I am so happy to be involved in the blog tour for this book. The cover is absolutely gorgeous, and I was looking forward to reading a book about family, music and romance.
Blurb:
When Johnny meets Lauren in a bar in Santa Cruz, there’s an instant connection. On an American road trip with best friend Will, Johnny promises to return to the girl who has stolen his heart.
Until tragedy strikes, forcing Johnny to fly back home without ever seeing Lauren again.
Six years later, Johnny is living his life in London, even if he’s never forgotten the girl with the grey eyes and dark hair.
Until one September morning, he opens his door to find a little boy standing there – a child, Johnny quickly comes to learn, who was created that one magical night. Lauren is dying, and her last wish is to reunite five-year-old Luke with the father he doesn’t yet know.
Thrown into unexpected parenthood, Johnny finds himself navigating school-gate politics, Disney movies and tantrums, guided by the notes Lauren has written for him.
Life as an instant dad isn’t always easy, but as Johnny and Luke open their hearts to each other, Johnny is about to discover that life’s joy isn’t always where you expected it.
An emotional, feel-good read that will have you laughing while you wipe away a tear – readers of Dani Atkins, Mike Gayle and Jojo Moyes will be captivated.
My thoughts:
“Intriguing is always interesting as a place to start, as you never know where it might take you.”
This quote is taken from the book and definitely sums up how I felt during the opening pages. Johnny is on a physical journey: a road trip with his best pal Will. However, a chance encounter with Lauren makes it clear that Johnny may be about to embark on an entirely different, emotional and life changing journey…
The characters in the book are wonderful. I really felt empathy for Johnny from the beginning and thought Lauren came across really well.
There were some really upsetting and shocking twists in this book and that definitely kept me gripped and captivated. There are also some beautiful and emotional scenes that show the power of human connection.
I loved that the story skipped time frame so we were able to see into the future of Johnny’s life and what happens when Luke arrives. These scenes remind me a little of one of my favourite films, Big Daddy, in that there was some soft humour but also touching scenes and an honest exploration of the change and chaos, but also joy, that being a parent brings to your life.
Overall, this has been a beautiful, heart-warming and dramatic book that I have enjoyed from beginning to end. I loved the emotion that was packed into the ending. I would definitely recommend this book to fans of authors such as Rachel Marks and JoJo Moyes.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
*Ceri's Lil Blog* 