Life on Hold: a story on the power of friendship

Life On Hold by Karen McQuestion is a gripping novel about the power of friendship and following your heart. Rae Maddox’s life has been anything but normal. Her mom, Gina, thinks nothing of packing up and moving. New apartment, new town, new job, all of it a new adventure to Gina. But to Rae, each move was just one more friend lost, one more chance to be the outsider. When they arrive in Wisconsin, Gina promises to stay put until Rae graduates high school. Feeling cautiously optimistic, Rae begins to adjust to the social world at Whitman High School, making new friends and making plans for college. Everything is going smoothly until one day when the vice principal asks her to show a new student around school. Allison Daly has been bounced around between relatives since her parents died in a house fire. Things begin to go bad as Rae begins to learn more and more about Allison’s troubling past. Will Allison’s past continue to haunt her? Will Rae finally find the home she has always wanted? 

Life On Hold is a powerful story about regret, friendship and dealing with the past. While it is marketed as a Young Adult novel, it is a great read for all ages as it deals with suicide and the misunderstands that even adults run into. All the characters were relatable and believable. It had sweet moments between friends, dramatic moments and touching moments that serve as a reminder that we can make a difference in someone’s life by simply being a friend. One of my favorite quotes from the book is “You never really know what a difference you can make in someone’s life, if you’re to let them in.” Rae was usually on the outside looking in, not allowing herself to get too attached as Gina could decide to pack and leave at any moment. But there is something about Allison that is familiar and draws them together. While she doesn’t fully understand why but when Allison needs her the most, Rae must answer the call. I highly recommend Life On Hold for all ages.  

Life On Hold is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook.