(Subdue) Hadley and Grace by Suzanne Redfearn - 4.5 stars

[Ellen]

Hadley has been married to Frank for 15 years and is ready to run. She has had enough of his controlling behavior and how little she thinks of herself for allowing it. Knowing he must have cash in his business office she packs the car for herself, 14-year-old daughter Mattie and nephew Skipper. While searching his office Hadley is stunned when his assistant, Grace, arrives. Strangely enough, Grace is there for the exact same reason. Her active duty Army husband has emptied their bank account for the last time due to his gambling addiction. Grace decided to take money from her boss and run with her 4-month-old son Miles. Although the two women are suspicious of one another they decide to pool the money and flee together. Imagine their surprise when instead of the several thousand dollars they expected to find in Frank's safe, they stumble across nearly 2 million.

FBI agents Mark and Fitz are shocked to see two women on their surveillance video of Frank's office. They had been watching him for months knowing he was much more than the local successful businessman he pretended to be. Believing their evidence, the dirty money, was leaving with the women they knew they had to do whatever they could to find them.

The surprising encounter between Hadley and Grace began a great escape, ala Thelma and Louise, with the FBI in pursuit. Initially the women were antagonistic with the scrappy Grace and the overly trusting Hadley constantly at odds. As they learned to rely on one another their friendship blossomed into something they both needed: family.

I really enjoyed this one. The two main characters are well done and I couldn't help but root for them to escape. Of course, not everything went smoothly with many tears shed along the way. I will definitely look for other books by this new to me author.

[KateNZ]

This sounds really good - thanks!