Book Review: The Godmothers

Title: THE GODMOTHERS

Author: Monica McInerney

ISBN: 9781787397071

Publisher: Welbeck Fiction Limited

Pages: 435

Source: Review copy from Jonathan Ball Publishers

‘I don’t want two wishy-washy godmothers,’ Jeannie had said that afternoon in the country hospital when Eliza was only a day old. ‘No dolls. No pink dresses. Just lots of adventures. Lots of spoiling. The pair of you like two mighty warriors protecting her at every step.’

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 anymore. 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.

Official Summary

17 November 2021

This absolutely beautiful book was sent to me by Jonathan Ball Publisher for review. The chance to read a hardcopy book is always a treat as most of my reading is eBooks. (Nothing beats the smell and feel of a new book in your hands).

The Godmothers tells a story of a young woman who had a troubled life and with the help of her two godmothers goes searching for her father and the truth about her mother’s life. This is an intriguing, uplifting read that leaves you with a smile on your face. While this book does not fall into my genre of choice, I loved reading this book. It was a refreshing change and a perfect way for me to sneak away from packing and sorting my house. (Our house move is happening two weeks today!)

Monica McInerney tells a moving story in this book. Being new to her writing I found myself quickly hooked and enjoying her stunning scenery and colourful characters. The jump between Australia, Scotland and Ireland added a great atmosphere and left me wishing I could visit these locations. I enjoyed her character’s storytelling. She brings her characters to life with quirky personalities making it an entertaining read. I have already added a copy of Those Faraday Girls to my TBR and I look forward to reading that one.

Eliza Miller grew up as an only child with a troubled young mother. However, Eliza knows how loved and wanted she is. Eliza has two godmothers who are always involved in her life, keeping an eye on her and ensuring that she is happy. When a tragic accident just before her eighteenth birthday changes her life, her godmothers are never far away.

Thirteen years later, her life is sudden drastically changed again and Eliza decides that it is time to find the truth about her family. While her godmother, Maxie and Olivia, knows all the family secrets, will they share what they know? After keeping the truth to themselves for so long, can they share it with Eliza?

This book provided the perfect escape for me. It is an uplifting, and sometimes funny read that kept me intrigued from start to finish. I eagerly abandoned what I was meant to be doing to get back to this book. I enjoyed the change from my usual crime/thriller reads making this a relaxing read.

There are some amazing characters in this book making it very hard to pick a favourite. Jeanine was a troubled young mother who loved to tell elaborate stories. Her character showed that no matter how bad life may be the most important thing a mother can provide her child is love. Jeanine showed her love for Eliza all the time leaving Eliza with a sense of security, knowing she was loved and wanted, even on the not so happy days in her life.

Eliza’s character changes through the book. You are introduced to a confident, mature little girl who understands that things are not quite right with her mother and takes it onto herself to look out for her. After a tragic accident, Eliza almost becomes submissive, putting others before herself and then as the truth infolds you are once again left amazed by her strength. The author did a fantastic job with this character.

Celine is an absolute peach. This foul-mouthed, straight-shooting old lady had me laughing as she appeared on the pages. I did find that the poor old woman was misunderstood, but her temper and demands added a lighter side to this story.

Then there is Sullivan. This curious young man appeared in Eliza life, and I never quite understood his purpose in the story. Other than a welcome distraction to the shocking truths Eliza was uncovering he seemed to be an unnecessary extra in the story. His unique personality added to the book humour however and I enjoyed his inclusion.

The Godmothers is one of my five-star reads for 2021. Reading this book during a seriously crazy time in my life was perfect. It was a much lighter read than I am used to and provided a welcome escape. Firmly cementing it on my loved list. I am eager to spend more time with this author.

If you are looking for a light, intriguing, sometimes funny read then you will love this book. I highly recommend this one as an escape read. It’s beautifully written and will not leave you disappointed.

About the Author

Author bio from Good Read

Monica McInerney is the internationally bestselling author of twelve novels including The Godmothers, The Trip of a Lifetime, Hello from the Gillespies, The House of Memories, Lola’s Secret, At Home with the Templetons, Family Baggage, The Alphabet Sisters and Those Faraday Girls (named General Fiction Book of the Year in the 2008 Australian Book Industry Awards) and a short story collection, All Together Now. Her first children’s book, Marcie Gill and the Caravan Park Cat, will be published in Australia/NZ in November 2021.

Monica, 56, grew up in a family of seven children in the Clare Valley wine region of South Australia, where her father was the railway stationmaster and her mother worked in the local library. Before becoming a full-time writer she worked in children’s television, tourism festivals, book publishing, arts marketing, the music industry and as a waitress, a hotel cleaner, a Kindergym instructor and a temp. For nearly thirty years she and her Irish husband have been moving back and forth between Australia and Ireland. They are currently in Australia.

Thank you to Jonathan Ball Publisher for this review copy. I loved this book and have already another one of Monica McInerney’s books to my TBR – I enjoyed this uplifting tale and do not doubt you will find it enjoyable too. Are you a Monica McInerney fan? Which is your favourite book? Leave a comment below and I will add it to my TBR.

Thank you for spending some time with me again, sharing my latest read always makes my day. Until next time… Happy Reading!