A Mother’s Love

Keep You Safe by Melissa Hill is a marvellous contemporary read set in Ireland that will have you hooked from the start.

At the novel’s heart is the question of to vaccinate our children or not? It is a complex issue and there are no easy, set answers.

The novel is also about motherhood. Every mother tries to do what is best for their child. There are no universal answers except one – love your child. Every mother tries to keep their child safe and love unconditionally.

Life interrupts our daily living. Sometimes life hits and we have to go with the flow, struggling to survive. “I’m scared to death… I’ve never felt so helpless.”

Fame and fortune are fickle bed fellows. The novel explores how everyone stands with you in the good times, but at the slightest hint of trouble, you often stand alone.

Friends are important. We all need good friends but what happens when that friend is caught in the middle?

Gossip is dangerous. It fuels many fires. We need to squash it before it takes hold.

Social media plays a huge part in today’s society. It can make or break people.

Keep You Safe was written from the point of view of two mothers. One voice was in the first person and the other the third. The reader sees and empathises with both points of view.

There are many themes within the novel but ultimately it boils down to motherhood, safety and love. Motherhood divides. Motherhood unites. We all want the best for our children but we may not all agree on what that is.

A compulsive read which I ‘lived’ for the duration of the novel. A splendidly constructed story.

I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

JULIA WILSON