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The Godmothers
Perfect for fans of Maeve Binchy, Barbara Delinsky and Nancy Thayer, The Godmothers is a heart-warming exploration of family, friendship and female bonds. In order to find out who her father is, Eliza has to discover who her mother truly was . . .
As the only daughter of a troubled young mother, Eliza Miller's life was kept on track by the constant support of her godmothers Olivia and Maxie – until a tragic event just before her eighteenth birthday changed everything. Thirteen years later, Eliza is cautious, lonely, and dedicated to her work in Melbourne. Out of the blue, an enticing invitation from Olivia, now based in the UK, prompts a leap into the unknown. Eliza is thrown back into the centre of a complicated family, and the busy hotel they run in Edinburgh's West End. Amidst the chaos, Eliza unexpectedly begins to explore her past. Her godmothers have long been waiting for her to ask about her mother's mysterious life – and the identity of the father she has never known. But even they are taken by surprise with all that she discovers . . .
As the only daughter of a troubled young mother, Eliza Miller's life was kept on track by the constant support of her godmothers Olivia and Maxie – until a tragic event just before her eighteenth birthday changed everything. Thirteen years later, Eliza is cautious, lonely, and dedicated to her work in Melbourne. Out of the blue, an enticing invitation from Olivia, now based in the UK, prompts a leap into the unknown. Eliza is thrown back into the centre of a complicated family, and the busy hotel they run in Edinburgh's West End. Amidst the chaos, Eliza unexpectedly begins to explore her past. Her godmothers have long been waiting for her to ask about her mother's mysterious life – and the identity of the father she has never known. But even they are taken by surprise with all that she discovers . . .
385 pages, Paperback
First published September 29, 2020
637 people are currently reading
2340 people want to read
About the author
Monica McInerney
46 books1,123 followerswww.monicamcinerney.com
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Monica McInerney is the internationally bestselling author of twelve novels including The Godmothers, The Trip of a Lifetime, Hello from the Gillespies, The House of Memories, Lola's Secret, At Home with the Templetons, Family Baggage, The Alphabet Sisters and Those Faraday Girls (named General Fiction Book of the Year in the 2008 Australian Book Industry Awards) and a short story collection, All Together Now. Her first children's book, Marcie Gill and the Caravan Park Cat, will be published in Australia/NZ in November 2021.
Monica, 56, grew up in a family of seven children in the Clare Valley wine region of South Australia, where her father was the railway stationmaster and her mother worked in the local library. Before becoming a full-time writer she worked in children’s television, tourism festivals, book publishing, arts marketing, the music industry and as a waitress, a hotel cleaner, a Kindergym instructor and a temp. For nearly thirty years she and her Irish husband have been moving back and forth between Australia and Ireland. They are currently in Australia.
Visit her website at www.monicamcinerney.com
facebook.com/monicamcinerneyauthor
instagram.com/monicamcinerneyauthor
Monica McInerney is the internationally bestselling author of twelve novels including The Godmothers, The Trip of a Lifetime, Hello from the Gillespies, The House of Memories, Lola's Secret, At Home with the Templetons, Family Baggage, The Alphabet Sisters and Those Faraday Girls (named General Fiction Book of the Year in the 2008 Australian Book Industry Awards) and a short story collection, All Together Now. Her first children's book, Marcie Gill and the Caravan Park Cat, will be published in Australia/NZ in November 2021.
Monica, 56, grew up in a family of seven children in the Clare Valley wine region of South Australia, where her father was the railway stationmaster and her mother worked in the local library. Before becoming a full-time writer she worked in children’s television, tourism festivals, book publishing, arts marketing, the music industry and as a waitress, a hotel cleaner, a Kindergym instructor and a temp. For nearly thirty years she and her Irish husband have been moving back and forth between Australia and Ireland. They are currently in Australia.
Visit her website at www.monicamcinerney.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 568 reviews
September 8, 2022
Very worthwhile and uplifting novel about family and friendship.
Eliza grew up moving around the Melbourne area with her fanciful mother Jeannie. Jeannie was full of stories of her adventurous life, and Eliza never doubted how much she was loved, even though she never knew the identity of her father, but Jeannie promised she would tell her when she turned eighteen. Jeannie was troubled, with wild mood swings and drinking too much. Eliza has two godmothers, Olivia and Maxie, who have long given her a sense of stability, each taking her on a vacation every year. When she was seventeen, Jeannie died and Eliza's life changed. Now, thirteen years later, Eliza's life has changed once again and she travels to Scotland to meet with her godmothers to talk about her mother's past and try to find out the identity of her father.
Readers who enjoy Marian Keyes and Jenny Colgan will relish in this heartfelt tale of identity and family. There are some deeper themes explored than on the surface. Each of the characters has issues they are dealing with and secrets they are hiding, and they go through some soul searching to decide which things they want to reveal.
One of the major dilemmas faced in this book is one I've had to confront in my own life, and I have never seen it really explored before to this extent. It is: how much truth do we owe to a surviving child? How much should we share? Just because the parent is no longer here, does that mean that every secret should be laid bare for their child or others in their lives? Deep thoughts to ponder, and it made the book resonate more for the author's willingness to examine such a sticky subject.
That's not to say that this book is without lighter moments, because it has plenty. The inclusion of Sullivan, the precocious and highly likable child character, provides levity and a perfect balance for the heavier moments. I don't always like child characters, but I loved Sullivan!
Overall this is a meaningful and engrossing novel, I highly recommend it and other books by Monica McInerney.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Eliza grew up moving around the Melbourne area with her fanciful mother Jeannie. Jeannie was full of stories of her adventurous life, and Eliza never doubted how much she was loved, even though she never knew the identity of her father, but Jeannie promised she would tell her when she turned eighteen. Jeannie was troubled, with wild mood swings and drinking too much. Eliza has two godmothers, Olivia and Maxie, who have long given her a sense of stability, each taking her on a vacation every year. When she was seventeen, Jeannie died and Eliza's life changed. Now, thirteen years later, Eliza's life has changed once again and she travels to Scotland to meet with her godmothers to talk about her mother's past and try to find out the identity of her father.
Readers who enjoy Marian Keyes and Jenny Colgan will relish in this heartfelt tale of identity and family. There are some deeper themes explored than on the surface. Each of the characters has issues they are dealing with and secrets they are hiding, and they go through some soul searching to decide which things they want to reveal.
One of the major dilemmas faced in this book is one I've had to confront in my own life, and I have never seen it really explored before to this extent. It is: how much truth do we owe to a surviving child? How much should we share? Just because the parent is no longer here, does that mean that every secret should be laid bare for their child or others in their lives? Deep thoughts to ponder, and it made the book resonate more for the author's willingness to examine such a sticky subject.
That's not to say that this book is without lighter moments, because it has plenty. The inclusion of Sullivan, the precocious and highly likable child character, provides levity and a perfect balance for the heavier moments. I don't always like child characters, but I loved Sullivan!
Overall this is a meaningful and engrossing novel, I highly recommend it and other books by Monica McInerney.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
December 15, 2020
As one would expect from a book by this author, this was an enjoyable and entertaining read. I especially liked the way the story moved from Australia to Scotland and Ireland and back again.
I found the characters to be interesting, particularly Sullivan who was very special. I did wish that Lawrence had been better developed. Considering how important he turned out to be, he never really made any impact on the book. The discovery of Eliza's father was very real. Things never turn out the way you hope they may, but Eliza was still luckier than many people are who set out on her particular journey.
Some parts of the book were a little over the top, some parts were very moving. The whole was an enjoyable story which was hard to put down.
I found the characters to be interesting, particularly Sullivan who was very special. I did wish that Lawrence had been better developed. Considering how important he turned out to be, he never really made any impact on the book. The discovery of Eliza's father was very real. Things never turn out the way you hope they may, but Eliza was still luckier than many people are who set out on her particular journey.
Some parts of the book were a little over the top, some parts were very moving. The whole was an enjoyable story which was hard to put down.
October 5, 2020
After her birth, Eliza Miller and her mother Jeannie lived in and around Melbourne, moving often. Jeannie was living in the country when Eliza was born and that was when her mother’s best friends, Olivia and Maxie, were tasked with being Eliza’s godmothers. Jeannie loved her daughter and Eliza knew she was loved. She knew her mother was occasionally a troubled soul with vast mood swings and would often drink too much wine. But their love surmounted everything. From the age of thirteen, Eliza would have two holidays a year – one each with her godmothers. She always had a wonderful time and came home filled with excited news for her mother. But, at seventeen, her arrival home from one such holiday saw her meet with tragedy – Eliza’s life changed in an instant.
