is hiding her wounds; she is not mentally capable of dealing with her parent’s death. The unkindness of her cousin Blake and her difficulty fitting in, just pile more stones upon an already fragile ego. When Allison disappears, no one understands what has happened. Searching her heart, Rae believes she understands where Allison may have gone. Will she find her before it is too late?
In Life on Hold, Karen McQuestion has taken the horrifying events that occasionally happen in life and used it to build a lesson of understanding. The characters are very much like teenagers everywhere. Life happens all around them, but they only plug into what shows on the surface. There are often deep waters lurking in the shadows of their minds that are unplumbed. As with most kids, making fun and scoring off someone else often gets you laughs, but those laughs are often painful to the person on the other end.
Rae is a young woman with a heart, growing up without her father, but with a mother’s undivided attention has given her a different view of life. Trying to put herself in Allison’s place, she tries to be kinder to her. However, Allison herself makes it difficult. Can Rae reach deep within herself to find the solution to Allison’s disappearance. Will she be too late to save her?
I would recommend this book for the young adult reader. It is a harrowing look at what can happen when a teenager’s pain goes unnoticed. It is an eye opening look at challenges, which sometimes seem insurmountable. I believe it would be a great book to open dialog and create discussion. McQuestion puts together a realistic and fast-paced look at life.
This book was received free from the author. All opinions are my own based off me reading and understanding of the material.
Life if sometimes really messed up when you are a teenager. Your parents don’t understand what you are going through. You can’t argue and win because they have all the answers. What Rae Maddox had a problem with, was moving. Every time she would just get settled in a new school, it was time to move on. Her mom was pretty cool but it was definitely something that created an issue for her. Because she handled it all with aplomb, her mom never really understood. At her current school, she has a couple of people that she hangs out with. She does not call them friends because then she will be moving and lose more people that are close to her. The pain is too much, and she will just have to start again.
Kylie and Mason are the group she hangs with, but Blake and his friends are the, “cool Kids.” She is just not a part of that crowd. So when she is singled out by her principle to help a new student adjust she does not understand. She is still feeling her own way to belonging, but as usual, she goes with the flow. The new student Allison is quiet and standoffish. Rae struggles with finding a common ground. When she finds out that Allison’s parents just recently died in a fire, she tries very hard to understand. Allison is Blake’s cousin, but he goes out of his way to treat her rudely and taunt her. When Allison meets Rae’s mother, Rae is unsure how she feels about the bonding that occurs.
What Rae does not realize is that Allison is hiding her wounds; she is not mentally capable of dealing with her parent’s death. The unkindness of her cousin Blake and her difficulty fitting in, just pile more stones upon an already fragile ego. When Allison disappears, no one understands what has happened. Searching her heart, Rae believes she understands where Allison may have gone. Will she find her before it is too late?
In Life on Hold, Karen McQuestion has taken the horrifying events that occasionally happen in life and used it to build a lesson of understanding. The characters are very much like teenagers everywhere. Life happens all around them, but they only plug into what shows on the surface. There are often deep waters lurking in the shadows of their minds that are unplumbed. As with most kids, making fun and scoring off someone else often gets you laughs, but those laughs are often painful to the person on the other end.
Rae is a young woman with a heart, growing up without her father, but with a mother’s undivided attention has given her a different view of life. Trying to put herself in Allison’s place, she tries to be kinder to her. However, Allison herself makes it difficult. Can Rae reach deep within herself to find the solution to Allison’s disappearance. Will she be too late to save her?
I would recommend this book for the young adult reader. It is a harrowing look at what can happen when a teenager’s pain goes unnoticed. It is an eye opening look at challenges, which sometimes seem insurmountable. I believe it would be a great book to open dialog and create discussion. McQuestion puts together a realistic and fast-paced look at life.
This book was received free from the author. All opinions are my own based off me reading and understanding of the material.
January 29, 2010
This book was great! This is the second book that I have read by Karen McQuestion. I totally enjoyed it! It was longer than the last one I read (Favorite) so the characters were more developed. I really felt a connection with Rae and all of her friends. I would totally recommend this book to anyone.
October 29, 2018
This book is about mental health. It is almost relatable to me. I can actually go back in a time when my father got sick. I struggled with some this stuff. Perhaps, I am still going through it. The suffering of depression.
This book gets the rating that it did for it never fully explained what was placed on hold. But instead focussed what the characters went through.
This book gets the rating that it did for it never fully explained what was placed on hold. But instead focussed what the characters went through.
December 22, 2010
The book talks about the teen years, stability, single motherhood, friendship, parenting. All of us can benefit from this. Though it has its merits, I find it a bit too shallow for adults. A good read for high school kids, though. I'm onto another McQuestion book after this (my third) and that should decide if I will buy more of her books.
June 12, 2018
I thought this book was an excellent addition to my "just read" shelf. The burning question I had throughout the book, and was surprised it was never answered, was why did Rae call her mom by her first name? If this question was answered in the book and I simply overlooked it, please tell me why this was. All in all great read.
February 13, 2017
❤❤❤
I loved this book I can really relate to the story line if you've even been forced to up and move from a place to place and never seem to fit in then you will understand rae's pain
I loved this book I can really relate to the story line if you've even been forced to up and move from a place to place and never seem to fit in then you will understand rae's pain
October 2, 2019
Anticlimactic
Felt very anticlimactic with a lackluster ending. Character and storyline development left me desiring more depth. I have enjoyed a few of Mcquestion's books, and thoroughly enjoyed the light easy read they offered. Great potential felt lost in this one.
Felt very anticlimactic with a lackluster ending. Character and storyline development left me desiring more depth. I have enjoyed a few of Mcquestion's books, and thoroughly enjoyed the light easy read they offered. Great potential felt lost in this one.
Read
November 8, 2010Easy read--something I would have loved when I was in high school. Fortunately, I still love those kinds of books!
January 5, 2016
This was just an okay book. A quick read and not a bad story at all, I just think I've read so many amazing books the past couple weeks this one just didn't hold a candle to those!
November 10, 2020
Beautiful story
This YA story is told solely from the point of view of 16 year old Rae, a sophomore. Her mother, Gina, moves them roughly annually, making Rae adapt to new places, make new friends, get good grades, all in an unfamiliar place. There have been some hints that they might stay put in this town, an hour from her MGP's place, until Rae is graduated from high school. Rae plans to take extra courses so that she can be graduated a semester early, in time for her 18th birthday. Then she plans to move in with her MGP no matter how her mother balks at the idea. From there, Rae's MGP have offered to pay for her to attend college, whether she commutes or stays in a dorm.
Rae has always adapted...she had little choice in the matter, so she learned quickly to stick with 3 friends or less, not get involved with boyfriends, stay out of trouble, adapt to new teachers, new classes, new material, limit socialization, and manage to get good grades. They've been here such a short time that Rae barely knows her way around.
Then, one day, she's called to the office where the vice principal tells her he is piloting a new program. He is assigning her a new student to sort of mentor. She s to let the girl follow her all day, since-except for one class-their schedules are the same. Rae introduces Allison, the new girl, to her 2 friends at lunch. Allison skips out a half hour early at tje end of the day and Rae has to search for her. No one can find her, until Rae gets home and discovers Allison and Gina bonding-and wanting to exclude her. Allison has had a lot of bad things happen in a short time, and is currently living with her aunt, uncle, and her same-age male cousin, a spoiled only child with an overinflated sense of his own value and importance, and an attitude that demands acknowledgement from everyone else...add no sense of humor nor the ability to laugh at himself, and a tendency to cruelty. And when he slips on a wet spot on the cafeteria floor near Rae during his usual swagger-and-insult-those-not-in-his-crowd stint (and is unhurt except for his ego), he gets a further ego bruising from Rae - who can't stop laughing at the fall. The place where the uneaten pizza slice ends up only makes it worse.
But this time, it isn't just 2 friends, no boyfriend, do well in school, and whether or not Gina will keep the promise to let her finish her last 2-3 years in the same school. Allison and Gina have bonded, and while Gina was threatening a mid year move because of something Rae did, Allison's needs drove her to offer to stay longer. Then Rae finds herself with a boyfriend...they just "clicked," and now she has more reason to stay. Pm
That's pretty much the framework for everything else that happens in the book, and there is plenty of action and suspense. Gina and Rae grow a lot through all of it...and there is a lot going on. Suspense, fear, doubt, joy, love, caring, desperation, depression, anger, hate, compromise, happiness, and more pulse through various parts of the book.
The story resolves, not as satisfactorily as I personally had hoped, but the loose ends are tied up.
I highly recommend this for young readers - 12 and up IMO.
This YA story is told solely from the point of view of 16 year old Rae, a sophomore. Her mother, Gina, moves them roughly annually, making Rae adapt to new places, make new friends, get good grades, all in an unfamiliar place. There have been some hints that they might stay put in this town, an hour from her MGP's place, until Rae is graduated from high school. Rae plans to take extra courses so that she can be graduated a semester early, in time for her 18th birthday. Then she plans to move in with her MGP no matter how her mother balks at the idea. From there, Rae's MGP have offered to pay for her to attend college, whether she commutes or stays in a dorm.
Rae has always adapted...she had little choice in the matter, so she learned quickly to stick with 3 friends or less, not get involved with boyfriends, stay out of trouble, adapt to new teachers, new classes, new material, limit socialization, and manage to get good grades. They've been here such a short time that Rae barely knows her way around.
Then, one day, she's called to the office where the vice principal tells her he is piloting a new program. He is assigning her a new student to sort of mentor. She s to let the girl follow her all day, since-except for one class-their schedules are the same. Rae introduces Allison, the new girl, to her 2 friends at lunch. Allison skips out a half hour early at tje end of the day and Rae has to search for her. No one can find her, until Rae gets home and discovers Allison and Gina bonding-and wanting to exclude her. Allison has had a lot of bad things happen in a short time, and is currently living with her aunt, uncle, and her same-age male cousin, a spoiled only child with an overinflated sense of his own value and importance, and an attitude that demands acknowledgement from everyone else...add no sense of humor nor the ability to laugh at himself, and a tendency to cruelty. And when he slips on a wet spot on the cafeteria floor near Rae during his usual swagger-and-insult-those-not-in-his-crowd stint (and is unhurt except for his ego), he gets a further ego bruising from Rae - who can't stop laughing at the fall. The place where the uneaten pizza slice ends up only makes it worse.
But this time, it isn't just 2 friends, no boyfriend, do well in school, and whether or not Gina will keep the promise to let her finish her last 2-3 years in the same school. Allison and Gina have bonded, and while Gina was threatening a mid year move because of something Rae did, Allison's needs drove her to offer to stay longer. Then Rae finds herself with a boyfriend...they just "clicked," and now she has more reason to stay. Pm
That's pretty much the framework for everything else that happens in the book, and there is plenty of action and suspense. Gina and Rae grow a lot through all of it...and there is a lot going on. Suspense, fear, doubt, joy, love, caring, desperation, depression, anger, hate, compromise, happiness, and more pulse through various parts of the book.
The story resolves, not as satisfactorily as I personally had hoped, but the loose ends are tied up.
I highly recommend this for young readers - 12 and up IMO.
