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Kate Dalton #1
An Uncertain Refuge
(If you enjoy this book, please check out the sequel, SEA OF REGRE) A child orphaned by violence. A woman sworn to protect and raise him. A killer come to claim him. A few deadly minutes in An Uncertain Refuge. Kate Dalton lives by the rules of honesty and fair play until she steps between a battered woman and the man intent on killing her. Amanda Blake barely survives; her ex-husband dies by Kate’s hand. The repercussions force Kate from her job at a domestic violence shelter. Fleeing unwanted publicity and yearning to break with her past, she heads to the Oregon coast, burdened by a coerced promise to Amanda—to care for the nine-year-old son of the man she killed and shield him from the truth. For several weeks Kate holds a tattered web of lies together. Then Way-Ray’s vengeful uncle murders Amanda, an ambush journalist tells the story, and the boy bolts in horror. Aided by a dangerous man she only half-trusts, Kate searches for the boy she’s come to love. But a sadistic killer intent on claiming his kin is watching every move. Watch for the sequel, By the Sea of Regret, in the fall of 2012. A portion of the profit from this book helps support the work of the Wildlife Center of the North Coast in Astoria, Oregon.
359 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 2, 2011
26 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn J. Rose
41 books203 followersCarolyn J. Rose grew up in New York's Catskill Mountains, graduated from the University of Arizona, logged two years in Arkansas with Volunteers in Service to America, and spent 25 years as a television news researcher, writer, producer, and assignment editor in Arkansas, New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington. She lives in Vancouver, Washington, and her interests are reading, gardening, swimming, and NOT cooking.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 23, 2021
Although both the opening and closing chapters, were powerful and explosive, this certainly wasn't an action packed, fast paced thriller. It was definitely all in the anticipation, excellent plot building and character forming skills of the author. I knew exactly what the threat was and who it was coming from, right from the very start .... the only unknown, emotionally and psychologically challenging dilemma, was just when and where it was going to happen and I was sat on the edge of my seat and right there with a frazzled Kate, who spends most of the story looking over her shoulder!
Amanda's decision to take her young son and break free from their lives with an abusive husband and father, result in drastic consequences as the system fails them in spectacular style. Life and death choices and decisions, dominate the strong opening scenes, making this an uncomfortable, yet engrossing beginning to the story, as I tried to anticipate just what decisions and outcomes there would be to the horrific events, unfolding line by line and which would ultimately have such far-reaching consequences, for so many people.
When it becomes apparent that her husband's family are equally as disturbed and hell-bent on retribution as her husband was, Amanda is faced with having to make even more radical decisions, in an effort to secure a future for her son, Way-Ray, even though she fully knows and accepts the personal risks and sacrifices she is making. The largest proportion of the story is therefore, essentially given over to building on the characters of Kate and Way-Ray, both their individual strengths and weaknesses, how they learn to adapt and adjust to life together, the bonds that draw them together, the insecurities and untruths which threaten to tear them apart and the unexpected anguish Kate feels when she thinks she has lost Way-Ray for good. Kate learns the lesson the hard way, that lying to Way-Ray, no matter that he is still a child, isn't really protecting him, regardless of the genuine motives she has behind the subterfuge. The truth will always `out' and the consequences may be much more violent and destructive, than she had ever anticipated.
All the time Kate is breaking just about every rule in the book, to help a broken and defeated Amanda and provide some sense of stability and love to Way-Ray, she is hearing the voices of her parents inside her head, remonstrating with her for taking the risk and becoming so emotionally involved in someone else's problem. In fact, parental domination and the feelings of low esteem and self-worth which this engenders, is a recurring theme for Kate throughout much of the story, which influences much of her thinking and dominates many of her thought and decision making processes. It is only when she finally manages to `shake the monkey off her back' and allows those who have come to care for her, to get close enough to show their true feelings, that her world begins to expand in a more positive way than she ever thought possible.
