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On We Go
'Moving and uplifting' SUN
'Told with warmth and charm' WOMAN & HOME
'Has all the feels and a whole lot of heart' HEAT
A tragic loss. A chance to reconnect. And a summer they'll never forget . . .
When Cal loses his beloved wife Nikki, and his teenage step-daughter Zoe moves out to live with her father, his whole world falls apart.
But life works in mysterious ways. And when a prestigious university wants to pay tribute to Nikki with a posthumous award in Zurich, Cal sees an opportunity to both honour his wife, and mend things with Zoe.
The plan is a European inter-railing trip to Zurich - but what Cal hasn't anticipated is Zoe lying to her father about it, and inviting their other relatives to join too. What starts off as a very awkward family reunion - punctuated with some sightseeing - quickly takes a turn as tempers fray, secrets are revealed, and the pent-up grief they're all still carrying is unleashed.
There's nothing quite like family. Except family on holiday...
For fans of David Nicholls, Jojo Moyes and Nick Hornby, On We Go is a funny, moving and powerful story about love, loss and what it truly means to be a family
'Told with warmth and charm' WOMAN & HOME
'Has all the feels and a whole lot of heart' HEAT
A tragic loss. A chance to reconnect. And a summer they'll never forget . . .
When Cal loses his beloved wife Nikki, and his teenage step-daughter Zoe moves out to live with her father, his whole world falls apart.
But life works in mysterious ways. And when a prestigious university wants to pay tribute to Nikki with a posthumous award in Zurich, Cal sees an opportunity to both honour his wife, and mend things with Zoe.
The plan is a European inter-railing trip to Zurich - but what Cal hasn't anticipated is Zoe lying to her father about it, and inviting their other relatives to join too. What starts off as a very awkward family reunion - punctuated with some sightseeing - quickly takes a turn as tempers fray, secrets are revealed, and the pent-up grief they're all still carrying is unleashed.
There's nothing quite like family. Except family on holiday...
For fans of David Nicholls, Jojo Moyes and Nick Hornby, On We Go is a funny, moving and powerful story about love, loss and what it truly means to be a family
- GenresFiction
345 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 4, 2026
About the author
Mike Gayle
38 books2,406 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
June 22, 2026
Disappointed with this book, found the story too long and actually a bit boring. The characters were dull and it was all so predictable. Mike Gayle's older novels were so much better and engaging but not this one or his last one either sadly.
August 5, 2026
Mike Gayle is in my top 5 of favourite authors but I’m sorry to say that I didn’t enjoy this book.
I had no feelings towards any of the characters!!
Lacked warmth and emotion and was just far fetched and so silly.
Several of Mike’s books are so good that they can make me physically cry .
So disappointing
I had no feelings towards any of the characters!!
Lacked warmth and emotion and was just far fetched and so silly.
Several of Mike’s books are so good that they can make me physically cry .
So disappointing
September 9, 2026
I didn’t particularly like any of the characters except Cal, and I think a big part of the problem was that I never felt like I really got to know any of them. They seemed to exist mainly to serve the plot rather than as fully developed people. I couldn’t tell you much about who they were outside of this particular situation, what their lives looked like, or even really what they did.
I also found the story quite repetitive. It felt like we kept cycling through the same arguments and conversations: fight, hotel, interrupted day trip, back to the hotel, another disagreement. After a while, it started to feel like we were covering the same ground without learning much more about the characters.
Honestly, I think Luke and Sara could have been removed entirely. Their page time would have been much better spent developing the other characters and relationships in more depth. There were enough interesting dynamics already there; I just wanted the book to dig into them more.
It’s a strange one because I was interested enough to keep reading, but I finished it feeling like I still didn’t really know these people.
I also found the story quite repetitive. It felt like we kept cycling through the same arguments and conversations: fight, hotel, interrupted day trip, back to the hotel, another disagreement. After a while, it started to feel like we were covering the same ground without learning much more about the characters.
Honestly, I think Luke and Sara could have been removed entirely. Their page time would have been much better spent developing the other characters and relationships in more depth. There were enough interesting dynamics already there; I just wanted the book to dig into them more.
It’s a strange one because I was interested enough to keep reading, but I finished it feeling like I still didn’t really know these people.
