Review: Citizens of Logan Pond: Life by Rebecca Belliston

Citizens of Logan Pond: Life by Rebecca Belliston
Published September 15th 2014 by Crescent Moon Press, 367 pages
Source: I would like to thank the author for a review copy. This review is 100% my own opinion and no compensation was given.

 
Synopsis:

Her home. Her parents. Her freedom. Gone.

His dreams. His sister. Himself. Lost.

Two people. 

One future.

The economy crashed, the country is floundering, and Carrie Ashworth struggles to keep her siblings alive. She has two jobs in her newly-formed, newly-outlawed clan: growing crops to feed thirty-six people, and keeping Oliver Simmons, their local patrolman, happy. Carrie’s life is almost content when Greg Pierce shows up. A man with the ambition to help them survive. A man determined to hate her.

When a government raid nearly wipes out their clan, Greg realizes the true reason behind their safety. Patrolman Simmons has fallen for Carrie. Greg takes it upon himself to give the socially-awkward patrolman what he wants. Only Carrie doesn’t like Greg throwing her in Simmon's path, especially when Greg’s brusque exterior melts, and she catches a glimpse of the real man underneath. Carrie is forced to choose: follow her heart or save her clan. Life won’t let her choose both.

My Review:
I was very impressed with this book! What a great start to a fantastic new dystopian series! What really makes this story unique is the way the world changed--it was all from a couple of economic crashes that left the country in shambles.

Logan Pond, in Illinois, is home to 30+ citizens, most of them illegal residents of the country. Carrie, an orphan left to care for two younger siblings, is a very kind, resourceful young woman, who is slightly oblivious to what's going on around her. I couldn't help but love her and root for her and there were many characters who felt the same way. When Mariah and Greg, relatives of the clan leaders, show up, things really come to a head, especially since Greg is so abrasive and rubs many the wrong way. Emotions run high and changes occur that have everyone on edge. Oliver, the local patrolman, is determined to help this peaceful clan, but when the heat is put on him for some arrests, his help may be discovered. Carrie has a big decision to make and it's not an easy one--be true to her heart or sacrifice love for the safety of her clan.

I loved the characters--they were really brought to life. There was one family that I absolutely detested! I was ready to show them the door right off the bat--they're very selfish, rude, and stubborn. A clan like this takes everyone working together to succeed and this family sure didn't do much to contribute. I loved watching Carrie's eyes open up to the world (and people) around her. She's the most selfless person ever. I also enjoyed watching Greg soften up. Oliver is such a nice, gentle man. How can Carrie decide? I honestly can't wait to continue on with the story to see what happens next.

Content: 
language--maybe one mild expletive
violence--some mild-moderate fighting, blood, death, nothing graphic at all
romance--mild, sweet romance
Clean!

Amazon  *  B&N

Questions from the Author (and my answers):

1. What is one non-essential item you would keep?  
This is a tough one for me. I'd like to keep my kindle or phone, but I'm sure they would die without electricity to keep them charged. I would probably keep a shawl that my great-grandmother knitted me when I was five years old.

2. What responsibility would you have in a clan like this? It has to be something essential: food, clothing, or shelter related. 
I'm a terrible gardener. I would think I could be a decent clan chef. Yeah, I'll be in charge of the food and cooking.

3. Would you have stayed in Logan Pond or moved back to a municipality? Why?  
I would have stayed in Logan Pond. I'm not a big, crowded city person and I would hate relying on a crooked government for everything. Self-reliance, all the way!

4. Which citizen are you? You can take the quiz at http://www.whichblankareyou.com/q/which-citizen-of-logan-pond-are-you

Wow--shocker! I got Oliver. He wasn't my favorite character, but I can see how I'm the most like him. We both go about our business with little recognition. Take the quiz and let me know who you get!
 
Bio:

Rebecca Lund Belliston is the author of the romantic suspense novel, SADIE, its sequel, AUGUSTINA, and a new trilogy, CITIZENS OF LOGAN POND. Besides writing fiction, she loves to compose music, teach, and read. She lives in Michigan with her husband and five children.

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