Escape

by Alison Bellringer

In 'Escape,' the more intricate details of Kaylee and Carlos' estrangement are explored, as we learn of their ill-advised marriage while still young. Following on from 'Whisper' and 'Lucas', new information comes to light when Kaylee runs away from home and finds taking off with her childhood sweetheart without her parents' knowledge was not at all like what she had been promised. After taking on new work in a nearby town, her husband turns abusive and unnecessarily violent towards Kaylee. The woman is afraid of his current lifestyle, but even when giving birth to a daughter and starting a family, she is scared of what Carlos might decide to do to her. For reasons beyond her own comprehension, Kaylee makes the horrible decision to ascertain Britney's safety, placing the girl's welfare far before her own life! The inexperienced mother soon takes the child away and is then left to deal with Carlos' anger alone. Despite her misgivings, Kaylee knows that she has done the right thing in sending her precious daughter away, instinctively believing that Britney has escaped from a world of only pain and constant terror. When Carlos' treatment of her only goes from bad to worse, Kaylee leaves the small cottage and goes in search of her treasured daughter. Will she be able to find her, unknowing which direction Britney had gone? And would Kaylee ever be reunited with her own beloved parents anywhere upon her travels? Filled with so many questions and doubts, she sets off to get the answers. But not far behind her comes Carlos… her husband is looking for forgiveness and second chances. But has the man truly changed?

63 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 6, 2024

About the author

Alison Bellringer is a passionate storyteller who enjoys creating emotionally led, uplifting chapter books geared toward younger readers, especially those in the Middle-Grade or YA age group. With her slice-of-life approach, and love of animals and nature shining through every tale, more mature readers are able to deeply resonate with the strong sense of realism depicted in Alison’s writing. Immersive, nostalgic, and wholesome – her focus is on crafting character-driven narratives that encourage greater reflection and facilitates more educational and discussion-based learning.

Alison is known as a prolific children’s author who expertly weaves underlying lessons into each story with gentle simplicity and restraint, while keeping weighty subjects accessible and easily relatable to a wide audience. Well-known themes such as found family, increasing responsibility, friendship, coming-of-age, personal growth, resilience, and survival play key roles and appear across many of Alison’s increasing number of published works.

Alison loves reaching out to readers directly and has now received many requests from interested book clubs and other reading communities across the world in order to feature one or more of her titles in a relevant spotlight session, with the total number of groups constantly changing. This process aligns well with her preferred organic strategies regarding the promotion of her titles, including Alison’s long-term author vision of providing readers with a more impactful experience through this extra level of involvement, establishing a more tangible rapport and dedication toward each individual reader.

Her achievements include multiple awards and international recognition from quite a few different platforms for various titles, most notably placing highly in the Independent Press Awards, Royal Dragonfly Book Awards, Moonbeam Book Awards, Bestsellers World Book Awards, N. N. Light Book Awards, and the Literary Global Children’s Book Awards. She has also received endorsement seals from the following programs – Mom’s Choice Awards®, Family Choice Award, Literary Titan Book Awards, Story Monsters Approved, and NAPPA. Common categories across the board consist of Children’s Chapter Books, Middle-Grade Fiction, Early Readers Fiction, and Making a Difference, among others.

When Alison is not busy writing or making contact with readers, she also enjoys some freelance photography, playing her growing collection of musical instruments, and hanging out with her cute dog while exploring all the local parks for picturesque settings to take more photos.

Reviews

[READER VIEWS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kaylee, while only sixteen, knows what she wants; to marry Carlos. While her parents don’t give their blessing, they don’t technically forbid it either–opening the door for Kaylee and Carlos to elope. But life outside of their hometown is not all they hoped, and Carlos starts down a dangerous and ultimately, abusive path. Even after their daughter Britney is born, Carlos does not soften.

Putting Britney before herself, Kaylee instructs the five-year-old Britney on how to run away. After a particularly violent night with Carlos, Kaylee leaves and goes off in search of Britney, ultimately finding her with Kaylee’s mother, Ruby. As Kaylee adjusts to life in her hometown, Britney begins to trust and love her, but when Carlos comes back into the picture, everything is shaken up. Carlos is determined to change, but can Kaylee truly believe it?

“Escape: Book Three” rounds out a middle grade trilogy by author Alison Bellringer. In “Escape,” readers learn more about Britney’s parents: Kaylee and Carlos. In this novella, Bellringer explores the events that caused Kaylee to run away from her parents, Ruby and Seth, marry Carlos, help Britney escape, leave Carlos, find Britney, and more. Gaining insight into Kaylee allows other characters to also become more fully realized, which is welcome.

A dog once again makes an appearance in the book. A lovely dog, referred to as “Old Tangle” leads Kaylee to a safe place for Britney to hide. While more interactions with “Old Tangle” were expected given that the cover features a dog, it is nice that the theme of dog protectors continues in the final installment of this trilogy.

