A compelling and ultimately heart-warming story

"A thought provoking...novel about love, loss and the importance of family. Considering the afterlife is an interesting premise to explore these themes and there are plenty of moments of humour and wit to lift the sadness." 

The Book Trust

Made an impact on my heart

"Christina Banach's novel sparks light into those areas that are not normally included in any YA novel…the mood the author tried to set is perfect…an engaging story that will keep you glued until the very end…a thoroughly compelling read."

Book Stop Corner blog

 

I recommend this book to everyone, not just young adults

"Minty and Jack...brought humor to a story about loss, grief and moving on...the ending is truly touching. Even if you do not like reading sad books please read Minty because...it is not sad. It is a great book."

TMBA Corbett Tries To Write, blogspot

Haunting, eerie and beautiful

"Through Minty's eyes we see how family and friends are affected by bereavement. It deals with loss, love, friendship and over all, hope, resilience and strength of character. It's a haunting, eerie and beautiful read that will resonate with you for days after you read it. "

The Scottish Book Trust

Couldn't put it down!

"I completely and utterly fell in love with this book...This was one of those stories that will stay with me for, well probably for years. If you like stories with depth, humour and real life relationships, then you'll love this. It has it all. Christina...has become my 'One to Watch' this year."

Suzy Turner blogspot

A Sorrow So Deep...

"The story held my attention the entire time,and when I wasn't reading it I was thinking about where it was going to go...an honest read, I find myself thinking about things I hadn't in a while..a unique, special read. I recommend this to mature 12 year old and anyone else above that age."

Words to Dreams, blogspot

Beautiful tale of two sisters

"Christina's stunning style of writing succeeded in bringing tears of joy and sadness to my eyes. For a first book being this good, it makes me wonder what is yet to come."

tropicaliamgirl, Goodreads

Brilliant debut

"This is a wonderful story and I was hooked after the first few pages. Suspenseful and spooky, yet poignant with touches of down-to-earth humour throughout, this novel has it all.  A must read for adults as well as children. I look forward to more books from this fantastic author."

E Rettig, author of My Desperate Love Diary

A Moving and intimate journey in loss and love

"Christina Banach creates accessible characters and moving relationships in Minty. Anyone who has suffered the loss of a loved one will appreciate her sincere approach in this story. It has moments of levity and humour and the POV keeps it from being too heavy. However, have your tissues ready."

Rachel Craw, author of Spark

It's a twin thing

"As a twin, it's  fantastic to find such a moving book that realistically captures the bond between identical siblings. Christina Banach does a fantastic job of making the reader stop and think...I would suggest you have a box of tissues at the ready as there are some very poignant moments...can't wait to read more from this exciting new author - what a wonderful debut!"

Sarah Broadley, Goodreads

An entertaining read that broke my heart, before putting it back together

"The real question here is what didn't I love about Minty? I'm struggling to think of a single aspect of this story that I didn't enjoy...It's a fabulous debut from the author, and it's a great UK YA novel, something I feel we're really lacking at the moment."

Katie: Queen of Teen Fiction blogspot

Unusual and Compelling

"This is the gripping and tragic...story which never loses pace or intrigue...when the end comes, it's worth waiting for."

Wendy Storer, Don't Tell Me the Moon Is Shining blogspot

A fantastic read

"Minty is a fantastic read which will engage you on the first page. The characters are really realistic and you can feel what they feel. It always would leave you thinking 'what's going to happen next?' It will be a satisfying ending and the author is really good! " :-)

Julakha, aged 14

Highly Addictive

"Minty is a highly addictive novel packed with emotions. I felt trapped in Minty's situations, unable to get out until the loose ends were tied up. Every disappointment is followed by satisfaction."

Sheepa, aged 14

A beautiful tale of two sisters

"Grips you tight and doesn't let go."

Heather, Goodreads

Beautifully written

"A beautifully written story of the unique bond between identical twins, difficult to put down and an emotional journey. A must read."

