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The Trouble with Sister Francis
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A heartwarming and hilarious new novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author of FRANK AND RED
Sister Francis is an unlikely nun.
She's sixty, sweary, drives like a lunatic and smokes like a stacked chimney . . . and she runs the Blessed Assumption Boys Club.
Richie, Bennett, Kenny and Stan are four best friends from the Whittle council estate with little to do but get up to no good. After a run-in with local bullies, they discover the crumbling, forgotten club and find themselves in the company of the most remarkable person they will ever meet.
Set against early 1980s Britain, The Trouble with Sister Francis is a funny, heartwarming, and heartbreaking story of unlikely heroes, quiet rebellions, fierce loyalty and unexpected hope.
And at the centre of it all lies a long-forgotten journal that might just change everything.
A heartwarming and hilarious new novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author of FRANK AND RED
Sister Francis is an unlikely nun.
She's sixty, sweary, drives like a lunatic and smokes like a stacked chimney . . . and she runs the Blessed Assumption Boys Club.
Richie, Bennett, Kenny and Stan are four best friends from the Whittle council estate with little to do but get up to no good. After a run-in with local bullies, they discover the crumbling, forgotten club and find themselves in the company of the most remarkable person they will ever meet.
Set against early 1980s Britain, The Trouble with Sister Francis is a funny, heartwarming, and heartbreaking story of unlikely heroes, quiet rebellions, fierce loyalty and unexpected hope.
And at the centre of it all lies a long-forgotten journal that might just change everything.
Audiobook
Published August 27, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
August 27, 2026
OMG I ADORED THIS!
After reading Frank and Red by Matt Coyne and loving it, i couldn't wait to see what he wrote next.
This was even better than his debut.
It follows Rich and his friends as they join a 'Dead Man's Club' at the local church over the summer holidays. The club is ran by Sister Francis, who is certainly not your stereotypical nun!
What develops is nothing short of glorious. The backdrop of the club is a wonderful setting, but what really shines are the characters. I have howled laughing out loud at this book. The characters are struggling with aspects of their lives, and it is truly beautiful to see how their relationships together help them live through their troubles.
A glorious book, and the characters are sure to live in my head for some time.
After reading Frank and Red by Matt Coyne and loving it, i couldn't wait to see what he wrote next.
This was even better than his debut.
It follows Rich and his friends as they join a 'Dead Man's Club' at the local church over the summer holidays. The club is ran by Sister Francis, who is certainly not your stereotypical nun!
What develops is nothing short of glorious. The backdrop of the club is a wonderful setting, but what really shines are the characters. I have howled laughing out loud at this book. The characters are struggling with aspects of their lives, and it is truly beautiful to see how their relationships together help them live through their troubles.
A glorious book, and the characters are sure to live in my head for some time.
September 14, 2026
I honestly didn’t know if Matt Coyne could write another book I’d love as much as Frank and Red, which is one of my favourite books of all time. Of course, I was wrong. The Trouble with Sister Francis is brilliant. Properly, ridiculously brilliant. There’s so much warmth tucked into these pages, so much kindness and humanity, and so much humour. Coyne’s writing style really is so lovely and then it smacks you over the head with so many feels you don’t know whether to laugh, cry or both.
The book is set in the early 1980s and tells the story of 11-year-old Richie and his mates Kenny, Stan and Bennett, growing up on a South Yorkshire council estate. They meet Sister Francis, a minivan-driving, swearing, cigarette-smoking nun and her plan to resurrect a Boys’ Club at the local church. ‘’Bible stuff’’ sounds horrendous to the boys, but they get roped in anyway, and what follows is a summer of friendship, loyalty, belonging and growing up. Those boys absolutely stole my heart. Their banter, their ridiculousness, the way they look after one another, it all made my heart burst.
Coyne has captured something about childhood that I found incredibly special. That feeling of being young and having your friends and your adventures make up your entire universe. The setting is so vivid and lived-in it made me go back to my own childhood in some way (which was over a decade later, but still, the 90’s!). And the humour had that wonderfully dry Northern warmth running through it.
And then, inevitably, knowing his writing, Matt Coyne went and broke me. Because this is ultimately a story about love in all its forms: friendship, family, found family, kindness, sacrifice, and the people who can change your life simply by deciding to care. I sobbed my way through the final chapters, and somehow those tears felt like the perfect ending to a book that had made me feel so much. Sister F is truly iconic. All the stars, no notes!
And when Stan asked her if Hell was real she said, ’I don’t know, but if it is, Stanley, you’ll probably be there, standing about, asking daft questions.’
The book is set in the early 1980s and tells the story of 11-year-old Richie and his mates Kenny, Stan and Bennett, growing up on a South Yorkshire council estate. They meet Sister Francis, a minivan-driving, swearing, cigarette-smoking nun and her plan to resurrect a Boys’ Club at the local church. ‘’Bible stuff’’ sounds horrendous to the boys, but they get roped in anyway, and what follows is a summer of friendship, loyalty, belonging and growing up. Those boys absolutely stole my heart. Their banter, their ridiculousness, the way they look after one another, it all made my heart burst.
Coyne has captured something about childhood that I found incredibly special. That feeling of being young and having your friends and your adventures make up your entire universe. The setting is so vivid and lived-in it made me go back to my own childhood in some way (which was over a decade later, but still, the 90’s!). And the humour had that wonderfully dry Northern warmth running through it.
And then, inevitably, knowing his writing, Matt Coyne went and broke me. Because this is ultimately a story about love in all its forms: friendship, family, found family, kindness, sacrifice, and the people who can change your life simply by deciding to care. I sobbed my way through the final chapters, and somehow those tears felt like the perfect ending to a book that had made me feel so much. Sister F is truly iconic. All the stars, no notes!
And when Stan asked her if Hell was real she said, ’I don’t know, but if it is, Stanley, you’ll probably be there, standing about, asking daft questions.’
August 24, 2026
𝗠𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
𝘞𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴; 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘴. 𝘞𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘴; 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴. 𝘞𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴; 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘵𝘴. 𝘞𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩 𝘩𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘵𝘴; 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘳. 𝘞𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘳; 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘪𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘺.
I adored this author's previous novel Frank and Red so I was beside myself with joy to read this. Matt Coyne has a style that I would describe as the following, here is a book that you will think is lovely and you will really enjoy it until it smacks you round the head with so many feels you won't know whether to laugh, cry or give away all your money and belongings to a good cause.
I haven't been so invested in a group of rag tag feral kids since The Goonies. This was set in my era of growing up when kids clubs and parks were heaven and hanging with your friends was outside getting into mischief.
Then we get to Sister Francis herself, she is like the quiet in the heart of a tornado. It all seems calm but you know stuff is about to go down and no doubt, according to Kenny anyway, there may be a flying cow involved somewhere.
This book has a dual timeline thanks to a mysterious journal found by Richie at The Dead Dads Club. I wondered how it would be connected as the entries interspersed throughout felt important but I promise all will become clear and when it does have tissues at hand.
This book is on an emotion scale that only dogs can hear. It is full of heart, humour, compassion, kindness and friendships never to be forgotten.
𝘞𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴; 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘴. 𝘞𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘴; 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴. 𝘞𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴; 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘵𝘴. 𝘞𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩 𝘩𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘵𝘴; 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘳. 𝘞𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘳; 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘪𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘺.
I adored this author's previous novel Frank and Red so I was beside myself with joy to read this. Matt Coyne has a style that I would describe as the following, here is a book that you will think is lovely and you will really enjoy it until it smacks you round the head with so many feels you won't know whether to laugh, cry or give away all your money and belongings to a good cause.
I haven't been so invested in a group of rag tag feral kids since The Goonies. This was set in my era of growing up when kids clubs and parks were heaven and hanging with your friends was outside getting into mischief.
Then we get to Sister Francis herself, she is like the quiet in the heart of a tornado. It all seems calm but you know stuff is about to go down and no doubt, according to Kenny anyway, there may be a flying cow involved somewhere.
This book has a dual timeline thanks to a mysterious journal found by Richie at The Dead Dads Club. I wondered how it would be connected as the entries interspersed throughout felt important but I promise all will become clear and when it does have tissues at hand.
This book is on an emotion scale that only dogs can hear. It is full of heart, humour, compassion, kindness and friendships never to be forgotten.
September 1, 2026
Who knew a chain-smoking nun and a bunch of rambunctious boys would be the thing to lift my spirits this month?
When I saw that Matt Coyne had a new book out, I was so excited because I absolutely adored Frank and Red. My library didn’t have it because it was too new, so I trusted my gut and went ahead and bought the audiobook. I just had a feeling it was going to be exactly what I needed.
I laughed out loud so many times listening to this. I don’t read many books about young boys because most of my reading tends to focus on the female experience, but I loved spending time with this group. They were funny, mildly foul-mouthed, occasionally ridiculous, and mostly very good kids just trying to figure things out.
Colin R. Campbell’s narration brought these characters to life in such a funny and endearing way.
This was laugh-out-loud funny, quirky, bittersweet, and full of heart without laying it on too thick. It gave me such a nice break from all the heaviness I’ve been reading, and I loved every minute of it.
Five stars, absolutely.
When I saw that Matt Coyne had a new book out, I was so excited because I absolutely adored Frank and Red. My library didn’t have it because it was too new, so I trusted my gut and went ahead and bought the audiobook. I just had a feeling it was going to be exactly what I needed.
I laughed out loud so many times listening to this. I don’t read many books about young boys because most of my reading tends to focus on the female experience, but I loved spending time with this group. They were funny, mildly foul-mouthed, occasionally ridiculous, and mostly very good kids just trying to figure things out.
Colin R. Campbell’s narration brought these characters to life in such a funny and endearing way.
This was laugh-out-loud funny, quirky, bittersweet, and full of heart without laying it on too thick. It gave me such a nice break from all the heaviness I’ve been reading, and I loved every minute of it.
Five stars, absolutely.
September 10, 2026
I just adored every second of this book. I've read a lot about its links to Stand By Me and I have to agree - it is the most beautiful, funny, gut wrenching coming-of-age story that will sit with me for a long time.
For me, all four of the boys were perfection - I fully belly laughed at everything Kenny said, we all have a friend like Bennet, Stan is the one we root for and Rich is the ideal, empathetic, kind protagonist.
Of course, Sister F steals the show. Her presentation embodies that vitally important person that forms all of us in our formative years...perhaps with a little more swearing and smoking.
This book made me laugh, cry and everything in between. Truly joyful.
For me, all four of the boys were perfection - I fully belly laughed at everything Kenny said, we all have a friend like Bennet, Stan is the one we root for and Rich is the ideal, empathetic, kind protagonist.
Of course, Sister F steals the show. Her presentation embodies that vitally important person that forms all of us in our formative years...perhaps with a little more swearing and smoking.
This book made me laugh, cry and everything in between. Truly joyful.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’m tempted to give my first ever 6 stars. This book was just delightful. I’ve sobbed my way through the last 10%. Who knew man vs baby would be such a wonderful writer? This is heartwarming, life affirming, and just joyous. It’s a story of growing up, of friendship, and what’s important in life. It’s also completely NOT the kind of book I usually read so I’m eternally grateful to Netgalley for bringing it to me. Now I’m off to read Frank and Red.
September 20, 2026
Sister Francis is an unlikely nun. She's sixty, sweary, drives like a lunatic and smokes like a stacked chimney . . . and she runs the Blessed Assumption Boys Club. Richie, Bennett, Kenny and Stan are four best friends from the Whittle council estate with little to do but get up to no good. After a run-in with local bullies, they discover the crumbling, forgotten club and find themselves in the company of the most remarkable person they will ever meet.
Set against early 1980s Britain, The Trouble with Sister Francis is a funny, heartwarming, and heartbreaking story of unlikely heroes, quiet rebellions, fierce loyalty and unexpected hope. And at the centre of it all lies a long-forgotten journal that might just change everything.
A lovely story with my only criticism being a rather slow start. However once the characters of the boys start to take shape on the page it becomes engrossing and heart-warming with parts that brought tears to my eyes and parts that had me laughing out loud. The long-forgotten diary adds another dimension and brings home the harsh reality of the second world war and the isolation of some evacuees. There are very thoughtful passages and some beautiful conversations between Richard and the older priest and I really enjoyed the 'God' references which are a mixture of respect and total irreverence. This is a story of love and the deep bonds of childhood friendship and it will stay with me for a very long time.
Set against early 1980s Britain, The Trouble with Sister Francis is a funny, heartwarming, and heartbreaking story of unlikely heroes, quiet rebellions, fierce loyalty and unexpected hope. And at the centre of it all lies a long-forgotten journal that might just change everything.
A lovely story with my only criticism being a rather slow start. However once the characters of the boys start to take shape on the page it becomes engrossing and heart-warming with parts that brought tears to my eyes and parts that had me laughing out loud. The long-forgotten diary adds another dimension and brings home the harsh reality of the second world war and the isolation of some evacuees. There are very thoughtful passages and some beautiful conversations between Richard and the older priest and I really enjoyed the 'God' references which are a mixture of respect and total irreverence. This is a story of love and the deep bonds of childhood friendship and it will stay with me for a very long time.
July 29, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Headline Books for the advance reader copy.
Sister Francis, or rather Sister F, is an unconventional nun. She smokes like a chimney, drives a beaten-up minibus and is the champion of the underdog. Sister F isn’t afraid to speak her mind.
The story is set in the early 1980s and is told through the experiences of four 11-year-old boys: Richie, Kenny, Stan and Bennett. Alongside this is a subplot told through a historical diary written by Reggie. Although it’s not immediately obvious, the two storylines are linked.
We follow the boys through the summer as they renovate and attend a local boys’ club. Through their experiences and voices, we see the depth of their friendship, their loyalty to each other and their affection for Sister F.
This is a heartwarming story that had me laughing out loud one moment and shedding a tear the next. The four boys and Sister F draw you in, making you genuinely want to spend time with them.
I now need to go and read Frank and Red!
Sister Francis, or rather Sister F, is an unconventional nun. She smokes like a chimney, drives a beaten-up minibus and is the champion of the underdog. Sister F isn’t afraid to speak her mind.
The story is set in the early 1980s and is told through the experiences of four 11-year-old boys: Richie, Kenny, Stan and Bennett. Alongside this is a subplot told through a historical diary written by Reggie. Although it’s not immediately obvious, the two storylines are linked.
We follow the boys through the summer as they renovate and attend a local boys’ club. Through their experiences and voices, we see the depth of their friendship, their loyalty to each other and their affection for Sister F.
This is a heartwarming story that had me laughing out loud one moment and shedding a tear the next. The four boys and Sister F draw you in, making you genuinely want to spend time with them.
I now need to go and read Frank and Red!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I went into The Trouble With Sister Francis knowing very little, other than the knowledge that some of my friends had absolutely loved it. Now I’ve read it, it’s easy to see why: not only is it steeped in emotion from beginning to end, it’s also one of the funniest books I’ve had the pleasure of reading. Matt Coyne’s prose is effortless and unforgettable; it’s genuine, humorous and steeped in Northern English charm that comes through on every page.
The world he’s created – one that takes us back to the 1980s – is one you’ll wholeheartedly become a part of, with your own nostalgia and childhood memories mixing into the trials and tribulations of the main characters here.
Largely taking place over the course of one summer, The Trouble With Sister Francis follows primary-school aged Richie, Bennett, Kenny and Stan. Growing up on a Yorkshire housing estate, their days are spent running from bullies, hanging out on the local park and plotting how to make a few pence. That is, until they encounter Sister Francis and her plan to resurrect a Boys’ Club at the local church.
‘Bible stuff’ does not appeal to any of the boys, but they go along anyway – and what they end up finding is a summer that changes their lives in one way or another. A coming-of-age story about dealing with adversity, friendship, family and finding your tribe, there’s absolutely so much to love here.
Coyne has recreated an era so beautifully that, honestly, it’s hard to fathom Richie and his friends don’t exist beyond the pages of this book. With a secondary narrative thread dating back to the Second World War, too, it’s a story rich with history, and the level of detail and care within these pages is second to none.
This is the type of book that, instantly, you know is something special, and I will be thinking about it for months, if not years, to come. Thank you, Matt, for writing something so profoundly brilliant. My only complaint is that it had to come to an end! I’ll hold those boys, and Sister Francis, close to my heart for a long time.
The world he’s created – one that takes us back to the 1980s – is one you’ll wholeheartedly become a part of, with your own nostalgia and childhood memories mixing into the trials and tribulations of the main characters here.
Largely taking place over the course of one summer, The Trouble With Sister Francis follows primary-school aged Richie, Bennett, Kenny and Stan. Growing up on a Yorkshire housing estate, their days are spent running from bullies, hanging out on the local park and plotting how to make a few pence. That is, until they encounter Sister Francis and her plan to resurrect a Boys’ Club at the local church.
‘Bible stuff’ does not appeal to any of the boys, but they go along anyway – and what they end up finding is a summer that changes their lives in one way or another. A coming-of-age story about dealing with adversity, friendship, family and finding your tribe, there’s absolutely so much to love here.
Coyne has recreated an era so beautifully that, honestly, it’s hard to fathom Richie and his friends don’t exist beyond the pages of this book. With a secondary narrative thread dating back to the Second World War, too, it’s a story rich with history, and the level of detail and care within these pages is second to none.
This is the type of book that, instantly, you know is something special, and I will be thinking about it for months, if not years, to come. Thank you, Matt, for writing something so profoundly brilliant. My only complaint is that it had to come to an end! I’ll hold those boys, and Sister Francis, close to my heart for a long time.
August 27, 2026
This was such a funny, heartwarming and surprisingly emotional read. Sister Francis is an absolutely brilliant character, with her sweary attitude, questionable driving and larger-than-life personality making her impossible not to love.
The friendship between the four boys is just as wonderful, with plenty of mischief, loyalty and moments that really tugged at my heart.
Set against 1980s Britain, the story captures a real sense of community and the power of finding people who believe in you.
Funny, touching and full of unforgettable characters, this is a story about friendship, hope and the unlikely people who can make the biggest difference.
The friendship between the four boys is just as wonderful, with plenty of mischief, loyalty and moments that really tugged at my heart.
Set against 1980s Britain, the story captures a real sense of community and the power of finding people who believe in you.
Funny, touching and full of unforgettable characters, this is a story about friendship, hope and the unlikely people who can make the biggest difference.
July 26, 2026
What a wonderful & heartwarming read. Matt Coyne has done it again & managed to bring all humanity together into one wonderful story. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed or cried so much over one book. I’d love to meet this author- he must have the best sense of humour!
As a child of the 80’s myself this was full of nostalgic references & the characters were so very real they literally jumped off the page. A beautifully written and crafted book- the fact he wrote it long hand whilst very poorly makes it even more impressive.
Many thanks to Net Galley & Headline for the ARC.
As a child of the 80’s myself this was full of nostalgic references & the characters were so very real they literally jumped off the page. A beautifully written and crafted book- the fact he wrote it long hand whilst very poorly makes it even more impressive.
Many thanks to Net Galley & Headline for the ARC.
September 4, 2026
Funny; beautiful; poignant. An absolute must read. Loved every bit and didn’t want it to end!
September 10, 2026
It’s 1981 and in Sheffield 11 year old Richie is living on a large housing estate with his best mates Bennett, Kenny and Stan. Disillusioned and bored, with not much direction in their young lives, they get into lots of scrapes until the day they discover a dilapidated hut where once a thriving boys’ club was held and where they meet the eccentric but extraordinary nun, Sister Francis.
My thoughts:
This was another tour de force from Matt Coyne, after loving his brilliant fiction debut, Frank and Red.
Full of heart, this engaging, emotional and at times, laugh out loud book was a joy to read. I found the story both relatable and nostalgic for a very different time where kids just got on their bikes and weren’t expected to come home until tea time and I experienced a range a range of emotions reading this brilliant book as I found it both heartwarming and heartbreaking.
Split between two timelines, this first person narrative moved between Richie’s story in the 1980’s and Reggie’s in the late 1930’s/early 1940’s and I enjoyed and was invested in both of their stories equally.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the 425 pages flew by. Towards the end, I really struggled to put this book down as I was so intrigued to discover the outcome and I was kept up late reading.
If you enjoyed Frank and Red, then you’ll definitely love this new book.
My thoughts:
This was another tour de force from Matt Coyne, after loving his brilliant fiction debut, Frank and Red.
Full of heart, this engaging, emotional and at times, laugh out loud book was a joy to read. I found the story both relatable and nostalgic for a very different time where kids just got on their bikes and weren’t expected to come home until tea time and I experienced a range a range of emotions reading this brilliant book as I found it both heartwarming and heartbreaking.
Split between two timelines, this first person narrative moved between Richie’s story in the 1980’s and Reggie’s in the late 1930’s/early 1940’s and I enjoyed and was invested in both of their stories equally.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the 425 pages flew by. Towards the end, I really struggled to put this book down as I was so intrigued to discover the outcome and I was kept up late reading.
If you enjoyed Frank and Red, then you’ll definitely love this new book.
June 11, 2026
⭐️ 5 ⭐️
In 2024, I read and adored Frank and Red by Matt Coyne, so I was overjoyed to get my hands on a copy of his newest book, The Trouble with Sister Francis.
The story is set in South Yorkshire in the early 1980s and told through chapters narrated by Richie, alongside a thread of journal entries written by Reginald R. Hartfield from 1938 to 1941.
Eleven-year-old Richie and his three best mates (Kenny, Bennett and Stanley) live on the Whittle council estate in Sheffield, and it’s here where they meet Sister Francis, who runs the Blessed Assumption Boys Club. Kenny is a gobby, rough diamond and lovable rogue. Bennett (Benny) owns a purple Raleigh Chopper but can’t ride a bike, so he pushes it everywhere, and Stan is a slightly wimpy but extremely kind-hearted kid who runs everywhere.
Matt has captured the sense of time and place perfectly, with detailed descriptions that transported me nostalgically back to the 80s and characters so fully fleshed they jumped from the page. I loved Sister F and Reggie with his journal entries, but it was the four lovely, likeable lads (especially Kenny and Richie) with their larger-than-life personalities, believable dialogue, boyish banter and fierce loyalty to one another that were the stars of the show for me.
Matt Coyne has a fantastic, dry sense of humour, and it’s the thread of witty (sometimes hilarious, laugh-out-loud) humour woven throughout the book that brings the fabric of the story to life. It’s beautifully written and flawlessly captures the magic and innocence of childhood.
It’s an uplifting, heartwarming story with love, found family, friendship and belonging at its heart. It brought a massive grin to my face and tears to my eyes. I absolutely loved it, and it thoroughly deserves a place in my top reads of 2026.
I can’t recommend it (and Frank and Red) highly enough. All the stars, no notes.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
In 2024, I read and adored Frank and Red by Matt Coyne, so I was overjoyed to get my hands on a copy of his newest book, The Trouble with Sister Francis.
The story is set in South Yorkshire in the early 1980s and told through chapters narrated by Richie, alongside a thread of journal entries written by Reginald R. Hartfield from 1938 to 1941.
Eleven-year-old Richie and his three best mates (Kenny, Bennett and Stanley) live on the Whittle council estate in Sheffield, and it’s here where they meet Sister Francis, who runs the Blessed Assumption Boys Club. Kenny is a gobby, rough diamond and lovable rogue. Bennett (Benny) owns a purple Raleigh Chopper but can’t ride a bike, so he pushes it everywhere, and Stan is a slightly wimpy but extremely kind-hearted kid who runs everywhere.
Matt has captured the sense of time and place perfectly, with detailed descriptions that transported me nostalgically back to the 80s and characters so fully fleshed they jumped from the page. I loved Sister F and Reggie with his journal entries, but it was the four lovely, likeable lads (especially Kenny and Richie) with their larger-than-life personalities, believable dialogue, boyish banter and fierce loyalty to one another that were the stars of the show for me.
Matt Coyne has a fantastic, dry sense of humour, and it’s the thread of witty (sometimes hilarious, laugh-out-loud) humour woven throughout the book that brings the fabric of the story to life. It’s beautifully written and flawlessly captures the magic and innocence of childhood.
It’s an uplifting, heartwarming story with love, found family, friendship and belonging at its heart. It brought a massive grin to my face and tears to my eyes. I absolutely loved it, and it thoroughly deserves a place in my top reads of 2026.
I can’t recommend it (and Frank and Red) highly enough. All the stars, no notes.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Richie, Bennett, Kenny and Stan, four best friends from the Whittle council estate, are looking forward to the long heady days of summer, even if there is not much for them to do around here. When their usual hang-out becomes a no go area, due to an altercation with the local bullies, they decide to see what the re-opened Blessed Assumption Boys Club, run by the very unconventional nun Sister Francis, might have to offer them.
Unconvinced that the crumbling club building, and its sixty-year-old, heavily smoking, very sweary custodian, is the solution they are looking for, they agree to help get the dilapidated building ship-shape - on the promise they will be able to use it over the holidays without paying the expected daily subscription. They set to work, and in the process find a place, and a person, that will change their lives for ever.
With lashings of heart-warming loveliness, The Trouble with Sister Francis, Matt Coyne's follow-up novel to the fabulous Frank and Red, is a joy from start to finish.
The story follows the adventures of four lads from a northern council estate, who fall in with the very unholy Sister Francis when the meagre rewards from a dubious scheme make them the target for local heavies. The book unfurls in two beautifully wielded timelines, switching back and forth between the present in early 1980's Britain, and the past through a diary Ritchie finds hidden amongst the debris at the club - which reveals the experiences of one Reggie Hartfeld, who was evacuated to Whittle during the Second World War, and who was part of the original cohort of the Blessed Assumption Boys Club (aka The Dead Dad's Club).
I cannot even begin to describe how much I loved this book, totally invested in the lives of the four boys, set against the richly described, and incredibly nostalgic background of 1981, as they face a number of coming-of-age challenges together - and realise that Sister Francis hides a heart of gold beneath her sombre nun's habit, and a wealth of pain in connection with the past. In parallel, Reggie's diary transports you back to 1940's Britain on the home front, through the eyes of a young man on the brink of adulthood - and impressively introduces oodles of historical detail in the process.
Golden moments of friendship, found family, quiet resistance, love, loss, true kindness in unexpected places, and standing up for what you believe abound, bleeding into a hilarious caper-meets-heartrending love-story. Matt's writing is as engaging, witty, heartfelt, and utterly compelling, keeping you turning the pages, and I felt all the emotions as the storylines collided, when Ritchie realises exactly what Reggie's diary reveals.
This is a book that captures you heart and soul. There is an impressive complexity here that belies the simplicity of Frank and Red's unconventional buddy story, even though I adored Matt's debut. The way he echoes his themes through the timelines is wonderful, and the bond that ties the members of The Dead Dad's Club together across time is beautifully portrayed. There were moments when I hardly read the words as I sobbed uncontrollably in the final swathes of the novel, and I turned the final page knowing I will always carry these characters in my heart.
If that was not enough to convince you that this is a must-read, Matt's notion that while you can never go back to the past, you can peep at it through a keyhole, and carry what you have learned through the doors of the future, is mind-blowingly delicious.
A triumph, and a front-runner for my book of the year!
Unconvinced that the crumbling club building, and its sixty-year-old, heavily smoking, very sweary custodian, is the solution they are looking for, they agree to help get the dilapidated building ship-shape - on the promise they will be able to use it over the holidays without paying the expected daily subscription. They set to work, and in the process find a place, and a person, that will change their lives for ever.
With lashings of heart-warming loveliness, The Trouble with Sister Francis, Matt Coyne's follow-up novel to the fabulous Frank and Red, is a joy from start to finish.
The story follows the adventures of four lads from a northern council estate, who fall in with the very unholy Sister Francis when the meagre rewards from a dubious scheme make them the target for local heavies. The book unfurls in two beautifully wielded timelines, switching back and forth between the present in early 1980's Britain, and the past through a diary Ritchie finds hidden amongst the debris at the club - which reveals the experiences of one Reggie Hartfeld, who was evacuated to Whittle during the Second World War, and who was part of the original cohort of the Blessed Assumption Boys Club (aka The Dead Dad's Club).
I cannot even begin to describe how much I loved this book, totally invested in the lives of the four boys, set against the richly described, and incredibly nostalgic background of 1981, as they face a number of coming-of-age challenges together - and realise that Sister Francis hides a heart of gold beneath her sombre nun's habit, and a wealth of pain in connection with the past. In parallel, Reggie's diary transports you back to 1940's Britain on the home front, through the eyes of a young man on the brink of adulthood - and impressively introduces oodles of historical detail in the process.
Golden moments of friendship, found family, quiet resistance, love, loss, true kindness in unexpected places, and standing up for what you believe abound, bleeding into a hilarious caper-meets-heartrending love-story. Matt's writing is as engaging, witty, heartfelt, and utterly compelling, keeping you turning the pages, and I felt all the emotions as the storylines collided, when Ritchie realises exactly what Reggie's diary reveals.
This is a book that captures you heart and soul. There is an impressive complexity here that belies the simplicity of Frank and Red's unconventional buddy story, even though I adored Matt's debut. The way he echoes his themes through the timelines is wonderful, and the bond that ties the members of The Dead Dad's Club together across time is beautifully portrayed. There were moments when I hardly read the words as I sobbed uncontrollably in the final swathes of the novel, and I turned the final page knowing I will always carry these characters in my heart.
If that was not enough to convince you that this is a must-read, Matt's notion that while you can never go back to the past, you can peep at it through a keyhole, and carry what you have learned through the doors of the future, is mind-blowingly delicious.
A triumph, and a front-runner for my book of the year!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
In the early 1980s, young lads Richie, Bennett, Kenny and Stan encounter Sister Francis.
I confess that having so utterly adored Matt Coyne’s first novel Frank & Red, I was apprehensive about The Trouble with Sister Francis. What if it didn’t live up to my expectations? It didn’t. It exceeded them! I completely adored this book too. I’m going to struggle to review it because I don’t want to give anything away and really just want to say ‘Buy the book because it’s brilliant…’
The 1980s setting is superb. The sweets, the music, the clothing, the vocabulary used by the lads attending the local church club, all of them combine into the most vivid sense of time. So too does the thread of The Journal of Reginald R. Hartfeld 1938-1941 [Abridged] which presents the life of an evacuee and gives an insight into the war years.
It is the bringing together of these two eras that is so compelling. As Rich, Kenny, Bennet and Stan find themselves drawn into Sister Francis’s orbit, the two time frames support some of the major themes of Matt Coyne’s story. He explores societal convention, a sense of duty and responsibility, and all manner of weighty concepts with the lightest of touches so that the reader fails to recognise the impact and importance of his story until it hits them hard in the solar plexus. However, the most profound aspects are the themes of friendship, belonging and home. Matt Coyne’s ability to convey meaning as well as entertainment is remarkable. Through fantastic humour – and I literally laughed until I cried, and couldn’t breathe, on more than one occasion – and heart-rending emotion – I wept inconsolably too – Matt Coyne entertains, educates and completely blindsides his readers. Truthfully, The Trouble with Sister Francis is one of my all time favourite reads.
And what a person Sister Francis is. Her unconventional feisty nature, her quietly ironclad control and her hidden softness make her simply wonderful. She might be a nun, but she’s a rule breaker unafraid to turn a blind eye when necessary and so uncompromising on occasion that grown men quake in their boots when she has them in her sights. Reading about Sister Francis made me laugh and cry, but it also made me cheer aloud and fist bump the air even as she made me reflect on true humanity, compassion and empathy. Reading about Sister Francis does not leave the reader unchanged or emotionally unscathed. I’ll be thinking about her for a very long time.
The characters are actually all stunning. Except for Father Sheridan and a couple of others whom I would quite cheerfully throttle, I think of them with such affection and fondness that it’s hard to grasp that they are not real people. It is impossible not to have your heart broken by Kenny. He put me in mind of so many of the underprivileged youngsters I taught in the past, as did all the boys, because Matt Coyne’s portrayal is so realistic. I thought Rick’s narrative voice was amazing. The story is presented through his adult lens and yet he loses nothing of his childhood perspective, making him all the more unforgettable and affecting.
I know I’ve been somewhat vague in this review, but I cannot express emphatically enough how much I loved The Trouble with Sister Francis. Matt Coyne has created the most exquisite narrative. It’s hilariously funny. It’s realistic. It’s emotionally charged. It’s written with beautiful human understanding. The Trouble with Sister Francis is sheer perfection and I pity those who don’t get the chance to read it. Fantastic!
I confess that having so utterly adored Matt Coyne’s first novel Frank & Red, I was apprehensive about The Trouble with Sister Francis. What if it didn’t live up to my expectations? It didn’t. It exceeded them! I completely adored this book too. I’m going to struggle to review it because I don’t want to give anything away and really just want to say ‘Buy the book because it’s brilliant…’
The 1980s setting is superb. The sweets, the music, the clothing, the vocabulary used by the lads attending the local church club, all of them combine into the most vivid sense of time. So too does the thread of The Journal of Reginald R. Hartfeld 1938-1941 [Abridged] which presents the life of an evacuee and gives an insight into the war years.
It is the bringing together of these two eras that is so compelling. As Rich, Kenny, Bennet and Stan find themselves drawn into Sister Francis’s orbit, the two time frames support some of the major themes of Matt Coyne’s story. He explores societal convention, a sense of duty and responsibility, and all manner of weighty concepts with the lightest of touches so that the reader fails to recognise the impact and importance of his story until it hits them hard in the solar plexus. However, the most profound aspects are the themes of friendship, belonging and home. Matt Coyne’s ability to convey meaning as well as entertainment is remarkable. Through fantastic humour – and I literally laughed until I cried, and couldn’t breathe, on more than one occasion – and heart-rending emotion – I wept inconsolably too – Matt Coyne entertains, educates and completely blindsides his readers. Truthfully, The Trouble with Sister Francis is one of my all time favourite reads.
And what a person Sister Francis is. Her unconventional feisty nature, her quietly ironclad control and her hidden softness make her simply wonderful. She might be a nun, but she’s a rule breaker unafraid to turn a blind eye when necessary and so uncompromising on occasion that grown men quake in their boots when she has them in her sights. Reading about Sister Francis made me laugh and cry, but it also made me cheer aloud and fist bump the air even as she made me reflect on true humanity, compassion and empathy. Reading about Sister Francis does not leave the reader unchanged or emotionally unscathed. I’ll be thinking about her for a very long time.
The characters are actually all stunning. Except for Father Sheridan and a couple of others whom I would quite cheerfully throttle, I think of them with such affection and fondness that it’s hard to grasp that they are not real people. It is impossible not to have your heart broken by Kenny. He put me in mind of so many of the underprivileged youngsters I taught in the past, as did all the boys, because Matt Coyne’s portrayal is so realistic. I thought Rick’s narrative voice was amazing. The story is presented through his adult lens and yet he loses nothing of his childhood perspective, making him all the more unforgettable and affecting.
I know I’ve been somewhat vague in this review, but I cannot express emphatically enough how much I loved The Trouble with Sister Francis. Matt Coyne has created the most exquisite narrative. It’s hilariously funny. It’s realistic. It’s emotionally charged. It’s written with beautiful human understanding. The Trouble with Sister Francis is sheer perfection and I pity those who don’t get the chance to read it. Fantastic!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Matt Coyne has done it again! I adored his debut novel Frank and Red (and I adored The Trouble With Sister Francis too.
Sister Francis is not your typical, sweet nun. As one of the boys who attends the Blessed Assumption Boys Club says, you couldn’t imagine her joyously spinning in the Swiss mountains! She smokes like a chimney, drives a battered old van, swears like a trooper and doesn’t really seem that religious. For much of the early part of the book, she’s kind of a background character. She’s there, but it’s the boys who are important.
I could happily have spent more time in the company of these lads. Richie, Bennett, Kenny and Stan are four best friends from a council estate who don’t always have the easiest of lives and find themselves members of the boys club which Sister Francis is restarting. It’s obviously really important to her although we don’t know why for quite some time. She has a lot of patience with the boys and seems to bring out the best in them. As the only four members of the club for quite some time, as well as Bible Study and singing the club song each morning (Lord of all Hopefulness – none of them are very tuneful), they set about cleaning and tidying the old club building.
It was so touching to read about the boys’ friendship. Much of the story is narrated by Richie, looking back on his time in the Club. He talks about how spending time with his friends was the best thing. “There’s an old saying about true friendships being forged in fire but I don’t think that’s true. Real friendships are cast in the everyday, enjoying the company of others when there is little more between you than a pack of cards with two jacks and a three missing. That’s real friendship.”.
Richie finds an old journal while he is tidying and discovers it’s the journal of an evacuee. Reggie, who lived with a local family having been evacuated from London at the start of the Second World War. We get to read this journal in entries scattered throughout the story and I became very invested in Reggie’s story. I was intrigued to see just how his story was going to fit in and let’s just say that when it it became clear, I gasped out loud and there may have been something in my eye.
There are many other characters who deserve a mention and I have to say I had a soft spot for Richie’s Grandad Bob. He was a kind man who had a lot of time for his grandson. My own dad was Grandad Bob to my girls so that’s who I was envisaging as I read about him. Father Callan was also a great character. He was a very elderly priest who was kind and compassionate. He had a deep understanding of human nature and a forgiving attitude.
Being set in mostly the early 1980s, this was a very nostalgic read for me. I reckon I was the same age as the boys in the book at the time it’s set so I really enjoyed all the cultural references.
I realise that this review is rather long and that’s a reflection of how much I loved this book. There is a hint that we might here more about Sister Francis and the boys in her club and I am absolutely here for that. The Trouble with Sister Francis is another superb read from Matt Coyne. I laughed, I cried, I cheered. Hooray for Sister Francis and ‘her boys’! One of my favourite reads this year.
Sister Francis is not your typical, sweet nun. As one of the boys who attends the Blessed Assumption Boys Club says, you couldn’t imagine her joyously spinning in the Swiss mountains! She smokes like a chimney, drives a battered old van, swears like a trooper and doesn’t really seem that religious. For much of the early part of the book, she’s kind of a background character. She’s there, but it’s the boys who are important.
I could happily have spent more time in the company of these lads. Richie, Bennett, Kenny and Stan are four best friends from a council estate who don’t always have the easiest of lives and find themselves members of the boys club which Sister Francis is restarting. It’s obviously really important to her although we don’t know why for quite some time. She has a lot of patience with the boys and seems to bring out the best in them. As the only four members of the club for quite some time, as well as Bible Study and singing the club song each morning (Lord of all Hopefulness – none of them are very tuneful), they set about cleaning and tidying the old club building.
It was so touching to read about the boys’ friendship. Much of the story is narrated by Richie, looking back on his time in the Club. He talks about how spending time with his friends was the best thing. “There’s an old saying about true friendships being forged in fire but I don’t think that’s true. Real friendships are cast in the everyday, enjoying the company of others when there is little more between you than a pack of cards with two jacks and a three missing. That’s real friendship.”.
Richie finds an old journal while he is tidying and discovers it’s the journal of an evacuee. Reggie, who lived with a local family having been evacuated from London at the start of the Second World War. We get to read this journal in entries scattered throughout the story and I became very invested in Reggie’s story. I was intrigued to see just how his story was going to fit in and let’s just say that when it it became clear, I gasped out loud and there may have been something in my eye.
There are many other characters who deserve a mention and I have to say I had a soft spot for Richie’s Grandad Bob. He was a kind man who had a lot of time for his grandson. My own dad was Grandad Bob to my girls so that’s who I was envisaging as I read about him. Father Callan was also a great character. He was a very elderly priest who was kind and compassionate. He had a deep understanding of human nature and a forgiving attitude.
Being set in mostly the early 1980s, this was a very nostalgic read for me. I reckon I was the same age as the boys in the book at the time it’s set so I really enjoyed all the cultural references.
I realise that this review is rather long and that’s a reflection of how much I loved this book. There is a hint that we might here more about Sister Francis and the boys in her club and I am absolutely here for that. The Trouble with Sister Francis is another superb read from Matt Coyne. I laughed, I cried, I cheered. Hooray for Sister Francis and ‘her boys’! One of my favourite reads this year.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The long school summer holidays are looming, and in an effort to avoid the local bully, four young boys are persuaded to join a boys' club at the local church.
Author Matt Coyne's debut novel, Frank And Red, is one of my favourite books. I regularly recommend it to people, and I've yet to hear from anyone who didn't enjoy it. So I had high expectations for his second novel, The Trouble With Sister Francis.
As the story opens in 1981, we meet four young boys who live on the outskirts of Sheffield. Richie, Stan, Kenny, and Bennett are approaching the end of their time at primary school and a future that will see them separated as they move on to secondary school. Weekends and school holidays see them hanging about in the park until the local bully scares them off. With little else to do, they decide to check out the newly reopened boys' club at the nearby church. The club doesn't quite live up to expectations when they first arrive, and the nun who is in charge, Sister Francis, certainly isn't your stereotypical representative of the church.
At its heart, this is a story about camaraderie. Each of the boys is different. Richie is the natural leader, the one the others defer to. Stan is a bit of a wimp, terrified of everything. Bennett is just different, obviously neurodivergent long before it was identified. And Kenny, he's always the first to arrive and the last to leave, desperately avoiding his terrible home life. Kenny tells tall tales to deflect from what happens at home, and his friends just accept them, all while knowing what he has to put up with. Whenever Kenny was embellishing the truth, I was convinced he was going to grow up to become the Kenny Senior character in Phoenix Nights.
Alongside the story of the boys in 1981, there is a secondary story when Richie uncovers a journal written by Reginald Hartfeld, a fifteen-year-old who is evacuated from London to Yorkshire during the war. We hear from a lonely Reginald, miles from home, who becomes one of the original boys' club members and falls in love. I loved seeing the pieces of ephemera that were included with the journal. How this story connected to the club in 1981 was at the forefront of my mind however.
I found myself snorting with laughter repeatedly at the antics only 11-year-old boys can get up to, and nostalgia hit me on a regular basis; the smell of the school Banda machine and the description of Saturday nights spent as a family were very evocative. There is a confrontation towards the end where I could feel my chest getting tight as I read, and afterwards, I wanted to punch the air and scream "YES!" as I was so invested in the story and characters. There are also lots of bittersweet moments. I certainly didn't expect the tears towards the end. By the time I'd finished, I was ready to go right back to the beginning and start again.
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
Author Matt Coyne's debut novel, Frank And Red, is one of my favourite books. I regularly recommend it to people, and I've yet to hear from anyone who didn't enjoy it. So I had high expectations for his second novel, The Trouble With Sister Francis.
As the story opens in 1981, we meet four young boys who live on the outskirts of Sheffield. Richie, Stan, Kenny, and Bennett are approaching the end of their time at primary school and a future that will see them separated as they move on to secondary school. Weekends and school holidays see them hanging about in the park until the local bully scares them off. With little else to do, they decide to check out the newly reopened boys' club at the nearby church. The club doesn't quite live up to expectations when they first arrive, and the nun who is in charge, Sister Francis, certainly isn't your stereotypical representative of the church.
At its heart, this is a story about camaraderie. Each of the boys is different. Richie is the natural leader, the one the others defer to. Stan is a bit of a wimp, terrified of everything. Bennett is just different, obviously neurodivergent long before it was identified. And Kenny, he's always the first to arrive and the last to leave, desperately avoiding his terrible home life. Kenny tells tall tales to deflect from what happens at home, and his friends just accept them, all while knowing what he has to put up with. Whenever Kenny was embellishing the truth, I was convinced he was going to grow up to become the Kenny Senior character in Phoenix Nights.
Alongside the story of the boys in 1981, there is a secondary story when Richie uncovers a journal written by Reginald Hartfeld, a fifteen-year-old who is evacuated from London to Yorkshire during the war. We hear from a lonely Reginald, miles from home, who becomes one of the original boys' club members and falls in love. I loved seeing the pieces of ephemera that were included with the journal. How this story connected to the club in 1981 was at the forefront of my mind however.
I found myself snorting with laughter repeatedly at the antics only 11-year-old boys can get up to, and nostalgia hit me on a regular basis; the smell of the school Banda machine and the description of Saturday nights spent as a family were very evocative. There is a confrontation towards the end where I could feel my chest getting tight as I read, and afterwards, I wanted to punch the air and scream "YES!" as I was so invested in the story and characters. There are also lots of bittersweet moments. I certainly didn't expect the tears towards the end. By the time I'd finished, I was ready to go right back to the beginning and start again.
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
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
1980s Britain.
Perfectly conjured memories for those of us who remember the freedom of childhood summers before mobile phones and social media even existed.
Four friends - Richie, Bennett, Kenny and Stan are facing a long, hot summer together on the deprived Whittle Estate in Sheffield before they split into two different schools in September. There is a feeling of doubt and fear for the future - will they all still be friends in the years to come or will be lose touch and move on as life pulls them apart.
But for now there is the summer, six glorious weeks of mischief-making and hanging around in parks.
Set against a background of Thatcher’s miner’s strikes, money is scarce. When the local bullies cut off their access to the local park, suddenly the summer is looking much less inviting. Enter Sister Francis, a rebellious nun driving a clapped out, rusty minibus which bears a hilariously faded sign on the side. Against the wishes of the curmudgeonly Father Sheridan, Sister F is reviving the summer boys’ club at the local church: The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin, which previously earned itself the moniker of The Dead Dads Club.
Richie, Bennett, Kenny and Stan find themselves with little choice other than to be the founding members of the newly reintroduced club.
The story is told from the alternating timelines of Richie’s experience of 1980s Sheffield and the outbreak of the Second World War through the long-forgotten journal of Reginald R. Hartfeld. Reginald (or Reggie) is fifteen years old in 1938 and finds himself evacuated from London to the Whittle Estate, to become one of the founding members of the Dead Dads Club.
I don’t think it’s quite possible to accurately describe all the emotions that this book leads you through - expect moments of heartwarming joy, heartbreak, laugh out loud humour and absolute shock. And whilst I initially suspected one of the major reveals, Coyne had successfully managed to throw me off scent so there were definitely a few moments where I audibly gasped. I became so completely emotionally invested in this book that the characters feel like friends, I took personal umbrage with the detestable Father Sheridan and I found myself in tears a couple of times towards the end.
I previously read, and adored Frank and Red, also by Matt Coyne, so I was keen to read his new novel and I was not disappointed. It’s hard to put into words how much I have enjoyed The Trouble with Sister Francis, Coyne is simply a superb storyteller - his novels bring a piece of absolute joy to readers. He doesn’t write fantastical high-risk tales, gritty dramas or epic romances. Instead, he writes tales of real lives, perfectly identifiable experiences that leap off the page and straight into your heart.
This is quite possibly the easiest 5 star rating I have given this year and I suspect that this will be a contender for my favourite book of 2026. If I could give The Trouble with Sister Francis six stars then I absolutely would.
As a final piece of advice from me: read the acknowledgements, it’s worth it.
Perfectly conjured memories for those of us who remember the freedom of childhood summers before mobile phones and social media even existed.
Four friends - Richie, Bennett, Kenny and Stan are facing a long, hot summer together on the deprived Whittle Estate in Sheffield before they split into two different schools in September. There is a feeling of doubt and fear for the future - will they all still be friends in the years to come or will be lose touch and move on as life pulls them apart.
But for now there is the summer, six glorious weeks of mischief-making and hanging around in parks.
Set against a background of Thatcher’s miner’s strikes, money is scarce. When the local bullies cut off their access to the local park, suddenly the summer is looking much less inviting. Enter Sister Francis, a rebellious nun driving a clapped out, rusty minibus which bears a hilariously faded sign on the side. Against the wishes of the curmudgeonly Father Sheridan, Sister F is reviving the summer boys’ club at the local church: The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin, which previously earned itself the moniker of The Dead Dads Club.
Richie, Bennett, Kenny and Stan find themselves with little choice other than to be the founding members of the newly reintroduced club.
The story is told from the alternating timelines of Richie’s experience of 1980s Sheffield and the outbreak of the Second World War through the long-forgotten journal of Reginald R. Hartfeld. Reginald (or Reggie) is fifteen years old in 1938 and finds himself evacuated from London to the Whittle Estate, to become one of the founding members of the Dead Dads Club.
I don’t think it’s quite possible to accurately describe all the emotions that this book leads you through - expect moments of heartwarming joy, heartbreak, laugh out loud humour and absolute shock. And whilst I initially suspected one of the major reveals, Coyne had successfully managed to throw me off scent so there were definitely a few moments where I audibly gasped. I became so completely emotionally invested in this book that the characters feel like friends, I took personal umbrage with the detestable Father Sheridan and I found myself in tears a couple of times towards the end.
I previously read, and adored Frank and Red, also by Matt Coyne, so I was keen to read his new novel and I was not disappointed. It’s hard to put into words how much I have enjoyed The Trouble with Sister Francis, Coyne is simply a superb storyteller - his novels bring a piece of absolute joy to readers. He doesn’t write fantastical high-risk tales, gritty dramas or epic romances. Instead, he writes tales of real lives, perfectly identifiable experiences that leap off the page and straight into your heart.
This is quite possibly the easiest 5 star rating I have given this year and I suspect that this will be a contender for my favourite book of 2026. If I could give The Trouble with Sister Francis six stars then I absolutely would.
As a final piece of advice from me: read the acknowledgements, it’s worth it.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Early 1980s, Britain. Four best friends, with very little to do and no place to go, are trying to find ways to entertain themselves when they come upon a flyer for a club with a rather unfortunate name. The Dead Dads Club was established many, many years ago. But when a fire broke out, it was shut down and the place was left to crumble. Now though, Sister Francis wants to resurrect the place and give the local community somewhere to go.
Sister Francis is the most unlikely nun you've ever met. She smokes like a chimney, is a hazard on the road, doesn't really seem all that bothered about things, religious or otherwise, and has somewhat of a rebellious streak. But once you get to know her, you realise there is far more to her than meets the eye. There are quite a few things to discover about her, and maybe it might even explain why this club - now renamed to the Blessed Assumption Boys Club - is so important to her.
I thought the character of Sister Francis was brilliant, though not quite in the way I had expected. But for me, the characters that stood out the most were the four fabulous friends. Kenny, Bennett, Stan, and Rich are quite different. Kenny is a bit of a trouble magnet, Bennett is very quiet but super smart, Stan unintentionally brings the humour, and Rich is the most delightful, observing, and thoughtful young boy. Together, they are the epitome of the perfect friendship. They are there for each other, no matter what.
It took me a minute to figure out how the long-forgotten journal fitted in until there was an "aha" moment that turned some things quite onto their heads. Obviously, I can't go into details here but I'm sure you too will try to puzzle out how things came to be a certain way. It is, unfortunately, a heartbreaking and frustrating tale as old as time and it's impossible not to feel for the characters involved. There is definitely a kind of crossroads moment, where you wonder how things would have turned out if a certain path of life hadn't been blocked. Vague, isn't it? So sorry!
This is one of those books where the nostalgia jumps off the page and smacks you right in the face. But most of all, 'The Trouble With Sister Francis' is full of hope and there is just so much to love about this story. There are some wonderful laugh-out-loud moments, but there is also room for serious topics. All handled most brilliantly by both author and characters involved. These four friends will warm your heart as they navigate this weird and fabulous thing called life. There is much to learn along the way, there is much to laugh about, and to be grateful for.
The Fab Four and their delightful story of friendship is heartwarming and uplifting, and just like with Matt Coyne's predecessor, I'm unlikely to forget them in a hurry. It seems he has an uncanny ability to come up with memorable characters and I can't wait to see what's next.
Sister Francis is the most unlikely nun you've ever met. She smokes like a chimney, is a hazard on the road, doesn't really seem all that bothered about things, religious or otherwise, and has somewhat of a rebellious streak. But once you get to know her, you realise there is far more to her than meets the eye. There are quite a few things to discover about her, and maybe it might even explain why this club - now renamed to the Blessed Assumption Boys Club - is so important to her.
I thought the character of Sister Francis was brilliant, though not quite in the way I had expected. But for me, the characters that stood out the most were the four fabulous friends. Kenny, Bennett, Stan, and Rich are quite different. Kenny is a bit of a trouble magnet, Bennett is very quiet but super smart, Stan unintentionally brings the humour, and Rich is the most delightful, observing, and thoughtful young boy. Together, they are the epitome of the perfect friendship. They are there for each other, no matter what.
It took me a minute to figure out how the long-forgotten journal fitted in until there was an "aha" moment that turned some things quite onto their heads. Obviously, I can't go into details here but I'm sure you too will try to puzzle out how things came to be a certain way. It is, unfortunately, a heartbreaking and frustrating tale as old as time and it's impossible not to feel for the characters involved. There is definitely a kind of crossroads moment, where you wonder how things would have turned out if a certain path of life hadn't been blocked. Vague, isn't it? So sorry!
This is one of those books where the nostalgia jumps off the page and smacks you right in the face. But most of all, 'The Trouble With Sister Francis' is full of hope and there is just so much to love about this story. There are some wonderful laugh-out-loud moments, but there is also room for serious topics. All handled most brilliantly by both author and characters involved. These four friends will warm your heart as they navigate this weird and fabulous thing called life. There is much to learn along the way, there is much to laugh about, and to be grateful for.
The Fab Four and their delightful story of friendship is heartwarming and uplifting, and just like with Matt Coyne's predecessor, I'm unlikely to forget them in a hurry. It seems he has an uncanny ability to come up with memorable characters and I can't wait to see what's next.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
After his debut book Frank and Red ended up in my top five books of 2024, I have been champing at the bit to get my hands on this, his highly anticipated, by me anyway, second book.
And I have to say that although my expectations were high, he absolutely smashed them... It's by far my favourite book I have read so far this year - out of 199 - There is no doubt in my mind it will remain up there come year end...
So... we start with Richie, Kenny, Bennett, and Stan, 11 year old best friends from the local estate and, as the summer holidays are approaching, are looking forward to a whole bunch of nothing to do. Until they spot a flyer advertising the return of the once defunct Blessed Assumption Boys Club which is to be run by the most wonderful character that is Sister Francis. They attend an open day where they find out that there's a lot to do before the club re-opens but Sister F ropes (bribes) the boys into helping her. Sadly, not everyone is in favour of the Boys Club reopening, but I will leave you to find that out for yourself.
