Her Name Was Rose by Claire Allan

I love when my blogger friends help me decide which book to pick next and lots of you were very clear that I should read Her Name Was Rose ASAP!

I’d picked this book up a while back and hadn’t read the blurb since, which meant the plot had maximum effect on me. I was left shocked by what Emily did, which of course, if you read the blurb you’ll know it’s implied or even the tag line on the front gives a big clue for how the plot is going to unfold:

“Her life is yours for the taking…”

I mean… seriously?! I can’t believe what Emily did. When Rose passes away right before her, Emily takes advantage and begins to make everything that was Rose’s, hers.

If you haven’t read the book yet, you’ll probably be thinking what a horrible main character, and I would be too! Except Allan expertly crafts Emily’s character to fully explore her emotions and quite quickly you realise what a vulnerable, damaged and lonely individual she is. By no means does this mean I agree with what she did, but it definitely pulls at your heartstrings. This girl needs a second chance!

Allan uses the very topical subject of “social media vs real life” to provide the roots for this story, and utilises both Rose’s and Emily’s story to explore why some people put a rosy tint on their lives on Facebook and the effect it has on people reading it. Emily’s quest for friendship, family and stability means she fails to spot the signs that Rose’s life wasn’t quite what it seemed. But can Emily be saved?

I loved the daringness of this plot concept and thought Allan perfectly used her characters to build up tension, cast doubt and blindside the reader from figuring out the truth.

Sometimes you can’t see what’s in front of you until it’s pointed out… and that goes for this plot, but also to me for having not grabbed this book earlier!

Her Name Was Rose is out now in paperback and eBook versions by Avon.

Until next time, Chloé x