(Subdue) In An Instant by Suzanne Redfearn - 5 stars

[Ellen]

Finn Miller's life was over 'in an instant'. She was only 16 when her family's van tumbled over a steep cliff in the middle of a blizzard. The other passengers included her parents Jack and Ann; older sister Chloe and boyfriend Vance; 13 year old autistic brother Oz with their family dog Bingo; Finn's best friend Maureen (Mo); neighbors Bob and Karen with their daughter Natalie; Kyle, a stranded teen motorist they picked up along the way. Jack was horribly injured and clung to life while Finn, who had been in the front passenger seat, was killed instantly. Although, somehow, Finn is still here. She watches as decisions are made that will have repercussions for a long time to come. Two people set out immediately in the raging storm to seek help. Two more leave the next morning and successfully reach the road and are able to call for help. A few of the passengers show immense bravery and calm in the midst of such tragedy while one of them commits an act of extreme cowardice that will cost another their life. Finn watches it all unfold and wants desperately to be with her family again.

The tragedy was an enormous blow to the Miller family but the aftermath would prove to be an even more difficult struggle. Finn learns family secrets that had been covered for years and longs to be able to tell those she loves that she sees their pain and wants to help. She believes her spirit has remained behind because they cannot let her go and she will do whatever she can to bring peace to her loved ones before she is gone forever.

I was totally sold on this book from the start. I see varied reviews for it but I for one was absorbed in the whole story. It's an interesting perspective along the lines of "The Lovely Bones" being told from the point of view of a deceased person. Finn is a wonderful character and I'm sorry she did not get to live to a ripe old age.

[KateNZ]

This sounds really intriguing, Ellen - on the list it goes!