Knowing You is an exceptionally written story by Samantha Tonge. The author has included a storyline dealing with many of life's struggles; bullying, grief, heartbreak, self-doubt, self-esteem all told with honesty and sensitivity. Samantha Tonge's writing felt so warm and comforting one minute and the next you are emotionally drawn in to the heart and mind of a young girl having to deal with such a traumatic event at a tender age. My heart ached for young Violet.
Knowing You is the story of Violet Vaughan who is now living her dream as an editor at an independent publishers in London. She shares a flat with her boyfriend Lenny who is an aspiring book agent. Life is looking up until Violet's heart is left broken. This heartbreak brings back memories of times that Violet wishes she could forget but these events in her past have shaped her life now.
The story travels back in time to 2001 to when Violet was 7 years old and she'd recently moved house and had started at a new school. Violet hid so much of her life from her mother in fear of upsetting her any further but the trauma from this time that had evoked so many emotions in Violet would take a dramatic turn. It's not until the final chapters of the book that the author spins her tale a final time leaving you breathless.
Knowing You is a story that would resonate with many and I would highly recommend it to young adults at secondary school as I feel the story would give many young people hope and be life affirming. I felt every emotional struggle and battle in young Violet and in the young adult she has become. A storyline that feels very current with social media implying certain images causing anxiety and self-esteem issues in many but it's a storyline that will never go out of fashion as the nature of people will always struggle with moments of self-doubt.
An exceptionally written story that is emotive, thought-provoking but filled with assurance and hope. I believe it's the author's best story yet.

I adored this book. I deliberately chose to read it without looking at any other reviews or even the blurb so I had no idea what to expect, and I was not disappointed. Violet is an intriguing character, trying so hard to be liked and accepted after what we gradually find out about her childhood. I liked her friendship with three older ladies, her love of books and her devotion to her cat. As for the other characters - friends, flatmates, boyfriends and colleagues - all I can say is that not all is exactly as it seems. I felt for Violet as she tried so hard to change herself, believing it would make her happy, and the ending was perfect. An absolute no-brainer to give this novel the five stars it so richly deserves.

A really good read that I got through very quickly. Well written and pacey- my only issue was the sheer number of characters meant some of them fell a little flat.

Kind-hearted Violet has never fitted in, but despite being bullied at school is now content. She is dating ambitious Lenny, has her dream job in publishing and runs a book club at the local retirement home.

However, when her relationship with Lenny begins to falter, Violet, hurt and alone, seek the advice of her new flatmate, Bella. She changes her image and with her head held high aims to show that she doesn’t need Lenny in her life to be happy and successful.

Her long-term friends Kath and Farah worry about Bella’s influence and slowly Violet starts to distance herself from them. When she was a child, her closest confidant and companion was a boy called Flint. Her mother didn’t approve of their closeness and he suffered a terrible end. She won’t let the same thing happen to Bella, no matter what anyone says...

I enjoyed the book. I was a bit on the fence with too many characters. I would pick it up and continue. I am certain many with a great memory for names can enjoy it much more than I.
***Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy to review**

Violet thought she had it all and then....Lenny cheated on her! This throws her for such a loop that she agrees to a makeover from her new room mate Bella. Ah Bella. Bella has a secret but it's not what you think. Violet's back story spools out in flashbacks (she didn't have it easy as a girl) and so you might think you know what's going to happen but....no! Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. No spoilers but suffice it to say, this one will keep you turning the pages.

Violet has never fitted in, she had been bullied at school. She is dating Lenny, has her dream job in publishing and runs a book club at the local retirement home. Then her relationship with Lenny breaks down. Violet seeks advice from her new flatmate, Bella. She changes her image but her long term friends, Kath and Farah worry over Bella's influence. During Violets childhood her closest friend was a boy called Flint. Her mother did not approve of her friendship and he suffered a terrible end. She won't let the same thing happen to Bella.

The first half of this book lets us see what Violet is usually feeling and and how the breakup with Lenny had affected her. We are also introduced to her friends. Violet is quite a likeable character even though she is a it of an oddball. Some of the characters felt a bit flat. There are flashbacks to Violets childhood that helps the reader understand why she acts and feels like she does. Overall, a decent read.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Canelo and the author Samantha Tonge for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

OMG! That what comes into mind during and after reading this wonderful book.  I was so engrossed in it that I truely believe I would not have noticed a bomb going off beside me.

We follow happy Vi, having a job and a boyfriend she loves and being satisfied with the life she leads. But then lightning strokes and she finds herself heartbroken. In comes Bella, who is the perfect person to help Vi through it all. Is she such a good influence though?

The main part of the story takes place in the present, but the author takes us on a trip down memory lane as well where we meet a much younger Vi. 

We see the changes Vi goes through and little by little the author reveals who Flint and Bella are ...

This is a story that keeps you captivated the whole time. Never was there one part that was not interesting. It kept you in the dark about certain things, which I am not going to uncover of course. You just have to read it and experience it for yourself. You won't regret it. 

A 5 star rating for this emotional, heartbreaking story about the damage certain behaviour can bring about.