Thirty-year-old Eliza received the phone call from Olivia, who was in Scotland, at an opportune time. She had nothing holding her to Australia and within a couple of weeks, she was flying to join her godmothers in Scotland. She was both terrified and excited. Eliza also knew that this was now the time to ask Olivia and Maxie about the father she didn’t know – she didn’t even know who he was. Her mother had always told Eliza she would tell her everything on her eighteenth birthday…
Would Eliza enjoy her time in Edinburgh? Would she get the answers she sought? Eliza had never travelled – now her time overseas would be filled as a tourist, a family guest, and a searcher of the truth. Would she find fulfillment?
The Godmothers celebrates twenty years of writing for Aussie author Monica McInerney and it was wonderful! As a reader, I visited Scotland, England and Ireland, beginning the journey in Australia. I googled Trim, in County Meath, Ireland with Trim Castle as a feature – it all sounded so fascinating and I wondered if it was real. It is! McInerney’s writing is sublime; I felt like I was there with Eliza in the various places she went. The story was heartwarming, poignant and oh, so special. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Penguin Random House AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Thirty-year-old Eliza received the phone call from Olivia, who was in Scotland, at an opportune time. She had nothing holding her to Australia and within a couple of weeks, she was flying to join her godmothers in Scotland. She was both terrified and excited. Eliza also knew that this was now the time to ask Olivia and Maxie about the father she didn’t know – she didn’t even know who he was. Her mother had always told Eliza she would tell her everything on her eighteenth birthday…
Would Eliza enjoy her time in Edinburgh? Would she get the answers she sought? Eliza had never travelled – now her time overseas would be filled as a tourist, a family guest, and a searcher of the truth. Would she find fulfillment?
The Godmothers celebrates twenty years of writing for Aussie author Monica McInerney and it was wonderful! As a reader, I visited Scotland, England and Ireland, beginning the journey in Australia. I googled Trim, in County Meath, Ireland with Trim Castle as a feature – it all sounded so fascinating and I wondered if it was real. It is! McInerney’s writing is sublime; I felt like I was there with Eliza in the various places she went. The story was heartwarming, poignant and oh, so special. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Penguin Random House AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
July 20, 2024
EXCERPT:
ABOUT 'THE GODMOTHERS': ‘I don’t want two wishy-washy godmothers,’ Jeannie had said that afternoon in the country hospital when Eliza was only a day old. ‘No dolls. No pink dresses. Just lots of adventures. Lots of spoiling. The pair of you like two mighty warriors protecting her at every step.’
Eliza Miller grew up in Australia as the only daughter of a troubled young mother, but with the constant support of two watchful godmothers, Olivia and Maxie. Despite her tricky childhood, she always felt loved and secure. Until, just before her eighteenth birthday, a tragic event changed her life.
Thirteen years on, Eliza is deliberately living as safely as possible, avoiding close relationships and devoting herself to her job. Out of the blue, an enticing invitation from one of her godmothers prompts a leap into the unknown.
Within a fortnight, Eliza finds herself in the middle of a complicated family in Edinburgh. There’s no such thing as an ordinary day any more. Yet, amidst the chaos, Eliza begins to blossom. She finds herself not only hopeful about the future, but ready to explore her past, including the biggest mystery of all – who is her father?
MY THOUGHTS: An enjoyable and entertaining family drama set in Australia, England, Ireland and Scotland.
I enjoyed the warmth of this novel, the way the majority of the characters loved and cared for Eliza and made sure that she had the best life possible following her mother's death.
Eliza has one of those lives that, when bad luck happens, it happens in bucket loads! She loses her job and her flat in one day. Her mother's death just before her eighteenth birthday deprives her of knowing who her father is.
Jeannie was a delightful but erratic character, and I would have hated to have lived with her. Entertaining, but thinking nothing of stretching the truth or even inventing things to provide that entertainment. She was always up for a dare, for a lark, for a jaunt, and having Eliza did nothing to curb her unpredictability. Although she adored her daughter, Jeannie spins farfetched stories about her history, their background and Eliza's father. How anyone is expected to pick fragments of truth from these tales is beyond me!
Eliza is the polar opposite of her mother - reliable and dependable to a fault. There is another absolute delight of a character - eleven-year-old Sullivan, who befriends Eliza - and of course Celine who, though anything but delightful, provides a great deal of entertainment.
The Godmothers is an emotional read as Eliza pressures them to reveal what they know of her father and then goes in search of him. I love a good moral dilemma, and the Godmothers provides a beauty. I loved how it was dealt with.
I always know that I am in for an entertaining and pleasurable read when I pick up a bookby Monica McInerney. The Godmothers is a keeper.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
THE AUTHOR: Monica grew up in a family of seven children in the Clare Valley wine region of South Australia, where her father was the railway stationmaster and her mother worked in the local library. Before becoming a full-time writer she worked in children’s television, tourism festivals, book publishing, arts marketing, the music industry and as a waitress, a hotel cleaner, a Kindergym instructor and a temp. For nearly thirty years she and her Irish husband have been moving back and forth between Australia and Ireland.
DISCLOSURE: I own my copy of The Godmothers by Monica McInerney.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
ABOUT 'THE GODMOTHERS': ‘I don’t want two wishy-washy godmothers,’ Jeannie had said that afternoon in the country hospital when Eliza was only a day old. ‘No dolls. No pink dresses. Just lots of adventures. Lots of spoiling. The pair of you like two mighty warriors protecting her at every step.’
Eliza Miller grew up in Australia as the only daughter of a troubled young mother, but with the constant support of two watchful godmothers, Olivia and Maxie. Despite her tricky childhood, she always felt loved and secure. Until, just before her eighteenth birthday, a tragic event changed her life.
Thirteen years on, Eliza is deliberately living as safely as possible, avoiding close relationships and devoting herself to her job. Out of the blue, an enticing invitation from one of her godmothers prompts a leap into the unknown.
Within a fortnight, Eliza finds herself in the middle of a complicated family in Edinburgh. There’s no such thing as an ordinary day any more. Yet, amidst the chaos, Eliza begins to blossom. She finds herself not only hopeful about the future, but ready to explore her past, including the biggest mystery of all – who is her father?
MY THOUGHTS: An enjoyable and entertaining family drama set in Australia, England, Ireland and Scotland.
I enjoyed the warmth of this novel, the way the majority of the characters loved and cared for Eliza and made sure that she had the best life possible following her mother's death.
Eliza has one of those lives that, when bad luck happens, it happens in bucket loads! She loses her job and her flat in one day. Her mother's death just before her eighteenth birthday deprives her of knowing who her father is.
Jeannie was a delightful but erratic character, and I would have hated to have lived with her. Entertaining, but thinking nothing of stretching the truth or even inventing things to provide that entertainment. She was always up for a dare, for a lark, for a jaunt, and having Eliza did nothing to curb her unpredictability. Although she adored her daughter, Jeannie spins farfetched stories about her history, their background and Eliza's father. How anyone is expected to pick fragments of truth from these tales is beyond me!
Eliza is the polar opposite of her mother - reliable and dependable to a fault. There is another absolute delight of a character - eleven-year-old Sullivan, who befriends Eliza - and of course Celine who, though anything but delightful, provides a great deal of entertainment.
The Godmothers is an emotional read as Eliza pressures them to reveal what they know of her father and then goes in search of him. I love a good moral dilemma, and the Godmothers provides a beauty. I loved how it was dealt with.
I always know that I am in for an entertaining and pleasurable read when I pick up a bookby Monica McInerney. The Godmothers is a keeper.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
THE AUTHOR: Monica grew up in a family of seven children in the Clare Valley wine region of South Australia, where her father was the railway stationmaster and her mother worked in the local library. Before becoming a full-time writer she worked in children’s television, tourism festivals, book publishing, arts marketing, the music industry and as a waitress, a hotel cleaner, a Kindergym instructor and a temp. For nearly thirty years she and her Irish husband have been moving back and forth between Australia and Ireland.
DISCLOSURE: I own my copy of The Godmothers by Monica McInerney.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
October 9, 2020
Eliza Miller is the only daughter of Jeannie, who makes up the most outlandish stories. Eliza never knows which ones to believe, especially when it concern the father Eliza has never met. Although Jeannie is a troubled soul with more than a few issues, Eliza loves her mother dearly. Living in Australia, Eliza also still has contact and support from her two godmothers Maxie and Olivia. They send her gifts and treat her to holidays. Then just before her 18th birthday Eliza comes home from one of these holidays to tragedy, tragedy that shapes Eliza’s life in so many ways. Thirteen years later she is living a safe existence, avoiding close relationships and concentrating on her job. Then at a low point in Eliza’s life, one of her godmothers comes up with an invitation. Does Eliza dare to make the jump into the unknown? Will she eventually track down her mysterious father?
