Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this book. Unfortunately it’s not for me. Did not finish @ 31%.

Providence is so unlike the You series that Kepnes is known for. I was expecting it to be similar, but I wish I had gone in with zero expectations as I think I would have loved it more. In saying that, Providence stands on its own in its unique story-line that is captivating and exciting. I really enjoyed all of the Lovecraft references. a great thriller with a bit of fantasy thrown in.

Providence was full of creepy, dark, Lovecraftian vibes.

It had a unique concept and whilst the story did stick with me I found the myself wanting more from it. I felt like the main issue was overdrawn and there wasn't enough additional conflict. It felt stretched out. I also wasn't happy with the conclusion. To me nothing was resolved.

Overall it was still a enjoyable read to pass time but nothing that will top my favorite lists.

Thank you Simon and Schuester Australia , Caroline Keynes and Netgalley for an ARC of this book in return for my honest review.

I chose to read this book as a quick read during the holiday, not wanting anything heavy or expecting anything life altering.. It suited this purpose well, it was easy to read and kept me engaged throughout and was a nice change from some of the other genres I had been reading.

I really really wanted to like this book. I had seen so many mixed reviews online for it but I went in with an open mind. I was not a fan of this authors previous books but I was willing to give her another go - but it was not to be.

13 year old Jon Bronson went missing on his way to school one morning in 2008. 4 years later he returns with no memory but he is different. His mere presence is harming and even killing people. He has to get away before he hurts somebody he loves. This is where it lost me. It seemed to drag out after this and went really weird. I can see that some people will love this book but it just wasn't for me.

Thank you to Simon and Schuster Australia and Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and in no way biased.

While quite a complicated story with many different threads, stories and characters interweaving and overlapping I found myself spell bound. I haven’t read anything like this before - a touch of fantasy or science fiction but not too far fetched as still in the realm of reality.

I felt a bond with Chloe and Jon but also Officer “Eggs” DeBenedictus (and his wife Lo) as the story unfolds from each of their perspectives - while giving insight also providing a confusion and intrigue which binds the story together. The characters were well developed with reactions and feelings that were so real and touching.

The link with a horror story novel, The Dunwich Horror by H.P. Lovecraft, is different and not without unexpected developments. I haven’t read this novel or any of H.P. Lovecraft’s novels but with what unfolds and the annual conventions for followers it sound almost cult like. Searching the internet it appears there is a H.P Lovecraft Film Festival in Providence 17 -19th August 2018. Providence being the home town of the “Weird tale author H.P Lovecraft” ( a quote from the hpfilmfestival.com). Love this link with reality - makes it even more scary, sad but not without hope.

So bottom line is I really enjoyed this novel even though it had a lot of sadness but.... hey ... that’s reality which is what makes the ‘weird’ angle scary.`

Thank you to Netgalley and publisher Simon & Schuster (Australia) for an ARC ebook to read and review.

Not a great fan. I tried to like this book but I just couldn’t. The characters were one dimensional and lifeless. The story meandered along and then just petered out. There were no big surprises, no huge reveals, no great “ahah” moments at all. For me it was just an average story that went on for far too long. Like I said, not a fan.