Drawn from Life

by Sarah P. Blanchard

Life-changing tragedy. Conflicting memories. Is she a killer or a victim?

DRAWN FROM LIFE is a psychological suspense, the tale of an accidental killer seeking to ease her burden of guilt following the deaths of three people in a horrific car crash. To do this, she must confront a domineering and possibly dangerous cousin in whose shadow she has lived for more than two decades.

Emma Gillen is haunted by guilt. Almost a decade after surviving a deadly car crash on a remote Appalachian mountain, she’s held hostage by long-term damage to her body and no recollection of that tragic event. Then her volatile cousin Lucy returns, needing money and bringing chaos. Emma must decide if she should bargain with the beautiful, untrustworthy Lucy—a possible witness to the crash—to uncover their shared past.

All bargains carry risk. As Lucy grows more desperate and greedy, Emma suspects there’s more at stake than just money. Struggling with shame, night terrors, and her own unreliable memory, Emma accepts help from a compassionate detective.

But the choice remains hers alone: Can she find the strength to free herself from the danger of her cousin’s destructive power, or will Lucy bring everything crashing down?

If you like vivid characters, dark themes, and high-stakes psychological mysteries, you’ll love this thrilling tale of resilience, redemption, and courage.

Genres: Suspense

354 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2024

About the author

I've always been drawn toward flawed, compassionate characters who believe they must battle their demons alone; and complex antagonists who think they have nothing to lose.

My 2024 debut novel, Drawn from Life, reflects this theme, as does my latest release, the Amazon best-selling novel Grabtown (October, 2025).

I also love short fiction! Many of my short stories, poems, and essays have been published in magazines and journals. One story is a 2025 nominee for the Pushcart Prize; another won the 1993 Dorothy Daniels Writing Award (American PEN Women). I was also a finalist for the 2024 Porch Prize for Short Fiction (TN), and a finalist for the 2021 Doris Betts Fiction Prize (NC).

Thirteen of my short stories are included in the anthology, Rift Zone (2026), and I've also published a poetry chapbook (river, horse, morning).

Want to learn about the next release? Subscribe to my newsletter at sarahpblanchard.com.

Reviews

[Darryl Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drawn from Life was not the book I originally intended to buy.

I know that's not the greatest line to start a review with, but it's the truth, and I'll start there. I attended a book launch event for Sarah P. Blanchard's second book, Grabtown, and after a few minutes of conversation with her, I decided I might as well purchase her first book as well.

And I'm pleased I did.

The book is the story of Emma Gillen and the car crash that completely changed her life. Despite having very few memories of the incident, and the police determining no one was at fault, she blames herself for what happened. As Drawn from Life progresses, we get a look into the life Emma has built since the accident and the TBI she suffered.

But as Emma continues to try to put the pieces together of what really happened that night, her past and present converge, and suddenly things aren't quite as they seem. But then again, what kind of suspense novel would it be if everything just came together exactly as it looks like it should?

The key to the story is that all the characters make sense, and do things that make sense for them to do. There are no wild jumps to conclusions, and no one is doing something silly to move the story along. The characters are smart, well-written, and totally believable.

I knew this was going to be a great book when I read Ms. Blanchard's description of the crash. It was under 150 words to describe something so violent without using a single word of violence. You could feel what was happening to Emma without any physical description of the trauma that was being inflicted upon her.

That one section is more than enough for me to give Drawn from Life 5-stars, but the rest of the book is equally as well-written, and when you're done with the book, you'll be wondering how this could be someone's first novel.

[bookhaven__ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drawn from Life is a riveting tale that will hook you to the edge of your seat. As you start reading about the lives of two cousins, Emma and Lucy, you will wonder how Emma stayed with a manipulative Lucy. One night, Emma and Lucy went to the store to buy some food.

The next moment, Emma's life changed forever. It has been eight years since the night of the crash. Yet, Emma is being haunted by the memories of accidents that have gaps. She wants to know the truth. Lucy who disappeared eight years earlier is now back in Emma's life and wants money. Will Emma let Lyssa Morales aka Lucy create chaos in her life?

I appreciate Emma's resilience and her patience with Lucy. Emma is a good character and she is immediately likable. This book pulled me into the story so much that I couldn't keep it aside without finishing it. It's the first book by Sarah that I have read. It would be amazing to explore more work by the author in the future.

