Take Flight

by T.E. Price

Within Take Flight , readers follow Hallie McClain as she is faced with numerous fight-or-flight decisions in her attempt to escape her abusive husband, Jonathan McClain. Hallie has made the decision to leave him for good, but Jonathan has no intentions of complying. During their separation, Hallie grapples with trusting those closest to her, the gossip-mill of her small town, and her wavering trust in God. Living alone in a secret, secluded cabin in the woods, she is thrust into multiple circumstances where she has to balance her safety with the reality of inescapable encounters with her soon-to-be ex-husband. Jonathan soon discovers Hallie’s whereabouts, forcing her to escape to the city while awaiting the divorce, but her move isn’t the solution as her safety is still compromised. Hallie has to learn to trust God with her safety while leaning on the church body for support. The tantalizing storyline of Take Flight weaves through one “fight-or-flight” scenario after the next, filling Hallie with angst regarding her constant need for escape. Take Flight addresses the ugliness of domestic abuse and the need for support from the church community. Furthermore, it affirms God’s trustworthiness in the midst of difficult, sometimes even life-threatening, situations.

272 pages, Paperback

Published June 15, 2021

Reviews

[E.G. Bella · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an adventure!

Caveat that I don't read much in this genre (contemporary), and though I was initially wary of the sensitive subject matter, I can honestly say it was very worth the read! Was it perfect? Of course not - but instead, I found it to be a powerful reminder of how God can use our works, our talents, our lives...and tell an incredible story that reveals His heart.

In Take Flight , Price has done a fantastic job of crafting an honest, gripping, and moving tale, and the further I read, the more engrossed I become. Her characters were nuanced and interesting, and the antagonist brought chills. There were many times I thought I could anticipate what was going to happen next, but each time a new twist would appear and keep me turning the pages. One of the reasons I don't read much contemporary fiction is that I'm often bored by the 'everyday' surroundings and occurrences in the stories. However, this wasn't the case in Take Flight . Price excellently balanced the relatable and common daily events in her characters' lives, with the fascinating and unexpected, effectively gluing me to the story.

And as for what I feel is the most important of any fiction, but particularly fiction labeled as Christian - the story's theme/s, I wasn't disappointed. The messages of faith, fellowship, strength, and especially putting our trust in God no matter how difficult, are ones that the world really needs today. I certainly needed to be reminded of them, and that's just one reason I appreciated this book.
This story will stick with me for quite a while. I definitely recommend it for anyone seeking an engrossing, thought-provoking tale giving an example of what it truly means to trust God.

** I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions expressed are my own, and I wasn't required to write a positive review.

[Kari Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very captivating story of a young-adult female’s journey overcoming a tumultuous and traumatic experience, while battling her internal struggles with trusting her self, the people around her, and most importantly her faith in God…. In Take Flight, Hallie flees her small town and leaves everything she’s known, in attempt to escape danger and move past her trauma and betrayals for good.

T.E. Price’s style makes for an easy read that you can’t put down. Every page leaves you wanting to know what happens next. Be patient as you slowly learn more details of just how close to loosing her life Hallie was, and at the hands of her husband. I experienced a range of emotions throughout the book, feeling intense empathy and also great hope for Hallie…. I’m not ashamed to say I had tears STREAMING down my face at two points in the story, especially towards the end…. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good read!!

[Favour · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did read T.E Price's previous book - Love's True Colors and was totally mesmerized by the story-line and her skillful manner of writing, so I was certainly happy to read Take Flight.

In Take Flight, we see the dark realities of living in abusive relationships. Most importantly, it is addressing the fact that this is the coarse reality of people of faith (people next to you in the pews) - which is hardly talked about.

Your heart will break with the gradual revelation of Hallie's nightmare - him. Your heart will also flutter alongside Hallie's as she finds the hope that only Christ gives EVEN in such messiness of life. You will swallow hard and wince in pain for Hallie, yet, there is hope.

Reading this book has also been a learning experience for me. A sensitization, to be aware, to be compassionate, and most of all, to be kind.

I always find T.E Price's art of writing to be painstakingly detailed and almost movie-like. It is a beautiful form of expression.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hallie has just escaped an abusive marriage and is trying to figure out who she is and what to do with her life. Unfortunately Hallie has a lot of things working against her—her husband’s place in the community, the gossipy nature of a small town, and her family’s religious beliefs—which don’t look kindly on divorce. But has Hallie really escaped her husband? That remains to be seen….

Take Flight looks at family drama and domestic abuse from the viewpoint of a very Christian woman, which I found really interesting since I’m not all that religious myself. I enjoyed seeing the evolution of Hallie’s character and was cheering for her as she became stronger and more independent. There were also a lot of times when I was like why Hallie, why? And I wanted to give her some tough love and ask her what she was thinking. But I want to ask a lot of people what they’re thinking and why they do what they do, so that part might just be me. And I know I'm coming at this situation from a different viewpoint, but the notion that once Hallie's divorce was finalized, she would be totally free from her abusive ex was just so naive--like a piece of paper stops a stalker.

[Kaylani Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take Flight is a suspenseful novel that reflects on realistic scenarios of domestic abuse. The story builds momentum as Hallie navigates through day-to-day life, only to have her safety threatened at every turn. The author has developed a protagonist that you can't help but feel empathetic toward, wanting to shout out and guide her to safety. Meanwhile, the antagonist causes a sense of loathing and disgust, suggesting well developed characters. Take Flight takes the reader on an emotional journey and is sure to keep you reading.

[Jaimie Ferns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take Flight is a suspenseful novel that will keep you engaged throughout the book. While it opens our eyes to domestic violence issues, it also sheds light on friendships and the toxicity of gossip within the church. You empathize with Hallie as she struggles with a fight or flight mentality in her life and in her relationship with Jesus. It is a thought provoking story, that will leave you encouraged to be there for others in their time of need. I aspire to be more like Sarah, showing love and grace to others.

[Julie Lavender · Rating 5 out of 5]

The compelling story of a young woman faced with an abusive and controlling husband had me turning the pages to see how the story would end. The main character, Hallie, learns to trust God and heals from her husband’s physical and verbal wounds, as well as those painful wounds inflicted by friends, family, and her local church.

-Julie Lavender, author of 365 Ways to Love Your Child: Turning Little Moments into Lasting Memories, published by Revell/Baker Publishing Group

[Naomi Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE THIS BOOK!

I bought the book 7pm Saturday night and I finished it at 1.30am on Monday morning. I couldn't put it down. The suspense in the 2nd half of the book is incredible. There are plot twists and shocks that blind sided me - amazing writing. It was so well written, I could actually picture the scenes as a movie! TE Price is an exceptionally talented writer & I can't wait to read more of her work!

[April Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take Flight had me sitting on the edge of my seat! I found myself eager to get through the day so I could dive back in and finish it. The author did a great job getting into the main character’s head and pinpointing those complex emotions.
I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for a fast-paced and well-written read!!

[Mary Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an engaging story that captures your attention from the start and keeps you turning the pages until the end. This is a story that everyone needs to read! It helped me to better understand the challenges faced by women who are trapped in abusive relationships, but it is also a book filled with hope. I recommend Take Flight to everyone; buy one for yourself and one to give as a gift!

[ESTHER WEBB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blown away by this book.

Tiffany has created a masterpiece which deals with the dark reality of domestic abuse, yet gloriously reveals God's love and faithfulness in the storm.

I couldn't put this book down. It's a must-read!!

[Laurel Solorzano · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book interested me right from the beginning. I couldn't put it down once I reached the end of chapter 1.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story hooks you from the first page. Though the subject matter is heavy, Price handles it with care. If Christian suspense is your wheelhouse, you won't want to miss this one.

[Chanelle Gallardo · Rating 5 out of 5]

So this book had me in tears by the end. It was so heartfelt and so real and raw. If there’s anyone going through abuse or any loved ones you know going through abuse this book is so for them!!!