The Godmothers
Fiction
Welbeck Publishing
September 6, 2022
Paperback
464
Free from publisher (Bookish First)
Eliza Miller grew up in Australia as the only daughter of a troubled young mother, but with the constant support of two watchful godmothers, Olivia and Maxie. Despite her tricky childhood, she always felt loved and secure. Until, just before her eighteenth birthday, a tragic event changed her life.
Thirteen years on, Eliza is deliberately living as safely as possible, avoiding close relationships and devoting herself to her job. Out of the blue, an enticing invitation from one of her godmothers prompts a leap into the unknown.
Within a fortnight, Eliza finds herself in the middle of a complicated family in Edinburgh. There’s no such thing as an ordinary day any more. Yet, amidst the chaos, Eliza begins to blossom. She finds herself not only hopeful about the future, but ready to explore her past, including the biggest mystery of all – who is her father?
Set in Australia, Scotland, Ireland and England, THE GODMOTHERS is a great big hug of a book that will fill your heart to bursting. It is a moving and perceptive story about love, lies, hope and sorrow, about the families we are born into and the families we make for ourselves.
My review:
3.5 stars
I had read a previous book by this author (Hello From The Gillespies) and really enjoyed it, so I was excited to pick up another. I was also completely enthralled by the characters in this one! I loved the godmothers, and their willingness to take on the bereft 17 year old daughter of their best friend. Learning the backstories of not only their friendship, but that of their troubled friend (Eliza's mother) added so much to the characterization of the book. The secrets that Eliza's godmothers hold about her mother, and who her father may be, keep the plot moving and and engaging. The addition of a pint size dynamo named Sullivan made me smile every time he was present! The everyday tasks of living give the story a realness, like you are walking along in their shoes. There are some anxiety issues discussed, as well as an LGBTQ aspect, both of which I always love to see represented in a book.
Overall an immersive and interesting story about found family with a very satisfying conclusion. I'm excited to read more from this author as I've now had two winners!
