Saving Casey

Requires Rescue #2

by Liza O'Connor

Having been diagnosed with cancer, Cass Goldman decides to opt out of any futile medical care and end her life. While she has some thoughts on afterlife, she never expects to reincarnate into the body of a seventeen-year-old girl named Casey Davidson.

When she awakens in a hospital, Cass discovers two disturbing One, she is now inside the body of a troubled teenager, and two, the former owner of this body committed suicide, but only Cass knows that. Everyone else believes Casey has survived, but suffered a complete memory loss. Cass has two to take on Casey’s life and turn it around, or to confess the truth about her reincarnation and end up in a mental asylum. Given this second chance to life, Cass decides to take on the future life of Casey—the frightening ghoul-faced teen with short, black, spiky hair.

Every person around Cass has an ulterior motive and discovering the truth of Old Casey’s life is more complicated than the “new math” she is forced to learn in school. In addition, Cass has to contend with raging teenage hormones and the prior crimes of Old Casey, which she might not remember, but everyone else certainly does. However, her biggest frustration concerns her feelings for her father’s rugged security specialist who sees her only as a teenager and doesn’t want to explore the mutual attraction between them.

Will her second chance at life prove to be worth the struggles she has to overcome?

Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal

191 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 14, 2012

About the author

Liza lives in Denville, NJ with her dog Jess. They hike in fabulous woods every day, rain or shine, sleet or snow. Having an adventurous nature, she learned to fly small cessnas in NJ, hang glide in New Zealand, kayak in Pennsylvania, ski in New York, scuba dive with great white sharks in Australia, dig up dinosaur bones in Montana, sky dive in Indiana, and raft a class four river in Tasmania. She’s an avid gardener, amateur photographer and dabbler in watercolors. Yet through her entire life, her first love has and always will be writing novels. She loves to create interesting characters, set them loose, and scribe what happens.

Reviews

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok this was not at all what I expected after reading the blurb! Once I got started, I. Could. Not. Put. It. Down! I literally read it in almost one entire sitting! It was captivating. I simply had to know what was gonna happen next. We start off by meeting Cass, an 80 year old woman who just found out she has an inoperable brain tumor. Rather than go through the unnecessary chemo she opts for her own way out. Only to awaken in a hospital room thinking she somehow failed her suicide attempt. The biggest shocker comes when she realizes she is now in the body of a 17 year old girl who also "attempted suicide". After coming to the conclusion that if she tells anyone what's happened she's sure to wind up in the loony bin, Cass decides to take over this obviously troubled teen's life and turn it around. What seems like an easy enough plan is soon discovered to be much more of a challenge. The young girl, Casey, has been in enough trouble to last several lifetimes. Cass soon discovers though, that things are not what they seem. Teaming up with her new dad's security specialist, Troy, they work to uncover who is really behind all the trouble being caused.

I really enjoyed this book! The writing was great and I really felt like I was a part of the story. Cass definitely had her hands full trying to turn Casey's life around but once the big secrets starting to get revealed, I was appalled at what the poor girl had to endure and all the guilty adults who should have been looking out for the well being of these kids! On the surface, I assumed this book would be more on the fluffy side but I was so wrong. There was actually a way deeper message that I felt was so well done! This is definitely an author to look out for! :-)

[Jessica Subject · Rating 5 out of 5]

At 85, and after being diagnosed with terminal cancer, Cass Goldman takes her life. What she doesn't expect is to wake up in the body of 17-year-old Casey Davidson, a girl who tattooed her face and commited suicide as well. Cass is determined to turn a new leave in this girl's body. But everywhere she turns, she learns new information about what really happened to Casey. Her struggle then becomes figuring out who in her life she can trust.

Saving Casey is a well-written story that left me turning the pages, hoping the poor girl eventually found a happy ending. It is a story about bullying, and while it seems extreme, the events in this story do happen. Perhaps a wake-up call for us all.

I highly recommend Saving Casey for readers who enjoy young adult and new adult stories. And I recommend this story to teens and parents everywhere. This is a great debut story from author Liza O'Connor.

