by
Fourteen-year-old Jillian has no idea who her dad is but uses her banishment from summer parties in Toronto to isolation in Banff National Park to track him down. But it’s not easy. A reclusive log cabin, a grumpy aunt, few trips to civilization and seriously—no cell phone reception? When she’s not searching for her dad, Jillian pursues an elusive girl, Mika, who lives on her own in the wilderness. Together they track down a poacher and Jillian reunites Mika with her family. All should be well - but it isn’t. Big secrets in Jillian’s family surface, Jillian’s boyfriend ditches her, and her dad wants proof he’s her dad. Like she’d make this up? Jillian swaps her English saddle for a western one as she unravels the truth about who she really is. What she learns changes everything she knows about herself and demands an inner strength she never knew she had.
Just as I step into the hallway, sirens scream. What the hell? I slam my hands over my ears.
A house-alarm? When did they get that? I run to the front door. A tiny, red light flashes. ENTER CODE scrolls by in fancy font. Well, wouldn’t that be easy … if I knew it.
“Your code,” asks a voice from the panel.
“I’m sorry, I don’t know it,” I yell. “I’m Jillian, Jillian Meier. This is my grandparent’s house. They’re not here. I can’t turn the alarm off.”
“I need the code to turn off the alarm.”
“I don’t know it!”
I rush outside and call Mom on my cellphone. Oma’s neighbour stands on her back deck with a phone in her hand. Great. She’ll call the cops. Or Oma. Hopefully, Oma.
“Sorry.” I give her a lame smile, but she doesn’t smile back. “It’s all good. I just forgot the code.”
Mom come on. Answer your phone. It goes to voice mail. “Call me ASAP,” I shout and hang up.
READ MOREThe alarm continues to scream. The neighbour presses her phone against her chest like she’s debating if I’m legit. I try Mom’s office number. Tires screech in the back alley. Dust drifts over the fence. A car door slams and a man in uniform hustles through the back gate. He looks pissed. I so do not need this. Not now. Not ever.
Mom answer your damn phone. Please.
Security guy points at me. “Stay there,” he barks.
COLLAPSEon Amazon:'I loved this book. It was like watching a movie play out. Great scene descriptions, characters, pace, and a twist to the plot. It appeals to more than the target audience of young adults. The characters are vivid, so well defined with attitude and dialogue they come to life. I read it in two days. I couldn't put it down - a real page-turner."
"Having the story take place in Banff and surrounding area makes one yearn to be there. The author describes the beauty and ruggedness of the mountains through the lens of a well seasoned hiker and athlete, as well as a person who truly loves nature. She draws you in with her character descriptions and the storyline keeps you in suspense. An excellent read, and I highly recommend! I look forward to more books by Barbara Baker."
