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Miracle Number Four
A song of the suburbs: a story of family, friends, first love, tragedy, hope and rock and roll
It's 1976 and with dreams of a career in rock, a crush on the prettiest girl in town, and a mother in remission from cancer, Mike’s future looks bright.
Music brings excitement and a chance to shine, but life off-stage is complicated.
Together with family, friends and band-mates, Mike finds joy, sadness and loss. Troubling secrets surface while a new friend brings both fresh perspectives and a cruel reality. The radios and pubs blast rock into the suburban nights and the band prepare for their big break. Is Mike ready?
It's 1976 and with dreams of a career in rock, a crush on the prettiest girl in town, and a mother in remission from cancer, Mike’s future looks bright.
Music brings excitement and a chance to shine, but life off-stage is complicated.
Together with family, friends and band-mates, Mike finds joy, sadness and loss. Troubling secrets surface while a new friend brings both fresh perspectives and a cruel reality. The radios and pubs blast rock into the suburban nights and the band prepare for their big break. Is Mike ready?
467 pages, Paperback
Published August 1, 2022
3 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Paul Marriner
9 books21 followersPaul grew up in a west London suburb and now lives in Berkshire. Married with two children, he is passionate about music, sport and, most of all, writing, on which he now concentrates full-time. Paul has written six novels and a collection of short stories and his primary literary ambition is that you enjoy reading them while he is hard at work on the next one (but still finding time to play drums).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
October 21, 2022
I received a gifted copy of this book to read and review as part of the book tour hosted by Random Things Tours in exchange for an honest review.
Miracle Number Four is a well written and vivid story set in London in the 70s following a teenager called Mike. Mike is the youngest child and is gradually making his own way out into the world. We meet Mike's friends and family and see many aspects of his character, telationship and life throughout this book. Music features quite heavily in this book and I found the author interwove this cleverly within the story. I found this a great story about adolescence, finding your place, growing up, love of music and family and friendship. I did initially struggle to get into the start if this book but once I had it was a really enjoyable read.
Miracle Number Four is a well written and vivid story set in London in the 70s following a teenager called Mike. Mike is the youngest child and is gradually making his own way out into the world. We meet Mike's friends and family and see many aspects of his character, telationship and life throughout this book. Music features quite heavily in this book and I found the author interwove this cleverly within the story. I found this a great story about adolescence, finding your place, growing up, love of music and family and friendship. I did initially struggle to get into the start if this book but once I had it was a really enjoyable read.
October 3, 2022
In Miracle Number Four, Paul Marriner uses his matchless skill as a writer to return us to the mid nineteen-seventies and into the lives and homes of near sixteen year old, Mike (Mikey), and his family and friends living in London’s western suburbs.
Main character Mike is the baby of his family and has been ‘Mikey’ to them since he could walk and talk, but now the chubby-cheeks of his childhood are settling into the more angular planes of adolescence, and he despises the nickname.
We join Mike as he and his peers finish with school, at last, and are set to making their own way in the world.
This was a wondrous time for music – proven by the continuing appearances of the decade’s major stars today. Under the magical influence of the songs of the moment and the encouragement of Susan, his ex-chorister sister and now a guitarist and singer fronting an aspiring band, Mike hankers to guide his future towards rock ‘n’ roll stardom. He takes his first steps in that direction by adopting a ‘Frampton’ hairstyle and taking guitar lessons from Bazzer: Susan’s boyfriend and a guitarist in her band.
The author cleverly weaves the music of these times into his story and espouses each chapter in a ‘hit’ of the day.
This story, however, is not all about ‘rock ‘n’ roll’ lifestyles – yes, weed of varying qualities is smoked and there is an abundant flow of booze throughout its pages. It is a reality story, after all, and not a fairy tale.
The storyline is not all about Mike, either. We are treated to a colourful cast of characters, all with their own problems and aspirations to attain or resolve. We meet the young persons’ parents and briefly glimpse into their affairs, problems and joys.
The change in life, as the youthful hormones mature, creates uncertainties that are sympathetically, but realistically dealt with by the author. I cannot foresee any reader possessing, what might be deemed, a ‘normal temperament’ being offended by any of the writing around this subject.
Vince, (the son of Lawrence, the owner of the garage where Mike’s dad is employed) and Mike’s ex-classmate and also a virgin, suffers badly by the uncertainties arising from his bodily development. He wonders. ‘Could I, possibly, like boys more than he likes girls?’ The author ably deals with Vince’s problem with understanding and compassion, and without intensifying the issue to interfere adversely with the main storyline.
I’ll not say Paul Marriner writes well, for to do so is as unimaginative as saying, Oscar Wilde had a way with words, or Shakespeare ‘wasn’t bad’ at plotting. The story proceeds from scene to scene and song to song in clear, precise prose.
I did find the book a trifle lengthy, but never once did I look for the end until it came upon me. Praise to the editor, Paul Swallow.
There is joy, happiness, achievement, sadness, disappointment, pain, selfless devotion, elation, humour, poignancy, love, life and death sewn into the needlepoint of this remarkable book.
I am left with a plethora of warming images:
• Of Susan, wearing a Led Zeppelin T-shirt and a fake leather bomber jacket
• Of Dimitri – the Greek drummer thrashing his tubs with maniacal fury.
• Of Mikey the babe, becoming Mike the teenager, developing into JB the bass guitarist of Red Ice Rising.
• Of Ingrid, the overfed and over adulated chicken pet of the Anders’ family.
• Of JB’s mother’s ‘Apple Blossom’ embroidery.
• Of Petra, JB’s first love, who wears sunglasses on October evenings?
• Of drumstick stealing, bisexual, ‘Safety Pin Sally’ – also finding her way forward in life.
• Most of all- Anika, who takes my prize as heroine of the story for her selfless love and devotion to Richard, her ailing boyfriend. You brought a solid lump into my throat with Anika’s characteristics, Mr. Marriner.
Of the four miracles of the title, three are dealt with in the first hundred pages; the fourth emerges later and is finally enhanced, as would be right and proper, by JB, along with Richard’s last verse.
Modern advertising practices of over exaggeration have, unfortunately denigrated the meaning of many words in the English language. As In addition to being an engaging and enjoyable read, I would describe Miracle Number Four to be a serious work of literary merit – as Oscar Wilde would have understood my description
Main character Mike is the baby of his family and has been ‘Mikey’ to them since he could walk and talk, but now the chubby-cheeks of his childhood are settling into the more angular planes of adolescence, and he despises the nickname.
We join Mike as he and his peers finish with school, at last, and are set to making their own way in the world.
This was a wondrous time for music – proven by the continuing appearances of the decade’s major stars today. Under the magical influence of the songs of the moment and the encouragement of Susan, his ex-chorister sister and now a guitarist and singer fronting an aspiring band, Mike hankers to guide his future towards rock ‘n’ roll stardom. He takes his first steps in that direction by adopting a ‘Frampton’ hairstyle and taking guitar lessons from Bazzer: Susan’s boyfriend and a guitarist in her band.
The author cleverly weaves the music of these times into his story and espouses each chapter in a ‘hit’ of the day.
This story, however, is not all about ‘rock ‘n’ roll’ lifestyles – yes, weed of varying qualities is smoked and there is an abundant flow of booze throughout its pages. It is a reality story, after all, and not a fairy tale.
The storyline is not all about Mike, either. We are treated to a colourful cast of characters, all with their own problems and aspirations to attain or resolve. We meet the young persons’ parents and briefly glimpse into their affairs, problems and joys.
The change in life, as the youthful hormones mature, creates uncertainties that are sympathetically, but realistically dealt with by the author. I cannot foresee any reader possessing, what might be deemed, a ‘normal temperament’ being offended by any of the writing around this subject.
Vince, (the son of Lawrence, the owner of the garage where Mike’s dad is employed) and Mike’s ex-classmate and also a virgin, suffers badly by the uncertainties arising from his bodily development. He wonders. ‘Could I, possibly, like boys more than he likes girls?’ The author ably deals with Vince’s problem with understanding and compassion, and without intensifying the issue to interfere adversely with the main storyline.
I’ll not say Paul Marriner writes well, for to do so is as unimaginative as saying, Oscar Wilde had a way with words, or Shakespeare ‘wasn’t bad’ at plotting. The story proceeds from scene to scene and song to song in clear, precise prose.
I did find the book a trifle lengthy, but never once did I look for the end until it came upon me. Praise to the editor, Paul Swallow.
There is joy, happiness, achievement, sadness, disappointment, pain, selfless devotion, elation, humour, poignancy, love, life and death sewn into the needlepoint of this remarkable book.
I am left with a plethora of warming images:
• Of Susan, wearing a Led Zeppelin T-shirt and a fake leather bomber jacket
• Of Dimitri – the Greek drummer thrashing his tubs with maniacal fury.
• Of Mikey the babe, becoming Mike the teenager, developing into JB the bass guitarist of Red Ice Rising.
• Of Ingrid, the overfed and over adulated chicken pet of the Anders’ family.
• Of JB’s mother’s ‘Apple Blossom’ embroidery.
• Of Petra, JB’s first love, who wears sunglasses on October evenings?
• Of drumstick stealing, bisexual, ‘Safety Pin Sally’ – also finding her way forward in life.
• Most of all- Anika, who takes my prize as heroine of the story for her selfless love and devotion to Richard, her ailing boyfriend. You brought a solid lump into my throat with Anika’s characteristics, Mr. Marriner.
Of the four miracles of the title, three are dealt with in the first hundred pages; the fourth emerges later and is finally enhanced, as would be right and proper, by JB, along with Richard’s last verse.
Modern advertising practices of over exaggeration have, unfortunately denigrated the meaning of many words in the English language. As In addition to being an engaging and enjoyable read, I would describe Miracle Number Four to be a serious work of literary merit – as Oscar Wilde would have understood my description
October 9, 2022
In Miracle Number Four, by Paul Marriner, we follow 15-year-old Mike Oppen - aka JB - as he learns to play bass and joins his older sister Susan’s rock band.
The group evolves and builds momentum while he falls in love for the first time, has to cope with people close to him getting seriously ill and dying, leaves school and starts his first job, and encounters other “grown-up” issues and situations he had previously been protected from.
No matter what’s going on for Mike, though, there’s always music to get him through - whether he’s listening to the latest releases (it’s the mid-1970s, so an especially exciting and innovative period), playing well-known crowd-pleasers, or writing songs alone or with the band.
Miracle Number Four is a detailed and vivid book that I could totally envisage as a film - with an immense soundtrack, of course. Marriner does an excellent job of creating a variety of settings that are easy to imagine and believe in, from the landmarks of the fictional Metropolitan Line suburb of Penscote and the semi-detached family homes many of the characters inhabit, to the different types of venue the band play as they rise through the ranks.
The author also does a great job encapsulating what it’s like to be an adolescent, when so many things feel intensely meaningful, memorable, and confusing because you’re experiencing them for the very first time and are still finding out how you, personally, respond to them.
I could very much relate to the centrality of music in Mike’s life - the songs and albums you had on repeat in your teens and early twenties just hit differently to the ones you get into later on, precisely because you associate them with those strong memories and intense feelings.
Even as an adult, though, I listen to music as much as possible and get really excited when I find what feels to me like a “perfect” band, album, or song, and this book made me think I definitely need to refer to music more in my own writing!
I found Mike very likeable, and his tender age and good intentions, as well as the first-person insight into what he’s thinking and feeling, make him easy to excuse and forgive when he makes mistakes or flies off the handle. I found it both true-to-life and heartwarming that his parents and sister are so present in his life, and their home is, for the most part, a place of care, nurture, and understanding.
At the same time, despite its frequent references to classic, era-defining songs, abundance of warm, friendly characters, and the generally upward trajectory of the band, Miracle Number Four manages to avoid being an uncritical nostalgia-fest.
As well as the events that cause Mike so much heartache, some of his friends’ parents and siblings are nowhere near as nice as his, and the homophobia, sexism, and violence typical of the time period do rear their ugly heads.
There’s little reference to current affairs, and politics is treated with a light touch, but I think this is an accurate reflection of the insularity and tunnel vision of adolescence.
Miracle Number Four is a vivid and detailed novel that really captures the intensity of youth and the importance of music.
The group evolves and builds momentum while he falls in love for the first time, has to cope with people close to him getting seriously ill and dying, leaves school and starts his first job, and encounters other “grown-up” issues and situations he had previously been protected from.
No matter what’s going on for Mike, though, there’s always music to get him through - whether he’s listening to the latest releases (it’s the mid-1970s, so an especially exciting and innovative period), playing well-known crowd-pleasers, or writing songs alone or with the band.
Miracle Number Four is a detailed and vivid book that I could totally envisage as a film - with an immense soundtrack, of course. Marriner does an excellent job of creating a variety of settings that are easy to imagine and believe in, from the landmarks of the fictional Metropolitan Line suburb of Penscote and the semi-detached family homes many of the characters inhabit, to the different types of venue the band play as they rise through the ranks.
The author also does a great job encapsulating what it’s like to be an adolescent, when so many things feel intensely meaningful, memorable, and confusing because you’re experiencing them for the very first time and are still finding out how you, personally, respond to them.
I could very much relate to the centrality of music in Mike’s life - the songs and albums you had on repeat in your teens and early twenties just hit differently to the ones you get into later on, precisely because you associate them with those strong memories and intense feelings.
Even as an adult, though, I listen to music as much as possible and get really excited when I find what feels to me like a “perfect” band, album, or song, and this book made me think I definitely need to refer to music more in my own writing!
I found Mike very likeable, and his tender age and good intentions, as well as the first-person insight into what he’s thinking and feeling, make him easy to excuse and forgive when he makes mistakes or flies off the handle. I found it both true-to-life and heartwarming that his parents and sister are so present in his life, and their home is, for the most part, a place of care, nurture, and understanding.
At the same time, despite its frequent references to classic, era-defining songs, abundance of warm, friendly characters, and the generally upward trajectory of the band, Miracle Number Four manages to avoid being an uncritical nostalgia-fest.
As well as the events that cause Mike so much heartache, some of his friends’ parents and siblings are nowhere near as nice as his, and the homophobia, sexism, and violence typical of the time period do rear their ugly heads.
There’s little reference to current affairs, and politics is treated with a light touch, but I think this is an accurate reflection of the insularity and tunnel vision of adolescence.
Miracle Number Four is a vivid and detailed novel that really captures the intensity of youth and the importance of music.
October 6, 2022
Admittedly it took me a while to get into the story, but once I did I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I wasn't a teen in the seventies, but the story still evoked memories of friendships made and the things we used to do.
Very well written, full of emotions, with a fantastic plotline that was engaging, enjoyable and made me want to go and dig out the old 45's.
Many thanks to Random Things Tours for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I wasn't a teen in the seventies, but the story still evoked memories of friendships made and the things we used to do.
Very well written, full of emotions, with a fantastic plotline that was engaging, enjoyable and made me want to go and dig out the old 45's.
Many thanks to Random Things Tours for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐
May 31, 2024
" [...] Not talking about something doesn’t make it unspeakable. [...]"
I will start with the ending, because it is very moving. I didn't expect that I would cry when I read the ending of Paul Marriner's novel "Miracle number four". Wow! It was an interesting and sad story at the same time. There's a lot of emotion here. I immediately wonder whether the author will continue this story and whether we will learn the further fate of the experienced Michael (JB) called Mikey, his girlfriend Petra, their friend Anika and, of course, other characters appearing in this book. The characters in this book are teenagers living in the 1970s. Rocking into life. Together they form a rock band, the name of which you will learn while reading. Life doesn't always go their way. They experience moments of happiness, ecstasy and, unfortunately, despair. They will be no strangers to fighting illness and even death. Who will experience it? They will meet their first loves and first infatuations here. You will witness them bloom and fade away. Does the sun always come out after tragedy? There is also a Polish thread here. I'm glad the author mentioned my beloved country. Each chapter begins with the title of an original song. In his book, Paul Marriner is not afraid to discuss topics related to the Catholic religion. We are also dealing here with the tears of Saint Teresa. Do her tears bring a miracle of solace, or perhaps death? You will find out by reading "Miracle number four". We should immediately ask: do you believe in miracles and the power of holy people? I didn't live in the 1970s, but the author beautifully recreated those times. While reading this novel, I had the impression that I was actively participating in it. Great feeling. If you like good novels with budding rockers, go ahead and read "Miracle number four". I recommend this story to adolescents. When we meet JB, he is only fifteen years old and has his whole life ahead of him. One more character also deserves your attention. Who am I talking/writing about? Of course, I mean Richard. His story shocked me deeply. Why? This is what you will learn from this book. This story is worth reading.
I will start with the ending, because it is very moving. I didn't expect that I would cry when I read the ending of Paul Marriner's novel "Miracle number four". Wow! It was an interesting and sad story at the same time. There's a lot of emotion here. I immediately wonder whether the author will continue this story and whether we will learn the further fate of the experienced Michael (JB) called Mikey, his girlfriend Petra, their friend Anika and, of course, other characters appearing in this book. The characters in this book are teenagers living in the 1970s. Rocking into life. Together they form a rock band, the name of which you will learn while reading. Life doesn't always go their way. They experience moments of happiness, ecstasy and, unfortunately, despair. They will be no strangers to fighting illness and even death. Who will experience it? They will meet their first loves and first infatuations here. You will witness them bloom and fade away. Does the sun always come out after tragedy? There is also a Polish thread here. I'm glad the author mentioned my beloved country. Each chapter begins with the title of an original song. In his book, Paul Marriner is not afraid to discuss topics related to the Catholic religion. We are also dealing here with the tears of Saint Teresa. Do her tears bring a miracle of solace, or perhaps death? You will find out by reading "Miracle number four". We should immediately ask: do you believe in miracles and the power of holy people? I didn't live in the 1970s, but the author beautifully recreated those times. While reading this novel, I had the impression that I was actively participating in it. Great feeling. If you like good novels with budding rockers, go ahead and read "Miracle number four". I recommend this story to adolescents. When we meet JB, he is only fifteen years old and has his whole life ahead of him. One more character also deserves your attention. Who am I talking/writing about? Of course, I mean Richard. His story shocked me deeply. Why? This is what you will learn from this book. This story is worth reading.