[Tee loves Kyle Jacobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever read a book where at first your like what the hell is going on and then you keep reading because you can't get the book out of your head? Well this is one of those books that takes you by storm. First it has reincarnation and I love reincarnation stories because you get the perspective from both characters point of view and you also get to see the mysteries unfold as the new person finds out about the person whose body they have taken over.

Saving Casey is about a girl Cass Goldman who has cancer and is dying. She no longer wants to take chemo so she decides that she will kill herself and save herself from the pain and the misery that she has to live with every day. When she kills herself she wakes up and is disoriented because she was sure she should be dead but instead she is in a new body and not sure how she got there. She realizes that she has been reincarnated into a teens body. That teen is Casey and no one knows that Casey died and then was over taken by Cass. This is the start of a new life for Cass to right the wrongs that Casey the wild teen has done.

As Cass sets out to find out exactly who Casey is and why she is the way she is Cass finds out that Casey was raped and bullied. Cass also finds that Casey is in love with her father's body guard who is like 10+ years older then her. As Cass rights the wrongs that have been done to her she gets a very big surprise from the one person she loves with all her heart and that is Troy. Although he is much older than her he loves her and will do anything to protect her and that is just what he does. This story had me laughing and crying but in the end I was relieved that things worked out for Cass and Casey.

[Maria Hammarblad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cass Goldman is at the end of her life, and decides to end it for both herself and her dog. Right there I decided not to like her. If you want to move on to whatever's after this life that's fine, but leave the dog out of it. As the story moved on, I still couldn't help but love her.

Cass is re-born into the body of Casey Davidson, and calling Casey a troubled teen would be an understatement. Cass not only has to adapt to being a teenager with all that comes with it - raging hormones, school, parents, and homework - but she must also learn to navigate the darker undercurrents of Casey's life, a task much more complicated than it appears at first sight.

Liza O'Connor has a knack for creating believable characters, even when they end up in the most fantastic settings. They come across as real people, with real people's hopes, fears, victories, and failures. This book touches on some serious subjects, but O'Connor keeps it light and humorous.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! That is what I have to say!. I was fortunate to find Liza O'Connor through another authors blog and I am thankful I did. What an amazing story. She created a world that showed the perseverance of a teenager and a strong woman. She also showed how difficult some family relationships are and the struggle we have in relating to others and fitting in with our peers. I strongly recommend this book to everyone I know because it was truly a pleasurable read. I loved it and will likely read it again. The twists and turns were not predictable which I loved and I didn't know exactly where we were being led throughout the book. It made it fun to guess and anticipate what was going to happen. Liza found a way to weave magic in her story and keep me guessing throughout the entire book. If you haven't read it, you NEED to!

[Julie Mosby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refreshing and spunky!

What a great read! The story was original, funny, had all the right things to keep you hanging on! My only complaint would be a little more info on the secondary characters would have been nice and the ten year time lapse seemed excessive. But the love story wasn't really about Cass and Troy. It was Cass and Casey. Cass being the first person to stand up for this poor girl. It was touching and had just the right amount of info on the abuse without being grotesque and just the right amount of humor to keep you from sinking into despair! I love Cass!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saving Casey is a excellent book with a fast paced plot and in-depth characters. It isn't just for young adults; I am in my sixties and enjoyed the plot and the interesting characters very much. The author makes you feel like you know these characters and, as a result, you don't want to stop reading. You will laugh, cry, and
feel a range of emotions as you immerse yourself in the world of
Saving Casey.

[Selena Lang · Rating 2 out of 5]

Totally unrealistic love matchup. They said barely two words to each other and suddenly they are both in love? get real. The story line was ok and the writing itself was good, but again the story was a bit unrealistic. Yes I do know rape/bullying etc happen at school, but to have no one do anything about it for 4 years? even today that is unrealistic. I can't imagine a few teachers not saying or doing anything about what was obviously and overwhelmingly going on. A bit over the top.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liza pens "Saving Casey" in an original plot that is fast paced and full of emotions. Her characters are very well developed, interesting and relate-able enough that your feeling what is happening. With plenty of twists, turns and thrills to keep you turning the pages, I highly recommended this book to all readers.

