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A Song of Me and You
Helen and Ben parted as heartbroken 18-year-olds and went their very separate ways.Twenty years later, mother-of-two-teenagers Helen is still in Manchester, a part-time primary teacher, stunned by the behaviour of her love-rat husband. In an old T shirt and scruffy jeans, she feels at the lowest point in her life.And suddenly, impossibly, Ben is standing on her doorstep. Tired maybe, lonely even, but clearly still the world-famous, LA-based multi-millionaire rockstar he has become.Can you ever go back?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.Before the world comes crashing in.Friendship, love, heartache and hope collide in this unforgettable emotional journey, from the author of Half A World Away.'T he escapist pageturner of the summer' The Sunday TimesYour favourite writers are already falling in love with this story . . .'Moving, uplifting, unforgettable. Mike always writes from the heart and creates stories we fall in love with' Lisa Jewell' 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 wonderful story' Ruth Hogan'Poignant. Powerful. Beautiful' Milly Johnson'Funny, real and unexpected, a story that will keep you hooked to the very last page' Alexandra PotterFans love this new story . . .'I've always been a fan of Mike's books BUT this one is my absolute favourite'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Mike writes so well and creates the best, most memorable characters'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Had me absolutely gripped'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Outstanding. Loved it and devoured every page'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 6, 2023
330 people are currently reading
1833 people want to read
About the author
Mike Gayle
38 books2,266 followersI was born in the 70s — the 70s were great. I would recommend them to anyone.
I was also born in Birmingham — in my humble opinion the greatest city in the world with the nicest people too.
I used to live in London — a great city too. But a bit on the pricey side.
I also used to live in Manchester — another great city (although technically I lived in Salford which is next door but that’s sort of splitting hairs).
Before I went to university I wanted to be a social worker — I have no idea why. It didn’t last long.
After I left university I wanted to write for the NME — I’ve always loved music but it was only when I went to uni that it started loving me back. I can’t play any instruments or sing so writing about music seemed to make sense.
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.)
I used to write a music fanzine — it was called Incredibly Inedible and I co-edited it with my mate Jackie. We typed up the first issue on my dad’s olde worlde typewriter and then literally cut and paste on to A4 sheets using scissors and glue. Over the three years of its existence we interviewed many bands and artists including: Smashing Pumpkins, The Cranberries, Pavement, Bill Hicks and Blur.
I was also born in Birmingham — in my humble opinion the greatest city in the world with the nicest people too.
I used to live in London — a great city too. But a bit on the pricey side.
I also used to live in Manchester — another great city (although technically I lived in Salford which is next door but that’s sort of splitting hairs).
Before I went to university I wanted to be a social worker — I have no idea why. It didn’t last long.
After I left university I wanted to write for the NME — I’ve always loved music but it was only when I went to uni that it started loving me back. I can’t play any instruments or sing so writing about music seemed to make sense.
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.)
I used to write a music fanzine — it was called Incredibly Inedible and I co-edited it with my mate Jackie. We typed up the first issue on my dad’s olde worlde typewriter and then literally cut and paste on to A4 sheets using scissors and glue. Over the three years of its existence we interviewed many bands and artists including: Smashing Pumpkins, The Cranberries, Pavement, Bill Hicks and Blur.
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May 27, 2023
A Song of Me and You
4.5 rounded up
Can first Love ever be rekindled? Helen and Ben, part at 18, both heartbroken. He becomes a world renowned rockstar in the band, Blue Light and lives a life of glamour and excitement. Maybe. Helen, on the other hand, is a part-time teacher, a mother of two teens, and currently reeling from the betrayal of her husband. She feels as if she looks shocking, her clothes are a mess and her morale isn’t exactly sky high, and there he is, Ben, her first love, standing on her Manchester doorstep after 20 years apart. Why is he here? What’s the story behind his sudden reappearance? Helen and Ben tell their story
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.
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.
Overall, this is another lovely book which I can highly recommend. If you’ve not read a Mike Gayle book before it well worth checking out his back catalogue.
PS The cover is lovely.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Hodder and Stoughton for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
4.5 rounded up
Can first Love ever be rekindled? Helen and Ben, part at 18, both heartbroken. He becomes a world renowned rockstar in the band, Blue Light and lives a life of glamour and excitement. Maybe. Helen, on the other hand, is a part-time teacher, a mother of two teens, and currently reeling from the betrayal of her husband. She feels as if she looks shocking, her clothes are a mess and her morale isn’t exactly sky high, and there he is, Ben, her first love, standing on her Manchester doorstep after 20 years apart. Why is he here? What’s the story behind his sudden reappearance? Helen and Ben tell their story
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.
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.
Overall, this is another lovely book which I can highly recommend. If you’ve not read a Mike Gayle book before it well worth checking out his back catalogue.
