In the ebook, A Light In The Forest by Melissa Payne, Vega James takes her child, Riley and runs away from her abusive boyfriend to Crystal, Ohio, a place she notices in a postcard that her deceased mom had in a box. The ebook shows how the inhabitants of this town help Vega and her child through a traumatic time with compassion and friendship. Throughout this ebook a mystery of her mom's life is revealed, giving Vega more insight into her own life. An enjoyable read! ( )

A Light in the Forest follows Vega as she runs from her abusive husband to the town of Crystal, where her late mother had spent some time as a teenager. Vega and her mother had been nomads while she was growing up, always on the move and helping women get away from their own abusive husbands, so it's surprising (even to Vega) that she didn't see the warning signs with her own husband. When she gets to Crystal, she's immediately welcomed to the small town by almost everyone, but she's leery about opening up to anyone due to her background. Slowly, Eve and Heff, and Betty and Carl get Vega to trust them, and they become friends, which Vega has never had before. But you can't run forever, and sometimes you run to things that you don't mean to, and things catch up to them all. Can they keep each other, and the town, safe?

Vega is relatively likable. I was frustrated with her sometimes because she wouldn't say or do something simple that would make her life easier, or give her answers. She went to Crystal to find out about her mother, but didn't seem to be putting much effort into that. I had to keep telling myself that because they moved around constantly, Vega doesn't know how to trust people or open up to them, plus not wanting anyone to know she was hiding from her husband. Eve, Heff, Betty, and Carl are (for the most part) your typical small town people. They're kind, caring, and willing to do whatever is necessary to help others, although they have some secrets of their own.

All in all, a well written novel with multiple viewpoints and timelines. The story weaves well between present and past, leaving breadcrumbs to the local mystery. You want Vega to learn to love these people and this town, letting them into her life. I would recommend if you like stories about friendship and building your own family. ( )

Vega Jones is on the run! She's on the run with her 2-month-old son Riley in a van that was her childhood home. Vega knows she must escape Zach's abuse. Her mother's words about men are now the audio in her mind encouraging her to get to safety. Vega's on her way to Crystal, Ohio. This small town will help her feel closer to her mother. Vega is also hopeful to learn why her childhood home was the van, living a nomadic life with her mother, always ready to move on to the next town, and never wanting to answer questions about the past.

After reading "The Night of Many Endings," I knew I wanted to read more of the author's writing. This novel is emotive and powerful as the author tackles tough subjects of domestic abuse, transphobia, animal cruelty, and more. Some scenes may be graphic in the description, but each scene contributes to the whole not frivolously but with sensitivity. There are many heartwrenching moments as the story unfolds with changing POVs and timelines. Beyond the fear and risks of staying in Crystal, there is courage, hope, resilience, and encouragement. It is a novel that makes a reader introspective. More importantly, it enlightens and inspires kindness and acceptance. ( )