In the midst of all the emotional turmoil and mayhem, Carolyn introduces a whole new cast of disparate, yet well defined characters, who collectively, to Kate and I have to admit, to me also, appear to be a gathering from every misfit stratum of society. At first, Kate treats them with an attitude almost akin to contempt, however it is only as time passes she realises that in fact these people are her true friends, who have accepted both herself and Way-Ray, without question or condemnation, with no emotional restrictions and without taking the moral high ground. In return Kate learns to accept her new found allies for who and what they are, without challenging their attitudes or appearances, learning to believe in their help as genuinely offered and to reach out and take the hand of friendship, without feeling the need to move on and run away from her true feelings, before she becomes too involved with them.
The almost inevitable climax to events, is a real humdinger of a scene, full of violence, suspense, guessing, second-guessing, manoeuvre and counter-manoeuvre. Kate realises exactly what it is to love and need to protect another person so much, that you are willing to make that ultimate sacrifice and give up your own life to do so. She summons all her hidden reserves of strength and courage, in an effort to have the opportunity to prove to Way-Ray and herself, that there is an alternative to the `arms-length' relationship they have both been living and that together they can embrace life and the future, as a single, united family unit.
Amanda's decision to take her young son and break free from their lives with an abusive husband and father, result in drastic consequences as the system fails them in spectacular style. Life and death choices and decisions, dominate the strong opening scenes, making this an uncomfortable, yet engrossing beginning to the story, as I tried to anticipate just what decisions and outcomes there would be to the horrific events, unfolding line by line and which would ultimately have such far-reaching consequences, for so many people.
When it becomes apparent that her husband's family are equally as disturbed and hell-bent on retribution as her husband was, Amanda is faced with having to make even more radical decisions, in an effort to secure a future for her son, Way-Ray, even though she fully knows and accepts the personal risks and sacrifices she is making. The largest proportion of the story is therefore, essentially given over to building on the characters of Kate and Way-Ray, both their individual strengths and weaknesses, how they learn to adapt and adjust to life together, the bonds that draw them together, the insecurities and untruths which threaten to tear them apart and the unexpected anguish Kate feels when she thinks she has lost Way-Ray for good. Kate learns the lesson the hard way, that lying to Way-Ray, no matter that he is still a child, isn't really protecting him, regardless of the genuine motives she has behind the subterfuge. The truth will always `out' and the consequences may be much more violent and destructive, than she had ever anticipated.
All the time Kate is breaking just about every rule in the book, to help a broken and defeated Amanda and provide some sense of stability and love to Way-Ray, she is hearing the voices of her parents inside her head, remonstrating with her for taking the risk and becoming so emotionally involved in someone else's problem. In fact, parental domination and the feelings of low esteem and self-worth which this engenders, is a recurring theme for Kate throughout much of the story, which influences much of her thinking and dominates many of her thought and decision making processes. It is only when she finally manages to `shake the monkey off her back' and allows those who have come to care for her, to get close enough to show their true feelings, that her world begins to expand in a more positive way than she ever thought possible.
In the midst of all the emotional turmoil and mayhem, Carolyn introduces a whole new cast of disparate, yet well defined characters, who collectively, to Kate and I have to admit, to me also, appear to be a gathering from every misfit stratum of society. At first, Kate treats them with an attitude almost akin to contempt, however it is only as time passes she realises that in fact these people are her true friends, who have accepted both herself and Way-Ray, without question or condemnation, with no emotional restrictions and without taking the moral high ground. In return Kate learns to accept her new found allies for who and what they are, without challenging their attitudes or appearances, learning to believe in their help as genuinely offered and to reach out and take the hand of friendship, without feeling the need to move on and run away from her true feelings, before she becomes too involved with them.
The almost inevitable climax to events, is a real humdinger of a scene, full of violence, suspense, guessing, second-guessing, manoeuvre and counter-manoeuvre. Kate realises exactly what it is to love and need to protect another person so much, that you are willing to make that ultimate sacrifice and give up your own life to do so. She summons all her hidden reserves of strength and courage, in an effort to have the opportunity to prove to Way-Ray and herself, that there is an alternative to the `arms-length' relationship they have both been living and that together they can embrace life and the future, as a single, united family unit.