This is Monica McInerney, so I was pretty sure it would be lovely. I picked this up from the library and felt like I had been given a great gift when I brought it home. Out of the books I chose that day it was always going to be the one I read first. Yes, I am unashamedly a Monica McInerney fan. She has a knack of having the reader laughing on page and just about it tears on the next page. In this book that actually happened.
The story moves from Australia to Scotland, England and Ireland. The settings are all well drawn. But it is the chracters that make this novel memorable. Maxie and Olivia are both larger than life characters as is the erratic Jeannie. But what secrets lie hidden in the past and how will the uncovering of those secrets affect Eliza? Add to this a precocious eleven year old in the form of Sullivan, and there is plenty to like in this novel. Sullivan had me smiling a lot of the time and laughing sometimes. He also had my sympathy.
A story of family, friendship, and secrets this is a warm and engaging read. In other words, typically Monica McInerney. A book to lose yourself in and just enjoy. If you want a book to engage you emotionally and lift you out of the doldrums, this would be a great choice. I loved it. I always wanted to keep reading and couldn’t wait to pick it up again when I absolutely had to put it down to attend to other life issues. A cracker of a book by an author that really knows how to tell a story, this is highly recommended.
This is Monica McInerney, so I was pretty sure it would be lovely. I picked this up from the library and felt like I had been given a great gift when I brought it home. Out of the books I chose that day it was always going to be the one I read first. Yes, I am unashamedly a Monica McInerney fan. She has a knack of having the reader laughing on page and just about it tears on the next page. In this book that actually happened.
The story moves from Australia to Scotland, England and Ireland. The settings are all well drawn. But it is the chracters that make this novel memorable. Maxie and Olivia are both larger than life characters as is the erratic Jeannie. But what secrets lie hidden in the past and how will the uncovering of those secrets affect Eliza? Add to this a precocious eleven year old in the form of Sullivan, and there is plenty to like in this novel. Sullivan had me smiling a lot of the time and laughing sometimes. He also had my sympathy.
A story of family, friendship, and secrets this is a warm and engaging read. In other words, typically Monica McInerney. A book to lose yourself in and just enjoy. If you want a book to engage you emotionally and lift you out of the doldrums, this would be a great choice. I loved it. I always wanted to keep reading and couldn’t wait to pick it up again when I absolutely had to put it down to attend to other life issues. A cracker of a book by an author that really knows how to tell a story, this is highly recommended.
September 12, 2021
I picked this book up on a whim as I needed an audio book to listen to as non of my reserves have come in yet. I always like to have an audio on the go, good for when doing mundane things around the house or when I need to go out.
I’d not heard of this book or author before yet the premise appealed to me.
I ended up getting so involved in this family and it’s dynamics that I hardly picked up my other book.
It has so much life in it.
The characters were diverse and different that I took a lot away from this story.
The dilemmas, the secrets and the morals.
Sometimes, is is it right to tell the truth?
The Godmothers were so different! Yet, that gave a balance to Jeannie which she came to appreciate and no, they were far from “wishy washy” as she found out.
A pleasure to read and now a valued part of my 4* reads.
I’d not heard of this book or author before yet the premise appealed to me.
I ended up getting so involved in this family and it’s dynamics that I hardly picked up my other book.
It has so much life in it.
The characters were diverse and different that I took a lot away from this story.
The dilemmas, the secrets and the morals.
Sometimes, is is it right to tell the truth?
The Godmothers were so different! Yet, that gave a balance to Jeannie which she came to appreciate and no, they were far from “wishy washy” as she found out.
A pleasure to read and now a valued part of my 4* reads.
October 13, 2020
The Godmothers is the twelfth novel by Australian author, Monica McInerney. From birth, Eliza Miller’s godmothers have played a part in her life, but since she turned eleven, even moreso: twice yearly trips to exciting locations, as well as subtle financial support, was the form it took. She was raised by her loving and beloved single mother, Jeannie: mischievous, naughty, bold, wild, quick-witted, loyal, fun, defiant, reckless but also troubled.
Maxine’s acting career took her to Sydney and beyond, finally landing her in a permanent soap-opera TV series in London; Olivia’s art history degree ensured she was widely travelled before she met widowed father of two young boys, Edgar Montgomery, and married into a hotel management career. Maxie and Olivia were there for Eliza at seventeen when tragedy struck.
And now, thirteen years later, when she learns in a single day that she will soon be jobless and homeless, they are there again, with the best distraction possible: a wedding in Scotland. What better opportunity, Eliza finally decides, to ask her mother’s best friends, her godmothers, to help her know more about Jeannie and her family. And perhaps to find the up-till-now almost-mythical father whose identity Jeannie had promised to reveal when she turned eighteen?
McInerney populates her tale with a marvellous cast: characters who are believable and endearing for all their very human faults and failings. Several of them provide generous doses of light relief: if Jeannie’s crazy personality is presented via reminiscences and flashbacks, Celine and Sullivan are very much present. Celine’s insults are wonderfully creative; and every nervous air traveller should be prescribed a “Sullivan”.
The story involves promises kept out of loyalty, love, respect or emotional blackmail; there are numerous secrets and quite a lot of guilt; If the “unknown father” plot has been well-used, here it has a nice twist that most readers won’t see coming. The banter between the characters is often a delight:
“’We also expect Eliza to pay us back in the years ahead,’ Olivia said.
‘We have an ulterior motive, obviously,’ Maxie said. ‘We spoil her now with al these exotic holidays. When we’re old and grey, she visits us in our nursing homes.’
“To fill our drips with gin,’ Olivia said.
“Spoon the finest of pureed food into our drooling mouths,’ Maxie said.”
McInerney’s latest offering is likely to make you laugh out loud and put a lump in your throat. This is a moving, funny and insightful read from the mistress of feel-good fiction.
Maxine’s acting career took her to Sydney and beyond, finally landing her in a permanent soap-opera TV series in London; Olivia’s art history degree ensured she was widely travelled before she met widowed father of two young boys, Edgar Montgomery, and married into a hotel management career. Maxie and Olivia were there for Eliza at seventeen when tragedy struck.
And now, thirteen years later, when she learns in a single day that she will soon be jobless and homeless, they are there again, with the best distraction possible: a wedding in Scotland. What better opportunity, Eliza finally decides, to ask her mother’s best friends, her godmothers, to help her know more about Jeannie and her family. And perhaps to find the up-till-now almost-mythical father whose identity Jeannie had promised to reveal when she turned eighteen?
McInerney populates her tale with a marvellous cast: characters who are believable and endearing for all their very human faults and failings. Several of them provide generous doses of light relief: if Jeannie’s crazy personality is presented via reminiscences and flashbacks, Celine and Sullivan are very much present. Celine’s insults are wonderfully creative; and every nervous air traveller should be prescribed a “Sullivan”.
The story involves promises kept out of loyalty, love, respect or emotional blackmail; there are numerous secrets and quite a lot of guilt; If the “unknown father” plot has been well-used, here it has a nice twist that most readers won’t see coming. The banter between the characters is often a delight:
“’We also expect Eliza to pay us back in the years ahead,’ Olivia said.
‘We have an ulterior motive, obviously,’ Maxie said. ‘We spoil her now with al these exotic holidays. When we’re old and grey, she visits us in our nursing homes.’
“To fill our drips with gin,’ Olivia said.
“Spoon the finest of pureed food into our drooling mouths,’ Maxie said.”
McInerney’s latest offering is likely to make you laugh out loud and put a lump in your throat. This is a moving, funny and insightful read from the mistress of feel-good fiction.
February 12, 2021
⭐️4 Stars⭐️
The Godmothers was my first introduction to a Monica McInerney novel and I found it to be an engaging and heartwarming read although deeply sad at times.
The story surrounds a family mystery that transports the reader from the country of Australia to Scotland, England and Ireland and is centred on Eliza’s need to uncover the identity of her father.
Eliza Miller is a lonely woman and devoted to her job. She had grown up with a troubled mother, Jeannie who loved her but who was a drifter. Eliza has never known her father and she is an adored goddaughter to Oliver and Maxie, two successful women that were besties with her mother during their convent school days. At almost eighteen a tragic event changed Eliza's life.
Years later when Eliza loses her job and her apartment she accepts her godmother Oliva's invitation to fly to Edinburgh to stay at Oliva's family Montgomery Hotel and because her other godmother Maxie is getting married.
The story characters were diverse and delightful, I think the two standouts for me were supporting characters, the quirky Sullivan and the foul mouthed Celine!
Whilst there are some depressing themes in this book, depression, loneliness and alcoholism there is also humour and hope.
An important issue highlighted in The Godmothers is whether telling the truth is the kindest thing to do or not and the moral dilemmas to be considered with the secrets that we keep!
The Godmothers was my first introduction to a Monica McInerney novel and I found it to be an engaging and heartwarming read although deeply sad at times.
The story surrounds a family mystery that transports the reader from the country of Australia to Scotland, England and Ireland and is centred on Eliza’s need to uncover the identity of her father.
Eliza Miller is a lonely woman and devoted to her job. She had grown up with a troubled mother, Jeannie who loved her but who was a drifter. Eliza has never known her father and she is an adored goddaughter to Oliver and Maxie, two successful women that were besties with her mother during their convent school days. At almost eighteen a tragic event changed Eliza's life.
Years later when Eliza loses her job and her apartment she accepts her godmother Oliva's invitation to fly to Edinburgh to stay at Oliva's family Montgomery Hotel and because her other godmother Maxie is getting married.
The story characters were diverse and delightful, I think the two standouts for me were supporting characters, the quirky Sullivan and the foul mouthed Celine!
Whilst there are some depressing themes in this book, depression, loneliness and alcoholism there is also humour and hope.
An important issue highlighted in The Godmothers is whether telling the truth is the kindest thing to do or not and the moral dilemmas to be considered with the secrets that we keep!
November 12, 2020
I loved this heartwarming, funny, family drama!
The novel centres on the life of Eliza Miller over a 31 year period as she discovers who she really is and where she fits in the elusive history of her family.
Godmothers Olivia and Maxie are wonderful characters who help Eliza fill in the blanks she has in regards to who her mother Jeannie really was in life.
I felt transported in time and location by the beautiful writing. Set mainly in Australia, Ireland and Scotland, I couldn’t put this one down.
Such a satisfyingly enjoyable read!
The novel centres on the life of Eliza Miller over a 31 year period as she discovers who she really is and where she fits in the elusive history of her family.
Godmothers Olivia and Maxie are wonderful characters who help Eliza fill in the blanks she has in regards to who her mother Jeannie really was in life.
I felt transported in time and location by the beautiful writing. Set mainly in Australia, Ireland and Scotland, I couldn’t put this one down.
Such a satisfyingly enjoyable read!
November 7, 2020
The Godmothers is the twelfth novel by Australian author, Monica McInerney. The audio version is read by Annie Maynard, Ella Scott-Lynch and Nicky Shields. From birth, Eliza Miller’s godmothers have played a part in her life, but since she turned eleven, even moreso: twice yearly trips to exciting locations, as well as subtle financial support, was the form it took. She was raised by her loving and beloved single mother, Jeannie: mischievous, naughty, bold, wild, quick-witted, loyal, fun, defiant, reckless but also troubled.
Maxine’s acting career took her to Sydney and beyond, finally landing her in a permanent soap-opera TV series in London; Olivia’s art history degree ensured she was widely travelled before she met widowed father of two young boys, Edgar Montgomery, and married into a hotel management career. Maxie and Olivia were there for Eliza at seventeen when tragedy struck.
And now, thirteen years later, when she learns in a single day that she will soon be jobless and homeless, they are there again, with the best distraction possible: a wedding in Scotland. What better opportunity, Eliza finally decides, to ask her mother’s best friends, her godmothers, to help her know more about Jeannie and her family. And perhaps to find the up-till-now almost-mythical father whose identity Jeannie had promised to reveal when she turned eighteen?
McInerney populates her tale with a marvellous cast: characters who are believable and endearing for all their very human faults and failings. Several of them provide generous doses of light relief: if Jeannie’s crazy personality is presented via reminiscences and flashbacks, Celine and Sullivan are very much present. Celine’s insults are wonderfully creative; and every nervous air traveller should be prescribed a “Sullivan”.
The story involves promises kept out of loyalty, love, respect or emotional blackmail; there are numerous secrets and quite a lot of guilt; If the “unknown father” plot has been well-used, here it has a nice twist that most readers won’t see coming. The banter between the characters is often a delight:
“’We also expect Eliza to pay us back in the years ahead,’ Olivia said.
‘We have an ulterior motive, obviously,’ Maxie said. ‘We spoil her now with al these exotic holidays. When we’re old and grey, she visits us in our nursing homes.’
“To fill our drips with gin,’ Olivia said.
“Spoon the finest of pureed food into our drooling mouths,’ Maxie said.”
McInerney’s latest offering is likely to make you laugh out loud and put a lump in your throat. This is a moving, funny and insightful read from the mistress of feel-good fiction.
Maxine’s acting career took her to Sydney and beyond, finally landing her in a permanent soap-opera TV series in London; Olivia’s art history degree ensured she was widely travelled before she met widowed father of two young boys, Edgar Montgomery, and married into a hotel management career. Maxie and Olivia were there for Eliza at seventeen when tragedy struck.
And now, thirteen years later, when she learns in a single day that she will soon be jobless and homeless, they are there again, with the best distraction possible: a wedding in Scotland. What better opportunity, Eliza finally decides, to ask her mother’s best friends, her godmothers, to help her know more about Jeannie and her family. And perhaps to find the up-till-now almost-mythical father whose identity Jeannie had promised to reveal when she turned eighteen?
McInerney populates her tale with a marvellous cast: characters who are believable and endearing for all their very human faults and failings. Several of them provide generous doses of light relief: if Jeannie’s crazy personality is presented via reminiscences and flashbacks, Celine and Sullivan are very much present. Celine’s insults are wonderfully creative; and every nervous air traveller should be prescribed a “Sullivan”.
The story involves promises kept out of loyalty, love, respect or emotional blackmail; there are numerous secrets and quite a lot of guilt; If the “unknown father” plot has been well-used, here it has a nice twist that most readers won’t see coming. The banter between the characters is often a delight:
“’We also expect Eliza to pay us back in the years ahead,’ Olivia said.
‘We have an ulterior motive, obviously,’ Maxie said. ‘We spoil her now with al these exotic holidays. When we’re old and grey, she visits us in our nursing homes.’
“To fill our drips with gin,’ Olivia said.
“Spoon the finest of pureed food into our drooling mouths,’ Maxie said.”
McInerney’s latest offering is likely to make you laugh out loud and put a lump in your throat. This is a moving, funny and insightful read from the mistress of feel-good fiction.
October 11, 2020
Ugh. I couldn't believe how disappointing this book was, and it just kept getting worse and worse. I was thinking it was a 3 star book until the reveal of Eliza's dad - then I'd decided 2. But the last chapter before the epilogue was such a JOKE that I had to go down to 1 star. What a waste of my time. I though this book would be a really heartwarming, lovely story about the unique relationship between a woman and her godmothers. It was nothing of the sort. All of the characters were unbelievably one dimensional. Maxie could've just not been in the book at all and it would've made almost no difference. The plot slowly devolved into a bland quest for Eliza's father, which was the only motivation her character had, and even then it was weak and unconvincing. The love story was half-baked at best. Olivia and Maxie are deplorable, Eliza is as boring as possible, and Celine, Alex, Rory, Edgar, and Hazel served absolutely nothing to the plot. Lawrence and Sullivan were okay characters at best, but they could have been developed much more skilfully. I cannot fully express the extent to which this is not worth reading
October 21, 2020
Cute. Friendship, secrets, life, relationships and the many complications. Add an adorable child in the mix and you've got a winning recipe.
NB: Excellent audiobook.
NB: Excellent audiobook.
October 11, 2020
With its mix of drama, humour, and a touch of romance, The Godmothers by Australian-born, Dublin-based, internationally best selling author Monica McInerney, is a story of family, friendships and relationships.
Though her childhood was far from conventional, Eliza Miller never doubted she was loved by her devoted but mercurial single mother, Jeannie. When Jeannie died unexpectedly just before Eliza’s 18th birthday, it was her adoring godmothers, Olivia and Maxie, who ensured she had everything she needed, and now that her life has been upended again, and she is ready for answers to some long held questions about her father, it is her godmothers that Eliza turns to.
A character-driven novel, It’s the emotional journey of Eliza that is the focus of The Godmothers. I have to admit I struggled some with her character, I kept thinking she was in dire need of some counselling. Though she’s likeable, and I thought her sympathetic, I found Eliza’s idolisation of her mother naive and somewhat uncomfortable. I was pleased with how things worked out for Eliza, but in hindsight I recognise I was never particularly invested in the character.
The godmothers are lovely, they clearly cherish Eliza and want the best for her. Olivia plays a slightly larger role in the story than Maxie, as it’s at the hotel in Edinburgh owned by Olivia’s ill husband that Eliza is staying, though its Maxie’s wedding that gets her there. When Eliza starts asking questions, I can understand the women’s reluctance to ‘tarnish’ Jeannie’s memory in her daughter’s eyes, and the reasons for the secrets they have kept, and continue to keep, from her, but I don’t necessarily agree they made the right decisions.
Sullivan, a precocious twelve year old Eliza meets on the plane on her way to Edinburgh, was a surprise character, the complete opposite in personality to Olivia’s badly behaved elderly mother-in-law, Celine. Both characters mainly serve as light relief, but I thought they came close to ‘stealing the show’, so to speak.
I have to admit I’ve had a tough time articulating my thoughts about this novel. I did find the experience of reading The Godmothers to be engaging, and I still consider myself a fan of McInerney, but if I’m honest this is not a favourite.
Though her childhood was far from conventional, Eliza Miller never doubted she was loved by her devoted but mercurial single mother, Jeannie. When Jeannie died unexpectedly just before Eliza’s 18th birthday, it was her adoring godmothers, Olivia and Maxie, who ensured she had everything she needed, and now that her life has been upended again, and she is ready for answers to some long held questions about her father, it is her godmothers that Eliza turns to.
A character-driven novel, It’s the emotional journey of Eliza that is the focus of The Godmothers. I have to admit I struggled some with her character, I kept thinking she was in dire need of some counselling. Though she’s likeable, and I thought her sympathetic, I found Eliza’s idolisation of her mother naive and somewhat uncomfortable. I was pleased with how things worked out for Eliza, but in hindsight I recognise I was never particularly invested in the character.
The godmothers are lovely, they clearly cherish Eliza and want the best for her. Olivia plays a slightly larger role in the story than Maxie, as it’s at the hotel in Edinburgh owned by Olivia’s ill husband that Eliza is staying, though its Maxie’s wedding that gets her there. When Eliza starts asking questions, I can understand the women’s reluctance to ‘tarnish’ Jeannie’s memory in her daughter’s eyes, and the reasons for the secrets they have kept, and continue to keep, from her, but I don’t necessarily agree they made the right decisions.
Sullivan, a precocious twelve year old Eliza meets on the plane on her way to Edinburgh, was a surprise character, the complete opposite in personality to Olivia’s badly behaved elderly mother-in-law, Celine. Both characters mainly serve as light relief, but I thought they came close to ‘stealing the show’, so to speak.
I have to admit I’ve had a tough time articulating my thoughts about this novel. I did find the experience of reading The Godmothers to be engaging, and I still consider myself a fan of McInerney, but if I’m honest this is not a favourite.
October 5, 2020
I’ve been reading Monica McInerney’s novels for a long time now and each new release delivers what I can only describe as a literary hug – comfort reading with all the feels.
In The Godmothers we meet Eliza, daughter of Jeannie, a woman who was clearly not well, but also just as clearly not willing to do anything about it. While Eliza grows up feeling loved by her mother and adored by her two godmothers, the erratic behaviour of her mother, culminating in a tragedy during Eliza’s seventeenth year, leaves its mark on her long into adulthood. There are more questions in Eliza’s history than answers, and when her life gets turned upside-down inside a fortnight, she decides it might be time to get those questions answered.
Set in Australia, Scotland, Ireland and England, this novel is just filled to the brim with delightful characters and atmospheric settings. It’s just gorgeous. New friendships are formed – Sullivan! I just adored this boy and the way he latched on to Eliza; and Celine, as atrocious as her behaviour was, the way Eliza managed her was brilliant. All of the characters were so authentic and original, I enjoyed meeting and spending time with all of them. And as always after reading a novel by Monica set in the UK and Ireland, I really want to just get on a plane and go exploring there myself. One day…
The most precious relationship within the story was that of Eliza with her two godmothers, Olivia and Maxxie. The love these two women had for Eliza was just beautiful and their protectiveness of her instinctive. Monica skilfully explores the lines around telling someone the truth about their past: the whole truth and nothing but the truth. At what point does knowing the full story offer more harm than healing? Guilt and what ifs are also examined and the way in which they can plague a person indefinitely.
All in all, The Godmothers delivers all that it promises. Warm, funny, honest, deeply sad at times, but ultimately hopeful. Classic Monica McInerney, and I mean that as the highest of praise.
Thanks is extended to Penguin Random House Australia for providing me with a copy of The Godmothers for review.
In The Godmothers we meet Eliza, daughter of Jeannie, a woman who was clearly not well, but also just as clearly not willing to do anything about it. While Eliza grows up feeling loved by her mother and adored by her two godmothers, the erratic behaviour of her mother, culminating in a tragedy during Eliza’s seventeenth year, leaves its mark on her long into adulthood. There are more questions in Eliza’s history than answers, and when her life gets turned upside-down inside a fortnight, she decides it might be time to get those questions answered.
Set in Australia, Scotland, Ireland and England, this novel is just filled to the brim with delightful characters and atmospheric settings. It’s just gorgeous. New friendships are formed – Sullivan! I just adored this boy and the way he latched on to Eliza; and Celine, as atrocious as her behaviour was, the way Eliza managed her was brilliant. All of the characters were so authentic and original, I enjoyed meeting and spending time with all of them. And as always after reading a novel by Monica set in the UK and Ireland, I really want to just get on a plane and go exploring there myself. One day…
The most precious relationship within the story was that of Eliza with her two godmothers, Olivia and Maxxie. The love these two women had for Eliza was just beautiful and their protectiveness of her instinctive. Monica skilfully explores the lines around telling someone the truth about their past: the whole truth and nothing but the truth. At what point does knowing the full story offer more harm than healing? Guilt and what ifs are also examined and the way in which they can plague a person indefinitely.
All in all, The Godmothers delivers all that it promises. Warm, funny, honest, deeply sad at times, but ultimately hopeful. Classic Monica McInerney, and I mean that as the highest of praise.
Thanks is extended to Penguin Random House Australia for providing me with a copy of The Godmothers for review.
March 28, 2021
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The Godmothers by Monica McInerney. (2020).
Eliza grew up in Australia as the only daughter of a troubled young mother but with the constant support of her two godmothers, Olivia and Maxie. She always felt loved and secure until a tragic event occurred just before she turned 18. 13 years later, Eliza lives as safely as possible but things happen and a timely invitation from Olivia prompts a leap into the unknown. Within a fortnight, Eliza is in Edinburgh and is blossoming in the chaos. She finds herself hopeful for the future but also ready to explore her past, including finding out who her father is...
An author that is always highly recommended, purely because of time management issues (haha) I almost returned her newest book back to the library but after such high praise from many people I share literary tastes with I decided to keep it. Good decision on my behalf! While I liked the main characters, being Eliza, Maxie and Olivia, my favourite character was actually a young man named Sullivan who Eliza meets on a plane; keep your eye out for him for sure. In terms of storyline, it was an entertaining plot which had humour, love, secrets, lies and a fair amount of sadness. I appreciated the sections that looked back on Jeannie's history and how Eliza grew up, what really stood out was that no doubt Jeannie was mentally troubled but also she loved her daughter so much and ensured she would always be protected and cared for by Olivia and Maxie. It was a great look at how people don't need to be blood related to you to be your family.
Overall: a thoroughly entertaining contemporary domestic drama that I know a lot of readers would enjoy.
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
The Godmothers by Monica McInerney. (2020).
Eliza grew up in Australia as the only daughter of a troubled young mother but with the constant support of her two godmothers, Olivia and Maxie. She always felt loved and secure until a tragic event occurred just before she turned 18. 13 years later, Eliza lives as safely as possible but things happen and a timely invitation from Olivia prompts a leap into the unknown. Within a fortnight, Eliza is in Edinburgh and is blossoming in the chaos. She finds herself hopeful for the future but also ready to explore her past, including finding out who her father is...
An author that is always highly recommended, purely because of time management issues (haha) I almost returned her newest book back to the library but after such high praise from many people I share literary tastes with I decided to keep it. Good decision on my behalf! While I liked the main characters, being Eliza, Maxie and Olivia, my favourite character was actually a young man named Sullivan who Eliza meets on a plane; keep your eye out for him for sure. In terms of storyline, it was an entertaining plot which had humour, love, secrets, lies and a fair amount of sadness. I appreciated the sections that looked back on Jeannie's history and how Eliza grew up, what really stood out was that no doubt Jeannie was mentally troubled but also she loved her daughter so much and ensured she would always be protected and cared for by Olivia and Maxie. It was a great look at how people don't need to be blood related to you to be your family.
Overall: a thoroughly entertaining contemporary domestic drama that I know a lot of readers would enjoy.
Read
October 2, 2020Gorgeous and heart-warming.
I've been reading Monica's Irish-Australian stories for many years and was thrilled to get my hot little hands on an early copy of her new novel, The Godmothers, which hit the shelves on September 29.
Another rich tale about family, love and friendship, The Godmothers takes readers from Australia to England, Ireland and Scotland as Eliza Miller tries to track down her lost past. Flanked by her loving godmothers, and spurred on by snippets, secrets and stories from her late mother, Eliza embarks on a whirlwind adventure with a cast of flamboyant characters in McInerney's trademark style.
Full review and author interview here: https://www.mayalinnell.com/post/moni...
I've been reading Monica's Irish-Australian stories for many years and was thrilled to get my hot little hands on an early copy of her new novel, The Godmothers, which hit the shelves on September 29.
Another rich tale about family, love and friendship, The Godmothers takes readers from Australia to England, Ireland and Scotland as Eliza Miller tries to track down her lost past. Flanked by her loving godmothers, and spurred on by snippets, secrets and stories from her late mother, Eliza embarks on a whirlwind adventure with a cast of flamboyant characters in McInerney's trademark style.
Full review and author interview here: https://www.mayalinnell.com/post/moni...
October 19, 2020
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
3.5 stars
‘Eliza gave up pretending she was watching a film on the screen in front of her. She leaned back and shut her eyes. As the plane brought her closer every minute to her godmothers, to the possibility of answers to so many of her questions, she gave in to her favorite pastime. One her counsellor Caroline always encouraged. Remembering moments with her mother.’
Much loved Australian storyteller Monica McInerney returns with a heartwarming new novel set across a number of locations, including Australia and Britain. A story of love, family, secrets, truths, revelations and acceptance, The Godmothers is an endearing tale that will strike a chord with many readers.
The Godmothers is the story of Eliza Miler. A young woman who hails from Australia, Eliza has had a very difficult upbringing and as a result, Eliza was placed under the care of her two godmothers, Olivia and Maxie. Despite this strained childhood, Eliza always felt like she had the support, attention and genuine care of her godmothers to get her through the hard times. When a life defining and very difficult event occurred on her eighteenth birthday, Eliza found her life irrevocably changed. Despite the passage of time, Eliza has been deeply affected by this life event and her strained upbringing. Refusing to let anyone close to her, Eliza has directed her energies solely on her work. But when a beloved godmother reaches out to Eliza, she cannot refuse the offer made to her. The resulting invitation leads Eliza to Scotland, where she thrown into the chaos of some rather difficult family relations. Despite the disarray, Eliza seems to find peace in the disorder. Eliza begins to see things in a different light and she also ventures into new territory, taking steps to explore her tenuous past. This delivers surprising results connected to the mystery of Eliza’s parentage.
There is no doubting Monica McInerney’s flair as a gifted storyteller. When you settle into a Monica McInerney novel you are guaranteed some laughs, a good chinwag, a few tears and plenty of hope for the future. McInerney’s feel good tales have entertained readers across Australia and internationally for many years now. The Godmothers is another endearing yarn from a storyteller who is able to express the emotions and drama of family life.
Eliza is our central guide for the duration of The Godmothers. I found Eliza to be an interesting lead, with a set of relatable issues and baggage. Although Eliza’s actions and thoughts didn’t always align with my own, Monica McInerney presented this character well on the pages of her novel. Likewise, readers will be sure to find the two godmother figures of this tale to be quite delightful. I did enjoy the moments where Olivia and Maxie graced the pages of The Godmothers. These two protagonists provided a nice reminder of the wonderful supportive figures we may be lucky to have in our lives, who may not necessarily be related by blood. Anyone who is willing to offer the support and embracing love like Olivia and Maxie are true gems in my eyes! Rounding off the cast list are a number of supporting protagonists who manage to add plenty of heartfelt relations and vibrancy to The Godmothers. Sullivan was a particular standout and I have the feeling that this character will prove popular with both new and loyal readers of McInerney’s work. On the flipside, Eliza’s mother was a not so agreeable character to say the least. She very nearly ruined this tale for me completely sadly. I really struggled with this figure throughout, she definitely got under my skin! But that is life I guess, you take the good with the bad!
Settings are always a big drawcard for me and I did love how The Godmothers had an international flavour of sorts. We get some home grown action in Australia, while we also get the chance to trek across to the other side of the globe to places I lived – Britain, stayed on a holiday – Ireland, or longed to visit – Scotland. Each destination was presented with a sense of clarity and the author’s clear firsthand knowledge of her locations. It was a lovely page based travel experience! You can’t ask for much more in these restrictive travel times.
There are plenty of themes that will resonate with readers once they pick up The Godmothers. From relationships, motherhood, parenting, friendships, love, misunderstanding, the search for the truth, redemption, the weight of the past, blame and regret, many of these issues will play on your mind. The Godmothers is a thought provoking title and with the tone being so very down to earth, it is very accessible for any style of reader. The Godmothers was a book that I struggled in some respects, for unknown reasons I was unable to completely surrender myself to the unfolding story. I’m still trying to figure out why I didn’t quite gel with this one. However, I did find many aspects of The Godmothers to be agreeable, especially the charming location interchanges and the genuine relationships depicted.
The Godmothers unveils an embracing story of memories, letting go of the past, seeking answers, goodness and hope. Monica McInerney has crafted a tale that will send a great deal of comfort to many readers.
*I wish to thank Penguin Books Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
The Godmothers is book #112 the 2020 Australian Women Writers Challenge
3.5 stars
‘Eliza gave up pretending she was watching a film on the screen in front of her. She leaned back and shut her eyes. As the plane brought her closer every minute to her godmothers, to the possibility of answers to so many of her questions, she gave in to her favorite pastime. One her counsellor Caroline always encouraged. Remembering moments with her mother.’
Much loved Australian storyteller Monica McInerney returns with a heartwarming new novel set across a number of locations, including Australia and Britain. A story of love, family, secrets, truths, revelations and acceptance, The Godmothers is an endearing tale that will strike a chord with many readers.
The Godmothers is the story of Eliza Miler. A young woman who hails from Australia, Eliza has had a very difficult upbringing and as a result, Eliza was placed under the care of her two godmothers, Olivia and Maxie. Despite this strained childhood, Eliza always felt like she had the support, attention and genuine care of her godmothers to get her through the hard times. When a life defining and very difficult event occurred on her eighteenth birthday, Eliza found her life irrevocably changed. Despite the passage of time, Eliza has been deeply affected by this life event and her strained upbringing. Refusing to let anyone close to her, Eliza has directed her energies solely on her work. But when a beloved godmother reaches out to Eliza, she cannot refuse the offer made to her. The resulting invitation leads Eliza to Scotland, where she thrown into the chaos of some rather difficult family relations. Despite the disarray, Eliza seems to find peace in the disorder. Eliza begins to see things in a different light and she also ventures into new territory, taking steps to explore her tenuous past. This delivers surprising results connected to the mystery of Eliza’s parentage.
There is no doubting Monica McInerney’s flair as a gifted storyteller. When you settle into a Monica McInerney novel you are guaranteed some laughs, a good chinwag, a few tears and plenty of hope for the future. McInerney’s feel good tales have entertained readers across Australia and internationally for many years now. The Godmothers is another endearing yarn from a storyteller who is able to express the emotions and drama of family life.
Eliza is our central guide for the duration of The Godmothers. I found Eliza to be an interesting lead, with a set of relatable issues and baggage. Although Eliza’s actions and thoughts didn’t always align with my own, Monica McInerney presented this character well on the pages of her novel. Likewise, readers will be sure to find the two godmother figures of this tale to be quite delightful. I did enjoy the moments where Olivia and Maxie graced the pages of The Godmothers. These two protagonists provided a nice reminder of the wonderful supportive figures we may be lucky to have in our lives, who may not necessarily be related by blood. Anyone who is willing to offer the support and embracing love like Olivia and Maxie are true gems in my eyes! Rounding off the cast list are a number of supporting protagonists who manage to add plenty of heartfelt relations and vibrancy to The Godmothers. Sullivan was a particular standout and I have the feeling that this character will prove popular with both new and loyal readers of McInerney’s work. On the flipside, Eliza’s mother was a not so agreeable character to say the least. She very nearly ruined this tale for me completely sadly. I really struggled with this figure throughout, she definitely got under my skin! But that is life I guess, you take the good with the bad!
Settings are always a big drawcard for me and I did love how The Godmothers had an international flavour of sorts. We get some home grown action in Australia, while we also get the chance to trek across to the other side of the globe to places I lived – Britain, stayed on a holiday – Ireland, or longed to visit – Scotland. Each destination was presented with a sense of clarity and the author’s clear firsthand knowledge of her locations. It was a lovely page based travel experience! You can’t ask for much more in these restrictive travel times.
There are plenty of themes that will resonate with readers once they pick up The Godmothers. From relationships, motherhood, parenting, friendships, love, misunderstanding, the search for the truth, redemption, the weight of the past, blame and regret, many of these issues will play on your mind. The Godmothers is a thought provoking title and with the tone being so very down to earth, it is very accessible for any style of reader. The Godmothers was a book that I struggled in some respects, for unknown reasons I was unable to completely surrender myself to the unfolding story. I’m still trying to figure out why I didn’t quite gel with this one. However, I did find many aspects of The Godmothers to be agreeable, especially the charming location interchanges and the genuine relationships depicted.
The Godmothers unveils an embracing story of memories, letting go of the past, seeking answers, goodness and hope. Monica McInerney has crafted a tale that will send a great deal of comfort to many readers.
*I wish to thank Penguin Books Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
The Godmothers is book #112 the 2020 Australian Women Writers Challenge
August 6, 2022
Although The Godmothers is Monica McInerney's twelfth novel, it was the first I've read and I know I'll be reading others. McInerney has a gift for creating endearing characters that are both entertaining and flawed, much like friends we'd like to have in real life.
Eliza Miller had a difficult upbringing with an alcoholic mother, Jeannie, who loved her daughter but had obvious problems keeping it together. The two moved a lot and Eliza counted on her relationship with her godmothers, Olivia and Maxie, to give her consistency and support. Olivia, an art buyer who works at her family's hotel and Maxie, a famous soap opera actress, have been friends with Jeannie since they were young and watched her tall tales and wild spirit evolve into addiction and mental health issues. In a combination of love and enabling, the women started the tradition of each taking Eliza on an annual holiday to "spoil" her and give her mom "a break." Sadly, Eliza returned from a holiday at the age of 17 to find her mother had suffered a tragic accident and her life is never the same.
Alone and not knowing who her father was, Eliza goes to university and builds a life for herself with much loneliness and many questions, but also with the support of her godmothers' frequent check-ins and the caring stability of her college friend, Rose. When Eliza finds herself in a transition with her job, she decides to spend time with her godmothers in Edinburgh and hopefully get some answers to questions she's held for too long. During her panic on the plane ride over, she meets Sullivan, a delightful boy, wise beyond his years, who makes a sweet addition to the story. She stays at the Montgomery, a hotel that Olivia and her husband own and reconnects with Olivia and her stepsons, as well as Maxie, who has come to Scotland to get married before moving to New York.
This is an interesting time in Eliza's life and makes for an intriguing storyline. She travels to Ireland to look for her father, which leads to more surprises. I enjoyed having a front-row seat in the pivotal moments of Eliza's life and getting to know the people who shaped it. One problem I had was Eliza's unflinchingly good view of her mother. I think that anyone who grew up with an unstable alcoholic single parent would have a far more complex relationship and view of that parent. But this book provides an escape from daily life and is a treat to read, so maybe some of the harsh realities are glossed over in favor of fantasy. While this is an accepted and even praised approach in the women's fiction or "chick-lit" genre, I feel it sacrifices some of the depth that could be reached by shining a more realistic light on the dark corners.
Overall, this story took me in and held me with its endearing characters, lovely settings and compelling storyline. Thank you to Bookish First and Welbeck Publishing for the free copy in exchange for my honest review. The addition of McInerney's autograph inside was an extra treat, as if my fairy godmother of books was smiling down on me.
Eliza Miller had a difficult upbringing with an alcoholic mother, Jeannie, who loved her daughter but had obvious problems keeping it together. The two moved a lot and Eliza counted on her relationship with her godmothers, Olivia and Maxie, to give her consistency and support. Olivia, an art buyer who works at her family's hotel and Maxie, a famous soap opera actress, have been friends with Jeannie since they were young and watched her tall tales and wild spirit evolve into addiction and mental health issues. In a combination of love and enabling, the women started the tradition of each taking Eliza on an annual holiday to "spoil" her and give her mom "a break." Sadly, Eliza returned from a holiday at the age of 17 to find her mother had suffered a tragic accident and her life is never the same.
Alone and not knowing who her father was, Eliza goes to university and builds a life for herself with much loneliness and many questions, but also with the support of her godmothers' frequent check-ins and the caring stability of her college friend, Rose. When Eliza finds herself in a transition with her job, she decides to spend time with her godmothers in Edinburgh and hopefully get some answers to questions she's held for too long. During her panic on the plane ride over, she meets Sullivan, a delightful boy, wise beyond his years, who makes a sweet addition to the story. She stays at the Montgomery, a hotel that Olivia and her husband own and reconnects with Olivia and her stepsons, as well as Maxie, who has come to Scotland to get married before moving to New York.
This is an interesting time in Eliza's life and makes for an intriguing storyline. She travels to Ireland to look for her father, which leads to more surprises. I enjoyed having a front-row seat in the pivotal moments of Eliza's life and getting to know the people who shaped it. One problem I had was Eliza's unflinchingly good view of her mother. I think that anyone who grew up with an unstable alcoholic single parent would have a far more complex relationship and view of that parent. But this book provides an escape from daily life and is a treat to read, so maybe some of the harsh realities are glossed over in favor of fantasy. While this is an accepted and even praised approach in the women's fiction or "chick-lit" genre, I feel it sacrifices some of the depth that could be reached by shining a more realistic light on the dark corners.
Overall, this story took me in and held me with its endearing characters, lovely settings and compelling storyline. Thank you to Bookish First and Welbeck Publishing for the free copy in exchange for my honest review. The addition of McInerney's autograph inside was an extra treat, as if my fairy godmother of books was smiling down on me.
August 25, 2024
Enthralling!
Listened to the audiobook via BorrowBox
Published by Penguin Random House Australia Audio
Read by Various Narrators
Duration:10 hrs, 34 min. 1.25x Speed
Listened to the audiobook via BorrowBox
Published by Penguin Random House Australia Audio
Read by Various Narrators
Duration:10 hrs, 34 min. 1.25x Speed
September 13, 2020
Fans of Monica’s warm family chronicles have been eagerly awaiting a new book from the bestselling author since 2017 and the wait is over and you are all in for a treat.
From the stunning cover to the charming words inside, The Godmothers is everything and so much more with a story that you will cherish.
Eliza Miller is about to receive an offer from one of her beloved godmothers that will change her life forever.
When Eliza was growing up she was loved by her troubled mother and her two successful godmothers but she never knew who her father was and a promise from her mother when she turned eighteen was to reveal the truth but a tragedy changed all that.
In a matter of weeks Eliza finds herself amongst the mess of a complicated family in Edinburgh and she has never been happier.
Hopeful for the future as she discovers the past and solves the one mystery that’s been haunting her for many years.
A family saga that transports the reader to Australia, Scotland, England and Monica’s beloved Ireland.
No Monica book is complete without the family secrets, well travelled and the sizeable dose of emotion.
Lots of Monica’s typical heartwarming cast, but one in particular Sullivan was quite the character, most of his scenes I was in the fit of giggles.
I love the way they jump from the pages and throughout the plot they develop as the story unfolds.
A tale of family, friendship, truth, struggles and relationships all told in the writer’s usual engaging prose and while reading this gem of a story the words will reach out and give you a hug and squeeze your heart.
The Godmothers is out September 29th.
November 5, 2020
So unbelievably average.
February 4, 2021
Headlines:
Set in Edinburgh and Ireland
Female strength throughout
Compelling storyline
I just got swept away with The Godmothers and Eliza as the main protagonist. Eliza was the daughter of the rather chaotic Jeannie and god daughter to Maxie and Olivia. This was a story about women, focusing on female relationships but also about these womens’ relationships with the men in their lives.
Eliza was so relatable; she had fears, a lack of confidence and self-belief and yet a determination and strength that made me love her. Her godmothers were special characters too but Eliza did take the stage.
Throughout this book, complex mother-daughter relationships were explored and I thought that was so well written and resonnant. Families are difficult things and this book navigated that context that alongside those ‘family’ you choose yourself. The context of Edinburgh then Ireland made the whole reading of this so welcome. I could visualise the settings and quite frankly, mid-lockdown I needed that.
There were some big reveals in this book, Eliza’s roots, the truth of who her mother really was as a person and finding an unexpected romance. The romance didn’t dominate but it was so well placed.
The Godmothers was an all engrossing read that tackled the grittiness of familial relationships without being depressing. I found this an uplifting read with a fantastic, normal heroine. I’ve already clicked some of Monica McInerney’s back catalogue.
Thank you to Welbeck Publishing and EDPR for the early review copy.
This review can be found on A Take From Two Cities Blog.
Set in Edinburgh and Ireland
Female strength throughout
Compelling storyline
I just got swept away with The Godmothers and Eliza as the main protagonist. Eliza was the daughter of the rather chaotic Jeannie and god daughter to Maxie and Olivia. This was a story about women, focusing on female relationships but also about these womens’ relationships with the men in their lives.
Eliza was so relatable; she had fears, a lack of confidence and self-belief and yet a determination and strength that made me love her. Her godmothers were special characters too but Eliza did take the stage.
Throughout this book, complex mother-daughter relationships were explored and I thought that was so well written and resonnant. Families are difficult things and this book navigated that context that alongside those ‘family’ you choose yourself. The context of Edinburgh then Ireland made the whole reading of this so welcome. I could visualise the settings and quite frankly, mid-lockdown I needed that.
There were some big reveals in this book, Eliza’s roots, the truth of who her mother really was as a person and finding an unexpected romance. The romance didn’t dominate but it was so well placed.
The Godmothers was an all engrossing read that tackled the grittiness of familial relationships without being depressing. I found this an uplifting read with a fantastic, normal heroine. I’ve already clicked some of Monica McInerney’s back catalogue.
Thank you to Welbeck Publishing and EDPR for the early review copy.
This review can be found on A Take From Two Cities Blog.
January 20, 2021
The Godmothers is the twelfth novel by Monica McInerney but the first I have read and as an introduction to her work it was a disappointment. The novel opens with thirteen-year-old Eliza Miller living with her single mother, Jeannie, in a suburb of Melbourne. Despite some financial hardship and irreverent Jeannie’s heavy drinking and mood swings Eliza knows she is loved and adores her mother. Over the years Jeannie has told various tall stories about the identity of Eliza’s father but promises to reveal all on her eighteenth birthday with her two godmothers providing all the family she needs. When a seventeen-year-old Eliza returns home from a holiday to find her mother has met a tragic it is her godmother’s, Olivia and Maxie, who she turns to. Thirteen years later Eliza is living the safest life possible; obsessively organised she throws herself into her role as an underpaid executive assistant to a demanding boss and follows a strict routine. When she loses her job and apartment in a single afternoon she takes a leap of faith and decides to accept an invitation to visit her godmother’s in Scotland. Landing at the opulent Edinburgh hotel owned by Olivia and her complicated extended family with a plan to be a witness at Maxie’s wedding, Eliza wastes no time in asking questions or helping out at the hotel. From the premise I had imagined the story would be one of female bonding and the meaning of family however the focus is firmly centred on Eliza’s desire to uncover the identity of her father by probing the memories of her mother’s friends. And whilst Olivia and Maxie certainly don’t know all the details about Jeannie’s past they know enough and are concerned that Eliza might not have realised quite how wild and manic her mother really was.. but can Eliza handle the truth?
I had a number of issues with the characterisation and found central protagonist, Eliza, insipid and somewhat childlike in her rose-tinted view of her mother and naive belief of her mother’s far-fetched stories and I found myself pitying her for all the wrong reasons. The glimpses of Jeannie through flashbacks and recounted stories left me with the impression that she was of a selfish woman and an unrewarding friend and her friendship with Olivia and Maxie never rang true for this very reason. I was disappointed that whilst there was a tremendous amount of lip service paid to Eliza’s fantastic bond with both of her godmother’s, there are very few scenes when this is in evidence and it certainly wasn’t convincing. Of the two godmother’s Olivia is more developed with clear motivations however Maxie doesn’t add a great deal of value to the story and it took precocious eleven-year-old, Sullivan, to add some much needed feel-good moments. That Eliza’s potential love interest is wooden doesn’t help to convince either. Thankfully the novel travels through a number of locations and the changing backdrops were superbly conveyed and the most enjoyable aspect of the novel for me as it moves from Australia to Edinburgh with brief forays to County Meath in Ireland and central London. Whilst Eliza certainly comes away with answers I didn’t find the story particularly heartwarming but it did prove to be a reasonably engaging read.
I had a number of issues with the characterisation and found central protagonist, Eliza, insipid and somewhat childlike in her rose-tinted view of her mother and naive belief of her mother’s far-fetched stories and I found myself pitying her for all the wrong reasons. The glimpses of Jeannie through flashbacks and recounted stories left me with the impression that she was of a selfish woman and an unrewarding friend and her friendship with Olivia and Maxie never rang true for this very reason. I was disappointed that whilst there was a tremendous amount of lip service paid to Eliza’s fantastic bond with both of her godmother’s, there are very few scenes when this is in evidence and it certainly wasn’t convincing. Of the two godmother’s Olivia is more developed with clear motivations however Maxie doesn’t add a great deal of value to the story and it took precocious eleven-year-old, Sullivan, to add some much needed feel-good moments. That Eliza’s potential love interest is wooden doesn’t help to convince either. Thankfully the novel travels through a number of locations and the changing backdrops were superbly conveyed and the most enjoyable aspect of the novel for me as it moves from Australia to Edinburgh with brief forays to County Meath in Ireland and central London. Whilst Eliza certainly comes away with answers I didn’t find the story particularly heartwarming but it did prove to be a reasonably engaging read.
February 14, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed this story ranging from Australia, Scotland and Ireland. What a tale, a young woman with mental health problems, another wondering who her father is. Two women who are fantastic godmothers, and yet are human and make mistakes along the way. Found myself turning the pages every chance I had.
October 29, 2020
Does anyone else wish they could meet Sullivan?
One of the most heart-warming, entertaining stories I've read all year. I'm struggling to tell you honestly how much I loved it. From the lush setting (Edinburgh, Ireland, London and Melbourne) to the cast of characters that moved and amused me...there wasn't one part of this story I didn't love.
Eliza and her Godmothers are something special - a reminder that a family built on friendship is just as special as one built by blood. There are some important questions raised in this book about the power of family secrets and whether telling the truth is the kind thing to do. But Monica McInerney handles the subject matter skilfully and the ending is 👌
For me, this was the perfect escapist read. I read it in one day!
PS Over on my Youtube Channel I interview bestselling authors LIVE and giveaway free books. Drop by and say hello! I love my Goodreads friends...no one else gets books like we do!
AUTHOR QUICK DRAW
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One of the most heart-warming, entertaining stories I've read all year. I'm struggling to tell you honestly how much I loved it. From the lush setting (Edinburgh, Ireland, London and Melbourne) to the cast of characters that moved and amused me...there wasn't one part of this story I didn't love.
Eliza and her Godmothers are something special - a reminder that a family built on friendship is just as special as one built by blood. There are some important questions raised in this book about the power of family secrets and whether telling the truth is the kind thing to do. But Monica McInerney handles the subject matter skilfully and the ending is 👌
For me, this was the perfect escapist read. I read it in one day!
PS Over on my Youtube Channel I interview bestselling authors LIVE and giveaway free books. Drop by and say hello! I love my Goodreads friends...no one else gets books like we do!
AUTHOR QUICK DRAW
We know your favourite author can write...but can they draw? In this fun interview series, bestselling novelists reveal the secrets behind their beloved stories…all whilst playing a round of Pictionary with a live audience…YOU!
Subscribe now to ensure you don’t miss an episode!
December 17, 2022
Another fantastic read by Aussie author Monica McInerney. Highly recommended.
October 28, 2020
Classic Monica McInerney! Really enjoyable read with twists and turns. I saw Monica McInerney talking about the book online several weeks ago which was good to watch.
There was one aspect of the mother (Jeannie) of the main character (Eliza) which didn't ring true to me, but I liked Eliza and her godmothers. I especially loved Sullivan!
There was one aspect of the mother (Jeannie) of the main character (Eliza) which didn't ring true to me, but I liked Eliza and her godmothers. I especially loved Sullivan!
July 13, 2022
This was my first book by Monica McInerney. I enjoyed it but didn’t love it enough to be running out buying more.
January 24, 2021
Another delightfully heart warming and irresistible story about family, relationships and secrets from one of my fave Aussie authors. Loved the characters, especially Eliza and Sullivan and of course the Godmothers and the settings. Felt there could have been greater emotional depth at some parts but highly enjoyed it nevertheless. A fun, fast paced and easy read :)
December 22, 2020
I enjoyed this book as I did all the other books by Monica McInerney; I have read all the thirteen books that she has written. All her novels have interesting plots with a certain amount of tension making me want to keep on reading and lots of interesting subplots. The characters are lifelike ranging from the empathetic to sself-centred.
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