One can’t help but wish there was a fourth installment of this series from Carlos’s perspective. His transformations are often key plot drivers, yet they are only observed from the outside and often from a distance. While the theme of redemption is an intriguing one, readers want that redemption to be fully earned. Perhaps this series will continue and dedicated readers will get a deeper understanding of Carlos and/or other figures in the series such as Ruby and Seth.

Alison Bellringer’s “Escape: Book Three” illuminates key parts of the series, including adding some additional humanity to Carlos and Kaylee. While more significant interaction with the featured canine–as well as more exploration of Carlos–would have been welcome, “Escape” is a satisfying read for fans of Bellringer’s series.

[Pros Training · Rating 5 out of 5]

Escape by Alison Bellringer is a compelling and emotionally layered novel that draws readers in from the very first page. Bellringer’s ability to balance tension with introspection makes this story both gripping and meaningful. The characters feel authentic, and their journeys resonate long after the final chapter.

[Salesn Savvy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alison Bellringer’s Escape delivers a gripping and meaningful story that keeps readers invested from beginning to end. With strong themes and an immersive narrative, the book highlights the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

[JEMMA · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Escape, Alison Bellringer crafts a powerful tale that blends emotion, suspense, and personal growth. The story captures the reader’s attention while exploring deeper themes of survival and determination.

[Dolapo]

Escape is a captivating work that reflects Alison Bellringer’s ability to create an engaging narrative filled with tension, purpose, and emotional depth. It is a story that resonates long after the final page.

[Zenith Fable · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alison Bellringer delivers an engaging and emotionally driven narrative in Escape. The book captures the complexity of struggle and resilience while keeping readers deeply invested in the unfolding story.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Escape, Alison Bellringer delivers a well-crafted and thought-provoking story that skillfully blends suspense and emotion. The narrative invites readers into a journey of strength and determination, making it a memorable and inspiring literary work.

[Justin Kane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alison Bellringer delivers a powerful narrative in Escape, combining vivid storytelling with a strong emotional core. The pacing is well-crafted, keeping readers engaged while allowing enough space for character development. It’s a thoughtful and memorable read.

[Isobel · Rating 5 out of 5]

What stands out most in Escape is Bellringer’s skill in creating atmosphere and tension. The story unfolds with a quiet intensity that builds steadily, making it hard to put down. A highly engaging novel with depth and purpose.

[Madelyne B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Escape is a beautifully written story that explores themes of resilience, identity, and personal freedom. Alison Bellringer’s prose is both accessible and evocative, making this book appealing to a wide range of readers.

[Miracle Mie]

This novel is a testament to Alison Bellringer’s storytelling ability. Escape combines emotional depth with a gripping plot, resulting in a book that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. It’s a strong addition to contemporary fiction.

[Hope Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bellringer crafts a narrative in Escape that feels both intimate and expansive. The characters are well-developed, and their struggles are portrayed with sensitivity and realism. A rewarding read for those who appreciate character-driven stories.

[Jayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Escape offers a perfect blend of suspense and emotional storytelling. Alison Bellringer keeps the reader invested through well-paced developments and authentic dialogue. It’s a novel that lingers in your thoughts.

[Christina]

Alison Bellringer’s Escape is an engaging and insightful novel that explores complex human emotions with clarity and compassion. The writing is polished, and the storyline is both absorbing and meaningful.

[Scoutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

From start to finish, Escape maintains a strong narrative voice and a clear sense of direction. Bellringer’s attention to detail and character dynamics elevates the story, making it both immersive and impactful.

[Andrew Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Escape is a powerful and immersive story that showcases Alison Bellringer’s storytelling ability. The book offers readers a meaningful journey filled with emotion, tension, and determination.

[Earl · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Escape, Alison Bellringer creates a gripping and thought-provoking story that explores themes of endurance, courage, and personal transformation.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Escape by Alison Bellringer is a compelling literary work that balances suspense and emotion, offering readers a meaningful and memorable story about resilience and the pursuit of freedom.

[Raymond Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Escape is a well-crafted novel that showcases Alison Bellringer’s talent for storytelling. With its strong themes and relatable characters, it delivers a satisfying and memorable reading experience.

[Thomas 0. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very gripping from start to finish.

[Riley J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice trilogy by the way!!

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Escape by Alison Bellringer is a compelling and thoughtfully written story that draws readers into a powerful journey of resilience, courage, and the search for freedom. The narrative is engaging and emotionally rich, making it a memorable reading experience.

[Crewred Redeem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alison Bellringer’s Escape stands out as a well-written and compelling story that explores the challenges of overcoming obstacles while maintaining hope and inner strength.

[Mileage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Escape by Alison Bellringer is a powerful and engaging story that captures the reader’s attention through its emotional depth and compelling narrative. The book explores themes of resilience, courage, and perseverance, leaving readers with a meaningful and lasting impression.