Keep You Safe

by Melissa Hill

A mother always knows best. Doesn't she? 

For single mother Kate O'Hara, there was no decision to make. Her daughter, Rosie, is one of a small percentage of children with a disorder that prevents them from being immunized. All Kate can do is hope that herd immunity keeps the disease at bay and her little girl safe. 

For Madeleine Harrington, vaccinations were a leap of faith she wasn't prepared to take. Which was why, following much soul-searching, she and her husband declined controversial measles shots for their daughter, Clara. All she can do is pray that it was the right decision, and if her little girl becomes sick, she gets through it unscathed. 

But when both girls wind up in the same elementary school class, telltale red spots appear on Clara Harrington's chest, and on Rosie's a few days after. When one child recovers as the other's health becomes more critical, the two mothers find themselves across a very deep divide—when all they wanted was to keep their children safe.

A stunning, addictive and powerful new book club read that explores every mother's worst fear and hardest decision from beloved Irish bestselling author Melissa Hill.

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Book Club, Chick Lit, Adult Fiction, Audiobook, Adult

417 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 22, 2017

About the author

Melissa Hill is a USA Today bestselling author living in Ireland’s beautiful County Wicklow. Her page-turning contemporary novels of family, friendship and romance are published worldwide and have been translated into twenty-six languages.

A Hollywood adaptation of her international bestseller Something from Tiffany's, by Reese Witherspoon's production company Hello Sunshine and Amazon Studios, was released worldwide in Dec 2022.

Other novels including A Gift to Remember and The Charm Bracelet have been adapted for screen by Hallmark Channel USA, with multiple other titles currently also in development for film and TV.

For more info, visit her website at www.melissahill.info

Facebook: facebook.com/melissahillbooks

Instagram: @melissahillbooks

Melissa also co-writes forensic thrillers with her husband under the pseudonym Casey Hill. http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...

Reviews

[Deanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

My reviews can also be seen at: https://deesradreadsandreviews.wordpr...

4.5 Stars!!!

“What if your choice for your child could harm someone else’s?”

The above sentence alone made me want to read this novel. I was intrigued and after reading the description; I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. This was my first read from Melissa Hill and it was a good one!

A mother knows best, doesn’t she?

The book opens as Kate O’Hara is waiting for her five-year old daughter, Rosie to come out of pre-school. It’s imperative that Kate is never late, that she is always there before Rosie comes out. Because if she’s late by even one minute, her daughter will panic and the memory of “That Day” will come flooding back. It’s been two years since that day, though it seems like yesterday. It was the day their lives were forever changed.

So she will do her best to make sure that she never lets Rosie down.
***Possibly very minor spoilers ahead***

Rosie is a lively little girl who prefers dinosaurs over princesses. When she casually mentions that a classmate was sent home sick that day, Kate feels a twinge of anxiety but relaxes when her daughter says that the other child has chicken pox. Kate doesn’t have to worry as Rosie has already had the chicken pox.

To vaccinate or not is one of the difficult decisions a parent has to make. Rosie wasn’t vaccinated for the mumps, measles or other typical childhood illnesses.

“I had found out very quickly that when you made such an admission to health professionals, school authorities, or, worst of all, other parents, you were immediately judged. Written off as irresponsible, foolish, and downright stupid.”

But Kate is not negligent or foolish….

When Rosie was just a baby she had a terrifying reaction to her first round of immunizations. Rosie was severely allergic to one of the components that is in almost all live vaccines. After giving it tremendous thought and speaking with their doctor they decided that Rosie would not receive the standard childhood vaccinations and they would hope that herd immunity would prevail.

This is why Kate must always be on guard about Rosie’s health and the health of her classmates. She can’t afford not to be.

It is Kate’s job to keep Rosie safe.

But Madeline Cooper, and her husband, Tom chose not to vaccinate their two children, five-year-old Clara and eight-year-old Jake for very different reasons. And her daughter, Clara is Rosie O’Hara’s classmate.

When Kate hears that the Coopers don’t believe in vaccinations she’s unnerved. Kate had no choice but to opt out of the program but the Coopers had WILLFULLY declined. There was no way that “herd immunity” was going to work if there were parents who chose not to participate.

Madeleine runs a popular blog for mothers called “ Mad Mum ”. She will be appearing on a popular morning show called “ Morning Coffee ” in a couple of days to talk about her opinions and controversial blog posts.

The morning of her TV appearance, Madeline can see that Clara is not feeling well. But her husband has already left for work. If she cancels her TV appearance last-minute she doubts the “Morning Coffee” producers will invite her back. So Madeline makes the decision to send Clara to school.

She tells herself that chances are everything would be fine….kids are always coming down with something or another.

When Kate steps into her daughter’s room and sees Rosie, sweaty, flushed and covered in spots. Her first thought is that her poor daughter has come down with the chicken pox AGAIN. Then her nursing training kicks in. She looks closer at her daughter’s spots, at the small, red clusters everywhere. She recalls the sick classmate, Clara Cooper. The child that apparently isn’t vaccinated against serious childhood illnesses. Then she looks at her own daughter again….the flat spots….the clusters. This isn’t chicken pox.

It’s the measles…..

Madeline’s daughter recovers from the measles quickly. Unfortunately, Rosie isn’t as lucky as she takes a turn for the worse. Did Rosie contract the measles from Clara? Kate protests when people start getting in her ear about how the Coopers should be held accountable for their decisions. She figures it’s just one of those things that happens, but some people don’t agree and bombard Kate with their opinion.

“Think about it. She doesn’t protect her kids from infectious diseases and then she sends her feverish daughter to school. She deliberately put ours at risk”

Then Kate happens to see the ever opinionated Madeleine Cooper on TV talking about “helicopter parents”. Parading around like a parenting expert, without a care in the world, while Kate keeps vigil beside her daughter’s hospital bed.

“How dare she”

Suddenly it’s Cooper vs. O’Hara…a media circus. The town is divided as the debate grows even more heated.

Are the Coopers responsible for what happened to Rosie?

But everything may not be exactly as it seems.

Keep You Safe was an excellent read. The story alternates between Kate and Madeline’s point of view, though we do hear from a few others as well. All of the characters are very well drawn: flawed, human, compelling and realistic in terms of how they relate to each other.

Interspersed are blog posts, newspaper articles, and chat rooms and chat boards. These help show the different opinions and also show just how harsh the public can be…especially the online public.

It was interesting reading the different reactions of not only the parents but of the doctors and specialists in the book. I also enjoyed reading about some of the science behind contagious diseases.
Melissa Hill has obviously done her research. Keep You Safe is an extremely thought-provoking, emotional, and unforgettable read. Perfect for Book Clubs. Lots of great discussion topics. I’m really looking forward to reading more from Melissa Hill.

Thank you to HQ Publishing for providing an advanced readers copy of this book for me to read in exchange for my honest review.

[Crumb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are you at fault when a decision to protect your child backfires? Can you be to blame if something unforeseen and completely disastrous occurs when your only intention was to covet and shield your child from harm?

These are the questions that Melissa Hill unpacks by vehicle of this novel. Nothing could ever prepare our protagonist, Madeline, for the consequences that result from simply trying to protect her children.

If that isn't a draw to make you read this book.. than I don't know what is! Honestly, when I read the summary of Keep You Safe: A Novel , I knew I had to read it. I tend to lean toward books cloaked with controversy. The age-old vaccination debate, at the center of this novel, isn't just cloaked with controversy, however, it's soaked with controversy! This is an epitome of a page turner that hits on many hot-button issues.

Melissa Hill was more than well-equipped to handle these topics and did so with a grace and deftness not every author possesses. It wasn't always easy to see who the clear-cut "hero" was and I wasn't always certain whom to feel anger toward. However.. aren't those the best novels? Aren't the best books those that make us reflect? I certainly think so.


I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Keep You Safe by Melissa Hill is most certainly an issue driven book. You may never have considered vaccination as an issue. My generation took it for granted as something you just did. I still highly value the blessing vaccinations bring in countering many illnesses. Yet there are those who differing thoughts about it. I have a niece who does not believe in vaccinations for her children, and it worries me, so when I read Trish at Between my Lines review, for Keep You Safe I knew it was a book I wanted to read.

It is a highly engaging story, tracing the story of two children who contract measles, one recovers and one suffers some serious side-effects. The book explores the two sides, that of mother Madeleine and that of Kate. Both women are so plausible and as a reader my sympathies were with both of them. The heart ache that both experience tugged at my heart. What are their reasons for not vaccinating, what are the consequences and risks of that? I hadn't thought of one of the consequences explored so that was thought provoking.

The way the story moves along, with a local community plus an online presence is interesting. Madeleine is a blogger and when things turn pear-shaped the amount of judgement and vitriol was saddening. There is a court case that follows that further reveals personalities, and there is a surprise ending. I knew there would be one but wasn't sure what it would be.

This is most definitely a book I'd recommend, both for the issue it explores, but also the plot and characters make for a highly readable book, with just a small taste of romance to add in that was a small but beautiful addition.

[Trish at Between My Lines · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Between My Lines

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.

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.

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.

[Michelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

Maybe it's just me, but I resent someone trying to force me to feel sympathy for a character who lacks any empathy or foresight.

[The Book Review Café · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️


I decided to read Keep You Safe as I was intrigued by the book description it’s the first book I’ve read by Melissa Hill and what a book it turned out to be, it’s a thought provoking read, and it’s one that will certainly cause heated debate amongst its readers. My own son was vaccinated and there was no doubt in my mind at the time I was doing the right thing, back in the early 1990’s it wasn’t something you questioned, with the lack of internet you took everything medical experts told you as gospel. Keep You Safe certainly gave me food for thought. Although I was expecting a controversial read from the book description I wasn’t expecting to find Keep You Safe to be such an emotive and compelling read.

Keep You Safe is the story of two mum’s, Kate and Madeline, who like any parent want to keep their children safe and do the best for them. Both of mum’s decide not to vaccinate their daughters for very different reasons, and when they both contract measles one women’s decision becomes the basis for a legal battle. The story is told alternating from the point of view of each Mother, from the off I found Madeline to be a character I disliked, not because of the choices she made, but because she’s not a particularly endearing character, but that said her character fitted the storyline perfectly. As for Madeline I couldn’t help but have a great deal of empathy for her plight, in fact I became so involved in her heart breaking story I became very emotional (tears were shed). I always think if an author has managed to evoke strong emotions in me they’ve done a remarkable job.

Melissa Hill has written a well crafted book full of emotion it offers a compassionate look at both sides of a controversial topic. The author’s writing and structure of the novel reminded me very much of author Jodi Picoults books, with a moral dilemma and court room scenes, so although not highly original the author has still managed to make Keep You Safe a throughly captivating read.

Every character in this novel seems to have an opinion on the Pro and Anti Vaccination debate, Should vaccinations be mandatory or should it be down to personal choice? Are parents who don’t let their children have vaccines irresponsible? this book raises so many questions, it’s a minefield that’s for sure. Melissa Hill has obviously researched the subject in great depth, and manages to present both sides of the argument in an unbiased tale. Keep you safe is full of emotion and engrossing, it’s heart warming and heartbreaking in equal measures, it’s a story that will pull on the most hardened heartstrings and it’s definitely a book I would recommend.

All my reviews can be found at http://thebookreviewcafe.com

[Dale Harcombe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four and a half stars.
Every parent makes choices for their children. This book focuses on the issue of vaccination. For single mum Kate O'Hara, she never had the choice of whether to vaccinate her child Rosie against measles, because Rosie is one of a small percentage of children allergic to the vaccine. Vaccinating her could be life threatening. Blogger, Madeleine Cooper and her husband Tom had a choice. Believing they had studied the information available they elected not to vaccinate their children, Jake and Clara. When Rosie and Clara both come down sick, it sets all sorts of issues into motion. This book deals with a controversial, topic and wraps it around in a story that is both emotional and heartbreaking.
My sympathy went out early on to Kate, who had already suffered the death of her husband a couple of years earlier. Even though I agreed with Madeleine in some areas of her parenting, it was harder to sympathise with her. She came across too often as self-serving and self-absorbed at times. Lucy who was friends to both these women is put in a difficult position when Kate and Madeleine come into conflict. As often happens these days, social media comes into play and the reader sees just how opinionated, spiteful and downright hateful some people can be when they take to the keyboard.
This is a thought provoking and emotion engaging read that had me absorbed from the beginning. I lived every moment with these characters. My husband caught the gist of what was happening throughout the book by my emotional responses. All the way through I kept wondering how the author was going to resolve the core issue. My one reservation about this book was certain aspects of the ending. While I liked some aspects, others didn’t gel quite so easily. It was so, so close to being a five star read till then. Still this is a great read that should give any parent cause to think seriously about the issue. A book I found hard to put down. Characters were strong and believable.

[Ria · Rating 2 out of 5]

"good mother or bad... who decides?"
i do. vaccinate your kids you fucking weirdos.

i don't like it when books try to make me sympathise with complete idiots so it is not getting more than 3stars just for that. like babe what do u mean your child will be autistic if u vaccinate it?


"why should making the best decision for my child somehow make me responsible for someone else's?"


i was gonna give it 3stars but it took me over a month to finish it so it's gonna be a 2. i was just so bored. NOTHING interesting happens.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5/5

This is a thought provoking read, concerned with choices which are controversial regarding the voluntary vaccination of children against Measles, Mumps and Rubella. Carla and Rosie are two girls attending the small village school and neither of them have been vaccinated. Carla didn’t have it because her parents chose not to have her vaccinated. Rosie was severely allergic to ingredients in the vaccine so was unable to have it. Both girls develop Measles within days of each other and the author clearly portrays how horrendous this is for them and their families. As one child recovers, the other has life threatening complications . . . and I don’t want to say any more about the plot or I’ll be giving too many spoilers away - you’ll just have to read it yourself to find out what happens!

The story is about how two mothers strive, in their own ways, to keep their children safe. Their dilemmas regarding vaccination really resonated with me for very personal reasons - my daughter is also severely allergic to contents of the original vaccine, so was unable to have it. (A different version has since been developed and she was able to have it as a teenager, administered in hospital with a frightening number of staff in attendance....) When she was young, I dreaded anyone getting Measles! This story is my nightmare from her childhood brought to life! 

Should everyone be able to make their own choice to vaccinate or not? What about protecting those unable to be vaccinated? What happens when your choice puts others in danger? My attitude to the two ladies oscillated through the story as both points of view are shared alternately. I really didn't like one of the other ladies, though, at any stage in the story. There are so many issues raised! It was so easy to relate to the different characters and the story itself is so enthralling that it is a book I didn’t want to put down - I had to know what happened!

It is an emotive, touching tale of motherly love but with dilemmas intertwining and diverting along the way to keep the reader totally captivated. The final twist is brilliant. I didn’t see it coming at all. The controversy regarding vaccination will no doubt continue but this heartwarming story clearly demonstrates both pro and anti-vaccine points of view in a highly engaging and enthralling read, a true page turner that I have absolutely no hesitation in highly recommending.

I requested and was given a copy of this book via the publishers and this is my honest opinion after choosing to read it.

[lacy white · Rating 5 out of 5]

A super special thank you goes out to Goodreads and Harper Collins publishing/ Mira Books. Thank you so very much for allowing me to read this book beforehand. Please note that this is an uncorrected proof that I read. So somethings I mention might not be in the final version of the book and that they are totally subject to change!

Wow! I mean, I am just floored with what I read. From the first page to the last page, it was an incredible, thought provoking book. I mean, I am at a loss for words. And that twist at the end. I can’t even believe it.

Okay, let me get my thoughts in check. I took notes on this book, as I always do. It filled up the whole page plus on the side. That is how much I had to say about this book. Knowing me, I will forget to mention half of it. But I shall do my best. I also don't want to give a lot away. I don't know what the policy is on reviewing ARCs so I will try my best.

I’m not going to lie. Not even 20 pages in, I was mad. I was so mad that I had to put the book down and read Harry Potter to cool off. I was so infuriated with Madeline and her family. I’m not giving anything away, because it's on the back of the book, by saying that she chose voluntarily not to vaccinate her kids due to what she and her husband read online about the MMR vaccine. For those that don’t know, MMR stands for measles, mumps and rubella. The HPV vaccine was also mentioned which prevents cervical cancer.

In case you guys didn’t know, I am a huge proponent for vaccinations. It is one of things I am seriously passionate about besides mental health and LGBT rights. I was vaccinated as a child and I'm totally fine. I got the HPV when I was older and the only thing that was bad was I had sore arms for a couple of days. I know that these vaccines SAVE LIVES. There is NOTHING you can say that won’t tell me otherwise. Yes, there is always that slim chance that someone could get sick from the vaccines but that percentage is tiny. I get so angry seeing outbreaks of diseases that are totally preventable and were nearly eradicated because of people who buy into the debunked study that vaccines cause autism.

That is another thing that really grinds my gears. Anti vaxxers are so worried that vaccines cause autism that they would rather let their child run the risk of getting a horrid disease such as polio (which can cause deformities while the child is growing) than deal with a illness that is can be managed when caught early enough. Is autism seriously worse than polio, cervical cancer, measles, etc etc etc??? Let me answer that for you. NO. NO it is not!

Alright, stepping down from the pedestal. But seriously, this book will make you angry if you are on the side that I am on. I think Melissa Hill was trying to show both sides of the story. And I totally understand that. In fact, she really did a good job of doing it. Much to my dismay, I did start to feel pity for Madeline. I didn’t understand her reasonings why she didn’t vaccinate her children nor do I approve of it, but I felt bad for what she was going through. Obviously not enough to side with her. And I obviously disapprove of it.

I’m going to end it here because I don’t want to give everything way. I really highly suggest that you all read this book when it comes out which is in August. This book has a lot of positives, such as the multiple POVs from everyone involved. It didn’t become too much and I actually enjoyed getting the different thoughts from people. I really can’t see any downsides to this besides maybe you’ll get angry like I did and have to put the book down for a little while. Work through that anger, as I did, and I promise that you will like this book and everything it has to offer. I'm so glad that I won the giveaway and got a chance to read this book!


Before the read

OMGGGGG!! I won a copy through a Goodreads giveaway. I never win anything so I'm stoked. Plus this is a topic that I'm incredibly passionate about. I believe that vaccinations save lives and I believe that if you are able to get vaccines (I know that some health issues can prevent people from getting them), then you should get one. NO exceptions. Vaccines. Save. Lives. End of discussion.

I can't wait to get my copy and read it!

