What Goes Down by Natalie K. Martin

Back again with a review for another of Jenny In Neverlands amazing book tours! This one is for the amazing novel What Goes Down by Natalie K. Martin, which I was drawn in by through the blurb. I don’t read many books which have representations of mental illness so this was pretty interesting!

About the Author:

In 2014, Sheffield born Natalie K. Martin left her corporate job in London to experience the world – heading off on travels that took her as far as Cambodia, India and Thailand, and changed her outlook on life for good.

Whilst in India, she self-published her debut novel, Together Apart, which became a No.1 bestseller on the Amazon charts. Her second novel, Love You Better, became a bestseller on release in October 2015.

Never one to shy away from tough subjects, Natalie’s books tackle issues that are relevant and relatable to the everyday woman, and all feature true-to-life characters – people who could easily be your mum, sister, or best friend. This is what she calls: Contemporary Fiction with Love. Natalie’s books have been featured in The Daily Mail, Woman’s Own, Pride Magazine and Female First. She has been interviewed on radio including BBC Radio Sheffield and Manx Radio, and has also written articles for Kindred Spirit Magazine, Do What You Love and Your Wellness Magazine.

A trained Yoga Teacher with a love of surfing, Natalie’s backpack is now taking a short but well-earned rest. These days, she can be found in the historical city of Ulm in Southern Germany, where she’s settled with the charming Bavarian man who swept her off her feet in India. Natalie is represented by Jon Elek at United Agents.

Plot Overview: 

Seph Powell has all she ever wanted: a close family, loving boyfriend and her dream career. A gifted artist with a highly anticipated exhibition just weeks away, her life seems to be perfect. Until a man she’s never met claims to be her real father.

Laurel and Tony Powell are devoted parents. Having worked hard to provide everything for their daughter, they’ve created an enviable, picture-perfect family. Until Laurel’s ex-boyfriend, Nico, comes back into their lives.

In the summer of 1987, Nico stole Laurel’s heart with promises of adventure and excitement. But when he disappeared without trace, he left her as a single, teenaged parent. Now, twenty-five years later, he’s back and keen to meet the daughter he left behind.

But Nico’s sudden reappearance shows that nothing is quite as it first seems. And as long hidden truths are exposed, everything Seph thought she knew about her life begins to unravel.

My Review:

• Writing Style- From the first few pages I was completely drawn in by Martins writing style. It was so immersive and expressive, without being overly descriptive, really enjoyed the passages.
• Use of timing / flashbacks – The story goes back and forth between Seph in present day and her mother, Laurel in the 1980’s. This was really effective for seeing both sides of the story and so suspenseful too.
• Characters – Each of the characters were well developed and I could really relate to Laurel especially when she was younger. She had this sort of teenage enthusiasm and passion which was so true to life, I feel like Martin really knew what she was doing here. All the emotion felt genuine, rather than forced.

P.S: There’s an exciting giveaway going on so definitely enter!

UK Only – 1 winner

Prizes: £10 Amazon giftcard, a Stag necklace and a copy of the book!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/bf633057150/?

Until next time,

Rumaanah x