December 25, 2011
Kate Dalton's job running a women's shelter brings moments of fear, drama, and sometimes scrutiny.
When a battered wife's ex-husband shows up one day, wielding a knife and threatening both of their lives, the outcome jeopardizes not only Kate's livelihood, but her whole way of life.
Turning away from this life, she strikes out, heading from Arkansas to the West...Far away from everything repugnant about the job and hoping to discover something new. But a stopover in Grassy Ridge, Oklahoma, at the request of the battered wife Amanda Blake, leads to an unexpected detour of another kind. Amanda's plea that Kate take her son with her arouses the kind of angst Kate has always tried to avoid. Connections.
So as she leaves Grassy Ridge with Amanda's ten-year-old son Way-Ray in tow, Kate is very uncertain of what the future holds. But upon her arrival on the coast of Oregon, events unfold and anchor Kate and Way-Ray to a new community and new dreams.
"An Uncertain Refuge" is one of those stories full of suspense, emotion, and the kind of hope for the future that often clings to each of us as we chart our courses in life. I loved the poignancy of this story of battered bodies and souls; I enjoyed Kate's dilemma, as she struggled against the constant childhood tapes playing out in her head, warning against risks; and I was totally captivated by how the growing bond between Kate and Way-Ray catapulted her into the kind of life and connections she had always feared. Sometimes what we fear the most is just what we need.
I highly recommend this story for anyone who loves the unexpected discoveries in life that come from a place of uncertainty and fear. It's a story for those who dream of righting life's wrongs...and moving beyond to a place of refuge. Five stars.
When a battered wife's ex-husband shows up one day, wielding a knife and threatening both of their lives, the outcome jeopardizes not only Kate's livelihood, but her whole way of life.
Turning away from this life, she strikes out, heading from Arkansas to the West...Far away from everything repugnant about the job and hoping to discover something new. But a stopover in Grassy Ridge, Oklahoma, at the request of the battered wife Amanda Blake, leads to an unexpected detour of another kind. Amanda's plea that Kate take her son with her arouses the kind of angst Kate has always tried to avoid. Connections.
So as she leaves Grassy Ridge with Amanda's ten-year-old son Way-Ray in tow, Kate is very uncertain of what the future holds. But upon her arrival on the coast of Oregon, events unfold and anchor Kate and Way-Ray to a new community and new dreams.
"An Uncertain Refuge" is one of those stories full of suspense, emotion, and the kind of hope for the future that often clings to each of us as we chart our courses in life. I loved the poignancy of this story of battered bodies and souls; I enjoyed Kate's dilemma, as she struggled against the constant childhood tapes playing out in her head, warning against risks; and I was totally captivated by how the growing bond between Kate and Way-Ray catapulted her into the kind of life and connections she had always feared. Sometimes what we fear the most is just what we need.
I highly recommend this story for anyone who loves the unexpected discoveries in life that come from a place of uncertainty and fear. It's a story for those who dream of righting life's wrongs...and moving beyond to a place of refuge. Five stars.
October 22, 2020
Great book for anyone wanting a dose of reality, Love, forgiveness and hope
This is the third time reading this book. The characters are so real you want to be a part of the story...working, talking and involved with the community, the birds, the wildlife....you just want to experience first hand and the book brings that forward.
This is the third time reading this book. The characters are so real you want to be a part of the story...working, talking and involved with the community, the birds, the wildlife....you just want to experience first hand and the book brings that forward.
July 28, 2011
ISBN 9780983735908 - While working at a woman's shelter in Arkansas, Kate Dalton is faced with the situation of saving the life of a woman from the shelter. She helps her but during the fight the ex-husband dies. When the owners of the shelter want to make a movie, Kate decides she can't do that so she leaves her job. Having nowhere to go, she decides to go to Oklahoma to visit Amanda - the lady whose life she had saved at the shelter. There she finds that Amanda is just barely hanging on - both physically and mentally - while hiding out from her ex-husband's family. She is also trying to take care of her rambuctious 9 year old son. Amanda convinces Kate to take her son, Way-Ray, for 2 weeks so she can re-coup. During that time, Kate becomes very attached to Way-Ray. But then Amanda disappears and Kate becomes Way-Ray's guardian. After sightseeing across the country and because of circumstances beyond their control, they have to stay for a while in a small town in Oregon. There she finds friends who become the family she doesn't have. These friends help Kate hide Way-Ray from his father's family as they are trying to locate and kidnap him - and they don't care who they hurt, or even kill, in the process.
Because the story line flowed so well and the characters were so true to life, I couldn't put the book down once I started reading it. Definitely a book I will recommend to everyone!
FTC disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author hoping I would review it.
Because the story line flowed so well and the characters were so true to life, I couldn't put the book down once I started reading it. Definitely a book I will recommend to everyone!
FTC disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author hoping I would review it.
December 26, 2011
With a masterfully woven plot, An Uncertain Refuge kept me flipping the pages to find out what would happen next. Taking readers on a cross-country trek from Arkansas, through Grassy Ridge, Oklahoma, then west to the Wade in the Waves Motel on the Oregon Coast, Kate Dalton’s journey is more than one of distance. While running away from one scenario, she runs smack dab into a life that will change her in more ways than she could have imagined.
While this story is passionate, it wouldn’t have the intensity without credible characters. I was charmed by Carolyn Rose’s ability to bring her characters to life. Their personalities are clean, honest, and believable; which should not be confused with “virtuous.” They are developed with wit and candor, and there was no question in my mind who I should be rooting for…or against.
Next on my list: A Place of Forgetting. I can hardly wait!
While this story is passionate, it wouldn’t have the intensity without credible characters. I was charmed by Carolyn Rose’s ability to bring her characters to life. Their personalities are clean, honest, and believable; which should not be confused with “virtuous.” They are developed with wit and candor, and there was no question in my mind who I should be rooting for…or against.
Next on my list: A Place of Forgetting. I can hardly wait!
November 27, 2011
A social worker gets between a woman and her husband who is trying to kill her.
She knows she is getting to involved but has to do what she does. The woman lives
and begs the social worker (who has been fired for her involvement) to take her
9 year old son with her for 2 weeks while she gets her head together. Well she
ditches out leaving work with her lawyer that the social worker is now the guardian
of her son. Thats all I will say. Interesting story.
She knows she is getting to involved but has to do what she does. The woman lives
and begs the social worker (who has been fired for her involvement) to take her
9 year old son with her for 2 weeks while she gets her head together. Well she
ditches out leaving work with her lawyer that the social worker is now the guardian
of her son. Thats all I will say. Interesting story.
July 22, 2012
Kate intercedes on the behalf of Amanda who is in hiding in the women's shelter where Kate works. Amanda's abusive spouse finds out where she is and sets in motion a chain of events that takes Kate and Amanda's son, Way-Ray all the way to Oregon. Interesting twists and turns in the plot, interesting characters and Kate's inner turmoil keep the story moving. The characters are all believable, it's just a stretch that they all show up in Kate's life at the same time.
November 15, 2011
Disappointing, as I'm finding many of the cheaper Nook books are. This was formulaic, the characters predictible, the plot ho-hum, and by the end of the book I was just wanting to get rid of the whiny main character.
August 5, 2011
My daughter loaned me this book to read. She said it was a very good book and she was right! I really did like this book.
Read
August 10, 2011See my review on Amazon or on my website.
June 29, 2021
A teensy bit over the top.
April 11, 2012
My friend borrowed me this book from Kindle. This book was full of action and suspense. A little boy named Way-Ray, goes through a lot of tough emotions for a 10 year old.
July 7, 2014
Except for minor details and some confusion about the timeline this was a very enjoyable book--good pace, realistic and engaging characters and suspense-building. Definitely would recommend.
April 12, 2015
Enjoyed every minute of this book. Loved the characters. Would recommend.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews