From Ashes by Molly McAdams

The 411 by Maria:

From Ashes is about a young girl named Cassidy who after losing her beloved father is being raised by her drunk mom and mom's current. Things at home are not easy for Cassidy. She is often at the fist end of her mom's anger but thankfully her best friend Tyler lives next door and is always there to wipe her tears, provide an ice pack, and bandage her wounds. Without him, she would be dead.

Tyler is leaving for school in Texas after graduation and will be living with his cousin Gage. It doesn't take much for Cassidy to leave with him. He is her world, her savior, her best friend and there is nothing keeping her home except more fear, anger and bruises.

Tyler's cousin Gage, is a gentlemen, hard worker, all around nice guy who Cassidy avoids best she can (thanks to Tyler's suggestive hints) although her feelings for him are strong. 

When Tyler screws up Gage is there for Cassidy. What's a girl to do when the guy who was her savior is now someone she can't trust? Well..I won't ruin it for you...read the book...you just might like it.

Like Taking Chances, by Molly McAdams, I enjoyed the book and thought the storyline was worth reading. This, like Taking Chances was also read in two days. Like Taking Chances, From Ashes   has some problem but since I am the amateur reviewer, I can get past them. Yes, I rolled my eyes a few times but since the book is written for young adults, I guess the wordy, lovey dovey, over use of the word love is fine!  

My problem with Molly's writing is she starts out strong.  I LOVE the beginning of her books but the wordiness, lovey dovey talk borders on cheesy and the characters come off as either way to mature or down right juvenile.

I also loved how she gave us Cassidy's voice and Gage's voice. I didn't have to wonder what Gage was thinking and wish more authors would do this.

My issues with Cassidy. She is doing nothing with her life. She is finally out from under her mom's thumb. Not being abused but has no goals for making a better life for herself. She could go to school. She is only 19. She could try to make a great life for herself. I would have loved to see her go back to school. Get a degree, use the gift of freedom and make something of herself that she could really be proud of.

Never in my life would I tell a writer how to weave their story but since I am reviewing this book I will say, I couldn't help falling in love with our hero Gage.  In From Ashes her hero is amazing but her heroine is often weak, catty, obnoxious or juvenile. Unfortunately in order for our heroine to make her choice our secondary hero needs to make massively huge mistakes or be a total tool!  He is manipulative, a liar, a con and a hater. All the things he supposedly protected his "best friend" from for years. 

I will not say the book is terrible. You should read it for the sake of reading. We all enjoy different things and sometimes I love books my friends didn't and vice versa. Give it a shot!