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Respect
Chantelle has everything going against her. She's a good student who only wants to pass her exams and find a way out of the sink estate in Manchester where she grew up. But now her feckless mother has taken off for Spain with her latest boyfriend and she's single-handedly raising her tearaway nine-year-old brother Leon. She thinks her worst problem is the debt collectors at the door. But Leon has made some new friends: teenage gang members who have given him a mobile phone, a knife - and some drugs to hide in her flat.
A part-time job seems to be the answer to Chantelle's prayers. But the violence is about to come home to her - with a vengeance. And the only person who's offering any help seems to be just as bad as the people she's trying to escape from . . .
A part-time job seems to be the answer to Chantelle's prayers. But the violence is about to come home to her - with a vengeance. And the only person who's offering any help seems to be just as bad as the people she's trying to escape from . . .
369 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 30, 2014
45 people are currently reading
415 people want to read
About the author
Mandasue Heller
36 books448 followersMandasue was born in Cheshire and moved to Manchester in 1982. She spent ten years living in the notorious Hulme Crescents which have since become the background to her novels. Not only is she a talented writer, but she has also sung in cabaret and rock groups, seventies soul cover bands and blues jam bands.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
November 17, 2023
Not my cup of tea or of any other beverage. Totally mediocre. Waste of time and money.
November 12, 2013
As always I was chomping at the bit to get the new Mandasue Heller book and was very pleased when my prayers were answered, and a preview copy landed on my doorstep. I had read the synopsis and was looking forward to getting stuck into another gritty crime book and I wasn’t disappointed! Chantelle and her brother Leon live with their sad excuse for a mother on one of the estates in Manchester. It took me only a matter of pages to adore the studious and sensible young girl, and lead character Chantelle. Her brother Leon is on the edge in terms of friends and the sort of people he hangs around with and trouble is lurking from the early pages.
One thing that struck me as different is that this book doesn’t go from standard crime to real dirty, gritty, crime (if you know what I mean). I got the real sense of a story that maybe isn’t that far from some people’s real life situations. Here are two young kids, being raised by a woman that isn’t fit to be a mother; and trying their best to make it work. When Chantelle’s mum does a bunk with her latest bloke, Chantelle has no other choice than to lie about her age and find part time work. At this point in the book we see the threat of danger slowly creep up.
Chantelle soon realises that things with Leon are getting out of hand and isn’t sure what to do. In addition to that she has no idea that she herself will bring danger to their door. Chantelle and Leon take centre stage in this latest book along with a few additional characters such as one of Chantelle’s acquaintances Anton. Although this didn’t have the same feel as some of MH’s other books there was something a little bit refreshing about it. I know, I know, I’m not the best at explaining but that’s the best I can say right now. Her favourite title of mine was Lost Angel and I’m afraid it still takes the title but this was still a first class read and one that I loved from start to finish. As always I was sad to finish this book and am even sadder I have to wait a whole year for another of her instalments.
One thing that struck me as different is that this book doesn’t go from standard crime to real dirty, gritty, crime (if you know what I mean). I got the real sense of a story that maybe isn’t that far from some people’s real life situations. Here are two young kids, being raised by a woman that isn’t fit to be a mother; and trying their best to make it work. When Chantelle’s mum does a bunk with her latest bloke, Chantelle has no other choice than to lie about her age and find part time work. At this point in the book we see the threat of danger slowly creep up.
Chantelle soon realises that things with Leon are getting out of hand and isn’t sure what to do. In addition to that she has no idea that she herself will bring danger to their door. Chantelle and Leon take centre stage in this latest book along with a few additional characters such as one of Chantelle’s acquaintances Anton. Although this didn’t have the same feel as some of MH’s other books there was something a little bit refreshing about it. I know, I know, I’m not the best at explaining but that’s the best I can say right now. Her favourite title of mine was Lost Angel and I’m afraid it still takes the title but this was still a first class read and one that I loved from start to finish. As always I was sad to finish this book and am even sadder I have to wait a whole year for another of her instalments.
July 26, 2016
Time taken to read - 1.5 days (I missed a day of reading)
Publisher - Hodder & Stoughton
Pages - 360 (uncorrected proof copy)
Blurb from Goodreads
Chantelle has everything going against her. She's a good student who only wants to pass her exams and find a way out of the sink estate in Manchester where she grew up. But now her feckless mother has taken off for Spain with her latest boyfriend and she's single-handedly raising her tearaway nine-year-old brother Leon. She thinks her worst problem is the debt collectors at the door. But Leon has made some new friends: teenage gang members who have given him a mobile phone, a knife - and some drugs to hide in her flat.
A part-time job seems to be the answer to Chantelle's prayers. But the violence is about to come home to her - with a vengeance. And the only person who's offering any help seems to be just as bad as the people she's trying to escape from . . .
My Review
Chantelle is fifteen and holding everything together, raising her nine year old little brother, Leon, whilst her mum gets wasted and parties. It is not uncommon for her to disappear for a few days and leave Chantelle holding the fort. However this time Mary, Chantelle's mum, goes off with her newest man and leaves Chantelle with nothing. All she wants to do is go to school and get on with her upcoming exams and stay out of all the trouble that comes from living in an estate. Leon quickly gets into trouble with a gang, Chantelle needs to find money so they can eat and try and track down her mum, before Marys debts fall on Chantelle and estate life takes over.
When you pick up a new copy of one of your favourite authors book, it is always with excitement, joy and apprehension. The last books have been fabulous and you worry that something will be lacking from this new one. Thankfully this was an unfounded fear, the book was fabulous.
Chantelle is a likable character, she is so young yet wise beyond her years. She has a strong family ethic and does what she has to to look out for her brother by taking a job as well as trying to keep up with studies. This leads her a new kind of trouble that puts her and Leon in grave danger. Only one person can help her, Anton, a local Lothario who has been giving her the eye since he got out of jail. Involving him is her only hope but is she trading one evil for another?
This story, I have to say, is quite different from the previous books. Yes there is violence, sex and all the usual we have come to expect and love from Heller however this one has very strong focus on family and loyalty which I really loved. Her mother is one of the most despicable characters and Chantelle's only role model however she still cares about her. As much as she wants to better herself and do well at school she doesn't look down on anyone and her brother comes first, at all costs despite him being a wee horror for a lot of the book.
I really enjoyed this, 5/5 for me this time and you only have to wait until the end of the month before you can get your hands on a copy. Available from the 31st f January 2014, for all good retailers. I received an advanced copy from Emilie Ferguson from Hodder & Stoughton in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher - Hodder & Stoughton
Pages - 360 (uncorrected proof copy)
Blurb from Goodreads
Chantelle has everything going against her. She's a good student who only wants to pass her exams and find a way out of the sink estate in Manchester where she grew up. But now her feckless mother has taken off for Spain with her latest boyfriend and she's single-handedly raising her tearaway nine-year-old brother Leon. She thinks her worst problem is the debt collectors at the door. But Leon has made some new friends: teenage gang members who have given him a mobile phone, a knife - and some drugs to hide in her flat.
A part-time job seems to be the answer to Chantelle's prayers. But the violence is about to come home to her - with a vengeance. And the only person who's offering any help seems to be just as bad as the people she's trying to escape from . . .
My Review
Chantelle is fifteen and holding everything together, raising her nine year old little brother, Leon, whilst her mum gets wasted and parties. It is not uncommon for her to disappear for a few days and leave Chantelle holding the fort. However this time Mary, Chantelle's mum, goes off with her newest man and leaves Chantelle with nothing. All she wants to do is go to school and get on with her upcoming exams and stay out of all the trouble that comes from living in an estate. Leon quickly gets into trouble with a gang, Chantelle needs to find money so they can eat and try and track down her mum, before Marys debts fall on Chantelle and estate life takes over.
When you pick up a new copy of one of your favourite authors book, it is always with excitement, joy and apprehension. The last books have been fabulous and you worry that something will be lacking from this new one. Thankfully this was an unfounded fear, the book was fabulous.
Chantelle is a likable character, she is so young yet wise beyond her years. She has a strong family ethic and does what she has to to look out for her brother by taking a job as well as trying to keep up with studies. This leads her a new kind of trouble that puts her and Leon in grave danger. Only one person can help her, Anton, a local Lothario who has been giving her the eye since he got out of jail. Involving him is her only hope but is she trading one evil for another?
This story, I have to say, is quite different from the previous books. Yes there is violence, sex and all the usual we have come to expect and love from Heller however this one has very strong focus on family and loyalty which I really loved. Her mother is one of the most despicable characters and Chantelle's only role model however she still cares about her. As much as she wants to better herself and do well at school she doesn't look down on anyone and her brother comes first, at all costs despite him being a wee horror for a lot of the book.
I really enjoyed this, 5/5 for me this time and you only have to wait until the end of the month before you can get your hands on a copy. Available from the 31st f January 2014, for all good retailers. I received an advanced copy from Emilie Ferguson from Hodder & Stoughton in exchange for an honest review.
March 4, 2014
brilliant from start to finish. I really enjoyed this book.
August 14, 2018
I really enjoyed this book, shows you what people can go through without letting others knows.
It made me feel very privileged and thankful to my parents for how they brought me up though!
Chantelle is the most kind, and loving person, glad she gets her happiness in the end.
It made me feel very privileged and thankful to my parents for how they brought me up though!
Chantelle is the most kind, and loving person, glad she gets her happiness in the end.
August 29, 2014
I was really looking forward to reading this novel by Mandasue Heller as I'd read one of her previous books and thoroughly enjoyed it. I had concerns that this one might not live up to my expectations, but I needn't have worried as Respect is just as impressive.
Sixteen year old protagonist Chantelle lives with younger brother, Leon, and their erstwhile mum, who thinks nothing of swanning off for weeks at a time, leaving her children to fend for themselves. Chantelle does her best to look after Leon, but the situation rapidly spirals out of control when Chantelle bites off more than she can chew.
Chantelle is a magnificent lead, believable and wonderfully written; her situation described impeccably and supporting characters both colourful and engaging. The world that Chantelle lives in is brought to life with Heller's clever use of language and descriptive prose.
I found this novel so hard to put down that I read it in just one sitting! The story gripped me from the outset and played havoc with my emotions. I'm so glad I got to devour Respect, and would like to thank the great team at bookbridgr for enabling this. 5/5.
Sixteen year old protagonist Chantelle lives with younger brother, Leon, and their erstwhile mum, who thinks nothing of swanning off for weeks at a time, leaving her children to fend for themselves. Chantelle does her best to look after Leon, but the situation rapidly spirals out of control when Chantelle bites off more than she can chew.
Chantelle is a magnificent lead, believable and wonderfully written; her situation described impeccably and supporting characters both colourful and engaging. The world that Chantelle lives in is brought to life with Heller's clever use of language and descriptive prose.
I found this novel so hard to put down that I read it in just one sitting! The story gripped me from the outset and played havoc with my emotions. I'm so glad I got to devour Respect, and would like to thank the great team at bookbridgr for enabling this. 5/5.
August 12, 2016
Another cracker from the wonderful author Mandasue Heller. I have enjoyed all of her previous books and this was another brilliant page turner of a read. I got stuck into the plot very quickly and was totally immersed with the goings-on in this gritty tale. I would have finished this book in one go if I had the time rather than grabbing any spare moment I had. Can't wait for the next book.
September 27, 2017
4½ stars
This was another brilliant book from Mandasue Heller. There is the usual mix if characters, good and bad and the story builds nicely to it's conclusion. I'm never disappointed with any book from this author.
This was another brilliant book from Mandasue Heller. There is the usual mix if characters, good and bad and the story builds nicely to it's conclusion. I'm never disappointed with any book from this author.
May 15, 2022
I liked the storyline of the book, a talented teenager living with her useless uncaring mother and her 9yr old out of control little brother who gets involved with a local gang and hides weapons and goodness knows what else in their flat. They live in Manchester and it seems as if there are marauding teenage gangs around every corner.
I actually struggled to finish this as I found it fairly boring and it just wasn't holding my attention. It only got more interesting about half way through, but by now I had had enough, maybe not in the right mood to read this book, so I confess I skim read the the last half.
I actually struggled to finish this as I found it fairly boring and it just wasn't holding my attention. It only got more interesting about half way through, but by now I had had enough, maybe not in the right mood to read this book, so I confess I skim read the the last half.
March 8, 2020
I love Mandasue Hellers books they are always a good read and i have just finished respect.
Chantelle really has her work cut out looking after her 10 year old brother after her mum just continues to deny her responsibility to her children and taking her 16year old for granted. Chantelle lands herself a job after her mum disappears once agsin this time to spain with some greasy low life she met on a one night stand, only this time Chantelle who has earned some good cash from her job is finding it really hard to control her brother and also lands herself into a lot of trouble.
Chantelle really has her work cut out looking after her 10 year old brother after her mum just continues to deny her responsibility to her children and taking her 16year old for granted. Chantelle lands herself a job after her mum disappears once agsin this time to spain with some greasy low life she met on a one night stand, only this time Chantelle who has earned some good cash from her job is finding it really hard to control her brother and also lands herself into a lot of trouble.
January 9, 2019
I didn’t want to put this book down. It’s the perfect amount of suspense mixed with a little romance. We follow 15 year old Chantelle and her 10 year old brother Leon through their low class struggles along with typical teenage struggles. I found myself shaking my head and wanting to sit Chantelle down and have a chat with her many times. I was so drawn into the book that it’s all I could think of when I put it down. I highly recommend picking it up
March 5, 2019
I do like Mandasue Heller books, not read one for a while and this one reminded me to look out for more of her books. There are so many good authors and books out today I am finding it harder to keep up with them all. lol Maybe if I stop going to the library and buying books and read the ones already in the house. Yeah right! as if that can ever happen.
October 5, 2023
I just love how this author writes. It’s so real and raw. And so easy to read
Dealing with hard hitting issues. I loved this one. Chantelle was a kick ass girl just thing to do right by her brothers. I would have shopped her mum as soon as. Especially when she stole all her money. Despicable.
Such a good read.
Dealing with hard hitting issues. I loved this one. Chantelle was a kick ass girl just thing to do right by her brothers. I would have shopped her mum as soon as. Especially when she stole all her money. Despicable.
Such a good read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2017
This is the second recent Mandasue Heller book I have read where the central character is a teenager and though didn't dislike the book I didn't enjoy it as much as the first few books I read, I prefer adult main characters. Having said that I expect I will still continue to read this author.
July 1, 2020
First time with this author, and I wasn't disappointed. Read in a day and a bit. If you like Martina Cole, you will definitely like this. Liked the was it was written and was captivating from start to finish.
June 2, 2025
Loved this as I did Broke. I noticed they are written with similar language. But I would read most of these books. The chapters are short, which always makes me want to read more.
The only thing I that annoyed me after everything she still thought her brother should be with his mum! 😡
The only thing I that annoyed me after everything she still thought her brother should be with his mum! 😡
September 17, 2017
3-4 stars. I really didn't like this book very much to begin with, the first 40% is boring, but it gets so much better as it goes along, and I enjoyed the second half.
January 14, 2018
Ok read, enjoyed
May 21, 2018
another fab read would highly reccomend it
August 13, 2018
Another good book
I realised I had read it before, but I still read on Mandasue gets you to read yet another page, you won't be disappointed 👌👍Enjoy 🔰
I realised I had read it before, but I still read on Mandasue gets you to read yet another page, you won't be disappointed 👌👍Enjoy 🔰
August 26, 2018
Yet again a fantastic read by this author
August 29, 2018
Intrigue, suspense, a magnificent book, the author has a way of drawing you in, so you don't want to put it down, would reommend
May 28, 2019
As gripping and fast paced as her other books.
July 8, 2019
Another great book
I am just loving this author every time I read one they get better and better. Can’t wait to start the next one.
I am just loving this author every time I read one they get better and better. Can’t wait to start the next one.
July 9, 2019
Fab
Liked this story...yet again ups and downs from this author done it again hard to put down great plot right till the end
Liked this story...yet again ups and downs from this author done it again hard to put down great plot right till the end
December 8, 2021
Not her best, but ok
March 7, 2022
Another fantastic read from Mandasue Heller. Both of her novels that I've read recently have been amazing.
I cannot stress how glad I am that I found her as an author
I cannot stress how glad I am that I found her as an author
October 15, 2024
Really enjoyed it
November 12, 2024
Loved this book
March 23, 2025
Loved loved loved this book. Didn’t want to put it down
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews