My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Time taken to read - 1 day
Pages - 352
Publisher - Headline Review
Blurb from Goodreads
A lost girl shows a mother and her daughter their way home. Keep Me Safe is the much anticipated new novel from the author loved by over a million readers, Daniela Sacerdoti. Perfect for all fans of Nicholas Sparks and Cecelia Ahern. 'Beautifully written... I could almost hear the sea and the wind. A great book' Lesley Pearse
When Anna's partner walks away from their relationship, she is shattered. But it is her little girl Ava who takes it hardest of all. The six year old falls silent for three days. When she does speak, her words are troubling. Ava wants to go home. To a place called Seal. To her other mother.
Anna knows to unravel the mystery she must find Seal and take Ava there. She hopes this tiny island will unlock her daughter's memories. But could it also offer a new life... and unexpected love... for Anna too?
My Review
Anna wants to give her little girl the security and life she never had but when her partner leaves both her six year old Ava their world is turned upside down. Ava withdraws and seems to shut down for three days, when she comes out of it she is asking Anna for her mother. Anna is uneasy and confused, Ava talks about another family and home frequently getting upset. Eventually Anna takes Ava to this place in the hopes of settling the mystery and bringing her daughter some closure. The town is welcoming but Ava knows things, her memories of the place she has never visited are accurate and eerie. Bringing Ava to Seal will help Ava, some of the locals and maybe even bring some closure for Anna too?
This is a different wee book, atmospheric, hints of supernatural, a small close knit town, secrets, hurt, attraction and loss are only some of the themes covered. It is a busy wee book and some of the scenes set in Seal are so vivid you can hear the waves crashes and smell the thick sea air as the author draws you into Anna and Ava's world. A mother will do anything for her child and that is exactly what Anna sets out to do, no matter how outlandish the plan seems. There are a few questionable actions of some of the characters in the book and a few things I saw coming before they happened. Otherwise it is a lovely read with some splashes of sorrow and a few turns of fate to bring one broken family to another to find some answers and closure.
This is the first time I have read this author, I would certainly read more and would like to hear more about the other characters. The supernatural aspects would be great to have some more insight into and see how the characters develop, I will be looking out for book two which I believe is out next year. 3.5 stars for me this time, if you are looking for something with a bit of romance, mystery, intrigue, supernatural and family dramas I think you will greatly enjoy this one.
This book's new to me. It sounds like you enjoyed this.
ReplyDeleteHm... I may enjoy this one. You have me intrigued. :)
ReplyDeleteExcellent review of this book. It sounds different and creative.
ReplyDeleteI tend to really like atmospheric works, especially when they are set in rural areas, small towns or villages.