A Song of Me and You: The escapist pageturner of the summer

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But when in the process Jess stumbles across the mysterious Alex, together they become custodians of a strange archive of letters, photographs, curios and collections known as The Museum of Ordinary People.

A Song of Me and You: The escapist pageturner of - WHSmith A Song of Me and You: The escapist pageturner of - WHSmith

Helen is struggling with the breakdown of her marriage when Ben, a guy she dated in high school, turns up on her doorstep after 20 years. Ben is now a successful musician and their lives couldn’t be any different. So why is he here? Does she honestly think there can be something between them still, now?! Well, Mr Gayle, you’ve done it again. I’m mush. He has the unerring capacity to get you right in your heart. Every. Single, Book! This is yet another wonderfully told story, it’s heartwarming, reflective, thoughtful (I’d expect nothing less!), empathetic, there are light touches of well-placed humour*, it’s moving and very poignant, especially at the end. *There is one part of the novel at the beginning where it resembles a French farce and this is such fun! The tone changes later but then you are so glad of these moments of levity. Poignant, uplifting and utterly charming, I was swept away by Ben and Helen's story, equal parts relatable and fantastic but always, always pulling on my heart strings. Mike Gayle, then, now and forever one of the best." - Lindsey Kelk That said, I thoroughly enjoyed my taste of a lavish lifestyle so clearly depicted here. It gave me an experience I’d never normally have and with reference to real people like Elton John, for example, there’s a sensation of genuineness in the narrative.A Song of Me and You will be published on 6th July 2023 and forms part of the anniversary celebrations as the publisher marks 25 years since publishing Gayle’s debut, My Legendary Girlfriend. Still reeling from the sudden death of her mother, Jess is about to do the hardest thing she's ever done: empty her childhood home so that it can be sold. For Helen and Ben, so much has happened in the years between. But just to sit in the kitchen for a while and talk - that would be nice. Noah Martineau thinks he knows who he is: a successful barrister, with a wife, daughter and big house in Primrose Hill. I am beyond devastated. I really thought I knew where that was going and how it would end and yet, I still ended up heartbroken.

A Song of Me and You: The escapist pageturner of the summer

Hodder & Stoughton has acquired two new novels by Mike Gayle, and unveiled A Song of Me and You, a new novel forthcoming on 6th July 2023 that forms part of a prior acquisition. Vintage Mike Gayle! It’s full of relatable characters and as Mike takes us on a journey through all their high and lows and we’re with them every step of the way. A Song of Me and You is a wonderful story about the things that really matter in life – family, friendship and falling in love - and a poignant reminder to cherish them while we can. It’s the perfect book to celebrate Mike’s 25 years as an author and I’m sure readers will love it!’ Ruth Hogan Helen, by far, is one of my favourite characters. She’s just been through so much and tries to give everyone all of her time and attention, with nobody really looking out for her. I’m sad that she’s not real but she genuinely is one of the best mother figures. Confused but mortified Joe vows to be a better husband and father. Until his wife Penny puts two and two together and leaves him. A Song Of Me & You is an effortless read because Mike Gayle has such a natural and engaging style that it doesn’t feel as if you’re reading at all. It’s more like being in the room as action takes place. Indeed, I put life on hold for a couple of days to devour this story.Moving, uplifting, unforgettable. Mike always writes from the heart and creates stories we fall in love with’ Lisa Jewell The author always creates really lovely characters although Helen’s ex is a •••• They feel so authentic and I fall in love with the personalities of Helen and Ben. The dialogue between them feels so real they could be standing right in front of you. The lifestyle is such a contrast to each other and yet…… It makes you think. The portrayal of Helen‘s marriage, break up, her actions and reactions to it and the impact especially on her children is done extremely well. Teens Esme and Frankie‘s portrayal is spot-on too and they are also very likeable. Moving, uplifting, unforgettable. Mike always writes from the heart and creates stories we fall in love with." - Lisa Jewell

A Song of Me and You Audiobook - Mike Gayle - Listening Books

Sayers said: “Mike’s writing has evolved over the years, but what he has always done is to write about real people and real emotions in a way that is totally involving. So many readers see their own dilemmas and dramas reflected in his work. As I was reading, I cheered aloud. I gave the characters my unheard advice and I cried, as I was so caught up in what was happening to them, completely forgetting I was reading a story and not real events. I had the plot all sorted out and knew just how this gorgeous story would end. Except, of course, I didn’t because Mike Gayle had other plans for the people here, but you’ll need to read A Song Of Me & You to find out what they are. Turns out Ben is feeling burnt out by the constant cycle of writing, recording, touring and promo, and he’s on the run from his demanding manager, the influential Rocco Roberts, so like any good friend would, Helen invites him to stay under the radar in her ordinary Didsbury house. After all, her teenaged son and daughter are on a week’s vacation with their father (and his new girlfriend), so his presence in Manchester can be kept secret. Joe Clarke is about 78% sure he's just had an affair. Well, that is the beautiful office intern in bed next to him... The ending was also a letdown as it meanders into unnecessary unrealistic threads and failed to salvage what little was left. 😫.I just finished reading the book that tells the compelling story of Helen and Ben, and I must say, it left quite an impression on me. The narrative skillfully weaves together the complexities of their lives, exploring themes of love, change, and second chances. The characters feel realistic and layered – even Adam, whom I loathed for much of the story. Helen is a triumph. She’s older than the usual 30 somethings of the genre which makes her all the more appealing and her insecurities and strengths make her hugely relatable. My first paid writing gig was for a listings magazine in Birmingham — (Actually my first unpaid writing gig was an interview with Kitchens of Distinction for Salford Student Magazine. I can’t begin to tell you how terrible it was.) For Helen and Ben, so much has happened in the years between. But just to sit in the kitchen for a while and talk – that would be nice.

Mike Gayle | Hachette UK Mike Gayle | Hachette UK

Friendship, love, heartache and hope collide in this unforgettable emotional journey, from the author of Half A World Away. Loved this perhaps even more than MGs other books. I love how he writes about people and their lives in a way that just feels like you know them. Mike Gayle creates real, warm characters you will recognise. Amid real human dilemmas, the heart and goodwill always shines through.' Jojo MoyesAs they begin to delve into the history of the objects in their care, Alex and Jess not only unravel heartbreaking stories that span generations and continents, but also unearth long buried secrets that lie much closer to home. As the story unfolds, we witness the rekindling of their connection and the gradual realization that their love has endured the test of time. It's a heartwarming exploration of the idea that sometimes what's missing in our lives is a person we've loved deeply in the past.