Songs For Your Mother by Gordon Macmillan
‘My name is Luke,’ he says.
When Johnny meets Lauren in a bar in Santa Cruz, there’s an instant connection. On an American road trip with best friend Will, Johnny promises to return to the girl who has stolen his heart.
Until tragedy strikes, forcing Johnny to fly back home without ever seeing Lauren again.
Six years later, Johnny is living his life in London, even if he’s never forgotten the girl with the grey eyes and dark hair.
Until one September morning, he opens his door to find a little boy standing there – a child, Johnny quickly comes to learn, who was created that one magical night. Lauren is dying, and her last wish is to reunite five-year-old Luke with the father he doesn’t yet know.
Thrown into unexpected parenthood, Johnny finds himself navigating school-gate politics, Disney movies and tantrums, guided by the notes Lauren has written for him.
Life as an instant dad isn’t always easy, but as Johnny and Luke open their hearts to each other, Johnny is about to discover that life’s joy isn’t always where you expected it.
An emotional, feel-good read that will have you laughing while you wipe away a tear – readers of Dani Atkins, Mike Gayle and Jojo Moyes will be captivated.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/38sHlHb
Kobo: http://bit.ly/3rBByGN
Apple: http://apple.co/3cmAsrY
After
looking at the cover and reading the blurb, Gordon MacMillan's début
novel is everything you'd expect and so much more.
Johnny
Clarke never forgot the beautiful young woman he met in Santa Cruz,
California. Their brief time together triggered feelings neither had
expected to happen. Yet, despite the connection, they go their
separate way, and Johnny promises to come back and find Lauren.
However, fate steps in and takes away his chance for a reunion. Six
years later, Johnny is living his life back in London until
five-year-old Luke turns up on his doorstep. He's never forgotten the
child's mom, as he follows the advice she sent along with her son.
Life becomes a challenge, but it also offers an opportunity to right
what happened in the past.
When
I opened this novel, I had a feeling I'd end up shedding a tear or
two. That's not to say, the book is overwhelmingly sad because it's
not. The mood is upbeat and humorous as Johnny (Jon) navigates his
new role in life as a father. Anyone who is a parent will identify
with his struggles as he begins building a relationship with his son.
He's forced to jump into the role with two feet, which inevitably
causes a splash or two. It's entertaining and highlights the
difficulties of
caring for and
raising young
children.
The
scenes between Jon and Luke are heart-wrenching as the pair get to
know each other. Jon might have started out as clueless, but he has a
wonderful, caring small network of friends who help to point him in
the right direction… that, and Lauren's extensive log of notes and
thoughts. Their story is an emotive assault on our emotions, leading
us to empathise with their situation. All characters are relatable
and likeable for the compassion they share. Whilst Jon and Luke are
the driving force of this poignant novel, Lauren, Josie, Susan, TSP
and Georgia are the embodiment of strong female role models all
rooting for the common cause.
To
sum up, Songs for Your Mother is as delightful as its
thought-provoking. Prepare to reach out for a tissue as the story pulls
at your heartstrings.
***arc
generously received courtesy of the publisher via Rachel's Random
Resources***
Gordon Macmillan is a debut novelist and former journalist who now works for Twitter in London.
http://twitter.com/GordonMacMillan
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