I have only been forwarded the first chapter of this book so I really cannot do a full review. It is a very powerful story on a very emotional subject which every reader is going to have opinions on . I am enjoying the stories or part of the stories of what has led the characters into the clinic. The complexities of the characters was eloquent. I feel that the book is going to be a slow but tantalising striptease act as each layer of each persons secrets and fears are revealed. I hope to be able to read the rest of the chapters to see where this story is going to lead.

A wonderful taster of what is to come. The story draws you in from the first page. I cannot wait to find out the outcome of the cliffhanger at the end of the first chapter and the back story of all the characters that led to the event. Five stars plus and my only disappointment is the wait to read the rest of the book.

I can't say too much as this is just the first chapter, but by gosh what a chapter!

This left me wishing I hadn't read it, as now I don't know how I'm supposed to wait until October to read the rest!! Jodi is my favourite author so I was very excited to read A Spark of Light. I can't wait to read more as this sampler leaves you on the edge, mouth open, craving more!!

I was given an ARC of the first section/chapter of this book by NetGalley and the publisher Hoddart & Stoughton.

All in all a promising and exciting start to the rest of the novel. Set at an abortion clinic in the US under siege by a gunman holding several hostages. A situation so very familiar in recent years around the world. Jodi Picoult draws you in instantly, with her usual descriptive narrative of the main characters, their background stories and subsequent links. Definitely leaves the reader wanting more, and has peaked my curiosity.

I look forward to reading the rest of this novel - thank you to NetGalley for the sample..

I’ve been a bit chicken about reading Jodi Picoult, though I have always wanted to. I have Nineteen Minutes on my Kindle and I also have a eARC & audiobook of Great Small Things. I really wanted to do the latter first as it sounds amazing but with all the hype around it, I got scared and chickened out. Like whenever I fancy going near Jodi’s work. Plus, with this book slump am in, I wondered if she might be a bit too heavy for me at the moment.

So, when I saw that Hodder had the first chapter of her upcoming, A Spark of Light, on NetGalley, I was in two minds - for about five minutes - before I requested and started reading it that evening.

I only know a tiny amount of information as I feel this might be the best thing for me. I know it takes place at a clinic, tackles the issue of abortion and gun control and will be told backwards. So, we started at the climax of the event and then work back hour by hour till we see the start of the event or the start of the day.

So, basically, it’s season 6 finale of Grey’s Anatomy.

So, what do I think of the chapter sampler I read?

The words “bloody hell” and “heart in mouth” jump to mind. I sense this is going to be one of those novels that, yes, will tackle dark issues but because of the way it’s going to be written, I think it will make gripping reading. And I can see this working perfectly as a TV show rather than a movie (I can imagine this is gonna be picked up super quick like Great Small Things was - and, if I remember right, Julia Roberts and Viola Davis will be starring in that! And if they’re starring in it, you know it’s gonna be good and will destroy your emotions!)

I’m curious on how Jodi wrote this. Did she write it forward (end of the day and work backwards) or backwards (start of the day and work forwards)? That intrigues me…

I think this might be my first Jodi Picoult. Or maybe I’ll be brave and read Nineteen Minutes or Great Small Things. But yes, I will be eyeing the publishers for information about this book or I will be preordering this! Bring it on (though have the tissues at the ready).

I was so excited to get a sneak peek at ''A Spark of Light" and it didn't disappoint. Jodi Picoult is a master at writing characters that jump off the page at you and make you care about them alongside plots which are original, timely and impossible to put down. I can't wait to read the whole story in October.

I did not realise this was not the full book what I requested it. Therefore I don't feel able to leave a review of a book which I haven't completed.

5/5 stars! I wouldn't expect anything less from Picoult. I have enioyed many of her books in the past including the one about the school shooting.
Loved this chapter and can't wait to read the rest. I just wish Netgalley had it available right now.

Yes! Jodi Picoult has done it again and what a great idea to hand out teasers for us to review. It worked a treat. Another gripping, tense and well described story with believable interesting characters. I can’t wait to get my hands on the book when it’s published.

I should have paid attention more fully, I didn’t realise on Net Galley the publishers were only offering an exclusive first chapter, all this has done is frustrate me until I can get my hands on the entire book.

This starts with a hostage situation.

It’s told in only the professional way a talented author can tell for her readers to actually feel scared in amongst all the mayhem.


I can’t wait to read more. Thank you Hodder & Stoughton but I need more!

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

My review is based on a sampler but when I read the whole book I will update. This tale focuses on a shooting that has occurred at a pro choice clinic. George has shot the doctor, staff and holding Wren hostage. The hostage negotiator, Hugh, is talking him down but his priority is not for George but for Wreb, his daughter.

From the get go I was immersed in Jodi’s emotive points of view and once I had established the characters it was over because it was a sneaky sampler which has got me ready to preorder the whole book on release

I love Jodi Picoult's books and have read all of them! The stories are magnificiently told and this one doesn't appear to be any different! The first chapter set the scene of a hostage situation at a medical centre. I think because I knew it was only one chapter, I didn't let myself get drawn in as much as I would normally have done, but it did get my attention from the beginning and by the end of the sampler I was keen to carry on reading.

Can't wait until this one is released!

A Spark of Light by Jodi Picolt is a story of people caught up in a hostage situation in a medical centre.
I did not realise that I had only been given an ARC of the first chapter of this book.and I would really like to read more to see how the story progresses.

What a teaser!! Can't wait for this book to be released. Have read all of Jodi Picoults books and am a huge fan.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the ARC.

Have been waiting for this book since, and after reading this chapter I am even more impatient for its release! Brilliant start to a novel, pulls you into the characters and the controversial storyline quickly.

At the women's reproductive health services clinic - known respectively from both sides as The Centre - the day starts off normally enough, protestors barricade the outside, whilst desperate women seek the care within, and amongst this every day turmoil, a distraught gunman bursts in; opening fire and taking everybody hostage.

I was fortunate enough to get an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

And honest you will get. Because Jodi Picoult's writing feels just that; honest. In this novel she takes a controversial subject, gives the reader all sides and viewpoints in a sensitive, timely narrative, and still gives it that special Picoult flair that keeps the reader immersed in a tough subject. I think my favourite thing about Picoult's books is that she doesn't choose sides, she keeps wrapped up in her main role of storyteller; and allows the reader to form their own opinions, sparking debate and conversation about her entire range of books.

The characters inside this book are so complex, their beliefs and choices as opposite as could possibly be, and yet they are all thrown into this high-stake hostage situation where they all want the same thing; to escape with their lives. As these array of unforgettable, enthralling characters bond with each other, the reader sees the countdown of hours during the ongoing chapters until we see what bought each individual to The Centre in the first place, each reason and opinion as valid as the next.

I will be purchasing this book.

.... and breath. I felt as if I held my breath reading each word of this sample. I rarely read sample chapters. When they are at the end of a book I skip it. I just can’t deal with waiting for release day. However this author with her writing has helped me through so much in my life. When I feel low I grab my kindle or one of her paperbacks and I feel her words. It truly has helped me. Coincidentally I just saw this sample on Net Galley and knew I needed to read it. I did read and as much as that ending has me in a tizzy I can’t wait to read the full story.

What a start to a book. I seriously feel as if I’ve read a book and it ended in a cliffhanger. There was so much to read about in the sample. I’m not even sure I could pick a character I want to know more about. I NEED to know more about them all. Each character has so much more to tell us.

That ending. Wow. How am I going to wait until release day to read more?? Really hope the full book goes up on Net Galley as I’m not a patient person.

I have read each of this authors books. I’ve re read each of them several times. Each book has so much meaning. The words are felt rather than read.
What I’ve read of this story so far is faultless. Can’t wait to read more.