15 December 2022

I am not sure how I ended up requesting a review copy of this book – I think perhaps the cover drew my attention. I can say that I am glad I did and a big thank you to Random House UK and NetGalley for this brilliant review copy. This was a fantastic read. A heart-warming story about family secrets and growing up that will keep you up at night.

This was my first time reading Emily Koch and this book has turned me into an instant fan. Her other books have been added to my wish list (I hope I am in time for Christmas) The author manages to place the reader into the head of a ten-year-old girl – sharing all her emotions. I fell in love with this little girl and my heart broke a little further with every turn of the page.

July Hooper knows eighteen things about her mother. The family does not talk about Maggie Hooper, even July’s grandparents do not say very much about her mother. All July wants is to learn more about her mother, no matter what she needs to do. Despite upsetting her father, July breaks all the rules as she searches for answers. While the adults in July’s life never expected this young girl would be able to undercover the truth they have been keeping from her.

I was heartbroken by the number of people who turned a blind eye to what was happening in this house. The author shows how easily domestic violence goes unnoticed. I was totally engrossed in this book and found that I could not turn the pages fast enough. This story was beautifully told and full of surprises along the way that keeps you guessing all the way.

July Hooper is a character that will crawl into your heart and stay there. The author did a marvellous job sharing this girl’s emotions and showing how discovering the truth made her mature. I cannot remember ever reading a book told from a child’s perspective that kept me this captivated.

I was not impressed with Yaya – July’s grandmother. While I understand that she was mourning the loss of her daughter, it has been ten years and she really should have made more of an effort to help July learn more about her mother. She knew who Mick was yet she left July with him and turned a blind eye – I found myself infuriated by her.

This book has sailed into my top ten for 2022 – I loved it! This book is a fantastic read, I cannot wait to have someone to discuss this one with. I will have to get Alicia a copy and convince her to read it as well.

If you enjoy a heart-warming story about family and growing up, with mystery and a fabulous twist thrown in – then this is the book for you. I loved this book and I cannot recommend this one highly enough. This is a book you must add to your TBR – you do not want to miss this one.