How well do you know your own daughter? And how far would you go to find out the truth?
A stunning debut novel told in alternating voices, Reconstructing Amelia is a story of secrets and lies, of love and betrayal, of trusted friends and vicious enemies – of how well a parent really knows a child and how far a mother will go to vindicate the memory of a daughter whose life she could not save.
Reconstructing Amelia, written by Kimberley McCreight, is a brand new release from Simon & Schuster.
Available in paperback where all good books are sold for $24.99. Also available as an ebook for $13.99.
For a debut novel Kimberly McCreight has impressed me. I love reading and hate when an author clearly can’t construct legible sentences or entertain the mind. This book is well written and gets the mind thinking all the way through. Not once was I bored or forgot what had happened when I did have to put the book down. The story stays with you from cover to cover. I just loved the way she wrote in two person view. Not many apple can pull that off. But the way Kimberly McCreight did it made it flow. It slowly pieced the story together from past and present views and mum and daughter views. The ending was a shocker but I had pretty much guessed what had happened just before the end.
All round a FANTASTIC book to read!!!
I am loving this book!! Although I’m only halfway through I just had to write my thoughts on it now. The way the author has written in a two person view and jumping from past to present to cover what has happened and how it’s lead up to the death of Amelia makes the story flow and allows you to become a sort-of detective yourself as you draw conclusions on certain things along the way. I absolutely love it and can’t wait to finish it – if only these children would look after themselves so I never had to leave it!!! lol
Omg i cant put it down. Definitely a page turner. Make sure you have piece and quiet when you start. I cant wait to read the rest. The story line covers real issues. Im enjoying it as i have a daughter of my own. Tonight ill be snuggled up with this book in my mind going just one more page, hmm i wonder how many times ill say that.
Lovely Book - Can't wait to finish it :) (First Impressions Review)
Firstly, this was the book I chose to review as I felt I would be able to relate to it. I am a single mother with a young girl at home(also named Amelia) and so was drawn to this book from the very first moment.
I love the way the story switches from both the mother and daughters point of view. It definitely makes it more interesting than other books.
I am looking forward to finishing this book and posting my final review in the near future
Borrowed this book from a friend and am so very glad I did too, it was a very well written story.
I loved the way you were given the chance to look at situations and events etc from more than just the one persons perspective.
The story flowed freely and the plot was easy to follow and didn’t deviate in its “flow” will be looking for more books by this author
i’ve now given this book to my friend and my mum to read… both have said, it was an easy read, an enjoyable read and both wouldn’t hesitate to read another story from this author again, whereas may have passed her over before. i will continue to share this book with all and sundry and thank you for selecting me to be part of this review.. much appreciated.
I loved the way this was written to read in alternating voices, it makes for the most interesting read I have had in a long time. A very poignant and memorable story line! I recommend to anyone looking for a great read with a fantastic story line this is a must to add to your reading list you will not be disappointed!
Having just finished this book, I’ve found myself thinking a lot more about my communication with my kids. I’d recommend this to family and friends for a good read, and I look forward to reading other books by this author. Whenever I finish a good book, I find it hard to find another book, it’s been about a week since finishing & I’ve not been able to find one yet…..
I Am half way through this book and are enjoying it a lot …..Gives you another reason to Hug your Daughter and understand them a little better…Will def look for more books written by this author.. It’s a Very emotional read so far I def Recommend this novel to any Mums out there….You will enjoy!
Almost finished and I think I am dragging out the end, will have to bite the bullet and finish it. The story has been unfolding and at times its heartbreaking to think that it may have been different if the poor mum in the story had a bit more time for her daughter. Makes you think.
Enjoyed this book when I requested it from the library. It was easy to get into and enjoyable and would definitely call it a “women’s read’… I can’t see my husband reading this!!!!
This book is really really good, I really felt if engaged me a lot, I found It very difficult to put down, had to be reading it all the time, really annoyed the crap out of my hubby! which made it even better,
very good story , would be happy to read it again!
Borrowed this book from a friend and am so very glad I did too, it was a very well written story.
I loved the way you were given the chance to look at situations and events etc from more than just the one persons perspective.
The story flowed freely and the plot was easy to follow and didn’t deviate in its “flow” will be looking for more books by this author
I haven’t read any other books byKimberly McCreight. I liked how the storyline was written, and it was a great read without having to sit and think too deeply. The relationship between the mother and daughter was so typical like today, you felt like you knew them and could easily relate. I borrowed this off a friend and she loved it and said she couldnt stop reading. I will keep my eye out for more books, and may start a collection.
I wasnt picked to review this book but have just finished reading it after finding it in my Mum’s collection.
I loved it, it was one of those books that you couldnt put down. I love the way that you get to read 2 sides to the story and that they were clear. Sometimes when reading books from multiple perspectives its easy to get lost.
I have lent my copy of Reconstructing Amelia to 4 friends, 3 female one male, and interestingly all the girls said they could not put the book down, whereas the male friend found it dull and hard to read. I guess it means this one is for chicks!
Was not sure I would enjoy this book as I had never heard of the writer. I was wrong as soon as I picked it up I could not put it down, my first reading I read the book for two hours straight. Very easy to read and is a book that you can read without to much thought so a good relaxing read as well as entertaining. Liked how it goes back and forth between caractors.
i’ve now given this book to my friend and my mum to read… both have said, it was an easy read, an enjoyable read and both wouldn’t hesitate to read another story from this author again, whereas may have passed her over before. i will continue to share this book with all and sundry and thank you for selecting me to be part of this review.. much appreciated.
KUDOS’ to Kimberley McCreight! This debut novel opened my eyes to how a seemingly normal, but high achieving adolescents life can go so terribly wrong. A decision made by her, taken into a few hands can destroy a life Psychologically and eventually take her life. It takes bullying into a totally different mind set. Riveting to the last page. 🙂
Thank you for the chance to read this book. It was a great book to read. The Author kept me glued for the whole book. I am looking forward to reading more from this author. The book was well written and the writing flowed well. I would recommend this book to other mums. It is a book that can be read without too much thought.
For a debut novel Kimberly McCreight has impressed me. I love reading and hate when an author clearly can’t construct legible sentences or entertain the mind. This book is well written and gets the mind thinking all the way through. Not once was I bored or forgot what had happened when I did have to put the book down. The story stays with you from cover to cover. I just loved the way she wrote in two person view. Not many apple can pull that off. But the way Kimberly McCreight did it made it flow. It slowly pieced the story together from past and present views and mum and daughter views. The ending was a shocker but I had pretty much guessed what had happened just before the end.
All round a FANTASTIC book to read!!!
When I started to read this book I thought it would be a predictable ,low impact and uninteresting story.
How ever, a few chapters into the story made me sit up and think that I must find out what happens from here.
It is the story of the relaionship between a daughter and a single mother who believes she is doing the very best she can to give her daughter a good life and future. The book asks the question are material goods ,beauty and wealth necessary for a happy life. After reading this story you may change your attitude to this question.
I reccomend this book as a good ,thought provoking read that was hard to put down.
I loved the way this was written to read in alternating voices, it makes for the most interesting read I have had in a long time. A very poignant and memorable story line! I recommend to anyone looking for a great read with a fantastic story line this is a must to add to your reading list you will not be disappointed!
This book is great. I’m only half way through but couldn’t wait to write my review. I have to read books that are enjoyable and move at a reasonable pace as I get bored very quickly. The characters are well defined and the book seems to be well written. The start of the book engages you right away. Its a simple read, not taxing at all so far.
There is a little swearing which puts me off a little, but that’s the story of thing I don’t like. Im only half way through but will finish it.
I am loving this book!! Although I’m only halfway through I just had to write my thoughts on it now. The way the author has written in a two person view and jumping from past to present to cover what has happened and how it’s lead up to the death of Amelia makes the story flow and allows you to become a sort-of detective yourself as you draw conclusions on certain things along the way. I absolutely love it and can’t wait to finish it – if only these children would look after themselves so I never had to leave it!!! lol
Wow wow wow, what a fantastic book, it will make you laugh and cry all at the same time. it really gets down to the nity grity of raising a teenage daughter. a real page turner i couldnt go to sleep without reading more znd more. even my husband picked it up and started reading it.
I read this book great ideaKimberly McCreight has used the different points of view of the characters really deftly and the jumping between time frames works seamlessly, but there wasn’t a lot of depth to keep track of, so there wasn’t a lot of distractions either. Her characters are entirely typical of a TV show (the bad girl, the mum who wants to be better, the absent father etc) so the world is entirely familiar the issues are those that anyone could relate to.
Very much recommended for a quick read on holiday or if you are having a stressful day
Having just finished this book, I’ve found myself thinking a lot more about my communication with my kids. I’d recommend this to family and friends for a good read, and I look forward to reading other books by this author. Whenever I finish a good book, I find it hard to find another book, it’s been about a week since finishing & I’ve not been able to find one yet…..
This book finished exactly as I thought it would – all the loose ends tied up and a neat little package which had solid morals.
Kimberly McCreight has used the different points of view of the characters really deftly and the jumping between time frames works seamlessly, but there wasn’t a lot of depth to keep track of, so there wasn’t a lot of distractions either. Her characters are entirely typical of a TV show (the bad girl, the mum who wants to be better, the absent father etc) so the world is entirely familiar the issues are those that anyone could relate to.
Very much recommended for a quick read on holiday or if you are having a stressful day, then it’s nice to jump in to a familiar story in an easy voice.
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‘A Beautiful Adelaide Blend With A Lighter Alcohol Content!’
For lighter wines that still taste like the real deal, Chapel Hill’s Enlightened range is quickly becoming a go-to. These bottles bring all the flavour with noticeably less alcohol, which is why everyone’s falling in love with them.
Best SIPS’ Chapel Hill Enlightened Wines review team put the Rosé and Pinot Grigio through their paces, and the feedback was unanimous: both are fresh, light and perfect for summer sipping without the unwanted morning crogginess.
A rosé with summer written all over it
Chapel Hill’s Enlightened Rosé is bright, crisp and fruity, hitting all the right notes without tipping into the “too sweet” zone. It’s the kind of bottle you reach for at a casual barbecue or any get-together where you want something delicious but easygoing.
It’s exactly this balance of lightness and full flavour in an affordable bottle that has so many fans raving.
“Light, refreshing and honestly just feels like a little moment of peace in a glass. The flavour is this perfect mix of crisp + fruity without being too sweet — literally the kind of rosé you can sip while you finally sit down after a long day.”
A summer staple … on the lighter side
“Too many of these low alcohol wines just don’t taste enough like the real deal-but this is a sure fire exception. Beautifully refreshing, with a touch of sweetness that’s not overwhelming. A gorgeous colour too, which is a bonus- after all, we also drink either our eyes! Add into the mix a reasonable price point- this rose is a winner!”
“I love a nice glass of Rosé and the Chapel Hill Enlightened Rosé did not disappoint! It’s really light and refreshing and tastes like a really expensive wine. I love that this wine is really affordable, so I can enjoy a beautiful Rosé without breaking the bank more often. Definitely give this one a try!”
If your warm-weather wine rack needs an affordable new staple, this is it.
A Pinot Grigio you’ll be buying again (and again!)
For the white lovers, Chapel Hill’s Enlightened Pinot Grigio is a solid everyday white that ticks all the boxes: crisp, clean, food-friendly and affordable.
Our taste-testers repeatedly praised how balanced and versatile it feels, whether chilled on its own or alongside simple meals and casual gatherings.
“We love a white to pair with our spring/summer lunches and especially our seafood. This option ticked all the boxes …”
A versatile sip you’ll keep reaching for
“I enjoyed the first sip to the last of this Pinot. Anything with pear and citrus is something I want to try and this lived up to that, but with a lighter alcohol content – which I appreciate! Enjoyed over dinner, it paired really nicely with the food I was eating. This wine is something I’d happily recommend to others.”
“The wine offered just the right balance of fruity flavours – fresh and vibrant, but never overpowering or too sharp. It paired beautifully with both our light lunches and dinner, making every meal feel a bit more special. I also appreciated how crisp and refreshing it tasted, perfect for unwinding and enjoying good company. Definitely a Pinot Grigio I’d reach for again.”