Writer, Goodreads

A young adult novel to send tingles along your spine

"Minty will draw you in to the world of Minty and Jess, their two dogs Romulus and Remus and their fascination with all things Roman. This memorable and moving story will touch the hearts of all its readers, teens and adults alike. 

Jeanne, Amazon

A must read for every young adult and adults alike

"a rollercoaster of emotions...it never goes where you think it might do...the author manages to surprise you at every chapter and tell a tender, funny and well-observed story. It is a gripping story that keeps you hooked to the end."

F A Figueiredo, Amazon

Minty

"I loved it from the outset and would suggest that it's not just a book for young people but a book to be enjoyed by adults too. It made me cry at the end! It's a beautifully written story of love and loss and hope for the future."

Anne Gorman, Amazon 

A fascinating exploration of the emotional bonds that tie us to our loved ones

"Through the unique bonds and relationship quirks of twins, Minty and Jess, Christina Banach takes us on a journey that is in turn sad, funny and moving, with a heart-warming ending guaranteed to bring a tear to the eye."

M Lynas, author of Florence and the Meanies

A triumph of love

"Minty is the story for anyone who enjoys an exciting tale...in Minty Banach has created a stirring narrative that keeps you guessing till the end, all the while celebrating the eternal devotion of family and home. Highly recommended."

burton 33, Amazon

But it for your kids, buy it for yourself. Buy it just because the cover's cool!

"Christina weaves the pace of the storyline so effortlessly; it's easy to identify with the entire family, living the story through each of their eyes. Warm and sad, beautiful and eerie, hopeful - yet playful...Perfect for Middle Grade and Young Adult readers. Maybe even the odd oldie too."

Danl Tetley blogspot

Grabs you from page one - have a box of tissues handy

"This is one of those gems that works for young adults and also the not so young...I read it in a single sitting - something I do not ordinarily do - except for a brief pause to compose myself before the final chapter, such was the intensity of emotion the book engenders. you must read this book..."

Joyce Colville Hart,  Amazon 

Engrossing character-driven tale!

 "This is a gripping, mystical tale of love and loss, told from Minty's point of view, reminiscent of one of my favourite movies, GHOST. An engrossing character-driven tale that combines unfailing heartbreak, perfectly timed humor, and an obsession of all things Roman. Well done!"

B Miller, Amazon.com

BRILLIANT and Different!

"Minty was different...I absolutely loved the way the book opened, diving in...had me hooked before I even realised it...the ending was simply BRILLIANT! I even felt a tear or two rolling off from my eyes."

Aditi: 15 year old blogger, A Thousand Words, A Million Books

There were times when I laughed

"I thoroughly enjoyed reading Minty..there were times when I laughed aloud, and times when I quietly wiped away a tear. Very well-written and thought-provoking. As a twin, I totally identified with the closeness of the twins...and the need for their own identities."

Edith Innes, Amazon 

This book deserves five stars, there is no other option

"I am "young elderly". Just adding my voice to others, meaning: agree with all above comments plus it helped me to understand life much better."

Jan B, Amazon 

Great Book

"What an amazing story! I could not put this book down! What a great treat! I highly recommend this book."

G F Willerton, Amazon 

An excellent first book

"I really enjoyed this book and the positive message that it gives. An excellent first book exploring a difficult subject, whatever age you are."

Gillian, Goodreads

One of the best YA I've read

"Gripping, detailed to every last breath...the story is amazing, fresh like warm linen. I loved every breath-taking moment."

Heather Dickson, Goodreads

A beautiful, beautiful book

"Minty is one of those special books that remain close to your heart long after you have finished...the author has an excellent command of language and in places the book is poetic. This...book will help teenagers to understand and explore their emotions."

LambC, Amazon

A Touching "Ghost" Story

"Christina Banach has done an amazing job of giving us the strong and challenging personalities of these characters. If you enjoy stories like The Lovely Bones, If I Stay...even Ghost, then this is a sweet and fascinating paranormal mystery...definitely a touching story of loss and grief that is worth reading."

Jasmine A, Amazon