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In an Instant Kindle Edition

4.6 out of 5 stars 75,315 ratings

An Amazon Charts bestseller.

A deeply moving story of carrying on even when it seems impossible.

Life is over in an instant for sixteen-year-old Finn Miller when a devastating car accident tumbles her and ten others over the side of a mountain. Suspended between worlds, she watches helplessly as those she loves struggle to survive.

Impossible choices are made, decisions that leave the survivors tormented with grief and regret. Unable to let go, Finn keeps vigil as they struggle to reclaim their shattered lives. Jack, her father, who seeks vengeance against the one person he can blame other than himself; her best friend, Mo, who bravely searches for the truth as the story of their survival is rewritten; her sister Chloe, who knows Finn lingers and yearns to join her; and her mother, Ann, who saved them all but is haunted by her decisions. Finn needs to move on, but how can she with her family still in pieces?

Heartrending yet ultimately redemptive, In an Instant is a story about the power of love, the meaning of family, and carrying on…even when it seems impossible.

Popular Highlights in this book

Editorial Reviews

Review

A 2020 Goodreads Choice Awards Semifinalist: Best Fiction

“The characters are sensitively portrayed, as is their recovery, and the hopeful ending is realistic. Readers of domestic dramas will be enthralled.” Booklist

“Suzanne Redfearn’s In an Instant (2019) is a remarkable book, which manages to be fast-paced and easily accessible to the casual reader, yet deeply satisfying and perceptive, providing insight into the nature of grief and loss…” The Albuquerque Journal

“Suzanne Redfearn’s latest is a wonder. A thoughtful exploration of life, death, and the world in between, In an Instant is a powerful and poignant read.” —Mary Kubica, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author

In an Instant begins as an action-packed tale of survival that is positively addictive; then it digs deep into an emotional and thought-provoking exploration of our humanity and what it means to make difficult moral choices in the most harrowing of circumstances. Redfearn tackles it all brilliantly and compassionately in this mesmerizing and wondrous novel. It’s a triumph on every level, and I absolutely loved it.” USA Today bestselling author Julianne MacLean

“When a sudden car accident shatters a family, they’re left to pick up the pieces while trying to solve the mystery of just what happened that night. Redfearn deftly pivots from character to character in this multiple-points-of-view narrative, unraveling the past and weaving together a new future for the family. In an Instant is sure to please fans of The Lovely Bones and Big Little Lies.” —Catherine McKenzie, bestselling author of The Good Liar and Hidden

“Suzanne Redfearn’s In an Instant is part ghost story, part love letter to a family in crisis after a devastating accident in the midst of a brutal snowstorm. This cleverly crafted novel chronicles a heartbreaking journey from grief and despair to one of acceptance, forgiveness, and ultimately hope. Through Redfearn’s luminous prose, In an Instant succeeds in building an unforgettable portrait of human frailty and strength in the face of unfathomable loss.” —Heather Gudenkauf, New York Times bestselling author of The Weight of Silence and Before She Was Found

In an Instant is a triumph! When tragedy strikes, two families are thrown into chaos as the lines of morality are blurred. Redfearn handles a family’s shock and grief with the perfect balance of empathy and hope and will have you contemplating what really lies underneath the shiny veneer of those closest to you. Make In an Instant your first read of 2020.” —Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke, bestselling authors of Girls’ Night Out

“Breathtaking, compelling, heart stopping, and original. An utter page turner—I couldn’t put the book down. I highly recommend this unforgettable story. Kudos to Suzanne Redfearn.” —Jane Porter, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author

“Told in gripping prose, In an Instant is both an addictive, suspenseful read and a thoughtful exploration of what each of us would do in a time of intense trauma. Redfearn’s characters are so real and the plot so mesmerizing I couldn’t think about anything else. A must for book clubs!” —Anita Hughes, author of Rome in Love and Christmas in Vermont

“Suzanne Redfearn’s latest, In an Instant, is a captivating, heartbreaking, but ultimately uplifting novel about a family’s devastating tragedy and its aftermath. Reminiscent of The Lovely Bones, the story is told by sixteen-year-old Finn, who struggles to find closure for herself while watching her loved ones do the same. Redfearn deftly explores those split-second decisions that can alter our destinies and the guilt we hold on to, despite our need to let go. In an Instant reminds us what it is to be human—vulnerable, fallible, and also resilient and triumphant when we face our challenges with unity and love.” —Janis Thomas, bestselling author of What Remains True and All That’s Left of Me

“In the wake of a tragic car accident, the survivors are forced to make unimaginable choices in desperation to survive, spiraling into a heart-wrenching journey to live with those same choices afterward, forever haunting the ones they love and perceptions of self. Told through the perspective of a teenage girl whose life is cut short—her desperation to be alive and connected to her family is a reminder of how fragile the things we take for granted truly are. Suzanne Redfearn’s In an Instant will make you thankful for every breath you take.” —Kristin Fields, author of A Lily in the Light

From the Publisher

Perfect for fans of The Lovely Bones, this poignant story of loss, survival, forgiveness, and redemption has all the feels, and then some. But the strongest feeling of all is hope.

After a tragic accident sends a van of eleven people over the side of a cliff in a snowstorm, sixteen-year-old Finn’s too-short life ends abruptly. Lingering between this world and the next, she watches as her family and friends struggle to survive, and following the rescue, how they then struggle to live with decisions they made in a life-or-death situation.

Redfearn’s beautifully authentic character development completely won me over. Finn is bursting with life and energy and infectious faith. She wants so badly for her family and friends to be OK, and for her memory to be a happy one—and as a reader, I needed those things desperately as well. I turned each page with my heart in my throat, finding myself cycling through intense feelings of grief, then anger, then joy, then sadness, and finally hope.

Hope that the world is in fact a good place, and that even though people make bad choices, ultimately most of us are good too. Hope that there is forgiveness and connection to be found if only we are willing to seek them. Hope that even though life (and this story) aren’t tied up neatly with a pretty bow, closure and peace and second chances are possible.

- Alicia Clancy, Editor

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07NVD1276
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Lake Union Publishing
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 1, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4.6 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 333 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1542006590
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 75,315 ratings

About the author

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Suzanne Redfearn
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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

4.6 out of 5 stars
75,315 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book compelling and thought-provoking, with an engaging writing style that draws readers in from the start and keeps them reading until the very end. The story is heartwrenching, filled with emotions and grief, while the characters are well-developed, with one customer noting how they deal with loss differently. Customers describe it as a heartwarming tale of love and friendship that's almost impossible to put down.

3,407 customers mention "Readability"3,365 positive42 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, with several noting it's a must-read, and one customer describing it as compelling.

"...moral dilemmas and the impact of split-second decisions, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read for young adults and adults alike...." Read more

"...The story is medium paced and written clearly and concise. At the same time, it is also thought-provoking...." Read more

"I absolutely loved this book. I loved her use of the character Finn being able to see (and tell) what everyone else was doing...." Read more

"A wonderfully written story about how we all are more than one thing, one perspective and mostly do the best we can...." Read more

2,497 customers mention "Thought provoking"2,335 positive162 negative

Customers find the book thought-provoking with a captivating premise and powerful story, with one customer noting its incredible insight into human nature.

"...It challenges readers to consider complex moral dilemmas and the impact of split-second decisions, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read..." Read more

"...The fight for survival is put to the test in this moral pushing thriller...." Read more

"Loved this story not only because of the storyline, but I can relate to all the places in the story, having lived in each area for years...." Read more

"I appreciated the perspective this book offered, illustrating how traumatic events can skew our black and white world into gray...." Read more

1,360 customers mention "Emotional content"1,130 positive230 negative

Customers find the book emotionally engaging, describing it as heart-wrenching and sad, with one customer mentioning they cried both happy and joyful tears.

"...suitable for readers aged 12 and up, as it encourages the development of emotional intelligence and empathy...." Read more

"...This novel had an interesting perspective of the aftermath of a tragedy...." Read more

"...It's a beautiful story that rises from a terrible tragedy and how different everyone's perspective from that fatal night is based on each one's..." Read more

"...A love story. And tale about courage, bravery, heartbreak, resilience and healing. Engaging characters and LOTS of twists and turns...." Read more

1,322 customers mention "Writing quality"1,244 positive78 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, noting the author's way with words, and one customer specifically mentions how amazing it is to read from Finn's perspective.

"In an Instant is a beautifully written novel that offers a unique perspective by narrating the story through Finn, even after her death...." Read more

"...Told by a unique point of view of someone who is a fly on the wall, Finn, misses nothing as she watches her family struggle with surviving, grief,..." Read more

"...I enjoy Ms. Redfearn’s writing style and the depth she brings to her storytelling...." Read more

"...There are so many characters in this book and the author does an amazing job at going into detail of how each character is feeling emotionally and..." Read more

1,194 customers mention "Pacing"1,114 positive80 negative

Customers find the pacing of the book engaging, drawing them in from the first page and keeping their interest until the very end.

"Loved this story not only because of the storyline, but I can relate to all the places in the story, having lived in each area for years...." Read more

"...The author delivers all the feels: happiness, sadness, hopefulness, anger, grief, betrayal, love, hate, and everything in between...." Read more

"...•What did I think?: This book was an absolute page turner for me!..." Read more

"...I really enjoyed this survival story/family drama Since it was a page-turner I read it in record time." Read more

1,009 customers mention "Character development"972 positive37 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, noting its engaging and complex portrayal of human motivations, and how the author weaves multiple stories throughout the narrative.

"...The character development is exceptional, with each individual’s journey thoughtfully explored, allowing readers to connect deeply with their..." Read more

"...this novel for anyone who loves survival stories and can appreciate character growth...." Read more

"I absolutely loved this book. I loved her use of the character Finn being able to see (and tell) what everyone else was doing...." Read more

"...Engaging characters and LOTS of twists and turns. Highly recommended!" Read more

271 customers mention "Heartwarming story"261 positive10 negative

Customers find this book heartwarming, describing it as a story of love and friendship that makes readers feel every emotion possible.

"...The book explores the impact of a car accident on a family, the power of love, and the importance of family, even when it seems impossible to carry..." Read more

"What a beautiful story. A love story. And tale about courage, bravery, heartbreak, resilience and healing...." Read more

"...The funeral for Finn was poignant and also filled with love for her life...." Read more

"This book was very touching for me. Good story and interesting how each reacts to the tragedy...." Read more

166 customers mention "Difficulty to put down"125 positive41 negative

Customers find the book almost impossible to put down.

"...I read it on just a few hours, it was very hard to put down and I loved every word!" Read more

"...This was a good book! it was hard to put down! So much going on but all easily tied together." Read more

"The story itself is gripping and hard to put down but it is the complexity of human character and motivations which it reveals that makes you think..." Read more

"...It was hard to put the book down at times but each time I did I found myself thinking about their story and about my thinking...." Read more