June 1, 2024
On the surface, this book reads like a YA novel. But it contains mature themes and deep insight that will probably go over the heads of all but the most mature teens. And that's okay. I wouldn't wish for the kind of life experience that would make it understandable to my worst enemy. A lovely, stable childhood is much better. Unfortunately, it doesn't make for interesting storytelling.
Historical fiction isn't my favorite, but sometimes I find a winner. This one hit the sweet spot. Set against the 1970s music scene, this tale of love and loss ripped my heart out and healed it right back up alongside the chosen family cast of characters supporting the MC in his journey to grow up.
This blend of coming-of-age drama, musical rise-to-fame, family drama/thriller, family dysfunction, and passionate teen relationships made it a fabulous book. I had others I needed to read, but I couldn't put this one down, finishing it more than a week early. These days, that's rare, and a high compliment to the author.
JB/Mike is a delightful character, a typical teen boy, but loyal, caring, and sweet beyond his years. Most of the kids were forced to grow up too early and it added to the depth of each one in different ways. I liked Petra and was rooted for their relationship. The relationship between the various friends and between siblings was also so well done and so intricately attacked. I'm always here for relationships, which probably kept me turning pages well into the night.
This is categorized as an upmarket fiction. This is a new one I’ve been hearing lately, which is a mix of commercial and literary fiction. This one has a feel of literary/book club fiction masquerading as young adult fiction. It packs a big emotional punch in a dreamy, coming-of-age tale a days of old like “The Catcher in the Rye,” and “My Girl.”
Content Warnings: Parent Death, Violence, Religious Ideology, Infidelity, SA, SI, Teen Sex, Pregnancy, Abortion, Homophobia, Cancer, Death, Medical Trauma
Historical fiction isn't my favorite, but sometimes I find a winner. This one hit the sweet spot. Set against the 1970s music scene, this tale of love and loss ripped my heart out and healed it right back up alongside the chosen family cast of characters supporting the MC in his journey to grow up.
This blend of coming-of-age drama, musical rise-to-fame, family drama/thriller, family dysfunction, and passionate teen relationships made it a fabulous book. I had others I needed to read, but I couldn't put this one down, finishing it more than a week early. These days, that's rare, and a high compliment to the author.
JB/Mike is a delightful character, a typical teen boy, but loyal, caring, and sweet beyond his years. Most of the kids were forced to grow up too early and it added to the depth of each one in different ways. I liked Petra and was rooted for their relationship. The relationship between the various friends and between siblings was also so well done and so intricately attacked. I'm always here for relationships, which probably kept me turning pages well into the night.
This is categorized as an upmarket fiction. This is a new one I’ve been hearing lately, which is a mix of commercial and literary fiction. This one has a feel of literary/book club fiction masquerading as young adult fiction. It packs a big emotional punch in a dreamy, coming-of-age tale a days of old like “The Catcher in the Rye,” and “My Girl.”
Content Warnings: Parent Death, Violence, Religious Ideology, Infidelity, SA, SI, Teen Sex, Pregnancy, Abortion, Homophobia, Cancer, Death, Medical Trauma
July 23, 2023
This is an incredibly moving book starting in the era of the 1970s which had me engrossed from the first page.not withstanding the fact that each of the short chapters has a song title at the beginning and I found myself finding them on my playlist and listening to each one before I read the following chapter, and singing along with them !!!! Consequently the book took me longer to read than it should have.
The book progresses at an easy pace , and yes there are times when you feel this is a little slow in moving on, but then again that reflects where the characters are in life and what is important to them at the time. The story centres around the different characters, not just Mike and Susan, as they progress through life following their dreams and also dealing with what life throws at them. it is because of this that I would strongly suggest that you do as I did and listen to the song before you read the chapter.
Yes there are four miracles that happen within the story, the first of which you encounter almost straight away at the beginning and the fourth , at the end of the book when Richard writes the last verse to Miracle Number Four.
This is very skilful writing with an intriguing layout that deals with a lot of teenage issues along with a lot of difficult scenarios that life throws at us about friendships, love and loss.
An incredible 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 read.
The book progresses at an easy pace , and yes there are times when you feel this is a little slow in moving on, but then again that reflects where the characters are in life and what is important to them at the time. The story centres around the different characters, not just Mike and Susan, as they progress through life following their dreams and also dealing with what life throws at them. it is because of this that I would strongly suggest that you do as I did and listen to the song before you read the chapter.
Yes there are four miracles that happen within the story, the first of which you encounter almost straight away at the beginning and the fourth , at the end of the book when Richard writes the last verse to Miracle Number Four.
This is very skilful writing with an intriguing layout that deals with a lot of teenage issues along with a lot of difficult scenarios that life throws at us about friendships, love and loss.
An incredible 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 read.
May 31, 2024
"Miracle Number Four" by Paul Marriner isn't a book I would typically pick up, but I'm so grateful I did. Even though I didn't live through the 70s and didn’t grow up in London, Marriner's storytelling transported me right into the era, making me feel like I was living through every moment with the main character, Mike.
As a lifelong music lover, the emotional depth of this #readalong intrigued me, and I'm thrilled I joined the ride. What a beautifully written story—captivating from the first page! It’s a tale of heartbreak, yet so eloquently presented. Mike’s journey of trying to build a career as a musician while dealing with personal struggles is profoundly moving.
The book is thoughtfully crafted with stunning imagery woven throughout. Being part of the book tour made me slow down and truly savour the beauty of the narrative and its characters. This story is so touching and easy to connect with, even though it’s not from my era.
As a Christian, I deeply appreciated how the book weaves in various miracles and their impact on the characters. ✨🙏 The wealth of emotions I felt while reading resonated with me on multiple levels. This rollercoaster of a story is one you don’t want to miss—tissues might be necessary, but it’s worth it! 🎢😭 I’m definitely interested in exploring more of Paul Marriner's work. What a beautiful story to experience!
As a lifelong music lover, the emotional depth of this #readalong intrigued me, and I'm thrilled I joined the ride. What a beautifully written story—captivating from the first page! It’s a tale of heartbreak, yet so eloquently presented. Mike’s journey of trying to build a career as a musician while dealing with personal struggles is profoundly moving.
The book is thoughtfully crafted with stunning imagery woven throughout. Being part of the book tour made me slow down and truly savour the beauty of the narrative and its characters. This story is so touching and easy to connect with, even though it’s not from my era.
As a Christian, I deeply appreciated how the book weaves in various miracles and their impact on the characters. ✨🙏 The wealth of emotions I felt while reading resonated with me on multiple levels. This rollercoaster of a story is one you don’t want to miss—tissues might be necessary, but it’s worth it! 🎢😭 I’m definitely interested in exploring more of Paul Marriner's work. What a beautiful story to experience!
May 31, 2024
Miracle Number Four by Paul Marriner is set in the 70’s and music plays a large part in the story. This book brought back a lot of memories from the very beginning as I was the same age during the time period, I even had a friend called May who had a sister called April, There was a playlist that came with the book and I loved listening to the songs as I read each chapter, it evoked nostalgia and was a great touch.
The characters seemed real, and I felt that I knew them. I loved the main protagonist Mike (JB) his honest persona, his relationship with his family and Petra was heartwarming. Mariner’s writing showed his flaws and internal conflicts as well as his failings and achievements especially in someone so young which added authenticity to the story.
The book is about family, heartache, young love, hope and growing up and is reminiscent of my favourite era, and it was so true to the period, especially grappling with questions of identity and societal norms. The book just transported me back in time. Mariner’s prose is perfect as each chapter tells a story in itself.
In conclusion, Mariner’s prose is eloquent, painting a vivid image and evoking some great memories of the 1970’s, it kept me enthralled and will leave a lasting impression on me and is a must read that will linger long after you have finished the last page.
The characters seemed real, and I felt that I knew them. I loved the main protagonist Mike (JB) his honest persona, his relationship with his family and Petra was heartwarming. Mariner’s writing showed his flaws and internal conflicts as well as his failings and achievements especially in someone so young which added authenticity to the story.
The book is about family, heartache, young love, hope and growing up and is reminiscent of my favourite era, and it was so true to the period, especially grappling with questions of identity and societal norms. The book just transported me back in time. Mariner’s prose is perfect as each chapter tells a story in itself.
In conclusion, Mariner’s prose is eloquent, painting a vivid image and evoking some great memories of the 1970’s, it kept me enthralled and will leave a lasting impression on me and is a must read that will linger long after you have finished the last page.
June 1, 2024
The cover is so beautiful, I'm actually thinking about doing an embroidery of a tree in blossom, if I ever have time!
This book is beautifully written. I like how each chapter has a corresponding song, all of which make a great Spotify playlist.
Paul has written each of the characters so well. They are absolutely believable, and remind me of myself and others I knew as teens. I also loved the LGB representation in this book, Mike's realisation about other sexual orientations was brilliant. I loved Mike in general. He's had a tricky childhood with a mum recovering from cancer and suffering from some kind of mental illness, and yet he's so naive and childlike. I found the relationship between him and Petra to be so true to those first teenage relationships.
Richard's story broke my heart. He reminded me of the cruelties of life, and yet he managed the hand he had been dealt with humour and dignity.
I liked the small nod towards religion too and how it was seen differently by the different generations.
And the main story, of the bands struggle to make it, to find their own style of music and be known for that, rather than covers versions of others. I definitely found that part to be a reflection of what is really like. My brother is in a band. I've definitely seen them grow, learn their own style and move to bigger/ more frequent venues.
This book is beautifully written. I like how each chapter has a corresponding song, all of which make a great Spotify playlist.
Paul has written each of the characters so well. They are absolutely believable, and remind me of myself and others I knew as teens. I also loved the LGB representation in this book, Mike's realisation about other sexual orientations was brilliant. I loved Mike in general. He's had a tricky childhood with a mum recovering from cancer and suffering from some kind of mental illness, and yet he's so naive and childlike. I found the relationship between him and Petra to be so true to those first teenage relationships.
Richard's story broke my heart. He reminded me of the cruelties of life, and yet he managed the hand he had been dealt with humour and dignity.
I liked the small nod towards religion too and how it was seen differently by the different generations.
And the main story, of the bands struggle to make it, to find their own style of music and be known for that, rather than covers versions of others. I definitely found that part to be a reflection of what is really like. My brother is in a band. I've definitely seen them grow, learn their own style and move to bigger/ more frequent venues.
June 1, 2024
I received a gifted copy of"Miracle Number Four" by Paul Marriner, and it has been a trip down memory lane. Being a child of the 60s and a teenager in the 70s, the memories have come thick and fast with virtually each music track referenced although I have had to play them on Spotify and YouTube as many are in the "Oh, thats what the title of the song is" category! or played "just because"!
It is a slow, thoughtful, compelling read, to be savoured and enjoyed from the attractive and meaningful cover with chapters of a good length and page layout although white paper isn't dyslexic friendly, I do like pages that are not flimsy.
The cast of characters are true to life of that time, and you take them to your heart, some (Richard and Mum) more than others (Will and Lawrence).
It is a coming of age tale as well as a tale of loss, the most emotional being the end of chapter 22 which I found to be a heartbreaking shock although it shouldn't have been, as it always lurks at the back of each scene. Luckily, I didn't have an audience of a train carriage or coffee shop to witness my eyes filling with tears. Just thinking and rereading the last line of the chapter has the same effect.
At the end of the book, Mike learns to accept that "learning to let go is not the same as pretending it didn’t happen."
AND "Miracle Number Four"?
You'll have to read the book to find out what it is!
It is a slow, thoughtful, compelling read, to be savoured and enjoyed from the attractive and meaningful cover with chapters of a good length and page layout although white paper isn't dyslexic friendly, I do like pages that are not flimsy.
The cast of characters are true to life of that time, and you take them to your heart, some (Richard and Mum) more than others (Will and Lawrence).
It is a coming of age tale as well as a tale of loss, the most emotional being the end of chapter 22 which I found to be a heartbreaking shock although it shouldn't have been, as it always lurks at the back of each scene. Luckily, I didn't have an audience of a train carriage or coffee shop to witness my eyes filling with tears. Just thinking and rereading the last line of the chapter has the same effect.
At the end of the book, Mike learns to accept that "learning to let go is not the same as pretending it didn’t happen."
AND "Miracle Number Four"?
You'll have to read the book to find out what it is!
