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Wildland
For fans of Jodi Picoult and Anita Shreve comes an exhilarating debut novel of one woman's courage in the face of catastrophe.
She'll do anything to save them.
But what will she do to save herself?
When Kat Jamison retreats to the Blue Ridge Mountains, she's counting on peace and solitude to help her make a difficult decision. Her breast cancer has returned, but after the death of her husband, her will to fight is dampened. Now she has a choice to make: face yet another round of chemotherapy or surrender gracefully.
Self-reflection quickly proves impossible as her getaway is complicated by a pair of abandoned dogs and two friendly children staying nearby, Lily and Nirav. In no time at all, Kat's quiet seclusion is invaded by the happy confusion of children and pets.
But when lightning ignites a deadly wildfire, Kat's cabin is cut off from the rest of the camp, separating Lily and Nirav from their parents. Left with no choice, Kat, the children, and the dogs must flee on foot through the drought-stricken forest, away from the ravenous flames. As a frantic rescue mission is launched below the fire line, Kat drives the party deeper into the mountains, determined to save four innocent lives. But when the moment comes to save her own, Kat will have to decide just how hard she's willing to fight to survive--and what's worth living for.
A heart-pounding novel of bravery, sacrifice, and self-discovery, Wildland will keep you on the edge of your seat to the very last page.
She'll do anything to save them.
But what will she do to save herself?
When Kat Jamison retreats to the Blue Ridge Mountains, she's counting on peace and solitude to help her make a difficult decision. Her breast cancer has returned, but after the death of her husband, her will to fight is dampened. Now she has a choice to make: face yet another round of chemotherapy or surrender gracefully.
Self-reflection quickly proves impossible as her getaway is complicated by a pair of abandoned dogs and two friendly children staying nearby, Lily and Nirav. In no time at all, Kat's quiet seclusion is invaded by the happy confusion of children and pets.
But when lightning ignites a deadly wildfire, Kat's cabin is cut off from the rest of the camp, separating Lily and Nirav from their parents. Left with no choice, Kat, the children, and the dogs must flee on foot through the drought-stricken forest, away from the ravenous flames. As a frantic rescue mission is launched below the fire line, Kat drives the party deeper into the mountains, determined to save four innocent lives. But when the moment comes to save her own, Kat will have to decide just how hard she's willing to fight to survive--and what's worth living for.
A heart-pounding novel of bravery, sacrifice, and self-discovery, Wildland will keep you on the edge of your seat to the very last page.
259 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 11, 2020
About the author
Rebecca Hodge
2 books177 followersRebecca Hodge is an author of fiction, a veterinarian, and a clinical research scientist who lives and writes in North Carolina. Fiction writing is the space where her creative side comes out to play, and her writing centers on characters who discover that life is not a spectator sport. She has three grown sons, one amazing grandchild, one crazy dog, and one patient husband. When not busy writing, she loves hiking, travel, and (of course) curling up with a good book. 'Wildland' and 'Over the Falls' both demonstrate that life is not a spectator sport.
If you’re a member of a book club and want Rebecca to visit in person (local) or via Zoom, go to her website (www.rebeccahodgefiction.com) and send her a message. She’d love to meet your group.
If you’re a member of a book club and want Rebecca to visit in person (local) or via Zoom, go to her website (www.rebeccahodgefiction.com) and send her a message. She’d love to meet your group.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 414 reviews
March 25, 2020
4.5 Stars!
Heart-warming, awe-inspiring & a gripping page-turner!
WILDLAND by REBECCA HODGE was such an exciting, emotional, and powerful story about one woman's courage, bravery and the lengths that she would go to survive and keep the people in her care safe.
It was such a suspenseful, heart-pounding, and excellent story that definitely tugged at my heartstrings. Our female lead character here is one absolutely fantastic, fearsome heroine that I wholeheartedly admired and totally fell in love with.
I absolutely loved the reading experience and believe me this story will stay with me for a long time to come! Would highly recommend!
Disclaimer: Thank you so much to Coreena from Callisto Crate for the opportunity to read this novel! It came with their book box subscription that I am lucky enough to be repping for. It is a Canadian subscription book box and if you are interested in receiving your own book box you can use my rep code SISTERS15 to save $15.00 off your first box.
Heart-warming, awe-inspiring & a gripping page-turner!
WILDLAND by REBECCA HODGE was such an exciting, emotional, and powerful story about one woman's courage, bravery and the lengths that she would go to survive and keep the people in her care safe.
It was such a suspenseful, heart-pounding, and excellent story that definitely tugged at my heartstrings. Our female lead character here is one absolutely fantastic, fearsome heroine that I wholeheartedly admired and totally fell in love with.
I absolutely loved the reading experience and believe me this story will stay with me for a long time to come! Would highly recommend!
Disclaimer: Thank you so much to Coreena from Callisto Crate for the opportunity to read this novel! It came with their book box subscription that I am lucky enough to be repping for. It is a Canadian subscription book box and if you are interested in receiving your own book box you can use my rep code SISTERS15 to save $15.00 off your first box.
March 15, 2020
4.5 stars.
This isn’t a page-turner; it’s a page-flipper! I raced through this as fast as my pulse was racing.
Kat is planning a quiet month’s stay at a secluded cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains. She beat breast cancer a number of years ago, enduring surgeries, chemo, debilitating recovery. But now the cancer has come back again, and she’s not sure she has the strength for another fight, regardless of her daughter’s feelings.
While getting the lay of the land, she meets the occupants of the two nearby cabin, each is a man traveling with his child, but both couldn’t be more different. Malcolm, who has physical and, clearly, emotional scars of his own, is dealing with his adopted son, Nirav, while brash, demanding Scott is struggling with the challenges of his preteen daughter, Lily.
Both children are immediately taken with Kat, not to mention the two dogs she has found herself with. One night while both children are sleeping at her cabin, a lightning strike causes a fire which quickly starts to encroach on them. With no choice, Kat leads the children and the dogs deeper and deeper into the woods, hoping to escape the fire and hoping there’s a way they can be rescued.
Meanwhile, Malcolm and Scott frantically plan a rescue of the kids and Kat but are at the mercy of the fire and the authorities. And even when Malcolm is able to pull strings their efforts are hampered. Will their kids be safe? Will a woman with barely enough strength to fight her own battles be able to muster the courage to protect two children she barely knows? It’s a race against the elements, time, and the human body.
Even though I knew what would happen I couldn’t put this book down. There was a lot more complexity to these characters than you usually get in a thriller. Malcolm and Nirav could have been a book all their own. This is a book that gets your heart racing but also tugs at your heart. It also would be an excellent movie.
I’m grateful to be part of the blog tour for this book. Thanks to Kate Rock Book Tours, Rebecca Hodge, and Crooked Lane Books for providing a complimentary advance copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. I appreciate the opportunity!!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2019 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2019.html.
Check out my list of the best books of the decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
This isn’t a page-turner; it’s a page-flipper! I raced through this as fast as my pulse was racing.
Kat is planning a quiet month’s stay at a secluded cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains. She beat breast cancer a number of years ago, enduring surgeries, chemo, debilitating recovery. But now the cancer has come back again, and she’s not sure she has the strength for another fight, regardless of her daughter’s feelings.
While getting the lay of the land, she meets the occupants of the two nearby cabin, each is a man traveling with his child, but both couldn’t be more different. Malcolm, who has physical and, clearly, emotional scars of his own, is dealing with his adopted son, Nirav, while brash, demanding Scott is struggling with the challenges of his preteen daughter, Lily.
Both children are immediately taken with Kat, not to mention the two dogs she has found herself with. One night while both children are sleeping at her cabin, a lightning strike causes a fire which quickly starts to encroach on them. With no choice, Kat leads the children and the dogs deeper and deeper into the woods, hoping to escape the fire and hoping there’s a way they can be rescued.
Meanwhile, Malcolm and Scott frantically plan a rescue of the kids and Kat but are at the mercy of the fire and the authorities. And even when Malcolm is able to pull strings their efforts are hampered. Will their kids be safe? Will a woman with barely enough strength to fight her own battles be able to muster the courage to protect two children she barely knows? It’s a race against the elements, time, and the human body.
Even though I knew what would happen I couldn’t put this book down. There was a lot more complexity to these characters than you usually get in a thriller. Malcolm and Nirav could have been a book all their own. This is a book that gets your heart racing but also tugs at your heart. It also would be an excellent movie.
I’m grateful to be part of the blog tour for this book. Thanks to Kate Rock Book Tours, Rebecca Hodge, and Crooked Lane Books for providing a complimentary advance copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. I appreciate the opportunity!!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2019 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2019.html.
Check out my list of the best books of the decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
January 23, 2020
This survival story is different than my usual mysteries. A 50ish woman retreats to the Blue Ridge Mountains to decide on a course of action when her breast cancer returns. She hasn’t even gotten settled in when she’s saddled with two dogs. One, a yellow lab that her daughter asks her to foster and another a stray found on a trail. The author is a veterinarian, so trust me she gets the dog aspects right. Because of the dogs, two children staying nearby also bond with her. All five get caught when lightning starts a wildfire and they must attempt an escape up the mountain.
The chapters alternate between Kat’s attempts to bring them all to safety with the two fathers’ attempts to find them. It works well to keep the tension up. And there’s a lot of tension and intensity here. Kat is a great character and her thought processes when comparing death by fire to death by cancer rang true.
The book blurb says this works for fans of Jodi Picoult and Anita Shreveport. Now I like both, but it’s not a completely accurate comparison. This book is much more action driven than anything those two authors have written. And don’t look for twisty plot lines here. But it does feature a cast of characters that all have to draw on their strengths and do things that don’t come easily to them.
The descriptions here spot on perfect. You feel the heat and breath the soot right along with them.
Well done, Ms. Hodges! If this is your debut, I can’t wait to read your next effort.
My thanks to netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for an advance copy of this novel.
The chapters alternate between Kat’s attempts to bring them all to safety with the two fathers’ attempts to find them. It works well to keep the tension up. And there’s a lot of tension and intensity here. Kat is a great character and her thought processes when comparing death by fire to death by cancer rang true.
The book blurb says this works for fans of Jodi Picoult and Anita Shreveport. Now I like both, but it’s not a completely accurate comparison. This book is much more action driven than anything those two authors have written. And don’t look for twisty plot lines here. But it does feature a cast of characters that all have to draw on their strengths and do things that don’t come easily to them.
The descriptions here spot on perfect. You feel the heat and breath the soot right along with them.
Well done, Ms. Hodges! If this is your debut, I can’t wait to read your next effort.
My thanks to netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for an advance copy of this novel.
July 31, 2019
Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC of this propulsive, exciting adventure story in return for an honest review. The characters were well developed and believable in this fast-paced survival story.
Kat has retreated to a cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountain wilderness. She had undergone radiation and chemotherapy for cancer, it was in remission but has learned that it has returned. She wants solitude and quiet to decide whether to have further treatment and is reluctant to do so. She has argued with her daughter about the possibility of giving up. Her daughter who runs a dog training and rescue business brings her a trained, adult dog for companionship. Kat had never wanted a dog but gradually bonds with it.
In neighbouring cabins, two fathers are staying with their children. They are 12- year- old Lily and nine-year-old Nivar, adopted from Pakistan. The children are attracted by Kat’s dog and spend time playing with it. One day Kat and the children find a neglected, sick and injured puppy. It is rescued in terrible condition and Kat brings it in for veterinarian care, and now has two dogs in her life. The children's’ fathers leave Nivar and Lily with Kat for an overnight stay. Kat’s time of quiet and contemplation has come to an end.
A ravenous forest fire has broken out and is rapidly approaching the cabins and surrounding wooded areas. Kat must summon up all the resourcefulness and courage she never knew she possessed in order to save the two children and the dogs.
As the nearby forest is engulfed in flames they flee on foot, trying to reach safety. All ways out seem blocked. Meanwhile, a dangerous helicopter rescue has started. It seems hopeless as the rescue crew have no idea where the group might be. Fire is raging in all areas, and vision of the landscape below is obscured by smoke and ash. It seems hopeless, and will anyone survive? There are injuries among the rescue team, and with the traumatized Kat, the children and the dogs. The situation is heart-rending and gripping.
Although the author describes the area well, I would have liked to see a map drawn to illustrate the location of the cabins, the fire, ponds, lakes, cliffs in order to help me visualize the paths and trails where the desperate Kat led the children and dogs.
I thought this was an exciting, thrilling survival story, told with much suspense and touching the emotions.
Kat has retreated to a cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountain wilderness. She had undergone radiation and chemotherapy for cancer, it was in remission but has learned that it has returned. She wants solitude and quiet to decide whether to have further treatment and is reluctant to do so. She has argued with her daughter about the possibility of giving up. Her daughter who runs a dog training and rescue business brings her a trained, adult dog for companionship. Kat had never wanted a dog but gradually bonds with it.
In neighbouring cabins, two fathers are staying with their children. They are 12- year- old Lily and nine-year-old Nivar, adopted from Pakistan. The children are attracted by Kat’s dog and spend time playing with it. One day Kat and the children find a neglected, sick and injured puppy. It is rescued in terrible condition and Kat brings it in for veterinarian care, and now has two dogs in her life. The children's’ fathers leave Nivar and Lily with Kat for an overnight stay. Kat’s time of quiet and contemplation has come to an end.
A ravenous forest fire has broken out and is rapidly approaching the cabins and surrounding wooded areas. Kat must summon up all the resourcefulness and courage she never knew she possessed in order to save the two children and the dogs.
As the nearby forest is engulfed in flames they flee on foot, trying to reach safety. All ways out seem blocked. Meanwhile, a dangerous helicopter rescue has started. It seems hopeless as the rescue crew have no idea where the group might be. Fire is raging in all areas, and vision of the landscape below is obscured by smoke and ash. It seems hopeless, and will anyone survive? There are injuries among the rescue team, and with the traumatized Kat, the children and the dogs. The situation is heart-rending and gripping.
Although the author describes the area well, I would have liked to see a map drawn to illustrate the location of the cabins, the fire, ponds, lakes, cliffs in order to help me visualize the paths and trails where the desperate Kat led the children and dogs.
I thought this was an exciting, thrilling survival story, told with much suspense and touching the emotions.
February 5, 2020
Wow wow wow! I reads this book in one sitting and I am warning you, do not start this late at night, because you will not want to put this book down.
I loved this character driven, fast - paced book about Kat Jamison, a strong woman who has survived breast cancer and was in remission, only to find out that her cancer has returned. Faced with an important decision, Kat retreats to a cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountain wilderness with her rescue dog, to decide her next steps. Continue the fight and have more chemo and radiation therapy, or just give up.
While there in the cabin, she befriends her neighbors’ children Lily and Nivar, along with another rescue puppy. However, during a sleep over with the children, a fire has started, and it is now up to Kat’s determination and resourcefulness to save the children and the dogs.
Rebecca Hodge’s writing was rich and vivid. It felt as if I was in the wildlands with the characters and was completely immersed in surviving the fire in the woods. I felt the intensity of the situation, the heat of the fire, and lived the courage and strength of the characters. Hodge told this story in alternating viewpoints that moved the story forward, gripping the reader with an exciting and thrilling story of survival. This was a beautiful story about ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances that was heart wrenching and heart-stopping at times. This was a well written book and what an amazing debut novel. I enjoyed this immensely.
I highly recommend this riveting survival story full of heart, perseverance, self-discovery and most of all, the unrealized inner strength we all have within.
I loved this character driven, fast - paced book about Kat Jamison, a strong woman who has survived breast cancer and was in remission, only to find out that her cancer has returned. Faced with an important decision, Kat retreats to a cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountain wilderness with her rescue dog, to decide her next steps. Continue the fight and have more chemo and radiation therapy, or just give up.
While there in the cabin, she befriends her neighbors’ children Lily and Nivar, along with another rescue puppy. However, during a sleep over with the children, a fire has started, and it is now up to Kat’s determination and resourcefulness to save the children and the dogs.
Rebecca Hodge’s writing was rich and vivid. It felt as if I was in the wildlands with the characters and was completely immersed in surviving the fire in the woods. I felt the intensity of the situation, the heat of the fire, and lived the courage and strength of the characters. Hodge told this story in alternating viewpoints that moved the story forward, gripping the reader with an exciting and thrilling story of survival. This was a beautiful story about ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances that was heart wrenching and heart-stopping at times. This was a well written book and what an amazing debut novel. I enjoyed this immensely.
I highly recommend this riveting survival story full of heart, perseverance, self-discovery and most of all, the unrealized inner strength we all have within.
April 15, 2021
Kat fought the cancer and along the way she lost her husband. Now the cancer has returned and she doesn't have any fight left in her.
She has retreated to a cabin in the mountains of North Carolina to escape the pressure from her daughter who wants her to keep fighting.
But her solitude is disrupted with the arrival of two young children and two dogs and when a lightning strike ignites the tinder dry forest they find themselves cut off and even if she can't fight for herself she'll damned well fight for her companions.
This book really is special. It's everything I want in a book. It's about resilience, acceptance and perhaps even redemption in a way. So much love for this book.
She has retreated to a cabin in the mountains of North Carolina to escape the pressure from her daughter who wants her to keep fighting.
But her solitude is disrupted with the arrival of two young children and two dogs and when a lightning strike ignites the tinder dry forest they find themselves cut off and even if she can't fight for herself she'll damned well fight for her companions.
This book really is special. It's everything I want in a book. It's about resilience, acceptance and perhaps even redemption in a way. So much love for this book.
July 12, 2020
I honestly don’t know how I came across this book, I believe it was a recommendation based on my audible library. I choose to listen to this one, I went to see family and had a road trip that was close to 8 hours there and back and it worked out perfectly to do half one way and half on the way back. It made my ride seem so much quicker. This was fast paced and interesting and had characters with depth and relatability. It was full of action and held my interest the whole time. It was a good solid listen and I’m glad I chose it on audio as the narrator was very good for this story and seemed like a very natural fit for the character.
December 31, 2019
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was so good! I had no idea. I couldn’t put it down. This debut novel was awesome. Very well written. I highly recommend this one. It’s a story about people coming together, even if it was the last thing they wanted to do. They had learn to depend on each other to survive and I was a nervous wreck during most of it. I was on sitting on the edge of my seat. It had a lot of heartfelt moments. And I wanted to hug the book when I was done.
I can’t say enough good things about this book. It was one of the best stories I’ve read this year. I hope all my friends give this one a try.
This was a NETGALLEY gift and all opinions are my own.
This was so good! I had no idea. I couldn’t put it down. This debut novel was awesome. Very well written. I highly recommend this one. It’s a story about people coming together, even if it was the last thing they wanted to do. They had learn to depend on each other to survive and I was a nervous wreck during most of it. I was on sitting on the edge of my seat. It had a lot of heartfelt moments. And I wanted to hug the book when I was done.
I can’t say enough good things about this book. It was one of the best stories I’ve read this year. I hope all my friends give this one a try.
This was a NETGALLEY gift and all opinions are my own.
February 26, 2020
Wow! Wow! Wow! Wildland is the addictive, pulse-pounding debut novel by the talented writer, Rebecca Hodge. It is no secret, I love a lot of books, but nothing prepared me for this one. Just imagine taking a retreat into the mountains with only one road leading down to the bottom with a wooden bridge needing to be crossed to get there, completely isolated, no landline phone and no cell phone service. There is a steep drop off the mountain to one side and a forest on the other. I was already having a fit with the steep drop off the mountain part, now add in a deadly wildfire caused by lightning on a mountain and I. Would. Just. Die. Luckily for me, I was reading this at home cause 100 pages in and I had a complete look of horror on my face, I probably would have scared people!
I just love Kat Jamison. She is such a well-rounded character who has to make a tough decision regarding her life. Her breast cancer has returned and Kat is not sure she has the energy or the willpower left to go through another round of chemo. Taking a one month break in the mountains should help her clear her head enough to decide if she wants to fight to live or just give up. It doesn’t help matters when her daughter leaves Kat with a yellow lab for company. Not being a dog person, Kat really doesn’t want to be responsible for another life, but now she has no choice. Added into the mix are two children, Lily 12 years old and Nirav who is 9 who are also staying with their fathers in cabins on the mountain. While the kids are at a sleepover at Kat’s a wildfire breaks out and giving up is no longer an option for Kat with the life of the two children and dogs left in her care.
This really is a story about surviving and hope. I also could not help but notice the parallels between Kat with her breast cancer and making the tough decision to keep going on or to give up and her determination when the fires break out and not only is her life on the line, but also that of the children and dogs. It really made me ask myself if Kat was stronger than she thought she was while fighting her inner turmoils. I will say one thing though, Through it all I could see how brave Kat is throughout the story.
With the fires that were just in California and more recently in Australia, I think this book will resonate with a lot of readers. It is just so heartbreaking for people to lose their homes and also so devastating for the wildlife who have lost their lives. There were so many parts to this story where I was really worried for the dogs as I don’t like to hear, see or read about anything happening to animals. I have a lot of pets (10 cats and 3 dogs). I always think to myself if there was ever a fire in my house how I would get them all out and in all honesty, while I can save the dogs, I would have to open up all the doors and hope the cats all make it out. I don’t even like thinking about it.
Wildland is a keep you on the edge of your seat thrilling and emotional read that will really make you stop and think about what you would do if you were ever in this situation. This is an intense read well deserving of five stars and one I highly recommend if you like your stories with a strong shot of adrenaline coursing through your veins. If a debut novel is this awesome, I definitely cannot wait to see what Rebecca Hodge has in store for her readers next.
I just love Kat Jamison. She is such a well-rounded character who has to make a tough decision regarding her life. Her breast cancer has returned and Kat is not sure she has the energy or the willpower left to go through another round of chemo. Taking a one month break in the mountains should help her clear her head enough to decide if she wants to fight to live or just give up. It doesn’t help matters when her daughter leaves Kat with a yellow lab for company. Not being a dog person, Kat really doesn’t want to be responsible for another life, but now she has no choice. Added into the mix are two children, Lily 12 years old and Nirav who is 9 who are also staying with their fathers in cabins on the mountain. While the kids are at a sleepover at Kat’s a wildfire breaks out and giving up is no longer an option for Kat with the life of the two children and dogs left in her care.
This really is a story about surviving and hope. I also could not help but notice the parallels between Kat with her breast cancer and making the tough decision to keep going on or to give up and her determination when the fires break out and not only is her life on the line, but also that of the children and dogs. It really made me ask myself if Kat was stronger than she thought she was while fighting her inner turmoils. I will say one thing though, Through it all I could see how brave Kat is throughout the story.
With the fires that were just in California and more recently in Australia, I think this book will resonate with a lot of readers. It is just so heartbreaking for people to lose their homes and also so devastating for the wildlife who have lost their lives. There were so many parts to this story where I was really worried for the dogs as I don’t like to hear, see or read about anything happening to animals. I have a lot of pets (10 cats and 3 dogs). I always think to myself if there was ever a fire in my house how I would get them all out and in all honesty, while I can save the dogs, I would have to open up all the doors and hope the cats all make it out. I don’t even like thinking about it.
Wildland is a keep you on the edge of your seat thrilling and emotional read that will really make you stop and think about what you would do if you were ever in this situation. This is an intense read well deserving of five stars and one I highly recommend if you like your stories with a strong shot of adrenaline coursing through your veins. If a debut novel is this awesome, I definitely cannot wait to see what Rebecca Hodge has in store for her readers next.
April 12, 2020
I received a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed, and all opinions are my own.*
*REVIEW* ☆☆☆☆
I have always loved survival stories, so Wildland was the perfect choice. This story, however, is unlike anything I have ever read in the genre. Kat is a woman at a major crossroads in her life. She has retreated to a cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains for quite contemplation, but Kat ends up with a couple of dogs that attract two neighboring children. Then, the unthinkable happens. Lighting ignites a monster forest fire. The kids are with Kat at the time, and her cabin is cut off from the rest because of the fire. Kat, the kids and the dogs are forced to flee. The story is told by Kat and the two fathers of the children, and this showed all sides of the tragedy very well. Will they survive the fire? This story was breathtaking, or, rather, breath holding, and so intensely realistic. Rebecca Hodge has built an authentic scenario with details that grounded me right there with the characters. Kat was such an empathetic and emotionally compelling character with relatable qualities. Her relationship with the kids was touching, genuine and believable. Wildland is the kind of story that pulls you into its world and keeps you riveted from start to finish. If you want a thrilling emotional read that portrays human nature in all of its variations and gives you all the feels, pick up this book today.
*REVIEW* ☆☆☆☆
I have always loved survival stories, so Wildland was the perfect choice. This story, however, is unlike anything I have ever read in the genre. Kat is a woman at a major crossroads in her life. She has retreated to a cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains for quite contemplation, but Kat ends up with a couple of dogs that attract two neighboring children. Then, the unthinkable happens. Lighting ignites a monster forest fire. The kids are with Kat at the time, and her cabin is cut off from the rest because of the fire. Kat, the kids and the dogs are forced to flee. The story is told by Kat and the two fathers of the children, and this showed all sides of the tragedy very well. Will they survive the fire? This story was breathtaking, or, rather, breath holding, and so intensely realistic. Rebecca Hodge has built an authentic scenario with details that grounded me right there with the characters. Kat was such an empathetic and emotionally compelling character with relatable qualities. Her relationship with the kids was touching, genuine and believable. Wildland is the kind of story that pulls you into its world and keeps you riveted from start to finish. If you want a thrilling emotional read that portrays human nature in all of its variations and gives you all the feels, pick up this book today.
February 12, 2020
HAPPY PUB DAYYYYYY!!!
This book epitomized an everyday hero.
Synopsis: Kat is spending some time in a remote cabin in the wilderness. She wants the solitude to think. But within her first few moments, she encounters other campers. Two single dads and their respective kids. But one horrific storm disrupts their peaceful vacations - a fire erupts and Kat is forced to not only save herself but these two kids.
Now, I need to be honest. My heart was still vulnerable after hearing about what happened in Australia and so this book hit a very emotional chord with me. I was engulfed in feelings and COULD NOT EVEN IMAGINE what it would be like to fight for your survival amongst flames. Absolutely terrifying. And this book just made me more empathetic and attuned to what all those families must have gone through.
It was heartbreaking. Heroic. Frightening. Gut-wrenching. Courageous.
And the way Hodge portrayed everything was so visual and so palpable that we felt like you were standing next to Kat.
My only criticism with this fast-paced read was you need to get through the first 80 pages to enter the meat of the story.
So with that, I give Wildland a solid and applaudable 4 ⭐️! Thank you Crooked Lane Books and Kate Rock for my copy 🧡
This book epitomized an everyday hero.
Synopsis: Kat is spending some time in a remote cabin in the wilderness. She wants the solitude to think. But within her first few moments, she encounters other campers. Two single dads and their respective kids. But one horrific storm disrupts their peaceful vacations - a fire erupts and Kat is forced to not only save herself but these two kids.
Now, I need to be honest. My heart was still vulnerable after hearing about what happened in Australia and so this book hit a very emotional chord with me. I was engulfed in feelings and COULD NOT EVEN IMAGINE what it would be like to fight for your survival amongst flames. Absolutely terrifying. And this book just made me more empathetic and attuned to what all those families must have gone through.
It was heartbreaking. Heroic. Frightening. Gut-wrenching. Courageous.
And the way Hodge portrayed everything was so visual and so palpable that we felt like you were standing next to Kat.
My only criticism with this fast-paced read was you need to get through the first 80 pages to enter the meat of the story.
So with that, I give Wildland a solid and applaudable 4 ⭐️! Thank you Crooked Lane Books and Kate Rock for my copy 🧡
August 15, 2019
Rebecca Hodge’s breathless debut is a story about ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances, and finding strengths they didn’t know they had. With a gutsy heroine and a wonderfully layered cast of characters, not to mention too heartwarming rescue pups, Edge of Safety is storytelling at its best, a detailed and gripping page-turner you won’t want to put down, but will also want to slow down and savor.
September 27, 2019
Hi! Welcome to my review of Wildland Rebecca Hodge!
The Non-Spoiler Review:
In Wildland, we follow Kat as she retreats to cabin in the forest to think about her future, concerning her breast cancer.
She meets two children, Lily and Nirav, who disturb the peace she really wanted. But then lightning strikes and a massive forest fire breaks out.
It’s up to Kat to keep herself, Lily, and Nirav safe and alive.
This was the type of book I could easily read in one sitting. The characters were interesting and once the pace started picking up, I was chewing off all my nails!
It was interesting and made me think for a while after reading it!
The Review With Spoilers:
You have been warned.
Good Underlying Themes/Messages:
-Kat doesn’t give up while trying to get herself, the kids, and the dogs to safety.
-Scott overcomes his fear and does the right thing to help others.
-The pilots decide to help other people instead of following their orders.
-Malcolm doesn’t hesitate before he sets out to save Kat and the children.
Since this book really is about the ultimate survival, it was nice to see good role models!
A whole star for this catagory!
Interesting Story:
I have to admit, it took a while to get the ball rolling and for the action to start but once it did, it never stopped. I was chewing my nails off for the last part of the book where it got really intense.
I learned some interesting things, too. I never really knew how fast wildfire travels and that the fire would always head up the mountain.
Half a star for this catagory!
Realistic Characters and Growth:
I think that this is where the book exceled!
I loved reading about the characters and their pasts. Malcolm and Nirav’s story was especially endearing for me – the way they connected to each other. Kat’s struggle with breast cancer was tragic and the way her daughter was stubborn with her mother to continue her treatment broke my heart a little.
But I was satisfied with all the character’s endings. I liked how Kat realized that she wasn’t fighting the cancer for anyone but herself, and how she was surrounded by people who would be there for her when she needed them.
A whole star for this catagory!
Writing Style Was Beautiful/ Easy To Read:
The writing style wasn’t especially beautiful but it was quite easy to read and made the action scenes fairly easy to understand. I also really liked how the author used Shakespear quotes here and there; it added a little something extra to the mix.
A whole star for this catagory!
Fantastic Worldbuilding:
I could perfectly picture each scene: From the cabin where Kat stayed to the bridge that burned down to the lake where they where trapped at the end. I’d say that’s a job well done!
A whole star for this catagory!
That’s it!
4.5 stars of of 5
“It is not in the stars to hold our destiny, but in ourselves.”
*I received this arc from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
The Non-Spoiler Review:
In Wildland, we follow Kat as she retreats to cabin in the forest to think about her future, concerning her breast cancer.
She meets two children, Lily and Nirav, who disturb the peace she really wanted. But then lightning strikes and a massive forest fire breaks out.
It’s up to Kat to keep herself, Lily, and Nirav safe and alive.
This was the type of book I could easily read in one sitting. The characters were interesting and once the pace started picking up, I was chewing off all my nails!
It was interesting and made me think for a while after reading it!
The Review With Spoilers:
You have been warned.
Good Underlying Themes/Messages:
-Kat doesn’t give up while trying to get herself, the kids, and the dogs to safety.
-Scott overcomes his fear and does the right thing to help others.
-The pilots decide to help other people instead of following their orders.
-Malcolm doesn’t hesitate before he sets out to save Kat and the children.
Since this book really is about the ultimate survival, it was nice to see good role models!
A whole star for this catagory!
Interesting Story:
I have to admit, it took a while to get the ball rolling and for the action to start but once it did, it never stopped. I was chewing my nails off for the last part of the book where it got really intense.
I learned some interesting things, too. I never really knew how fast wildfire travels and that the fire would always head up the mountain.
Half a star for this catagory!
Realistic Characters and Growth:
I think that this is where the book exceled!
I loved reading about the characters and their pasts. Malcolm and Nirav’s story was especially endearing for me – the way they connected to each other. Kat’s struggle with breast cancer was tragic and the way her daughter was stubborn with her mother to continue her treatment broke my heart a little.
But I was satisfied with all the character’s endings. I liked how Kat realized that she wasn’t fighting the cancer for anyone but herself, and how she was surrounded by people who would be there for her when she needed them.
A whole star for this catagory!
Writing Style Was Beautiful/ Easy To Read:
The writing style wasn’t especially beautiful but it was quite easy to read and made the action scenes fairly easy to understand. I also really liked how the author used Shakespear quotes here and there; it added a little something extra to the mix.
A whole star for this catagory!
Fantastic Worldbuilding:
I could perfectly picture each scene: From the cabin where Kat stayed to the bridge that burned down to the lake where they where trapped at the end. I’d say that’s a job well done!
A whole star for this catagory!
That’s it!
4.5 stars of of 5
“It is not in the stars to hold our destiny, but in ourselves.”
*I received this arc from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
February 16, 2020
When Kat Jamison is forced to make a difficult decision, she retreats to the Blue Ridge Mountains in hopes that the quiet solitude will help her make the right choice. Her breast cancer is back but she is not sure whether she wants to continue to fight with another round of chemotherapy or let the inevitable happen. But her solitude is soon interrupted by two abandoned dogs and two children, Lily and Nirav. A sleepover at Kat's cabin quickly becomes dangerous when lightning starts a deadly wildfire that cuts off Kat's cabin from the cabin of Nirav's father as well as that of Lily's father. Kat is forced to abandon the cabin and she, the children and the dogs flee the encroaching flames. As Malcolm (Nirav's dad) and Scott (Lily's dad) launch a rescue mission, Kat must protect the children and dogs by going deeper into the mountains. They encounter treacherous terrain and deadly smoke and flame as Kat tries to find a way for all of them to survive. But when death seems imminent, will Kat fight to save herself?
Wildland is a remarkable debut novel by Rebecca Hodge. She created a gripping story that immediately captured my attention and hasn't let go, even after I finished reading. It is a character driven story and Kat is a remarkable character. Brave, seemingly fearless even when facing extreme danger and death, and caring, Kat is a relatable, strong woman who was willing to sacrifice her safety and life for two children (and dogs) that she barely knew. And while Kat is the star of the story, I thought that Hodge excelled at her development of the other characters, especially Malcolm and Scott.
The story was fast paced and full of action and I could feel myself holding my breath as I was reading, wondering what would happen next. Hodge created an atmosphere of tension and danger that had my heart racing and my palms sweating. I could feel Kat's every emotion and I even found myself getting teary at certain points of the story.
I won't reveal what happens in the end but Hodge ties together the story beautifully with just the right amount of emotion and resolution for all of the characters. Wildland is a special book and Rebecca Hodge is a very talented writer. I hope that she has more stories to tell because I definitely want to read them!
4.5 stars!
Wildland is a remarkable debut novel by Rebecca Hodge. She created a gripping story that immediately captured my attention and hasn't let go, even after I finished reading. It is a character driven story and Kat is a remarkable character. Brave, seemingly fearless even when facing extreme danger and death, and caring, Kat is a relatable, strong woman who was willing to sacrifice her safety and life for two children (and dogs) that she barely knew. And while Kat is the star of the story, I thought that Hodge excelled at her development of the other characters, especially Malcolm and Scott.
The story was fast paced and full of action and I could feel myself holding my breath as I was reading, wondering what would happen next. Hodge created an atmosphere of tension and danger that had my heart racing and my palms sweating. I could feel Kat's every emotion and I even found myself getting teary at certain points of the story.
I won't reveal what happens in the end but Hodge ties together the story beautifully with just the right amount of emotion and resolution for all of the characters. Wildland is a special book and Rebecca Hodge is a very talented writer. I hope that she has more stories to tell because I definitely want to read them!
4.5 stars!
October 3, 2019
I really wanted to love this book but .... as I read through it, I just kept thinking how trite it was. I didn't connect with any of the characters. It was predictable - the outcome, the character arcs, all of it. The author has potential ... she's not quite there yet.
Thank you #netgalley and #crookedlanebooks for the eARC.
Thank you #netgalley and #crookedlanebooks for the eARC.
February 16, 2020
Today I'm teaming up with Kate Rock Book Tours to bring you a fantastic story. Check it out!
Wildland
By: Rebecca Hodge
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
Release: February 11, 2020
~For fans of Jodi Picoult and Anita Shreve comes an exhilarating debut novel of one woman's courage in the face of catastrophe.
She'll do anything to save them.
But what will she do to save herself?
A heart-pounding novel of bravery, sacrifice, and self-discovery, Wildland will keep you on the edge of your seat to the very last page.~
*I received a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed, and all opinions expressed are my own.*
*REVIEW* ☆☆☆☆
I have always loved survival stories of all kinds, so Wildland was the perfect choice for me. This story, however, is unlike anything I have ever read in the genre. Kat is a woman at a major crossroads in her life. She has retreated to a cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains for quite contemplation, but Kat ends up with a couple of dogs that attract two neighboring children. Then, the unthinkable happens. Lighting ignites a monster forest fire. The kids are with Kat at the time, and her cabin is cut off from the rest because of the fire. Kat and the kids and the dogs are forced to flee. The story is told by Kat and the two fathers of the children, and this showed all sides of the tragedy very well. Will they survive the fire? This story was breathtaking, or, rather, breath holding, and so intense that it felt realistic. Rebecca Hodge has built an authentic scenario with details that grounded me right there with the characters. Kat was such an empathetic and emotionally compelling character with relatable qualities and problems. Her relationship with the kids was touching, genuine and believable. Wildland is the kind of story that pulls you into its world and will easily keep you riveted from start to finish. If you want a thrilling emotional read that portrays human nature in all of its variations and gives you all the feels, pick up this book today. You will not be disappointed.
Wildland
By: Rebecca Hodge
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
Release: February 11, 2020
~For fans of Jodi Picoult and Anita Shreve comes an exhilarating debut novel of one woman's courage in the face of catastrophe.
She'll do anything to save them.
But what will she do to save herself?
A heart-pounding novel of bravery, sacrifice, and self-discovery, Wildland will keep you on the edge of your seat to the very last page.~
*I received a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed, and all opinions expressed are my own.*
*REVIEW* ☆☆☆☆
I have always loved survival stories of all kinds, so Wildland was the perfect choice for me. This story, however, is unlike anything I have ever read in the genre. Kat is a woman at a major crossroads in her life. She has retreated to a cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains for quite contemplation, but Kat ends up with a couple of dogs that attract two neighboring children. Then, the unthinkable happens. Lighting ignites a monster forest fire. The kids are with Kat at the time, and her cabin is cut off from the rest because of the fire. Kat and the kids and the dogs are forced to flee. The story is told by Kat and the two fathers of the children, and this showed all sides of the tragedy very well. Will they survive the fire? This story was breathtaking, or, rather, breath holding, and so intense that it felt realistic. Rebecca Hodge has built an authentic scenario with details that grounded me right there with the characters. Kat was such an empathetic and emotionally compelling character with relatable qualities and problems. Her relationship with the kids was touching, genuine and believable. Wildland is the kind of story that pulls you into its world and will easily keep you riveted from start to finish. If you want a thrilling emotional read that portrays human nature in all of its variations and gives you all the feels, pick up this book today. You will not be disappointed.
May 22, 2020
4.5 Stars
This book is intense almost from the onset. Along with the extreme and harrowing conditions that each character finds themselves in, there are also personal realizations of strength, determination, and selflessness. I enjoyed seeing those character transformations and the ending is worth the anxiety-inducing action involving survival and rescue from a deadly wildfire.
January 25, 2021
An awe-inspiring story of courage and love. The characters shared the ‘never give up’ belief to the max. Awesome story!
March 2, 2020
Pre-order this adrenaline-pumping page-turner now (you'll thank me in February 2020). What an incredible story of courage, survival, and humanity. Kat is a fearsome heroine--a mother and a widow who is trying to decide whether to fight or retreat from her second battle with breast cancer. But when she must save two children and two unwanted dogs from a raging forest fire, she discovers strength and ingenuity she never imagined she possessed. And as the children's fathers race to the rescue you canNOT put this book down. I loved every word, every sentence, every plot twist, and every character--especially the soft-spoken, scarred, ex-special forces Malcolm, who wants only to build a new life with his adopted son, Nirav. I have no doubt WILDLAND will become one of the best books of 2020.
March 31, 2020
Wildland is a wild ride that starts out unhurried, allowing the reader time to immerse herself in an isolated area of the isolated Blue Ridge Mountains as we get to know three adults, two children and two dogs, each with their own set of scars, both seen and unseen. As the pace quickens, the story becomes one of survival, stewardship, and sacrifice. What I loved most about this novel is that the fire is a metaphor for all the tragedy each of us face in this lifetime, the choices we make to fight or flee, and ultimately, our universal bonds of humanity. Rebecca Hodge's debut novel is one you definitely want on your reading list.
May 12, 2020
Wildland was the first book ive read by rebecca hodge and i was not disappointed i thought the characters were really great and relatable the story line was beautiful and the ending was great i would even love to read more about them hopefully a book 2 will be in the future maybe even be about sara instead of kat. I would add this book to your TBR pile :) thank you Rebecca for a wonderful read i look forward to reading more books by you!!!!!
February 22, 2020
A woman facing the recurrence of breast cancer and difficult choices. A man and his adopted son bearing scars, external and internal. A young girl and her father, trying to find their footing with each other. Their lives converge on a mountaintop, and when a wildfire erupts in the forest, they must dig deep in order to save their precious loved ones. This is an absorbing novel of extraordinary bravery and self-sacrifice. I read this page-turning novel with all my senses: I could feel their fear, their doubts, their pain; I could feel the fire scorching my face, the smoke clogging my throat; I could see the ashes and the flames and the devastation; I could taste the soot: I could hear the crackling of the fire and the trees as they were consumed.
February 25, 2020
When her breast cancer returns Kat Jamison heads to the Blue Ridge Mountains for some peace and quiet. While there she meets two children. When a wildfire starts Kat finds herself in another battle to save herself and the children. I never read this author before. This was intense and had me holding my breath. Excellent read.
Dawnny-BookGypsy
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY
Dawnny-BookGypsy
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY
December 31, 2019
About the book • 5 ⭐️ read • Release date February 11, 2020 • Published by Crooked Lane Books • Debut novel • Wonderful story • couldn’t put it down • New favorite author • suspenseful • a must read • one of the best books I’ve read this year • Netgalley • gave my honest opinion • highly recommend
February 21, 2020
This was an intense page turner of a debut novel. It was highly recommended to me and I'm so glad that I got a copy. Once I started it, I couldn't put it down. The descriptions of the fire were outstanding - the reader felt like they were with the characters in the rapidly moving wildfire. The main characters grit and bravery was apparent throughout but when she was about to give up, I was rooting for her to remember how strong she really was.
Kat has decided to spend month in the Blue Ridge mountains to make some important decisions. Her cancer is back and she has to decide if she'll go through chemo again or just let her life end. During his first round of chemo, her husband was her lifeline but he has recently passed away and she doesn't know if she can fight the cancer without him. She settles in a small cabin with a beautiful view that is totally out of cell range so she's totally isolated. On her first day, she meets a neighbor from down the mountain -- Malcolm and his newly adopted son Nirav. Nirav has just come to the US from Pakistan and knows very little English yet. The next day, she meets Scott and his daughter Lily. They are spending time in the mountains much to Lily's teenage dismay - she'd sooner be shopping than hiking. A few days after they all meet, Kat has the children for a sleepover. So her plans for a quiet retreat are now filled with 2 children and 2 rambunctious dogs. There is a bad thunder storm during the night and early in the morning, Kat realizes that there is a wildfire rushing toward them. When their way down the mountain is blocked, she decides that they'll head into the woods to try to get ahead of the fire. She questions herself at every decision but continues on heading the same direction. The air is full of smoke and she can see the fire behind them. The kids are tired and she has lost her shoes and is walking on blistered feet full of cuts. But they still keep moving while she tries to figure out how she can keep the two kids safe. If it was just her alone, she doesn't think that she would fight but she must keep the two children safe and get them back to their fathers. While they are fleeing the fire, the dads are in a helicopter above trying to find and rescue them but the smoke is so strong that it's almost impossible to see the ground. They have a few successes but the major setback to the search has them doubting their success to find and rescue the threesome on the ground. The rush to find them as Kat and the kids are trying to outrun the flames is so well written that I was holding my breath with my fingers crossed for their success.
Rebecca Hodge has written a fantastic character driven first novel. I loved all of the characters especially Kat who wasn't sure what she wanted to do with her life but was determined to save the lives of the children. She was so real as she questioned herself with every decision but did everything she could to guarantee their survival. She had to dig deep to find the strength and determination needed to save them all.
It was hard to believe that this was a debut novel for this author and I can't wait to read what she writes in the future.
Kat has decided to spend month in the Blue Ridge mountains to make some important decisions. Her cancer is back and she has to decide if she'll go through chemo again or just let her life end. During his first round of chemo, her husband was her lifeline but he has recently passed away and she doesn't know if she can fight the cancer without him. She settles in a small cabin with a beautiful view that is totally out of cell range so she's totally isolated. On her first day, she meets a neighbor from down the mountain -- Malcolm and his newly adopted son Nirav. Nirav has just come to the US from Pakistan and knows very little English yet. The next day, she meets Scott and his daughter Lily. They are spending time in the mountains much to Lily's teenage dismay - she'd sooner be shopping than hiking. A few days after they all meet, Kat has the children for a sleepover. So her plans for a quiet retreat are now filled with 2 children and 2 rambunctious dogs. There is a bad thunder storm during the night and early in the morning, Kat realizes that there is a wildfire rushing toward them. When their way down the mountain is blocked, she decides that they'll head into the woods to try to get ahead of the fire. She questions herself at every decision but continues on heading the same direction. The air is full of smoke and she can see the fire behind them. The kids are tired and she has lost her shoes and is walking on blistered feet full of cuts. But they still keep moving while she tries to figure out how she can keep the two kids safe. If it was just her alone, she doesn't think that she would fight but she must keep the two children safe and get them back to their fathers. While they are fleeing the fire, the dads are in a helicopter above trying to find and rescue them but the smoke is so strong that it's almost impossible to see the ground. They have a few successes but the major setback to the search has them doubting their success to find and rescue the threesome on the ground. The rush to find them as Kat and the kids are trying to outrun the flames is so well written that I was holding my breath with my fingers crossed for their success.
Rebecca Hodge has written a fantastic character driven first novel. I loved all of the characters especially Kat who wasn't sure what she wanted to do with her life but was determined to save the lives of the children. She was so real as she questioned herself with every decision but did everything she could to guarantee their survival. She had to dig deep to find the strength and determination needed to save them all.
It was hard to believe that this was a debut novel for this author and I can't wait to read what she writes in the future.
March 2, 2021
A riveting story! I was on the edge of my seat for this one. 3.5 stars
December 13, 2019
Edit: I love the new cover and title!
If you're a fan of books involving natural disasters forcing people to push their limits for survival, books that are full of emotion and heart, or books that are just frankly too gosh darn hard to put down, then you're going to want to put Edge of Safety on your TBR.
Kat Jamison has battled breast cancer in the past. When she relapses, she faces a difficult decision: continue treatment or just find peace in her final days. Her daughter, Sara, wants her to fight, but Kat doesn't think she has it in her. To contemplate her future in solitude, she escapes to a cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains where she and her late husband shared memories of happier days.
Solitude is not exactly what she finds.
Thinking that a dog is just what she needs, Sara brings Kat a rescued lab named Juni. Kat resists, but Sara isn't hearing it. Additionally, down the road a bit in two other cabins are Scott and his 12-year-old daughter, Lily and ex-Special Forces soldier Malcolm and his 9-year-old adopted son, Nirav. Immediately, Lily and Nirav become attached to Juni and as the result of unforeseen circumstances and crossed messages, Lily and Nirav end up staying the night at Kat's.
When a lightning strike ignites a forest fire, and Kat and the children are cut off from their fathers, they're forced to escape on foot. Kat must find her inner strength and her will to survive all over again, but this time she's responsible for more than just herself.
Told in alternative perspectives, Kat's and the children as well as the rescue operation set underway by Malcolm, this edge of your seat thriller will keep your cheering everyone on until the last satisfying page.
At first glance, this is a natural disaster survival story. I was drawn to it by comparisons to Gin Phillips's Fierce Kingdom, which I also enjoyed. But there's also an emotional depth that adds a rich layer to something that could just be gratuitous (this book is not. If you're looking for gory survival, look elsewhere). It's just as much about the struggles of parenthood, end of life issues, and the struggle of finding your place in the world as it is about escaping a forest fire.
Hodge has crafted an excellently paced novel and a believable plot that, even though there are a couple "that's really convenient" moments, will leave you pleased by the end. I'll be looking forward to more books from both the author and the publisher.
A special thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for giving me the opportunity to read this advance copy for review.
If you're a fan of books involving natural disasters forcing people to push their limits for survival, books that are full of emotion and heart, or books that are just frankly too gosh darn hard to put down, then you're going to want to put Edge of Safety on your TBR.
Kat Jamison has battled breast cancer in the past. When she relapses, she faces a difficult decision: continue treatment or just find peace in her final days. Her daughter, Sara, wants her to fight, but Kat doesn't think she has it in her. To contemplate her future in solitude, she escapes to a cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains where she and her late husband shared memories of happier days.
Solitude is not exactly what she finds.
Thinking that a dog is just what she needs, Sara brings Kat a rescued lab named Juni. Kat resists, but Sara isn't hearing it. Additionally, down the road a bit in two other cabins are Scott and his 12-year-old daughter, Lily and ex-Special Forces soldier Malcolm and his 9-year-old adopted son, Nirav. Immediately, Lily and Nirav become attached to Juni and as the result of unforeseen circumstances and crossed messages, Lily and Nirav end up staying the night at Kat's.
