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Stay With Me

Maureen McCarthy

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Mar 04, 2015 Brenda rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2015-release, uncorrected-proof, aussie-authors, young-adult, contemporary-fiction, arc, own-read, first-reads-winner

When Tess and her siblings, Beth, Salome and Marlon lost first their father then three years later their mother, Tess struggled – she hated high school and was the only student to fail every subject. Big sister Beth, who had taken on the role of carer, didn’t know what to do with Tess. So when some friends invited Tess to Byron Bay for a couple of weeks in the school holidays, Beth agreed she could go. It would do everyone good to have a break – little did Tess know her life would change dramati When Tess and her siblings, Beth, Salome and Marlon lost first their father then three years later their mother, Tess struggled – she hated high school and was the only student to fail every subject. Big sister Beth, who had taken on the role of carer, didn’t know what to do with Tess. So when some friends invited Tess to Byron Bay for a couple of weeks in the school holidays, Beth agreed she could go. It would do everyone good to have a break – little did Tess know her life would change dramatically by the end of those two weeks.

Seventeen year old Tess loved Byron Bay – the sun, sand and surf; the casual and relaxed air of everyone around; the friendliness of the people at the local café. And the day before they were due to fly back to Melbourne, Tess watched as a young man entered the café with a couple of friends – his eye caught hers; she was intrigued. Her decision not to return to Melbourne and the humdrum, boring life she had been living shocked her friends; Beth was angry – but Tess decided she needed a change and Byron Bay was it.

She settled into the life – working at the café and living in a small flat she was happy. She felt content for the first time in her life. And when the young man began paying her attention, she was interested – very interested. Jay was caring and attentive; but gradually things began to change…

Four years later circumstances meant Tess and three year old Nellie could escape the violence of the life they had been living. The long road trip was terrifying and the continuing and ongoing danger had Tess scared for hers and Nellie’s lives. What could Tess expect when she arrived back at the old family home? Should she confront her family – could she even face them again?

Wow! This psychological thriller by Aussie author Maureen McCarthy was brilliant! The subjects of domestic violence and mental illness were well executed and compellingly written. The main character Tess was a troubled young woman who had her spirit crushed but her strength consistently rose to the surface. I loved little Nellie; she was totally adorable. This is my first book by this author but it won’t be my last. I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Stay With Me highly.

With thanks to Allen & Unwin and Goodreads First Reads giveaway for my uncorrected proof to read and review.
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