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author which was provided for an honest review.

[Heather Anastasiu · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a great, unusual premise. Even though the cover didn't draw me in as much, the synopsis totally did, so I picked it up and read it straight through without stopping. I love un-put-downable books like this! I was totally drawn into Cass/Casey's life as she struggled to learn the ropes of picking up life in a 17-year-old's body and trying to work with all the baggage the body's previous occupant left behind. A fascinating, fast-paced story.

[Rebecca Royce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really really enjoyed this book. Its smart, well thought out, well written and unique. I highly recommend it.

[Tera · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of those books you can't put down until your done (In fact I'm very thankful I have a great tea cozy as forgot to drink my tea until I was done). Dealt with the subject of intense bullying including rape in a concerned, caring pen yet without losing the trauma and pathos involved (I know I'm not saying this right but read it and you'll understand). A must read for any one of any age!

[Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted at: http://www.longandshortreviews.com/bo...

Not everyone gets a second chance. Eighty year old Cass Goldman got hers.

Cass ended her own long life after a diagnosis of terminal cancer. Instead of the pearly gates, Cass woke in a hospital room in the body of a seventeen year old suicide survivor, surrounded by her parents. She soon learns Casey, the girl who was actually successful in her suicide, although no one but Cass knows, had alienated just about everyone in her life. Further investigation, however, showed Cass that Casey was much more of a victim than a perpetrator.

This was an interesting story. Casey was a very strong person to have endured what she did, and my heart bled for her. Seemed everyone in her life abandoned her when she needed them most, so she needed to turn inward to survive. The journey Cass takes to save Casey from further harm was complex, suspenseful, and full of twists and turns.

I was left with a few questions, or holes I felt the story contained, which kept it from scoring higher. Cass was supposed to be eighty when she passed originally. As Casey, she spoke very young, so other than occasional reminders of her chronological age, it was hard to remember Cass was actually a much older soul. It just seemed at times she was another person in a strange body instead of being so much more experienced. I wondered why Cass didn’t mention, or at least investigate, what happened to her original self after she passed, but once she was Casey, she was Casey. I’m still not sure we ever got reason for the switch, either.

The romance between Cass/Casey and Troy was not believable to me. I can see Cass relying on Troy, since he was her protection, but there was little reason, or opportunity, for Troy to develop feelings for Cass. As far as he was concerned, she was a seventeen year old kid (to his thirty). I knew he admired her tenacity, but as far as anything further – especially something long lasting – I just wasn’t sure what that was based on. The romance seemed a secondary storyline, but it did take much of the second half of the book.

Poor Casey endured much more than any person should ever have to, and reading it was difficult at times. Her mother was far from likable, but her father seemed a good guy. If you’re looking for a story of survival, redemption, strength and ultimate victory, this one has an interesting ride.

[Vero · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved this book!! I literally read it in one sit! It took me like 4 hours but I just couldn't put it down!
This book is for a mature reader as it deals with very delicate topics as rape, suicide and bullying.

The Plot: I thought the plot was brillant. The only down side for me was the last part which takes place 10 years later. Also there were some parts that were a bit too unrealistic. But then it is a fiction book. I felt a mix of emotions from anger to sadness to relief. I think the plot was always interesting and it had twists you never saw coming. I did want to know what happened in the end with the Colemans

The characters: I just loved Troy! I think he was an awesome character. I wish he had more back story or that I could have known what happened to Casey's mother. I honestly felt bad about her as she seemed like such an empty character. I think the reader was supposed to hate her but i just felt sad. Casey on the other hand I loved. She was supposed to have the personality of an 80 years old woman but I think the teenager kicked in the second she was in that body. I connected with her and wanted her to get revenge. Overall the plot is really good!

The writing: I like the writing as it was simple to understand and to follow. It made the book easy to read and not too boring or too heavy (as sometimes it happens with books that touch on the subjects this one did). I would have liked maybe more back story to some characters and maybe more depth on the emotions Casey had.