PS The cover is lovely.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Hodder and Stoughton for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
December 6, 2023
I really am going against the majority if that average rating is anything to go by! 😶
Well, I liked the title? I thought that wonderfully done and carried a lot of meaning that you couldn't appreciate until you understood Helen and Ben's story.
The rest? Not so much. The last few Mike Gayle books I read were just lovely, full of heart and vulnerability with the most wonderful, unexpected connections between characters. They were distinctly not romances though and, on the basis of this, I don't think that I would read another Mike Gayle romance.
The writing for Helen was particularly along the downtrodden, wronged-woman lines and her thoughts and feelings felt like cookie-cut stereotypes for a woman in her position, rather than a full and insightful reflection of the pain and betrayal that she had experienced. It seemed to me that Gayle struggle to inhabit the mindset and life experiences of this particular female character and she felt like a weak stereotype rather than an fully-realised character. Unfortunately, much the characterisation throughout the book was similarly two dimensional. Good people were good, bad people were bad and there were no grey areas.
Romances that are two people saying the right things on loop without any genuine tension (romantic or angtsy) are my absolute pet peeve in in fiction. Helen and Ben had lived extremely different lives since their relationship as teens and Gayle bypassed the natural awkwardness that might result from that to have them going through circular conversations of how wonderful the other was. For that reason, this was never going to be for me.
Well, I liked the title? I thought that wonderfully done and carried a lot of meaning that you couldn't appreciate until you understood Helen and Ben's story.
The rest? Not so much. The last few Mike Gayle books I read were just lovely, full of heart and vulnerability with the most wonderful, unexpected connections between characters. They were distinctly not romances though and, on the basis of this, I don't think that I would read another Mike Gayle romance.
The writing for Helen was particularly along the downtrodden, wronged-woman lines and her thoughts and feelings felt like cookie-cut stereotypes for a woman in her position, rather than a full and insightful reflection of the pain and betrayal that she had experienced. It seemed to me that Gayle struggle to inhabit the mindset and life experiences of this particular female character and she felt like a weak stereotype rather than an fully-realised character. Unfortunately, much the characterisation throughout the book was similarly two dimensional. Good people were good, bad people were bad and there were no grey areas.
Romances that are two people saying the right things on loop without any genuine tension (romantic or angtsy) are my absolute pet peeve in in fiction. Helen and Ben had lived extremely different lives since their relationship as teens and Gayle bypassed the natural awkwardness that might result from that to have them going through circular conversations of how wonderful the other was. For that reason, this was never going to be for me.
July 26, 2023
Boring!
I love Mike Gayle, but this was just full of cliches with story so predictable as seen too many times.
I love Mike Gayle, but this was just full of cliches with story so predictable as seen too many times.
January 2, 2025
A great read. Down trodden middle-aged Helen, a part-time teacher, is dealing with a horrid husband Adam who has left her for a younger woman and their two teenage children who are behaving as you'd expect as ungrateful entitled teenagers. The book is written so well that you loath Adam and his treatment of Helen, especially when he goes back on his word. Unexpectedly, a blast from the past of Helen first love Ben, a famous rockstar appears on her doorstep and gradually their back story and the present day collides. Beautifully written, you will Ben and Helen to rekindle their relationship. It's an unusual romance story with unexpected twists. It does tackle themes that are unusual, such as press intrusion, celebrities are human with feelings, money, and how things can be twisted to suit the situation. It is a light, compelling, interesting read, but a palate cleanser between more intense reads. So enjoyable.
September 16, 2023
4.5★s
A Song Of Me And You is the nineteenth novel by British journalist and best-selling author, Mike Gayle. At forty-five, Helen Morley sees herself as “A washed-up, middle-aged, part-time primary school teacher, with a broken marriage and her best years behind her.” So when she opens her front door to Ben Baptiste, eight-times Emmy Award winner and lead singer of the award-winning band Bluelight, she’s stunned. Yes, he was once the love of her life, but why would he come looking for her, almost thirty years later?
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.
Except that her not-quite-ex-husband, Adam delivers Esme and Frankie back to their mother after an unpleasant altercation with his new squeeze. Rocco has leaked his absence to the press, and implied that Ben is mentally fragile: everyone is searching for him. But Esme and Frankie swear to keep mum, and it all works OK for a while.
But then Adam decides to play dirty about the family home; Ben feels the need to connect with his estranged younger brother; Ben and Helen realise their feelings for each other never really waned; and eventually, someone tips off the press, and the whole thing becomes a threat, not just to Ben’s escape, but to Helen’s family’s privacy.
Gayle gives the reader humanly flawed characters with depth and appeal, a plot that takes some surprising turns, and plenty of wise words and insightful observations. A sweet, funny and heart-warming romance.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton.