[Jennifer Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the genre of book I love reading and Drawn from Life did not disappoint. Sarah Blanchard did a phenomenal job bringing her characters to life. At different points in the reading journey you find yourself cheering them on, warning them of danger and hoping they get the most out of life. The story was very realistic and right from the beginning it was clear that things were not as they appeared. The flow of the story was excellent and I had to read the last 50 or so pages in one go as I couldn’t put it down. If you are a fan of psychological suspense, this novel is for you. Please note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.

[Roberta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this psychological suspense novel. The author tossed out a few options as to who the villain was, but it wasn't until near the ending that it became clear. The character development was written in a detailed manner which evoked interest from the reader.

A wealthy uncle leaves an inheritance in the form of trusts, which were developed into an art business, to Emma and her father. He did this primarily due to a car accident which left Emma partially disabled. A greedy cousin comes back in the picture after many years, jealous as to why the will specifically omitted her and her mother.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emma's life has been shattered by the accident in which three people died, she was the only one who remained alive but heavily injured. Everyone sees her as guilty and she has withdrawn from social life as she has her disabilities and guilty to deal with. Everything changes, and not for the better, when her cousin comes back into her life. Drawn from Life is a well-written story that grabs the reader's attention from the start although it's implicit from the beginning who is the culprit. Good entertainment!
I thank Ms. Blanchard for this ARC.

[Kathleen Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

DRAWN FROM LIFE is an engaging story about Emma, a young woman recovering from a difficult trauma in her past, and the people who walk in and out of her life.
Blanchard has created characters that we care about, and like the artists at the center where Emma works, she shows us details and angles that reveal the depth of a character’s strengths and weaknesses.
I enjoyed this book and looked forward to reading the next chapter to see what was revealed next. Definitely worth reading!

[Beth Agejew · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I read Drawn from Life, I developed several theories about what actually happened, but it wasn’t until the very end that I knew for sure. Ms. Blanchard does a masterful job of giving readers just enough information to keep them questioning their theories. Additionally, her characters are relatable and evoke a wealth of emotions. Definitely worth a read!

[UpstateBookBtch · Rating 3 out of 5]

**Book Review: *Drawn from Life* by Sarah Blanchard**

★★★☆☆☆

*Drawn from Life* by Sarah Blanchard offers an intriguing storyline that will resonate especially with art enthusiasts. As an artist, I found the art “talk” and scenes engaging and authentic, making the book a pleasant read.

The narrative follows Emma, a character I was rooting for throughout the story. Her journey and development are compelling, making her easy to empathize with. However, I wish there had been more focus on the manipulative Lucy/Lissa. Her character had a lot of potential, and a deeper exploration of her perspective could have added more layers to the plot.

While the book has its strong points, it fell a bit short in terms of unpredictability. Some plot twists were easy to foresee, which slightly diminished the suspense and excitement.

Overall, *Drawn from Life* is a good read with a solid storyline and well-drawn characters. It’s especially appealing to those with a passion for art. With a bit more unpredictability and character depth, it could have been even more captivating. 3.5 stars for a heartfelt and artful tale.

My husband won an ARC copy of this book, and as soon as he finished, I snatched it up to read too.

[Jonathan Finch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Slow Beginning, Then Intensity
I couldn’t get into “Drawn From Life” quickly but once the dynamics were clarified I found myself drawn into the characters who so obviously come off a canvas with all the charms and grievances of the real-life family-folks we know or knew. Conflict, art, illness, feud, absence, neglect, regret, and crime rule the pages and my interest was claimed! But it was claimed some fair way into the novel! There is also a delightful but well-disguised love-story which unfolds with great delicacy as genres intermingle in this well-thought-out thriller. With few typos and with an over-arching design that only well-thought-out plots achieve, it deserves five stars.

[Jac · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway. Emma and Lucy have gone through hell and back, and I was locked in on finding out what happened. Very good writing and a real page turner!

[Lillian Ortiz]

Very interesting book. Could not wait what would happen next. I highly recommend it.

[Sherri · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up
Goodreads win

Moving story of how family isn't always defined by blood. When Emma is seriously injured in a car accident that claimed the lives of 3 others, she is racked with guilt for years. Not only that, but her cousin Lucy whom she was living with and had a "sister" relationship with, just up and disappeared. No calls, no visits, no emails, nothing. Now, Lucy is back. What does she want after all this time? How do you regain trust in someone who abandoned you so long ago? Can you trust them again? Should you?

The book is slow in parts, but it has a really good message if you take the time to read the whole way through.

[Sheri Corriero · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story from Sarah P Blanchard. Emma Gillen was seriously injured in a car crash in which she was driving and three people died. She was in a coma afterwards. She has no memory of what happened but still feels the guilt. She remembers little bits and pieces here and there but has tried moving on with her life. She stays away from social media because of the hurtful things that were said about her. Everyone blamed her and told stories – she was drunk, on drugs, etc. Emma doesn’t know the truth so it is hard to forgive oneself. Her cousin Lucy comes out of the woodwork one day. She is the opposite of Emma. Lucy is loud and brash. They were estranged as Lucy made a break from the family years ago. Does Lucy know more about what happened that night? Can she give Emma some answers and fill in some blanks in her memory? It was a good story about how Emma had to struggle to move on with her life the best she can. I received an ARC copy from the author and this is my honest review.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Brief
Drawn from Life is an interesting sort of psychological suspense in which it is easy to figure out the answers to the questions, but the fun part is in watching it unfold. In 2015, cousins Emma and Lucy were college students renting a remote cabin when a horrible accident claimed the lives of a mother and two young children, changed Emma’s life forever, and resulted in Lucy vanishing. Eight years later, Emma struggles with neurological and psychological wounds, not least of which is her frequent use of malapropisms, when Lucy abruptly shows up to ingratiate herself into the lives of her cousin and uncle, believing they have money from Emma and Lucy’s late uncle. When vandalism hits the art center their uncle created, Emma starts to wonder, and starts to ask whether she was really the one behind the wheel all those years ago. But Lucy is as volatile as ever and it’ll take everything in her to get the answers Emma so badly needs. Drawn from Life really shines when it comes to the characters and the many details woven through the story. Every part felt well-researched and the characters were impeccably characterized, turning this into the kind of story that is impossible to look away from. While it’s easy to guess what really happened and how the characters are connected, Drawn from Life is a compelling read because the characters are so well drawn and the writing is incredibly engaging in the way it drops readers into the characters’ heads.

Extended Thoughts
Thanks to my background in psychology, I have an interest in memory, and the many ways it can be twisted. Discovering the malapropism in Drawn from Life felt like a fun bonus, and I had a fantastic time reading this one. With most of the story told by Emma, it was fantastic to get into her head, to really get to know her before and years after the accident that claimed three lives and resulted in the abrupt disappearance of her cousin. The characters were, by and far, the stars for me, and I loved reading about them. I did feel like the story unfolded with few surprises, but the fun was really in watching how it unfolded and how the characters were wrapped around each other.

In 2015, cousins Emma and Lucy are college students living in a rather secluded area, where their only neighbor is a woman who lives with her four children, and both their homes are along a road that’s less than a driveway. After an accident leaves the levelheaded Emma with her arm in a sling during a strong storm, the road is perilous, but even more so when Emma gets behind the wheel while on pain medications, resulting in an accident that leaves their neighbor and two of her children dead, and the volatile Lucy vanishes. Eight years later, Emma is living with the neurological and psychological damage from causing three deaths even though it was ruled an accident, but she’s managing thanks to her late, generous uncle, her father, and an art center she helps run. It’s not perfect, but it helps with her healing. Until Lucy shows up and opens a can of worms. Vandalism hits the art center and threats are made to Emma, making her wonder what, exactly, Lucy wants and what really happened eight years before.

I enjoyed Drawn from Life for the details. I loved reading about Emma’s psychological and neurological problems and how she’d learned to deal with them. I loved that her malapropisms continued throughout the story and became a part of her, but wasn’t something that had control over her life. I loved the circle of support around her, including family, friends, and coworkers. I loved how everything related to the art and the detective’s work felt meticulously detailed. Together, all of it painted a remarkably rich world and life. Throwing in the volatility that Lucy brings just made things a lot more fun with sudden unpredictability thrown into the characters lives. I loved reading this for all of the little details that pulled together to create a fascinating whole.

At the same time, the story itself wasn’t quite as suspenseful as I had expected. It felt relatively straightforward and I figured nearly everything out well before the reveals, though I did like that the reveals were scattered throughout the story. I could see how it all happened, how it unfolded, so nothing really felt like a surprise. There are hints that I picked up on that prevented me from being surprised by the twists and reveals, but I found the fun came from watching it unfold. It was kind of like watching a slow train wreck where you know exactly what’s going to happen but can’t look away from. I loved watching everything through Emma’s eyes, as well as Chaz’s, especially since he has a special connection to Emma. I loved how Blanchard was able to hold my interest, making me race through this book, even though I could see everything from a mile away.

