I've had this book for years, I still haven't, unfortunately, got to it, so this is a placeholder review to reduce my shelf for my own sanity, but will replace this as I have a copy of this book to read

The author provides great insight into the emotions and mental damage that is experienced by the victims in this story. The writing style chosen by is extremely effective and presents the reader with knowledge of just how widespread the victim pool is. When reading this, you are drawn into the emotion and mental anguish of each participant.

The story is sure to open the eyes of many people. I look forward to reading another book by this author.

I received an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Wow! This was an highly emotional read, had me squirming a few times due to the uncomfortableness of the subject matter but it was a hard book to out down. Jennie Ensor did a great job telling this story from three point of views so giving all three characters a human side. Sexual abuse is such a sensitive issue and I thought Jennie did a great job with this.

This certainly isn’t a easy read and is in fact quite disturbing. To say I loved it is probably the wrong terminology but it was an excellent read,

This book deals with a very real problem in our society today, namely pedophilia. It makes for a very scary read, however its done in a very sensitive manner and makes for a good solid read. Recommended.

An incredibly difficult subject handled extremely well. I thought Laura's character was very believable with the way she behaved. Her years of silence, her reasons why all rang very very true. Emma's story was devastating and heart breaking and I wasn't sure at some points during the book if this was a topic to write a book about purely for the entertainment of others. But I could see how the story could provide solace and comfort to other victims and perhaps even give them the courage to speak out. I felt uncomfortable reading the book at times, like I was indulging in some sort of prurient activity. There were also times when I felt the story dragged a little bit. I can see why people love this book and give it 5 stars, but for me, personally, I felt too discomfited.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me a free e-book of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I don't really know why I didn't like this book. Maybe because I wasn't that excited to start reading it in the first place, and only read it out of obligation because I already received it for free out of the kindness for the publisher. Maybe it's also because I don't know how to feel about the book - is it a good thriller? A well-written drama? A heartbreaking story that might have happened to other people? I felt too disturbed by the content, too troubled to really enjoy the story itself.

If you don't know already this book deals with explicit and very serious scenes about sexual abuse, paedophilia and family abuse. We read from three different perspectives: Laura, the woman who was sexually harrased by her father when she was just a teenager, and now has to live throughout her young adult life with that secret. Stephanie, Laura's mother, who is a soft-hearted, fragile woman that is also quite frankly an idiot. And finally Laura's father and Stephanie's husband, a filthy, horrible, disgusting man who is successful in his work but buries a deep desire for young teenage girls.

What I didn't like about this book was how throughout the story you feel like it's very fictional and told just to tell about the stories of these characters that do not really feel human. I didn't like the mother at all, I understand from where she is going through, but I just didn't like her as a person. I quite liked Laura, but some of her actions were annoying to me and I just felt like I couldn't a hundred percent like her, despite the fact that I do feel sorry for her. And finally I hated, hated the father for what he is and what he did, and how he still justifies himself. I know why the author added his own perspective, and it really is interesting and eye-opening, but I just do not know why I would sympathise or even understand someone as despiseful as him.

All in all I didn't like this book, just because I didn't like the themes it talks about. The writing style is normal, the plot goes in ways I didn't liked (especially the predictable ending), and overall it just wasn't something I enjoyed reading, nor was it a story that I felt I need to know. I'm sorry but it's just not the thing for me.

*The Girl in his Eyes* is an incredible novel that has left me still thinking about the characters way after I finished reading the book.
It really does explore the depth and lasting damage of sexual abuse, it’s so beautifully and sensitively written that you’ll find yourself utterly absorbed in the story and won’t want to stop turning the pages. I highly recommend it. 🌟

Thank you to Netgalley for letting me read The girl in his eyes by Jenni Ensor in exchange for my honest review.

