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"I’d come to a place of realizing that even if only for a time, Attie’s existence was heavily dependent upon my ability to protect her and shine light in her direction. At the same time, I had to give her enough room to live her own life. I also knew the connection was fragile and that as I navigated the space just outside her world, if her life were to start to spin out of control, I wouldn’t be able to come closer and intervene without causing more damage. I understood that I was created to be a part of her life, but only at a safe distance.

Our universe, the one that seemed to only include us, was about to be hurled into an entirely new solar system."
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Attie Reed has finally found some happiness after the accident that took her mother’s and best friend’s lives and nearly destroyed hers. But that doesn’t mean life is going to get easier. She may not have nighttime monsters to fight, but her world is about to spin wildly out of orbit.

In the captivating, highly anticipated sequel to Stefne Miller’s Salvaged, Attie is faced with the challenge of fitting in at a new school while figuring out her next steps. Riley continues to fight with her and for her as she encounters difficult battles. He has been her protection, but he can’t protect her forever.

When Attie’s father finally comes back into her life, she is faced with her most difficult decision yet: to stay in Oklahoma and keep the life she has made or return to New York to repair her relationship with her father and allow herself to heal. What happens will define who she is and who she will become. Can she fight this battle alone and Rise? Or will she continue to fall out of orbit and be lost forever?

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Copies available now via author website. Available nationally (via Amazon and book stores) June 21, 2011

380 pages, Paperback

First published March 6, 2011

1 person is currently reading
351 people want to read

About the author

Stefne Miller

19 books241 followers
In 1994, Stefne received her Bachelor of Arts degree with a focus on Political Science, Public Administration. She went on to work for Governor Frank Keating of Oklahoma, as a Director of Operations and later, a Public Policy Specialist and Cabinet Liaison. In 2001, she became a Pharmaceutical Representative for Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, the largest pharmaceutical company in the world. Stefne started writing in 2009, and within five years, she wrote eight novels and of those, self-published three. In 2010, based on the ratings and reviews of her first novel, Salvaged, Stefne was a Top 15 Finalist in the Goodreads.com Reader’s Choice Awards in the category of Debut Author of 2010. Stefne has completed both the filming of Annabelle Hooper and the Ghosts of Nantucket, and the novelization of the film. She also has two feature films in development, and film projects in development based on her novels Salvaged, Rise, and Collision. Currently, Stefne is writing the script for the next installment of Annabelle Hooper, which will be filmed in the Fall of 2016, and is co-writing the novelization of the film with Bailee. She currently lives in Edmond, OK, with her husband of twenty-two years, and their three teenaged sons.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Erica.
1,289 reviews701 followers
May 4, 2011
I love Salvaged. A lot. I cannot even explain my love for that book. This made me very nervous for Rise, as I could not imagine how a book could live up to, or even succeed such a book. Stefne Miller manages to do this in Rise, and absolutely blow readers away!

I won't lie - for the first 40 pages or so, I wasn't feeling the absolute Rise love. I wasn't complete on board with Attie and Riley's "trick/plan". I didn't quite understand it. It was good, but wasn't up to what I had expected. All at once, everything changed, and I was back in my world of Salvaged, and now Rise love. The plot was absolutely amazing.

There were so many "aw" moments throughout Rise. Like there is a Twilight movie scene, and it was most adorable thing ever. There are countless scenes just like that, and they don't always just happen with Attie and Riley. You see it with Attie and her friends, and even Attie and some unlikely characters. These scenes are just so lovely.

I am not a crier by any means, and I usually don't get real emotional over books. I was hysterically crying at numerous parts of Rise. I literally had to stop reading because tears were falling so fast and I couldn't actually focus on anything more than blurs on the pages.

Besides the crying, my emotions were all over the place. That is the thing I love about Stefne Miller's books, I get so into the story and am so into the characters world, I react to simply everything. Rise has so many twists and turns. There were so many events that I didn't see coming - while some were absolutely hilarious, others were so heartwrenching I had to reread them to make sure I had read it right the first time through.

I absolutely love the characters. Every time I read a page of Rise, I was continually asking myself where I could get myself a Riley. He is simply the perfect guy, and is so sweet. Attie is a character I found myself relating really well with, once again. She has her insecurities, and I found that to be an admirable thing for her to have. She works so hard to overcome them, and I found it really easy to connect with her as I have many of the same insecurities, only for different reasons. The other members of the cast, like Marme, Pops, and Tammy continue to bring joy to the storyline. I really enjoyed how in Rise, readers get to know some of the more minor characters of the story. I won't say who, as that could get slightly spoilerish. It was so easy to fall right back in love with the characters I had fallen so in love with last year.

I love how Jesus is a character in these books. It is one of the most heartwarming things. My relationship with the Lord isn't always perfect, and I know it has had its rocky points. The message Stefne Miller puts out there with incorporating him as a character, that the Lord won't leave you, he'll wait for you to come back, is so hopeful and positive. It is one of my favorite things about both Rise and Salvaged. These books leave me so full of hope, and also really make me think about all the people I should have forgiven and may not have yet. I know this sounds really odd to put in a review, but I love books that can become a part of my life, in a bigger way than merely a book to read and absolutely love.

Stefne Miller's writing is absolutely beautiful. The writing is absolutely enchanting. It transports me into Attie's world and doesn't let me leave. From page 1 to the end, I was absolutely enthralled. The story she weaves is just beautiful.

The way Stefne Miller ends Rise is absolutely perfect. She manages to tie up all the loose ends, and satisfy readers. I couldn't stop smiling as I read the last few pages, and sat there for a few minutes after I closed the book just lurking in the happiness. It honestly was one of the most perfect endings to a book I have read in a long time.

I absolutely love the cover of Rise. I think it is absolutely gorgeous, and matches nicely with Salvaged's cover, while being very different from one another. I really have a thing for covers with umbrellas on them, I don't know why, but I was so happy when I saw Rise's cover and discovered it having an umbrella.

Rise is an absolute must read. While it didn't have the strongest start, where it leads is an absolutely brilliant story. It's a book I could barely put down, and gets better and better with every page. The characters will simply enthrall you in their world. Stefne Miller is an author to watch. She has made her way on to my list of authors I will automatically buy any book from. Rise is amazing. Amazing and beautiful.
Profile Image for Hannah:).
516 reviews18 followers
April 3, 2022
I loved the Bennets - as always. Riley's the sweetest. Cooper time drove me crazy. Eddie irritated me. But I was so proud of Attie.
Profile Image for Kathryn Fulton.
22 reviews
April 23, 2011
An Amazing Sequel to an Amazing book. I must say, during the epilogue , my friends and I almost died of cuteness... ;-)
Profile Image for Keeley Paraskevas.
97 reviews1 follower
June 30, 2018
3 1/2 to 4 stars (depending on what you are going through spiritually)

I love this series. It's completely sigh worthy and I would recommend it to almost anyone. I would definitely say 14-15+ because of sexual content. None of the characters have sex, but it is talked about and delt with in a way that I agree with. Still though, you might not want to read this if you are 14 or under. The characters are amazing, although in this book the main character did get on my nerves a bit. I loved the way she learned that God loves her always, no matter what she does. This will forever be one of my favorite series.
Profile Image for Loni Aycock.
Author 5 books124 followers
April 22, 2011
My Thoughts:
I was extremely excited when I found out there was going to be a book two- Rise to Stefne Miller's debut novel Salvaged. Salvaged was an amazing book for me when I read it last year and even though I was excited about continuing on Attie and Riley's journey, I was worried that it just wouldn't be as good as Salvaged. I think most people worry about sequels in a series not living up the potential of the first book. Of course I worried for no reason! Rise was even better than Salvaged, which is pretty amazing since I held such a fondness for Salvaged to start with.

I know that if I'd had the time, I would have flown through this book within a couple days. But seeing as I was on a cruise for vacation and this book has some pretty emotional scenes in it, I had to stop reading. It didn't look nice to see a strange girl on a cruise boat in the Bahamas' crying her eyes out. I was supposed to be happy, getting burnt by the hot tropical sun with something fruity to drink! So I put it aside and saved the last 100 pages or so for the comfort of my couch and a box of tissues. But I will say that I am glad I was able to read it more slowly then I normally would have. It allowed me to process more of what was happening and I enjoyed it that much more.

If you thought the problems Attie faced in Salvaged were bad (which they certainly were), you haven't seen anything yet. I was seriously thinking to myself that if I had to go through everything she went through; I don't know if I could have survived it. Really? How much can one person handle? But that's a main lesson I got from this book. No matter what you face in your life or how bad things are- what matters most is who is there to walk beside you in your time of need.

Again, I loved the characters that Stefne created. All of them were so real. I think my favorite would have to be Riley. He is incredibly sweet, sensitive, and caring and oh so cute! He has morals and values and has the perfect characteristic most any girl would die to have in their boyfriend. I don't think Riley did anything in this book that made me mad, Attie on the other hand did have me a little irritated at times (well maybe more than a little).
All the other characters were amazing too; Pops, Marme and all of Attie and Riley's friends helped make this story shine.

I think what I like most about Stefne's writing is her dialogue. It's so detailed and we get a lot out of it. For me, dialogue is important and it this helps you get sucked in their world. You're a fly on the wall; seeing it, hearing, feeling for your self. That is what makes this story so real, you're there and a part of it. You can connect and the characters and the life situations felt and not fake. I felt their happiness and their pain. I laughed out loud, I cried, I got angry, and I cried some more- some sad tears and some happy tears.

Stefne Miller has written another fantastic, heartbreaking, beautiful story that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Stefne has an amazing gift and she is an author that should NOT be overlooked. She has many more amazing stories to write and I will most certainly be first in line to get my hand on her next book.
Profile Image for Michelle.
Author 45 books419 followers
December 24, 2011
Words can barely describe the gammut of emotions I experienced while reading this novel. I absolutely adored Salvaged (the first book), which captivated me from the first page, but I loved Rise even more. I didn't think it was possible, but it's true. I can't remember how many times I got choked up or tears welled in my eyes, but I experienced some powerful emotions while reading this story.

There was so much good stuff in the book about what real love was, and the importance of being with someone because you want to be, not because you need to be with them to feel "whole." Attie was in many ways a needy, but loveable person, yet the fact that she needed protection made Riley love her even more. It got to the point where it was unhealthy. But it was still a powerful thing to observe. It kind of reminded me of A Walk to Remember where you just hurt for the guy on so many different occasions.

I loved the theme related to the importance of fathers and how being devastated by a father's rejection can really mess up a young woman's heart. Attie had plenty of reasons to feel crushed, hurt and rejected. But I adored her as a character, and even more than I did in the first book. I hated to see her going through all of those painful situations but she needed them to grow.

The theme regarding Jesus and how you can walk away and yet he never leaves you was pretty powerful. It made me think about my own faith and how many times I don't think to go to Him and try to solve things on my own. He is standing by patiently waiting for us to reach out to him. That was so well done. I also loved how Jesus encouraged Attie to tell Him how she felt and to "let him have it" because "he could take it." Well done! Honesty with God and with ourselves is always a good thing.

The healing themes in this book really touched me deep inside. Having made some dumb choices myself that had lasting consequences, I appreciated how the author laid it all out there. The pros and the cons, the motivations of the heart, the need to consider how each choice we make will not only influence our lives, but others around us was well done. And I loved Coop. He was a great guy. In some ways he was part of Attie's healing, but I still hurt for him. I felt like I was reading a Nicholas Sparks love story on more than one occasion and needed to remind myself that the story was fiction and these weren't real people.

I am sad the series has ended because I truly loved this story. The characters felt so real to me, it was like we were friends. The story warmed my heart and made an impact on me. It also made me think about my spiritual life, which is always a good thing. Attie made me want to be more honest with myself and others because I saw how it benefitted the characters in the story. The only way to be truly healthy is to rely on Jesus and not on other people. It doesn't mean we can't love deeply, but it does mean our hope needs to be in God and not in people.

Such a fantastic story, and if I could, I'd give it ten stars. Did I mention it was very well written? This author is incredibly gifted and really knows how to evoke emotion in the reader. I highly recommend this story. It's making my favorite fiction list for 2011.
Profile Image for Kait.
940 reviews1,020 followers
April 18, 2011
I am in awe of Stefne Miller. I read her first book, Salvaged, last year and I fell in love with Attie, Riley, Pops, Marme, and everyone else. When I found out there was going to be a sequel I was skeptical, like always. I wasn't sure the story could live up to the first but within the first few pages my fears were put to rest. I was hooked all over again.

Rise starts up shortly after the ending of Salvaged. Attie is about to start school in Oklahoma and she is ready to move on with her life. Sadly things don't go as planned. The people at school aren't very happy to have Attie there and things become more than she can handle. When her dad shows up, out of the blue, wanting her to come back to New York with him, she doesn't know what to do. Will she stay with the family she has made for herself in Oklahoma or go back to New York and try to salvage what's left of her real family?

Attie is one of my favorite characters. Ever. She is so down to earth and fun. She is just like normal teenage girls. She is scared, insecure, and unsure of what the future may hold for her and her loved ones. She is someone I can really relate to. There were times I wanted to smack some sense into her but that's okay. In the end, I loved every choice she made and they made sense to me. Riley, on the other hand, I never wanted to smack. He was so sweet, sensitive, and caring. Oh and did I mention hot??? I don't think there was a single moment in the whole book that I didn't like him. And don't even get me started on the other characters. They are all fabulous but if I went into detail my review would never end.

The plot was surprisingly fast-paced for a contemporary story. There always seemed to be something going on and I couldn't stop reading. Attie went through so much in this book. I didn't know all that drama could happen in less than 400 pages. =)

Overall, Rise is a beautiful book and one of my new favorites. I laughed, I cried, I wanted to throw the book at the wall. Rise brought out every emotion in me and I loved it. I can't wait to see what Stefne Miller has planned for readers next.
Profile Image for Bri.
258 reviews5 followers
July 7, 2012
As you guys might remember, I reviewed Salvaged close to a year ago! I gave it an A+... very well deserved. I loved everything about that book and I'm so pleased to say I feel the same way about it's sequel, Rise.

I really missed all of the characters from Salvaged, so as you can imagine, I was thrilled to be able to reunite with them. Attie, was real and relatable as always. And Riley, oh Riley, he was just as incredible and lovable as I remembered. Stefne made it really easy to dislike certain characters and then end up sympathizing with them towards themiddle/end.

I loved every piece of this book, even the heartbreaking ones. While I was reading the heartbreaking, gut wrenching parts... I became a little angry with Stefne for tearing my heart in half and making me do the ugly cry. Yes, you read it right, the ugly cry.

Along with the ugly cry, I even yelled at the book. Actually less of the book, more of Attie herself. "No, no, no! What's wrong with you?!" I remember things along those lines that coming out of my mouth.

This isn't the kind of book you read, enjoy, and then forget about a month later. I have a feeling I'm always going to remember these characters and feel the need to visit them once a year even if I already know what happens in the story.

While I was satisfied with the end of Rise, I did feel it was a little rushed. Call me selfish, but I guess I wanted to see more of the characters towards the end. Maybe I needed a little more closure just because this is (I think) the end of the Salvaged books. Other than that, I really have no complaints about this book.

Bravo, Stefne Miller. I can't wait to read Collision (new novel) and hopefully fall in love with totally new characters that will help me (try) to move on from Attie and Riley.
Profile Image for Tara.
44 reviews3 followers
July 28, 2013
This book is truly amazing! Stefne miller I give you great honor for writing such a wonderful ending to the Salvage love story series! You really know how to balance love, family, friends, and faith in a book because Salvaged and Rise both had that beautifully executed! After reading the last pages of Rise I was so sad and happy all while in awe. This wonderful love story is over and the ending was the perfect touch. The reason this book really sticks out than all the other teen romance books is that the romance between Riley and Attie is very mature and inspiring. They really show true love to one another and not only do you see the love between those two, Miller displays the true and most important love between Jesus and his people! I love this book a lot even though at times I got so frustrated at Attie, I just wanted to yell at the book but that would be just silly...haha anyways this was such a great read. "Hand Clap" to you Stefne Miller.
Profile Image for Michelle T.
1 review2 followers
May 5, 2011
Stefne's continuation of Attie and Riley's story does not disappoint! It shows the process Attie takes through more challenges and situations that take place in her life, and you can't stop reading as you desire to know what will happen next. If you have a problem with a book tugging at every emotion you have, then prepare yourself because this book will have you laughing and crying and have you happy then angry again. You can't help but continue to fall more in love with the Bennett family (especially Riley) as well as the rest of the characters in the book. While at times Attie frustrated me, I still continued to love her character and respected her tremendously as she realized that she couldn't make it on her own without the love of Jesus! If you liked Salvaged, I highly recommend you pick up Rise and start reading today!
1 review
April 30, 2013
I absolutely LOVED LOVED LOVED this book! I couldn't put it down. My neighbor told me about these books last year and I could beat myself for waiting so long to read them! She let me borrow her books and after reading them, I just had to have them for myself so I bought them on my kindle:) Stefne Miller did an awesome job with both Salvaged and Rise. I love the message it gives to young people about setting boundaries for each other while dating. I hope to re-read these with my daughter when she's old enough to date.
Profile Image for Molly Sargen.
112 reviews43 followers
December 28, 2013
I liked Salvaged a little bit more, but this book is still amazing. I felt it hard to read about some of Attie's choices even though they weren't her fault. In the end, I'm glad that she and Riley got back together. Its an important message to teenagers everywhere that it's okay to make mistakes, you'll never be alone. Thankfully, Miller included and epilogue, otherwise I would had some resentment towards the book. Unlike many authors, Miller keeps her readers wanting more without creating bad feelings towards the book.
Profile Image for Molly.
3 reviews
December 12, 2012
This is the second book after "Salvaged" (awesome book!)
This book was as great or even greater than salvaged. I could relate to the book even more with this one than with salvaged . All the stuff happening, the breaking points, finding out who your real friends are.(etc.)
Unlike salvaged this book doesn't have as much allusion but it has quite a bit more dialogue and pays more attention to details. i would definantly recommend this book to anyone looking fore something awesome to read!
124 reviews
April 11, 2011
I have been waiting for this sequel since I finished Salvaged!! I read it in two days!!! Loved it. Sometimes a sequel doesn't meet your expectations - this one exceeded mine! It does not disappoint!! Loved loved it!
Profile Image for Shanrox.
77 reviews
May 15, 2011
Oh my goodness!!! Thus was a great book overall and I really loved it!!! Full of surprises, you nevernknow what could happen next which left you asking questions and the answer to that question usually lead me to asking another question sooo, yeah!!!

Peace, love, and happiness
>Shanrox ^_^
Profile Image for Jennifer.
494 reviews1 follower
September 3, 2011
Perfect love story. Attie made A LOT of mistakes in this book but in the end, she rose above all of the obstacles in her life. Love the ending!!
However, this book kind of dragged in the beginning and middle.
3 reviews
June 14, 2011
Love it! In the middle of the book I started holding my breath scared of how things might turn out but it ended well.
31 reviews2 followers
Read
April 25, 2011
I LOVED the ending to this book! It was "pinch a baby's cheek" adorable...
Profile Image for Joey.
11 reviews
May 5, 2011
All I can say is LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT, Salvaged and Rise have to be my most Favorite books! I was a little disappointed that Rise is the end of Attie and Riley', but that happens in books.
Profile Image for Crystal.
4 reviews3 followers
September 15, 2011
Great sequal to Salvaged.....I wish they would go on an on and on! I could just keep reading about Attie & Riley!!
Profile Image for Lana.
37 reviews1 follower
April 8, 2012
Another great book by Stefne Miller! A great continuance of Salvaged. An incredible journey you will want to go on!
Profile Image for Winona.
4 reviews
May 30, 2012
After reading the first book, I couldn't get my hands on the fast enough. Its absolutely fantastic and a great read for all ages, male OR females. Fantastic!!
Profile Image for Ann.
51 reviews
March 26, 2016
Rise is another great book by Stefne. She continues the story of Salvaged and elaborates it so you really connect with the characters. Loved it!
Profile Image for Faithe Gordon.
2 reviews3 followers
Read
July 26, 2012
I loved this book and i loved the 1st book in this series
Profile Image for Peyton.
39 reviews
September 26, 2013
as soon as I finished Salvaged I immediately had to buy rise on my nook. I fell in love with Riley Bennett all over again. A must read for all teen girls.
2 reviews1 follower
April 25, 2014
Oh my goodness! I loved it so much! Riley is so amazing ;)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews

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