I really adored the characters. I suppose they might be considered one dimensional, but they really owned who they were and it played perfectly into the story, lending a certain life of their own to the characters themselves and the story. Mostly, I loved that whichever character was telling the story really told it from their own unique voice. It was great to get into their heads, and it was easy to tell which character was telling the story at any given time. I loved reading about Emma’s many struggles and how she dealt with them, feeling a lot broken but always soldiering through. Chaz is a simple young man with simple pleasures, but the link he feels with Emma is rather special, and I found myself really enjoying reading from his perspective. Lucy was delightfully volatile, creating chaos every second she was on page. Koa, the detective, felt fantastically Hawaiian, and I just adored him and Emma together and loved the way he was always looking out for her. The main cast is richly drawn and they really come to life, but the secondary characters are given just as much care and love, like Emma’s father who is suffering from long COVID, her colleague Jonah who was once her therapist, and Raylene, an incredible woman who helps care for Emma’s dad but is so much more than a homecare aide. I found it easy to picture them and their mannerisms and they came to life just as much as the main characters, creating a world that felt rich and interesting.

Set in a small North Carolina town near Asheville, the story feels suitably sleepy and laid back, never meandering but certainly taking its time. I did struggle a little to picture everything and where things were in relation to each other, but I found it didn’t really matter. It was the small town feel that was important, and I really liked the country vibe I got from it. It was fantastic to see the community rally together. I loved spending some time there, and really enjoyed the art center even though I couldn’t quite picture everything. It just felt full of life, like things were still operating and running despite the chaos that’s been thrown into Emma’s life; it certainly impacts other people in the community, but it still functions, and that was nice to see.

I was a little concerned as Drawn from Life took a bit to really get started. The background is long and takes its time, and even more time is given over to really setting up Emma and everything she’s had to live with since the accident. It takes its time introducing the characters and getting the stage set. The details really took the front seat, and I worried the actual story of discovering who was really driving Emma’s car would be rushed. It’s not fully introduced until about halfway through, and things don’t really start to heat up until then, but I was impressed with how it wasn’t rushed. Centered on Emma, the second half with the bulk of the story took its time just as the first half with its introductions and set up did, but every scene advanced the story a step, offering something interesting that was given in its own time while moving things along. The pacing ended up being extraordinarily impeccable, neither racing along nor plodding slowly. It really felt like I was watching everything I knew had happened and was going to happen unfold slowly before my eyes and I could not look away.

Similarly, the romance between Emma and Koa was so sweet. I was worried that would be rushed, but it unfolded organically, even if I felt the attraction was a little too instantaneous. Koa might have also been just a little too perfect, though I admired how hard he worked to do his job well. He was amazing with Emma, and I ended up loving the slow relationship dance they ended up in. I loved that it never felt rushed, that they were never jumping over steps, and that Koa really was a professional, albeit one who clearly cares for this woman.

Drawn from Life wasn’t quite as suspenseful as I expected, but, by the end, I found I didn’t care. This slow unfolding was impossible to look away from. The characters captivated me, and I loved all the little details. While the mention of Emma’s father dealing with long COVID initially jolted me, it was very thoughtfully handled, and I liked the spunk her father still managed to show. Emma’s dog, Teague, too, was a fantastic detail I really came to care about, and I loved his inclusion in the story and within certain important events. This was really a fun read with impeccable pacing that held my interest all the way through. I enjoyed my time with the characters and now find myself sad having to say goodbye to Emma and all of her loved ones. But I like to think they’re going off to have wonderful lives.

Thank you to the author for a review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Ashley Dauby · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a story!

This book was a very enjoyable one! Totally held my interest through the entirety of the book. Emma was in a car accident years ago that landed her in a coma and deaths of others. She doesnt have memory of everything that happened but struggled with the fact that she was responsible for their deaths. Her cousin was there the night of the accident as well, and emma suspects that her cousin knows more than what she has lead on all these years.
Suspenseful and a plot full of turns, what happens when emmas cousin returns may remain a mystery.

I won an early copy of this book in a giveaway - thank you for choosing me!

