Keep You Safe

Wow okay so it definitely wasn't kidding when it said it was an issue-driven novel, the debate regarding vaccination was at the forefront of the book the entire time and was in my opinion well thought out in regards to giving both sides of the argument in a fair and non-subjective way. Though saying that as the events went on it did tend to sway back and forth. Now in regards to vaccinations itself I'm not really going to go into the differing opinions, as one I'm pretty sure people already have their own opinions and thoughts regarding this and two as I don't have kids I don't really feel I'm in a position to say too much on the subject as who knows in different circumstances I may have a different opinion.

The novel focuses on the story of two mothers who in essence have made the decision not to vaccinate their children for different reasons, one medical, one personal. When both little girls get sick, one ends up in a life threatening situation, while the other recovers quickly. This leads to a court case, an issue which is debated heavily online and personal attacks on both mothers. Now what captured me most about this book was how realistic it seemed. As I mentioned both thought processes behind the decisions were explored extremely well and I generally felt I could understand where both mother's were coming from, as well as that I really felt as if I was reading a number of the comments online and not from a book. Public opinion is a fickle beast and the author was really able to demonstrate that. As for the characters both mothers were well developed though I will admit to liking one more than the other. The two little girls did not have much or a role in the book (apart from getting sick) but it was obvious most of what was done was for them. How the events played out kinda of made me think of a Jodi Picoult book (controversial issue, multiple POV, inevitable court scene) which sort of made me love it more but as I mentioned I think the main thing I loved was just how easy it was to follow the differing thought processes and how different circumstances can result in different decisions as well as no matter how much research and thought we may put behind something, you just can't predict all possible outcomes. It's definitely a book I would highly recommend.

I really got into this book and read it in one day. i felt for the characters. when Kates daughter Rosie becomes sick with measles it is the beginning of a nightmare. Rosie is allergic to the vaccines. a powerful story that really makes you think and is scary to think how easily it can happen. thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Australia for an advance copy of this book to read and review