April 1, 2021
Life On Hold by Karen McQuestion is a gripping novel about the power of friendship and following your heart. Rae Maddox’s life has been anything but normal. Her mom, Gina, thinks nothing of packing up and moving. New apartment, new town, new job, all of it a new adventure to Gina. But to Rae, each move was just one more friend lost, one more chance to be the outsider. When they arrive in Wisconsin, Gina promises to stay put until Rae graduates high school. Feeling cautiously optimistic, Rae begins to adjust to the social world at Whitman High School, making new friends and making plans for college. Everything is going smoothly until one day when the vice principal asks her to show a new student around school. Allison Daly has been bounced around between relatives since her parents died in a house fire. Things begin to go bad as Rae begins to learn more and more about Allison’s troubling past. Will Allison’s past continue to haunt her? Will Rae finally find the home she has always wanted?
Life On Hold is a powerful story about regret, friendship and dealing with the past. While it is marketed as a Young Adult novel, it is a great read for all ages as it deals with suicide and the misunderstands that even adults run into. All the characters were relatable and believable. It had sweet moments between friends, dramatic moments and touching moments that serve as a reminder that we can make a difference in someone’s life by simply being a friend. One of my favorite quotes from the book is “You never really know what a difference you can make in someone’s life, if you’re to let them in.” Rae was usually on the outside looking in, not allowing herself to get too attached as Gina could decide to pack and leave at any moment. But there is something about Allison that is familiar and draws them together. While she doesn’t fully understand why but when Allison needs her the most, Rae must answer the call. I highly recommend Life On Hold for all ages.
Life On Hold is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook.
Life On Hold is a powerful story about regret, friendship and dealing with the past. While it is marketed as a Young Adult novel, it is a great read for all ages as it deals with suicide and the misunderstands that even adults run into. All the characters were relatable and believable. It had sweet moments between friends, dramatic moments and touching moments that serve as a reminder that we can make a difference in someone’s life by simply being a friend. One of my favorite quotes from the book is “You never really know what a difference you can make in someone’s life, if you’re to let them in.” Rae was usually on the outside looking in, not allowing herself to get too attached as Gina could decide to pack and leave at any moment. But there is something about Allison that is familiar and draws them together. While she doesn’t fully understand why but when Allison needs her the most, Rae must answer the call. I highly recommend Life On Hold for all ages.
Life On Hold is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook.
September 15, 2025
Book about love and acceptance
Rae Maddox is sixteen and used to starting over. Her mom moves them every few years, chasing fresh beginnings that never quite stick. But Whitman High feels different. Rae has made real friends, settled into a rhythm, and even better—her grandparents live just forty-five minutes away. Her mom’s relationship with them is strained, but Rae hopes to bridge that gap.
Just as life begins to feel steady, a new student arrives: Allison, quiet and distant. The vice principal assigns Rae to be her mentor, a task Rae reluctantly accepts. Allison’s frosty demeanor makes it clear she’s not thrilled either.
While Rae struggles to connect, her two closest friends welcome Allison and uncover a heartbreaking secret she’s been hiding. As Rae begins to warm to Allison and finds herself falling for her first boyfriend, her mom drops a familiar bombshell: it’s time to move again.
Now Rae faces a choice. Can she convince her mom to stay, nurture the fragile bond with Allison, and hold onto the life she’s finally begun to build?
▪️Language - mild, if any
▪️Sex scenes - none
▪️Violence - none
Rae Maddox is sixteen and used to starting over. Her mom moves them every few years, chasing fresh beginnings that never quite stick. But Whitman High feels different. Rae has made real friends, settled into a rhythm, and even better—her grandparents live just forty-five minutes away. Her mom’s relationship with them is strained, but Rae hopes to bridge that gap.
Just as life begins to feel steady, a new student arrives: Allison, quiet and distant. The vice principal assigns Rae to be her mentor, a task Rae reluctantly accepts. Allison’s frosty demeanor makes it clear she’s not thrilled either.
While Rae struggles to connect, her two closest friends welcome Allison and uncover a heartbreaking secret she’s been hiding. As Rae begins to warm to Allison and finds herself falling for her first boyfriend, her mom drops a familiar bombshell: it’s time to move again.
Now Rae faces a choice. Can she convince her mom to stay, nurture the fragile bond with Allison, and hold onto the life she’s finally begun to build?
▪️Language - mild, if any
▪️Sex scenes - none
▪️Violence - none
April 1, 2022
Surprisingly good!
Rae lives with her single mother, Gina, in an apartment. She’s lived in so many different ones in so many different places that she has trouble remembering which one was where. She’s tried to get her mother to promise to stay put this time until she finishes high school, and she hopes just maybe they will. But she’s wary of making too many new friends anyway, just in case. One day she’s summoned to the office and asked to mentor a new student. But there’s something strange about the new girl. She won’t talk—about herself or anything else. At least not to Rae. But Rae finds her in the kitchen of their apartment, talking to Gina. Gina suggests that Rae should have a sleepover and invite the new girl, Alison, and her friend Kylie. Things happen at the sleepover that shock and surprise Rae, but she begins to like Alison. And then there’s Nick. And Blake. And a very shocking accusation. I don’t always like YA books this much, but I sat up late and finished this in one sitting. (Also I grew up in Wisconsin, so the setting felt familiar to me.)
Rae lives with her single mother, Gina, in an apartment. She’s lived in so many different ones in so many different places that she has trouble remembering which one was where. She’s tried to get her mother to promise to stay put this time until she finishes high school, and she hopes just maybe they will. But she’s wary of making too many new friends anyway, just in case. One day she’s summoned to the office and asked to mentor a new student. But there’s something strange about the new girl. She won’t talk—about herself or anything else. At least not to Rae. But Rae finds her in the kitchen of their apartment, talking to Gina. Gina suggests that Rae should have a sleepover and invite the new girl, Alison, and her friend Kylie. Things happen at the sleepover that shock and surprise Rae, but she begins to like Alison. And then there’s Nick. And Blake. And a very shocking accusation. I don’t always like YA books this much, but I sat up late and finished this in one sitting. (Also I grew up in Wisconsin, so the setting felt familiar to me.)
October 18, 2018
Rae, around sixteen years old, and her mother, Gina, move often and Rae is getting very tired of not being able to make long-lasting friends. She tries to keep her head down at school (probably figuring making friends would not last long anyhow before her mother wanted to move again). There is a problem with a guy named Blake, though, who is a thorough bully.
Suddenly she gets called to the principal's office and told she's been selected for a special school program that has a student help a new student. The one she's supposed to help is named Allison and she has had a very rough background.
A party Rae attends shows how much of a bully Blake is and this causes trouble for Allison. Then Allison goes missing just as Gina is planning yet another move. Something very bad is going on with Allison and Rae wants to help her somehow.
The question is can she get to Allison in time before her mother insists on yet another move.
Suddenly she gets called to the principal's office and told she's been selected for a special school program that has a student help a new student. The one she's supposed to help is named Allison and she has had a very rough background.
A party Rae attends shows how much of a bully Blake is and this causes trouble for Allison. Then Allison goes missing just as Gina is planning yet another move. Something very bad is going on with Allison and Rae wants to help her somehow.
The question is can she get to Allison in time before her mother insists on yet another move.
October 16, 2020
Decent Enough Read
I’ve liked everyone of McQuestion’s novels. The storyline, the characters’ development, the way she stays on track, and the way she neatly wraps everything up.
As much of a fan as I am of her novels, this one struck me as a little too adolescent angst for my preference. Even the storyline, the characters, the emotions, the language used, appeared to come across pubescent in nature.
I did continue reading it throughout, and still found it a quick time-filler, and would recommend it anyway.
It just didn’t have the punch her other novels seem to have.
AMENDED: I felt it was necessary to come back in and modify my review in all fairness to the author. I went back in and checked the intended audience for this book and it is geared more toward the younger crowd. It came up as a recommendation under my Kindle Unlimited account, no error on the part of McQuestion.
