You, Me & Mr. Blue Sky

by Elisa Lorello, Craig Lancaster

Is love a choice, or is it fate? Jo-Jo Middlebury is done with love. Linus Travers wants one more shot at it. Mr. Blue Sky, their 1970s-loving guardian angel, offers perspective on both when he's not busy diving into reruns of "Happy Days" and "Barney Miller." Linus can save Jo-Jo’s business, but Jo-Jo makes it clear that she needs no one to rescue her, least of all him. Add to that an ex-fiancé with a change of heart, a single mom who wants a good time, and a married couple who’ve blurred the boundaries of their respective friendships with Linus and Jo-Jo. All the while, Mr. Blue Sky observes, explains, and ever-so-gently interacts. Written by wife-husband novelists Elisa Lorello and Craig Lancaster, You, Me & Mr. Blue Sky is a warm-hearted, humorous dive into the depths of love and the mysteries of how two people find their way to each other. PRAISE FOR YOU, ME & MR. BLUE SKY “Authors Elisa Lorello and Craig Lancaster have crafted a charming update on the classic romantic comedy with You, Me & Mr. Blue Sky. Honest, heartwarming, and wickedly funny, this is one love story you won’t want to miss.”—Karen McQuestion, author of HELLO, LOVE “A romance that proceeds as a wonderful argument between two people who need some divine intervention to knock sense into their heads. A fun read from two terrific authors.”—Molly D. Campbell, two-time Erma Bombeck Prize winner and author of KEEP THE ENDS LOOSE and CROSSING THE STREET 2019 INTERNATIONAL BOOK AWARDS FINALIST

257 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 27, 2019

About the author

Elisa Lorello was born and raised on Long Island, the youngest of seven children. She earned her bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth and launched a career teaching rhetoric and composition. She has been teaching first-year writing to university students since 2000, but went on sabbatical in fall 2012. Elisa spent six years in North Carolina, where she split her time between teaching and writing, and returned to the northeast in October 2012.

Elisa is the author of the Kindle best-selling novels "Faking It" and "Ordinary World", "Why I Love Singlehood" (co-authored with Sarah Girrell), and "Adulation".

Some of Elisa's favorite pastimes include chocolate, reading, and walking. She is also an avid fan of Duran Duran, pop tarts, and finding the perfect shade of lipstick.

Reviews

[Stace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Reviewed by Kerstin on www.whisperingstories.com

Jo-Jo Middlebury is dumped on New Year’s Eve by her fiancé just a few months before their wedding. She is done with love and with men in general. She is also trying to open her own gym but as life would have it, she has been let down by her contractors and the place is in disarray.

Linus Travers has been single for one whole year after his divorce came through. He enjoyed being married and is determined that in the new year he will find ‘the one’ and settle down, again. He owns his own business and would you believe it, he’s an independent contractor.

Mr. Blue Sky, well he isn’t exactly a he, just a name that it’s given itself. I say itself as it doesn’t have any gender. It is like a guardian angel, though it can’t touch or make you do anything. Also, it really has a thing for the seventies, hence the name – From the song by the Electric Light Orchestra. If you don’t know it, google it, it will have you feeling upbeat within seconds!

At their friends New Year’s Eve party on the stroke of midnight, Jo-Jo sees Linus all alone and decides to give him a New Year kiss. She then walks away stating ‘She’s Done’. Linus however suddenly believes he’s found ‘the one’ and takes it upon himself to find the mystery woman who snogged him – Much to Jo-Jo’s displeasure and annoyance. However, she needs her gym opening asap and Linus offers to do the work quickly.

With them both wanting different things can Mr. Blue Sky have an influence over their lives?

I must say that this was not only a highly amusing book but a very strange one too. It is told from multiple points of view – I know what you must be thinking, that I don’t like multi-POV books and you’d be right, however, this was slightly different as one of the voices wasn’t even a person and whilst they might be a kind of heavenly being – you will have to read the book to find out what they really are – they were so funny and the references to things I grew up with and a love for the 70s had me smiling and eager to read.

Jo-Jo was a little annoying. She had trust issues – She even gets her police officer friend to find out information on Linus. Her attitude stank at times and wasn’t someone I would say was approachable. She was also a fab character and perfectly realistic.

Linus was a bit of a wet lettuce and I can’t say I liked all the soppiness from him and the eagerness to find a woman. He did come across a little stalkerish, yet I also enjoyed spending my time in his company and found him very amusing.

The book has been written by two authors and I did wonder if one wrote Jo-Jo’s part and the other took Linus’s part. However they wrote it, it has been done superbly and with a lot of humour and I enjoyed the book immensely and got through it in just two sittings.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far the best book I have read this year!!!!!!! I was captivated from the first word until the last, I didn't want it to end.

I have read all books by both authors and to read one which they have written together is a dream come true. Being back in Billings, Montana felt great, I really feel as if I've been there, although I've not and live thousands of miles way. The story is moving, yes I did have tears in my eyes but a lot were happy tears and laughed a lot too. The characters are fantastic, my favourite being Linus, he is so adorable, funny, sensitive, kind, generous (I could go on) and has the biggest heart. Whoever has a Linus in their lives are very lucky indeed.

My review doesn't do the book justice, it's so much better than words can say.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read and loved previous works by both authors and was eager to read this collaboration - as expected it is wonderfully descriptive and ever so slightly quirky.

The book is beautifully written, the characters are just as wonderful as I expected, relationships and feelings are deftly observed and it's a really satisfying story which taps into the whole spectrum of emotions.

This is definitely a book on two levels - it's lighthearted and enjoyable whilst being underlined with real depth of knowledge about relationships, human fallibility and how the decisions we make impact on those around us.

Highly recommended!

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

My simple, humble words can never express the emotional rollercoaster I went through whilst reading this book or even touch on the feelings and enlightenment that it left me with. Yes, on the face of things, it's a boy meets girl book, but that's just on the surface, beneath that relatively simple tale, this book is jam packed full of very interesting and astute observations on, well, the human condition. It's also the most highlighted fiction book on my kindle, not only for the insights it gave me but also some of the more quirky things that the authors delicately inserted along the way, some of which made me chuckle, reinforcing the connections I had already made with their wonderful characters.
It all begins one New Year's Eve, at a party given by mutual friends of Jo-Jo and Linus who both attend as single people. Linus, having recently gone through a divorce, and Jo-Jo who has just been forced to cancel her upcoming wedding share an intimate, and fleeting moment. Their reactions to this act couldn't be more opposing, Jo-Jo is through with love but Linus's emotions are just waking up again and, what happens next... well, lets just say, buckle up and get the tissues ready cos you're in for a wild ride!
This book has catapulted right into my top ten reads of the year (out of over 300), holding its own at the top spot in the not-crime category. To say that I ran the gamut of all the emotions whilst reading it would be an understatement - even anger when my blooming kindle decided to freeze and reboot itself when I was on the final furlong at 88%, but that has nothing to do with the story, I digress...
In this book, the authors have created the most real characters that I connected to right from the off. they came across as completely human, warts and all, perfectly flawed, but the attention to detail wasn't limited to the humans, even the animals played their respective parts perfectly! Interaction between them flowed well and came across as perfectly natural, there was nothing contrived for the sake of story progression, making the whole thing come across as very much a real life story rather than just fiction.
The story itself held me rapt from start to finish. I drank in every scene, laughed at the funny bits, cried at the sadder moments and my heart raced often with anticipation of what was going to happen. And then, when I turned the last page, although I loved the story and it left me wholly satisfied, I couldn't help but feel a small pang of sadness of my own, knowing that I was leaving some new friends behind. Cos yes, that's what they had become to me during the time we spent together.
Quite honestly, there is so much more I can wax lyrical about this book but to go deeper in my review would probably include things that may spoil the experience for others. I am just going to say that, although this is a story and definitely not a self-help book, if you do delve beneath that story being told, and you really don't have to, you may even surprise yourself with what you learn...

[Gail Carroll · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great read. I thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to end. I loved all the characters and watching how they coped with personal relationships and their relationships as friends. Highly recommended.

[Monica Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting story from the collaboration of these authors, with a supernatural angle provided by Mr Blue Sky himself :)

Jo-Jo is a tough, independent woman who has been burnt by relationships in the past and has a nearly impenetrable shell around her. Linus is a guy who is a little bit too nice for his own good, and he is not very good at boundary setting. These two meet unexpectedly and spend most of the rest of the book circling around each other. Others get involved: their friends, Jennifer and Larry, Linus' girlfriend, Shari, Jo-Jo's ex, Rex etc, and it ends up getting quite messy. Mr Blue Sky is overseeing it all, however, and he gently nudges everyone in the right direction.

