I was browsing the internet last week (as I often do), and was rather delighted to see a new post on Twitter from Jo Worgan – and it was rather good news too. I read her book Picking Up The Pieces back in November 2018, and very much enjoyed it – and Jo has now decided to republish the book herself and make it available at a rather special pre-publication price. The book will be available for kindle from 1st October, and that special pre-publication price is just 77p.
Now, I know people can sometimes – daft as it sounds – be put off by a bargain price, but this is one I’d really recommend you grab with both hands. It’s a real page-turner, very moving, a gripping story – and something really different, as Kate hopes to find some happiness while fighting for her autistic son. Do give it a try.
Let’s take a closer look…
Kate Sullivan has a new life in Muddletown. She works at the local newspaper office and has a funny and energetic six-year old autistic son, Sam. She thinks that she has left her past behind, but her world is turned upside down when her abusive ex-partner unexpectedly finds out where she lives.
Matt Harper is hoping for a brighter future after his messy divorce. He believes that Muddletown will offer him peace, tranquillity and a simple life. But a single mum and her young son could change all of that.
Two lost souls. One little boy. Love always finds a way…
And let me share my review just one more time…
I’m not a mother, and sometimes can find it difficult to identify with such fierce love and the drive to protect your child – but this book was such a powerfully drawn portrait of the relationship between a mother and her autistic child that it really couldn’t fail to move any reader.
The realities of living with autism were just perfectly recreated – particularly those unalterable routines and rituals that make life sustainable, with the moments of sheer joy illuminating a way of life that at other times seems quite unbearable. The perceptions of others too are exceptionally well handled – ill-founded observations about rudeness, the need for greater discipline, with no perception that disruption of what the child views as “normal” can have such an immense impact.
This book is, in part, a romance – and a strong and believable one. Matt, who moves in next door, is escaping a failed marriage – and I liked very much the insights into his life and feelings. His relationship with young Sam is well done too – and the fact that they are comfortable with each other gives you confidence that Matt is one of the good guys, even if he’s rather less able to manage his adult relationships. And there’s also a thriller element, as Jake – a chillingly drawn manipulator – tracks down Kate and Sam, with an uncertain agenda and a real threat to their new lives.
It’s so well written – particularly the relationship between Kate and Sam – and I did like the way supporting characters were introduced, with their own sub-plots and relationships. The whole story was one of love, hope, and new beginnings for everyone involved, and I very much enjoyed it.
About the author
Jo Worgan is a freelance copywriter, columnist and book blogger. She has published 4 non-fiction works aimed at parenting children on the Autistic spectrum, based upon her experiences as a mother of an autistic son. Writing is what she truly loves, and Picking up the Pieces is her second novel following her first, An Unextraordinary Life. Today Jo lives in Lancashire with her husband and their two young sons. When she is not busy writing, she likes to take her boys to the local museums, cafes, cinema, the Lake District and lots of playgrounds. Jo also writes really excellent book reviews on her blog, Brew and Books Review – although the demands of home schooling have made that a little difficult in recent months.
Find Jo through her book blog Brew and Books Review, or follow her on Twitter.
Great endorsement and one I’ll add to my TBR!
Sounds wonderful.