Favorite Quotes:

My first love was an assistant manager at the local bookshop where I had a Saturday job. It was then that I realised the most attractive thing about a man was the width of his reading list.

Uncle Kevin got headhunted. Sounds scary, doesn’t it? Makes me think of my favourite Horrid Henry story about cannibals. It means he got offered a job in America, the place where people eat bacon with pancakes, do cheerleading and own guns.

I need help persuading Farah that there is no health scare big enough to warrant switching to soya milk.

I have a habit of calling on people at the worst moment. Like when Gran’s in the middle of putting on her tights or my brother has just plastered his face with shaving foam.

If she were an item of stationery, she’d be a stapler. Uncomplicated and unassuming but holding everything together.

I try not to think about it. But when I look in the mirror, I worry. I worry that the woman staring back isn’t me. She’s a stranger and I can’t find an instruction manual.

My Review:

Knowing You was an exceptionally engaging and thoughtfully written tale. I was intensely absorbed and quickly entranced by the ever enticing and smoothly fluent flow of the writing as well as the captivating narrative. Ms. Tonge’s emotive and nimble writing style deftly hit all the feels while peeling back an elegant vulnerability of the highly sympathetic character of Violet at different ages and timelines. Her poignant storylines were ingeniously paced, cunningly crafted, vibrantly detailed, and adroitly evocative. I was so impressed I raced to Goodreads and added her entire backlist on my TBR.

In addition to a new favorite author to fangirl, I also garnered two new additions to my Brit Word List with bedsit – which appears to be what I know as a studio apartment, and collywobbles - which appears to have several meanings such as nervousness and/or a queasy stomach.

This book was amazing! I starting this book on a Friday night and was done by Saturday afternoon! I could not put Knowing You down! Samantha Tonge is an amazing writer! This storyline was epic!!! I can not wait for to read more from her!


** lol very short review due to the fact I don't want to give any spoilers of all the jaw dropping moments lol**

I started this book fully expecting it to be the usual story about a psychotic woman who moves into the home of the main character because she has devious plans to exact some sort of revenge because of something that the main character did or didn't do in the past. Well,I should really know by now,not to judge a book by its synopsis. Knowing You is a enthralling,thought provoking story that has some dark themes that,depending on their circumstances might upset some readers. But the author has written these themes in a realistic and sensitive manner.

This is the story of Violet,who's seemingly perfect life has just come tumbling down like a tower of books after she discovers that her boyfriend Lenny has been cheating on her. Hurt and alone,Violet seeks advice from her new flatmate Bella who encourages her to change her image,hold her head high and show Lenny that she doesn't need him.in her life to be happy and successful.

Violet's long term friends Kath and Farah are very concerned about her and are sceptical about Bella and her influence over Violet. But Violet doesn't want to listen to what her friends are trying to tell her and starts to distance herself from them. When Violet was a child, her only friend was a boy called Flint who encouraged her to stand up to the bullies at school. Violet's mum didn't approve of Flint and he met a horrible end. Violet is not going to let that happen to Bella, no matter what anyone else says...

The diverse cast of this character driven drama were all relatable,vivid and realistic. It made a refreshing change that the male characters were compassionate and considerate and not the uncaring,thoughtless characters that you normally encounter in books. There was a number of likeable characters,my favourites being Kath and the other members of the book club,Farah and Casey. I had mixed feelings about Violet,there was times when I disliked her and times when I felt so much empathy for her. Violet worked in publishing and being a avid book reader it was fascinating for me to read about how cut throat the world of publishing really is. I admit,as a reader, I take books for granted, you just read a book and then move onto the next one. You don't stop and think about all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes before us readers get to the read a book.

Interspersed throughout Knowing You was chapters that were set in 2001 when Violet was seven that gave the reader insight and a bit of understanding into why Violet feels and behaves the way that she does.

I thoroughly enjoyed this well written,emotional,thought-provoking story,from the first page,right through to the unexpected,jaw dropping conclusion. I honestly didn't want to put it down. This is the first book that I have read that was written by this author and it most definitely will not be my last. Very highly recommended by little old me.

It's totally true that the more we love a book, the harder it is for us bloggers to write the review.  This is how I feel trying to write this one today.  

I'm completely heartbroken after reading this devastating yet beautiful book about loss, love, friendship and dealing with the things about ourselves we don't like. 

Meet Violet.

Child Violet - A bookworm who never really fits into her new school and then suffers a very devastating loss that leaves both her and her mother in a lonely place.  She meets Flint, a friend who she has adventures and can talk to about anything.

Pre-Lenny Violet - Now a kindhearted adult working in the publishing industry and living a quiet but happy life with her partner Lenny and her cat.  She runs a book club with some elderly friends, takes care of her neighbour and is genuine friends with her colleagues.    

Post-Lenny Violet - Has a new housemate named Bella who has encouraged Violet to shed her old image and re-create herself.  Violet's friends grow increasingly concerned as she shuts herself off from her previous life.

Violet's story made compelling reading and I just couldn't put it down.  Throughout the first half of the novel I was thoroughly enjoying reading about Violet and her transformation after her break up.  It was only after a while that I realised there was something darker and sinister lurking in the shadows. 

Samantha Tonge has written this with such sensitivity and poignancy that you cannot help but become part of Violet's story.    

All I can say is read this book!

A compulsively readable tale of friendship, secrets and deception that gets under your skin and will keep you glued to its pages, Knowing You is the latest mesmerizing novel from best-selling author Samantha Tonge’s ingenious pen.

Violet has spent most of her life being an outsider. She wasn’t remotely liked at school and was frequently picked on and bullied, however, now that she is all grown up, Violet finally feels as if she is reasonably content. She has managed to secure a job she absolutely loves in publishing, runs a book club at a local retirement home and is also dating ambitious Lenny. Violet feels as if she is living the life she was always meant to be living, however, when her relationship with Lenny begins to run out of steam, she decides to confide in her new flatmate, Bella. Her new house mate advises her that she does not need a man to be happy and fulfilled and that the best way to get over a man is by taking control of her life and not let anyone dictate to her. However, should Violet be so trusting of Bella? Does her flatmate have the best of intentions? Or is there a far more sinister undercurrent which Violet is completely and utterly unaware of?

Slowly but surely, Violet finds herself distancing herself from her old friends and becoming completely and utterly enthralled by Bella. Farah and Kath had been friends with Violet for ages, but they cannot help but be worried and concerned about her and the influence Bella is exerting over Violet. Despite her friends and family’s concern, Violet absolutely refuses to listen to reason and is adamant that she will not sacrifice her friendship for anybody – not even for the people who love her most in the world. As a child, Violet’s friendship with her best friend Flint had come to a an acrimonious end – and this time Violet is determined that history will not repeat itself.

Is Violet wise not to heed her family and friends’ pleas to proceed with caution with Bella? Or will she end up regretting her decision to pursue this unorthodox friendship?

Fans of Liane Moriarty are going to devour Samantha Tonge’s latest novel. Knowing You is a dark, tense and captivating book that will grab your attention from the very first line and shock, entertain, tantalize and terrify you. Brilliantly written and densely plotted, Knowing You is a heart-pounding and nerve-jangling read that will make your jaw drop and have you hiding behind the sofa.

Samantha Tonge has effortlessly made the transition from writing rom-coms to darker women’s fiction novels and with Knowing You she continues to establish herself a first-rate storyteller with a terrific gift for penning outstanding novels that are impossible to forget.

'Knowing You' really is an 'expect the unexpected' type of read. One which caught me off guard due to the similarities between the main characters issues and my own personal hurdles.

Violet is the type of character who wears her heart on her sleeve and, even though she tries not to let it show, its pretty clear from the onset that Violet's emotions are dangling on a thin piece of string, ready to break at any moment.

Without giving too much away, 'Knowing You' delves into the psychological hurdles of a person who has a mental addiction. To other people, addictions are assumed to be from alcohol or drugs, yet other mental addictions such as eating disorders and the like, don't often linked to such heading due to the lack of understanding and awareness surrounding them.

