What I’m reading: The School Gates by Nicola May

One of the things I’m trying to do this year is make more time for myself. That might sound easy but, with a demanding 2 and 4 year old around, I rarely get any time to myself before 7pm. So I’ve been trying to cut down on the hours spent online where I do nothing but stare at my laptop screen and spend more time sewing, reading and doing things which make me happy.

I was pleased to be asked to join the Bahlsen Book Club which basically involved receiving a new book to read each month and a couple of packs of biscuits to munch whilst I’m reading. Sounds good, right? Which is why I immediately said yes please.

Anyway, my first book arrived a few weeks ago as well as some packs of Bahlsen biscuits. I’ll admit to eating one pack of biscuits before even opening the book as my husband won’t let me eat biscuits in bed (when I’m reading) so I just ate them whilst he was at work instead! The first title was The School Gates by Nicola May. She’s already written a couple of books (Working it Out and Star Fish) although I haven’t read any of them yet.

The blurb on the back of the book is as follows: At 3.10pm every weekday, parents gather at Featherstone Primary in Denbury to collect their children. For a special few, the friendships forged at the school gates will see them through lives filled with drama, secrets and sorrows.

When Yummy Mummy Alana reveals the identity of her love-child’s father, she doesn’t expect the consequences to be quite so extreme. Ex Czech au-pair Earth Mummy Dana finds happiness in her secret sideline, but really all she longs for is another child. Slummy Mummy Mo’s wife-beating husband leads her down a path she never thought possible, and Super Mummy Joan has to cope when life deals her a devastating blow. And what of Gay Daddy Gordon? Will he be able to juggle parenthood and cope with his broken heart at the same time?

Four very different mothers. One adorable dad. And the intertwining trials and tribulations that a year at the primary school gates brings.

Given my limited time to read I found this book extremely easy to read and finished it in a couple of evenings. It’s a good read, not too many characters so you forget who’s who but enough so you can understand and empathise with them. I did recognise some characters from my own experiences at the school gates and I would recommend this book for all mum’s who want an easy read. I guess you’d categorise it as chick lit, does the term mummy lit exist? If not, why not?!