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Gone in a Flash
Sometimes you have to lose everything before you can find yourself. Maya Kendrick has it all--talent, luck, and a successful career as a famous fashion designer. Too bad that isn't enough. When the economy takes a turn for the worse and Maya suddenly loses one of her most trusted financial advisors, she has no choice but to temporarily take on additional responsibilities herself. As she struggles to adapt to her new workload, Maya fails to notice a small but growing negative social media campaign that threatens her business. When Maya finally does realize she has a problem, she reaches out to family and friends for assistance. But is it too late? Gone in a Flash is a story about social media, social activism, and personal transformation. At a time when what happens online can be even more important than what happens in real life, Gone in a Flash explores a world where there really is nowhere to hide.
284 pages, Paperback
Published July 1, 2023
1 person is currently reading
7 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
March 25, 2025
Technology and jealousy
What happens when technology is used to slander the unsuspecting?
Today we can use technology to our benefit and also to bring someone down. While many remain keyboard warriors, warring on a person or an organization. Some take it too far, and the repercussions of their actions go beyond repair.
This story shows how jealousy can be harmful to not just the one harboring it but also to the ones it is projected on. Put technology in the mix, and the result can be explosive. Being progressive is encouraged but there is a thin line between being a highflier and obsessive.
I also loved how this book shows when something goes viral, it is out of one's hands. Social media is a wonderful platform to promote one's business or their own brand. However, the same tool can drag one into defamation. And it becomes hard to clear the image after opinions are formed. I felt it also highlighted how truth is not sometimes what people want and that they are more interested in gossiping. I was glad Maya had a few close friends who were her well-wisher and stuck with her till the end.
This is my second book from the author, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The pacing is perfect and kept me on edge. I'd recommend this one to readers that enjoy contemporary mystery.
What happens when technology is used to slander the unsuspecting?
Today we can use technology to our benefit and also to bring someone down. While many remain keyboard warriors, warring on a person or an organization. Some take it too far, and the repercussions of their actions go beyond repair.
This story shows how jealousy can be harmful to not just the one harboring it but also to the ones it is projected on. Put technology in the mix, and the result can be explosive. Being progressive is encouraged but there is a thin line between being a highflier and obsessive.
I also loved how this book shows when something goes viral, it is out of one's hands. Social media is a wonderful platform to promote one's business or their own brand. However, the same tool can drag one into defamation. And it becomes hard to clear the image after opinions are formed. I felt it also highlighted how truth is not sometimes what people want and that they are more interested in gossiping. I was glad Maya had a few close friends who were her well-wisher and stuck with her till the end.
This is my second book from the author, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The pacing is perfect and kept me on edge. I'd recommend this one to readers that enjoy contemporary mystery.
March 24, 2025
As with all of Emlynn's books, you get a story and a life lesson. With this book, there are many POVs but as these connections link up, it is easy to follow who is who and their lifestyles etc. The most important thing for me was how quickly I was ready to make a judgement on another character, until I learned more about them on their own chapter. The important lesson that all of Emlynn's books offers. Never be so quick to judge. There may always be 'two truths'!
This book looks at the impact of social media, social issues, business growth, personal growth and how all these things can affect people regardless of background, status, jobs etc... I like the name 'Gone in a Flash' because while it hints at the idea of something like your career beginning and ending in a flash, it also hints at other things, perhaps more important than a job, being gone in a flash too. I'll let you work that one out when you come to read it.
Another thoughtful and reflective book that makes you look at life a little differently and perhaps for the better.
This book looks at the impact of social media, social issues, business growth, personal growth and how all these things can affect people regardless of background, status, jobs etc... I like the name 'Gone in a Flash' because while it hints at the idea of something like your career beginning and ending in a flash, it also hints at other things, perhaps more important than a job, being gone in a flash too. I'll let you work that one out when you come to read it.
Another thoughtful and reflective book that makes you look at life a little differently and perhaps for the better.
April 1, 2025
I really enjoyed this story about the impact social media can have on a business, both good and bad. This book tied a few themes together, like grief and social justice, and while at first I didn't understand the multiple POVs, I grew used to it very quickly and enjoyed learning how all the characters' lives were connected.
As a public relations graduate myself who works in the field of marketing, it was really interesting to get to read about it in a book and see how Maya went from building her business to facing a sudden PR crisis years after it became successful. The betrayal she faces also teaches an important lesson that we don't truly know someone and their intentions even if we think we do. An overall enjoyable contemporary read that I would definitely recommend!
As a public relations graduate myself who works in the field of marketing, it was really interesting to get to read about it in a book and see how Maya went from building her business to facing a sudden PR crisis years after it became successful. The betrayal she faces also teaches an important lesson that we don't truly know someone and their intentions even if we think we do. An overall enjoyable contemporary read that I would definitely recommend!
March 21, 2025
Gone in a Flash by Emlynn McDermott is a thought-provoking, contemporary novel about how technology, and a personal vendetta can create chaos with one thing leading to another. The high cost of sabotage carried important themes of: loss, grief, friendship, following your dreams (even when it gets tough) with a heavy dose of resilience are merely a few reasons this story resonates.
Maya is talented, community-minded and creative, she’s got heart and isn’t afraid of working hard for what she wants. It’s no surprise that she’s successful as a fashion designer, but when things take a turn for the worse, like many of us, she backs up, second-guesses herself and tries to pick up the pieces, when everything—literally has changed.
I read widely and found this title on social media before I picked it up to read and am so glad that I did!
The soul-crushing idea that someone close to us might not have the best intentions and uses the Internet to create a smear campaign reveals the unfortunate aspects of Social Media. The important life lessons in this story could be applied and learned here, instead of the painfully public aspect we all fall under when someone poses as a friend or confidant, rather than being a true ally.
In the chaotic world we live in, it’s a tonic to take time out and enjoy accessible writing that reflects the fragility of human relationships demonstrating how we are all connected and why what we say and do matters. You will come away with a renewed affirmation that you will get through the rough stuff and come out on the other side with more empathy, grit and wisdom to fuel your dreams!
Maya is talented, community-minded and creative, she’s got heart and isn’t afraid of working hard for what she wants. It’s no surprise that she’s successful as a fashion designer, but when things take a turn for the worse, like many of us, she backs up, second-guesses herself and tries to pick up the pieces, when everything—literally has changed.
I read widely and found this title on social media before I picked it up to read and am so glad that I did!
The soul-crushing idea that someone close to us might not have the best intentions and uses the Internet to create a smear campaign reveals the unfortunate aspects of Social Media. The important life lessons in this story could be applied and learned here, instead of the painfully public aspect we all fall under when someone poses as a friend or confidant, rather than being a true ally.
In the chaotic world we live in, it’s a tonic to take time out and enjoy accessible writing that reflects the fragility of human relationships demonstrating how we are all connected and why what we say and do matters. You will come away with a renewed affirmation that you will get through the rough stuff and come out on the other side with more empathy, grit and wisdom to fuel your dreams!
April 18, 2025
My third read by Emlynn and I love how she really focuses on a subject that is relevant today. Even though this was written a few years ago the relevance of the story is still very much around, even more so now. It tells the story of Maya who's clothing business comes into jeopardy after a lot of online negative press. Amanda and Josh, Aiden's friends, step in to help out with the fallout and try to turn things around for her.
This story involves grief.
This story involves grief.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews