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The Second Chance #1
A New Beginning
For the first eight years of her life Karla Hall knew nothing but love, but when her beloved Grams and Pops died everything changed and she was forced upon a mother who never wanted her.
For the next six years she never knew what was going to happen next. Her mother moved her from town to town, following whatever loser boyfriend she had at the time and drinking away what little money she made in whatever dead-end job she could find. Her mother was a mean drunk and Karla was her favorite target. The boyfriends were worse.
On her fourteenth birthday Karla’s life takes a drastic turn. He mother is arrested for soliciting drugs, the current boyfriend takes off and Karla is all alone in a dump of an apartment with no food and no money.
Caught shoplifting food, Karla is taken into the system and that’s where she meets The Peterson’s. Now she’s in a loving home, has a brother and sister she never knew about and has friends she’d never thought she’d have.
For the next six years she never knew what was going to happen next. Her mother moved her from town to town, following whatever loser boyfriend she had at the time and drinking away what little money she made in whatever dead-end job she could find. Her mother was a mean drunk and Karla was her favorite target. The boyfriends were worse.
On her fourteenth birthday Karla’s life takes a drastic turn. He mother is arrested for soliciting drugs, the current boyfriend takes off and Karla is all alone in a dump of an apartment with no food and no money.
Caught shoplifting food, Karla is taken into the system and that’s where she meets The Peterson’s. Now she’s in a loving home, has a brother and sister she never knew about and has friends she’d never thought she’d have.
- GenresContemporary
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 18, 2014
About the author
Christina Escue
39 books6 followersDid someone say coffee?
Whether it be sassy vampire huntresses, spunky witches, or sarcastic humans; coffee is always Christina's companion as she lets the voices in her head take control and lead the way. Which isn't always the best idea.
Writing in a vast array of genres, from young adult to paranormal to borderline erotic, Christina never knows where her characters will take her next, but she sure enjoys the ride.
When she isn't writing, Christina enjoys spending time with her kids, binge watching Friends, Criminal Minds, and Supernatural, and, of course, reading.
So, strap in and hold on tight as you join Christina on this roller-coaster she calls writing. It's definitely going to be one hell of a ride.
You can keep up with her, and what her characters make her do next, by following her on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Amazon.
Whether it be sassy vampire huntresses, spunky witches, or sarcastic humans; coffee is always Christina's companion as she lets the voices in her head take control and lead the way. Which isn't always the best idea.
Writing in a vast array of genres, from young adult to paranormal to borderline erotic, Christina never knows where her characters will take her next, but she sure enjoys the ride.
When she isn't writing, Christina enjoys spending time with her kids, binge watching Friends, Criminal Minds, and Supernatural, and, of course, reading.
So, strap in and hold on tight as you join Christina on this roller-coaster she calls writing. It's definitely going to be one hell of a ride.
You can keep up with her, and what her characters make her do next, by following her on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Amazon.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 25, 2014
I could not put this book down. This is such an amazing read. From the moment that you start reading, you will be taken away. You cannot help but fall in love with these characters, and want to see them happy. The story keeps you interested from the beginning and it moves along at a great pace. This is a book that needs to be experienced. You will not be sorry that you read it.
September 30, 2014
On the day of her 14th birthday, Karla Hall is taken into police custody for shop-lifting. She was starving and looking for something to eat in a smaller grocery store that didn't have the security bigger chains had. An off-duty officer catches her and realizes that Karla is in more trouble than he originally thought. Signs of abuse and neglect are obvious and the officer has to make some phone calls to the proper authorities. Child services is called and Karla ends up giving statements about her condition, her mom and her mom's boyfriend, and has to go to the hospital for evaluation. Cracked ribs and a cracked collar bone keep her in the hospital for a short while and gives the police time to figure out what to do with Karla.
Kindness is not something that Karla had seen in many years, but once she was caught at the grocery store, people had been nothing but that to her. Those around her recognize her need for a safe, stable environment where she can be loved and protected like any child should be. The doctor on call at the hospital becomes Karla's foster parent, along with his wife. Unable to have children of their own, they decide now is the time to take in a child. They are the best foster parents she could ask for, but her future is still so very uncertain. So many things happen that could change things, make them spiral out of control. Like her peers at school. Karla is desperate to be accepted and feel normal for once, but she isn't sure that will ever happen.
A truly sad novel in some ways, this one brought tears to my eyes more than once. Not sure if it is because I have children of my own, but the struggles this young girl goes through will get to you. Karla Hall is one strong girl who has had a very hard life. She sees things as they are, and not what she wants them to be. Sometimes she's a bit on the negative side of things, but always determined to make the best of the situations that come upon her. This is a good first book for this author. Take a little time and check this book out!
Kindness is not something that Karla had seen in many years, but once she was caught at the grocery store, people had been nothing but that to her. Those around her recognize her need for a safe, stable environment where she can be loved and protected like any child should be. The doctor on call at the hospital becomes Karla's foster parent, along with his wife. Unable to have children of their own, they decide now is the time to take in a child. They are the best foster parents she could ask for, but her future is still so very uncertain. So many things happen that could change things, make them spiral out of control. Like her peers at school. Karla is desperate to be accepted and feel normal for once, but she isn't sure that will ever happen.
A truly sad novel in some ways, this one brought tears to my eyes more than once. Not sure if it is because I have children of my own, but the struggles this young girl goes through will get to you. Karla Hall is one strong girl who has had a very hard life. She sees things as they are, and not what she wants them to be. Sometimes she's a bit on the negative side of things, but always determined to make the best of the situations that come upon her. This is a good first book for this author. Take a little time and check this book out!
October 13, 2014
I enjoyed this story and it has meaning deep in my heart for personal reasons, but its really a enjoyable story, and it will keep you at the edge of the seat wanting to know what is going to happen next. and now for my review
SPOILER WARNING
Karla has live a hellish life, before she find her ray of light, she has her inner struggle, she is a survivor, Having a mom that doesn't care what happens to her, Karla has endure beating by the hands of her mother boyfriend at the time, A father that she never knew but mystery shroud him, and News will soon be heard, Karla has the rough life not many people in this world, will come sane about it, but fate has another plans for her, Karla is caught shoplifting in a store and is taken into custody, Life is hardly ever easy, Whats awaiting Karla now that the State has her Custody?, A New Beginning is never easy, Care to find out?
SPOILER WARNING
Karla has live a hellish life, before she find her ray of light, she has her inner struggle, she is a survivor, Having a mom that doesn't care what happens to her, Karla has endure beating by the hands of her mother boyfriend at the time, A father that she never knew but mystery shroud him, and News will soon be heard, Karla has the rough life not many people in this world, will come sane about it, but fate has another plans for her, Karla is caught shoplifting in a store and is taken into custody, Life is hardly ever easy, Whats awaiting Karla now that the State has her Custody?, A New Beginning is never easy, Care to find out?
September 29, 2014
The was an amazing book. I loved every minute I was reading it.. Loved all the twists and turns, it definitely kept me reading. I loved that with everything Karla had faced in her young life she still had a great attitude. I can't wait for book two.. I think everyone should read this book. Loved it!!!
I received an Arc in exchange for an honest review!!
I received an Arc in exchange for an honest review!!
September 27, 2014
Could not stop reading this book once I started. Heart felt and pack with emotions.
October 13, 2014
LOved it from the 1st word to the last.. I couldn't put it down! For this book to be the authors first book it was amazing! I look forward to more by this Author..
February 2, 2022
This book had tears running down my face at two different points and it was so heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time.
Karla Hall has had a very tough life. Her mother gave her to her grandparents when she was born and then at the age of 8 they died her mother had to raise her. Unable to keep a job, they moved around a lot and Karla was abused by both her mother and whatever boyfriend she had at the time. When her mother never came home on her 14th birthday, Karla was hungry and made a decision that would impact her life in a huge way!
When Karla makes that decision to shoplift she is caught by a policeman and is entered into the foster care system and finally her life is improving. She begins a new school and finally has friends and family beside her. Yet, all is not perfect and there are still some events that Karla must face, but this time she is not alone.
This is an incredible story about a girl's inner strength and the will to make the best of her life, no matter what is handed to her. What she had to face was so disturbing and heartbreaking, yet these are issues that need to be brought to the attention of everyone.
All of the characters were believable and they all had such a strong support system for one another. The group of friends that Karla ended up with are the friends that you would like your own children to have. While it may have seemed to good to be true for some, it was what Karla deserved in my mind.
I absolutely loved this book and can not wait for the next one!
Karla Hall has had a very tough life. Her mother gave her to her grandparents when she was born and then at the age of 8 they died her mother had to raise her. Unable to keep a job, they moved around a lot and Karla was abused by both her mother and whatever boyfriend she had at the time. When her mother never came home on her 14th birthday, Karla was hungry and made a decision that would impact her life in a huge way!
When Karla makes that decision to shoplift she is caught by a policeman and is entered into the foster care system and finally her life is improving. She begins a new school and finally has friends and family beside her. Yet, all is not perfect and there are still some events that Karla must face, but this time she is not alone.
This is an incredible story about a girl's inner strength and the will to make the best of her life, no matter what is handed to her. What she had to face was so disturbing and heartbreaking, yet these are issues that need to be brought to the attention of everyone.
All of the characters were believable and they all had such a strong support system for one another. The group of friends that Karla ended up with are the friends that you would like your own children to have. While it may have seemed to good to be true for some, it was what Karla deserved in my mind.
I absolutely loved this book and can not wait for the next one!
November 24, 2014
I started this book and had to put it down a couple of times . The abuse this poor girl went through. It broke my heart in a few places . Not being wanted by her mother at all was just so sad. Until the day when at 14 she is arrested for shop lifting and her life changes for the better in the long run. She is placed in a home with love and a family.
This is Christina's first book, and she takes us on a rollercoaster ride of emotions . Her characters go through hell and come out the other end stronger. You can't help but not fall for these characters. You want to wrap them up and put them on a shelf so they won't get hurt. You will cry and laugh with these characters . There was just one little thing that had me going was that Kara was never down on herself feeling negative thoughts. She was always positive and had a good look out on life. Which is a great way to feel, but I wish she would of just wallowed a bit asking why her. Other then that I really liked the book and the characters. They will grow on you.
The author's style of writing is real and the flow of the book was great, the story moved easily and you could feel the feelings and the pain and love that were pouring through the pages .
So if you have some time this Christmas season take a chance and read this book. It will break your heart and the build you back up
Read
November 19, 2014A New Beginning was a book I thought I would struggle to read and get through since some of the issues in this book hit so close to home, but Christina did an amazing job bringing real life issues and turning them into something positive.
Karla spent 6 yrs of her life being abused by her Mother and her boyfriends, but on the day of her 14th Birthday she wakes up to a empty apartment, she is broken and hungry so she gets caught stealing food from a local market. She tells her story to the officer who finds her and is taken to the hospital, she finds out that her Mother was arrested on drug charges and the boyfriend had taken off.
Over the course of the book. Karla is placed with a very loving and wonderful couple, she makes friends who are all great. Conner was my favorite out of them all. Despite everything Karla had to endure in her 14 yrs she remained Positive,and always had good outlook on everything. She never asked why did this happen to me, she just used what she went through as a way to make her stronger.
I loved this book and hope to read more about Karla's life with her new family and friends.
Karla spent 6 yrs of her life being abused by her Mother and her boyfriends, but on the day of her 14th Birthday she wakes up to a empty apartment, she is broken and hungry so she gets caught stealing food from a local market. She tells her story to the officer who finds her and is taken to the hospital, she finds out that her Mother was arrested on drug charges and the boyfriend had taken off.
Over the course of the book. Karla is placed with a very loving and wonderful couple, she makes friends who are all great. Conner was my favorite out of them all. Despite everything Karla had to endure in her 14 yrs she remained Positive,and always had good outlook on everything. She never asked why did this happen to me, she just used what she went through as a way to make her stronger.
I loved this book and hope to read more about Karla's life with her new family and friends.
February 3, 2015
I loved this book.
I laughed at times, and I probably shed tears even more, but it was worth it. The struggles of the main character, Karla, are struggles that I hope I will never relate to. The sweet girl had been through more in her short life than people who are much older and even when her life takes a turn for the better, she still has things she has to overcome and people who try to take advantage. In the end, I felt like I had grown with Karla and her friends and family. I very much recommend this book to everyone!!!
