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. Helen, by far, is one of my favourite characters. She’s just been through so much and tries to give everyone all of her time and attention, with nobody really looking out for her. I’m sad that she’s not real but she genuinely is one of the best mother figures. Moving, uplifting, unforgettable. Mike always writes from the heart and creates stories we fall in love with’ Lisa Jewell

A Song of Me and You by Mike Gayle | Goodreads

He owed her an explanation before her left, that much was certain. He couldn't just turn and go without at least trying to throw some light in the events that had brought him to to this moment, but at the same time he couldn't just tell her the unvarnished truth either; even after all these years her respect still meant something to him."She opens her front door one day to find him standing there and after having caught up, they realise they still have so much in common. My first paid writing gig was for a listings magazine in Birmingham — (Actually my first unpaid writing gig was an interview with Kitchens of Distinction for Salford Student Magazine. I can’t begin to tell you how terrible it was.) This is easily one of my top ten books of the year-I loved it. If you liked Daisy Jones and the Six or if you are a fan of Paige Toon’s Johnny Jefferson books, then you will absolutely love this one! I was hooked into Ben and Helen’s story from the start. I loved meeting Helen. She is trying her absolute best to be there for her kids and do the right thing by them. Like a lot of parents with children who are about to go off to university though, she is struggling with her own sense of identity. She has a fabulous best friend and a mum who help to build her up and amplify her voice but she has an ex-husband who is trying to undo all of the good work that she has done. Sayers said: “Mike’s writing has evolved over the years, but what he has always done is to write about real people and real emotions in a way that is totally involving. So many readers see their own dilemmas and dramas reflected in his work.

A Song of Me and You: The escapist pageturner of the summer

Despite the example of their own parents' enduring marriage, the three Bachelor brothers show no signs of settling down. Adam has a string of glamorous girlfriends, but they aren't suitable wife material. Luke has just proposed to Cassie but his refusal to consider having children looks like an insurmountable barrier. And baby of the family Russell is in love with the one woman he can't have. Ian Greening loves his job at the Department of Work and Pensions. It might not be the best paid job in the world but it…

Featured Reviews

Now Hubert faces a seemingly impossible task: to make his real life resemble his fake life before the truth comes out. Helen is struggling with the breakdown of her marriage when Ben, a guy she dated in high school, turns up on her doorstep after 20 years. Ben is now a successful musician and their lives couldn’t be any different. So why is he here? Does she honestly think there can be something between them still, now?! Before I went to university I wanted to be a social worker — I have no idea why. It didn’t last long. Well, Mr Gayle, you’ve done it again. I’m mush. He has the unerring capacity to get you right in your heart. Every. Single, Book! This is yet another wonderfully told story, it’s heartwarming, reflective, thoughtful (I’d expect nothing less!), empathetic, there are light touches of well-placed humour*, it’s moving and very poignant, especially at the end. *There is one part of the novel at the beginning where it resembles a French farce and this is such fun! The tone changes later but then you are so glad of these moments of levity. Mike Gayle is my summer-time box of delights. I look forward to every word he writes & once had the pure joy of taking a ‘proof’ copy to Croatia with me on my annual trip!

A Song of Me and You by Mike Gayle - Fantastic Fiction A Song of Me and You by Mike Gayle - Fantastic Fiction

The Stag and Hen Weekend is the story of Phil and Helen, a couple in their thirties about to commit their lives to one another… Ben and Helen were childhood sweethearts, young and passionately in love. Before their university years, Ben and Helen went their separate ways, wanting different things in life. Ben has so many struggles, his life of a celebrity has become too much and you get a real view of his character. I enjoyed reading each of their POV and just seeing how things develop.

For Helen and Ben, so much has happened in the years between. But just to sit in the kitchen for a while and talk – that would be nice. I absolutely loved this book....one of my favourite reads of the year so far. Such an emotive book where the author brings the characters to life in such a way, the reader really is invested.

The Museum of Ordinary People: The uplifting new novel from

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

Vintage Mike Gayle! It’s 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 Song of Me and You is a wonderful story about the things that really matter in life – family, friendship and falling in love - and a poignant reminder to cherish them while we can. It’s the perfect book to celebrate Mike’s 25 years as an author and I’m sure readers will love it!’ Ruth Hogan 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. 😕 For Helen and Ben, so much has happened in the years between. But just to sit in the kitchen for a while and talk - that would be nice.