In an Instant

Lifetime #1.5

by Ariadne Wayne

This novella is not a stand alone book and must be read after In a Lifetime.

Two years after the events of In a Lifetime, Ella finds her settled life disrupted by a surprise visitor. Three friends try to work out how to put the past behind them for the sake of a little boy.

Genres: Short Stories

Unknown Binding

First published January 29, 2016

About the author

New Zealand writer. Giving writing a go after a very long break. Letting my imagination run free after so long is a bit scary, but here goes!

I can usually be found at my blog, on Twitter or on Facebook. Come and chat! I love stories about real people, with a bit of drama and sometimes a touch of spice. My stories are usually based in little old NZ. :)

Reviews

[Jo - •.★Reading Is My Bliss★.• · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is like an extended epilogue to In A Lifetime giving closure to what was a major part of that book. Loved this :)

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a nice bridge into the next story. Fills in a lot of gaps. Now, on to the next.

[Kimberly (Kimmy Loves to Read) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

And if you haven't read In a Lifetime stop reading now. Scroll down a bit....click on the buy link for In a Lifetime and enjoy. Seriously...so good!

Okay. Back to In an Instant. I was super excited when Ariadne announced she was writing a novella. I fell in love with Matt and Ella and wanted more of them as soon as I finished reading their story.

It is two years since Matt and Ella started their life together. They have moved to the farm and pretty much live the perfect life. Then Sam shows up one morning, which rattles both of them considering Ella just dreamt about him.

I wasn't worried about why Sam was there, but I was a little worried about how it would all play out. Sam was such an ass and did the unforgivable, but he really did seem remorseful and he wasn't looking to disrupt the life they had built. He just wanted to be part of their lives, in whatever way they deemed fit.

Ella and Matt are such good people. They could have sent Sam on his way without giving it a second thought, but they were willing to welcome him back into their lives, albeit quite slowly. And Matt truly did miss his friend and I could tell that they were both happy to be back in each other's lives.

This was a lovely little follow up with some really sweet moments that brought tears to my eyes. I just love Ella and Matt so much!!! Now I just need to get my hands on Vanessa's story! :-)

[Aubrie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

In An Instant. I was lucky enough to receive an early copy of this novella by the amazing Ariadne and it exceeded my expectations. Absolutely loved the continuation of Ella and Matts story from the previous book In A Lifetime.

In An Instant is about Ella and Matt and their life together. How they were able to overcome so many obstacles and still keep their family together. I get a glimpse of the doubts that still takes place after all that has happened. But I was so happy once I realised that nothing could ever change their love and the connection they all have.

This story is about mending loose ends and trying to find balance when it comes to forgiving, letting go, moving on and understanding that nothing is going to break their family apart. Absolutely loved it all and I'm so happy I was given the opportunity to read this book early. Beautiful job, Ariadne. Amazing.

[We like it big book blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so glad Sam turned it all around and is finally accepting his responsibility for what he did to Ella during their marriage.
He just didn't come and demand things from Matt and Ella. He wanted to go slow and form a friendship back with them.
I loved how this whole story played out. I can't wait to read more from this series!!!

(this same review is on my personal goodreads account.)

-Michelle

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book, but not enough to give it 5 stars.

This book picks up 3 years after In a Lifetime. Ella and Matt are living their happily ever after at Ella's parents farm. They have two kids and a big house. When Ella is stressed about Sam one day coming and taking Finn, Sam shows up out of the blue. Sam has no intentions of uprooting Finn from his home life. Sam just wants to get to know his son. Matt and Ella are right to be wary of Sam's intentions. He wasn't the best guy to Ella during there marriage. And then when Ella tried to tell him she was pregnant with his kid. All ends right for Matt and Ella. Sam stays a friend to the family and also gets to be a part of Finn's life. This was a quick read and a good way to see my favorite couple a few years later.

[Munira Vahed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read!

This book cannot be read as a standalone. You have to read the first book first to understand the characters and events that led to what happens and the tension between the characters in this book.
It is 3 years after the end of book 1.
Sam arrives at the farm to meet his son, Finn and to get to know him.
The story is about how 3 people tackle this new situation between them.
It was interesting and answered some questions that had arisen when reading the first book.
Loving the books by this author.

[Ana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm so glad i read this. Such a beautiful conclusion for all the characters. I'm happy for Sam, he finally accepted his mistakes and decided to be part of his son life while trying to repair his friendship with Ella and Matt. I think it's beautiful.

[Renee Crosbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book.!!!!!

[Cheryl Deutschle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thumbs up

This book was a great read and well written. Definitely would recommend thai book. Awesome.and very well done. Two thumbs up

[Nstefa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this series ! Loved the characters and their stories.... the story is a little predictable but doesn’t take away from the story!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so glad Sam turned it all around and is finally accepting his responsibility for what he did to Ella during their marriage.
He just didn't come and demand things from Matt and Ella. He wanted to go slow and form a friendship back with them.
I loved how this whole story played out. I can't wait to read more from this series!!!

[Louise H's Book Thoughts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this follow up to In a Lifetime. It was really nice to catch up on Matt, Ella and Sam (along with Finn and Georgia). I loved seeing that Matt and Ella had started 'living the dream'/

If you've read and enjoyed In a Lifetime (and who wouldn't) then you will enjoy this.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book but too short

I bought this book because I had to know what ended up happening with the characters. While the book was good, I would have liked if it was longer.

[Andrea Fleury · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great ending....

This was a very beautiful ending to a very emotional story. Be sure to read book one first. Great author

[Smashlybookalicousreviewingchicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a novella and cannot be read as a standalone. You must read book one-In a Lifetime before reading this book. After falling in love with Matt and Ella and we all knew that eventually Sam would have to be told and that their relationship would change for better or worse once it was finally revealed.
I loved that we got to see more on Matt and Ella and how the family was doing as well, but it was time for Sam to grow up and be brought back into the circle. What I love about this story is that Sam could have gone a complete different route on this; however, he did the grown-up thing and went slow and formed a friendship as well again. We get full emotions again with the happy and sad when Sam meets Finn. I cannot image what Sam, Matt, Ella or Finn must feel going through this huge change. I cannot wait to read more on Sam’s story down the road and to see how this blended family progresses.

[Shim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good wrap up.