I laughed at times, and I probably shed tears even more, but it was worth it. The struggles of the main character, Karla, are struggles that I hope I will never relate to. The sweet girl had been through more in her short life than people who are much older and even when her life takes a turn for the better, she still has things she has to overcome and people who try to take advantage. In the end, I felt like I had grown with Karla and her friends and family. I very much recommend this book to everyone!!!
January 12, 2015
Wonderful read
This book is heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. The main character has such strength, kindness and determination. The love I felt from the characters drew me in I could actually feel the happiness and joy in this book.
I loved the story it is touching and makes you realize how lucky we really are.
Awesome!
This book is heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. The main character has such strength, kindness and determination. The love I felt from the characters drew me in I could actually feel the happiness and joy in this book.
I loved the story it is touching and makes you realize how lucky we really are.
Awesome!
April 13, 2015
This is a wonderful book! You feel for Karla and her trials and triumphs!! There's so much emotion in this book!! Christina did an excellent job writing this book. I could not put it down! Karla Hall has captured my heart!
December 28, 2019
Loved it. R. A
It's about a strong girl with a terrible child hold finding love in friends and new family. It's a must read. It takes you through her journey.
It's about a strong girl with a terrible child hold finding love in friends and new family. It's a must read. It takes you through her journey.
June 3, 2021
Incredible book. I had a hard time putting it down. Made me want more. A lot of action. A lot of tears. A lot of love. This book has something for everyone
March 2, 2016
Karla Hall has lead a troubled life suffering abuse from her mother and her mother’s boyfriends. One day when her mother’s away Karla goes to the supermarket and is caught shoplifting. She confesses to the officer the abuse she suffers and goes into the foster care system. She’s soon taking in by The Petersons, who give Karla the loving home she never had. Karla soon adapts to her new life and makes three new friends. She loves her new life, yet she’s still haunted from events of her past.
The story started off good. I felt for Karla in the pain she went through living with her neglectful mother and the abuse she endured at the hands of her mother’s boyfriends. I liked how Karla’s life began to turn around when The Petersons adopted her. I also liked how she began connecting with her half-brother and half-sister, who helped her learn more about the father she never know. However, around the halfway point in the book, the story focused more on the school drama she and her friends faced.
I liked Karla’s friendship with Rylee, Callie, and Chase. But at times it got repetitive with how they proclaimed their support for each other. The school scenes and all the drama was too much at times, I felt like that overshadowed Karla coming to terms with her past and focusing on the present.
The ending left it open for the next volume in the series, however I didn’t like how it ended so abruptly. I would’ve liked more conflict with Karla as she deals with the news and the decision she has to make. Even though I had some qualms about the book, I will check out the next volume because I’m curious to see what will happen.
The story started off good. I felt for Karla in the pain she went through living with her neglectful mother and the abuse she endured at the hands of her mother’s boyfriends. I liked how Karla’s life began to turn around when The Petersons adopted her. I also liked how she began connecting with her half-brother and half-sister, who helped her learn more about the father she never know. However, around the halfway point in the book, the story focused more on the school drama she and her friends faced.
I liked Karla’s friendship with Rylee, Callie, and Chase. But at times it got repetitive with how they proclaimed their support for each other. The school scenes and all the drama was too much at times, I felt like that overshadowed Karla coming to terms with her past and focusing on the present.
The ending left it open for the next volume in the series, however I didn’t like how it ended so abruptly. I would’ve liked more conflict with Karla as she deals with the news and the decision she has to make. Even though I had some qualms about the book, I will check out the next volume because I’m curious to see what will happen.
February 24, 2016
I really wanted to love this story and I made myself finish it to be fair to the author but I just can't give this any more than one star.
The idea of poor Karla Hall, abused and neglected, pulls at my heart. The problem is there is no problem. Other than a brief recounting of what happened to Karla, the rest of the book becomes page after page of people telling each other they love each other and how proud they are of Karla for her strength and maturity. See how I used 'each other' twice in the same sentence? Get used to that sort of thing in this book.
The dialogue between the characters is stilted and robotic. I may be far removed from being 14 anymore but even I know this doesn't work.
Every situation that could have been cause for well developed teenage drama is smoothed over with a hug and an 'I love you '. I kept reading hoping the author ended a chapter truly different but I was wrong. Closest thing to a villain is a teenage boy who needs an ass kicking before a trip to jail and we are denied even that.
I sincerely hope the author will keep trying but we are going to need a thesaurus IV and a content editor stat.
The idea of poor Karla Hall, abused and neglected, pulls at my heart. The problem is there is no problem. Other than a brief recounting of what happened to Karla, the rest of the book becomes page after page of people telling each other they love each other and how proud they are of Karla for her strength and maturity. See how I used 'each other' twice in the same sentence? Get used to that sort of thing in this book.
The dialogue between the characters is stilted and robotic. I may be far removed from being 14 anymore but even I know this doesn't work.
Every situation that could have been cause for well developed teenage drama is smoothed over with a hug and an 'I love you '. I kept reading hoping the author ended a chapter truly different but I was wrong. Closest thing to a villain is a teenage boy who needs an ass kicking before a trip to jail and we are denied even that.
I sincerely hope the author will keep trying but we are going to need a thesaurus IV and a content editor stat.
June 18, 2015
A new beginning
This books was horribly written, in my opinion. The grammar was awful, everybody spoke really long sentences in perfect English. Every problem, (which there were plenty of) turned out perfectly. Karla annoyed me so much. She only goes to school for about a year, and then she has a perfect GPA! She's 14 and could be in collage. She forgives everyone, and gets upset extremely easily. Conner gets mad when boys hit on her, but doesn't ask her out until the second to last chapter. (There are 80 chapters!!) I didn't want to finish it, but I don't abandon books.
This books was horribly written, in my opinion. The grammar was awful, everybody spoke really long sentences in perfect English. Every problem, (which there were plenty of) turned out perfectly. Karla annoyed me so much. She only goes to school for about a year, and then she has a perfect GPA! She's 14 and could be in collage. She forgives everyone, and gets upset extremely easily. Conner gets mad when boys hit on her, but doesn't ask her out until the second to last chapter. (There are 80 chapters!!) I didn't want to finish it, but I don't abandon books.
July 13, 2015
This is a story about child abuse, and how the child overcomes it. Karla has been abused for some time by her mother and her mothers boyfriends. On her 14th Birthday Karla is starving and her mother is nowhere around, so she goes to a small store and tries to steal some food when she is caught by an off duty officer. The officer realizes that Karla is much more troubled than just the stealing. I give the Author 5 stars for this, because the story line is based on abuse, and how someone so young can get through it. This story is very heartbreaking.
May 18, 2015
Tears
Awww this is a novel about child abuse ! I can't stand people who inflict pain upon innocent children,I cried and I don't even know how I got finish with this novel. Ms Escue writes about abuse and bullying but then there is also finding acceptance ,love and forgiveness. I downloaded this novel for my grand daughter and she kept saying you got to read this book! I'm glad I did now on to book two,great novel not only for the teens but adults also
Awww this is a novel about child abuse ! I can't stand people who inflict pain upon innocent children,I cried and I don't even know how I got finish with this novel. Ms Escue writes about abuse and bullying but then there is also finding acceptance ,love and forgiveness. I downloaded this novel for my grand daughter and she kept saying you got to read this book! I'm glad I did now on to book two,great novel not only for the teens but adults also
February 24, 2016
it was ok at first, something different but it all is too unrealistic.. to clinical in parts going she did this then this than that which ususally is good cos it moves the story line along quickly to get to the good parts but in this book its useless info that doesnt matter at all. unemotional then overly emotional. boring def wasted my time on this book.
April 13, 2015
I was hooked on this book within the first few pages. Karla has a roughy start to her childhood and shows just how strong and amazingly pure her heart is. I used up every emotion I had whilst reading this book. Can't wait for book 2. Recommend this book to all.
June 26, 2015
I absolutely loved this book, I couldn't put it down once I started. My heart broke in parts in such a sad but also wonderful way. Christina I loved this journey to took me on.
May 3, 2015
Oh my!! This book had my mind all over the place. Great book!!!
June 10, 2015
I loved it
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews