In times like this, when you feel like you are just trudging along, it is good to let your emotions out. This next book will certainly help with that.
Goodreads Blurb
The Single Dad’s Handbook by Lynsey James
It’s been two years since cancer stole Evan Harper’s wife, Claire, from their lives. Although Evan’s doing everything he can to be Super Dad for his five year old, Violet, he can’t seem to get anything right. So he turns to the one person who gives the best advice – Claire herself.
Before she died she wrote him a book of letters to see him through the ups and downs of raising their daughter and her words soon help him see that there is life after loss – and maybe even a second shot at love – when you find the courage to start living again…
Review
I know this sounds like a highly-depressing book but, believe me, it’s not. I can’t say that it won’t bring a tear to your eye in places but ultimately, this is an uplifting story. While many of us (thankfully) haven’t lost a partner to cancer, we may have lost someone, or maybe a different event has occurred that has left you feeling down and out. Whatever the event, you will relate to how hard it can be to move on, what it is like to have lost sight of yourself and feel like you are failing. At the same time, The Single Dad’s Handbook will also help you remember that there is light at the end of the tunnel and it is possible to pull through anything.
As you can imagine from a book like this, all the characters are pretty likable. For me, it was a rare occurrence to have a male lead that wasn’t a serial killer or a detective. I thought it was great how the author presented us with such a vulnerable man; you don’t get that half as often enough. I also had a soft spot for Violet who brought most of the comedic elements to the story.
This is not normally the kind of book I go for but I really enjoyed it. It was uplifting and beautiful, it made me laugh and it made me cry. And, most importantly, it gave me hope that we can get through anything.
Sounds like something you would enjoy? Pick up your copy of The Single Dad’s Handbook here.
Joyful Antidotes 