Title: Keep You from Harm
Author: Debra Doxer
First published September 18, 2013
328 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781492381235 (ISBN10: 1492381233)
Rating: 3.78
Overview
My life has always been shrouded in secrecy, and I’ve grown accustomed to keeping to myself. But when my mother passes away, she leaves me with a burden that weighs heavily on my shoulders.
A secret that she had kept hidden her whole life, and one that I must now bear alone. To make matters worse, I discover that I have an older brother, someone that my mother never told me about.
Under his guardianship, I move to a new town and start a new life, determined to keep my distance from everyone around me. But then I meet him, the boy with the magnetism that I can’t resist, and I feel myself slowly unraveling.
He’s charming, handsome, and everything that I know I shouldn’t want. Our interactions are filled with tension and conflict, but I can’t deny the pull that he has on me.
As we grow closer, I begin to realize that he’s hiding something too. Something that ties us together and connects us to a dark history that I could never have imagined.
But can I trust him with my own secrets, or will they ultimately be my downfall? In a world of deceit and betrayal, will our love be enough to keep us from harm?
About the Author
Debra Doxer hails from Boston and has spent most of her life in the area, with a brief stint in California. She’s a versatile writer who dabbles in fiction, technical writing, and jotting down ideas on sticky notes (though her phone’s AutoCorrect often messes up her texts).
Writing is both her profession and her passion. Outside of work, she enjoys taking walks with her Havanese puppy and introducing her daughter to the joys of New Wave 80s music.
If you’d like to connect with Debra, drop her a line at [email protected].
Editoral Review
In Debra Doxer’s captivating young adult novel, Keep You from Harm, readers are taken on a thrilling journey filled with romance, mystery, and heartbreak. First published on September 18, 2013, Doxer’s novel explores themes of love, grief, and mental illness, offering a poignant and nuanced exploration of the human experience.
Set in the fictional town of Havencrest, Massachusetts, Keep You from Harm follows the story of sixteen-year-old Tillie Tillings, a young girl struggling to deal with the tragic loss of her parents. As Tillie tries to navigate the complexities of her new reality, she meets a mysterious and dangerous boy named Logan, who seems to hold the key to unlocking the secrets of her past.
Together, they embark on a dangerous journey filled with twists and turns, uncovering dark truths about their families and the town of Havencrest along the way. Doxer’s writing style is as engaging as it is beautiful, pulling readers into the story with vivid descriptions and sharp dialogue.
Her characters are fully realized and multi-dimensional, adding depth and complexity to the plot. While the romance between Tillie and Logan is central to the story, Doxer also offers an astute exploration of mental illness, navigating the complex terrain of grief and depression with sensitivity and care.
One of the strengths of Keep You from Harm lies in its pacing Doxer expertly balances moments of action and suspense with quieter, introspective scenes, creating a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats while simultaneously delving into the deeper themes of the story. The plot structure is well-crafted, with several unexpected twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end.
While the book may not offer a groundbreaking new perspective on the young adult genre, it succeeds in delivering a gripping and emotionally resonant story that will appeal to fans of romance, mystery, and coming-of-age fiction. Some readers may find fault with the occasionally predictable plot twists or the lack of diversity in the book’s cast, but overall, Keep You from Harm is a captivating novel that will appeal to a wide range of readers.
In conclusion, Debra Doxer’s Keep You from Harm is a beautiful and engaging young adult novel that offers a thrilling and emotional ride. With its well-crafted plot, complex characters, and nuanced exploration of themes, it is a book that will stay with readers long after they turn the final page.
Fans of contemporary young adult fiction will not want to miss this gripping and heartwarming story. On a scale of 1 to 5, I would give Keep You from Harm a solid 4.5, with half a point deducted for minor flaws in pacing and diversity.
Overall, it is an excellent read that I highly recommend.