It feels strange to say I enjoyed this book given the delicate theme (child abuse) but it's very well handled. I found it really interesting to get narratives from three different perspectives; the victim, the perpetrator and the mother, who had been unaware. With the added element of the perpetrator turning his attentions to another victim, Laura is thrown into turmoil. Despite the difficult and very uncomfortable subject being covered, I couldn't put this book down and read it in less than a day. I'll definitely be looking out for more from the author in the future!

Oh wow. Put some time away for this book. It has all the ingredients for a terrific psychological thriller.

No spoilers from me. Book is great with lots of lies, deception, tragedy, and twists. Also, loved the unpredictable ending. Can't say enough great about this. Read it today!!

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this fabulous book.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 dark stars

It’s hard to rate a book that is essentially about child abuse. I can’t say I enjoyed it as a subject matter but i do think it was well written and get me gripped.

I agree with some of the other comments that some of he dialogue was a bit off but overall I thought it was written sensitively.

I liked that even though chapters were written from the perpetrator’s perspective, at no time did the author try and make us sympathise with him despite his attempts to justify his actions.

Recommended & I would read more by the author.

Thankyou to NetGalley, Bloodhound Books and the author, Jennie Ensor, for the opportunity to read a digital copy of The Girl In His Eyes in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.
Books regarding this subject matter are never going to be an easy read. And this one certainly isn't.
It is horrible to say ( given the subject matter) , I really enjoyed reading this book. Ms Ensor has told the storyline from multiple points of view and has created a story that gets its hooks into you and refuses to let go until you have finished.
Well worth a read.

I would like to thank the Netgalley website for this partnership and Bloodhound books.

I was immediately attracted to the cover and summary of this book.

There is Laura, a young woman who is facing the abuse her father put her through for years as a child. She's going to be horrified to hear that he's taking a girl named Emma swimming.

Until then, she hadn't yet dared to talk about her abuse, will she decide to talk about it to save this young girl?

A novel read in one go, I found the story captivating, full of suspense and twists and turns. I look forward to reading more books from this author who has a beautiful pen.

A deep, dark secret is finally surfacing. Do you divulge it and risk everything? Great story line, interesting characters and a wonderful read. Highly recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley, Bloodhound Books and Jennie Ensor for an ARC ebook copy to review. As always, an honest review from me.

My rating is actually 4.5/5 stars, but since there aren't half stars I always round up.

First of all, a major trigger warning for the entire book. There are many mentions and fairly graphic descriptions of child sexual abuse and rape. So please be sure you're in a good head space while reading the book.

With that being said, I really enjoyed The Girl In His Eyes. The book gave a fairly accurate representation of the horrors and difficulties of dealing with the aftermath of surviving child sexual abuse. Both for the individual survivor and the family as well The novel gives a voice to the voiceless. It also makes it easier to understand how and why these pedophiles and perverts can manipulate children, entire families and societies into believing they're good people. There were so many times when people suspected something was "off" about Paul, but brushed off their concerns because he seemed like a nice guy. Always trust your gut, people! These life lessons are so relevant.

There wasn't anything that I really disliked about the book. However there was a lot that disgusted me, which given the general book topic was bound to happen. Some chapters are from Paul, the pervert's, point of view. We hear all the disgusting horrifying things he thinks. It adds to the suspense and explains a lot. Also some of the reactions of people seem a bit too cookie cutter at times.

Overall, a really worthwhile read to further understand the topic but done in a fictionalized manner.

*I received a free ebook version of this. Thankyou to Netgalley, Bloodhound Books and Jennie Ensor for the chance to read this! My review is still completely honest.
**HUGE trigger warning for sexual assault and pedophilia. This is a very disturbing read and if you are in any way sensitive to these topics, I would avoid this one.

The Girl in His Eyes is a story about Laura, a young woman who was molested by her father as a child. She has kept this to herself until now, when she finds out an oblivious neighbour is allowing Laura’s father to take her 12 year old daughter swimming. This is a unique story of sexual abuse in that it shows the perspectives of Laura, Laura’s mother and Laura’ father, the abuser himself.
This was an incredibly hard read. When I said to be wary, don’t underestimate that. I’m pretty good at distancing myself emotionally from that kind of content, but this one made me feel so uncomfortable I had to put it down for a while and was seriously considering dnfing. What encouraged me to continue was finding out that Jennie Ensor based this novel off of her own experiences, and so I feel that novels like this are important for representing real life and opening discussions around what trauma and abuse looks like, and why some women choose not to come forward. I have the utmost respect for the author and the message she brings in writing this book. This post was the one I read if anyone is interested: https://jennieensor.com/2018/08/31/my-story-what-lies-behind-the-girl-in-his-eyes/.
I found Ensor to be a very eloquent writer. Her style is straightforward and simple in a good way-it was fitting for the subject matter and compulsively readable. Her mastery of the points of view was better than most I’ve read, as all 3 were fully distinct and had their own flavour in their chapters. Not only was the plot compelling and interesting, it was hard-hitting and kept me on the edge of my seat.
I think my only little gripe is that I do wish I’d seen more from Emma at the end, and how she was getting on. Her story is the only one that I feel seems unconcluded.
On the whole though, I’m really impressed with this author. The story she told is highly personal and as such, is one of the more emotional books that I’ve read. A very, very well crafted novel.

4☆A Dark Challenging Raw Emotional Read

The Girl In His Eyes is a very Dark, Raw, Emotional, disturbing Read, about Sexual Abusive and Grooming.

This really isn't the easiest of reads but it's a very powerful read.

Laura is sexually abused by her father from the age of 12.
It's not often you are given the story of both the abuser and the person who is being abused. Which was unique and very different.
The story is also told by Laura's Mother which was also interesting.
As an outsider you often question, did the other parent know what was going on?

When Laura suspects her father of abusing another child, she struggles with her demons, as it brings everything back to the surface. You see Laura never told anyone just what her Father did to her all those years.
But can she save this young girl before it's too late!

My heart literally broke for Laura, she is immensely brave and strong.
The parents characters literally make me sick and rage with anger. Which is exactly how I was meant to feel.

Jennie Ensor has poured everything into this raw heart breaking read. She has written a very realistic and powerful read that really punches a huge impact.
As I said before it's not an easy read by any means and it's all too real for some people.

The Girl In His Eyes isn't going to be for everyone as it is a very sensitive subject, but if you like reading books that challenge your emotions, Raw, and is not an easy read then I do recommend reading this dark Pyschological book.


Thank you to Bloodhound Books for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

Thank you NetGalley and Bloodhound Books for my copy.

I found it rather difficult to come to a conclusion on this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed the dark intensity of the story and how it was told from three different POV, especially Paul's since it was so honest.
Paul the abuser, Laura the abused and Suze the unassuming wife to one and mother to the other.. Fantastic idea to volley between the three perspectives!
The thing that kept stumping me was the conversation style.
All the chats seemed a bit awkward and "off" somehow.
Perhaps it was that the inner monologues were so fluid that the conversations seemed stymied as a result? I may never know.
I did find the book fairly addictive despite the stunted conversation style, and judging from the reviews I think this may have been my issue alone.

Child abuse is always a hard topic to read about but this book was hard to put down. Laura must decide if she had the courage to face her abuser (her father) to save another. Can she do it and what cost?

I did enjoy this book. The reason for the three stars is because of its predictability. Other than that, it kept me interested and flowed very well. It goes from several POV which is easy to follow as well.

Laura was sexually abused by her father and it has always caused tension between her and her parents. She never told anyone in fear it would kill her mom. When she goes to visit, she hears her dad is coaching a 12 year old girl in swimming. Laura starts to worry perhaps her dad would do it to others, not just her. Should she tell or should she keep it a secret ?

The sexual content is a little graphic considering it is with children. If this totally offends you, I wouldn’t recommend the book.


I received an ARC of this book for my honest review. Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity.