My review

I like books which have friendship, love, family, children. Then throw in a little magic, a little miracle, and it should make the book complete.

Stand by me started well, with childhood best friend, Elliot, making his appearance in Lisa’s life after 20 years when she is struggling with marriage and children. He is like a beacon of light in her moments of despair. Things begin improving in her family life. But in the present time, there is a mystery surrounding Elliot. Who or what is he??

My first book by S D Robertson, and I really tried liking this book, but I couldn’t. I wanted to feel the emotions the characters were feeling, but I couldn’t. I tried feeling the awe of supernatural, but I couldn’t. There was something missing!!

This book left me cold, took me 5 days to read, just couldn’t get into the skin of the characters. The chapters are written in the present and in the past. It goes into flashbacks to show the childhood friendship, where Lisa was Elliot’s bodyguard of sorts, protected him from getting bullied. In the present time, Elliot helps to improve her family time, in the short span of time that he has.

I wanted the book to capture me and hold me in its arms, and make me feel all warm and gooey inside. But, alas, that was not the case. It left me unaffected. There was some core element missing to draw me into its emotions.

I read it, thought about it to write the review, then forgot it. Over and done, now on to the next..

I received an ARC from NetGalley and publisher Avon Book UK, and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating : 3 stars

About the Author

Former journalist S.D. Robertson quit his role as a local newspaper editor to pursue a lifelong ambition of becoming a novelist.

Over the years Stuart has spent time in France, Holland and Australia, but home these days is back in the UK. He lives in a village near Manchester with his wife and daughter.

His first novel, TIME TO SAY GOODBYE, was a Kindle bestseller and so was his second novel, IF EVER I FALL

Book blurb

Lisa and Elliot have been best friends ever since the day they met as children. Popular, bright and sporty, Lisa was Elliot’s biggest supporter when the school bullies made his life a misery, and for that, he will always be grateful.

Twenty years later, life has pulled the pair apart and Lisa is struggling. Her marriage is floundering, her teenage kids are being secretive, and she’s so tired she can’t think straight. So when Elliot knocks on the door, looking much better than she remembers, she can’t help but be delighted to see her old friend again.

With Elliot back in their lives, Lisa’s family problems begin to improve – he’s like the fairy godmother she never had. As their bond deepens, she realises how much she’s missed him, and prays that this is one friendship that will last a lifetime. But sometimes, life has other ideas…

Product Details

Publication date : 11th January, 2018

Publisher : Avon Book UK

Language : English

Available on Amazon

Only for a few readers