Tim Farrington is the author of Lizzie’s War and also The Monk Downstairs. He has also written critically acclaimed novels The California Book of the Dead and Blues for Hannah.
If you have read Tim Farrington’s previous sequel, The Monk Downstairs which became a top-ten pick on BookSense, then you should be familiar with the characters in this follow-up.
It is the wedding day of Rebecca Martin and the love of her life, Mike, who is a rather unsociable ex-monk.Mike prefers to be up at the crack of dawn and to meditate rather than to socialize with others. Yet despite this, Rebecca still holds a fond place in her heart for Mike.
However the wedding turns out to be a complete disaster and as for the honeymoon - it is no lovers paradise.
Back home Rebecca’s mother, Phoebe, is rather sick from a stroke she suffered and is fading away with each day that passes. So when Rebecca and Mike return home from their honeymoon, Mike has the perfect opportunity to do his duty in the eyes of God and look after Phoebe.
Mary Martha, Rebecca’s seven year old daughter, is now very interested in a religious upbringing and Mike jumps in again to try and spread his Godly wisdom. The bond between Mike and Mary is sweet and playful:
“Mary Martha gave him the first hint of a smile and crossed to the table. He got the kettle going, and while it heated he came back and knelt before her chair to tie her shoes.”
I think Mike is probably the kind of father figure most mothers would be pleased to have around the house. A very subdued character with a big heart.
Although you might think you need to read the first book before you start this, I found that I could understand the story and characters without doing so. It is a book that is easy to get into and very enjoyable. It’s the type of read you wish you had written yourself and one of the best of its kind.
I thought the characters were loveable and had life to them. Farrington has a poetic style to the way he writes, weaving each sentence together so beautifully.
This is the real side of what happens to relationships after the first flush of love. A novel that is hugely engaging and destined to be another hit. Read this now I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.
The above review was contributed by:Jessica Roberts:Jessica is a book reviewer for a local newspaper and has reviewed for a national women's magazine too. She has had various articles published in magazines and has now completed her novel. Jessica currently lives in West Yorkshire and enjoys walking in the dales and woodlands as part of her hobby as well as, of course, reviewing books. To read more of Jessica's reviews CLICK HERE
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