The Burning of Juniper Slaide – Review and #Giveaway!

It can be the most glorious of feelings. That moment when you finally collapse onto the sofa with a glass of wine and a good book. 

The kids finally in bed, the stresses of the day begin to melt away. As you start to read, you can start to forget the more trying moments. Such as explaining to the preschool teacher that by putting preschool toys into his twin sisters backpack then blaming her for nicking them, the child is not necessarily all bad, and is displaying some elements of intelligent foresight by a 3 year old.  Having the school phone and explain that next week is forest school day, not this week, so could your child please have a uniform delivered ASAP. Sending your four year old with peanut butter sandwiches totally forgetting that it is a nut free school. That kind of thing. 

The speed at which the stresses are forgotten is directly proportionate to the speed at which you get drawn into the story of whatever novel you are reading. For particularly challenging times, I highly recommend immersing yourself in the unique and engaging novel by Johanna Handley, ‘The Burning of Juniper Slaide’. 

A troubled child is haunted by the circumstances surrounding the inexplicable disappearance of her best friend. For reasons which gradually become apparent, it is a friendship which is far from celebrated, but is an unbreakable bond. Why can’t Juniper tell the truth?; what exactly happened the day her parents died? ; why is Rory interested in her when she is no more than the school freak? ; and what is her Aunt hiding from her? 

Told in parallel, but set some years previously, is a story of love and a desire to heal. Promises made and broken. Confidences betrayed and secrets kept. Secrets which, if known, would cut any human to the core. 

Gradually the two stories become one. The characters meet in time, and all becomes clear, or does it? 

How totally refreshing to read a novel where you guess, guess, and guess again, yet still get it wrong! The characters are engaging, and the plot line is intriguing. However, this tale contains a plot line with such a twist that you cannot shake off the goosebumps once you finally see how it all turns out. This is one hell of a read! 

If this has grabbed your interest, and you would like to be in with a chance to win a copy of the novel signed by the author, please click the link below, and off you go. Good luck, and happy reading! 


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