Thank you, Samantha Tonge and Rachel's Random Resources.

With thanks to Netgalley and Canelo for this ARC in exchange for an open and honest review.

Violet Vaughan had a comfortable but predictable life. Violet owned her own flat in London with her boyfriend Lenny, and had a interesting job as editor of children's fiction. On Valentines day Violet`s life shattered when she discovered that Lenny was having an affair with an editor from another publishing house.

Lenny moved out that same night leaving Violet confused and her self esteem at an all time low. Violet met Bella when she put an advert in the paper for a flat mate and they quickly became good friends, When Violet explained that Lenny left her for another woman, Bella decided she would give give her a makeover including diet and exercise.

As Violet slowly started to change, her old friends became worried and at one stage held an Intervention. Violet had come to rely on Bella for guidance and dismissed her old friends as jealous.

This book spans between the present and 2001 when she was bullied at school.

I expected Knowing You to be about a psychopathic flatmate. In fact the story was so much more than that, when Violet discovered Bella`s secret my whole world stopped turning for a second.

I love the characters in Knowing You especially Ellen her upstairs neighbour and the silver surfers from her book club. I liked both the old and new Violet and felt proud of her new look. It shows that there is a fine line between healthy living and complete destruction. I enjoyed the flashbacks to 2001 because it explained Bella`s lack of confidence.

There is so much more to this story then meets the eye, the ending was completely shocking. I highly recommend this five star read, I can't wait for Samantha Tonge`s next book.

I

Knowing You by Samantha Tonge introduced me to not only a new author, but also to a new genre, dark women's fiction. Ths is a well-executed examination of the lengths that one will go to in the interest of self-preservation. If you are looking for in-depth character analysis, a gripping storyline, and a startling revelation, then look no further.

Violet Vaughan is a book editor who is seemingly living the fairly typical life of a twenty-something professional in London. When her boyfriend Lenny leaves her for an editor from a rival publishing firm, Violet knows that she cannot let the injustice lie. With the help of her new flatmate Bella, Violet transforms herself into someone who becomes almost unrecognizable to her closest friends.

During this process of extreme makeover, the reader is provided with intermittent flashbacks to the events of 2001, when Violet was only seven years old. Violet is not only bullied terribly in school, but suffers a traumatic loss that will continue to shape the woman she will become.

Despite her flaws, Violet is a sympathetic character who is perfectly drawn. Her journey is one of pain, friendship, self-awareness and, ultimately, forgiveness. I will be seeking out more of Ms Tonge's writing in future.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Canelo for this ARC.

I have just finished reading the latest novel, 'Knowing You', from Samantha Tonge.

To state that I am breathless, would be an understatement...but I am. It's too often said that a book is 'unputdownable' though here, that does apply; in buckets.

I've been a fan of Samantha's so-called 'chick-lit' books for a while and so, when I heard about her departure into 'serious women's fiction', I had to give it a go, and I'd so glad I did. This is a serious bit of literature. Period.

If you want to know about the story, you'll find that elsewhere, I'll just tell you about the style and what I think of the book.

Ms Tonge tells a story of depth, perceptability that is at times hard to read because you know something is going on with Violet (the protaganist), though I had to read on. Also, and this is good as it makes things all the more believable, there are times that I just did not like her and the way she behaves around and treats her friends. As I said, do not let this put you off; this is realism folks!

Sam, my heartfelt thanks for writing such a magnificent story. It can only have come from a special place within in you, and I shall treasure it; always.

My thanks to Canelo and Netgalley for the review copy.

I absolutely loved this book. It was so different and unexpected. I really felt for the main character and the supporting cast were particularly well drawn. I absolutely didn't see the ending coming and thought it was fabulous - so original. I've already bought another Samantha Tonge book as a result. Definitely one to watch

Knowing You tells the story of Violet who works in publishing and is breaking up with Lenny her boyfriend, who has cheated on her . Full of grief, she turns to her new friend Bella who helps her turn her life around and gives her a new positive focus.

Violet's friends kath and Farah are concerned about her and are sceptical about Bella and her influence on Violet!

I loved how we read about Violets young life and this added depth to her character which gave the reader an insight into how her life had evolved.

The pressures facing woman today are definitely increasing , the need to fit in, to look a certain way and to portray a lifestyle that seems to have it all. With increasing social media use we find ourselves constantly comparing ourselves to others. This book makes you revalue these comparisons and realise no one has a perfect life and to put more thought into the true,yo important things and people in your life

I loved the characters in the book all so well written I could relate to them easily .Although I enjoyed the first half of the book it was the second half which had me gripped!! I was floored by the ending of the book, I honestly didn't see that coming!!! WOW!!

Thank you to Netgalley and Canelo for my chance to read this gripping, thought provoking book.

Utterly spell binding. I could not put this book down. The story telling is superb and draws you into the web of secrets. This is such an honest, heart felt tale. It’s just stunning. Highly recommended.

Knowing You tells the story of Violet, a junior editor who goes through a breakdown following a break up with her boyfriend Lenny over an intimate text she finds on Lenny's phone from a successful book editor. Hurt, she gets a new flatmate, Bella, and soon they develop a camaraderie. But Violet's friends Kath and Farah think she's not coping very well with the break-up. Kath encourages Violet to seek help. Though the story was hard to follow, I enjoyed it. The characters were interesting and relatable. Would recommend this book.

Thank you to Samantha Tonge, Canelo, and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was an amazing, empowering book. I will refrain from spoilers as it's a book you just have to read!!

Violet is something a little different from the norm, but she has one hell of a story and one hell of a secret!

Lenny is a bit of a creep....in my opinion....Valentines Day?? Really!?!! But enough of that.

Violet is good at her job....and I hope she kept it! (Hint that we need an update Samantha!!).

All in all it is an amazing book...and one that should be read by all and it will help them understand certain challenges that people face in life.

(Review by Lisa)

Hii, I don't have NetGalley, so I am adding my review on to Lisas'. I really enjoyed reading this book, I actually finished it in one day, I couldn't put it down.

I actually related to it all too much and have to admit I cried when I read one word in particular. I just want to say it has inspired me to get some help with my own issues and I want to wholeheartedly thank you for this. I think I may have been ignorant towards others who honestly had my best interests at heart and I brushed them away believing that they were just nosy and jealous.

Thank you Samantha....you are a true role model!!

(Review by Nancy).

A thought provoking and emotional book. I was not prepared at all for what it a lot of more than your standard 'chick- lit' /women's fiction - I was engrossed throughout, what a brilliantly written tale of the fragility of relationships, friendships and control.

Violet , our main character, is really likable and relatable. She thinks of herself as an odd ball who doesn't quite fit in or deserve any of the good things in her seemingly happy, comfortable life. She is a normal - kind hearted girl, loved by those around her and is admired for who she is. Only problem being that she doesn't see it.

The breakdown of her relationship with Lenny is the catalyst for her examining every part of her life and deciding that she needs to stop being the oddity, she needs to be better ao to compete with the type of women Lenny now wants to be with.

I enjoyed the use of flashbacks - helping to understand the reasoning and details of why Violet feels and acts how she does. To see how the issues she struggles with have deep seated roots.

The additional characters in the book are interesting. Some characters are the people she needs - the ones that stick by her no matter what; some are the people she desires - although they aren't necessarily the ones who want the best for her and are people she could do without. I liked how the friendships Violet had remained strong, how she had people on her side throughout.

Admittedly, I had my suspicions about certain elements of the book but I was still surprised and shocked. I'm not giving anything away - but I was pleased the twists were there. I think it's important to have a book like this around in today's climate.

Some may find it a tough read, it's emotional and quite hard in some parts. Don't get me wrong, it's not all dark and gloomy, but it is a read that will have you hooked until the end. It tackles some difficult, but realistic themes but Samantha Tonge has done so in a careful way, sensitively where you feel connected to the character and emotionally involved.

My first Samantha Tonge read and definitely not my last.

Thank you to Netgalley and Canelo for the copy in exchange for an honest review.

First, thank you to NetGalley, Samantha Tonge and Canelo publishing for an advance copy.

The book started out great. Samantha does a great job of introducing each character, especially main character Violet. As a reader you become very invested in Violet’s life, especially when you begin to learn everything she has been through as a child. It is great to see how as an adult Violet has a successful career and personal life. Although as an adult she also has her ups and downs, it was nice to see her gaining confidence to move forward.

I will say this, once the book reached its end, it takes an unexpected turn. I can see how these things can happen in real life, but as far as the flow of the story, I think if it would have been introduced earlier it would have made more sense and not caught the reader off guard. It would have also given the reader enough time to process what ended up happening to Violet.

I still recommend this as a must read, especially if you are a Samantha Tonge fan.

I was gripped by this story. I warmed to Violet and was saddened by her back story. I didn't see the twist where Bella's concerned coming. I really liked Violet's work colleagues and friends, and learning a bit about the publishing industry. I kind of guessed what was happening to Violet, and I'm pleased Tonge highlighted this issue because I can imagine it being all too common. The only negative for me was that I felt it ended too abruptly. I would have liked a little more. I like this switch of Samantha Tonge's to darker women's fiction. More please.

With thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Violet's story. I couldn't put the novel down and felt for Violet and her struggles with friendships and men. It was a well written and realistic portrayal of the pressures that a woman can face in today's society and it ended in a satisfying place although I was left wondering about how Violet would get on with her life. I haven't read anything by Samantha Tonge before but I will certainly look out for her novels now. She writes with empathy and has an eye for detail and creates wonderful warm characters. A great read!

Bloody hell! Read this in about 5 hours, staying up til I finished at 1:30am.

Knowing You is a fantastic book! It's the story if Violet Vaughan, who works in publishing. After her break-up, she meets Bella and together, they begin a transformation from Shrinking Violet to Vi.

Her story is emotional and real and really gripping. The mix of secondary characters are great, particularly Kath and the ladies.

Violet's back story is deeply moving and I cried for her.

I was left gasping and with my jaw on the floor when I finished reading this book. Bloody loved it.