Today is my stop on the blog tour for Until Next Weekend by Rachel Marks. I went into this novel expecting it to be light-hearted and cutesie, and whilst it does have those moments there are also deeper underlying themes that give it a touch of magic.
I was kindly gifted this book by the lovely team at Michael J Books, and without further ado, here are my thoughts...
The Review
Kate and Noah were happily married, childhood sweethearts, but not even the common bond of having two sons could fix the issues in their marriage. Since the separation, Noah is a primary school teacher and weekend dad and misses the interaction with his children on the day-to-day. However, there's a tiny snag - Kate is re-marrying in 6 weeks time, and Noah wants to win her back, and resume the family life he was used to. He has his flaws though, and often cancels plans, disappoints his children and often drinks himself into a stupor, so to win Kate back he has to tackle these demons and also the difficult behaviour of children in his class.
This is an incredibly perceptive, heartwarming and at times emotionally charged story. Noah's attempt at tackling his issues alongside new friend Mimi, whilst isn't the smoothest, does feel realistic. At times the story is hopeful, at others humorous or emotional. It's a blend of light-hearted and sombre moments, with a flawed yet likeable protagonist, and a sprinkle of delight in the form of Noah and Kate's children. It's like delving into an ice cream sundae where you uncover more and more with each morsel of this eclectic but charming narrative. The cover of the book may lead you to think it's a warm summer chick-lit, but really it's like a knickerbocker glory of layers and elements that form something deeper and more meaningful.
I've not read many stories from the male perspective of a divorced couple, so it was both insightful and emotional to see Noah attempt to tackle his demons, but also to see the adjustment of a family to a new normal. Also, there's no more fitting time than Mental Health Awareness Week to mention the more difficult and challenging themes the story looks at including alcoholism, childhood trauma, neglect, bereavement and depression. It cleverly looks at the way ill-treatment in Noah's childhood and the way this affects his own parenting style. We are shown his approach in tackling this issue and aiming to better himself and the way he brings up his children. It's accessible, sensitive and beautifully unexpected.
Ultimately I'd give this one ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, it's out now if you'd like to get your hands on a copy too - and if so, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Kisses,
Chlo x
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