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The Locket
When her grandmother passes away, Allison McCarthy—a reserved, self-reliant sixteen-year-old—flees the UK in a desperate attempt to escape the terrifying grips of the foster-care system.
Arriving in Kleinmond, South Africa, she begins a new life as a foreign exchange student. But Allison is hiding her true reason for being she’s searching for her biological father.
While staying with Marie Botha, Allison discovers that Marie’s seventeen-year-old son, Phillip, brings out feelings in her that she’s never known before. When Allison is diagnosed with a critical illness, the search for her father becomes crucial. Time draws tighter with each passing day, and the only key to her survival is a locket that belonged to her deceased mother.
Can Allison find her father in time?
Arriving in Kleinmond, South Africa, she begins a new life as a foreign exchange student. But Allison is hiding her true reason for being she’s searching for her biological father.
While staying with Marie Botha, Allison discovers that Marie’s seventeen-year-old son, Phillip, brings out feelings in her that she’s never known before. When Allison is diagnosed with a critical illness, the search for her father becomes crucial. Time draws tighter with each passing day, and the only key to her survival is a locket that belonged to her deceased mother.
Can Allison find her father in time?
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 6, 2023
1 person is currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
G.G. Fisher
2 books11 followersI am a freelance writer residing in the Western Cape. During my pregnancy, I learned there was a strong possibility that my daughter could be born with Down's syndrome. Becoming a mother re-ignited me with new-found inspiration to pursue my dream of becoming an author. Using my experiences, I hope to touch the hearts of parents who often go through so many trials and tribulations in solitude silence.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 12, 2025
I want to thank Willow Trading SA for providing me with a published copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is a quick, mindless read. No concentration is needed to follow the plot as it flows smoothly across the multiple POVs.
There is some editing needed here and there, concising a few sentences instead of writing them in multiple short form bursts. This reads ra-ta-ta-ta, it is a bit annoying.
Character growth across the story was okay, just a few minor things that weren't fleshed out, for example, Allison (a minor) fleeing after the death of her grandmother. The authorities would have searched for her because she called for the ambulance, even though the trip to South Africa was planned. I think this would have added a bit more depth to the plot and how she wanted to keep the info from Douglas and Marie.
Another is the relapse Douglas had, and he called another woman's name. And how Marie 'assisted' to get him back on track. I felt because it wasn't there the confrontation between Douglas and Marie felt a bit of a brush over.
The locket is supposed to be a big deal in the story, but I felt it was also a bit of a brush over, and I feel more mystery could have been implemented around the locket.
The character descriptions, oh boy... Every time at the mention of his blonde hair at pov change. I got it the first time the character/s was introduced. Thank you. We have one redhead, light brown and two black haired. Most of the characters in this novel are blonde. Personally, I don't care in that much detail about the clothes, designer or otherwise about each character.
I can recommend this to anyone who is looking for a very light read. This novel is also about second chances in life and in love.
This is a quick, mindless read. No concentration is needed to follow the plot as it flows smoothly across the multiple POVs.
There is some editing needed here and there, concising a few sentences instead of writing them in multiple short form bursts. This reads ra-ta-ta-ta, it is a bit annoying.
Character growth across the story was okay, just a few minor things that weren't fleshed out, for example, Allison (a minor) fleeing after the death of her grandmother. The authorities would have searched for her because she called for the ambulance, even though the trip to South Africa was planned. I think this would have added a bit more depth to the plot and how she wanted to keep the info from Douglas and Marie.
Another is the relapse Douglas had, and he called another woman's name. And how Marie 'assisted' to get him back on track. I felt because it wasn't there the confrontation between Douglas and Marie felt a bit of a brush over.
The locket is supposed to be a big deal in the story, but I felt it was also a bit of a brush over, and I feel more mystery could have been implemented around the locket.
The character descriptions, oh boy... Every time at the mention of his blonde hair at pov change. I got it the first time the character/s was introduced. Thank you. We have one redhead, light brown and two black haired. Most of the characters in this novel are blonde. Personally, I don't care in that much detail about the clothes, designer or otherwise about each character.
I can recommend this to anyone who is looking for a very light read. This novel is also about second chances in life and in love.
August 5, 2025
Beautiful Small Town Romance Read!
You are immediately drawn into the vivid characters who quickly find a home in your heart.
The Found Family trope and multiple POV keeps you engaged and wanting to find out more about these characters and how their lives intertwine.
This heartfelt novel will pull at your heartstrings.
You are immediately drawn into the vivid characters who quickly find a home in your heart.
The Found Family trope and multiple POV keeps you engaged and wanting to find out more about these characters and how their lives intertwine.
This heartfelt novel will pull at your heartstrings.
January 19, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ A thoughtful, emotionally rich YA journey that stays with you long after the final page.
From the first chapter I was drawn into Allison McCarthy’s world — a reserved, self-reliant sixteen-year-old suddenly uprooted by grief and guilt. After her grandmother’s death she flees the UK, clutching an old locket full of memories and questions she doesn’t yet know how to answer.
Fisher handles grief and identity with such nuance. Allison’s internal monologue feels honest without being indulgent, and her evolving relationships — with new friends she never expected, and with the past she’s desperate to understand — are the heart of the story. The locket itself functions as more than a keepsake; it’s a resonant symbol of the weight of memory and the courage it takes to let go.
The pacing occasionally dips, but those quieter moments only serve to deepen your connection with Allison. Emotional payoffs are rich and hard-earned, and the ending struck a perfect balance between hope and realism, leaving me thinking about the choices Allison made long after I closed the book.
Overall, The Locket is a beautifully rendered coming-of-age tale about loss, self-discovery, and how the stories we carry shape who we become. Perfect for fans of introspective YA with heart.
From the first chapter I was drawn into Allison McCarthy’s world — a reserved, self-reliant sixteen-year-old suddenly uprooted by grief and guilt. After her grandmother’s death she flees the UK, clutching an old locket full of memories and questions she doesn’t yet know how to answer.
Fisher handles grief and identity with such nuance. Allison’s internal monologue feels honest without being indulgent, and her evolving relationships — with new friends she never expected, and with the past she’s desperate to understand — are the heart of the story. The locket itself functions as more than a keepsake; it’s a resonant symbol of the weight of memory and the courage it takes to let go.
The pacing occasionally dips, but those quieter moments only serve to deepen your connection with Allison. Emotional payoffs are rich and hard-earned, and the ending struck a perfect balance between hope and realism, leaving me thinking about the choices Allison made long after I closed the book.
Overall, The Locket is a beautifully rendered coming-of-age tale about loss, self-discovery, and how the stories we carry shape who we become. Perfect for fans of introspective YA with heart.
August 14, 2025
This is a book about small town romance and found family. It focuses on how the characters grow and mature throughout the book. It's a very easy-going and smooth read, perfect for adults and teens to follow.
The characters are well developed and I personally love seeing how they make an impact on each other and their lives. The importance of each character is shown. I like how they mature and grow as you would see in reality.
The plot is well paced and has an air of suspense that keeps you wanting more. The locket is wonderfully woven into the story.
Overall, this is a wonderful book. Highly recommend if you want an easy and comfortable read!
The characters are well developed and I personally love seeing how they make an impact on each other and their lives. The importance of each character is shown. I like how they mature and grow as you would see in reality.
The plot is well paced and has an air of suspense that keeps you wanting more. The locket is wonderfully woven into the story.
Overall, this is a wonderful book. Highly recommend if you want an easy and comfortable read!
August 14, 2025
From the very first page, The Locket sweeps you into a world of vivid, unforgettable characters who quickly find a place in your heart. With the beloved Found Family trope and multiple POVs, every chapter keeps you hooked, eager to see how these lives intertwine.
Heartfelt, charming, and brimming with emotion — this is a story that will pull at your heartstrings long after you’ve turned the last page.
Heartfelt, charming, and brimming with emotion — this is a story that will pull at your heartstrings long after you’ve turned the last page.
January 22, 2026
I loved the dual romances- Doug and Marie and Allison and Phillip
Phillip was such a sweet MMC, and I adored how protective he was over his mom and Allison, "not touch her and die," kind of protective, which can be incredibly toxic. He was sweet, caring, helpful and stood up for what be believed in.
The vibes reminded me of Virgin River, I think it's the Dr in town, small town tropes that gave it that feel. But also so nostalgic like the love stories we read as teens or the shows we watched - think Dawson's Creek, One tree Hill, the OC all coastal and beachy, falling in love for the first time, coming of age, the summer job the whole shebang was like the summer of 1999.
I did not expect the outcome to be what it was. Take what you think you know and toss it. Well done Gem for fooling me😅
January 21, 2026
A beautiful and poignant small-town romance that I highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews