Her home. Her parents. Her freedom. Gone.
His dreams. His sister. Himself. Lost.
Two people.
One future.
The economy crashed, the country is floundering, and Carrie Ashworth struggles to keep her siblings alive. She has two jobs in her newly-formed, newly-outlawed clan: grow crops to feed thirty-six people, and maintain contact with Oliver Simmons, their local patrolman. Carrie's life is almost content when Greg Pierce shows up. A man with the ambition to help them survive. A man determined to hate her. Greg sets to work devising systems to protect the clan from the new regime, but it doesn't take long to realize the true reason behind their safety. Patrolman Simmons has fallen for Carrie.
When a government raid nearly wipes out their clan, Greg takes it upon himself to give the socially-awkward patrolman what he wants. Only Carrie doesn't like Greg throwing her in Simmons' path, especially when Greg's brusque exterior melts, and she catches a glimpse of the real man underneath. Neither of them realize that Simmons' coworkers have grown suspicious. A clan the size of Logan Pond can't have 'slipped' past his patrols all this time. When their hidden loot goes missing, they want revenge, and the one thread holding Logan Pond together is about to break. Carrie is forced to choose: follow her heart or save her clan. Life won't let her choose both.
“Life” is a fascinating tale of, not surprisingly, life, love and friendship in an endangered community that embraces readers and almost makes them wish to belong among the colorful, tight-knit group. The clan, especially Carrie and Greg, are blood and breath of this story. It would be a challenge indeed not to fall in love with the pair! Especially the antisocial-but-still-sweet Greg.
A terrific study of character, an exciting adventure and a beginning of a promising series! What more can anyone ask for? Except for the next book, of course!
I absolutely LOVED this story! Each night before going to sleep, I became so engrossed in the story that I later dreamed about being there. In the mornings, I had to think about whether what I dreamed was in the book or part of my imagination. The characters were so genuine, I almost believed they were real. If it weren’t for the horrifying situation these characters found themselves in, I think I would actually enjoy the challenge of living off-grid in a community like Logan’s Pond.
The ending of the story was so perfect, so satisfying. Even though this is the first book of a trilogy and I can’t wait to read the sequels, I didn’t feel unsettled at the end like I do in so many trilogy first books. It wasn’t exactly a happy ending, mind you, but a hopeful, satisfying one all the same.This is a must read for anyone who likes the post-apocalyptic/dystopian genre or is worried about the financial stability of our country. Highly recommended!
Wow! What an emotional ride. This book is excellent and you really feel for these characters. It is truly heartbreaking what these people had to endure with the collapse of the dollar and government take over. The expectations that are placed on Carrie, at the expense of her own happiness, was unfair at times. Carrie is an amazing example of strength, endurance, and kindness. She takes the heat for something huge and it made me appreciate her character even more. She wants what is best for her family and clan, but I was glad when she started sticking up for herself. Greg was an interesting character. I didn’t know what to think of him at first. He was a mystery, but later, I realized that was what I liked most about him. His past is full of tragedy, like everyone else’s, but I respected that he was a thinker and tries to help the clan. I really enjoyed the POV switches. That must be so challenging to do as an author and Rebecca did it well. You have to know your characters well and she did.
5 out of 5 stars. I can’t wait for next book!