A Song Of Me And You is the nineteenth novel by British journalist and best-selling author, Mike Gayle. At forty-five, Helen Morley sees herself as “A washed-up, middle-aged, part-time primary school teacher, with a broken marriage and her best years behind her.” So when she opens her front door to Ben Baptiste, eight-times Emmy Award winner and lead singer of the award-winning band Bluelight, she’s stunned. Yes, he was once the love of her life, but why would he come looking for her, almost thirty years later?
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.
Except that her not-quite-ex-husband, Adam delivers Esme and Frankie back to their mother after an unpleasant altercation with his new squeeze. Rocco has leaked his absence to the press, and implied that Ben is mentally fragile: everyone is searching for him. But Esme and Frankie swear to keep mum, and it all works OK for a while.
But then Adam decides to play dirty about the family home; Ben feels the need to connect with his estranged younger brother; Ben and Helen realise their feelings for each other never really waned; and eventually, someone tips off the press, and the whole thing becomes a threat, not just to Ben’s escape, but to Helen’s family’s privacy.
Gayle gives the reader humanly flawed characters with depth and appeal, a plot that takes some surprising turns, and plenty of wise words and insightful observations. A sweet, funny and heart-warming romance.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton.
May 7, 2024
An average read despite being totally unbelievable. I really wanted this to end differently and was sad that it didn’t.
June 6, 2024
3.75 stars. Really liked this. Not as predictable as I thought. There was a good twist in the story.
July 6, 2023
This is easily one of my top ten books of the year-I loved it. If you liked Daisy Jones and the Six or if you are a fan of Paige Toon’s Johnny Jefferson books, then you will absolutely love this one! I was hooked into Ben and Helen’s story from the start. I loved meeting Helen. She is trying her absolute best to be there for her kids and do the right thing by them. Like a lot of parents with children who are about to go off to university though, she is struggling with her own sense of identity. She has a fabulous best friend and a mum who help to build her up and amplify her voice but she has an ex-husband who is trying to undo all of the good work that she has done.
Then we have Ben. Ben is a celebrity, and it is always fun to read about celebrities in novels. I think they must be so much fun to write because you can make them have the most extravagant life style and do the most unthinkable things and Ben really does seem to have it all-on the surface. Underneath all of that, Ben is just like you and me and is struggling just as much with his sense of identity as Helen is. I love the idea that he is attempting to come back to his roots in this book in a sense but only subconsciously, consciously he has made a decision to try and escape it all and I think that was incredibly brave of him.
This book deals with the celebrity lifestyle, yes, but it also covers issues that you and I face in our everyday lives and, most importantly, it deals with mental health in men, a bit of a buzz topic right now but something that still isn’t talked about as openly as it should be. I love the way Mike Gayle writes characters of all genders, but I’m always interested to read his male characters and hear certain love stories from their point of view. I couldn’t put this book down. It made me laugh, it made me cry and it will definitely stay with me for a long time-highly recommend!
Then we have Ben. Ben is a celebrity, and it is always fun to read about celebrities in novels. I think they must be so much fun to write because you can make them have the most extravagant life style and do the most unthinkable things and Ben really does seem to have it all-on the surface. Underneath all of that, Ben is just like you and me and is struggling just as much with his sense of identity as Helen is. I love the idea that he is attempting to come back to his roots in this book in a sense but only subconsciously, consciously he has made a decision to try and escape it all and I think that was incredibly brave of him.
This book deals with the celebrity lifestyle, yes, but it also covers issues that you and I face in our everyday lives and, most importantly, it deals with mental health in men, a bit of a buzz topic right now but something that still isn’t talked about as openly as it should be. I love the way Mike Gayle writes characters of all genders, but I’m always interested to read his male characters and hear certain love stories from their point of view. I couldn’t put this book down. It made me laugh, it made me cry and it will definitely stay with me for a long time-highly recommend!
May 18, 2024
Brief thoughts: I came into this as a Richard & Judy read (thank you Julia!) as a light romance on my holiday to break up all the murder of my other books.
What a disappointment. I read it all, and it wasn’t a slog, but some of the writing was a bit simplistic at points which jarred within the flow. The characters were too 2 dimensional, I don’t really feel there was proper development of them. The ending was shit (as other reviewers have said, very much a cop out for something that was too hard to wrap up) - that is NOT what I look for in a book marketed as a romance, one of the rules is a HEA and this was not it.
First Mike Gayle book and my last, I won’t be picking up anything by him again.
What a disappointment. I read it all, and it wasn’t a slog, but some of the writing was a bit simplistic at points which jarred within the flow. The characters were too 2 dimensional, I don’t really feel there was proper development of them. The ending was shit (as other reviewers have said, very much a cop out for something that was too hard to wrap up) - that is NOT what I look for in a book marketed as a romance, one of the rules is a HEA and this was not it.
First Mike Gayle book and my last, I won’t be picking up anything by him again.
July 14, 2023
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?!
A Song of Me & You had me grinning from ear to ear, and then almost sobbing my heart out in the space of just 10 pages. What a rollercoaster of emotions! It’s both a beautiful book and one that will break your heart into a million pieces.
The characters are brilliant (except for Helen’s love-rat husband) & I was really gunning for them. A beautifully written, heartfelt & truly inspiring book, but, be warned, you’ll need tissues!
A Song of Me & You had me grinning from ear to ear, and then almost sobbing my heart out in the space of just 10 pages. What a rollercoaster of emotions! It’s both a beautiful book and one that will break your heart into a million pieces.
The characters are brilliant (except for Helen’s love-rat husband) & I was really gunning for them. A beautifully written, heartfelt & truly inspiring book, but, be warned, you’ll need tissues!
July 11, 2023
Helen has an unexpected visitor.
I usually love Mike Gayle’s writing, but my reaction to A Song Of Me & You exceeds that descriptor. It’s an utterly wonderful book, being both uplifting and heartbreaking.
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.
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.
There’s deep seated emotion in this story that portrays a startling reality. Life isn’t a simple linear path and Helen, Ben and Adam epitomise modern relationships, family ties and difficulties, and the pressures of simply living, in a sensitive and heartfelt story that gets under the reader’s skin and affects them profoundly. Ben’s privileged rockstar lifestyle belies an unhappiness and a reality far removed from how the media portrays it so that A Song Of Me & You not only entertains the reader beautifully, it shows them what is important in life. This makes A Song Of Me & You important as well as a gorgeous read.
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.
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.
I love Mike Gayle books for their sensitive portrayal of humanity, its vulnerability and its strength in adversity, and A Song Of Me & You is simply lovely. It’s Mike Gayle at his best and a story I recommend without hesitation. Just wonderful!
I usually love Mike Gayle’s writing, but my reaction to A Song Of Me & You exceeds that descriptor. It’s an utterly wonderful book, being both uplifting and heartbreaking.
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.
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.
There’s deep seated emotion in this story that portrays a startling reality. Life isn’t a simple linear path and Helen, Ben and Adam epitomise modern relationships, family ties and difficulties, and the pressures of simply living, in a sensitive and heartfelt story that gets under the reader’s skin and affects them profoundly. Ben’s privileged rockstar lifestyle belies an unhappiness and a reality far removed from how the media portrays it so that A Song Of Me & You not only entertains the reader beautifully, it shows them what is important in life. This makes A Song Of Me & You important as well as a gorgeous read.
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.
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.
I love Mike Gayle books for their sensitive portrayal of humanity, its vulnerability and its strength in adversity, and A Song Of Me & You is simply lovely. It’s Mike Gayle at his best and a story I recommend without hesitation. Just wonderful!
June 4, 2023
"He owed her an explanation before her left, that much was certain. He couldn't just turn and go without at least trying to throw some light in the events that had brought him to to this moment, but at the same time he couldn't just tell her the unvarnished truth either; even after all these years her respect still meant something to him."
Helen and Ben were each other's first loves as teenagers. Twenty years later Helen is a primary school teacher and mother of two, with an unfaithful husband, in their hometown of Manchester and Ben is the lead singer of world famous band, 'Bluelight'. As the two are unexpectedly brought together, will they find their way back to one another?
A different take on romance, because this is a return to first loves, with middle-aged protagonists. It's easy to feel for Helen, left by cheating husband, Adam for a younger woman, trying to focus on her teenage children. Ben's situation, the life of a celebrity making him ill, is also understandable (due to his family context and background), if perhaps less relatable (due to his fame) for most readers.
This is an emotional and escapist read about childhood sweethearts, with great (if sometimes infuriating) characters. Heartwarming and reflective, with a bittersweet ending, it's well-crafted and classic Mike Gayle, so will no doubt be enjoyed by all his fans.
Helen and Ben were each other's first loves as teenagers. Twenty years later Helen is a primary school teacher and mother of two, with an unfaithful husband, in their hometown of Manchester and Ben is the lead singer of world famous band, 'Bluelight'. As the two are unexpectedly brought together, will they find their way back to one another?
A different take on romance, because this is a return to first loves, with middle-aged protagonists. It's easy to feel for Helen, left by cheating husband, Adam for a younger woman, trying to focus on her teenage children. Ben's situation, the life of a celebrity making him ill, is also understandable (due to his family context and background), if perhaps less relatable (due to his fame) for most readers.
This is an emotional and escapist read about childhood sweethearts, with great (if sometimes infuriating) characters. Heartwarming and reflective, with a bittersweet ending, it's well-crafted and classic Mike Gayle, so will no doubt be enjoyed by all his fans.
October 13, 2023
I enjoyed this so much. I loved the characters and the storyline. Mike Gayle is such a great author and can’t wait for his next one 😊
June 13, 2023
Another fantastic Mike Gayle read, loved it
November 4, 2024
The potential was there but this missed the mark for me. This book didn’t feel like it was neither character nor plot heavy?? Pick a struggle!! I didn’t feel like I emotionally connected to these characters at all. Maybe it would have been better written in first person - everything the characters were feeling and going through felt like a huge cliche which would have been fair enough if only their emotions were explored in more depth. Like okay Helen is a newly single mum whose husband cheated on her - of course she wants to cry in bed all day, of course she hates Adam and his new young girlfriend, but give me more! How did this really make her feel about herself, how did affect her as a mother, what has her life been like since it all happened?? I really feel like an emotional picture wasn’t painted, and in turn the characters just lacked the depth which would have made me root their love, but I just found myself really not caring either way.
I will give it to this book that the plot twist was unexpected, but again it just missed the mark for me because the love story between Helen and Ben just felt really underdeveloped. It was also so random though so maybe it being unexpected is that not good! I felt like too much time was spent on him just hiding away in her house and her issues with Adam rather than focusing on them. I want to read about what it’s like to find love at an older age, particularly for Helen when it feels like her love life has fallen short. I would have loved to read a flashback from when Helen and Ben were younger.
Could have been a story about a beautiful second chance at love, but it was so tedious and I felt glad to be done with this book.
I will give it to this book that the plot twist was unexpected, but again it just missed the mark for me because the love story between Helen and Ben just felt really underdeveloped. It was also so random though so maybe it being unexpected is that not good! I felt like too much time was spent on him just hiding away in her house and her issues with Adam rather than focusing on them. I want to read about what it’s like to find love at an older age, particularly for Helen when it feels like her love life has fallen short. I would have loved to read a flashback from when Helen and Ben were younger.
Could have been a story about a beautiful second chance at love, but it was so tedious and I felt glad to be done with this book.
September 9, 2023
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 central plot, revolving around Helen's failing marriage and Ben's desire to escape his rockstar lifestyle, offers a refreshing take on the idea of rediscovering love after decades apart. The characters are well-developed, and their emotional journeys are portrayed with authenticity.
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.
The book skillfully captures the essence of second chances at love, showing that it's never too late to pursue happiness and rekindle old flames. It serves as a reminder that love, in its purest form, can transcend the years and bring unexpected joy.
Overall, this book is a touching and beautifully written story that reminds us of the enduring power of love. It's a must-read for anyone who believes in second chances and the magic of rekindling old flames.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2024
DNF’d at pg 206 but I’m classing this as read because I got over half way through and feel that I deserve it for my suffering.
I hated this. There was not one redeemable thing about it. Between the stereotypical middle-aged mum, horrific cheating ex husband, zero chemistry between the supposed ‘love interests’, and the spoiled, stupid kids. Everything about this wound me up and I was so aggravated by it there were several times I wanted to launch the book at the wall.
I thought this was supposed to be a romance? Where was the romance? This was just a horrifically boring and repetitive family drama, with obnoxious characters.
If I heard “rock-star ex boyfriend” or “Ben from Bluelight” one more time I was going to scream.
After looking up the ending, all I can say is I’m so glad I didn’t persevere, because what on earth is that?
I don’t recommend this book at all, very disappointed.
I hated this. There was not one redeemable thing about it. Between the stereotypical middle-aged mum, horrific cheating ex husband, zero chemistry between the supposed ‘love interests’, and the spoiled, stupid kids. Everything about this wound me up and I was so aggravated by it there were several times I wanted to launch the book at the wall.
I thought this was supposed to be a romance? Where was the romance? This was just a horrifically boring and repetitive family drama, with obnoxious characters.
If I heard “rock-star ex boyfriend” or “Ben from Bluelight” one more time I was going to scream.
After looking up the ending, all I can say is I’m so glad I didn’t persevere, because what on earth is that?
I don’t recommend this book at all, very disappointed.
September 17, 2024
Okay so, through out most of this book I thought yeah okay this will be a 3 star. It was just something I picked up at the works and thought it sounded good. I thought the storyline was decent and thought it was cute Helen and Ben were rekindling their love. Then we get to like the end of part 3/ part 4 and the epilogue. It just went down hill, I thought maybe okay I can get past part 3/4 and still get with it, like it’s totally sad he died but I can understand it gives a bit of something to the book. But I’m sorry the epilogue was not it. I hate that she got pregnant, I hate a pregnancy trope as it is but that did not need to happen at all.
Therefore, it got 2 stars.
Therefore, it got 2 stars.
July 9, 2023
4.5 There are some books that will make you feel warm inside, captivating you with its emotional storytelling and @mikegaylethenovelist new book has the ability to do just that.
A Song of Me & You centres on Helen and Ben, who were each other’s first loves when they were only 18 but ended going their separate ways. 20 years later, Helen is a mother of 2, a part-time teacher and trying to juggle life as her husband has walked out on her with a much younger woman. Ben is a famous rockstar making music with his band Bluelight but he’s far from happy and he finds himself on Helen’s doorstep.
Is this a second chance for Ben and Helen to pick up where they left off?
It is heartwarming to be part of Ben and Helen’s story and see if they can rekindle their friendship and love for each other. I loved the characters who felt real and relatable, and I would have to say Helen’s mum was one of my favourites who was very funny! Gayle shows a lot of compassion to all of the characters which makes the story very moving. If you cry easily at books this is definitely a tear jerker!
This is a gorgeous read filled with friendship, love, family, heartache and a second chance at happiness. A comforting page turner 🧡
A Song of Me & You centres on Helen and Ben, who were each other’s first loves when they were only 18 but ended going their separate ways. 20 years later, Helen is a mother of 2, a part-time teacher and trying to juggle life as her husband has walked out on her with a much younger woman. Ben is a famous rockstar making music with his band Bluelight but he’s far from happy and he finds himself on Helen’s doorstep.
Is this a second chance for Ben and Helen to pick up where they left off?
It is heartwarming to be part of Ben and Helen’s story and see if they can rekindle their friendship and love for each other. I loved the characters who felt real and relatable, and I would have to say Helen’s mum was one of my favourites who was very funny! Gayle shows a lot of compassion to all of the characters which makes the story very moving. If you cry easily at books this is definitely a tear jerker!
This is a gorgeous read filled with friendship, love, family, heartache and a second chance at happiness. A comforting page turner 🧡
September 3, 2023
Adored this book. Review to follow
May 5, 2024
Mike Gayle never fails!
Love his writing!
Devoured this over bank holiday in the sun!
Love his writing!
Devoured this over bank holiday in the sun!
August 20, 2023
Mike Gayle never disappoints!
August 25, 2024
3.5⭐️ rounded up to 4⭐️
As usual I loved the characters that Mike Gayle created and I love his writing. That enabled me to not worry about some of the implausibility of the story.
I read it in a single sitting and enjoyed it.
As usual I loved the characters that Mike Gayle created and I love his writing. That enabled me to not worry about some of the implausibility of the story.
I read it in a single sitting and enjoyed it.
July 23, 2024
Do you need a good easy romance?
This is it (nearly)!
It isn’t all happy, in fact some of it is quite sad, but it has all the cliches of an easy to read romance.
The twist is a bit shocking and out of the blue.
A good holiday read.
Actual rating 3.5 stars
This is it (nearly)!
It isn’t all happy, in fact some of it is quite sad, but it has all the cliches of an easy to read romance.
The twist is a bit shocking and out of the blue.
A good holiday read.
Actual rating 3.5 stars
July 24, 2023
A symphony of second chances and first love, that could've been the most harmonious ever.
Thanks NetGalley, Hodder and Stoughton for the arc in exchange of an honest review.
Synopsis -
High school sweethearts Ben and Helen had to break up due to inevitable circumstances. Now 45 year old Helen, a mother of two, is recently separated from her cheating husband Adam and to her utter shock, Ben, the celebrated rockstar from the world famous band ‘Bluelight’ appears on her doorstep out of the blue after over 20 years. Nostalgia and the immediate future collide, as the two friends have to now navigate this impossible situation.
Review -
My heart went out for the loving, kind and caring Helen, who struggles to deal with her broken marriage and cranky teenagers kids. Helen’s situation was so unfair, that I was furious and annoyed with her prick of a husband 😡- I wished I could slap him and cheered for Helen, when she does something even better! 😈
Gayle handles the highs and lows of motherhood, children dynamics, the home wreaking havoc an affair can inflict and the woes of a freshly separated middle-aged woman - with great tenderness, keen observation and sensitivity.
Enter Ben, the sensational rockstar from LA, the first love of Helen’s. With Ben, Gayle portrays how it is not all rosy for the rich and famous, how they are only human, as lonely, vulnerable and gullible like normal people, touching upon the ill-effects of the glamorous world on their mental health and well-being.
I loved seeing Helen and Ben walking down the memory lane of their love, heartbreak and friendship. Although they were dealing with their own crises and challenges, there was hope, a building anticipation of their budding romance for the second time and the promise of a future together.
I absolutely loved the first 70% of this book. But sadly it took an unimaginable turn, that totally threw it’s rhythm and pitch off the scale, 😣becoming an unbearable screech rather than the soothing melodious ‘song’ it ought to have been. 😕
The ending was also a letdown as it meanders into unnecessary unrealistic threads and failed to salvage what little was left. 😫.
That said, Mike Gayle is a brilliant novelist who can write emotionally rich and poignant stories. All the Lonely People is one of my favorite books of all times and I always recommend that to everyone. So onto the next one from him for me!
Thanks NetGalley, Hodder and Stoughton for the arc in exchange of an honest review.
Synopsis -
High school sweethearts Ben and Helen had to break up due to inevitable circumstances. Now 45 year old Helen, a mother of two, is recently separated from her cheating husband Adam and to her utter shock, Ben, the celebrated rockstar from the world famous band ‘Bluelight’ appears on her doorstep out of the blue after over 20 years. Nostalgia and the immediate future collide, as the two friends have to now navigate this impossible situation.
Review -
My heart went out for the loving, kind and caring Helen, who struggles to deal with her broken marriage and cranky teenagers kids. Helen’s situation was so unfair, that I was furious and annoyed with her prick of a husband 😡- I wished I could slap him and cheered for Helen, when she does something even better! 😈
Gayle handles the highs and lows of motherhood, children dynamics, the home wreaking havoc an affair can inflict and the woes of a freshly separated middle-aged woman - with great tenderness, keen observation and sensitivity.
Enter Ben, the sensational rockstar from LA, the first love of Helen’s. With Ben, Gayle portrays how it is not all rosy for the rich and famous, how they are only human, as lonely, vulnerable and gullible like normal people, touching upon the ill-effects of the glamorous world on their mental health and well-being.
I loved seeing Helen and Ben walking down the memory lane of their love, heartbreak and friendship. Although they were dealing with their own crises and challenges, there was hope, a building anticipation of their budding romance for the second time and the promise of a future together.
I absolutely loved the first 70% of this book. But sadly it took an unimaginable turn, that totally threw it’s rhythm and pitch off the scale, 😣becoming an unbearable screech rather than the soothing melodious ‘song’ it ought to have been. 😕
The ending was also a letdown as it meanders into unnecessary unrealistic threads and failed to salvage what little was left. 😫.
That said, Mike Gayle is a brilliant novelist who can write emotionally rich and poignant stories. All the Lonely People is one of my favorite books of all times and I always recommend that to everyone. So onto the next one from him for me!
July 31, 2023
I’m not usually a fan of romance fiction, being a bit too old in the tooth for hearts and flowers, but give me a story of second-chance love featuring more mature protagonists and I’m in. All the more so when it’s by Mike Gayle, whom you can always depend upon for an emotional, escapist read.
Meet Helen, part-time teacher and single mum to two teenagers, after being abandoned by cheating husband Adam. Helen is careworn and valiantly fighting to keep things together both emotionally and financially.
Meet Ben, superstar rock icon and Helen’s first love. They haven’t seen each other for over two decades, when Ben suddenly turns up on Helen’s doorstep. He’s had enough of the rockstar lifestyle and is close to mental collapse. Helen provides refuge, while his agent and the rest of the world fret and speculate over his disappearance.
What follows, as Helen and Ben open up to each other about their unhappiness and reminisce about their youth is a love story waiting to happen. Gayle has a knack for creating unique but relatable characters, and I was so rooting for these two to rekindle the passion.
What I wasn’t prepared for was the shocking turn in the narrative that sent it spinning off in a direction I didn’t want it to. But I was already committed, so through the emotional wringer I had to go.
This is a story that lives up to Gayle’s “all the feels” reputation, plucking at the heart strings as only he can do.
The ending was perhaps a little too clichéd and saccharine for my taste, but then I’m an old cynic. I’m sure it will appeal to the vast majority of Gayle’s loyal fan base.
Meet Helen, part-time teacher and single mum to two teenagers, after being abandoned by cheating husband Adam. Helen is careworn and valiantly fighting to keep things together both emotionally and financially.
Meet Ben, superstar rock icon and Helen’s first love. They haven’t seen each other for over two decades, when Ben suddenly turns up on Helen’s doorstep. He’s had enough of the rockstar lifestyle and is close to mental collapse. Helen provides refuge, while his agent and the rest of the world fret and speculate over his disappearance.
What follows, as Helen and Ben open up to each other about their unhappiness and reminisce about their youth is a love story waiting to happen. Gayle has a knack for creating unique but relatable characters, and I was so rooting for these two to rekindle the passion.
What I wasn’t prepared for was the shocking turn in the narrative that sent it spinning off in a direction I didn’t want it to. But I was already committed, so through the emotional wringer I had to go.
This is a story that lives up to Gayle’s “all the feels” reputation, plucking at the heart strings as only he can do.
The ending was perhaps a little too clichéd and saccharine for my taste, but then I’m an old cynic. I’m sure it will appeal to the vast majority of Gayle’s loyal fan base.
June 4, 2023
Very, very readable...I enjoyed that it was a romance story with people in their 40's, and I found Helen's character very real and likeable. I was pulled into the story, and carried along for the ride, completely caught up in what was happening with Ben, and the whirlwind that Helen and their children find themselves in. I so wanted things to work out well. I was really rooting for Helen. I did occasionally feel a little bit like Adam was being made too much the villain, because why on earth did she ever marry him if this is who he was? But of course he is that way because that allows for some redemption at the end, so I guess we'll have to allow it!
But it's because of the end that I almost knocked this down to a 3 star review, and probably it's a 3 1/2. I don't want to write why exactly, because of it being a big, fat, spoiler. Let's just say something happens, and that made me pretty cross (and sad) and then the twee tie-up at the finish also left me raging. I don't know, maybe I just wasn't ready for it being a bit more rollercoaster and I was all-in for the happy ending. And it is happy. But not the happy I'd written out in my head already!
But anyway, I did enjoy reading it after all that!
With thanks to Net Galley for my copy.
But it's because of the end that I almost knocked this down to a 3 star review, and probably it's a 3 1/2. I don't want to write why exactly, because of it being a big, fat, spoiler. Let's just say something happens, and that made me pretty cross (and sad) and then the twee tie-up at the finish also left me raging. I don't know, maybe I just wasn't ready for it being a bit more rollercoaster and I was all-in for the happy ending. And it is happy. But not the happy I'd written out in my head already!
But anyway, I did enjoy reading it after all that!
With thanks to Net Galley for my copy.
August 15, 2023
Oh my. This book. It's either 1 star or 5 stars, actually.
1 star, because I completely don't agree with the conclusion. It was not what I was hoping for and it disappointed me completely, overly.
5 stars, because it felt like back to the good, old Mike Gayle's first novels.
It was a brilliant book, guys, on every level. Mike Gayle has this incredible ability to get into the hearts of his characters and make them living, breathing people with problems the same as yours. The banter between them feels real. It's beautifully written and the author can so well capture feelings and emotions and bring them to you in words. Life is not a bed of roses and while Mike Gayle shows it as it is, he also gives hope.
So in the end, it's 5 stars. I still can't get over my disappointment, but I will survive and in the end I've got a heartwarming, empathetic, well thought - over story with a brilliant, original plot. This is a book that made me smile with nostalgy at the teenage love, nod my head at the family dynamics so well captured and in the end made me shed some tears. A story that will get under your skin, will make you think and stay wit you long after you finished it.
1 star, because I completely don't agree with the conclusion. It was not what I was hoping for and it disappointed me completely, overly.
5 stars, because it felt like back to the good, old Mike Gayle's first novels.
It was a brilliant book, guys, on every level. Mike Gayle has this incredible ability to get into the hearts of his characters and make them living, breathing people with problems the same as yours. The banter between them feels real. It's beautifully written and the author can so well capture feelings and emotions and bring them to you in words. Life is not a bed of roses and while Mike Gayle shows it as it is, he also gives hope.
So in the end, it's 5 stars. I still can't get over my disappointment, but I will survive and in the end I've got a heartwarming, empathetic, well thought - over story with a brilliant, original plot. This is a book that made me smile with nostalgy at the teenage love, nod my head at the family dynamics so well captured and in the end made me shed some tears. A story that will get under your skin, will make you think and stay wit you long after you finished it.
May 26, 2024
The initial “wiki-style” page was off putting for me but once I got into the story I knew I’d stick with it to the end. While the end was fluffy, I wouldn’t call it a HEA, and so for me … not a 5*.
The writing was good- not as good as some other things I’ve read but certainly not bad.
I haven’t really got a clear image of the characters in my head - so I feel like that maybe could have been better.
There were points where I felt the story was rather mundane. Having said that, I didn’t see any of the twists before they happened. Unusual for me. There were some funny bits and it also brought tears to my eyes towards the end, so I was clearly invested in the characters.
Not my favourite, but certainly not the worst. I can see this being appealing to lots of people. Just a bit too much for me sadly.
Haven’t decided if I’ll try another by this author but I’m not ruling it out.
Facts: set in Manchester; 40-something woman whose husband had an affair; takes place over the course of one summer
Trigger warnings: adultery; grief; depression; suicide; family issues
The writing was good- not as good as some other things I’ve read but certainly not bad.
I haven’t really got a clear image of the characters in my head - so I feel like that maybe could have been better.
There were points where I felt the story was rather mundane. Having said that, I didn’t see any of the twists before they happened. Unusual for me. There were some funny bits and it also brought tears to my eyes towards the end, so I was clearly invested in the characters.
Not my favourite, but certainly not the worst. I can see this being appealing to lots of people. Just a bit too much for me sadly.
Haven’t decided if I’ll try another by this author but I’m not ruling it out.
Facts: set in Manchester; 40-something woman whose husband had an affair; takes place over the course of one summer
Trigger warnings: adultery; grief; depression; suicide; family issues
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