Overall it is a good read and I enjoyed. I wouldn't recommend this to who cannot deal with these kind of themes as they might be too strong for some readers. But if you are willing to read it i believe you would really enjoy the book!

[Teena in Toronto · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eighty-year-old Cass gets the news that she has an incurable brain tumour. Rather than waste her time on chemo, she takes her beloved twenty-year-old dog, Jess, into the garage and closes the door, starts the car and overdoses. She wants to die on her terms ... and she does.

She's very surprised to discover that she wakes up in the hospital in seventeen-year-old Casey's body. Casey has just swallowed a bottle of Valium in an attempt to commit suicide. Cass doesn't remember anything about Casey's life but is determined to make a positive impact with Casey's life. She gets quite a shock when she sees herself for the first time, complete with tattoos on her face!

I thought this was an interesting premise for a story and I was curious to see how the author would do it.

I liked the writing style. It was well-paced and moved along well. As a head's up, the language at times is mature and a traumatic experience had happened in the past. I did have a hard time buying that one person had so much power and influence, though, but I just went with it.

I liked Cass ... her intentions in turning Casey around given all the obstacles were heart-felt and honorable. She is strong and tough and determined to right all the wrongs even when she is hurt and knocked down ... she never gives up. Though Cass' maturity was obvious with her in Casey's body, both in actions and language, I wasn't hearing an 80-year-old's voice ... to me it was a younger person, maybe in their thirties. She acted a bit too hip and accepting given how old she really was.

The ending gave closure to the story. I'd recommend it if you are looking for something different.

Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2013/03...

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saving Casey brings to life an opportunity for a woman to change both her own fate and that of a teen-aged girl.

The beginning of the book is bleak, but it compels the reader to keep turning pages. Cass Goldman has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. She's led a full life and decides to ease her pain on her own terms. Unexpectedly, she wakes up in the body of Casey Davidson, a seventeen-year-old suicidal, tattooed, and troubled teen. Despite the riches and success that her "new" parents possess, Cass quickly learns that all that glitter is not gold. Casey's life wasn't only on the road to disaster by her own hand, but by those of her fellow bullying students, teachers, and many of the adult figures in her life. No wonder the poor girl choked down a bottle of Valium in an attempt for some peace.

But the more Cass digs and tries to turn her life around, the more trouble she finds herself in. Her father hires a hunky body guard for her and together they work out just who is behind the bullying/death threats, they fall in love despite a big age gap, and if they can make it through a trial that will at least start the healing process for the wrongs committed to Casey, they might find a happy ending.

Despite the sad beginning and the horrors Casey was subject to, Ms. O'Connor supplies plenty of laughs throughout the book. Old Cass experiences true love, the healing power of family, and the justification of righting wrongs. This book is unusual, but it's unusual in a wonderful way that will make you turn to it again and again. Looking forward to more from Liza O'Connor.

[Tony Lavely · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Excellent Story: Love, Hate, Pathos, Sorrow; It's All Here.

When I started reading Saving Casey, I began to wonder if Ms O'Connor had given too much away in the publicity material she (and friends) have published. Some of the things I thought could have been revealed to good effect when reading the story were already known.

Not to worry! There are twists and turns aplenty, some will be 'Oh, yeah, of course.' and some will be 'Wow! Just, wow!' All were welcome and completely fit the plot.

There are a few questions I wanted answered but were not, but none that detracted from the warm feeling of satisfaction when I hit the 100% mark. I read Saving Casey on my Kindle, and opened it using Kindle for Mac. Aside from a few typos that didn't bother me, there were no issues with either. Of course, the cover art looked better on the color display of my desktop. My perennial gripe: no tale of contents, but then, fiction isn't meant to be skipped hither and yon, so that's not a big deal either.

I categorize this as speculative fiction, but that's a result of the inciting incident. The rest of the book is well grounded as a YA and adult romance with thriller elements to spice the brew.

