“Blackadder presents an absolutely captivating look at the aftermath of a tragedy that rips a family apart at the seams. Issues of trust, the burden of responsibility, and forgiveness are dealt with on an expert level. This is a masterpiece of women's fiction, as the complexities and intricacies of both the characters and the situations are devastatingly and utterly realistic. The story is raw in its intimacy, grabbing hold of the reader’s heart and not letting go." - Booklist starred review (Read the full review)
"Absorbing… Fast-moving but emotionally resonant, the book effectively takes readers inside the minds and hearts of a family blindsided by loss and trying to decide whether they can move forward together, apart, or at all."- Kirkus Review (Read the full review).
Praise for In the Blink of an Eye
"In the Blink of an Eye moves inexorably through the stages of grief and blame after the most unthinkable but all too common tragedy, and Jesse Blackadder forcibly sweeps us along with her. She's created a complex family blindsided by loss, whose pain we can feel as it drags them apart and slowly, by intricate small steps, inches them toward forgiveness. I gave a whole day to this book, unable to put it down until I trusted that they'd found some light to guide them forward." ―Rosellen Brown, New York Times bestselling author of Before and After.
"In the Blink of an Eye is intimate, raw and beautiful. Blackadder takes the reader into the home, into the very minds of the Brennan family, exposing their loss and painting a vivid landscape of hope and healing." ―Bryan Reardon, New York Times bestselling author of Finding Jake.
"In the Blink of an Eye is at once heartbreaking but heartening, tragic but life affirming, its characters complex but familiar, its ending miraculous but well earned. It is a book of contrasts then, so it’s little wonder that even as you can’t stop rushing through, you feel it will stay with you for a very long time." ―Laurie Frankel, author of This Is How It Always Is.
“A captivating, visceral, beautifully written story of a family navigating a nightmare. The characters were so real and relatable that I was riveted, thoroughly invested in each of their journeys. Jesse Blackadder is a powerful storyteller writing from her heart and experience.” ―Robyn Harding, international bestselling author of The Party.
"In the Blink of an Eye is devastating, heartbreaking, and gut-wrenching. It is also immeasurably beautiful and by far one of the most powerful and compelling explorations of loss and grief I have ever encountered." ―Rhiannon Navin, author of Only Child.
"Blackadder's masterful, moving novel explores the unraveling of a family in the face of unimaginable loss― and how they ultimately stitch themselves back together. A searing study of grief, marriage and forgiveness, this book grabbed me by the heart and didn't let go." ―Colleen Oakley, author of Before I Go and Close Enough to Touch.
"A heart-wrenching,beautifully told story about tragedy and the slow journey toward hope. As Finn, Bridget, and Jarrah wade through their grief, readers will find themselves surprised by moments of grace. This story will linger long after the last page is turned." ―Nicole Baart, author of Little Broken Things and You Were Always Mine.