I read Enduring Love by this author many years ago and loved it, so I was excited to read this one. Unfortunately, it did not hit the mark. 

It was one of those books that I felt was probably really clever, especially given the authors way with words, but I just struggled to see the overall brilliance. I felt totally unattached for the majority of the time and it was only during the final 50 pages or so that I was able to get anything significant out of it. 

I found it frustrating that often things took about three or four pages to explain when one would have sufficed. 

I did enjoy the scenes of dialogue. They were well written, engaging and probably the only thing that kept me reading on. I particularly liked the conversation/argument on the beach as I finally felt like I had been reading it for a reason. 
 
The concept itself was good and the final chapter was quite thought provoking. The reflection on things from the third person perspective certainly helped boost my rating. 

Had this book been any longer, it would have been a DNF but thankfully it was only short so I stuck with it. 

Overall, a longwinded short book that will shortly belong to the charity shop. 

I listened to the audiobook for this one and enjoyed hearing the author read her own words. 

I'd never actually heard of Jennette McCurdy before but that title and cover definitely intrigued me. The book ended up being an interesting and challenging insight into the life of a child actor. 

The way Jennette talked about her extremely complicated relationship with her mother was fascinating. You can tell she now sees the behaviours of her mum for what they were (manipulative, abusive, controlling) but growing up she was largely blind to the unhealthy routines and demands forced upon her. Her mother had a lot to answer for. 

Jennette also highlights the ups and downs of what it was like to be in the spotlight as a child. Exploring how you can seemingly have it all, but if the dream belongs to someone else it's not going to make you happy. 

There was a lot of focus on Jennette's eating disorders. I understand that for a person suffering with this it must be all consuming and I also think it's an important topic for someone to address. However, it made for a very repetitive second half of the book and I found my interest waning. 

Unfortunately, this book came across to me as more of a venting outlet than any meaningful self reflection. The reflective angle was there at the end but it was perhaps too little too late. 

Overall though, an honest and raw account.

I absolutely love the front cover. At first glance it just looks like a heart but on closer inspection you can see it's actually a girl in a dress. So clever. 

I was pleasantly suprised at how quickly this book drew me in. Hazel was a wonderful protagonist and the storyline felt eerie and unique. 

I loved the historical element of the setting and way of life. I definitely felt transported and the author brings that time and place to life in such an absorbing way. 

I enjoyed the fact that the love story part could be interpreted in different ways and romantic love was only one aspect of it. Albeit, a gripping one. 

Hazel is a woman of great promise and skill in a world where being female makes it impossible to succeed. This along with the exploration of morals and ethics made for a thought provoking read. 

There was also a complex mystery within the story with many a gruesome revelation and corrupt goings on. 

Overall, a gothic historical fiction that has me excited for the sequel. 

I listened to this one and although some of the narration was a bit annoying at times, it was an easy one to have on whilst doing other things and certainly kept my interest.

This was definitely more mystery than thriller so it didn't quite have that edge of your seat enticement. However there was still plenty to unpick throughout and a few clever red herrings. 

The author has an engaging writing style that gave a good flow to the narrative. The multiple perspective chapters provided the pacing and further insight into each character.

I liked the whole ameteur sleuth concept of two sleep deprived protagonists brought together through a shared sighting. 

Unfortunately, I didn't particularly like any of the main characters so found it hard to gel with them. They sometimes came across as stereotypical which meant the depth wasn't quite there. However, their dialogue and interactions both with each other and supporting characters were well written and believable. 

There were definitely some plot holes that took away from the plausibility of the book as a whole. Certain things just didn't make sense for a given scenario or character and this was disappointing. 

There was a whole back story of Tim's that I think was supposed to bring the emotional element, but to me, it felt like a plot filler and not something I was emotionally invested in. 

Overall, a good 'pass the time' book but nothing particularly memorable.