Escape (Book Three) by Alison Bellringer continues the author’s multigenerational story with a tender yet emotionally complex tale that follows Kaylee’s journey from headstrong adolescence to adulthood, marked by difficult choices, deep love, and personal growth. The novel opens with sixteen-year-old Kaylee insisting on marrying Carlos despite her parents’ hesitation, a scene vividly depicted in chapter one, where family tension drives her toward a decision that shapes her future. What starts as a youthful dream gradually becomes a story defined by consequences, resilience, and the complicated way feelings can change over time. Early chapters follow Kaylee’s impulsive elopement and the excitement of exploring distant villages with Carlos. As their married life develops, however, the story shifts into more emotionally intense territory.

Alison Bellringer structures the novel as a character-driven journey. One of the most powerful parts of the book is an encounter between Kaylee and the injured dog she names “Old Tangle,” described as a moment of comfort during a difficult turning point in her life. Bellringer uses these quiet moments to explore bravery, maternal strength, and the grounding effect of small acts of kindness. What sets Escape apart from similar family-oriented stories is Bellringer’s commitment to portraying life’s turning points through gentle introspection rather than spectacle. The novel deals with themes of young marriage, emotional hardship, family separation, and personal transformation. These elements make it best suited for mature teens or adults who appreciate historical storytelling centered on growth and survival.

Escape by Alison Bellringer follows Kaylee, who leaves home at night with Carlos, certain they will return after a quick union in a distant village. Their early plan expands into long travel, scarce money, and increasing strain as Carlos’s behavior changes and isolation surrounds Kaylee. A child, Britney, is born, shaping every choice Kaylee makes while she manages food, shelter, and safety. When household conditions worsen, Kaylee sends Britney away along a forest path, hoping the child will reach help. Kaylee later abandons the cottage and searches through villages for signs of the girl. Concern rises when word spreads that a man is seeking his wife and child across nearby settlements. Kaylee's fear disrupts her efforts to rebuild a new life and reconnect to a safer past.

Escape by Alison Bellringer is book three in the series, but it reads fine as a stand-alone, offering a warm novel centred on Kaylee’s quiet resourcefulness as she finds small pockets of comfort during the really hard years with Carlos. Bellringer does an excellent job of holding onto the narrative with beautifully grounded scenes, like kneeling beside a trapped dog, which feels almost prophetic in its arrival, and the calm of unabashed love and gentle company, or the way she hums old songs to soothe Britney during long nights in their cottage. As a lead protagonist, Kaylee's continued adaptation to each shift in her life is what shines through the arc. Bellringer moves the story toward a climax that is in line with the rapid rising action, with an outcome that leaves an opening for more. Recommended.

In Escape by Alison Bellringer, Kaylee marries Carlos, her childhood sweetheart, even though her parents think she is too young. Kaylee and Carlos' early days as a couple feel bright and full of dreams. But their reality becomes difficult as they struggle with issues, such as money, housing, and growing responsibilities. Carlos slowly turns from a caring partner to a controlling one. His behavior becomes abusive, especially after their daughter, Britney, is born. When Kaylee realizes Britney is no longer safe, she makes a difficult decision that changes everything. Her difficult path leads to distance, loss, and an unexpected return to the family she left behind years earlier. As she tries to rebuild her life, she is forced to face painful memories and the man she once trusted. Will Kaylee ever be able to build a life that feels safe again?

Escape by Alison Bellringer has the tone of a personal story because of the first-person writing, which brings Kaylee’s thoughts and fears close to the reader. The book looks candidly at early marriage, domestic abuse, and the slow road to recovery. I was deeply moved by the smaller moments, like the times when Kaylee tries to hold her family together, even when everything around her seems to be falling apart. The setting is believable, and the characters change in ways that match their situations, not just the plot. The book brought to mind other stories about second chances and inner strength. If you relish realistic fiction about forgiveness, family struggles, and healing, Escape will speak to you. Fans of books like Big Little Lies and Safe Haven will enjoy this stunning tale, too.

“Kaylee, while only sixteen, knows what she wants; to marry Carlos… But life outside of their hometown is not all they hoped, and Carlos starts down a dangerous and ultimately, abusive path. Even after their daughter Britney is born, Carlos does not soften… As Kaylee adjusts… Britney begins to trust and love her, but when Carlos comes back into the picture, everything is shaken up. Carlos is determined to change, but can Kaylee truly believe it? Escape rounds out a middle grade trilogy… In this novella, Bellringer explores the events that caused Kaylee to run away from her parents… Gaining insight into Kaylee allows other characters to also become more fully realized… A dog once again makes an appearance in the book and it is nice that the theme of dog protectors continues… Escape illuminates key parts of the series, including adding some additional humanity to Carlos and Kaylee and is a satisfying read for fans of Bellringer’s series.”

“Escape is an amazing end to this series! After reading Whisper and Lucas, I was so excited to see how everything would come together. I loved how each book was told from a different point of view… One of the best parts of the book was when Kaylee saw Britney again. It was such a powerful moment, and I could picture it so clearly in my head. I actually had to stop reading for a second because my heart was beating so fast! I wasn’t sure if Britney would remember her, but she did, and it made me cry happy tears! I also loved that Lucas was there to help bring them together. He has been such a great character since Whisper, and I liked seeing how he was still looking out for Britney… This book had a perfect mix of sad moments, happy moments, and exciting moments. The writing was so good that I felt like I was right there with the characters the whole time. If you loved Whisper and Lucas, you HAVE to read Escape! It brings everything together in such a beautiful way, and it made me love Britney, Lucas, and Kaylee even more. I will always remember this series!”

“Together with its prequel, Whisper, Escape introduces more characters and stories
that span this multigenerational story of two interlinked families. When Kaylee runs away from home to marry Carlos, she is certain it is the right thing to do—no matter what her parents say. Soon, however, Kaylee realizes her mother’s warning that she might regret her hasty marriage was spot on… After their daughter is born, things go from bad to worse until finally, Kaylee realizes there is only one thing she can do—send her vulnerable little daughter away. Readers will learn the history of the runaway daughter who breaks Seth’s heart in Lucas, coming to understand that trauma can cross lives and generations but can also be healed when conscious decisions are made to change. Kaylee grows from a naïve teenager into a courageous and caring young woman, and her story will teach readers that there is often more to people than is apparent on the surface. The message of the story is that people can change and that offering love and care to those around you can only ever make the world a better place. This novel will particularly resonate with readers who enjoy emotional family sagas that explore themes of redemption, intergenerational trauma, and the complex bonds between family members.”