[Amanda - Mrs B's Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
To vaccinate or not to vaccinate your children? For some parents the decision to vaccinate is not so easy. With claims of autism and other side effects associated with the vaccine floating around, some parents choose not to vaccinate their children. For the main characters in Melissa Hill’s novel Keep You Safe, Kate and Madeleine, both have chosen not to vaccinate their children. Kate’s is for a valid medical complication reason, while Madeleine’s is based on an informed choice she and her husband made. Either way, the decision this set of parents made in the past, has implications for the future health of their daughters. Vaccination is a divisive and emotive topic, which Irish novelist Melissa Hill explores in a well-rounded manner, through her latest release, Keep You Safe.

Parenting is a tough gig, where so many choices, both minor and major, play a part in the day-to-day struggles of raising children. For single mother Kate, the decision on whether or not to vaccinate her young daughter Rosie was ultimately decided for her. Rosie is one of a handful of members of the population who cannot receive the MMR vaccine, due to a medical condition. Kate must hope and pray that her daughter is kept out of harm’s way disease wise. Madeleine on the other hand, is a successful mummy blogger who made an informed choice with her husband Tom to refuse the recommendation of a vaccine for their young daughter Clara. Staying firm with their choice, they too only hope that Clara does not contract the diseases the vaccine sets out to prevent. Clara and Rosie attend the same school and class in a small Irish town. When they both get very sick, it has far reaching implications for all involved.

Irish novelist Melissa Hill’s latest novel, Keep You Safe was our book club pick for this month. Keep You Safe is the first book I have read by the popular author Melissa Hill. Keep You Safe provided plenty of fodder for discussion over the preconceptions, societal expectations, angst and pivotal facts surrounding the vaccination debate for our book club. After reading an online newspaper article about this novel and an accompanying interview with the author, I found it interesting that the impetus for the creation of this novel was Hill’s own experiences in deciding to vaccinate her own daughter some years ago. Hill admits that she was troubled by reports that the MMR vaccine was linked to autism, a link that has since been debunked. Despite this, Hill acknowledges the negative responses parents often receive when they choose not to vaccinate their children. There is no denying this is an emotive issue with plenty of associated grey areas.

Hill provides the reader with a representative case of both sides of the vaccination debate, courtesy of the experiences of her characters. I came out of my reading of this novel feeling much more informed and aware of the issues of vaccination and measles. Hill strives to provide an objective view of the issues revolving around vaccination. I know personally I was not aware of the fact until I read Keep You Safe that the decision not to vaccinate your child can be taken off a small percentage of the population’s hands if the vaccine causes other medical problems, which is the case with young Rosie. It truly is heartbreaking and Keep You Safe is written in such a way that the reader is able to put themselves in the shoes of the main protagonists, Kate and Madeleine and consider how they would react to the situation in which these two mums are faced with. The format of novel also provides the reader with enough background information to begin to form a valid opinion of the main divisive subject. This includes blog posts, social media tweets, texts, emails, notes, parent forums, newspaper articles, evening news reports and court reports. All these narrative sources provide a comprehensive picture of this emotionally wrought case.

Kate and Madeleine, the main characters of Keep You Safe are realistic, well depicted and come across as convincing on the page. Initially, I found it much harder to like Madeleine, the mummy blogger and mother who sends her sick daughter to school. She definitely earned my ire as a parent! But then I saw Madeleine was just human and made a choice all parents face. Ultimately, Madeleine makes a mistake and she pays dearly for this error in judgement. However, I eventually grew to forgive Madeleine and I even felt sorry for her as the book progressed. By the close of the novel I had made my peace with her. Kate on the other hand was a character that I felt a sense of immediate sympathy. The loss of her husband to sudden adult death syndrome (I’ve never heard of this before) and the tough life she leads gained my respect. It was heart wrenching to read the scenes involving Rosie’s contraction of the measles virus, I’m not sure how I would have coped in similar situation. Kate is a selfless and devoted woman, who I developed a strong bond with through reading Keep You Safe. Kate and Madeleine are supported by a cast of secondary characters who all have a part to play in the unfolding story, from close friend Lucy, to Kate’s hardworking lawyer Declan and Madeleine’s husband Tom. These characters provide plenty of drama, speculation, twists and turns in the book to keep you locked into the novel’s proceedings.

Keep You Safe is a thoroughly researched novel that is written in an accessible way. It also works to highlight the pros and cons of the controversial anti vaccination debate very well. Hill’s style reminds me of Jodi Picoult and I am sure this narrative approach will appeal to many readers. I am recommending Keep You Safe to book clubs in particular, as it contains plenty of material to discuss, most likely inciting a hearty discussion of the main issues at hand.

[Rach · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read overall, what brought the rating down for me was the quality of writing. The dialogue was inconsistent, particularly when switching between first and third characters with no real structure or purpose, and was quite repetitive. The legal aspect felt poorly researched and slapdash. New characters were introduced randomly later on with no introduction, adding to the confusion around dialogue. Decent subject matter but poorly executed, I found the twist at the end more irritating than shocking. I would probably recommend but not my favourite book of the year.

