ABOUT RUNNING AGAINST TRAFFIC
Paige Scott spent her childhood shuffled between relatives who ignored her, and her adult life hiding in her crumbling marriage to wealthy David Davenport. When David suddenly thrusts her into a remote, impoverished world, Paige is forced to face the betrayals of her past - not to mention the colorful townies of her present. Unexpected friendships and her discovery of running propel her on a jagged and comical journey toward learning how to truly live.
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ABOUT GAELEN VANDENBERGH
I am a writer, runner, reader, compulsive list-maker, mother and zookeeper (it feels like it, anyway). I grew up in Philadelphia, moved around a bit – Maine, Boston, NYC, back to Philly – and I have lived here for the past twelve years. I live with my husband and daughter, a fat cat, several fish, and a one-eyed dog.
My ReviewI wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I began reading Running Against Traffic by Gaelen VanDenbergh. I knew I was intrigued by the description of the story and by the title, after a hard day at work I sometimes feel as if just living life can be like running against traffic. I wasn’t expecting to find myself falling in love with almost all of her characters (except for David Davenport, Paige’s soon to be ex), the dialogue and her descriptions of a small Pennsylvania town.Born with a silver spoon in her mouth, Paige Scott Davenport has spent her time not really participating in life. Married, but pretty much ignoring her husband, Paige is surprised when he drives her to a house “they’ve purchased” in the country, dumps her and her luggage off at the house, and tells her he’s done and drives off. Unprepared to live life on her own, and not even knowing what it takes to live life, Paige finds herself faced with having to get to know herself.Both the primary character and the book's only point of view, we get Paige's story as she comes face to face with the fact she’s never really done anything in her life. She can’t cook or clean, and has no employment experience. Realizing she’s going to need money for food, and liquor to drown her sorrows and anger, Paige manages to get a job with the local attorney answering her phone. He’s also going to handle her divorce.Ms. VanDenbergh lets us get to know Paige as she begins to face her life and how she’s gotten to be where she is. As Paige gets to know the people in town, and gets talked into taking two roommates, Al and Bryce, who’ll work on fixing her house, she begins to spread her wings. Soon Paige finds herself running daily which helps to free her mind and help her get in touch with her emotions. She realizes she’s attracted to Al and finds herself caring for Bryce as a substitute mother. She also gets in touch with her anger, her pain and all of the emotions she’s kept buried deep inside.
Will Paige make peace with her new life and learn to embrace whatever comes next? Will she let her attraction to Al become something more than just an attraction? You’ll have to read Running Against Traffic to find out. I enjoyed it and can’t wait to read Running in Circles, the next book which will tackle Paige’s ongoing journey in life.
My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Crowns
Pump Up Your Book and Gaelen VanDenbergh are teaming up to give you a chance to win a $100 Amazon Gift Card!
Terms & Conditions:
- By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
- One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $100 Amazon Gift Certificate
- This giveaway begins September 2 and ends September 27, 2013.
- Winners will be contacted via email on Monday, September 30, 2013.
- Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!
ENTER TO WIN!
Tuesday, September 3 - Book featured at One Page at a Time
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Thursday, September 5 - Interviewed at Literal Exposure
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Wednesday, September 18 - 1st chapter reveal at Reader Girls
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FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of Running Against Traffic in exchange for a fair and honest review. I did not receive any additional compensation for my opinion of the reading material provided.
Love the cover of this one and, after reading your review, I'm very intrigued by the story told in Running Against Traffic. I'm a big fan of books where there is a lot of self-discovery and personal growth of a character(s).
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the release Gaelen!
Yep....you sold me. I'm totally buying this when I get paid! can't wait!
ReplyDelete