This book could spark a debate about whether people are meant to be, when they are in a relationship, or do you make a relationship work because you want it to so badly?

Quirky story, for sure, but it works.

4.5 stars from me.

[Rachel Hergett]

Guardian angel Mr. Blue Sky provides comic relief and cultural relevance in “You, Me & Mr. Blue Sky,” a new novel by husband and wife Craig Lancaster and Elisa Lorello. He’s not an angel as you know it, with no physical form, little opportunity for meddling in lives and an intense love for classic sitcoms.

“He’s not ethereal,” Lancaster said in a phone interview this week. “He’s a little cranky sometimes.”

Sure, the pair said they could have written a passable middle-aged romance without Mr. Blue Sky. But the book is better for his wit and commentary on the action.

“He was really the glue of the book and the experience,” Lancaster said.

Lorello and Lancaster, who are both writers in their own right, had pondered the idea of working together if the right project found them. The idea of exploring how a relationship comes to be and told through some sort of divine being that would become “You, Me & Mr. Blue Sky” came to them on a road trip. The roles were cast, Lorello as shy divorcee Linus, Lancaster as guarded gym-owner-to-be Jo-Jo and both as Mr. Blue Sky. They considered it a challenge to write a romantic character of the opposite gender.

The story formed organically, with each writer adding a chapter at a time.

“There are revelations when you’re sitting there at the desk and trying to find your way,” Lancaster said.

To make it work, Lorello said they had to be trusting and open to changes the other might make as well as instinctive about where their partner might be taking the story.

“It was almost like telling stories to each other as we were taking turns with these chapters,” Lorello said.

Lancaster said the process felt natural. When drafting his other work, he almost always begins at the beginning and ends at the end.

“I’m too afraid of ending up with a novelistic Frankenstein,” he said, “stitching together these parts.”

Though Lorello did rearrange the ending a bit, they consider the project a success, with crossover in both “readers and brow-beaters” of their individual works.

“It was nice to know in that we are partners in life, we make good writing partners,” Lorello said.

Thematically, Lancaster said “You, Me & Mr. Blue Sky” focuses on sentimentality. It’s a little schmaltzy and a humorous reflection of love and real life, making it a departure from his “family dramas set in modern-day Montana.”

“I’ve written a lot of those, but I don’t feel that’s my mission as a writer,” he said. “I don’t think about legacy. I’m just a dude that occasionally writes a book.”

From: https://www.bozemandailychronicle.com...

[Sue Purbrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

You, Me and Mr Blue Sky is about larger-than-life Jo Jo, with her trust issues, and loveable Linus, who may even be a little too good to be true. He’s just gorgeous and perfect. Jo Jo’s fiancé has just broken off their engagement, mere months before their wedding, when she kisses the unsuspecting Linus at a New Year’s Eve party. Linus immediately falls in love,while for Jo Jo the impulsive gesture is meaningless.
The story alternates between Jo Jo and Linus’ points of view, as well as that of the mysterious Mr Blue Sky, a kind of an uber-psychologist who analyses what’s going on down below on earth. To begin with, I couldn’t quite work him out. He’s like an omnipresent being who commentates on the relationship (or lack of it), but also on life in general. He seems to love the 70s, and gives us bursts of wisdom, quoting Victor Frankl, for example. For me it was as if every now and then he appeared centre-stage to analyse and interpret while the characters – like actors – froze in time. So the story played out for me as if on stage, and I was the mesmerised theatre-goer. I’m harping on about him (we do find who he really is later) because for me he was part of what transformed this book into a truly delightful read. I also loved the effortless writing style (it was impossible to tell which author wrote what; I wonder if one wrote one character and another the other?) and the wonderfully gentle, pervasive humour. A huge thumbs up from me!

[Misfits farm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jo-Jo has split from her fiancee shortly before their wedding when she finds via a friend his very active Tinder account. Linus is at a new year party at his friends house and at midnight Jo-Jo walks by and randomly kisses him. She is trying to open a gym but has been let down by contractors and so Linus contacts her to try and help as this is what he does. She then thinks he is being weird and can’t away from him fast enough. Mr Blue Sky- remember the song?- is a higher greater being who is watching over them and having his occasional say in the process. This is one of those wonderful easy reads that gives you a warm feeling inside ((without being at all slushy). There is life with its ups and downs, pasts and hopes for the future, all done with a brilliant turn of phrase and word that lulls you into turning again and again and again. I have read several of Craig’s books but not come across Elisa’s. I will shortly be looking into this. They clearly have not only a wonderful relationship but an ease of co-writing to bring together this book. There is romance, there is so very much more. A book of life, of feeling, of that certain Je ne sais quoi. If you read just one book this year this might be the one. Loved this just doesn’t cover it.
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter @nickijmurphy1
Amazon Top 1000 reviewer.

[Karen323 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in that "I-discovered-a-new-author-and-I-can't-get-enough" phase. This author is the real deal. I am referring to Craig Ferguson, who co authored with his wife Elisa Lorello (my first book by her). After reading his three "Edward" books, I am a big fan. This book is told in dual perspectives, with a third perspective by "Mr. Blue Sky" - sort of a guardian angel (think Clarence in It's a Wonderful Life). This is a running narrative throughout the book. A voice that doesn't recap but rather analyzes what's happening psychologically and emotionally with the characters every so often. Now even though the heroine in this book was somewhat unlikable (IMO) for most of the book, the depth and the "real-ness" of her and all the other characters made this book a real win for me. The hero, Linus, the supporting characters Sari, Larry and Jenn, were all so flawed and so believable. (Maybe not so much Larry, but the others....definitely). Excellent character development. The writing is stellar. Ends with a HEA, but with a door left open for another story to evolve. I highlighted a lot, which means I really enjoyed the writing and want to remember various thoughts to ponder in the days (years) to come. Well done!

[Joanne Cartwright · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely love story- with quite a lot of frustrating behaviour on the way from the female lead in particular!
Linus and Jojo meet at a party given by mutual friends. Jojo is in a pretty bad place having just been dumped by her fiance and Linus is coming out of the end of a divorce and ready to look for love.
The setting for the story is beautifully described- it made me feel like I had visited Montana and knew the town well, which is a great way to settle into a book as it makes you feel like an observer on the street as things unfold rather than just the holder of the book!
Jojo frustrated me for a large chunk of the book (for goodness sake woman-Linus is awesome, just open your eyes) but the conflict felt by each character as the story unfolds really draws your empathy for them, even when you are firmly team Linus from the word go!
The guardian angel aspect of the tale did not add much to the telling for me but he/she/it is a humourous creation so also did not detract from the readability of the book!

I thoroughly recommend this as a light-hearted and thoroughly enjoyable read.

[Jenna Scribbles · Rating 4 out of 5]

You, Me and Mr. Blue Sky

You, me, him, her, them, the ex’s and Mr. Blue Sky. This story is unique and thought provoking. I liked it so much. I expected a romance - was given that and so much more.

We spend time with a handful of characters and examine the interplay of these relationships. We dig into the past. We learned why these people act as they do.

Prickly Jo-Jo and sensitive Linus became so loveably. Such a sweet story. I enjoyed becoming a part of their lives. This title is a touch beyond a romance.

I have mixed feeling regarding the Mr. Blue Sky chapters. I think this concept should have developed much more, giving more time with the reader. As it stood, I feel a reader could skip these sections and not miss too much.

I sincerely hope these authors collaborate on another project. So good. Complex, relatable, touching, and empowering concepts about life and love. Great story!

[Karen Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read with interesting characters that you really take to your heart. Linus and Jo Jo are endearing whilst not being so perfect that you disconnect from them; I really enjoyed the development of their relationship with all its bumps in the road.
The secondary characters, for the most part, are also portrayed with enough depth that you feel like you know them. The book recognises that relationships of any kind are not always easy and events are covered with a gentle humour whilst not diluting the real impact that they would have.
I also quite liked the cultural references from Mr Blue Sky which had me exploring some old boxes in my loft!
A charming book which is just quirky and lovely enough to make it stand out from the crowd!

[Mark Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Judging by the number of their books I have read, Craig and Elisa have to be among my favorite authors. I enjoy their work. I think you will, too.
You, Me & Mr. Blue Sky is book features a couple of appealing characters and their emotional growth. The story can be approached as a quick, light read. It is fast paced and humorous. However, there is real depth here. Looked at reflectively, this is a story about real people and real struggles, and it is drawn with good psychological accuracy.
This book is the first collaboration between these two authors and it is remarkable. The thing about both of them as people is that they are very open and in all of their writing they give you their hearts.

[Beverley · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://beverleyhasread.wordpress.com/

You, Me & Mr. Blue Sky by Elisa Lorello and Craig Lancaster is a sweet book about love, second chances and new beginnings. When Jo-Jo and Linus meet at a New Year’s Eve party held at the house of a couple they are both friends with, they kiss at the stroke of midnight. For Linus, this is the start of something, he has just ended a year of self-imposed exile from relationships after his marriage has broken down and he is ready to jump back into dating again. Whereas for Jo-Jo, her fiance has just dumped her and kissing Linus is something she does just to make herself feel better. They are both looked after by a guardian angel Mr. Blue Sky, who has their backs, and things may be looking up for both Linus and Jo-Jo.

I really loved both Jo-Jo and Linus and was willing them to get their acts together. Jo-Jo in particular is a fantastic character who is tough and ballsy but hides just how sensitive she is under the armour she has built around herself. She feels that everything that has gone wrong in her life is her fault and this feeling is reinforced by friends who say that trouble seems to follow her around. It would have been easy to write Jo-Jo as a caricature or 2 dimensional hapless character and therefore make her unbelievable, but she is drawn with much sensitivity and tenderness and I just wanted to give her a big hug.

Linus is a warm, kind-hearted man who has left his job as a teacher to set up his own building company. The thing is, he has no idea of boundaries and does some really bizarre and at times uncomfortable things to find himself in Jo-Jo’s orbit once again. It isn’t born from a malevolent place at all, there is nothing dangerous or worrying about Linus, in fact he is lovely. This behaviour is a result of him trying to navigate the choppy waters of dating after marriage and finding himself very out of his depth.

This is a brilliantly written book which is never saccharine sweet or cloying. It was refreshing to read a romance that featured ‘older’ people, and by that I mean characters who were maybe starting again or had failed relationships in their past. The depiction of starting again and finding your feet felt authentic. The chapters featuring the guardian angel, Mr. Blue Sky were short and humorous, but I do question what they added to the book and plot. Overall though, I really liked this book and found it a heart-warming and considered read with some great characters and a really great plot.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a nice love story. I have read most books written by Craig Lancaster (and loved all of them) and was so happy to be back in Billings:-) I have not yet read anything by Elisa Lorello, but since I have finished You, Me and Mr Blue Sky, that will definitely change!!! The lovely Mr Blue Sky was a nice observer and commentator of the whole situation and the chemistry between Jo-Jo and Linus was brilliantly portrait. Seriously, I think everyone needs a Linus in his life. What a sweet guy. I personally enjoy it, when each chapter is looking at one character individually so another plus of this novel. Definitely a book I would recommend to all of you out there, if you are after a lovely written, great to read love story. I miss Billings already!

[Arkgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having thoroughly enjoyed all the books I had read by Craig Lancaster [including the wonderful books about Edward] I was intrigued to see this jointly written with his wife, Elisa Lorello ... well the first thing to say is that I will now be looking to add her books to my tbr pile!!! I loved this gentle book that starts at New Year and is thus was very apposite as a January read!

Linus and Jo-Jo are both beautifully drawn characters with flaws and vulnerabilities and then we have Mr Blue Sky as their 'guardian angel' [one who spends an awful lot of time dropping TV and film references!!] who guides us through their relationships, their ups and downs and gives an added layer to the read.

It is a book with huge warmth and a great take on human frailties that is both moving and funny. Saying much more might spoil things but I loved it.

[Philippa Mckenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, this book is a little gem! I've never read anything by Elisa Lorello before, although I've loved everything I've read so far by Craig Lancaster, and consider myself to be a fully paid up member of the #teamedward fan club (if you haven't read 600 Hours of Edward, Edward Adrift and Edward Unspooled, then what's wrong with you?!?). A great storyline, great characters (Mr Blue Sky is great!) and wonderfully written, there is a real depth to this book that makes you think a little bit about things. I've romped my way through this in a day, and now I'm off to look for more by Elisa Lorello.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Elisa Lorello’s work. I have read most of her books. This is the first book I have read by her co-author, partner, and husband. I feel like Elisa and Craig are truly connected. This book is a romantic-comedy with a touch of realness. How everything happens for a reason and all things just align the way they are meant to. I believe that 100% from my own personal experiences.

I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but I will say that I was rooting for Linus to find happiness. There are just some people in this world that deserve to be happy to find their “ever after”.

Give this book a read. Elisa and Craig truly complement each other’s writing style.

[Kel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have previously read Craig Lancaster and jumped at the chance to read his new release.

I loved this book, it is the story of Linus & Jo Jo and their guardian angel Mr Bluesky.

Each chapter is the individual journey they are embarking on and the different paths they choose to take and how their paths become more interwoven as the book progresses.

A lovely feel good read that makes you reflect and think about decisions you make and the affect they have both on you and those around you. I look forward to reading more books written by this brilliant duo.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so intrigued to read this after reading wonderful books by both authors and they didn't fail. Such a wonderful book that was such a pleasure to read. Although it follows the serious subject of relationships it didn't feel overly serious but was so full of meaning at the same time. I loved all the characters each for their individuality and their contribution to such a captivating story. I really hope we see another joint venture from these two fantastic authors. They are a breath of fresh air

[Ange · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Craig Lancaster's books, and though I haven't as yet read any of Elisa's novels I was so looking forward to reading this joint offering - and I was absolutely blown away.
As expected this story is quirky, emotional, full of wonderfully drawn characters, and left me thinking about it after the final page. The authors are so intuitive regarding relationships, and though this is an easy read there are some deep messages within. I hope Craig and Elisa will write more books together, and I'm now going to download some of Elisa's solo work! Highly recommended.

[Vanessa Wild · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great little read! This is a lovely, heartwarming and gentle story about two confused and vulnerable people and their quirky guardian angel. Although it is in many ways quite lighthearted, there is a serious thread running through it and it has something to tell the reader about relationships and life. It’s beautifully and perceptively written with realistic and likeable characters. I found it quite the page turner.

An entertaining and amusing but meaningful and insightful tale which I thoroughly enjoyed and can highly recommend.

[Reece · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jo Jo is done with men, just having been dumped by her fiancé, Linus is searching for love a year after his divorce. Their meeting on New Years Eve seems fated, and helped along by Mr. Blue Sky, things eventually progress.
A lovely warm and quirky tale, this was a fabulous read. I have never read anything by either of these authors before, but will definitely be reading them in the future. Reading this has been a privilege, and who doesn't love a happy ever after? Fabulous and highly recommended.

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extreme quarantining—albeit with the reward of being able to help my daughter as the birth of her first child rapidly nears—has taken its toll on my desire to read. Authors and life partners Elisa Lorello and Craig Lancaster are outstanding writing partners who have done their part to restore my joy of reading! “You, Me & Mr. Blue Sky” is original, touching, humorous and healing, not only for its protagonists, Linus and Jo-Jo, but also for its readers. We can only hope our guardian angels are as cool and witty as Mr. Blue Sky.

[Jo Wesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book an interesting and enjoyable read. I liked the way Linus developed and became more feisty. It took a while for me to connect with Jo-Jo but when I did, I found she became my favourite character. Linus and Jo-Jo – and all the other minor characters – were well written and the book’s pace was great.

I read this book over the Christmas period and found it the perfect salve after the frenzy of a busy day.

[Karen Farrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book from start to finish. The story of Jo Jo and Linus was intriguing and loved the interjections of Mr Blue Sky. Set in Billings it does make me think of other books set in this town and I feel as if I’ve been there! I love the way all the main characters interact and the ending wasn’t too contrived. Love these authors individually but love them together as well, a great collaboration and will look forward to more!!

[Gail Atkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a great writing duo these two make!!
I really enjoyed this book..so easy to read; funny, realistic and I loved the narrator part of it.
Friendships, trust, broken promises are the crux of this story. Can being a great friend destroy your own relationship?
I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy easy and less complex books.

[Natalie Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely love story to read, slightly quirky, a little old fashioned in a lovely way. Linus and Jo seem on a collision course for each other - perhaps with a little help from Mr Blue Sky. I found Jo very difficult to warm to initially - it took a good deal of the book for me to like her character, but she does grow on you. Linus is an immediately likeable character and you find yourself rooting for him all of the way through.
This is a four star review rather than 5 as I found Mr Blue Sky's interjections my least favourite part of the book. That didn't stop this being a lovely enjoyable read though.

[Michelle Driscoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read previous books by Craig Lancaster and loved them, so reading this joint effort was a no-brainer.

A love story with a difference in the form of guardian angel, Mr. Blue Sky and one that I thoroughly enjoyed.

I look forward to reading more books from both authors and I hope there are more joint ones to come. A full five stars from me for this one.