October 22, 2022
What a great book! OK, so as a bassist I would be inclined to find Mike aka JB a sympathetic protagonist but the author really has the knack of introducing you to character after character in whom you quickly invest your emotions.
The book flows languidly along as if reflecting the long hot summer of 1976 in which it begins. Nothing happens fast but everything changes so quickly as Mike becomes JB, school boy becomes young adult, a ragtag bunch of misfits become a professional band and, as a backdrop, there is the rise of punk and the musical and sometimes painful history of Mike and his family.
There are many important themes threaded throughout Miracle Number Four: Faith, loss, coming of age, sexual awakening, violence...but there is also so much love.
Ok, so I was a little younger in the late 70s than JB, Susan, Sally and the rest but thank you Paul Marriner for a fabulous book that made me laugh and cry and felt, at times, like a warm cuddle of nostalgia for my first time on a stage, that first big crowd and that first album release.
The book flows languidly along as if reflecting the long hot summer of 1976 in which it begins. Nothing happens fast but everything changes so quickly as Mike becomes JB, school boy becomes young adult, a ragtag bunch of misfits become a professional band and, as a backdrop, there is the rise of punk and the musical and sometimes painful history of Mike and his family.
There are many important themes threaded throughout Miracle Number Four: Faith, loss, coming of age, sexual awakening, violence...but there is also so much love.
Ok, so I was a little younger in the late 70s than JB, Susan, Sally and the rest but thank you Paul Marriner for a fabulous book that made me laugh and cry and felt, at times, like a warm cuddle of nostalgia for my first time on a stage, that first big crowd and that first album release.
July 15, 2023
This book is about family, relationships, love, loss, hardships, aspirations, growing up and so, so much more.
Set in the mid 1970s, a time when I recall having Bay City Rollers and Kevin Keagan posters on my bedroom walls, this book was a huge dose of nostalgia for me, made even more so because of the clever inter-weaving of music of the era into the story.
The storyline follows Mike, soon to be 16 and leaving school, and wanting to shed the image of Mikey, the baby of his family.
The author cleverly weaves all the different threads that make up the slice of life that Mike is a part of. Complex yet expertly sliced wide open by the author to show each and every facet of life in the western suburbs of London during that era.
The characters feel so true to life during that time and living in that area and this is down to the skill of the author and his portrayal of each of them and which role they played in the family or the friendship groups.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It’s beautifully written, perhaps a little slow to get going at first, but it’s definitely worth persevering because what it becomes is a book that I highly recommend.
My thanks to the author, the publisher and to LoveBooksTours for gifting me this book. I am leaving this review of my own volition.
Set in the mid 1970s, a time when I recall having Bay City Rollers and Kevin Keagan posters on my bedroom walls, this book was a huge dose of nostalgia for me, made even more so because of the clever inter-weaving of music of the era into the story.
The storyline follows Mike, soon to be 16 and leaving school, and wanting to shed the image of Mikey, the baby of his family.
The author cleverly weaves all the different threads that make up the slice of life that Mike is a part of. Complex yet expertly sliced wide open by the author to show each and every facet of life in the western suburbs of London during that era.
The characters feel so true to life during that time and living in that area and this is down to the skill of the author and his portrayal of each of them and which role they played in the family or the friendship groups.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It’s beautifully written, perhaps a little slow to get going at first, but it’s definitely worth persevering because what it becomes is a book that I highly recommend.
My thanks to the author, the publisher and to LoveBooksTours for gifting me this book. I am leaving this review of my own volition.
May 30, 2024
In Miracle Number Four, we follow Mike, a 15 year old in 70's London, as he learns to play the bass and joins his Sister's rock band. For Mike, music is his life, it's his everything and it was a pleasure to read this story as we follow Mike through adolescence into growing up. We read of the ups and downs of Mike's life, he falls in love for the first time and suffers loss, we meet his family and friends and learn about the various, complicated relationships he has with them. All throughout, music features heavily in the story from Mike listening to the latest 70's music, writing songs alone or with the band.
I found Mirable Number Four to be an imaginative, vivid tale of quite an exciting time in the history of music, the 70's. It's well written, with a pace that for me, was just right, and I read this in two sittings.
Mike is a very likable character, as are many of the others, but like us all, he's not perfect and can be prone to "lose it" every now and then.
For me, this was a memorable read, heartwarming and full of emotion and feeling.
5 stars from me.
I found Mirable Number Four to be an imaginative, vivid tale of quite an exciting time in the history of music, the 70's. It's well written, with a pace that for me, was just right, and I read this in two sittings.
Mike is a very likable character, as are many of the others, but like us all, he's not perfect and can be prone to "lose it" every now and then.
For me, this was a memorable read, heartwarming and full of emotion and feeling.
5 stars from me.
July 18, 2023
It's 1970s in London and we follow the life of Mike, who is 16-years-old. he's the baby (baby Mikey) of the family. Family life has been easy with his mother in remission from cancer. Mike wants to make his own way in life. His sister Susan is in a band and her boyfriend Bazzer gives Mike guitar lessons. As we read the book we meet family and friends, we learn all about Mike, his relationship, his character, his first hair cut, booze, weed and how he moves through his life. Each character has their own story, and we meet them as the book moves on. Music is a big part of the story which I did like and reading it did bring back things for my life growing up through 70s and 80s. Will Mike get the break he needs?
There is so much in this book, joy, love, sadness, death, humour, happiness and more. Will Mike make it?
I would recommend this to anyone that grow up in 70s and 80s, it will bring back so my memories.
There is so much in this book, joy, love, sadness, death, humour, happiness and more. Will Mike make it?
I would recommend this to anyone that grow up in 70s and 80s, it will bring back so my memories.
July 24, 2023
This book was genuine, emotional, heart breaking and hopeful.
Told from the point of view of Mikey it is written In a simple manner, a bit like a memoir but spoken in the language of a teenage boy. He goes through so much throughout this story. His life is shaped by his love of music and the relationships he is entwined in.
Family, friends and lovers all play a part in his story and he forges lifelong friendships, as well as experiencing a great amount of loss and grief for his young years. This is told beautifully and gave a sombre feel to the book yet there was always a glimmer of something hopeful to come.
The backing track of music and songs from the 70s is a lovely thread and I would have liked to see his band perform. The music is an important part of the book and Mike's life blood.
A lovely read that I recommend!
Told from the point of view of Mikey it is written In a simple manner, a bit like a memoir but spoken in the language of a teenage boy. He goes through so much throughout this story. His life is shaped by his love of music and the relationships he is entwined in.
Family, friends and lovers all play a part in his story and he forges lifelong friendships, as well as experiencing a great amount of loss and grief for his young years. This is told beautifully and gave a sombre feel to the book yet there was always a glimmer of something hopeful to come.
The backing track of music and songs from the 70s is a lovely thread and I would have liked to see his band perform. The music is an important part of the book and Mike's life blood.
A lovely read that I recommend!
May 27, 2024
📖📖 Book Review 📖📖 Music was all around my house growing up and offered a quiet playlist to my life. As I grew older, I started to realize the monumental place those songs had in shaping my life. Through highs and lows, song lyrics would resonate. For Mike, music is his everything. His life has been a roller coaster from his mother’s illness to hopes for the future. Through it all, his outlook is wise beyond his years, “It was a few years until I learnt that sad songs can still offer hope.” Intermixed with chapter titles of the most iconic songs from across the decades, Miracle Number Four is a beautiful read. Through growing up, trials and trauma, and dreams, a quiet yet resounding hope abounds. Sometimes when we question our faith in times of trouble, the greatest miracles can appear even through a veil of tears.
4.5/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4.5/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 31, 2024
I was initially drawn to the book because it was set in the 70s (an era I love) and featured music heavily (which I love).
The author supplied a playlist which could be listened to whilst reading the book and I enjoyed this as I'm a big music fan and some of the songs brought back lots of memories.
The story is about Mike and his life from the ages of 15 to 17. It follows him through his many firsts; job, love, loss and his want to break into music.
I did find it slow at the beginning but once I got into it I really enjoyed it. It was beautifully written and true to life at a time when everything seemed less complicated.
A book with emotion, humour and lots of wonderful characters with great diversity. It covered topics like religion and miracles to being gay in the 70s.
This is I book I enjoyed very much.
The author supplied a playlist which could be listened to whilst reading the book and I enjoyed this as I'm a big music fan and some of the songs brought back lots of memories.
The story is about Mike and his life from the ages of 15 to 17. It follows him through his many firsts; job, love, loss and his want to break into music.
I did find it slow at the beginning but once I got into it I really enjoyed it. It was beautifully written and true to life at a time when everything seemed less complicated.
A book with emotion, humour and lots of wonderful characters with great diversity. It covered topics like religion and miracles to being gay in the 70s.
This is I book I enjoyed very much.
July 13, 2023
Just look at this gorgeous cover. Does that make you want to dive inside? You should and here’s why. This is a gorgeous, nostalgic story that begins in the 1970s. It’s about family and finding your way in life. It’s warmly told and gently amusing and although there are heavy subjects covered, they are handled sensitively. If you enjoyed watching Life on Mars and Ashes to Ashes. If you read any Adrian Mole books and liked them. If you like the sound of a book that reads like a mish mash of memories, not quite a memoir but almost like a diary in motion, then this book is for you. It’s about curiosity, music, love and growing up. The cover promised a lot and the contents delivered. Highly recommended.
July 13, 2023
A fun and captivating read that follows the mc Mike through his teen years.
I was originally pulled in by the blurb, I love books that are set in the 70s and 80s and this book was definitely a hit. The aspect I enjoyed most about this book was the character growth we get to see through out the book with the mc. We also get to see friendships, family and his love of music.
Definitely something a little out of my comfort zone but I easily fell into the plot line and was quickly submerged in Mikes world. I love all the music references that the author so cleverly makes in this book and I found myself wanting to take a listen to some of the songs mentioned. Paul has a very unique writing style that will definitely keep you intrigued through out the entire book.
I was originally pulled in by the blurb, I love books that are set in the 70s and 80s and this book was definitely a hit. The aspect I enjoyed most about this book was the character growth we get to see through out the book with the mc. We also get to see friendships, family and his love of music.
Definitely something a little out of my comfort zone but I easily fell into the plot line and was quickly submerged in Mikes world. I love all the music references that the author so cleverly makes in this book and I found myself wanting to take a listen to some of the songs mentioned. Paul has a very unique writing style that will definitely keep you intrigued through out the entire book.
July 24, 2023
This is a real coming of age storyline that focuses heavily on the roles of growing up and finding your place, music and love and relationships with family and friends. I have noticed that a big theme in coming of age stories - at least the ones I have read, music is a big factor. However, that doesnt suprise me as music was a massive part of my life as a teenager and I would always use songs to feel emotions and show meaning.
This book is well written with a compelling storyline, well developed characters and is full of sich vivid descriptions and rich imagery that I felt I was right there alongside Mike on his journey through life.
The book is a slow burner at the start but once I got into it- and it didn't take long I was flying through it. I really enjoyed it
This book is well written with a compelling storyline, well developed characters and is full of sich vivid descriptions and rich imagery that I felt I was right there alongside Mike on his journey through life.
The book is a slow burner at the start but once I got into it- and it didn't take long I was flying through it. I really enjoyed it
July 25, 2023
I (just) missed out on being around in the 70s, but reading this book still brought back childhood memories for me. In particular, the song titles in the chapter headings created a really strong sense of time and place, although I still listen to most of them today!
I felt a connection to the story through the songs mentioned and also because of the characters' use of music as a creative outlet and as a way of coping with difficulties in their lives. Although the main characters are all very young, they experience more than their fair share of heartache.
A far cry from my usual crime and thriller reads, nevertheless this book held my attention to the last page with its vivid characters and evocative descriptions.
Thanks to the author, and Love Book Tours for the eARC of this book.
I felt a connection to the story through the songs mentioned and also because of the characters' use of music as a creative outlet and as a way of coping with difficulties in their lives. Although the main characters are all very young, they experience more than their fair share of heartache.
A far cry from my usual crime and thriller reads, nevertheless this book held my attention to the last page with its vivid characters and evocative descriptions.
Thanks to the author, and Love Book Tours for the eARC of this book.
July 24, 2023
This is such a brilliant read. I am a music lover and this insight into the life and times of a person trying to make it big, but struggling with the emotions and wrap-up of what happens when your break comes was excellent. You read the book and get completely caught up in the whirlwind of their life. Yet, they have to stop and notice what is going on round them, especially the possibility of loss.
The author captured the moments and all the momentum of life so well. It was all very true to real life and made it very easy to become part of the story and feel as though you were there, caught in the momentum of the journey.
Overall, I was very impressed with this read and absolutely loved the cover. I highly recommend this book.
The author captured the moments and all the momentum of life so well. It was all very true to real life and made it very easy to become part of the story and feel as though you were there, caught in the momentum of the journey.
Overall, I was very impressed with this read and absolutely loved the cover. I highly recommend this book.
July 5, 2023
This was a beautifully written coming of age story about dreams, relationships, harsh realities, friendships and generally growing older, the setting is 1970s London Suburbia, a time when things were much less stressful, complicated and chaotic!
I think this story will transport many back to their teenage years and will be a real hit with anyone who was a teenager in the 70s!
Very well put together, all the right feeling’s come from within pages, one minute you feel happy for the main man and the next you feel a wave of sadness. There's a certain amount of honesty in the story, you will know what I mean by that when you read it!
Emotionally done and highly recommended!
I think this story will transport many back to their teenage years and will be a real hit with anyone who was a teenager in the 70s!
Very well put together, all the right feeling’s come from within pages, one minute you feel happy for the main man and the next you feel a wave of sadness. There's a certain amount of honesty in the story, you will know what I mean by that when you read it!
Emotionally done and highly recommended!
August 2, 2023
This was such a beautifully written coming of age story, set in a 70's London.
Although this was ever so slightly before my time (I was a teen in the 80's), this really brought back some great memories of a chilled and happy time of life.
Mike is coming out of a tough period in his life, his mum, now in remission and doing well, means that Mike can get back to dreaming of making it big as a rock star and taking some time to relax and enjoy his life.
Always having been seen as the baby in the family, he's keen to grow up and we follow his journey through the raging hormones, navigating relationships, friendships, love and dreams of the future.
I absolutely loved Mike and the way he was written and developed.
All the characters just jumped right off the page and it really felt as though I was there in the groups with them.
The thing that really stands out in this is the use of music. It was a great era and it really took me back to my youth making this a really nostalgic and comforting read.
The writing style is beautiful. A little slower paced but this didn't matter as I was so immersed within that I just didn't want to put it down.
A really enjoyable read that will stay with me for a while. Perfect for curling up with and relaxing and reminiscing.
Although this was ever so slightly before my time (I was a teen in the 80's), this really brought back some great memories of a chilled and happy time of life.
Mike is coming out of a tough period in his life, his mum, now in remission and doing well, means that Mike can get back to dreaming of making it big as a rock star and taking some time to relax and enjoy his life.
Always having been seen as the baby in the family, he's keen to grow up and we follow his journey through the raging hormones, navigating relationships, friendships, love and dreams of the future.
I absolutely loved Mike and the way he was written and developed.
All the characters just jumped right off the page and it really felt as though I was there in the groups with them.
The thing that really stands out in this is the use of music. It was a great era and it really took me back to my youth making this a really nostalgic and comforting read.
The writing style is beautiful. A little slower paced but this didn't matter as I was so immersed within that I just didn't want to put it down.
A really enjoyable read that will stay with me for a while. Perfect for curling up with and relaxing and reminiscing.
April 21, 2024
The story follows Mike 'JB' Oppen, his friends, family, and bandmates, through various trials and tribulations.
There are funny moments, sad moments, heartwarming moments, and frustrating moments. These moments are key to Mike's development as he grows up over the 15 to 17, which is arguably already a tough time for young people without all Mike faces.
I really enjoyed the band dynamics. Each of them had a journey of growth to go through.
I did struggle to get into the story a little. It just wasn't capturing my attention in the first half, but the second half picked up much more speed.
I'd definitely be interested in reading more by this author.
There are funny moments, sad moments, heartwarming moments, and frustrating moments. These moments are key to Mike's development as he grows up over the 15 to 17, which is arguably already a tough time for young people without all Mike faces.
I really enjoyed the band dynamics. Each of them had a journey of growth to go through.
I did struggle to get into the story a little. It just wasn't capturing my attention in the first half, but the second half picked up much more speed.
I'd definitely be interested in reading more by this author.
May 30, 2024
Miracle Number Four brought back so many childhood memories, and I really enjoyed the story. Mike (Mikey) is the baby of the family, and he learns to play bass and joins his elder sister's ro ck band. I loved how Marriner encapsulates the idea of what it's like to be an adolescent, especially when you are going through emotions for the first time. Music is a very big part of this story.
I adored Mikey's character, and even at the tender age, he was always good. Even when he got angry, it was easy to understand his feelings.
This is definitely a vivid and indepth book. Definitely recommend this book.
I adored Mikey's character, and even at the tender age, he was always good. Even when he got angry, it was easy to understand his feelings.
This is definitely a vivid and indepth book. Definitely recommend this book.
September 29, 2022
This book took me through the full range of emotions. A family going through hard times due to illness , a brother and sister moving into adulthood , and a band of young people hoping to break into the music industry. Set in the mid 70's. It's a time of great change. The very eclectic characters, first love and relationship trials, tragedy and loss all make this an intriguing, heartening, beautiful book.
July 11, 2023
My favourite thing about this book was that every chapter had a song attached to it. If I wasn’t too tight to pay for my music I would have listened to all of them alongside it. What a fantastic idea!! Mike was an interesting character and I enjoyed following his journey throughout the book. I love reading about when people get exactly what they’ve always wanted and how the deal with it. A great read!
May 31, 2024
Miracle Number Four by Paul Marriner is a beautifully and heartwarming read. It follows the story of Mike and his friends on a journey of love, loss, and hope in the mid-70s.
The character development in this book is amazingly detailed, and through reading, you really can feel the connection with the characters personally.
I loved the focus on music throughout the book to be very interesting and added that bit extra to the storyline.
Overall, this was a powerful and amazing up in coming novel. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
The character development in this book is amazingly detailed, and through reading, you really can feel the connection with the characters personally.
I loved the focus on music throughout the book to be very interesting and added that bit extra to the storyline.
Overall, this was a powerful and amazing up in coming novel. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
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