S. D. Robertson – Steph's Book Blog

About The Book

For a decade, Hannah’s life has been pretty close to perfect – she has a great job, she’s married to Mark, and her child-free existence means she’s free as a bird. The only sadness in her life is a fall-out with her sister Diane, who hasn’t spoken to her in over ten years. But now Diane is on her doorstep – and this time, she’s got her teenage daughter Mia in tow.

When Diane asks if Mia can stay with Hannah and Mark for a few days, Hannah is glad of the chance to get to know her niece. But as the days turn into weeks and Diane doesn’t return, Hannah begins to worry. Why hasn’t her sister been in touch?

Diane is carrying a devastating secret that will destroy Hannah’s carefully constructed life. But how much is she willing to reveal – and when will she pick her moment?

An emotional story that delves into the true meaning of family, sisterhood and secrets. Perfect for fans of Kerry Fisher and Adele Parks.

My Review

With thanks to the publisher for the copy received. Hannah and Mark have a happy but childless marriage when Diane, Hannah’s estranged sister turns up on the doorstep asking them to look after Mia, their niece, for a short time. She doesn’t explain why, only that she has something to take care of. But Diane isn’t being entirely honest and you know that her actions are going to have a devastating affect on the family.

The author does a convincing job of creating three voices, I could appreciate Hannah’s attempts to make Mia more comfortable and not let her annoyance with Diane dominate, Mark’s guilt over the past, and Mia’s confusion over her mother leaving her with relatives she couldn’t remember.

The story takes place in Manchester, I always enjoy reading a novel about somewhere I know so could appreciate the references to the Central Library, the museums and the parks. I enjoyed seeing Hannah start on her second novel, whilst enjoying the build up to the publication of her first.

But most of all I enjoyed reading about how the relationship between Hannah and Diane turned sour and how Hannah, despite everything, managed to make life more bearable for Mia.

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Today I am delighted to share with you an extract from Stand by Me by S. D Robertson. It is a book that I am looking forward to reading soon.

About the Book

They’ll always have each other…won’t they?
Lisa and Elliot have been best friends ever since the day they met as children. Popular, bright and sporty, Lisa was Elliot’s biggest supporter when the school bullies made his life a misery, and for that, he will always be grateful.
Twenty years later, life has pulled the pair apart and Lisa is struggling. Her marriage is floundering, her teenage kids are being secretive, and she’s so tired she can’t think straight. So when Elliot knocks on the door, looking much better than she remembers, she can’t help but be delighted to see her old friend again.
With Elliot back in their lives, Lisa’s family problems begin to improve – he’s like the fairy godmother she never had. As their bond deepens, she realises how much she’s missed him, and prays that this is one friendship that will last a lifetime. But sometimes, life has other ideas…
A heartwarming story perfect for fans of Keith Stewart and Jojo Moyes, that will leave you with a tear in your eye but hope in your heart.

Extract

Chapter 10

She remained at the door, shaking her head and smiling, watching her old friend walk down the pavement into the distance and thinking how wonderful it was to see him again. If someone had told her a week ago that this was going to happen, she wouldn’t have believed them. So much time had passed since they’d last seen each other that she’d given up on it ever happening.

Lisa had been heartbroken when he’d emigrated. Before that she’d always imagined that they would be lifelong friends; that they would visit each other at their respective universities and regularly meet up after graduating, even if they didn’t live in the same place. She’d hoped that as adults they’d get on with each other’s partners, be like honorary aunts and uncles to their respective kids, maybe even take their families on holiday together. It had never occurred to her that Elliot would be drawn to the other side of the world, forcing their lives apart.

And even after he’d left for Australia, Lisa had persuaded herself that he wouldn’t be gone long: that the pull of home would bring him back before she knew it. This had been her way of dealing with the loss, essentially by burying her head in the sand, although as the years passed and he didn’t return, she had no choice but to accept the truth.