I highly recommend Saving Casey to anyone looking for an exciting story incorporating renewal, romance lost and found, and opportunities, also lost and found.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

When elderly Cass learns she has only a short time to live, she decides to end her life peacefully with her dog at her side. Unfortunately, she doesn't end up in heaven but in the body of 17 year old, Casey who has tried to stay strong for so long. Cass sets out to make things right and with her wisdom she is given a second chance at happiness. And it's one that honors Casey's strong fight.

Ms. O'Connor writes stories with wit and engaging characters. I am a fan of her stories for their off-beat characters where anything happens. I loved how Cass was more matter-of-fact with her solving of Casey's problems. Already all the things that Casey had tried only made things worse...and we come to learn that it may have been a murder (rather than a suicide). It's like you can't see the forest for the trees and in this story Cass is able to see things that Casey and those who love her couldn't!

And for those who thought that Miss Cass didn't get her own reward... phew! She does... after all, who wouldn't love a chance to go back and live life again knowing all that you know! Just imagine getting another chance to find love and happiness! I believe that's a big reward... and in receiving, she made so many people around Casey happy....

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't know what to expect with this story, especially after seeing the cover, but it was an amazing story. This story made me laugh, and it definitely made me cry. I felt for the woman who took over Casey's life, and wanted to cheer her on throughout.
I was disappointed that the author didn't have the main character check what had happened to her former self before she became "Casey", but that may have been because she was emotionally finished with her old life. I'm not sure, but that's a very small issue.
Other than that one issue with the story, I absolutely LOVED it. It was a story I wasn't able to put down and finished it all in the same day. Liza O'Connor will definitely be on my list of authors to watch!

[Dunja *a chain reader* · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to read Saving Casey from the moment I saw book trailer a few months ago. I thought it will be a great story and I was not wrong. But the plot was not at all what I expected. What I expected was that after Cass Goldman wakes in Casey Davidson body she would discover that Casey was a rich spoiled kid who needed to learn a thing of two about real life. I was so wrong. Although it seems that Casey was a wild child, it turns out that, unfortunately, she was learning life lessons the hard way and that she was a fighter. Soon after reading the first ten pages I could not put the book down.

Full review available on Night Owl Reviews

[Petula · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is quite traumatic in places, so be prepared with a box of tissues.
When eighty year old Cass Colman wakes up after her suicide in the body of seventeen year old Casey Davidson , she is confused over why the young girl would attempt to kill herself. That is until she starts trying to live Casey's life. How that poor young girl kept her sanity amazes Cass. Now she must make the best out of this new chance for life, but everyone seems to be stopping her from doing it.
A fascinating story of a woman's strength and courage. There is a little romance and a few laughs, so it's an emotional and entertaining read.

[Shannon Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was loving this book until about page 90 where we are introduced to the rape coverup. I lost some of my love for this book there. While it was well written,I just didn't like the unrealistic coverup/16 year deception of mrs Coleman/what felt like a thrown in relationship with her body guard and the little reveals of Jason and the cook. I'm giving this book a 3.5 and would recommend to anyone who likes this kind of story.

[Richard E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished it in seven hours over two days. Casey is an angry young woman who has been betrayed by everyone in her young life.
Cass is an old soul at the end of her life.

i think Casey has a place at the table in Valhalla. She has a warrior soul....This book is wrenching, terribly sad and goes on from there.
this is my first book by this author and I will be checking the NOOK store and brick bookstores for other titles by her.
Well done.

[rebecca clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

You'd be surprised how much truth is in this book. So many kids need to read this book. Adults as well be cause you never know how much of it is about you or someone you know or knew

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my usual

Great light hearted story. Good vs eviln& wins. The only problem I had was the introduction & continued mention of the pink vibrator why was that necessary with a sexualy violated teen? Otherwise heart lifting & great

[Nicki Markus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to follow on 16th Jan.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down. A quick read. Triumph over devastating circumstances. Liza's character, Casey/Cass displays beautiful inner strength.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

75% Young Adult

This book would totally young adult except that the heroine is an 80 year-old woman in a 17 year-old body. And that is what makes this a fun read for any age.