When a lightning strike ignites a forest fire, and Kat and the children are cut off from their fathers, they're forced to escape on foot. Kat must find her inner strength and her will to survive all over again, but this time she's responsible for more than just herself.
Told in alternative perspectives, Kat's and the children as well as the rescue operation set underway by Malcolm, this edge of your seat thriller will keep your cheering everyone on until the last satisfying page.
At first glance, this is a natural disaster survival story. I was drawn to it by comparisons to Gin Phillips's Fierce Kingdom, which I also enjoyed. But there's also an emotional depth that adds a rich layer to something that could just be gratuitous (this book is not. If you're looking for gory survival, look elsewhere). It's just as much about the struggles of parenthood, end of life issues, and the struggle of finding your place in the world as it is about escaping a forest fire.
Hodge has crafted an excellently paced novel and a believable plot that, even though there are a couple "that's really convenient" moments, will leave you pleased by the end. I'll be looking forward to more books from both the author and the publisher.
A special thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for giving me the opportunity to read this advance copy for review.
December 19, 2020
Rebecca Hodge's debut novel, WILDLAND gave my heart a workout and I didn't even have to leave my chair!
The story about a woman (Kat) who is battling the return of her breast cancer, and her decision as to whether or not to forego anymore treatments drives her decision to stay for a month in the Blue Ridge mountains. Her daughter, Sara, wants her to continue to fight her disease, but Kat isn't sure that's what she should do. She has a "what's the use, the outcome won't change," sort of demeanor about it.
She believes if she takes some time away, it might help her decide. Thirty days in the mountains can't be bad, right? After arriving at the cabin where Kat stayed with her now deceased husband, another loss that enforces her lack of will to live, her daughter Sara springs a little surprise on her - Juni, a labrador who needs a home. Kat is not thrilled whatsoever, but acquiesces under Sara's urging that she "needs a dog."
Other key characters are introduced, people staying in the cabins nearby, like Malcolm who bears a horrible scar on his face from war, his adopted son, Nirav who's seen plenty of trauma too, and Scott, a self-centered father of Lily, a typical young teen girl who we will learn is seeking how to connect to her father, and last of all Tye, a puppy trapped in some underbrush, that Kat and Lily find on an impromptu hike.
Each and every one of these characters - even the dogs - will play a key role in a story that then launches readers into a harrowing account of what it might be like to wake up, and suddenly realize you only have a few minutes to escape or be trapped by a wildfire that is ascending the hill toward you.
Rebecca Hodge lays out her story with the day and time, and for me, this blip of information at the start of each chapter upped my anxiety level. There was something about knowing exactly how much time had passed that further fueled my turning of the pages. Along the way, I did something I've never EVER done before. As the story progressed, at one point I had to peek ahead to check on something. The outcome was that important, I was that invested in what might happen.
I never look ahead in a story! WILDLAND changed that forever.
A great debut by a talented writer.
The story about a woman (Kat) who is battling the return of her breast cancer, and her decision as to whether or not to forego anymore treatments drives her decision to stay for a month in the Blue Ridge mountains. Her daughter, Sara, wants her to continue to fight her disease, but Kat isn't sure that's what she should do. She has a "what's the use, the outcome won't change," sort of demeanor about it.
She believes if she takes some time away, it might help her decide. Thirty days in the mountains can't be bad, right? After arriving at the cabin where Kat stayed with her now deceased husband, another loss that enforces her lack of will to live, her daughter Sara springs a little surprise on her - Juni, a labrador who needs a home. Kat is not thrilled whatsoever, but acquiesces under Sara's urging that she "needs a dog."
Other key characters are introduced, people staying in the cabins nearby, like Malcolm who bears a horrible scar on his face from war, his adopted son, Nirav who's seen plenty of trauma too, and Scott, a self-centered father of Lily, a typical young teen girl who we will learn is seeking how to connect to her father, and last of all Tye, a puppy trapped in some underbrush, that Kat and Lily find on an impromptu hike.
Each and every one of these characters - even the dogs - will play a key role in a story that then launches readers into a harrowing account of what it might be like to wake up, and suddenly realize you only have a few minutes to escape or be trapped by a wildfire that is ascending the hill toward you.
Rebecca Hodge lays out her story with the day and time, and for me, this blip of information at the start of each chapter upped my anxiety level. There was something about knowing exactly how much time had passed that further fueled my turning of the pages. Along the way, I did something I've never EVER done before. As the story progressed, at one point I had to peek ahead to check on something. The outcome was that important, I was that invested in what might happen.
I never look ahead in a story! WILDLAND changed that forever.
A great debut by a talented writer.
February 21, 2020
Kate Jamison's breast cancer has returned. With the death of her husband, she faces the decision of more chemotherapy or to let nature run its course, alone.
She takes off to her rustic cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains to contemplate her choice.
Her daughter brings a yellow lab rescue dog to foster and keep her company. While they are walking through the woods nearby, they find a pitiful stray puppy that needs medical attention. Kat has him treated at the local veterinary office and brings him home.
In the two cabins below hers are twelve year old Lily and her workaholic father and a nine year old boy Nivar, recently adopted from Pakistan and his father.
After bonding with Kate and the dogs, both children spend the night with them. They wake up to thick smoke from a raging fire caused by a lightening strike.
Unable to get down the mountain to the children's fathers, Kat must flee deep into the mountains with them, trying to keep ahead of the spreading fire.
The two dads work on mounting a rescue, but will they be in time?
Will Kat be strong and resourceful enough to keep them safe in the meantime?
This exciting and emotional story of bravery and survival was amazing! So suspenseful and terrifying, full of heart and determination.
This will be a top book for me in 2020.
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books for the e-ARC via NetGalley.
She takes off to her rustic cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains to contemplate her choice.
Her daughter brings a yellow lab rescue dog to foster and keep her company. While they are walking through the woods nearby, they find a pitiful stray puppy that needs medical attention. Kat has him treated at the local veterinary office and brings him home.
In the two cabins below hers are twelve year old Lily and her workaholic father and a nine year old boy Nivar, recently adopted from Pakistan and his father.
After bonding with Kate and the dogs, both children spend the night with them. They wake up to thick smoke from a raging fire caused by a lightening strike.
Unable to get down the mountain to the children's fathers, Kat must flee deep into the mountains with them, trying to keep ahead of the spreading fire.
The two dads work on mounting a rescue, but will they be in time?
Will Kat be strong and resourceful enough to keep them safe in the meantime?
This exciting and emotional story of bravery and survival was amazing! So suspenseful and terrifying, full of heart and determination.
This will be a top book for me in 2020.
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books for the e-ARC via NetGalley.
December 25, 2020
I liked the characters, especially Malcolm and Nirav. And the story kept my attention. However, the climax of the story tested my willingness to suspend disbelief. Kat’s sandals made me want to throw the book across the room. Like “A woman can do anything a man can do and do it in heels”??? No way. She’s leading two kids and two dogs through a forest in the mountains wearing flimsy sandals, her feet are torn to shreds, ankle twisted, and she keeps going. The obstacles to survival in this situation are already insurmountable, so why insult the reader’s intelligence by putting the heroine in flimsy sandals. Put her in sturdy walking shoes and she’s still heroic, just more believably so.
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