Meanwhile, as well as the shenanigans of the Boys Club antics in the present day, we also go back in time to 1938, where we follow a 15 year old Reginald R Hartfield starting to write a journal. Initially detailing his days at school, but as time goes on, and war breaks out, we follow his evacuation and find out why the Boys Club first started and witness its early times...
I loved this book. I know I already said it, but I did, so so much. Especially towards the end when certain things started to come together. And I could bang on and on about all of them but spoilers prevent me from doing so here. Suffice to say that I did read behind tears quite a bit as we approached the end. But then the whole book was emotional for me. I absolutely loved all the memory links I got from my connection with the time in which the book was set. I am pretty much the same age as the boys. Which means I grew up watching the same TV shows. eating the same sweets, smelling the same smells, playing the same games, and I had so much fun revisiting my own childhood as I read about what they were getting up to.
And the story being told, the one that spanned the years, and the characters who were all part of it, both in the past and the present, and those who appeared in both. Absolutely loved every single moment. Especially when certain connections were made and things were explained. Oh My Days!
I never thought that the author could possibly top Frank and Red for characters, story, emotions, but boy was I wrong... Which obviously only leaves the one outstanding question... how in the heck is he going to top this one...
Meanwhile, whilst I am waiting to find out, I'm going to get me an audiobook copy of this book and revisit it. I already have Frank and Red on audio so I might well give that a relisten too.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
And I have to say that although my expectations were high, he absolutely smashed them... It's by far my favourite book I have read so far this year - out of 199 - There is no doubt in my mind it will remain up there come year end...
So... we start with Richie, Kenny, Bennett, and Stan, 11 year old best friends from the local estate and, as the summer holidays are approaching, are looking forward to a whole bunch of nothing to do. Until they spot a flyer advertising the return of the once defunct Blessed Assumption Boys Club which is to be run by the most wonderful character that is Sister Francis. They attend an open day where they find out that there's a lot to do before the club re-opens but Sister F ropes (bribes) the boys into helping her. Sadly, not everyone is in favour of the Boys Club reopening, but I will leave you to find that out for yourself.
Meanwhile, as well as the shenanigans of the Boys Club antics in the present day, we also go back in time to 1938, where we follow a 15 year old Reginald R Hartfield starting to write a journal. Initially detailing his days at school, but as time goes on, and war breaks out, we follow his evacuation and find out why the Boys Club first started and witness its early times...
I loved this book. I know I already said it, but I did, so so much. Especially towards the end when certain things started to come together. And I could bang on and on about all of them but spoilers prevent me from doing so here. Suffice to say that I did read behind tears quite a bit as we approached the end. But then the whole book was emotional for me. I absolutely loved all the memory links I got from my connection with the time in which the book was set. I am pretty much the same age as the boys. Which means I grew up watching the same TV shows. eating the same sweets, smelling the same smells, playing the same games, and I had so much fun revisiting my own childhood as I read about what they were getting up to.
And the story being told, the one that spanned the years, and the characters who were all part of it, both in the past and the present, and those who appeared in both. Absolutely loved every single moment. Especially when certain connections were made and things were explained. Oh My Days!
I never thought that the author could possibly top Frank and Red for characters, story, emotions, but boy was I wrong... Which obviously only leaves the one outstanding question... how in the heck is he going to top this one...
Meanwhile, whilst I am waiting to find out, I'm going to get me an audiobook copy of this book and revisit it. I already have Frank and Red on audio so I might well give that a relisten too.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Wildfire for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I cannot explain how much I LOVED Matt's book Frank and Red, and I have been keeping an eye out for his next one ever since. But this did have a lot to live up because Frank & Red was so good.
This flits between the present (albeit, the present being the 1980s) and during WWII, and you're not sure how they connect at first, but they're still enjoyable separate stories. But they gain another level once you work out the connection.
In a way, it slightly reminded me of Jennie Godfrey's books, with The List of Suspicious Things set in 1979 and The Barbecue at No 9 set in 1975 - this sits firmly in the middle and has the same tone to it, which I enjoyed.
I like how he writes across different generations. In both of his adult books we've got an older character interacting with youth, and he really has such a talent for doing that.
There's a main cast of four not-quite teenage boys. I liked some of them more than others, but I imagine that's to be expected. And obviously Sister Francis just steals every single page and I loved her.
I always liked the idea of being a nun - even though I'm not Catholic - and now I want to be Sister Francis. She's a foul-mouthed, quite brash, and sometimes a bit crazy nun who I instantly loved.
You just live inside this book; the characters become your friends, and everything that matters to them instantly matters to you. The dialogue is so natural and fits in with the time period but is also relatable to the modern reader.
I don't want to go into too much detail because I think this is a story you want to experience for yourself, but just know it's a story about friendship, love, community, family - it's a feel good adventure about loyalty and hope.
It is a wee bit long but that's a comment on my preference rather than a comment on the book itself, because everything about it was perfect and everything had a place so it couldn't have been cut down. And even if it was long, it reads so well that it still only took me little over a day to read.
Matt became a go-to author based on just one novel and this cements it - I cannot wait to read everything he publishes in the future.
I cannot explain how much I LOVED Matt's book Frank and Red, and I have been keeping an eye out for his next one ever since. But this did have a lot to live up because Frank & Red was so good.
This flits between the present (albeit, the present being the 1980s) and during WWII, and you're not sure how they connect at first, but they're still enjoyable separate stories. But they gain another level once you work out the connection.
In a way, it slightly reminded me of Jennie Godfrey's books, with The List of Suspicious Things set in 1979 and The Barbecue at No 9 set in 1975 - this sits firmly in the middle and has the same tone to it, which I enjoyed.
I like how he writes across different generations. In both of his adult books we've got an older character interacting with youth, and he really has such a talent for doing that.
There's a main cast of four not-quite teenage boys. I liked some of them more than others, but I imagine that's to be expected. And obviously Sister Francis just steals every single page and I loved her.
I always liked the idea of being a nun - even though I'm not Catholic - and now I want to be Sister Francis. She's a foul-mouthed, quite brash, and sometimes a bit crazy nun who I instantly loved.
You just live inside this book; the characters become your friends, and everything that matters to them instantly matters to you. The dialogue is so natural and fits in with the time period but is also relatable to the modern reader.
I don't want to go into too much detail because I think this is a story you want to experience for yourself, but just know it's a story about friendship, love, community, family - it's a feel good adventure about loyalty and hope.
It is a wee bit long but that's a comment on my preference rather than a comment on the book itself, because everything about it was perfect and everything had a place so it couldn't have been cut down. And even if it was long, it reads so well that it still only took me little over a day to read.
Matt became a go-to author based on just one novel and this cements it - I cannot wait to read everything he publishes in the future.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Gorgeous, glorious, lovely
I absolutely adored Frank and Red the authors last novel so when this book arrived on NetGalley UK I requested a immediately and it went straight to the top of my to be read pile
The novel full of a story of a group of boys and the occasional girl who belong to a church summer club run by a Chainsmoking nun who loves to read crime novels it’s set in the 80s and also during the war it’s a delightful story full of friendship, childhood mostly positive although as a trickle of Jeopardy in the book to balance the story out nicely
One of the reasons I love this book so much is that it showed me little glimpses is back into my own childhood, fishfinger sandwiches for tea ,reading Winnie the Pooh and its original form ,chopper bicycles ( I never had one sadly but I did have a molten mini ), church summer clubs we weren’t religious, but we did go to our Methodist club in the Village where my school was for a few summers when I was about the same “ age as these boys
Very quickly I realised that this book is going to be lovely. I’m underlining sentences and savouring the language and the emotions which feel true and unforced. I love the photographs of historical letters and posters which appear throughout the novel and in the early copy that I read on Kindle which was well formatted and readable which is something that doesn’t always happen in the books that I read from NetGalley prior to publication
Set the early 80s which was exactly when I was the age of these small boys. I’d rather love this as I could imagine myself at the same age very easily.
Another section was set during World War II and is told in the form of diary excerpts written by a teenage boy
The author has the ability to perfectly describe the details in peoples characters that make them identifiably them. Matt Coyne is now going to be one of my favourite authors . I suspect it’s always difficult writing the second book when Frank and Red was so perfect and this book is entirely It’s equal equally ,perfect a beautiful book full of heart and emotion. I loved it and will be thoroughly recommending it to anyone who likes character based novels particularly like me anyone who enjoys reading stories about groups of friends.
I read early copy of the novel on NetGalley UK in return for an honest review the book is published in the UK on the 27th of August 2026 by headline books
This review will appear on NetGalley UK, StoryGraph, Goodreads, and my book blog bionicSarahSbooks.wordpress.com. After publication would also appear on Amazon and Waterstones.
I absolutely adored Frank and Red the authors last novel so when this book arrived on NetGalley UK I requested a immediately and it went straight to the top of my to be read pile
The novel full of a story of a group of boys and the occasional girl who belong to a church summer club run by a Chainsmoking nun who loves to read crime novels it’s set in the 80s and also during the war it’s a delightful story full of friendship, childhood mostly positive although as a trickle of Jeopardy in the book to balance the story out nicely
One of the reasons I love this book so much is that it showed me little glimpses is back into my own childhood, fishfinger sandwiches for tea ,reading Winnie the Pooh and its original form ,chopper bicycles ( I never had one sadly but I did have a molten mini ), church summer clubs we weren’t religious, but we did go to our Methodist club in the Village where my school was for a few summers when I was about the same “ age as these boys
Very quickly I realised that this book is going to be lovely. I’m underlining sentences and savouring the language and the emotions which feel true and unforced. I love the photographs of historical letters and posters which appear throughout the novel and in the early copy that I read on Kindle which was well formatted and readable which is something that doesn’t always happen in the books that I read from NetGalley prior to publication
Set the early 80s which was exactly when I was the age of these small boys. I’d rather love this as I could imagine myself at the same age very easily.
Another section was set during World War II and is told in the form of diary excerpts written by a teenage boy
The author has the ability to perfectly describe the details in peoples characters that make them identifiably them. Matt Coyne is now going to be one of my favourite authors . I suspect it’s always difficult writing the second book when Frank and Red was so perfect and this book is entirely It’s equal equally ,perfect a beautiful book full of heart and emotion. I loved it and will be thoroughly recommending it to anyone who likes character based novels particularly like me anyone who enjoys reading stories about groups of friends.
I read early copy of the novel on NetGalley UK in return for an honest review the book is published in the UK on the 27th of August 2026 by headline books
This review will appear on NetGalley UK, StoryGraph, Goodreads, and my book blog bionicSarahSbooks.wordpress.com. After publication would also appear on Amazon and Waterstones.
June 14, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Bennett had started to roll. 'Oh fuck,' Kenny said simply. Sister Francis didn't even bother to correct his language. We were all now too transfixed by the sight of the boy on the purple Raleigh Chopper, dressed as a Hell's Angel from the neck up and a wicket keeper from the neck down, as he quickly picked up speed. He was off."
I don't even know where to start, I knew it was going to great, (I mean I'm still not over Frank and Red and I finished that 2 years ago )), but The Trouble With
Sister Francis surpassed my already high expectations.
I laughed, I cried, I cheered, 1 gasped and I swore at times. @manversusbaby creates a story that you live with the characters, they become friends, you champion them and they stay with you, it's something really special and he makes it look effortless, it's a little piece of magic.
Set in the early 80s, it's a real feel good adventure that needs to be experienced by every reader this summer, there aren't enough stars for how much I loved it and I feel so lucky to have read it early. I'll tuck Lucy, Reggie, Rich, Kenny, Bennet and Stan into that little corner of my heart right next to Frank and Red who are still living there rent free 🥰🥰
Thank you @manversusbaby @netgalley @headlinebooks @headlinebooks for the advanced copy
📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖
She's sixty, sweary, drives like a lunatic and smokes like a stacked chimney . . . and she runs the Blessed Assumption Boys Club.
Richie, Bennett, Kenny and Stan are four best friends from the Whittle council estate with little to do but get up to no good. After a run-in with local bullies, they discover the crumbling, forgotten club and find themselves in the company of the most remarkable person they will ever meet.
Set against early 1980s Britain, THE TROUBLE WITH SISTER FRANCIS is a funny, heartwarming, and heartbreaking story of unlikely heroes, quiet rebellions, fierce loyalty and unexpected hope.
And at the centre of it all lies a long-forgotten journal that might just change everything.
"Bennett had started to roll. 'Oh fuck,' Kenny said simply. Sister Francis didn't even bother to correct his language. We were all now too transfixed by the sight of the boy on the purple Raleigh Chopper, dressed as a Hell's Angel from the neck up and a wicket keeper from the neck down, as he quickly picked up speed. He was off."
I don't even know where to start, I knew it was going to great, (I mean I'm still not over Frank and Red and I finished that 2 years ago )), but The Trouble With
Sister Francis surpassed my already high expectations.
I laughed, I cried, I cheered, 1 gasped and I swore at times. @manversusbaby creates a story that you live with the characters, they become friends, you champion them and they stay with you, it's something really special and he makes it look effortless, it's a little piece of magic.
Set in the early 80s, it's a real feel good adventure that needs to be experienced by every reader this summer, there aren't enough stars for how much I loved it and I feel so lucky to have read it early. I'll tuck Lucy, Reggie, Rich, Kenny, Bennet and Stan into that little corner of my heart right next to Frank and Red who are still living there rent free 🥰🥰
Thank you @manversusbaby @netgalley @headlinebooks @headlinebooks for the advanced copy
📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖
She's sixty, sweary, drives like a lunatic and smokes like a stacked chimney . . . and she runs the Blessed Assumption Boys Club.
Richie, Bennett, Kenny and Stan are four best friends from the Whittle council estate with little to do but get up to no good. After a run-in with local bullies, they discover the crumbling, forgotten club and find themselves in the company of the most remarkable person they will ever meet.
Set against early 1980s Britain, THE TROUBLE WITH SISTER FRANCIS is a funny, heartwarming, and heartbreaking story of unlikely heroes, quiet rebellions, fierce loyalty and unexpected hope.
And at the centre of it all lies a long-forgotten journal that might just change everything.
August 4, 2026
Sister Francis is an unlikely nun. She's sixty, sweary, drives like a lunatic and smokes like a stacked chimney . . . and she runs the Blessed Assumption Boys Club. Richie, Bennett, Kenny and Stan are four best friends from the Whittle council estate with little to do but get up to no good. After a run-in with local bullies, they discover the crumbling, forgotten club and find themselves in the company of the most remarkable person they will ever meet. And at the centre of it all lies a long-forgotten journal that might just change everything.
Without going any further I’ll going to call it, this is WITHOUT ANY DOUBT, one of my books of the year and an all time favourite too - honestly you don’t need to read the rest, just know you need this book!
I don’t want to give anything away in this review as it’s a book you really need to go in blind with, letting the story completely absorb you. It is an emotional rollercoaster and it will make you smile, make you scowl, make you cry and oh my god will it make you laugh! I defy anyone to not enjoy Coyne’s humorous quips throughout, from a child’s mistake with the word ‘vulgar’ to the memorable adages such as “money doesn’t grow on trees” that we all grew up hearing.
And oh the nostalgia, this book took me back to my childhood so much, the references to Wham bars, Saturday night family TV favourites and Spot The Ball to name just a few points of interest that brought back some very happy memories indeed. I also couldn’t resist smiling at the reference to Llandudno, somewhere I live close to! Coyne’s ability to convey in his writing the emotional pull of years gone by is flawless, I was completely engrossed by every single word.
I could’ve quite easily finished this in one sitting but I stopped myself as it was just so good that I wanted to savour every single page. When I turned the very last page I was left with that satisfying, warm fuzzy feeling you get when a book is just that good, I honestly hugged this book tight, I loved it that much! This story will stay with me forever and I know it will be reread several times as years go by, a timeless classic for sure. Matt, thank you so much for introducing us to some of the most fabulous characters and taking us on this journey with you.
When this book is released, please go out and buy it, I guarantee that you won’t regret it. Even if it’s just for lines like this: “The man was born with a stick so far up his arse, he is, to all intents and purposes, a tree”
Without going any further I’ll going to call it, this is WITHOUT ANY DOUBT, one of my books of the year and an all time favourite too - honestly you don’t need to read the rest, just know you need this book!
I don’t want to give anything away in this review as it’s a book you really need to go in blind with, letting the story completely absorb you. It is an emotional rollercoaster and it will make you smile, make you scowl, make you cry and oh my god will it make you laugh! I defy anyone to not enjoy Coyne’s humorous quips throughout, from a child’s mistake with the word ‘vulgar’ to the memorable adages such as “money doesn’t grow on trees” that we all grew up hearing.
And oh the nostalgia, this book took me back to my childhood so much, the references to Wham bars, Saturday night family TV favourites and Spot The Ball to name just a few points of interest that brought back some very happy memories indeed. I also couldn’t resist smiling at the reference to Llandudno, somewhere I live close to! Coyne’s ability to convey in his writing the emotional pull of years gone by is flawless, I was completely engrossed by every single word.
I could’ve quite easily finished this in one sitting but I stopped myself as it was just so good that I wanted to savour every single page. When I turned the very last page I was left with that satisfying, warm fuzzy feeling you get when a book is just that good, I honestly hugged this book tight, I loved it that much! This story will stay with me forever and I know it will be reread several times as years go by, a timeless classic for sure. Matt, thank you so much for introducing us to some of the most fabulous characters and taking us on this journey with you.
When this book is released, please go out and buy it, I guarantee that you won’t regret it. Even if it’s just for lines like this: “The man was born with a stick so far up his arse, he is, to all intents and purposes, a tree”
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Every now and then, a book comes along that reminds me why it’s good to step outside your usual reading comfort zone. The Trouble with Sister Francis is one of those books.
UpLit isn’t a genre I read particularly often, but this was such a lovely change of pace. Funny, poignant, nostalgic and utterly heartwarming, it had me smiling one minute and reaching for the tissues the next.
And then there’s the 1980s. Oh, the nostalgia! Matt Coyne perfectly captures that particular era of childhood freedom—the long summer days, adventures with your mates, getting up to mischief and disappearing for hours without a mobile phone in sight.
At its heart is the revived Dead Dad’s Club and the friendship between 11 year-olds Richie, Bennett, Kenny and Stan, four very different boys whose bond becomes their safe haven. I loved getting to know each of them and seeing how fiercely they looked out for one another, even when life outside their friendship was far from easy. Their story is one of adolescence, loyalty, found family and the kind of friendship that can make all the difference.
And then there’s the club leader, Sister Francis. Sweary, smoking, rebellious and gloriously unconventional, she may be an unlikely nun, but she is exactly the person these boys need. Her determination to give them somewhere to belong—and her willingness to fight for them—made her an absolute standout character for me.
The dual timelines were another highlight. As the1980s story unfolds, we are simultaneously transported back to WWII and the journal of 15 year-old Londoner Reggie, who had been evacuated to Yorkshire and was one of the first members of the club. The two strands gradually begin to intertwine in some beautifully crafted and unexpected ways. It’s a clever blending of historical fiction and UpLit that adds depth and plenty of lovely surprises.
Funny, moving and packed with heart, The Trouble with Sister Francis is a story about friendship, resilience, unlikely heroes and first love, and the people who can change our lives when we least expect it.
UpLit isn’t a genre I read particularly often, but this was such a lovely change of pace. Funny, poignant, nostalgic and utterly heartwarming, it had me smiling one minute and reaching for the tissues the next.
And then there’s the 1980s. Oh, the nostalgia! Matt Coyne perfectly captures that particular era of childhood freedom—the long summer days, adventures with your mates, getting up to mischief and disappearing for hours without a mobile phone in sight.
At its heart is the revived Dead Dad’s Club and the friendship between 11 year-olds Richie, Bennett, Kenny and Stan, four very different boys whose bond becomes their safe haven. I loved getting to know each of them and seeing how fiercely they looked out for one another, even when life outside their friendship was far from easy. Their story is one of adolescence, loyalty, found family and the kind of friendship that can make all the difference.
And then there’s the club leader, Sister Francis. Sweary, smoking, rebellious and gloriously unconventional, she may be an unlikely nun, but she is exactly the person these boys need. Her determination to give them somewhere to belong—and her willingness to fight for them—made her an absolute standout character for me.
The dual timelines were another highlight. As the1980s story unfolds, we are simultaneously transported back to WWII and the journal of 15 year-old Londoner Reggie, who had been evacuated to Yorkshire and was one of the first members of the club. The two strands gradually begin to intertwine in some beautifully crafted and unexpected ways. It’s a clever blending of historical fiction and UpLit that adds depth and plenty of lovely surprises.
Funny, moving and packed with heart, The Trouble with Sister Francis is a story about friendship, resilience, unlikely heroes and first love, and the people who can change our lives when we least expect it.
September 15, 2026
"The past is a lie we tell ourselves, after all. Maybe my recollections of that afternoon are just that. A false memory. It’s how I like to remember it, though, and that’s as good a reason as any to think of it as real."
In The Trouble with Sister Francis we meet a foursome of eleven year old boys, Kenny, Bennett, Richie, and Stan, who live on a council estate and are about to spend a last summer together before they go to two different schools. With nothing but time on their hands, they are up to little good, while staying out of the hands of the neighbourhood bullies. After a bit of a brawl, Richie's mom threatens to send him away to go live with his auntie for summer, away from his friends. To show he is putting his best foot forward, Richie and his friends join a long forgotten boys club, which seems to be opening up for summer again: the Blessed Assumption Boys Club. Not knowing what's in store for them, the boys are surprised to find out the club is run by the most unlikely of nuns. A sixty-year old, smoking and swearing one known by the name Francis.
I absolutely devoured Frank and Red by Matt Coyne, so couldn't wait to read his next piece. While it took me a little longer to become attached to Francis and the boys than I needed with Frank and Red, this was again an absolutely heart-wrenching and heart warming book. Wow. First of all, there is the present timeline of four young boys trying to make something of their situation (and living on the council estate, that is far from easy, with little money, sometimes little food, and sometimes toxic home situations). They get up to all kinds of misschief, and are at once adorable and maddening. The relationships between the boys seem so real, both in the jibes and the support. Once they get into the club, and make it their own under Sister Francis' guidance, there are many great moments. Of course, there is the Father who wants to shut down the boys club as a threat. There is the girl who becomes part of the club. There's bonding together. Then, there is the diary that Richie finds, which gives us the story of a boy who was part of the club many moons ago and the mystery of whether he is still around and what his connection might be to the current storyline, giving the whole book a bit of a mystery as well. As we neared the end, I found myself sitting with tears in my eyes from the absolute joy I felt. There are few books which have ever done that.
In The Trouble with Sister Francis we meet a foursome of eleven year old boys, Kenny, Bennett, Richie, and Stan, who live on a council estate and are about to spend a last summer together before they go to two different schools. With nothing but time on their hands, they are up to little good, while staying out of the hands of the neighbourhood bullies. After a bit of a brawl, Richie's mom threatens to send him away to go live with his auntie for summer, away from his friends. To show he is putting his best foot forward, Richie and his friends join a long forgotten boys club, which seems to be opening up for summer again: the Blessed Assumption Boys Club. Not knowing what's in store for them, the boys are surprised to find out the club is run by the most unlikely of nuns. A sixty-year old, smoking and swearing one known by the name Francis.
I absolutely devoured Frank and Red by Matt Coyne, so couldn't wait to read his next piece. While it took me a little longer to become attached to Francis and the boys than I needed with Frank and Red, this was again an absolutely heart-wrenching and heart warming book. Wow. First of all, there is the present timeline of four young boys trying to make something of their situation (and living on the council estate, that is far from easy, with little money, sometimes little food, and sometimes toxic home situations). They get up to all kinds of misschief, and are at once adorable and maddening. The relationships between the boys seem so real, both in the jibes and the support. Once they get into the club, and make it their own under Sister Francis' guidance, there are many great moments. Of course, there is the Father who wants to shut down the boys club as a threat. There is the girl who becomes part of the club. There's bonding together. Then, there is the diary that Richie finds, which gives us the story of a boy who was part of the club many moons ago and the mystery of whether he is still around and what his connection might be to the current storyline, giving the whole book a bit of a mystery as well. As we neared the end, I found myself sitting with tears in my eyes from the absolute joy I felt. There are few books which have ever done that.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When this book landed in my inbox it filled me with two emotions, one of complete excitement but also one of trepidation but all boiling down to one reason.... I felt such a connection with Matt Coyne's previous novel Frank & Red, a connection that to this day still feels palpable, I was slightly anxious that it wouldn't live up to what I now wanted, what I wanted to feel. Within the very first chapter that anxiety vanished entirely!
Matt has this marvellous way of bringing the reader into the pages, making you feel like your walking alongside the characters. His writing style seems to have this pull that I've never experienced before. The characters feel alive, within touching distance and the locations are no different. I can so clearly visualise the roads, the buildings and the scenery.
I'm not going to go into much detail as regards to the storyline as this is a book that MUST be read and I don't want to give even the tiniest spoiler, just know that if you love novels that sit in your brain, in your heart and your belly for days, weeks and even months (or in my case years) afterwards, this is the book you need to read.
Sister Francis is a nun I'd love to befriend! A bit foul mouthed with a cigarette always to hand, drives like a lunatic and is friends with the local mob boss but who loves deeply for those she chooses to, even though she wouldn't admit it!
Told over dual timelines of 1980' and WWII, this is a tale that had me laughing out loud, reminiscing about childhoods of playing out, scraped knees and youth clubs but also wanting to stand beside Sister Francis and fight alongside her, in the past and the present.
Heartwarming, heartbreaking, relatable and completely unputdownable, this will definitely sit in my brain for a long while and as it sits there I will be shouting from the rooftops recommending it to everyone!
Thanks to Netgalley and Headline, Wildfire for the ARC.
Matt has this marvellous way of bringing the reader into the pages, making you feel like your walking alongside the characters. His writing style seems to have this pull that I've never experienced before. The characters feel alive, within touching distance and the locations are no different. I can so clearly visualise the roads, the buildings and the scenery.
I'm not going to go into much detail as regards to the storyline as this is a book that MUST be read and I don't want to give even the tiniest spoiler, just know that if you love novels that sit in your brain, in your heart and your belly for days, weeks and even months (or in my case years) afterwards, this is the book you need to read.
Sister Francis is a nun I'd love to befriend! A bit foul mouthed with a cigarette always to hand, drives like a lunatic and is friends with the local mob boss but who loves deeply for those she chooses to, even though she wouldn't admit it!
Told over dual timelines of 1980' and WWII, this is a tale that had me laughing out loud, reminiscing about childhoods of playing out, scraped knees and youth clubs but also wanting to stand beside Sister Francis and fight alongside her, in the past and the present.
Heartwarming, heartbreaking, relatable and completely unputdownable, this will definitely sit in my brain for a long while and as it sits there I will be shouting from the rooftops recommending it to everyone!
Thanks to Netgalley and Headline, Wildfire for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I can say now with total certainty that this is going to be one of my top books of the year. Matt Coyne has come up with another beautiful slice of life, with characters that jump off the page, have you completely rooting for them throughout and with whom I would have been happy to spend far more time.
It’s the summer holidays in the early 1980s and four friends from a council estate in the North of England are trying to find ways to pass their time with no money. To keep them out of trouble they are reluctantly forced to join the Boys Club of a local church, a club which is being relaunched by an eccentric nun called Sister Francis. The story is split between the boys and the club, threatened for closure again by an unimpressed priest, and a diary they discover from an evacuee who was there when the club was first launched in 1940.
In many ways it’s a gentle story of uncovering the past and people’s secrets, but the beauty of it is in the characters. Sister Francis is wonderful but at the heart of the book are the four boys and their friendship despite their differences, plus their fear of what will happen to it when they split between the local comprehensive and grammar school after the holidays. The setting of the early 80s is perfectly done (I was about their age at the time), as is the way the children think and act and the power of friendship at that age. It’s extremely funny (particularly Bennett learning to ride his ever-present bike, and everything about Stan) and heartbreaking and pretty much perfect.
I loved Frank and Red, Coyne’s debut novel, and when a debut is that good, the follow up can sometimes be a bit of a disappointment but that is very much not the case here. Coyne is a wonderful writer, a joy to read, and I can’t wait to see what he does next.
Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advance copy in return for an honest review.
It’s the summer holidays in the early 1980s and four friends from a council estate in the North of England are trying to find ways to pass their time with no money. To keep them out of trouble they are reluctantly forced to join the Boys Club of a local church, a club which is being relaunched by an eccentric nun called Sister Francis. The story is split between the boys and the club, threatened for closure again by an unimpressed priest, and a diary they discover from an evacuee who was there when the club was first launched in 1940.
In many ways it’s a gentle story of uncovering the past and people’s secrets, but the beauty of it is in the characters. Sister Francis is wonderful but at the heart of the book are the four boys and their friendship despite their differences, plus their fear of what will happen to it when they split between the local comprehensive and grammar school after the holidays. The setting of the early 80s is perfectly done (I was about their age at the time), as is the way the children think and act and the power of friendship at that age. It’s extremely funny (particularly Bennett learning to ride his ever-present bike, and everything about Stan) and heartbreaking and pretty much perfect.
I loved Frank and Red, Coyne’s debut novel, and when a debut is that good, the follow up can sometimes be a bit of a disappointment but that is very much not the case here. Coyne is a wonderful writer, a joy to read, and I can’t wait to see what he does next.
Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advance copy in return for an honest review.
August 12, 2026
One of my favourite reads from last year was Frank and Red, by Matt Coyne. Which is why I was so eager to read his second book, The Trouble with Sister Francis.
Sister Francis is the most unusual of nuns. A potty mouthed chain smoker, who drives like she’s trying to win a banger race. Her passion is The Blessed Assumption Boys Club, founded in 1939, to help boys whose fathers were away fighting, many of whom did not return. The club has run out of steam recently, as has the building that is its home. Fast forward to 1981, Sister Francis stumbles upon Richie, Stan, Bennett and Kenny. A quirky group of eleven year olds, a ragtag group of friends, and enlists them to help her resurrect her beloved club.
The characters are so wonderfully written, they are richly drawn and have huge depth. The tiniest of details given by the author, tells the reader so much about the lives of the four friends; little nuggets that explain so much. Matt Coyne has a real talent for conjuring up images, and helping me see the world through the eyes of an eleven year old boy. I smiled and chuckled so much while reading.
The earlier timeline set in 1939 is equally as enjoyable and poignant. I thought the inclusion of Reginald’s newspaper clippings and pictures were a lovely touch. It made Reggie’s diary come alive in my mind. I loved soaking up every little detail of those charming extra features.
This book is gorgeous, comforting and warm; it feels like the biggest hug from the best of friends. As I turned the last page, my heart felt full, and my eyes were a little misty. I then laughed out loud at the joke that Matt added, at the start of the acknowledgements.
If you are looking for a feel good book, that isn’t saccharine sweet, I can’t recommend Sister Francis highly enough. It is so lovely, and I will genuinely miss these characters. If I could give more than 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, I absolutely would.
Sister Francis is the most unusual of nuns. A potty mouthed chain smoker, who drives like she’s trying to win a banger race. Her passion is The Blessed Assumption Boys Club, founded in 1939, to help boys whose fathers were away fighting, many of whom did not return. The club has run out of steam recently, as has the building that is its home. Fast forward to 1981, Sister Francis stumbles upon Richie, Stan, Bennett and Kenny. A quirky group of eleven year olds, a ragtag group of friends, and enlists them to help her resurrect her beloved club.
The characters are so wonderfully written, they are richly drawn and have huge depth. The tiniest of details given by the author, tells the reader so much about the lives of the four friends; little nuggets that explain so much. Matt Coyne has a real talent for conjuring up images, and helping me see the world through the eyes of an eleven year old boy. I smiled and chuckled so much while reading.
The earlier timeline set in 1939 is equally as enjoyable and poignant. I thought the inclusion of Reginald’s newspaper clippings and pictures were a lovely touch. It made Reggie’s diary come alive in my mind. I loved soaking up every little detail of those charming extra features.
This book is gorgeous, comforting and warm; it feels like the biggest hug from the best of friends. As I turned the last page, my heart felt full, and my eyes were a little misty. I then laughed out loud at the joke that Matt added, at the start of the acknowledgements.
If you are looking for a feel good book, that isn’t saccharine sweet, I can’t recommend Sister Francis highly enough. It is so lovely, and I will genuinely miss these characters. If I could give more than 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, I absolutely would.
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