Em & Me

by Beth Morrey

‘Glorious!’ CLARE POOLEY
‘Compelling’ SUNDAY EXPRESS
‘Beautiful, uplifting and deeply moving’ FREYA SAMPSON

From the Sunday Times bestselling author of Saving Missy

A mother. A daughter. A secret waiting to be uncovered.
The day that Delphine stands up for herself is the day that changes everything…

For too long, Delphine has been unable to let go of the past, obsessed with protecting her daughter, Em, and clinging to a secret that has cast a shadow over their lives.

When a chance encounter offers a way out, Delphine seizes it with both hands. As their lives begins to fill with colour again, can she find the courage to change their lives forever?

‘An uplifting story of second chances and the hope of human connection … full of warmth and wit’ The i paper

‘A beautiful story of love in all its forms’ Jessica Ryn

‘Glorious and heartfelt … full of hope, humour and kindness’ Sarah Haywood

Genres: Contemporary

Paperback

About the author

Beth Morrey was inspired to write her debut novel, Saving Missy, while pushing a pram around her local park during maternity leave. Getting to know the community of dog owners, joggers, neighbours and families, she began to sow the seeds of a novel about a woman saved by the people around her, strangers who became friends. Previously Creative Director at RDF Television, Beth now writes full time. She was previously shortlisted for the Grazia-Orange First Chapter award, and had her work published in the Cambridge and Oxford May Anthologies while at university. Beth lives in London with her husband, two sons and a dog named Polly.

Reviews

[Gail Wylde · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely book, full of wonderful characters. I really didn’t want it to end.

A very big thank you to Pigeonhole and Beth Morrey for the opportunity to read and enjoy this.

[June White · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspiring story about how you can move on and up and put bad things behind you. Read it in one go which says a lot and set up a playlist of some of the music mentioned in the book. A good feel good read.

[Meg Varney · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book was a ‘blind date with a book’ gifted to me by a friend and while it’s not a book i would usually have picked up myself, it was genuinely such a lovely, heartfelt read.

[Ariatna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Origina title of Delphine Jones Takes a Chance.

Wholesome. Cute.

[Amanda Taft · Rating 5 out of 5]

“For too long – since the sudden death of her mother as a teenager, since the birth of her daughter, Em, when she was just seventeen – Delphine has been unable to let go of the past, obsessed with protecting Em and clinging to a secret that could ruin everything. She’s been living life in safe shades of grey.
The day that Delphine finally stands up for herself is the day that changes everything.

Delphine begins to remember what it’s like to want more: rediscovering her singing voice, opening herself to friendship, and reviving not only her mother’s roots, but her mother’s memories. As her life begins to fill with colour, can she be brave for herself and for Em? And what would happen if she finally told the truth?

A big-hearted, hopeful novel about finding second chances – and taking them.”

I read this book on the Pigeonhole app, one stave per day over ten days, commenting along with other readers. Having read the author’s debut novel, Saving Missy and recommending that book so many times, I will definitely be doing the same with this one! This is a seriously lovely book, not merely in a ‘nice’ way but in a warm, comforting hug of a way. It is a story of triumph over adversity, of chasing dreams and living life to the full. I thought that the little twist at the end was genius and I really hope Beth Morrey writes a sequel!

[Miriam Smith (A Mother’s Musings) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Beth Morrey’s “Saving Missy” so I was excited to be reading Beth’s second novel “Em & Me” - another heartwarming, character driven story focusing on grief, single parenting and living with the hope of second chances.

I love stories that focus specifically on one main character and how their life has been shaped by their past and current emotions. Delphine was such a dedicated mother and daughter, hardworking, selfless, kind and modest and a person I could see myself having as a friend. The author has such a unique talent for depicting characters with empathy and who are instantly endearing. Anyone of them in this story could have had a whole premise centred around them, so wonderfully created and portrayed they were.

The story was inspired by the author’s friend, who herself gave up a glamorous acting job to retrain as a teacher. Together with the power of friendship, the healing properties of music and the love of a family made this powerful and emotional drama all the more moving.

#EmAndMe - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Vanessa Wild · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delphine is a single mother, living with her talented daughter, Em, and caring for her withdrawn father. After a stroke of luck Delphine lands a new job in the Merhaba Cafe where she finds new friends and ends up practising French with eccentric Letty and singing in a band named ‘The Tiny Pennies’. She also has a secret which casts a shadow over their lives.

This is such a lovely, heartwarming tale with some fantastic, believable characters. It’s a story about grief, family and friendship, as well as about having the courage to start again. It’s never too late to try something new! Life is a journey, as we all know, and it’s not always a bed of roses. But we should never give in, we just have to put one foot in front of the other. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Delphine’s story, I was so sad when I turned the last page. I shall miss these wonderful characters very much. A beautifully written, absorbing and emotional read.

Many thanks to Pigeonhole for the opportunity to read this book.

[karla_bookishlife · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming and heartwarming story about Delphine and her exceptionally bright daughter Em. Em has inherited her brains from her mother, but when Delphine became a teen mum, her life changed direction. This story is a lesson that changing direction, doesn't mean giving up on your dreams, but challenging yourself to move forward. Delphine works a range of jobs alongside caring for her father, who never recovered after the loss of his wife. Delphine soon meets the formidable but fabulous Letty, with whom she practices her French, she discovers new friends in her job at the wonderful Merhaba cafe. Morley has created such a rich tapestry of characters and I loved all their various interactions woven into Delphine's story. It is impossible not to have high hopes for Delphine. I read through this book in an afternoon delighting in Delphine's exploration of the past and her leaps and bounds into her future life. #EmandMe #bethmorrey #thepigeonholehq

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐5/5

A beautiful book! I wish more people know about it. I was so lucky to pick it up at the clearance table at Dymocks.

I love how Delphine starts to make small changes in her life to improve it. The whole life used to feel daunting and impossible to escape, but just a tiny change matters.

The new relationships she has are so precious, especially with Letty. I know a bit French so I love how the author incorporates French sentences in, not too much to make the readers feel lost - just right. Sometimes it's just easier to say something in another language - confirmed by me a bilingual gal. Lol

I also love how the present and the past alternate through each chapter, that was easy to follow, revealing who Em's father is. The answer definitely surprised me.

Will definitely check out Beth Morrey's Saving Missy.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delphine is a single mum to her daughter Emily. Although Delphine was a bright girl destined for University she left school when she became pregnant and now 11 years later she and Emily are living in cramped conditions with her father who has been in a deep depression since Delphine's mother died some years ago.

She unfortunately loses her job but then finds work at the Merhaba Cafe where she meets new friends and starts singing in a band. She also starts visiting the eccentric Letty who wants someone to speak French with her.

This was an uplifting, joyful story which shows that it's never too late to realise your dreams.

Thanks to the author and the Pigeonhole for the opportunity of reading this book.

[Emma Minazza · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book sounded so good from the blurb, couldn't wait to get stuck in!

I really enjoyed this book, loved how the different bits connected with the restaurant, meeting Roz and Letty, the band, Adam.

I loved the exchange with Delphine and Letty but wish there was a bit more translation with the French bits, I can't remember much of French from school days so felt that some of the conversations, I couldn't understand which was a shame.

I loved Em and Delphine's relationship and Em's friendship with Merhaba's owners. Also Em's attention to detail was key to a few bits in the story.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book! Would recommend.

[tracey cloxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can only give this book 5 stars , I loved it. I went to school with a friend who became pregnant at 16, I also know lots of young ladies who did and they’ve all made a success in their careers and life, some quite soon after baby was born others later and every 16year old mum I know had been an amazing mum .. so I found this book believable heartbreaking at times, funny and emotional, I absolutely loved most of the characters, I loved that they had flaws , I disliked one so much because he was written so well, I didn’t really know where it was going which was good, when I find myself routing for a character it’s a sign of a great book for me..

[HellsBells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to pigeonhole, for a copy of this ebook, I found it a wonderful novel that I Couldn't stop thinking about or reading..

Being a single mother myself, I could empathise on the issues delphine suffered. Especially, with a death, money, men and how her educated was delayed.

I loved all the other characters in the novel, especially, Letty; it makes the story come together in your mind as the novel reads on.
I just loved it ❤.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very nice story, well written, about a single parent battling poverty, a depressed father, and the loss of her future when she became pregnant at 16. But clever Delphine finds a way to battle on, with the help of friends and her daughter Em.
I did enjoy this book, but it wasn't that different from other storylines I've read to make it stand out like Saving Missy, this authors previous book. That said, I will look forward to future books by Beth.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Saving Missy, so really looked forward to this one.......I was not disappointed.

We follow Delphine (and her daughter Em), through thick and thin and cheer her from the sidelines as she tries to turn her life around.
Letty is my absolute favourite character, we should all try to be a bit more Letty.

Many thanks to Pigeonhole and Beth for the chance to read this wonderful book.

[Lynda Willis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating with lots of different and lovable characters. Delphine is a single mum to 11 year old Emily. She left school without A levels when Emily was born. Life had been tough for Delphine for those 11 years but through a series of chance encounters, Delphine’s life starts to turn around.

My takeaway from this book - take every opportunity that comes your way!

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful, heartwarming story with brilliant characters. Delphine and Em together with Dad/ Grandad and a great variety of fascinating friends all of whom enrich the storyline in their own way. Excellently narrated.

[Tamar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book about the relationship between a mom and daughter. It tells the story of a teenage pregnancy and jumps to her life in her twenties when her daughter is 12 and life is about getting by, but is this all to life...

[Fiona Cookland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book - the read was so easy it had so many twists and turns! I found it hard to concentrate so having shorter chapters definitely made it easier! Looking forward to read the authors Other books !

[Gail Danks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve loved this book.
Such a fabulous story, brilliant characters and a happy ending

[Nina .c · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful character driven story. Loved it .

[Diane Tait · Rating 1 out of 5]

Self indulgent rubbish after her previous book Saving Missy

[Frieda · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many feelings throughout the story. So real. So human. My lack of French let me down, and I wished I could highlight and Google translate, but it was so beautiful.
The narration was wonderful.

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Found myself thinking about the main character Delphine when I wasn't actually reading. I found her very human, totally identifiable and really inspirational

[Charlotte Taylor-Hansford · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gorgeous story line, delves into a mother’s ambitions to create a better life for her daughter. So cute, many interesting side notes in the story line

[Ayesha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story about a woman turning her life around with the help of new friends.

[Alib · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed this story but kept thinking that such an amazingly talented woman would have found her way out of waitressing much earlier - you don’t need A-levels for everything.

[Helen Bridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got very involved with this story. A lovely easy read

[Elizabeth Currie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Saving Missy so was excited to read this one. And what a joy it was - Morrey’s ability to create characters you can’t help falling in love with, and whose journey in life you feel fully invested in is remarkable. She writes books that are gentle but touching, and ultimately utterly heartwarming

A story about love, loss and never giving up on life, we meet Delphine who was a teenage mother, and is now dealing with life not only as a single parent to Em but as carer to her father, who has never got over the loss of his wife. Em is a bright child, and Delphine is enormously proud of her, but it also causes her to reflect on her own past, and the fact that her own promising future changed dramatically when she got pregnant. But with the support of those around her, Delphine begins to look beyond the confines of her own life and realise that it is never too late to seize opportunities.

What Morrey does exceptionally well is create a diverse and loveable cast of characters, and the relationship dynamics, be it the touching relationship between Delphine and Em, or those in her wider family and friendship group, feel very real. I loved being on Delphine’s journey and found myself rooting for her - and it is a reminder to us all to never give up on your dreams.

[ellie💋🍒 · Rating 1 out of 5]

dnf very dull, also randomly speaks french