Second Chances series – serie

A satirical, warm-hearted romantic comedy about a marriage that implodes after twenty-three contented years, and the chaos of two people trying to find their way back. Humourous British fiction bursting with home truths about midlife, family and forgiveness.Twenty-Three Years of Marriage. One Unexplained Exit.Liz has no idea why she walked out on Hugh. Is she having a midlife crisis? Should he be having one too? Oh dear. Marriage. Just when you think life is sorted.When Liz flees their comfortable family home in Cambridge after twenty-three years of contented marriage, a baffled Hugh is left to figure out why his wife has abandoned him.A succession of twists and turns keeps getting in the way of the normality the couple increasingly crave, as their children, parents and friends discover that immaturity isn't solely the preserve of the young.Mid-life follies is a standalone novel in the Second Chances series, a satirical novel about the fragility of even the most robust relationships, for readers who love marriage-in-crisis comedy, home truths, and humour shot through with compassion. Perfect for fans of Marian Keyes, Mhairi McFarlane and Sophie Kinsella.“A tale of self-doubt, adultery and forgiveness shot through with humour and compassion. A most enjoyable read.” David Lister, The Independent“Warm, witty, poignant…characters that stay with you.” June Flath, author of A Secret Affair and Lost and Found“An insightful and enjoyable novel about relationships and life’s changes. Lovely!” EmmabBooks“Modern life is captured in a completely recognizable way, the style is accessible, vivid and entertaining. Best bit of fiction I've read on this theme.”“Laugh out loud funny and completely moving at the same time.”

A tender, humourous novel about a man whose life bottoms out spectacularly, and the two forthright women determined to drag him towards a fresh start. Uplifting, character-driven British fiction with warmth, realism and a wry smile.One Man in Need of an Overhaul. Two Women Determined to Deliver It.Neville Watkin's life is so dismal that surely things can't get any worse. Yes, they can: his wife leaves him, he loses his job, he has a car crash and ends up in hospital.Feisty Laura, the other party in the car crash, befriends him and sets out to turn his life upside down. For reasons he struggles to understand, Caroline, her equally feisty mother, seems to like him. Rather a lot.All in all, things are looking up. But is Neville courageous enough to seize these new opportunities?Nothing Man is a standalone novel in the Second Chances series, a tender and humorous quest for a fresh start, for readers who love underdog heroes, later-life romance, and humour wrapped around real emotion. Perfect for fans of Nick Hornby, Beth O'Leary and Marian Keyes.“More than a feel good read, it’s a feel great read.”“Interesting, funny, sad and so very enjoyable.”“A wonderful observation of life that’s uplifting, humorous and realistic.”“There is a wonderful realism and humanity to the book.”“Utterly refreshing throughout.”“Addictive, well written and full of memorable characters.”“A book that leaves you with a smile on your face.”“An absolute gem told with the perfect amount of humour and emotion.”“A completely unique funny, heartwarming contemporary novel.”

A witty, poignant novel that follows one couple from love at first sight at university through career catastrophe and a marriage on the rocks. Real-life British romance about what happens after happily-ever-after falls apart.They Had It All. Then Came the Hill.There's passing amusement when they discover that their names match those of the nursery rhyme, but any connection with the children's story is long forgotten as their relationship takes off.With their student days over, life couldn't be better: successful careers, a dream home, and top of the list, a marriage made in heaven.Then it starts to go wrong. Very wrong. The nursery rhyme plot is mirrored in reality as Jack falls from grace, his stellar career at the investment bank diving as quickly as it'd soared, and Jill tumbles from her promising teaching career with one crazy act that leaves her reputation at school in tatters.Saddest of all, their marriage is on the rocks. Once they were so close; now they're so distant. Is a second chance possible?Jack and Jill went downhill is a standalone novel in the Second Chances series, a witty, poignant story about love and second chances, for readers who love true-to-life love stories, marriages tested by failure, and humour that lightens the darker moments. Perfect for fans of David Nicholls, Mhairi McFarlane and Beth O'Leary.“It's not a fairy tale – it’s probably the closest to a real life experience I've ever read.”“A fun, uplifting novel.” David Lister, The Independent“I adored everything about it. An absolutely brilliant true to life romance novel.”“What a refreshing read. A true love story but with a twist.”“Recommended to those with a heart and feelings.”“The characters are real and believable and there is humour to lighten the darker moments.”

Three friends whose university bond was shattered by tragedy meet again after fifty years of silence for one weekend reunion. Reflective, warm-hearted contemporary fiction about ageing, regret and whether an old wound can still be mended.Sandy is about to retire following an illustrious career as editor of an upmarket fashion magazine. Michael can't retire; he thinks his work explaining the dangers of climate change is far too important. Jonathan would like to retire from running his fundraising consultancy, but a family crisis is getting in the way.These three were the best of friends at university before a tragedy wrecked their friendship. That was fifty years ago, and they haven't spoken since.Sandy urges the other two to join her for a weekend reunion. Together they reminisce about their student days, a wild era with its heady mix of free love, drugs and ground-breaking music. They share their life journeys since the Swinging Sixties: the successes and failures, the happiness and despair, their optimism and fears for the future.The reunion is drawing to a close. Dare they tackle the incident that tore them apart, the event that's carried guilt for so many years? If they're to have any chance of reconciliation, they have to. And their time together is nearly up.Then and now is a standalone novel in the Second Chances series, a tale of love, loss and the chance to put things right, for readers who love reunion stories, sixties nostalgia, and friendships given one last chance. Perfect for fans of David Nicholls, Anne Tyler and Maggie O'Farrell.‘I didn’t just ‘enjoy’ this book. I rapidly became mesmerised by it, lost in it, consumed to the extent that I couldn’t put it down and had to stay up all night to finish inhabiting this timeless take on life, love, risks, wins and losses.’What book review bloggers are writing about the novel:“A gorgeous ray of sunshine of a book. I can’t put into words how much I love this author’s style of writing. The characters truly feel like people you know and their stories are very real but also captivating.” Wrong side of forty‘Loved it all. Enjoyed it. Devoured it. Recommended.’ Between the Pages Book ClubFull of humanity and gentle humour – another wonderful and thought-provoking read from R J Gould.’ Ceri’s Lil BlogA poignant and life affirming read – I absolutely love this author’s books and writing style.’ Rachael, NetGalley reviewer‘Fiction at its best with the characters in the story living on in the reader’s thoughts after the book is read.’ Reading High Reviews‘An amazing book with lives examined, the past slowly revealed, and most of all, the truth told.’ NetGalley reviewer‘I was gripped by this emotional and true to life story.’ Beyond the BooksA fantastic read – a book that really pulls on the heartstrings.’ TBHonest‘I loved Then and now. I was utterly hooked and thought the characters were brilliantly written. A great and superbly written, almost life affirming read.’ Niki, Professional Book Reviewer