Review by Jamie Michele: Readers’ Favorite, 2025

Escape by Alison Bellringer follows Kaylee, who leaves home at night with Carlos, certain they will return after a quick union in a distant village. Their early plan expands into long travel, scarce money, and increasing strain as Carlos’s behavior changes and isolation surrounds Kaylee. A child, Britney, is born, shaping every choice Kaylee makes while she manages food, shelter, and safety. When household conditions worsen, Kaylee sends Britney away along a forest path, hoping the child will reach help… Kaylee's fear disrupts her efforts to rebuild a new life and reconnect to a safer past. Escape is book three in the series, but it reads fine as a stand alone, offering a warm novel centred on Kaylee’s quiet resourcefulness as she finds small pockets of comfort during the really hard years with Carlos. Bellringer does an excellent job of holding onto the narrative with beautifully grounded scenes… As a lead protagonist, Kaylee's continued adaptation to each shift in her life is what shines through the arc. Bellringer moves the story toward a climax that is in line with the rapid rising action, with an outcome that leaves an opening for more. Recommended.

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