Gayle handles the highs and lows of motherhood, children dynamics, the home wreaking havoc an affair can inflict and the woes of a freshly separated middle-aged woman - with great tenderness, keen observation and sensitivity. This will make a great straight-to-film adaptation, but isn't anything we haven't seen or read before. It's just done well, as it's Gayle.

A Song of Me and You | Mike Gayle | 9781529344813 | NetGalley A Song of Me and You | Mike Gayle | 9781529344813 | NetGalley

Poignant, uplifting and utterly charming, I was swept away by Ben and Helen's story, equal parts relatable and fantastic but always, always pulling on my heart strings. Mike Gayle, then, now and forever one of the best.' Lyndsey Kelk A treasure, a pleasure and an honour to read this. I was moved beyond words and I'm smiling as I write this. A life affirming read that there is good in the world and sometimes to reach out a hand can mean so much to someone in need. A rare gem of a book. Ah what a beautiful book this is! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. It’s an emotional one too, the last sentence really got me ohhh I was sobbing! Along the way Hubert stumbles across a second chance at love, renews a cherished friendship and finds himself roped into an audacious community scheme that seeks to end loneliness once and for all . . .

I've loved every Mike Gayle title I've tried, and though I really liked this too, it constantly felt very cliché, as though I knew what every future step was going to be for the characters, and a better-class Mills and Boon. Sorry to say it, but I did feel that as I read this. A Song Of Me & You is an effortless read because Mike Gayle has such a natural and engaging style that it doesn’t feel as if you’re reading at all. It’s more like being in the room as action takes place. Indeed, I put life on hold for a couple of days to devour this story.

A Song of Me and You by Mike Gayle | Hachette UK

Now Hubert faces a seemingly impossible task: to make his real life resemble his fake life before the truth comes out. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed my taste of a lavish lifestyle so clearly depicted here. It gave me an experience I’d never normally have and with reference to real people like Elton John, for example, there’s a sensation of genuineness in the narrative. The book skillfully captures the essence of second chances at love, showing that it's never too late to pursue happiness and rekindle old flames. It serves as a reminder that love, in its purest form, can transcend the years and bring unexpected joy. The characters feel realistic and layered – even Adam, whom I loathed for much of the story. Helen is a triumph. She’s older than the usual 30 somethings of the genre which makes her all the more appealing and her insecurities and strengths make her hugely relatable. I became so engrossed in Helen and Ben’s story, learning about when they were teenagers and each others first loves. I really felt for Helen having to deal with her husband cheating on her, working part time and trying to keep things going and then Ben randomly shows up on her doorstep, he’s in a situation that Helen has no idea about to start with.

A Song of Me and You will be published on 6th July 2023 and forms part of the anniversary celebrations as the publisher marks 25 years since publishing Gayle’s debut, My Legendary Girlfriend. Mike Gayle creates real, warm characters you will recognise. Amid real human dilemmas, the heart and goodwill always shines through.' Jojo Moyes

The Museum of Ordinary People: The uplifting new novel from

I also used to live in Manchester — another great city (although technically I lived in Salford which is next door but that’s sort of splitting hairs). I absolutely loved the first 70% of this book. But sadly it took an unimaginable turn, that totally threw it’s rhythm and pitch off the scale, 😣becoming an unbearable screech rather than the soothing melodious ‘song’ it ought to have been. 😕 Full of relatable characters and as Mike takes us on a journey through all their high and lows and we're with them every step of the way . . . A wonderful story' Ruth Hogan Public service announcement: Mike Gayle’s latest is going to toy with your emotions, churn you up and spit you out – but it’s totally worth it.’ Heat I’m not usually a fan of romance fiction, being a bit too old in the tooth for hearts and flowers, but give me a story of second-chance love featuring more mature protagonists and I’m in. All the more so when it’s by Mike Gayle, whom you can always depend upon for an emotional, escapist read.A book about friendship, love and heartache. It really is a moving story that takes you through the highs and lows of the characters lives and it’s done so brilliantly.