Four young people in a car which hits a wall. Five young lives changed irrevocably - and their parents - and friends - and even hospital staff, who always line the corridor when a transplant donor is due to go past. The loss of one life means so much to people waiting for donors. Carry a card. Loved it. Made me think. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher I read an advance review copy of the book. This review is voluntary, honest and my own opinion.

very interesting about to raise I do love reading a good father was very interesting about this book is that she is living with a man who she doesn't know the history of but little does she know that he is a colour it also makes you think who you are living with do you really know the person that all it is a very interesting book to read and I really do like the way the author has written the book I do look forward to reading more of this book on path of me more of of possibly more of books from the same author I did read this book during the summertime and I really didn't read this one my favourite book so far this year. I do look forward to passing it on to my friends to find their opinion of the book.

The book follows the events of a car crash and how it effects the life of those involved, their families and the community. Characters are easy to relate to, kids that will seem familiar and mums that you will know from your circle of friends. Sal, the anxious single mum, who worries about her child being in danger as any mother would. Different Familia and cultures joined together by pain and grief. It’s easy to relate to this story and you will definitely want to read more!

Caroline Bond is fast becoming one of my new favourite authors. I read The Second Child as she is a local author to my village and someone had recommended it and I was hooked, so was excited to learn about her new publication and even more excited to get my grubby mits on an advanced review copy! I wasn't disappointed, what a stonker of a book! The story centres around a group of five teenagers who are about to leave sixth form and start new paths on journeys to work / university, coming home one night there is a car accident which changes the group forever. This novel is a masterclass in human emotion, five families worth of characters to get to grips with and it was as seamless as if they were your own neighbours, beautifully distinct, full of idiosyncrasies so you felt each person was full of depth and not once did I confuse characters, which happens all to often in books nowadays! It was also refreshing that the split timeline narrative was used sparingly, rather than every chapter and loved the nuance touch about the organ donor recipient. I really loved how they also did a flashback to Pete and Cleo - I had almost forgotten about them, so that was a lovely effect at the end. I know the author is local to me and the intensity of the novel did remind me of a similar incident which happened locally where a group of five teenagers had a car accident and sadly did suffer similar outcomes to the characters in the book and this novel really helped me re-consider that event not only as a 'news' item but the profound impact it must still be having on our local community. Brilliant, highly recommended novel, compelling storyteller.

This had me hooked from the beginning. Caroline Bond is a superb author. Her characterization is excellent. This book tests our judgement on quite a few things. Firstly, in my opinion is it necessary for a 17-year-old to have such a fast car. Secondly, drink driving is a no. However, at 17 it’s one won’t hurt then another. It’s realising when to say no, enough is enough or to have none at all. We have all been young and think we are invincible. Thirdly to drive when we are angry is just as dangerous. Put all of these factors together and there is only one awful outcome. Harry, the driver swerves and has a terrifying accident that is going to change all their lives. There were two characters that annoyed me. Jake, one of the friends and Dom, Harrys dad. After the accident Jake seemed to disappear from the rest of the book. Why did he choose to abandon his friends at such a dreadful time? Dom, what can I say about him? As cold as ice. Unable to show his feelings. Could only think about himself. The two characters I adored were Fran and Marcus. They taught me through this novel that to be able to forgive after everything that has happened left me with hope. This book made me cry at times and also made me smile. A Split Second, anything can happen to anyone. Thank you, Caroline Bond, for a truly amazing read.