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this Book

I won a free Kindle edition of this book on Goodreads. Once I started reading it, I could not put it down. The author is a gifted storyteller, and I was immediately immersed in the story from page 1. The characters were amazing... both the ones I liked and the ones I disliked! The story was excellent. Highly recommend adding this to your "to read" list.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drawn from life is quite a story and for me worthy of a 5 star reading experience. This story held my interest throughout and was not only well written but also presented a storyline and characters that you were a step above my typical read.

My thanks to the sponsors of this book’s goodreads giveaway for the opportunity to obtain and read a copy of Drawn From Life.

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Often prologues are superfluous. While not labelled as such, the first four chapters of Drawn from Life by Sarah P. Blanchard is in essence a prologue. This one works and is essential because it is an extended scene that epitomizes and encapsulates the uneasy relationship between two cousins that's central to the story years on.

The cousins, self-effacing nineteen-year-old Emma Gillen and self-absorbed Lucy, a year older, could hardly be more dissimilar. The latter has no qualms obtaining every advantage over the too often yielding former. For instance, Emma needing to study for school but still obliging tempestuous art student Lucy's request (demand?) she pose for her.

This occurs while stuck in a remote cabin outside Asheville, North Carolina, accessible only by a narrow, steep road. They're out of food but there's no gasoline in the all-wheel drive. All they have to get gas is Emma's Miata, but it's pouring rain and unsuitable for the road. They argue about it until Emma, hampered by an injury from Lucy's wayward easel, relents and goes. Only she gets into a collision that kills a mother and two children. Emma survives, just barely, and is left with a speech impediment and haunting guilt even though not found at fault. Lucy, a potential witness, channels her mercurial mother to heartlessly takes flight to Canada.

Nearly eight years pass without contact between them. Emma's established herself as a bookkeeper and fill-in model for an arts center in Asheville. Lucy characteristically disrupts a class to announce her return. She's now Lyssa Morales, divorced and broke because she broke a prenuptial agreement. Not the first time Lucy's been cut out as the cousins' wealthy Uncle Jerry provided for Emma and her father, but deliberately excluded Lucy from his will. Lyssa says she's looking for work but naturally the inheritors are suspicious of the disinherited.

Emma's cousin's arrival coincides with acts of vandalism during preparations for an art show, with a possible connection to the accident eight years earlier. Emma's always taken responsibility for those deaths but now it seems others do as well and may seek revenge. But this is also a chance for Emma to get answers about the past incident when she befriends the detective, if not from Lucy. And what is Lucy's involvement, if any, in these strange events?

Emma is an easy character to cheer for and her positive, albeit often naive, outlook makes her likeable for herself, not pitiable. To a point that maybe she's too likeable, too protected in the story, especially in contrast with her cousin who's just a bit too unlikeable. A little more balance could have helped, not just in how each was portrayed but also how often. The story is slanted to Emma who, while having adapted to her physical injuries, still has psychological scars. Lucy's unsettling return is potentially a setback and opportunity to heal them.

The novel could have benefited from some more aggressive editing. The use of dialogue for small talk and exposition slows things down at times and the setups of what's to come could have been more economical. It does take a while for the conflicts to emerge from internal to external. One chapter, albeit a short one, does little more than introduce a legal complexity with a secondary character that comes into play later on. This is more evident in the first half and once Lucy starts to show her hand the pace picks up.

The Blue Ridge Mountains setting is great (as is the moody cover) and the locale comes across as both cozy and creepy. The novel does a nice job of capturing the flavour of Asheville and its arts community. The descriptions of several artistic processes were interesting and seamlessly woven into the narrative. The same for the inner workings of an arts center. Those who enjoy psychological dramas on a lighter more inoffensive level, with a captivating environment, should find Drawn from Life a pleasant read.

I received a review copy for free from Voracious Readers Only and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kry Tiger · Rating 3 out of 5]

**This was a Goodreads Giveaways ARC read.. was gifted this ebook in return for an honest review. This is my honest review.

After a life-changing accident, Emma Gillen is trying to get things back to a relative normal. Although nothing will ever be "normal" for Emma ever again. The car accident that claimed the lives of 3 others left Emma in a coma for months. When she finally came to, she had to relearn how to speak. Eight years later, she's able to speak again but has troubles with getting the right word out sometimes.
Out of nowhere, Lucy comes back.. only now, she's Lyssa Morales. Lucy disappeared right after the accident. No one could find her; Lucy didn't want to be found. But now, she wants back in with the family's good graces. She do pretty much anything.

No spoilers, but this wasn't that big of a mystery. You know early on what happens and who did what. You even kind of already know why, long before Emma does. Granted she has a brain injury, but still. However, I did like the storyline. I loved Emma's strength - she has no idea that she possesses it, but it's evident in how far she made it in her recovery. Lucy is the perfect narcissistic, psychopath. She is manipulative, conniving, and sadistic. She has no empathy for anyone.
My big issue with this was the climax. It wasn't all I'd hoped it was going to be, when the big reveal finally happens. You will be left with many questions.. or, at least, I was left with some.
The writing is beautifully done. The flow is smooth and somewhat fast paced. I would like to read more from Sarah P Blanchard. I like her style.

[Morgan G. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was excited to read this novel, and it did not disappoint. The book follows Emma in the years after a fatal car crash that kills three others and leaves her the only survivor. Guilt over the accident and no recollection of the event itself leaves her in a desperate search for answers. When her wild and reckless cousin comes back into the picture and pieces of that fated night come to light, will Emma be able to face her demons to uncover what really happened?

Loaded with suspense, multiple POVs, and the hint of a romantic connection, this book checked all the boxes. I was rooting for Emma the entire book, hoping she could work past the guilt, and the fact that she is a strong character with physical disabilities was nice to see. I was worried about how the author would portray the character's brain injuries in terms of understanding the storyline. Still, the author did a great job of building Emma's character and her physical ailments from the accident.

The side characters were also enjoyable. Everyone has a distinct personality, and the book shows that the author has researched multiple areas to keep the book accurate and believable. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone who likes a great mystery to solve and a main character who is flawed but stronger than they ever imagined.

[Missi Martin (Stockwell) · Rating 5 out of 5]

ADRENALINE RUSH !!!!

Drawn From Life by Sarah P. Blanchard draws you in immediately and as you get deeper into the story you will be powerless to close the book.

In Drawn From Life you first meet Emma and Lucy when they are college students living together. Even though they are cousins, they feel like they sisters. Unfortunately an accident leaving three dead and Emma severely injured, changes everything.

The story picks up eight years later and we are with Emma who is now living with her father on the family's property and she is working at Stonefall which her uncle started. Lucy, who has been missing since the accident, suddenly appears and claims to want to be a part of the family again.

Ever since the accident Emma has always felt horrible having caused the deaths of three people. Even though she cannot remember the accident or the short time leading to it, she is still carrying that weight around.

When someone vandalizes the garden outside Stonefall and a detective comes to investigate, Emma will finally find the person she needs to help her find the clarity she is longing for.

Drawn From Life has a strong storyline with captivating characters that will have you reading as fast as you can. You cannot help but feel for Emma and want to find out what happened as much as she does.

[_sassy_39 · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Drawn From Life" penned by the author Sarah P. Blanchard is an intriguing read. The story features Emma Gillen and her cousin Lucy Harnett. Emma and Lucy were together while growing up because of the circumstances. Lucy's mother Maggie was in rehab, running with her boyfriends, drinking, etc so Emma's parents allowed Lucy to stay with them for a few hours, days that turned into months.

One night, when Emma and Lucy went to the store for food, an accident happened that claimed the lives of three people. Emma doesn't have the memories of who was in the driver's seat. Was it Lucy or her? Emma has been in survivor guilt for years. Read this story to find out if she will find the truth.

The writing style of the author is nice. The story is gripping and I had a great time reading this book. The title of the book is nice. The characters of Emma and Lucy are well-written. I loved Emma's character and I appreciate her tolerance with Lucy. Go ahead with this book without any second thoughts.

Rating 4.5/5

[Shan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many thanks to Sarah Blanchard for the Kindle version of her book. Below is my honest review:

Admittedly, I gobbled this book up in a couple sittings. I wanted to like this book so much. The author did a great job on world building; I felt like I could picture the settings really good (i.e. fatal accident scene, shack in the woods, art gallery, etc.). However, I really didn't like any of the characters. The eyeroll for me was the "romance" between Emma and the detective. So cliche. Blanchard almost made the detective character as a bumbling idiot who needed others assistance to come to any conclusion within the investigation. Emma's word aphasia was a total distraction and totally inconsistent (I actually thought she was faking it which maybe would have been a good plot twist).
The book seemed to drag at times and was very easy to figure out way before the "reveal". It appears many others liked it. It was a miss for me.

[Richard Gower · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title of this book is apropos in a couple of ways. Not only does it reflect on a central aspect and focal point of the story, visual artistry, but it also goes to the author’s deftness with characterization and local color. Sarah P. Blanchard has the same ability to word-paint the characters and settings of the smartphone generation as Edith Wharton did when she wrote about the Gilded Age.

Such are Sarah Blanchard’s wordcraft skills and eye for detail in Drawn from Life that I began to dislike one of the characters on page three. A psychological thriller needs a deeply flawed individual in the story to draw the reader through the book and create drama and tension. We’ve all known someone who goes crashing through life, heedless of other people’s feelings. This one also ticks every box on the Hare Psychopathy Checklist. By page twenty-five, I detested her. Highly recommended reading. REG

[Readers Choice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delving into the realm of psychological suspense, I recently delved into Sarah P. Blanchard's latest work, "Drawn from Life." It immediately gripped me with its enthralling narrative. From childhood, Emma has been tethered to her bothersome cousin Lucy, a consequence of Lucy's neglectful mother, Maggie, leaving her frequently in Emma's parents' care.

Following an accident, Emma grapples with fragmented memories, uncertain whether she or Lucy was behind the wheel. Desperate for clarity, she enlists her father and a detective in her quest for truth.

While the story starts leisurely, it soon accelerates, keeping me thoroughly engaged. Blanchard skillfully crafts the backdrop, and the characters are intricately developed. I wholeheartedly recommend "Drawn from Life" to fellow readers. Looking forward to reading more books by the author.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new adult suspense novel, and the suspense was definitely there. Some authors are quite clever when it comes to building suspense, as I find you can't always explain how it's done or where the suspense comes from.

I found that I didn't really relate to any of the characters, but the author portrayed them in a way that meant they felt real to me, and I was very interested in them. I was interested in the dynamics of the characters, and I was intrigued by some of their attitudes and values, particularly when it came to relationships.

I did like this book; I found it a little too long to read in one sitting, but it was satisfying to read in two sittings.

Thank you to Booksprout and the author for a free copy to review.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ks861806 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in rural Appalachia outside of Asheville, North Carolina, this psychological thriller follows two cousins, blood sisters, through a horrific accident and the discovery of the truth eight years later. Emma has rebuilt her life as best as possible with a supportive father, an ongoing brain injury, and no memory of the traffic accident that killed three people, though she carries the guilt of believing she is to blame. Her cousin Lucy returns eight years after the accident, having reinvented herself as Lyssa and seemingly becoming a new person. As vandalism and threats start targeting Emma, the tension builds.

I gave this book three out of five stars due to its slow pace; it wasn’t until the halfway point that the story started to engage my interest. The side character Chaz was the most interesting in the book, yet he had no effect on the plot until the last few chapters. Overall, this book read more as a tale of family trauma than psychological suspense.

[Maven_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story centers around Emma Gillen, a young woman haunted by a tragic car accident from her past. She survived the crash, but it left her with physical challenges and a fragmented memory of the events. Emma carries a heavy burden of guilt, as she feels responsible for the deaths of three people.

Her life takes a turn when her cousin Lucy, who was also involved in the accident, reappears after years of absence. Lucy's return brings chaos and threatens to unravel the fragile peace Emma has tried to build. As Emma struggles to piece together her memories and uncover the truth about the accident, she must confront her guilt, her manipulative cousin, and the possibility that she might be a killer.

[Queen Suga · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author was able to literally give life to the characters and surrounding scene descriptions and keeps you wondering who is at fault or the culprit of a grizzly fatal car accident. I thoroughly enjoyed this refreshing slant on a psychological thriller. I will look for additional works by this author.

The story involves two first cousins. The offspring of a brother and younger sister. Emma is raised by her loving mother and father. Lucy the daughter of the younger sister is often at the home of Emma and her parents, while her mother pursues her often lengthy absences. The story is set in the mountains where the people live without a lot of fanfare and glitz.

[Elizabeth Harrington · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed not only the protagonist Emma who is recovering from a trauma and building a new life including one that helps others,but also the characters that help her in her journey. There are a lot of twists and turns throughout the book and I really enjoy books like that. I suggest this book for any artists who like mystery as the book delves into the small community Emma helps and works in. It does help to learn a bit about Appalacian/blue ridge mountain art and the Asheville area to set the scene. I am an artist myself and have family there so this was another reason it was an enjoyable read.