4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
Defining Her is a modern-day women’s fiction novel written by Samantha March and published in February 2017. This novel is one that seems to blur the lines of drama, romance, friendship and betrayal. As an experienced author of several other recently published novels, Samantha March proves her potential with her newest release.
Told as a two-person perspective, Defining Her rotates back and forth between two main characters, Nellie and Prue. Being as completely different as two people can be, Nellie and Prue seem to find common ground as they find out more about each other. Nellie Hawthorne seems to have it all- her own tanning salon, a wonderful husband, a classy and expensive wardrobe, and a seemingly perfect life. Nellie’s past, however, is not as shiny and spotless. When Nellie’s past seems to come haunting upon her, she’s threatened to lose everything she has worked so hard for, and that’s simply not something she can allow. Prue Doherty seemed to be a complete opposite of Nellie. Always known as the good girl making only the best decisions, Prue is left heartbroken from a horrible betrayal that she did not deserve and which has left her helpless and hollow. She knows she deserves happiness, but exactly how far is she willing to go to create her own happy ending?
The character personalities developed throughout this story were well constructed and accurately believable. The more I got to know the characters, the easier it became to like them despite their flaws. I felt sympathy for Nellie and Prue equally, but both for completely different reasons based on their past experiences. The themes throughout Defining Her evolved around family, friendship, heartbreak and betrayal. Although I could begin to see where the story was taking me, I was still totally surprised with the twists and turns that followed both Prue and Nellie throughout their journey, both together and apart.
I was especially pleased with the writing style of this novel, as it felt very modern. Although there were situations revolving around drug use, abuse, and sexual scenes, the depictions were written tastefully. There was some explicit language used throughout the novel, but seemed fitting for the situations that were portrayed. The secondary characters in the story were mentioned enough to give a good idea to their personalities but also not to take the shine away from the leading ladies in the novel.
I am so pleased to give a rating of 4 out of 4 stars to Defining Her. The situations involved in the story were believable and realistic, focusing on experiences that actually occur today, and developing them into something totally twisted and thrilling. I would recommend this novel to readers who enjoyed The Girl on the Train, as I found the writing style to be similar, as well as the way character involvement was intertwined. I am already looking forward to see what else is offered by Samantha March.
******
Defining Her
View: on Bookshelves
Like klbradley's review? Post a comment saying so!