July 12, 2026
Told from the perspective of 17 year old Zoe and Cal, her step-father, this is a family drama with extended family and extra drama.
Zoe has had little contact with Cal in the 18 months since her mother died and her family decided that she should move in with her father, Dean.
When Cal is invited to an award ceremony in Zurich, posthumously celebrating work done by Nikki, he feels that it would be a good opportunity to reconnect with Zoe. Before Nikki became ill they had planned to go interrailing across Europe as a family, so that is what Cal proposes to Zoe. However, she doesn't want Dean to know, due to his animosity towards Cal, so she tries to get her grandparents to cover for her. Instead of lying about traveling together, Zoe's gran decides to join the trip, and to invite Zoe's uncle, aunty and cousin. But Dean still doesn't know the reason for the trip, or that Cal is going.
A big family trip makes it more difficult for Cal and Zoe to do the things that they had originally planned, and also makes it harder to spend time together to reconnect. And then things really come to a head when Dean discovers the subterfuge and tries to take Zoe home.
A great people lead drama from Mike Gayle. Definitely recommended.
Zoe has had little contact with Cal in the 18 months since her mother died and her family decided that she should move in with her father, Dean.
When Cal is invited to an award ceremony in Zurich, posthumously celebrating work done by Nikki, he feels that it would be a good opportunity to reconnect with Zoe. Before Nikki became ill they had planned to go interrailing across Europe as a family, so that is what Cal proposes to Zoe. However, she doesn't want Dean to know, due to his animosity towards Cal, so she tries to get her grandparents to cover for her. Instead of lying about traveling together, Zoe's gran decides to join the trip, and to invite Zoe's uncle, aunty and cousin. But Dean still doesn't know the reason for the trip, or that Cal is going.
A big family trip makes it more difficult for Cal and Zoe to do the things that they had originally planned, and also makes it harder to spend time together to reconnect. And then things really come to a head when Dean discovers the subterfuge and tries to take Zoe home.
A great people lead drama from Mike Gayle. Definitely recommended.
August 25, 2026
Probably a bit disappointing. I’ve read better books by this author, the story just didn’t flow, and I lost interest with most of the characters. A bit predictable.
July 5, 2026
The characters stayed annoying to the finish. Drama queens every one of them. Felt like a script for a movie with Hugh Grant as Dean where the story would be moved to Xmas time.
September 17, 2026
After her mother died, teenager Zoe was persuaded to go and live with her father, Dean. Eighteen months later, a university in Zurich wants to recognise the work her mother Nikki did by presenting a posthumous award. Cal, Zoe's step-father hopes that this will be a way for him to reconnect with his step-daughter.
Mike Gayle writes such wonderfully uplifting stories that I never hesitate to pick one up or recommend them to others. While On We Go definitely fits the uplifting genre, I found it a very emotional read; this is possibly down to personal circumstance.
The actions of both main characters, Zoe and Cal, can easily be attributed to grief. Despite nursing Nikki through her illness, neither was completely prepared for her death. At a time when both were numb, simply struggling to survive, Zoe was persuaded that it would be better if she moved to live with her father. Cal was in no fit state to argue. This whole situation was quite a shock as we discovered the close bond the pair had shared, a bond that was strengthened further as they looked after Nikki. Even more shocking though, is what followed: Zoe cut off all contact with Cal, and Cal stopped trying. This is obviously a consequence of the grief they are both still trying to deal with.
Using the posthumous award as a means of reconnecting seems ideal, with Cal suggesting they turn it into a trip the family had hoped to do before Nikki died. What Cal didn't expect was that the rest of Zoe's family would be in attendance. The wider family offers some light relief as we meet aging grandparents, a wide-boy uncle, and an influencer aunt. Cal deserved a medal for the way he handled everyone. I'm not sure I would have had his patience.
Disasters befall the group at every turn, and we see that a lack of communication is at the root of everything. There is a glimmer of hope, however, in the form of Sam, a boy whom Zoe begins to receive messages from. This tentative romance gives Zoe's self-esteem a boost and highlights the value of communication.
There are ups and downs throughout the trip. Personally, I felt that there were too many problems and would have preferred a little more light relief. Regardless of this, I did enjoy the book and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it, and others by Mike Gayle, to anyone looking for a comfort read.
If you enjoyed my review please check out my book blog, Reading For Leisure
https://readingforleisure.blogspot.com/
or follow me on:-
Twitter; @Debbie_Hart_UK
Instagram; @reading_for_leisure_blog
Mike Gayle writes such wonderfully uplifting stories that I never hesitate to pick one up or recommend them to others. While On We Go definitely fits the uplifting genre, I found it a very emotional read; this is possibly down to personal circumstance.
The actions of both main characters, Zoe and Cal, can easily be attributed to grief. Despite nursing Nikki through her illness, neither was completely prepared for her death. At a time when both were numb, simply struggling to survive, Zoe was persuaded that it would be better if she moved to live with her father. Cal was in no fit state to argue. This whole situation was quite a shock as we discovered the close bond the pair had shared, a bond that was strengthened further as they looked after Nikki. Even more shocking though, is what followed: Zoe cut off all contact with Cal, and Cal stopped trying. This is obviously a consequence of the grief they are both still trying to deal with.
Using the posthumous award as a means of reconnecting seems ideal, with Cal suggesting they turn it into a trip the family had hoped to do before Nikki died. What Cal didn't expect was that the rest of Zoe's family would be in attendance. The wider family offers some light relief as we meet aging grandparents, a wide-boy uncle, and an influencer aunt. Cal deserved a medal for the way he handled everyone. I'm not sure I would have had his patience.
Disasters befall the group at every turn, and we see that a lack of communication is at the root of everything. There is a glimmer of hope, however, in the form of Sam, a boy whom Zoe begins to receive messages from. This tentative romance gives Zoe's self-esteem a boost and highlights the value of communication.
There are ups and downs throughout the trip. Personally, I felt that there were too many problems and would have preferred a little more light relief. Regardless of this, I did enjoy the book and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it, and others by Mike Gayle, to anyone looking for a comfort read.
If you enjoyed my review please check out my book blog, Reading For Leisure
https://readingforleisure.blogspot.com/
or follow me on:-
Twitter; @Debbie_Hart_UK
Instagram; @reading_for_leisure_blog
May 30, 2026
When Cal loses his beloved wife Nikki, and his teenage step-daughter Zoe moves out to live with her father, his whole world falls apart. But life works in mysterious ways & when a prestigious university wants to pay tribute to Nikki with a posthumous award in Zurich, Cal sees an opportunity to both honour his wife, and mend things with Zoe. The plan is a European inter-railing trip to Zurich - but what Cal hasn't anticipated is Zoe lying to her father about it, & inviting their other relatives to join too. What starts off as a very awkward family reunion - punctuated with some sightseeing - quickly takes a turn as tempers fray, secrets are revealed & the pent-up grief they're all still carrying is unleashed. There's nothing quite like family. Except family on holiday...
It is always a good day when a new Mike Gayle book is published and I literally picked this up as soon as it arrived!
And what a book, I adored this in literally every possible way, instantly falling in love with a cast of wonderful characters - from the headstrong Zoe trying to find her place in the world following the death of her mother, Cal, the stepdad dealing with his grief, to the grandparents trying to hold the family together.
Taking us on a trip to Switzerland, with stops including Paris and Munich along the way, the story is told in POV chapters alternating between Zoe and Cal. Being told from these two characters perspectives builds the emotional side of the journey, with some added complications from other family members making this a trip that no one will forget.
As with all of Mike’s books, his writing emphasises the poignant elements of his characters and this book is very clear with the message of the importance of family, however disconnected they may become at times. The writing style perfectly embraces the reader’s connection to the characters, I was fully feeling the teenage angst from Zoe and the confusion of emotional grief in Cal, alongside the complexity of family dynamics and the issues encountered.
This is a heart-warming title that definitely tugs at the heart strings, giving you a warm fuzzy feeling inside, and is another fantastic example of Mike’s signature emotional & engaging writing style. I think this is one of my favourite titles by this author and is a much loved title added to the collection, highly recommend to all.
It is always a good day when a new Mike Gayle book is published and I literally picked this up as soon as it arrived!
And what a book, I adored this in literally every possible way, instantly falling in love with a cast of wonderful characters - from the headstrong Zoe trying to find her place in the world following the death of her mother, Cal, the stepdad dealing with his grief, to the grandparents trying to hold the family together.
Taking us on a trip to Switzerland, with stops including Paris and Munich along the way, the story is told in POV chapters alternating between Zoe and Cal. Being told from these two characters perspectives builds the emotional side of the journey, with some added complications from other family members making this a trip that no one will forget.
As with all of Mike’s books, his writing emphasises the poignant elements of his characters and this book is very clear with the message of the importance of family, however disconnected they may become at times. The writing style perfectly embraces the reader’s connection to the characters, I was fully feeling the teenage angst from Zoe and the confusion of emotional grief in Cal, alongside the complexity of family dynamics and the issues encountered.
This is a heart-warming title that definitely tugs at the heart strings, giving you a warm fuzzy feeling inside, and is another fantastic example of Mike’s signature emotional & engaging writing style. I think this is one of my favourite titles by this author and is a much loved title added to the collection, highly recommend to all.
June 27, 2026
On We Go is a family holiday saga that is an emotional heart- trip from start to finish. Zoe’s mum died and she’s struggling with her dad. Zoe’s mum, Nikki, had a last wish. She wanted Zoe to live with her stepdad, Cal. Unfortunately, Zoe’s family interfered with the arrangement. Cal is bereft with the loss of his wife and his stepdaughter. His relationship with Zoe has been nonexistent since she moved out and he’s been struggling with it all. When he gets word that Nikki has won a posthumous award it sets in motion a trip that uncovers family secrets, feelings, and regrets.
Gayle writes realistic characters who grab your attention, and heart, from the first page. On We Go is an enjoyable read, it is evocative. There are moments of hope and humour too - the balance is perfect.
Although grief is a major theme, which is stirred up through character interactions, it is delicately and realistically portrayed. The family dynamics are a train wreck waiting to happen, and throughout you are hoping the wheels of healing will begin to turn.
The writing, as it always is, is enrapturing. On We Go is hard to put down. If you have enjoyed previous books by Gayle, you will enjoy this one too. If you haven’t, you really should read at least one of his books. And when you do, I predict you’ll want to read more.
On Wednesday Go is a lovely holiday read. I highly recommend it.
A huge thank you to Hodder Books for the finished copy. All thoughts are my own.
Gayle writes realistic characters who grab your attention, and heart, from the first page. On We Go is an enjoyable read, it is evocative. There are moments of hope and humour too - the balance is perfect.
Although grief is a major theme, which is stirred up through character interactions, it is delicately and realistically portrayed. The family dynamics are a train wreck waiting to happen, and throughout you are hoping the wheels of healing will begin to turn.
The writing, as it always is, is enrapturing. On We Go is hard to put down. If you have enjoyed previous books by Gayle, you will enjoy this one too. If you haven’t, you really should read at least one of his books. And when you do, I predict you’ll want to read more.
On Wednesday Go is a lovely holiday read. I highly recommend it.
A huge thank you to Hodder Books for the finished copy. All thoughts are my own.
July 25, 2026
What happened to the Mike Gayle who wrote 'The man I think I know' and 'All the lonely people'? 'A song for me and you' had a simple plot and flat characters, it gave off soap-opera vibes. 'Hopestreet' I liked better. It was moving, more compelling, and with an original plot. Hoping for something similar I started 'On we go' and found it to be like 'A song for me and you' except most of the (exaggerated) characters are also irritating and/or unlikeable. It comes across as quantity over quality, delivering a book roughly every year. I hope it's an option to take a bit more time and get back into form, to uhhh become the man I think I know.
July 28, 2026
A cast of unlikeable characters unfortunately.
October 4, 2026
Another lovely Mike Gayle book with great characters.
August 8, 2026
Another great listen - I really enjoyed this book. Mike Gayle has a great way of telling a story. Listening to his books is by far the best. Highly recommend.
July 1, 2026
I have always loved Mike Gayle books but recently not so much. This time round, despite a promising storyline I just couldn't summon up the enthusiasm to carry on. Characters are superficial and incredibly irritating. Just had no investment in it
August 3, 2026
Not as good as his others - a bit too far fetched and silly.
October 1, 2026
I really like Mike Gayle's books and have thoroughly enjoyed many of them. I like their humanity, the humour, the characters, and the story lines. So I was looking forward to this one told by two voices, a grieving stepfather Cal and a teenage stepdaughter and incorporating her slightly zany extended family on a European road trip to honour Nikki - Zoe's deceased mother for her research work on cancer in Switzerland.
Of course, everyone has secrets, problems, and worries of their own, and when Zoe's father - an actor - turns up (he hates Cal), fireworks erupt in the complicated family dynamic. So it should all have been a bit of a caper, heartfelt and filled with fun and tension. That plus all the locations and train journeys and emotions should have made it a cracking, fast-paced story.
I thought at first I'd love it. And that Zoe was portrayed well as a typical teenager, uncommunicative, headphones clamped on, unable to articulate how she was truly feeling, but she gradually began to get on my nerves and her transformation into the know it all telling her family what she actually thought about them all didn't ring true especially as they all took it on the chin and apologised and vowed to do better seemed extremely unlikely. Ferdie the child carted along didn't seem real and the story was in my view overly sentimental and repetitive.
The book was also full of typos and missed words like "and" and "the," which meant having to read sentences again to make them make sense. In parts, the story was boring.
My granddaughter, age 19, flew a month ago from the USA where she was working to Spain, via Casablanca for her cousin's wedding.. At the boarding gate,she got up to go on the plane, which was boarding, and was told to sit back down as it was priority boarding only at that point.. She did so, put on her phone to speak to her boyfriend and when she looked up, the passengers had all melted away, she was on her own, the only passenger and when she got up to go through she was told she was too late, and the flight was departing. Not once was her name called or an announcement made they were awaiting a missing passenger. Her luggage was on board, she'd cleared passport control, and she was at the boarding gate. Her frantic parents had to pay for another flight to get her to Spain and pay for transfers again at the other end to get her to her destination. She had a four hour wait and nobody was in the least helpful.
I have been told by travel agents that Airlines now never call for or wait for missing passengers, although in years gone by, I recall being on several flights waiting and being told we wouldn't take off until missing passengers boarded. Apparently, they don't do this anymore. So this part of the story didn't ring true either. Zoe was extremely fortunate blessed to have a wealthy father on whose credit card she could book flights and hotels without importunity or worry. I started off sympathetic to her situation but by the end she irritated me
Sorry. I didn't hate the book. The story was sweet and sentimental but none of it seemed believable. I'd read him again though. Just this book didn't hit the mark for me.
Of course, everyone has secrets, problems, and worries of their own, and when Zoe's father - an actor - turns up (he hates Cal), fireworks erupt in the complicated family dynamic. So it should all have been a bit of a caper, heartfelt and filled with fun and tension. That plus all the locations and train journeys and emotions should have made it a cracking, fast-paced story.
I thought at first I'd love it. And that Zoe was portrayed well as a typical teenager, uncommunicative, headphones clamped on, unable to articulate how she was truly feeling, but she gradually began to get on my nerves and her transformation into the know it all telling her family what she actually thought about them all didn't ring true especially as they all took it on the chin and apologised and vowed to do better seemed extremely unlikely. Ferdie the child carted along didn't seem real and the story was in my view overly sentimental and repetitive.
The book was also full of typos and missed words like "and" and "the," which meant having to read sentences again to make them make sense. In parts, the story was boring.
My granddaughter, age 19, flew a month ago from the USA where she was working to Spain, via Casablanca for her cousin's wedding.. At the boarding gate,she got up to go on the plane, which was boarding, and was told to sit back down as it was priority boarding only at that point.. She did so, put on her phone to speak to her boyfriend and when she looked up, the passengers had all melted away, she was on her own, the only passenger and when she got up to go through she was told she was too late, and the flight was departing. Not once was her name called or an announcement made they were awaiting a missing passenger. Her luggage was on board, she'd cleared passport control, and she was at the boarding gate. Her frantic parents had to pay for another flight to get her to Spain and pay for transfers again at the other end to get her to her destination. She had a four hour wait and nobody was in the least helpful.
I have been told by travel agents that Airlines now never call for or wait for missing passengers, although in years gone by, I recall being on several flights waiting and being told we wouldn't take off until missing passengers boarded. Apparently, they don't do this anymore. So this part of the story didn't ring true either. Zoe was extremely fortunate blessed to have a wealthy father on whose credit card she could book flights and hotels without importunity or worry. I started off sympathetic to her situation but by the end she irritated me
Sorry. I didn't hate the book. The story was sweet and sentimental but none of it seemed believable. I'd read him again though. Just this book didn't hit the mark for me.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Mike Gayle has long since been known for his trademark humour, warmth and emotion - something that comes through in all of his novels. He is a 'go to' Author for many for his books that explore the complexities of modern relationships with a great combination of warmth and humour - and On We Go is no exception.
The best part about this book is that it's real - the portrayal of a messy and complex family is something that many will be able to relate to, perfectly imperfect and completely easy to become addicted to reading about. There's a healthy dose of tension, unresolved grief, and long-buried secrets - but for a novel with grief at its heart, it's strangely uplifting. The balance of optimism with sadness reminders us that healing is not linear nor straightforward, and I loved that. The characters felt all the more believable and easily relatable for it.
A compassionate and deeply human novel that reminds us family journeys are rarely about the destination..
The best part about this book is that it's real - the portrayal of a messy and complex family is something that many will be able to relate to, perfectly imperfect and completely easy to become addicted to reading about. There's a healthy dose of tension, unresolved grief, and long-buried secrets - but for a novel with grief at its heart, it's strangely uplifting. The balance of optimism with sadness reminders us that healing is not linear nor straightforward, and I loved that. The characters felt all the more believable and easily relatable for it.
A compassionate and deeply human novel that reminds us family journeys are rarely about the destination..
June 7, 2026
I love Mike Gayle books, this something comforting about reading one, On We Go is no exception.
This was such a moving read. At its heart, it’s a story about grief, family, and the complicated relationships that remain after someone you love is gone. Cal’s journey to Zurich to honour his late wife, Nikki, starts out as an attempt to reconnect with his stepdaughter Zoe, but quickly becomes something much messier—and much more meaningful.
I loved how the story balanced the beautiful European backdrop with the raw emotions simmering beneath the surface. The family dynamics felt authentic, with each character carrying their own grief and baggage. As secrets come to light and tensions rise, the novel explores loss and healing with both honesty and heart.
Warm, emotional, and ultimately uplifting, this is the kind of family drama that stays with you long after you’ve turned the final page.
This was such a moving read. At its heart, it’s a story about grief, family, and the complicated relationships that remain after someone you love is gone. Cal’s journey to Zurich to honour his late wife, Nikki, starts out as an attempt to reconnect with his stepdaughter Zoe, but quickly becomes something much messier—and much more meaningful.
I loved how the story balanced the beautiful European backdrop with the raw emotions simmering beneath the surface. The family dynamics felt authentic, with each character carrying their own grief and baggage. As secrets come to light and tensions rise, the novel explores loss and healing with both honesty and heart.
Warm, emotional, and ultimately uplifting, this is the kind of family drama that stays with you long after you’ve turned the final page.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
So good, I read this in one day! Main character Cal has lost his wife Nikki, a renowned research scientist, to leukaemia and his step-daughter Zoe has moved out to live with her father. He learns that Nikki is to receive a posthumous prize in Zurich and decides that he and Zoe will accept the award on her behalf. But as events unfold, the rest of the family (brother-in-law, mother and father-in-law, Zoe's dad and her godmother) join in the trip across Europe. This is part family drama, part travelogue told through the eyes of Cal and Zoe. The story has a lot to say about family dynamics and grief - beautifully told and funny too, as I've come to expect from this author. One of my books of the year so far.
July 14, 2026
Really enjoyed this one, Mike Gayle has such bingeable writing. He also writes the most down to earth characters that you can’t help but relate to and feel for. I loved the set up of the inter-railing Europe trip and how each of the characters were dealing with their grief of losing Nikki in their own way.
I will say that towards the end I felt there were one too many twists in the story, I would’ve preferred we lose a couple so we could have explored the other storylines in a bit of a deeper way. The ending also felt a bit too cookie cutter. Overall though really enjoyed my reading experience.
I will say that towards the end I felt there were one too many twists in the story, I would’ve preferred we lose a couple so we could have explored the other storylines in a bit of a deeper way. The ending also felt a bit too cookie cutter. Overall though really enjoyed my reading experience.
July 28, 2026
Story of a family on holiday to honour Nikki, the mother, sister,daughter, wife that was holding the whole family together. After Nikki died the fractured family go interrailing in Europe. Daughter Zoe who was brought up by Nikki and Cal her stepfather had been persuaded to live with her useless father, Dean after Nikki's death. The trip was intended to be for Cal and Zoe but the whole sorry lot showed up and each have a crisis a day while Cal and Zoe try to mend their relationship. It's messy and heartwarming.
September 21, 2026
What has happened to Mike Gayle? Avid readers know he has written some truly memorable, heartwarming 'reduce you to tears' novels.
This however is not one of those.
A ludicrous plot, a cast of unlikeable characters and a constant dose of saccharine schmaltz, I was left with the feeling Mike's publishing for the sake of it.
Don't get me wrong there are flashes of his remarkable writing style in parts, but too few to even consider picking up this one.
All in all, if you are new to Mike it's readable. To fans it is a disappointing step back.
This however is not one of those.
A ludicrous plot, a cast of unlikeable characters and a constant dose of saccharine schmaltz, I was left with the feeling Mike's publishing for the sake of it.
Don't get me wrong there are flashes of his remarkable writing style in parts, but too few to even consider picking up this one.
All in all, if you are new to Mike it's readable. To fans it is a disappointing step back.
October 14, 2026
I’m a big fan of Mike Gayle but this isn’t the best. It’s a story of grief - of a 17 year old girl for her father and her stepdad for his wife. The relationship between the two was very close but has been strained as the girl has been forced to live with her biological father, a narcissistic actor. The story follows a trip through Europe to Switzerland to honour the girl’s mother, inexplicably accompanied by her entire family. The results are farcical. Although Mike Gayle’s trademark warmth shines through, most of the characters are unlikeable and the story far fetched in places
July 31, 2026
I have read (and enjoyed) so many Mike Gayle books but this book is just awful.
It just went on and on and on and three quarters of the way through I found myself just flipping through desperate for it to end.
It felt as though Mike Gayle had been reminded on a Monday that his new book was due at the printers on Friday and he pecked it out one handed while he was munching on a packet of cheesy Wotsits.
It just went on and on and on and three quarters of the way through I found myself just flipping through desperate for it to end.
It felt as though Mike Gayle had been reminded on a Monday that his new book was due at the printers on Friday and he pecked it out one handed while he was munching on a packet of cheesy Wotsits.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I read this before interviewing Mike on my podcast, The Write Club and wow! It did not disappoint - it had absolutely everything you’d want in a heartwarming family drama. Laughter, tears, moments of rage and relief. I devoured the book in two sittings and would suggest everyone goes out and buys (or preorders) as soon as possible!
Read
July 8, 2026A man and his step daughter mourn their wife / mum and he plans a trip for the two of them, inter railing round Europe as the three of them had planned to do, to collect an award she’d won as a cancer researcher. Somehow her crazy extended family decide they’re all going and it gets out of hand with lots of crazy events etc. All comes well in the end of course.
July 12, 2026
I have read and loved all of Mike Gayle’s books so was looking forward to reading this one.
A wonderful read, heartwarming, emotional
Mike writes such lovely real characters
I liked the way the book was written in alternate chapters for Zoe and Cal and we get their side of the story
Loved it 5*
A wonderful read, heartwarming, emotional
Mike writes such lovely real characters
I liked the way the book was written in alternate chapters for Zoe and Cal and we get their side of the story
Loved it 5*
July 30, 2026
Another brilliant book by Mike Gayle. I loved it. The characters were so believable and the storyline engrossing. It showed a family's various ways of experiencing and dealing with grief. There were sad, happy and poignant moments in the book. Just wonderful as are all the books I have read by this author.
September 23, 2026
Was looking forward to this as I've always loved Mike Gayle books but this was a major disappointment.
Really tedious in the first 70% and not up to the usual MG fare. I really disliked the characters and almost gave up on the book. It picked up towards the end but a really poor effort compared to his usual books.
Really tedious in the first 70% and not up to the usual MG fare. I really disliked the characters and almost gave up on the book. It picked up towards the end but a really poor effort compared to his usual books.
June 9, 2026
A big fan of Mike Gayle's books and i have read them all. This another good one although I disliked all the characters except perhaps Jen which is fine as its a sign of a good writer albeit I suspect he didn't think a reader would dislike all of them!!
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