A Different Escape

by Danielle Roberts

One stifling townOne volatile motherOne chance to escape it allTrapped in a lackluster town with her verbally abusive mother, seventeen-year-old Lacey Robinson knows one thing for The only antidote to all the problems she and her brother face is getting as far away as possible from their inept home life. When an admissions project from Lacey's out-of-state dream college comes along, she knows it's the ticket out she's been hungering after. After all, Lacey knows there's nothing that can't be solved by putting miles between her and her problems.All that's left to do now is create a masterpiece, get accepted, and voila!—a new life awaits.But as life at home grows increasingly difficult, Lacey's way out doesn't seem quite so easy anymore. When she finds a confidant in co-worker Noah Kennedy—who's struggling in the wake of his father's recent suicide—she begins to second-guess if she can truly outrun her scars. As her plan begins to splinter, Lacey is faced with a life-altering keep failing to outrun her scars and end up just like her mother, or finally deal with the trauma she's ignored her whole life.Can Lacey confront and overcome her past, or will it become her?Raw, gritty, and achingly real, "A Different Escape" tells the story of a teen's struggle to embrace life's biggest hurdles.

287 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 4, 2021

Reviews

[Renata Preciado · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating 3.75 / 5
first of all, I want to thank book tasters for letting me read this book.
I was so surprised with this book; I really enjoyed it because the story was well written, and the characters are memorable; I haven't been able to stop thinking about the book.
I like when the book gives you some message at the end of it. And let me tell you that this book did not disappoint. After all, it teaches you that you need to face your problems instead of running because it will only lead you to nothing.
I really recommend this book, but please remember to check the TW before you read it.

[Nohemibook · Rating 4 out of 5]

El libro me cautivo al momento de comenzar a leerlo, la historia sobre una chica, Lacey que cuida a su hermano menor mientras su madre prefiere el beber, la escritora se luce al hacerte sentir identificado desde el inicio con la historia, como si te estuviese pasando a ti o a cualquiera a tu alrededor.

Un libro lleno de lecciones de vida, enfrentar las dificultades, superar tus miedos y nunca rendirte, la vida a veces es complicada pero siempre puedes lograr mantenerte a flote y a veces las cosas no salen como esperas pero pueden tener otra solución, esta historia te hace recordar tu propio camino hacia la madurez, el protagonista se enfrenta a diferentes retos, y por supuesto tiene el toque justo de romance, sin duda la autora ha hecho un trabajo increíble en este libro y no veo la hora de leer más sobre sus historias.

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The book captivated me the moment I started reading it, the story about a girl, Lacey, who takes care of her younger brother while her mother prefers to drink, the writer shines by making you feel identified with the story from the beginning, as if it were happening to you or someone else anyone around you.

A book full of life lessons, facing difficulties, overcoming your fears and never giving up, life is sometimes complicated but you can always manage to stay afloat and sometimes things will not turn out as you expect but they may have a different solution, this story It makes you remember your own path to maturity, the protagonist faces different challenges, and of course it has just the right touch of romance, without a doubt the author has done an incredible job in this book and I can't wait to read more about her stories.

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

'A Different Escape' is a fantastic YA read about building your own path, regardless of the roadblocks that are in your way. Lacey has had a pretty tough upbringing, and things seem to not get better for her and her brother. Her mother ginger, is a drunk and everyday is a constant battle with her. From arguments to name calling. It was great to see how Lacey handled herself however. She knew there was more out there, despite all the lies told to her by her mother. Lacey was definitely a bright kid.
I enjoyed that there were other people in her life that truly cared for her. Including a surprise romance plot thrown in the mix. Even though the relationship had its up's and down's, it made it that more believable. Relationships are not always rainbows and roses. I'm so proud of Lacey and how resilient she was. She really teaches you some wise life lessons on the way of her finding her way.

This is a beautifully written book and I was absolutely obsessed with it. I'm really looking forward to reading more of Robert's work. Huge thanks to Booktasters for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great writing & character development!

This is the first YA book I’ve read in a while, and I was not disappointed! This is a coming of age story unlike many others I’ve read. It’s an emotional and honest portrayal about forging your own path despite obstacles and people who want to hold you back.

The main character, Lacey, holds the weight of the world on her shoulders at a young age. Unfortunately, this is mostly due to her mother, Ginger, who is not very motherly (to say the least). It is interesting to see their dynamic develop and see Lacey learn there’s more to life than the lies her mother has told her. A lot of times, characters with these types of parents are full of self pity and play the victim, but I really enjoyed the personality of Lacey. She found ways to have fun despite her circumstances, and often times she was unapologetic in being herself. She really was her own person, not just her mother’s daughter, despite what everyone else may think.

I thoroughly enjoyed the development of multiple relationships in Lacey’s life, including her brother, friends, and a surprise love interest. The love interest also developed over time, something I was glad to see. It was also complicated and a little messy, but that’s what makes realistic relationships, i.e. people aren’t perfect!

The author, Danielle Roberts, is very gifted at her craft. Roberts’ pens beautiful imagery and poetry throughout the book, including some really gorgeous poetic metaphors. I will need to reread it again just to highlight these literary gems. I also liked how the settings were described, really putting the reader in the scenes.

I would definitely recommend this book, especially to those looking for books showcasing capable teenagers with deep feelings, healthy friendships and relationships, and how things eventually work out, even if it’s not how you planned.

[Joni Martins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review

Basic Details:
Book Title: A Different Escape
Subtitle:
Author: Danielle Roberts
Genre: Action/Adventure
Part of a series?
Order in series:
Best read after earlier books in series?
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
Overall score:
I scored this book 5/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
Life isn’t easy for 17-year-old Lacey Robinson. She lives with her mother and little brother. A mother who lives only for parties, alcohol and men. She is verbally abusive towards Lacey. Reaching the end of high school, Lacey dreams of getting into a college far away from her mother and she plans to take her little brother with her. But will she get the chance she hopes for or will she end up like her mother?
What I liked about the book:
The book was emotional with many ups and downs for Lacey. But she never gave up on her dreams.
What I didn’t like about the book:
I loved the entire book.
My favourite bits in the book:
The obvious love for her brother and her friends.
My least favourite bits in the book:
I enjoyed the entire book.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I’m not aware of any other books.
What books could this be compared to and why?
This book reminds me of other books about underdogs.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

Children No
Young Adult Yes
Adult Yes

If you like books emotional but full of hope, this book may be the book for you.
I’m certainly looking forward to reading more by this author.
Book Description by Author:
For as long as Lacey Robinson can remember, she's been hell-bent on getting herself and her younger brother as far away as possible from their verbally abusive mother.

When an admissions project from Lacey's out-of-state dream college comes along, she knows it's the ticket out she's been hungering after. After all, there's nothing that can't be fixed with a new environment and miles between Lacey and a less-than-ideal home life.

As Lacey sets out to create a masterpiece, life interrupts, and hurdles suddenly begin sprouting up in her path. At every turn, Lacey is suddenly hit with the terrifying reality that running might not be the answer after all, and a budding relationship with fellow town-goer Noah Kennedy begins to unravel her once simple plan for escape.

It isn't long before a jarring life event forces Lacey to come face-to-face with an ultimatum: finally confront her inner demons head-on, or risk becoming like her mother-- the very person Lacey's spent her entire life wanting to flee from.
About the Author:

[Sarah Adebesin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finally finished reading this wonderful book, "A different Escape" by Danielle Roberts.
I've had a lot going on lately that it's been almost impossible to take out time to read like this.

" A different Escape" is an inspiring story. The story demonstrates strength, character, dealing with toxicity, insecurities, love, hope, family, and friendship.

The lead character, Lacey is in a desperate attempt to escape from her town, Osca because her abusive mom, Ginger who is known to be the town's prostitute makes her life a living hell. Imagine being the teen daughter of a prostitute in a small town where everyone is in each other's business? It must have been really ugly for Lacey.

The author's writing style is intriguing and this makes it easy to get into the book and resonate with the characters, particularly Lacey. Even though time didn't permit me to read the book at a stretch, there was no struggle coming back to the book and remembering the plot. Everything stayed fresh like I never took a break.

I strongly admire the characters and what they stood for. The author did a great job at portraying the significance of their roles in the story. I mean, if anyone, in reality, had such an insufferable relationship with their mom at such an early age, they'd be blessed to have a Korah, Noah, Arlene, and Jedd in their life. Also, given that these other characters weren't having the rosiest life either, but they stood as support systems for each other. Sweet Noah having to go through the suicide of his father, best friend Korah watching her parents split up, lonely Arlene, Nico being Lacey's kid brother, and experiencing so much family woes at such an early stage in life is so much to bear.

A quote amongst others popped out for me: "No storm, no rainbow."

This story reminds me that our decisions in life affect other people, and as such, we need to make a conscious effort not to be the reason why another person is having it hard in life. Indeed, we can't always have it right, and we can unknowingly and even uncontrollably hurt others, just as Ginger did to Lacey - projecting her self-hate and insecurity onto her daughter because of what she had to go through in the hands of her selfish and irresponsible parents - but we should try our conscious best not to be the reason someone sees life as hell.

It also teaches that running away from our problems doesn't solve them but facing them head-on does.

Lastly, letting your problems out is way better than bottling them in. Seek help, talk to a trusted friend, write a journal, etc. You might not get them solved immediately, but you'd be giving yourself a chance to breathe.

My appreciation goes to book tasters for allowing me to read this book. Thank you for your patience too.

[Marc Cheatom · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Different Escape is a YA coming-of-age book about a young woman, Lacey, who navigates her life in a small town while taking on the responsibility of caring for her younger brother while their mother, Ginger, drinks most of her days away. What Roberts does well in A Different Escape is make each relationship and interaction feel genuine. The lives of these young characters could easily have been my own or the lives of people I grew up with. The way Roberts crafts characters that can connect with the audience timelessly reminds me of writers like John Hughes. The relationships and the way the plot unfolds as the characters develop are the heart of A Different Escape.

A Different Escape, while satisfying, was a somewhat hard read for me. It was clear the writer crafted the characters and the plot from personal experience, and if not, then Roberts did a good job of making it seem so. I identified with Lacey’s desire to leave her small town because you have this intense fear of being stuck there. While, also having to keep in mind that every step you take away from this place could also mean a step away from the person whom you’ve spent a big chunk of your life caring for, Lacey’s younger brother. A Different Escape was still satisfying to read. The hard parts were admittedly hard, but the sweet parts that have you and Lacey smile make the entire book worthwhile.

Most YA books build on a formula of familiarity. You read one and you can very well find a handful just like it. I am a person who’s always loved this about YA. However, what every YA writer doesn’t get right is establishing an emotional connection to the audience. In this Roberts did splendidly. There will never be a shortage of coming-of-age books about young girls wanting to leave their small hometowns, but not every YA book is going to make you feel the way A Different Escape makes you feel. In this respect, A Different Escape is one of a kind and worthwhile read that will remind you of your teenage years in all its dramatic nostalgic glory.

[Joan Arinaitwe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A different Escape is a story about Lacey Robinson a young girl that lives with an abusive mother and a young brother. she is hell bent on getting herself and the brother away from their mother Ginger but her only escape route crashes before her when she is not admitted to Delmont University. Lacey has to find a way to be far away from the toxic Ginger and also protect her brother Nico.

The book is really amazing starting with the author's style of writing that flows in a chronological way thus making the story interesting and easy to follow. The characters in the book are highly relatable such as Ginger who is very abusive, the emotional turmoil that Nico and Lacey have to endure due to her behavior. This arouses several feelings in the reader such as anger especially towards Ginger, Pity and Compassion towards Nico and Lacey. With these, its quite hard to stop thinking about the book.
There are quite a number of lessons too that the author brings out in this book for instance; one should always open up about the challenges they are facing. Although I do not agree with this position, I am certain it works for several people. One of the most important lessons you will pick from this book is that you ought to face your problems running away from them doesn't solve a thing and this can be seen from Lacey and Noah's conduct and story in the book. I recommend this book to everyone that has challenges in their lives (I guess everyone does) you will definitely pick something that will be of help.
The book was generally interesting and I am looking forward to reading more of Danielle Roberts' books.
thank you book tasters for recommending this book.

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

“No storm, no rainbow."
A Different Escape is a YA coming-of age novel about Lacey, a young woman navigating her life in a small town while caring for her younger brother while their mother, Ginger who is abusive and an alcoholic. This is the first YA novel I've read in a long time, and honestly it did not disappoint! This is unlike any coming-of-age story that I've read before. Full of emotional and candid depiction of life’s struggle this book is all about forging your own path regardless of the obstacles.
I thoroughly enjoyed the development of multiple relationships in Lacey’s life the author did a great job at portraying every single character in a unique light. Lacey’s relationship with her love interest developed over time wasn’t like the clichéd stuff we usually get to see and that was something I was glad to see. People aren’t perfect and Roberts showed it beautifully.
Lastly, this book gives a lesson about letting our problems out instead of bottling them in.

I would like to thank booktasters and the author for giving me this opportunity to explore such an amazing piece of work. It was definitely a heartwarming experience

[Nisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

An eyeopening story. The plot is uncomplicated yet addicting to read continuously. It taught us a simple message on how to deal with problems in life; by facing and dealing with them, not running away.

I found Lacey, the main character, so inspiring. She's a strong girl with a pure heart. She has been neglected since she was a child and so determined to change Nico and her life into better one, and therefore I understand why she acted the way she was, refusing to be looked as a weak and need-help-person and often running away from bitter reality. On a happy note, it's really relieved to see that despite of her miserable home, she was surrounded with good people. I think that is a huge blessing. And I think it's a message for us that no matter how bad or hopeless life can get, don't forget to cherish every single person that's always there for us. Gratitude is the key to see the light again during our darkest times. I absolutely love this book so much.

[Sawarak · Rating 5 out of 5]

There're life lessons in this story and I appreciate them. Running away or escape from problems never give you an answer you're seeking for. And forgiving is the best way to make you feel relief and peaceful.

"No one expects you to forget the past, or immediately forgive..."

I like how the story goes, our lead character has been through a lot. She wants to run away from everyone that has done bad things to her especially her mother. But in the end, she stops running and turns to face the problems to solve them. This is the kind of story that make people feel good and brave to face all things.

And I love the scenery at the end of the book. How the author describe the lake, the glinting water, the dancing trees and the sunlight. It's calm and smooth. Perfect ending scenario!

[Caribbean Didi · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, let me thank Booktasters and Danielle Roberts for recommending this great read to me.
It is my first time reading such a story and book.
Running away from problems won't make your life better, no matter how you think it might. The problems will remain there in your mind.
This book teaches you how you must face it so that you can advance in your life.
There are age differences
It is so sad that there are such mothers in the world around us. Children are victims.
This book motivates you to get out of your psychological problems and complexes to be a better person

[Yolisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything about the book is spot on.The emotions is evokes from one element to the other. The way the characters have been developed,that Ginger character is the worst. You cannot help but appreciate Lacey's strength. The environment she finds herself in is not conducive for any type of growth.
She is from Osca,a very small town where everybody knows everyone and their little secrets.
Characters,environment, story line and background,super interesting. I will read it again,now that I know how it ends,no anxiety.

[Angelo · Rating 3 out of 5]

First I would like to thank BookTasters and the author for lending me a copy to read in exchange for an honest review.

It's a nice book to read. At first I expected it to be an average romantic/chick-lit genre/YA. However while reading, it turns out to be different to what I was expecting. It was realistic in a way. About facing problems and not running away from them. Interesting read.

[Britt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently was gifted this book for review, absolutely beautiful story about trauma, abuse and parents making bad choices loved it. Lacey is the best big sister 💚

[Lily Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you book tasters for letting me read the book! It took me a while but I loved it! The Plot, dynamic, and characters were amazing. Very inspiring and did not disappoint!