I thought it was brilliant just how raw and close to the bone, Samantha Tonge, wrote about her themes in the book. There wasn't any of the shying away from the situation, or pretending it didn't exist, instead putting addictions in the spotlight in the only way it could be done - honestly.

I did find the storyline quite hard to read at times, and I did end up looking at my imperfections upon finishing the book, but i felt the author did a blinding job at making readers sit up and take notice of the hidden, yet often turbulent compulsion. 

Samantha Tonge has written an emotive, poignant and rollercoaster novel which truly blew me away and left my jaw dropping to the floor. I wasn't expecting to read what I did, but I am so glad that an author has decided to lay the themes in this book, bare whilst still believing in her characters and their flaws.

What a book! A carefully crafted masterpiece that I completely devoured in one single sitting. What started off as a gorgeous cosy read quickly took on a sinister vibe that gently simmered below the surface with just the right amount of unease to keep you turning the pages.

The themes approached in this book are of a serious nature which I'm sure will resonate on some level with each and every reader. The writing carefully crafted these topics into the story line in a way that is to be applauded. At no moment did the material preach or dictate but layed out these elements in a caring way that will allow others to relate and understand.

The plot was extremely well crafted and unfurled layer by layer at a fascinating pace. Violet was a complex character with deep and tangled emotions. Her life has dealt her many obstacles that have in turn rendered her life challenging. At times her lack of self love was difficult to witness and I'm still not convinced she has made it safely out the other side. But I can only hope for a kinder and better life for Violet Vaughan.

Knowing You is a tangled web of mystery and wonder that will leave you in awe. I was enthralled from the opening page and couldn't put it down and I know you will be the same to.

I love this book! It had me gripped all throughout. I was screaming at the page as Violet ignores all her old friends in favour of Bella, her new flatmate and confidente. Emboldened and encouraged by Bella's suggestions, Violet undergoes a radical transformation. But not everyone is happy with the new Violet...

The author has written with passion and sensitivity about emotive subjects, such as self-esteem, bullying and loss. I found Violet to be instantly relatable, and my heart was breaking for her as I read her story. It resonates deeply even now, weeks after I read the book.

Violet is a terrific young woman who has almost everything she wants ... a great job in publishing, caring friends, and a boyfriend. Well not the boyfriend. She caught him cheating so he is gone. And with it, her self confidence.

Her new flat mate, Bella, aims to bring Vi's self confidence back. She gets Vi on an exercise plan, eating much healthier food ... and a lot less than she normally would. She talks her into buying new clothes as the pounds melt away. Changes her hair style. Pretty soon, she's almost unrecognizable. Her friends are really worried. She's moved away from her friends, until Bella is all that's left.

This is a story of metamorphosis in a woman who feels she is less than what she could be. Bullied as a young child by other school children has never been forgotten. She had one friend .. .a boy named Flint, who was her best friend, who understood Violet.

Her mother didn’t approve of Flint and he suffered a terrible end. Vi won’t let the same thing happen to Bella, no matter what anyone says...

KNOWING YOU is about friendships and knowing who to trust with your deepest darkest secrets. Violet is learning about taking control of her own life ... or is she?

This is a very well written story with credible characters. There are twists and turns that lead to an astounding ending.

Many thanks to the author / Canelo Publishing / Netgalley for the advanced digital copy of this Psychological Thriller. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

4.5 STARS

It took a while for me to become absorbed in this book but as the story progressed, it turned into quite a nail-biter and not at all what I was expecting. I don't want to spoil the ending but although I could see the signs early on about what was going to happen to Maisie, the ending caught me by surprise. The fact that this is based on the author's own personal experiences has made me determined to be less judgemental. We never know someone else's story. As a society, I think we all need to be a bit kinder and Violet's story is raw and hard-hitting. Perfection is definitely overrated. This is a book that I will be thinking about for a long time to come. It's not easy to read and I'm sure it wasn't easy to write but it left me feeling like I'd been punched in the face. Well done!

Stunning! This is a wonderfully insightful read which draws you in and let's you get right into Violet's psyche.

Violet works as an assistant editor in a publishing house and, unlike the vast majority of her colleagues, is quite comfortable in her own skin. However, when her live-in partner leaves her for another - more fashionable - woman, Violet's world begins to change. Lonely on her own, she makes the decision to find a new flatmate, and that's when the new Violet begins to take shape . . .

I've enjoyed Samantha Tonge's rom-coms, but this is certainly a lot different. Engaging and topical, this has a highly original plot. The details of the publishing industry were enthralling and I found myself very quickly invested in events. We find out more about Violet's childhood as the book progresses and the details of her life then and now are interesting and attention-grabbing. And the ending? Never saw that coming, not in a million years. Absolutely awesome and totally enjoyable. I'm loving the new direction this author's work is taking, and look forward to reading much more in future; it so deserves a full house of stars!

My thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for both my copy of this novel and for inviting me to take part in this Blog Blitz promotion. This is, of course, my honest and unbiased review.

This novel took me by surprise and shook up my work schedule. There is no way I was able to concentrate on anything else before knowing what happened to Violet. If you are a fan of psychological thriller, you would see it coming I am sure. Since I am not, the ending left me astounded.
Being my first book by Samantha Tonge, I could very well say her popularity is well earned. The elegant diction tugs at your heartstrings and will sweep you off your feet. And what I loved most is the way it is set in the publishing industry giving us a very intimate picture of the editorial process. I have always wondered how it is to work as an editor - the passion, creativity and the happiness when your hands help to deliver a perfect book - and now I know. Thank you, Samantha, for the touching compliments on book bloggers that you have lavishly supplied in between the pages. I just couldn't help myself from glowing while reading those words.
The novel takes a dual narrative mode with Violet's present interspersed with the memories of her childhood. Bullied and alone in school, her only friend was Flint who instigated her to follow through her outrageous impulses. Effortlessly written, it won't take us much time to side with Violet in everything while she pulls through the betrayal of Lenny with the help of her new flatmate.
Altogether a brilliant piece of work that will thrill you and make you weep. Without any doubt, one of the best books of 2019.

My thanks to Canelo for an eARC via NetGalley of Samantha Tonge’s latest novel, ‘Knowing You’, in exchange for an honest review.

First off, this was superb example of contemporary Women’s Fiction. One that I feel will appeal to reading groups as there is a great deal of scope for discussion as well as being well written with engaging main and supporting characters.

Violet Vaughan is a kind-hearted young woman, who has always loved reading and books. She now lives in London working as an editor for an independent publisher. She is in a relationship with Lenny, who also works in publishing for a literary agency. She runs a book club at a local retirement home and loves cats. Generally a lovely person.

When things suddenly go wrong with Lenny, she finds herself alone. Her new flat mate, Bella, encourages her to change her image to get revenge on Lenny by showing him (and the world) that she doesn’t need him to be happy and successful. Good plan and yet her long time friends soon start to be concerned about Bella’s influence.

Along with the events in the present, the narrative also explores Violet’s life in 2001 when she was seven being bullied at school and coming to terms with loss.

While at first it may seem like chick-lit and does have its lighter moments, ‘Knowing You’ explores darker themes including self-esteem, bullying, and loss among others. I won’t say more as again this is a novel best read ‘cold’ avoiding spoilers.

In addition, Samantha Tonge provides an interesting glimpse into the inner workings of the contemporary book trade and also commentary on the potential pressures exerted by Instagram and other social media sites upon lifestyle and identity.

A very thought-provoking novel. I was captivated by it. This was my first novel by Samantha Tonge and glowing endorsements by readers familiar with her writings makes me want to read more.

I enjoyed reading One Summer In Rome by Samantha Tonge last year, and was intrigued to see what her move from romantic comedy to psychological thriller would bring. Knowing You is a slow burner and at first, it is all about the characters. The central character, Violet, seems a little like me: a shy bookworm who is happier on the sofa with a book and a takeaway than painting the town red, so I found it easy to get to know her and relate to her struggles to fit in and move on from her ex-boyfriend. But Violet does not steal the show by herself. Casey is a little more outgoing, but he has a heart of gold and I fell in love with the women at the book club, especially when they began their foray into book blogging and social media! Farah and Irfan, her work colleagues, are also a valuable source of friendship.There are sections of Knowing You that take the reader back to 2001. These really helped me to feel sympathy for Violet and see how she came to be the way she is. I was intrigued by Flint throughout the novel and wondered how he could be related to events in the present day.From the beginning, Knowing You is impeccably researched. The publishing industry is one with which Tonge is obviously familiar and this enables her to create a realistic environment for Violet to inhabit. But Tonge also explores several other issues in this novel, which contribute to a rather unexpected twist. I do not want to spoil it, but to make it work must have taken a lot of detailed research and planning.

I truly enjoyed the book. Violet gets dumped by her boyfriend and finds the way to get back at him. That is the story of million girls around the world. Great ending and body awareness. Story about self confidence and self worth. Couldn't recommend more

Violet has a career she loves, and a relationship that she is happy with, the first part of this story follows her life as a children’s book editor, which is interesting, she has lots of friends mostly older than her, but they value her friendship as she does theirs.

The present-day narrative is broken up with stories from Violet’s childhood, and a particularly momentous event that takes place and effects the young girl deeply.

It’s impossible not to feel empathy for Violet as a child, and to admire what she achieves as an adult. Then something happens to change her outlook on life and the secrets of her past resurface in a dangerous adult version.

This story is beautifully written. Violet is a lovely character and you want her to realise that beauty comes from within and that she doesn’t need the opinion of others to validate her. I loved the sincerity and the easy flow of this book, it’s easy to read but it makes you think. The characters are believable, as are their motivations and actions.

Even though you may guess what is happening, you are never sure until the end. The full impact of Violet’s story resonates, and it’s a poignant and powerful message.

A curious mix of revenge fiction and family drama, this story will hold your interest until the last page.

I received a copy of this book from Canelo via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

OMG!! This is another amazing, riveting read from this very talented author. It is a story which deals with some issues in a very sensitive and caring manner but I don't want to reveal just what those issues are as that would spoil your enjoyment of the book!

This is the story of Violet Vaughan, who now works as an editor of children's books in a small publishing house, Thoth, and shares the impact of events from 2001, when she was seven years old, and the present day after she discovers her boyfriend has been cheating on her. It is a story of different friendships, about coping with events and taking control of them for your own advantage. It is about learning just who to trust - who has your best interests at heart and who is out for themselves. It is about self image, changing yourself and your outlook through your appearance, behaviour and expectations - but is this for yourself or to meet the expectations of others? Is the guidance of others accepting you and helping you improve or is it malicious manipulation with an unknown goal?

This is women's fiction at its best, with a decidedly dark element. I loved her friends from work and the retirement home and there are some laugh out loud moments so don't anticipate it being a doom and gloom read, it isn't. This is an emotive and thought provoking story, with plenty of surprises in store. I just didn't want to put it down - and that twist at the end, fantastic!

I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.

I love this author but I found it hard to get into her new book "Knowing You by Samantha Tonge" at first and then Bang I loved it! I could not put this book down.
Knowing You is about close friendship, knowing who to trust with your all your deepest secrets; it’s about taking control of your life and not being afraid to stand out. We have all been there at some point of our life.

This book may get you thinking of your life and you may of told someone some secrets you wish was still hidden!

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

This multi-layered story intrigued me and shows a new far deeper direction for the author. Violet was a complex character deeply affected by something that happened when she was a child leaving her with a lot of issues it takes courage to face up to. The flashbacks were a good way to explain her better and helped when she wasn’t always likeable or easy to understand. As a writer I thoroughly enjoyed the insights into the publishing word, it often felt like listening at the door to things you weren’t supposed to overhear! It’s hard to review this story without giving away certain aspects and spoiling it for other readers. Sensitive issues are tackled with compassion and are thought provoking.

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.