[Kat Ficalora · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book.

I really, really did.

I was hoping for a story with insight into the anti-vax and conspiracy camps, all while maintaining solid reason and understanding of vaccinations.

Instead, I had a book that delivered a moral along the lines of "People get sick, bad things happen! You can't prevent it!" Methinks that he term herd immunity was not fully understood here, despite it's numerous uses in the book.

[Sue Gerhardt Griffiths · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Keep you safe by Melissa Hill covers the sensitive subject matter ‘to vaccinate or not’ your child/children against childhood diseases. A terrific and well written, thought provoking book. There’s plenty of drama in this compelling tale and a conclusion that was very satisfying.

A fascinating read!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 Stars

A thought provoking and issue driven book concerned with the choices we as parents make to vaccinate our children.

Two children opted out of the vaccination program for different reasons and both come down with measles. Who is to blame? It’s a failure of science or of parenting?

This issue is a contentious one and the reader sees how the story goes viral — everyone has an opinion on who is at fault. Melissa Hill has written a vivid and real book and no matter where on the issue you fall — one fact remains true — both parents in this book did what they felt was most important to keep their children safe.

I highly recommend Keep You Safe and think it would make an excellent book club pick too!

[Liz Barnsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

In “Keep You Safe” Melissa Hill takes on the vaccination debate in a fictional setting and the whole thing was utterly gripping, thought provoking and ultimately made it difficult to absolutely come down on one side or the other.

Two children, opted out of the vaccination programme. One for very very understandable medical reasons – there is a very real chance a jab could kill her. The other for very different reasons, a stance taken by parents afraid of possible side effects. Both girls become ill – one mildly, one severely. The Herd Immunity that should have protected Clara, with her lack of any real choice, failed but is it a failure of science or parenting?

It’s an intelligently told take on a provocative subject that Melissa Hill makes very human – by exploring the fallout for both mothers, adding in takes from other parents watching on and throwing in the hive mind that is social media, she creates a very strong emotional core to both character and consequence that will have you completely enthralled.

I read it in one sitting – so immersed was I in this community, small and supportive, an issue like this that goes viral, everyone has an opinion, sides are taken, lines drawn in the sand – through this two very different mothers, living with very different circumstances, have to cope and manage an untenable situation. The writing is beautiful, the characters vivid and real, the subject matter extremely important and the author never loses sight of the most important aspect here – that of the children and keeping them safe.

This is a novel that will affect each reader differently – I’m a strong advocate of vaccinations – but by the end of this book I at least understood the motivation and the reasoning behind the decision to opt out that wasn’t driven by a medical allergy – I still did not agree with it but I could see it. I was impressed with how the author made the argument for both sides with such emotional clarity, taking the reader through a myriad of feelings and regrets, whilst also making the scientific aspects easily understandable.

Overall Keep You Safe is a novel that will stay with me. In the end as parents we can only do the best that we can – this story will keep you thinking and the ultimate resolution is cleverly placed to make you do just that.

Highly Recommended.

[Mandy White (mandylovestoread) · Rating 4 out of 5]

i really got into this book and read it in one day. i felt for the characters. when Kates daughter Rosie becomes sick with measles it is the beginning of a nightmare. Rosie is allergic to the vaccines. a powerful story that really makes you think and is scary to think how easily it can happen. thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Australia for an advance copy of this book to read and review

[Claire Allan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two things immediately sprung to mind when I saw what this books about. The first is that, at the age of four, I developed Measles myself. I remember it as being particularly unpleasant and that I was so unwell that I could not even go upstairs at home and had to sleep on the sofa for a week - my poor father sleeping on the floor beside me. (My mother was in hospital having just given birth to my sister - the stress must have been immense).
The second thing is that I'm more than aware of the controversy surrounding the MMR vaccine and the now debunked theory that it is linked with Autism. As the mother of a child on the spectrum (who was vaccinated, as was his little sister) it's an issue that is emotive for me - and which I will always wonder about - debunked theory or not. Ultimately though, I fall very much firmly in the pro-vax side of the debate and I brought this to my reading of this new novel from one of Ireland's finest female writers, Melissa Hill.
The book pulls no punches - it shows just how horrific measles can be. It questions the reliance of some of herd immunity but more than than that it examines the very real and very human reasons why some people cannot or choose not to have their children vaccinated.
It may sound like this makes for a very preachy, medical heavy book but it absolutely isn't. It humanises both sides of the debate and while I think my sympathies always lay primarily with Kate O'Hara the single mother whose daughter contract the virus - I could see the side of Madeline Cooper also. I was really made to question my own prejudices at times.
But all this was wrapped up in the storytelling that Hill is so famous for. She creates warm, believable characters that you cannot help but care about. She pulls you into her stories so that you find yourself falling into the "one more page" trap and reading even when your eyes are drooping.
One thing to be said about Melissa Hill and her books is that she has been delivering killer twists in books long before the "twist you will never guess"' became the in thing. This book delivers a thumper of a twist too - which elevates it from courtroom/ family drama to something more.
Keep You Safe is a timely read with the safety of vaccines once again in the media (this time in relation to the HPV vaccine). The publishers promote it as an ideal bookclub read - and they are definitely onto something there.
But while it is a great bookclub read, it is more than that. It is one of Ireland's best storytellers writing a memorable, moving and incredibly thought provoking read. I loved it.

[Michelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

MEN DOES NOT CAUSE AUTISM

You should have come out one way or the other at the end. Feel like you chickened out. Vaccines are safe...PERIOD!

[Nefertari · Rating 2 out of 5]

Like a few other people here, I really wanted to like this book. I was nearly there, when the sudden twist (this author follows Jodi Picoult’s formula in many ways) that invalidates everything in favor of BIG TWIST OMG and loses a valuable opportunity to present this case carrying through to deciding one way or another in court.

Someone has already mentioned that “herd immunity doesn’t really seem to be understood or explained by the author.” I’d agree, and I’d take it one step further - the author doesn’t seem interested in explaining the role of information literacy in this issue. The continuing tendency of people basing serious medical conditions based on rumors repeatedly disproven would have been interesting to explore, especially considering how savvy this Madeline character considers herself.

In summation: Could have been great, but opts for a “sometimes bad things happen” moral that allows the author to sidestep having to make a decision in this case. Which kind of says everything right there.

[Annette · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This novel attempted to tackle a very weighty subject of childhood vaccination. And while it got many things right - representing feelings of parents on both sides of the issue for one, it fell short in a few others. The ending was just too utterly perfect (and a bit wet eye inducing) that is just not realistic or plausible. It’s as if the author just got tired of the weightiness of the subject matter and gave up.

[Sabra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lame ending and a bit too sympathetic to the anti-vax view IMHO.

[booksofallkinds · Rating 5 out of 5]

KEEP HER SAFE by Melissa Hill is a powerful and emotional story centred on the divisive issue of childhood vaccination.

Two mothers of two little girls have both made their own informed decisions centred around vaccination and decided against it - one because of a serious allergic reaction, and the other because of a personal belief of the dangers involved. But when both of these little girls contract measles, it will leave one of them fighting for their life. And as the medical bills pile up, this medical debate spills over into the courtroom and the media, where everyone has their own opinion.

This novel will evoke a lot of emotion as two parents find themselves battling against each other. As someone who has vaccinated my own children, I didn't really know how I would feel reading this story, but my heart ached for these women who were doing their best for their children. Snippets from articles and comments from the public scattered throughout the story gave it a very realistic edge because, with such a polarising topic, everyone has an opinion that they are more than happy to share. But while this is a novel about vaccines with a court case at its centre, it is so much more - it is a story about motherhood and the unerring love that we, as parents, have for our children, and how we desperately want to do what is right for them, and it is a story about finding your strength and valuing friendship in a world that is so quick to judge.
​
KEEP HER SAFE by Melissa Hill is different from her other novels but is no less engrossing or compelling, and as always I look forward to what this author has for us next. Definitely a five star read for me!

*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the Publisher

[Ivy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thought provoking read about the hot topic of vaccination.

Two little girls who attend the same school and their mothers, one a science-driven nurse who couldn't have her child vaccinated due to a serious medical condition and depending on others to make the right decision, the other, a successful blogger who chose not to have her child vaccinated based on heavy research she and her husband have done.
When both of the girls get sick, their mothers both must face the consequences of the decisions they have made...

Vaccination and the claims of potential side effects have been a hot topic for years and due to the past two years became even more of a sensitive issue. And media added to it.
In this case we're faced with a back and forth of whether it's a failure of science or parenting. There's plenty of drama and background to each individual story and the controversial topics.
And Hill manages to give insight to and arguments for both sides without sounding to judgemental, though people having a different opinion on the general topic could think otherwise.

I however really enjoyed the journey and that the in the end things unfolded in a way I didn't expect.

[Renita D'Silva · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heart breaking yet warm and very real. A book to make you think.

[Margaret Madden · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Kate's five-year-old daughter Rosie could not be vaccinated because of an intolerance to the gelatine used in live vaccines. Her classmate Clara was not vaccinated either - her mother Madeleine chose not to, fearful of its side-effects. Neither women anticipated the outcome of their decision, and Melissa Hill's new novel examines how both their worlds are turned upside down when their children are hit by the measles virus.
It is not against the law to refuse the childhood vaccination programme in Ireland, and Madeleine and her husband Tom genuinely believe they are protecting their daughter by refusing it: "They'd been hugely uncomfortable about the vaccine's link to autism, and while the original research paper suggesting the connection had long been discredited, it was very difficult to ignore the multitude of real-life anecdotal experiences that were so prevalent". On the other hand, nurse Kate, who thoroughly researched her decision, would gladly have vaccinated Rosie were it not for her allergy. While she is now widowed, her husband had approved her decision: "We had no choice but to opt Rosie out of the standard childhood vaccination programme and hope against hope that herd immunity would prevail".
Kate finds herself in a terrifying situation when Rosie is hospitalised. Meanwhile, Clara recovers from her illness but parenting blogger Madeleine is feeling the pressure in another way: "The public loved to express an opinion - never more so than on the internet - and right now, the full force of those primarily negative opinions was heading directly her way". The two women find themselves embroiled in a legal battle which seeks to assign blame. The media are having a field day with sympathy leaning toward Kate and Rosie while Madeleine and Tom are not being afforded the same respect: "It wasn't just her and Tom's decision on vaccination that was on trial here - it was their parenting".

Kate is homely, medically trained and dealing with the long-term effects of her daughter's illness; Madeleine - wealthy and media-savvy, is judged more for her personality than for her decision. Told from both mothers' perspectives, Keep You Safe is both astute and divisive and Hill (pictured left) has addressed the vaccine debate in a fictional tale of fear, judgement and choice. A topical, timely read.

[Maggie61 · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a brilliant gut wrenching read this was! Is someone who chooses not to have their child vaccinated liable when someone else who is infected by their child gets sick or worse?
This debate about whether or not to have your child vaccinated will probably always go on. Some expects say there are no risks while many link it to autism or other risks.
When my adult children were of the age for their vaccinations, it wasn’t even debated. All the controversy came after that; while when I was a child, we all had all those diseases and I never heard of anyone with side effects. Not to say, they didn’t happen of course but it was rare.
The thinking of Madeline and Tom in not having their children vaccinated was a personal decision they made for their children based on what they knew. When their daughter Clara becomes sick with measles and three days later another child in the classroom, Rosie becomes ill with much more serious aspects, it sparks a debate/feud especially when it becomes apparent that Madeline knew her child was sick when she sent her to school.
Where does responsibility begin and end? The illness and events thereafter affected both families immensely and had ramifications that no one expected.
This is such a fascinating but heartbreaking story. I could feel for all parents involved; their lives were forever altered. Sometimes I agreed with the events but it was sometimes difficult to point out right and wrong in their actions when you knew their reasons. That little twist was also delicious.
I’ve never read this author before but if her other books are this well written and gripping, I will devour them all.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very easy summer read. Keep You Safe is a fairly standard, issue based novel, with a healthy dose of social drama and some sly romance on the side. If this is what you’re looking for, it’s enjoyable and easy to read. If you’re looking for a more serious discussion of the vaccination debate look elsewhere.

[Ky · Rating 1 out of 5]

This gave a little too much sympathy and credence to the anti-vaxxer side for my liking.

[Rachel (Rae) · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a parent we all want what is best for our child and we all do things that maybe another parent may decide not to do. A lot of the time parenting is finding your way through many obstacles and worries to get through the other side with a healthy and happy child. Once I read the blurb I was very intrigued as to how things would play out. Now the topic of vaccinations is a highly emotive subject along with many other parenting issues. You only need to go onto a baby/parenting forum to see posts with strong convictions for either side on multiple matters. As shown brilliantly with the little snippets from blog posts etc included within the story. I went into this book just expecting a similar battle of wills between the parents and I guess to be honest it was an altogether different experience. Yes there is the the inevitable reaction of wanting to blame someone and let's face it when you fell helpless blaming someone sometimes appears to be the best course of action. I admit my children have been vaccinated, I felt it was the right thing to do I looked into the subject and made my choice. This is exactly the point it basically comes down to making a choice, as a parent we are bombarded with information and both Kate and Madeleine make the decision they are most comfortable with.

I liked that both sides were given and as the reader you got to experience the feelings of both parents and to see the fallout from the choices that are made. The subject is bound to have an emotional pull to the reader and I know I definitely felt this way. Even though I went into this story thinking that everything was going to be black and white that really isn't the case at all. Melissa Hill has created some fascinating characters who I have to admit I may not have always agreed with their actions but they are still engaging. In real life situations people are not perfect they may make mistakes and this made the story all the more believable.

It's definitely an emotive and thought provoking story making me sit up and listen mainly due to the questions that were bound to be raised. There are lots of different themes within the book such as family, guilt and love all wrapped up in a drama that held my attention throughout. By the end I was invested in both Madeleine and Kate's story and also their connection through everything they experience.

Heartbreaking moments that had me getting very teary eyed which goes to show the brilliantly written story gave me such a connection to the characters. I had to read Keep You Safe in one sitting the plight of both families keeping me on tenterhooks.

With thanks to Anna at HQ for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.