I’ve liked everyone of McQuestion’s novels. The storyline, the characters’ development, the way she stays on track, and the way she neatly wraps everything up.
As much of a fan as I am of her novels, this one struck me as a little too adolescent angst for my preference. Even the storyline, the characters, the emotions, the language used, appeared to come across pubescent in nature.
I did continue reading it throughout, and still found it a quick time-filler, and would recommend it anyway.
It just didn’t have the punch her other novels seem to have.
AMENDED: I felt it was necessary to come back in and modify my review in all fairness to the author. I went back in and checked the intended audience for this book and it is geared more toward the younger crowd. It came up as a recommendation under my Kindle Unlimited account, no error on the part of McQuestion.
August 5, 2020
Rae has lived a nomadic life. She and her mum have travelled the length of America. When her mum gets bored they just pack up their troubles and leave. So Rae has never really felt settled…until now, Her mum has finally promised they can stay put in one place until she has finished high school and for once Rae isn’t the new girl in school. However, she has been put in charge of the new student Allison who has brought a whole load of secrets with her.
Life on Hold is a great YA story. Through Rae, you deal with situations such as displacement, searching for identity, social class and mental health. McQuestion has a little gem with the novel. A great story with likeable characters, Life on Hold is a good read.
Life on Hold by Karen McQuestion is available now.
Life on Hold is a great YA story. Through Rae, you deal with situations such as displacement, searching for identity, social class and mental health. McQuestion has a little gem with the novel. A great story with likeable characters, Life on Hold is a good read.
Life on Hold by Karen McQuestion is available now.
December 8, 2020
Good YA for mother-daughter and friendships
McQuestion did a good job at describing the relationship between a single mother and a daughter. How sometimes the daughter struggles with the love she has for her mom but the need for the room to grow into her own person. She done well also with tackling friends, especially when you're the new kid. She was good at showing the difference between Rae's perspective and Allison's. The only disappointments I had was the ending. I would've liked to see Blake and Allison understand each other a little more. I'd also have liked to see Gina reconcile with her parents. Not just toss the idea of it around. Overall, it was very enjoyable and I would recommend to teens or anyone who occasionally enjoys a good YA.
McQuestion did a good job at describing the relationship between a single mother and a daughter. How sometimes the daughter struggles with the love she has for her mom but the need for the room to grow into her own person. She done well also with tackling friends, especially when you're the new kid. She was good at showing the difference between Rae's perspective and Allison's. The only disappointments I had was the ending. I would've liked to see Blake and Allison understand each other a little more. I'd also have liked to see Gina reconcile with her parents. Not just toss the idea of it around. Overall, it was very enjoyable and I would recommend to teens or anyone who occasionally enjoys a good YA.
May 25, 2021
Sweetest friendship with a hint of mystery!
Well done, Mrs. McQuestion! Once again, you've delivered an exceptional read that I didn't want to end. This is my third book in a row of hers and I'm headed straight to the store to find my fourth. I have yet to find a character I didn't have an emotional reaction to and, for the first time in months, I'm finding myself reading in check out lines, waiting rooms and late into the night as well as first thing in the morning while I drink my coffee. Before, I would play sudoku or some other game on my phone because I couldn't find a book that really gripped me... No more! Keep them coming, please! More, more, more!
Well done, Mrs. McQuestion! Once again, you've delivered an exceptional read that I didn't want to end. This is my third book in a row of hers and I'm headed straight to the store to find my fourth. I have yet to find a character I didn't have an emotional reaction to and, for the first time in months, I'm finding myself reading in check out lines, waiting rooms and late into the night as well as first thing in the morning while I drink my coffee. Before, I would play sudoku or some other game on my phone because I couldn't find a book that really gripped me... No more! Keep them coming, please! More, more, more!
March 9, 2025
Wanted a light easy read and I enjoy Karen McQuestion's books so I chose this young adult novel. It was a good book with some life messages and a lesson on forgiving others, as well as ourselves. Family is important and should never be taken for granted; all grudges should be resolved so we can move forward without that weight on our backs. This life is so short that we need to enjoy those people that God put in our lives. This isn't exactly what the author was bringing out, it is just how the book hit me! Sometimes we read things in novels that weren't written into it but how it affects us where our lives are presently.
June 1, 2018
Life on Hold
I enjoyed this story immensely. It was not all that many pages but it came together nicely. Mom and her daughter, Rae got along fairly well during her teenage years until Rae found a boyfriend. Then all the feelings came out as Rae was tired of moving with all the changes she had to make. I would recommend it if you like a family oriented book.
I enjoyed this story immensely. It was not all that many pages but it came together nicely. Mom and her daughter, Rae got along fairly well during her teenage years until Rae found a boyfriend. Then all the feelings came out as Rae was tired of moving with all the changes she had to make. I would recommend it if you like a family oriented book.
July 18, 2018
A feel good book about a teen figuring out life
I really enjoyed this book. It might be fiction but it is full of reality of the life of high school kids! Angst, depression, bullying, feeling lonely, and being part of a group, as well as being wise despite your youth. This book has it all!
I really enjoyed this book. It might be fiction but it is full of reality of the life of high school kids! Angst, depression, bullying, feeling lonely, and being part of a group, as well as being wise despite your youth. This book has it all!
August 3, 2018
Love her books!
She writes stories that are real, making you feel like you are living in the story, not just reading a story. Her characters all come to life and draw you in. If you like Catherine Ryan Hyde you will like Karen McQuestion! Suitable for adults and young readers alike, always happy to ignore what I should be doing to finish one of her books! All thumbs up!
She writes stories that are real, making you feel like you are living in the story, not just reading a story. Her characters all come to life and draw you in. If you like Catherine Ryan Hyde you will like Karen McQuestion! Suitable for adults and young readers alike, always happy to ignore what I should be doing to finish one of her books! All thumbs up!
March 23, 2019
This book could be made into a movie
I love the plot of this book. I will not give anything away because it was so much fun learning about this as I read. I did not read a synopsis, I just started reading and didn’t put it down until the end. It is a thrilling and fun read. Many age groups could enjoy this book. This author is quite a story teller!
I love the plot of this book. I will not give anything away because it was so much fun learning about this as I read. I did not read a synopsis, I just started reading and didn’t put it down until the end. It is a thrilling and fun read. Many age groups could enjoy this book. This author is quite a story teller!
May 29, 2019
Teenagers
This story took me back to my teenage years. Mothers and daughters do not always understand each other but love can overcome the gap that naturally exists when a teenager is looking for answers. I would recommend this book to young adults aged 13 to 25. Communication is so important in relationships.
This story took me back to my teenage years. Mothers and daughters do not always understand each other but love can overcome the gap that naturally exists when a teenager is looking for answers. I would recommend this book to young adults aged 13 to 25. Communication is so important in relationships.
August 24, 2019
Nice quick read
Now if you are hoping for a literary classic, you are on the wrong book but if you just want a heartfelt story full of real emotion and a book that is perfect with a hot chocolate and an Afghan, this is that book. I love this author, she really understands how to make her scenes realistic and compelling. Well worth the read.
Now if you are hoping for a literary classic, you are on the wrong book but if you just want a heartfelt story full of real emotion and a book that is perfect with a hot chocolate and an Afghan, this is that book. I love this author, she really understands how to make her scenes realistic and compelling. Well worth the read.
May 18, 2021
I feel bad giving it such a low rating but for such a short book it felt like it dragged along pointlessly far too many times. It felt uneven and kind of surface level shallow a lot. The last quarter was decent, but by then I was more reading because I had paid for it and might as well finish than because I was invested in the characters.
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