Your lower-alcohol go-to
The team rates Enlightened wines 4.34 out of 5 and recommends them for anyone on the hunt for flavour-forward wine with less alcohol. They’re bright, modern and made for the kind of moments where you’d love a glass, but still want to feel good afterwards.
The warmer weather tends to make alcohol go to my head faster – I’m not a big drinker, but just for that reason I’d seriously consider a low alcohol wine. The Pinot Grigio particularly sound as if I might enjoy it. I might well buy a bottle or two for Christmas.
Looks delicious, would be keen to try their wines based off the reviews. Love anything local and the light wine is just an extra win – low alcohol content would be fab for nights with friends where we all still have to drive home afterwards so would be buying for that type of event!
Chapel Hill Wines do have quite a good reputation. I like the fact that it is low alcohol content. Personally, I like a very sweet wine but many would like these as they are not so sweet. I wish them well with sales and think it’s good they are doing something about lowering alcohol level.
Thanks for sharing this review. It sounds that the taste is good, the price is good and the alcohol content is really low indeed. I do like the fact that they’re light. One of the things I don’t like when you’re drinking a couple of glasses that it fills you up and it affects your appetite
I just asked the forum for recommendations on zero alcohol, but this is an attractive option as well! I do enjoy a Rose, so will try this one after all the positive reviews. It’s a shame they don’t have a sparkling in their collection yet! Would have been prefect for all the celebrating at this time of year.
I dislike rose, but the pinot grigio sounds like it might suit me. To be honest, the alcohol content doesn’t bother me all that much – I rarely drink more than a glass or two anyway – but it would probably be nice from a general health point of view to know I’m consuming less alcohol.
This sounds like the perfect glass. I do love being able to have a few drinks and not be all over the place about me. And as a bubbly girlie from Adelaide myself, I’m sure I’ll find a lot to like about this drop. Crisp and not too sweet, I’m sold and will have to try it.
It was the first time for me hearing about the chapel hill brand. And i still recall when i picked up the Pinot Grigio from my local, the staff there actually stopped me and said i picked a winner! She said that it was probably the best Pinot they had available to sell.
I’ve heard a lot of good things about Chapel Hill wines and the reviews are always good. I like that they have low alcohol range as I like to have a few glasses when I finally get to have one. Not being too sweet is a bonus that suits me well.
The idea of having a lower alcohol content wine without compromising taste is really exciting. There’s nothing worse than feeling “under the weather” from the effects of alcohol. This lovely wine ticks all the boxes, lower alcohol and a refreshing flavour. I’m keen to get the Pinot Grigio in my cart and into my fridge!
This wine sounds delightful and really refreshing to enjoy on a summer afternoon. I love that it tastes fresh and crisp and still has the same punch as other wine. It sounds like an absolute delight. I will have to give it a try next time i am at the bottle shop looking for some wine.
6:26 pm
Definitely a book worth reading
2:46 pm
Fantastic book!!!
12:57 pm
first early review
10:13 am
Lovely Book - Can't wait to finish it :) (First Impressions Review)
12:49 am
A good easy read
12:47 pm
easy read
9:08 pm
Reconstructing Amelia - Brilliant!
2:02 pm
Good reading
4:58 pm
A Must for any Mum of a Daughter
11:41 pm
Makes mums of teens think
3:16 pm
Very easy read!
5:16 pm
so good
12:49 am
A good easy read
12:31 pm
light read, very enjoyable
1:20 pm
Couldn't put it down
8:13 am
friends opinions
3:59 pm
I really enjoyed it.
12:47 pm
easy read
12:11 pm
It was ENLIGHTNING!
3:16 pm
Great easy read
6:26 pm
Definitely a book worth reading
5:05 pm
Thought provoking.
9:08 pm
Reconstructing Amelia - Brilliant!
4:35 pm
enjoyable read so far
2:37 am
disappointed
2:46 pm
Fantastic book!!!
10:18 am
final review of reconstructing amelia
12:00 am
bery useful when u r on stress
2:02 pm
Good reading
1:36 pm
Lacked Sub Plot, but Good Pace
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