This was an okay easy read. Don't know if in real life any cases actually went to court where parents didn't vaccinate so quite interesting.

This is an emotional thought provoking book about the reactions of communities and families when parents choose whether to vaccinate against MMR and the complications that can happen to a child who gets measles. I wanted to read this book in one sitting but that was not something I could do!! A very good book.

Thought provoking, unputdownable, utterly addictive, full of emotion in places, and incredibly well researched is just about the best way I can sum up this new direction for Melissa Hill.

Focusing on a topic that can be controversial, vaccinations, and the book manages to put forward all manner or arguments for and against the topic, it rationalises the two very different reasons that Madeline and Kate made to not vaccinate their children, and takes you on a rollercoaster ride.

It feels like a book that was really in two distinctive parts. The first main part of the book focuses on the two families, and how they cope when their children become ill with measles. You are with them every step of the way and in the case of one family things don't go smoothly. Which brings us onto the second main part of the book which I can't talk about as I can't phrase things the way I want without giving major spoilers.

There was a very small section in the middle of the book which felt slightly flat to me, but that is because its the transitional bit between the aforementioned two main focuses.

At the heart of this all Madeline and Kate want is to keep their children safe, they just have completely different approaches and situations. One is a single mother, the other is a parenting blogger who courts publicity.

My own opinion towards each character altered over the course of the book, at times I found myself more sympathetic to one than the other. The chapters generally focused on one of the two perspectives at a time, and I felt I really got an idea as to how both of the families would react to certain situations.

I have been a fan of Melissa Hill books for many years, and the second I saw the blurb for this, although it felt a lot more serious, I knew I had to read it. And wow was I right, I found it as quick to read as her previous works, but 1000 times more unputdownable, its compulsive reading at its best, and I had to know how everything was going to turn out.

Keep You Safe is touching, its brilliant, the story is relevant and relatable too, with some great characters and flowing writing. I couldn't have enjoyed this book more.

Thank you to Netgalley and HQ for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

Keep you safe is the story of Kate and Madeleine whose children for different reasons have not had the MMR vaccine.

Kate is a young widow with a lively 5 year old daughter, Kate works as a nurse and is just about managing to keep her head above water. Rosie was unable to have the MMR vaccine due to a severe allergy to some of components in vaccinations, so Kate hopes that with luck everyone else will have vaccinated their children.

Madeleine is married to Tom, she is a successful blogger who has gained fame for her “Mad Mum” blog and both her children have not been vaccinated by choice because of the apparent connection between the vaccine and autism which has been disproved..

Rosie and Clara are in the same class at school, another child in the class has just contracted chicken pox and when Clara becomes ill, Madeleine who has a television appearance scheduled thinks that is what she may have and decides to send her to school, little thinking that her child has measles. When Rosie ends up in hospital with a life threatening illness due to measles, Kate decides to sue Madeleine and Tom.

This is a well written book, the subject is a controversial one and everyone has their own opinion on whether to vaccinate or not. This is a compelling read, it makes you think about how the choice of one can so adversely affect the life of someone else. Highly recommended.

Well if ever a book reminds you that there are two sides to every story, it's Keep You Safe by Melissa Hill. I would have said I had little or no interest in the topic of vaccines, but this book transformed it into an absorbing subject. I engaged with all the characters and thoroughly enjoyed every single page of this courtroom saga.

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First Line of Keep You Safe by Melissa Hill

“The bell rang out and on cue they started to approach all at once, like a stampeding herd.”

5 Reasons to Read Keep You Safe by Melissa Hill

Mothering Theme:
Two very different mothers practising different parenting styles, and making opposing decisions made for an intriguing theme.  Each mum soul searched for the best choices for their children based on their unique situations (which I won’t spoil).  However one mother’s choice not to immunise her child resulted in unbearable suffering for the other mother.

Thought-provoking Plot
While reading, I pondered the subject of vaccines and the pros and cons like never before.  Which might sound a bit dull, but when you add in the personal stories covered in this book, then it became a very conflicting and engaging topic.

Forum Commentary
I loved the forum comments scattered throughout the book.  In today’s world, people spout heated opinions on social media, and the various rants, vicious comments and character attacks rang scarily true to life.

Relatable Characters
Whenever I pick up an issue driven plot, I’m hyper aware that this may overshadow the character development in the book.  This is assuredly not the case here.  At the end of the day, even though the plot is rock solid, it’s the characters who made me care.  And as a bonus (for me anyway), one of the main characters runs a blog.

Courtroom Drama
I always welcome a good courtroom battle, especially on such a controversial and emotional issue.  Waiting on the verdict, knowing that there were really no winners, added a tense and unpredictable element to the story

The Bottom Line

I devoured this book, just like I have all Melissa Hill’s books.  This feels different to her previous novels, but it still features that jaw-dropping twist that she is famous for.  So both thumbs up from me, and I’m already eagerly awaiting her next book.

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Who should read Keep You Safe by Melissa Hill?

I can’t recommend this enough if you like courtroom dramas, poignant but controversial themes, and a lively cast of characters.  Fans of authors such as Jodi Picoult and Diane Chamberlain should also enjoy.

Thanks to NetGalley and HQ for giving me a copy of this book for review consideration.  As always, no matter what the source of the book, you get my honest, unbiased opinion.

I normally love Melissa Hill but this was a total miss for me, I just couldn't get into it and gave up after a few chapters which has never happened with one of her books....shame

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.