Poignant, powerfully, and utterly unforgettable!
5 out of 5 stars
Poignant, powerfully, and utterly unforgettable!
Every so often a book comes along and stamps itself on your soul, and this story definitely did that to me. If I could rate this one a million stars, I would. Wow. This book. This. book. I'm just going to say that even though we're only about two and a half months into the year, this one will be on my best of the year! It's so hard to completely discuss this book without giving away spoilers, and you really want to go into this one with very little information. Masterfully written and with such glorious prose, you'll find yourself mesmerized and so caught up in this family's tragic saga that you will not be able to let go until you know the end. This story is powerful and poignant, begging readers to question everything they ever thought they knew about themselves and others even those they trust. "Nothing is as it was. The pretense of valor, her own and others', has been decimated and the ugly truth of human nature revealed." This is a heartbreaking and truly unforgettable exploration of our own humanity. Split second decisions are made all the time, yet some of those result in ramifications that leave a legacy built on the consequences of those choices. As characters confront their own survival, the ultimate healing comes with forgiveness and not just to others, but to oneself as well. The road is not the same for everyone, but it is a breathtakingly emotional journey, especially as readers travel that path with them. "Like everyone else, she is stumbling forward, one foot in front of the other, not always in the right direction but staggering on just the same." The narrative is incredibly spiritual. There are so many moments scattered throughout that ask us to question our mortality and an afterlife, especially for Finn as she lingers between two worlds. Ultimately, Finn helps us to understand that it's okay to feel sad, but always remember to celebrate the time you had together with a loved one so their presence is never forgotten. "Carry me inside you as a light that brightens your world and makes everything better." This is one of those perfect reading experiences that will always hold a special place in my heart. I have so much love, respect, and appreciation to the author for sharing this story (be sure to read the Author's Note at the end). As hard as it was to pick up the next book on my schedule, we learn so gracefully from In an Instant that life marches on, so onward I go, but the memory remains. Many thanks to Great Escapes Book Tours and the author for providing me with a free copy of the book for review. I loved it so much I purchased my own physical copy. This is my honest and thoughtful opinion.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2025
    In an Instant is a beautifully written novel that offers a unique perspective by narrating the story through Finn, even after her death. This approach provides profound insights into the experiences of those left behind, capturing their grief, guilt, and resilience in the aftermath of tragedy. The character development is exceptional, with each individual’s journey thoughtfully explored, allowing readers to connect deeply with their struggles and growth.

    The inclusion of the author’s note and discussion questions at the end enriches the reading experience, offering context and prompting meaningful reflection. These additions make the book an excellent choice for book clubs or classroom discussions.

    I believe this novel is particularly suitable for readers aged 12 and up, as it encourages the development of emotional intelligence and empathy. It challenges readers to consider complex moral dilemmas and the impact of split-second decisions, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read for young adults and adults alike.

    Absolutely recommend!!!
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2025
    "Are we born with our strength? If so, then should we condemn those who don't have it?"

    A family trip gone wrong. An awful accident in a blizzard. The fight for survival is put to the test in this moral pushing thriller. Told by a unique point of view of someone who is a fly on the wall, Finn, misses nothing as she watches her family struggle with surviving, grief, anger, betrayal, love, and jealousy.

    This story was not what I expected going into it. I will say that I did not read the synopsis so one of the plot 'twists' for me wasn't really a plot twist. This novel had an interesting perspective of the aftermath of a tragedy. It isn't very often that a thriller makes me tear up but this one certainly did. The story is medium paced and written clearly and concise. At the same time, it is also thought-provoking.

    I would recommend this novel for anyone who loves survival stories and can appreciate character growth. I think this novel was very well written and I will read more book by the author.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2025
    I absolutely loved this book. I loved her use of the character Finn being able to see (and tell) what everyone else was doing. I read this in 3 days, because I couldn't put it down.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2025
    A wonderfully written story about how we all are more than one thing, one perspective and mostly do the best we can. I, for one, believe the souls of others touch us every day.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2025
    Loved this story not only because of the storyline, but I can relate to all the places in the story, having lived in each area for years. Makes me homesick for when Ca. was a great place.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2025
    I appreciated the perspective this book offered, illustrating how traumatic events can skew our black and white world into gray. The protagonist’s after-life observations bordered cheesiness though and detracted from its authenticity.
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2025
    In an instant, everything can change!
    The book explores the impact of a car accident on a family, the power of love, and the importance of family, even when it seems impossible to carry on.

    It's been a while since I've read a book in one sitting. The author delivers all the feels: happiness, sadness, hopefulness, anger, grief, betrayal, love, hate, and everything in between.
    It's a beautiful story that rises from a terrible tragedy and how different everyone's perspective from that fatal night is based on each one's memory. A story of survival, not just from the accident, but also the days/ weeks/ months that follow. You feel (almost) each person's struggles, the difficult choices they make, and the regret and blame that follows.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2025
    What a beautiful story. A love story. And tale about courage, bravery, heartbreak, resilience and healing. Engaging characters and LOTS of twists and turns. Highly recommended!
    2 people found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • jackey
    2.0 out of 5 stars Only a decent read
    Reviewed in Italy on October 22, 2024
    The fact that immediately takes you aback and even disappoints you is the choice of a dead person as onniscient narrator: obviously a ghost sees everything from above and knows everything. Too easy! Also, the part of the survival should have been better developed: the idea was good. All the rest is basically a " morality play" based on the central idea of guilt, regret, punishment, redemption, but....Coleridge did it much better. Pity, because the writer has good skills.
  • Baiba
    5.0 out of 5 stars 🥹
    Reviewed in Germany on November 26, 2023
    Beautiful, heartbreaking, sad.

    The tragedy happened in the beginning, and it’s the after, how everyone deals with what happened. From a very unexpected and interesting point of view, a psychologically perfect story. I devoured it in one day!
  • ES
    5.0 out of 5 stars Deeply moving
    Reviewed in India on November 27, 2020
    When life get past the impossible it takes time to see the truth and light of the choices.
    An emotional read which give you a perspective of life through eyes of a lost life.
    Don't miss it.
  • Wendy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Survival, Tragedy and Family Love
    Reviewed in Canada on February 3, 2021
    Well-developed and emotionally-charged "In An Instant” opens when a disastrous camper accident on a snow-covered mountain road kills sixteen-year-old Finn Miller and leaves her father seriously injured. With biting cold winds, snow falling and daylight gone decisions are made that have Finn’s sister Chloe and her boyfriend struggling through the storm looking for help, and when they don’t return her mother Ann and Kyle following them into the night. The Gold family; Finn’s friend Maureen (aka Mo); mentally challenged Oz Miller; and his dog Bingo are left behind to care for the injured Jack and will make tragic life and death decisions that will haunt their lives until the truth of that night is revealed.

    Told from sixteen-year-old feisty and stubborn Finn Miller’s perspective, as her spirit lingers on after her death, intensity and suspense escalate not only with the hazardous struggles to find help; the negligence causing a young boy’s death, but also in the decisions made to survive. Yet the most poignant and evocative part of the story lies in the choices made by friends and families who afterwards are guilt-ridden and searching for the truth of that night as they struggle to put the pieces of their lives back together. In a plot filled with anger, guilt, self-loathing, vengeance and lies, judgements will be made that will heal or destroy the lives of those affected. Intriguing with an affair, a search in the mountains, and a friend determined to make the truth known, the story quickly winds flawlessly to a compelling climax.

    Among a host of complex and fascinating characters are lawyer and mother Ann Miller who’s determined and relentless in a tough situation but domestically neglectful of her children’s needs; former yacht captain and stay-at-home dad Jack Miller who’s calm and caring until angry and vengeful after the accident; the self-absorbed Bob and Karen Gold; their haughty, self-centered daughter Natalie; overweight, mentally challenged thirteen-year-old Oz Miller; and the eighteen-year-old smart, tough, haunted Chloe Miller. All these personalities and others infuse this plot with emotional tension, heart-provoking power that captures the reader from the first page to the last.

    I thoroughly enjoyed “In An Instant” a story of tragedy, survival, and family love.
  • Inês Buttros
    5.0 out of 5 stars In an Instant
    Reviewed in Brazil on April 10, 2021
    This was so good! I cried throughout the whole book. Great characters, my heart aches for all of them. It speaks to the sensitivity and care behind every journey. What a masterclass in writing! Well done, Suzanne Redfearn.

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