Release Day Review: Brave Girl, Quiet Girl by Catherine Ryan Hyde
From New York Times bestselling author Catherine Ryan Hyde comes a gripping and emotional novel about friendship, motherhood, and the journey toward finding a place to call home.
Brooke is a divorced single mom, financially strapped, living with her mother, and holding tight to the one thing that matters most: her two-year-old daughter, Etta. Then, in a matter of seconds, Brooke’s life is shattered when she’s carjacked. Helpless and terrified, all Brooke can do is watch as Etta, still strapped in her seat, disappears into the Los Angeles night.
Miles away, Etta is found by Molly, a homeless teen who is all too used to darkness. Thrown away by her parents, and with a future as stable as the wooden crate she calls home, Molly survives day to day by her wits. As unpredictable as her life is, she’s stunned to find Etta, abandoned and alone. Shielding the little girl from more than the elements, Molly must put herself in harm’s way to protect a child as lost as she is.
Out of one terrible moment, Brooke’s and Molly’s desperate paths converge and an unlikely friendship across generations and circumstances is formed. With it, Brooke and Molly will come to discover that what’s lost—and what’s found—can change in a heartbeat.
**ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review**
This book definitely had me on the edge of my seat for a couple of chapters. I could really feel the urgency, fear, and helplessness of Brooke when she lost trace of her child after the carjacking. I can't even imagine how a parent would feel after such a traumatic experience. Etta was very lucky that she was found by Molly, a homeless teen, rather than someone who would hurt or use her in any way. Molly did everything in her power to protect and reunite Etta with Brooke. After mother and child were reunited, Brooke didn't know if she could trust Molly, and acted in a way that wasn't really fair towards Molly. However, overtime she realized that Molly always had Etta's best interest in mind. Also Etta was clearly attached to Molly, which wouldn't be the case if she was bad.
Both Molly and Brooke have their own issues and things they have to deal with. But Brooke couldn't in good faith forget about Molly and continue her life. I loved the relationship that grew between these two. I loved when they opened up and could find similarities in each other's lives. Brooke started feeling protective over Molly, and it was just so heartbreaking seeing how much Molly needed to feel that from a grown-up. Her family and the system failed her, and she just wanted to feel safe and cared for by someone. The bond between Molly and Etta was beautiful. They were just so cute together. Brave Girl, Quiet Girl was an emotional and inspiring Women's Fiction. It was a story about motherhood and friendship. It kept me interested until the end, however, I did want to see how Molly and Brooke were faring further into the future. I look forward to reading more books by Catherine Ryan Hyde.
Catherine Ryan Hyde is the author of more than 35 published and forthcoming books, including JUST AFTER MIDNIGHT, HEAVEN ADJACENT, THE WAKE UP, ALLIE AND BEA, SAY GOODBYE FOR NOW, LEAVING BLYTHE RIVER, ASK HIM WHY, WORTHY, THE LANGUAGE OF HOOFBEATS, TAKE ME WITH YOU, WHEN I FOUND YOU, WALK ME HOME, and DON'T LET ME GO.
An avid hiker, traveler, equestrian, and amateur photographer and astrophotographer, she has a published book of photos, 365 DAYS OF GRATITUDE: PHOTOS FROM A BEAUTIFUL WORLD.
No comments: