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The School Gates
At 3.10 pm every weekday, parents gather at Featherstone Primary 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 side-line, but really all she longs for is another child. Slummy Mummy Brenda’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.
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 side-line, but really all she longs for is another child. Slummy Mummy Brenda’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.
301 pages, Paperback
First published September 3, 2012
99 people are currently reading
399 people want to read
About the author
Nicola May
30 books600 followersHello, I'm Nicola May, author of 18 romantic comedy novels.
I look forward to sharing all my heartfelt and fun books with you.
For further information on me, my books and to read reviews please do go to www.nicolamay.com.
Happy Reading!
I look forward to sharing all my heartfelt and fun books with you.
For further information on me, my books and to read reviews please do go to www.nicolamay.com.
Happy Reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
February 21, 2021
A great story. All these different Mummy’s with different stories to tell, different lives. Problems, emotions, and turmoil.
And one gay Dad.
These yummy mummy’s hold nothing back, there’s some very heated moment between the sheets.
I liked the narrator apart from the little girls voice she used, grated on me at times as it came across quite pathetic in sound.
Not the best narrator I’ve experienced but doable.
There is lots going on within the pages of this book that will definitely keep your attention.
It’s a very good entertaining read with lots to make you think about.
There are traumas, marriage problems, abuse , cheating and secrets and lies.
Mummy’s at the school gate and friendship.
And one gay Dad.
These yummy mummy’s hold nothing back, there’s some very heated moment between the sheets.
I liked the narrator apart from the little girls voice she used, grated on me at times as it came across quite pathetic in sound.
Not the best narrator I’ve experienced but doable.
There is lots going on within the pages of this book that will definitely keep your attention.
It’s a very good entertaining read with lots to make you think about.
There are traumas, marriage problems, abuse , cheating and secrets and lies.
Mummy’s at the school gate and friendship.
July 21, 2019
My heart goes out to the author who wrote most of The School Gates while recovering from a hysterectomy. We are brought together by a group of mothers and fathers and children from all walks of life.
Let me introduce to you to Eliska's Mum, Alana Murray who reveals the identity of her love-child's father, but she isn't prepared for the consequences. Alana, needs Eliska to get ready for school as she has an important meeting to attend to in her sporty Mercedes.
Meet the Brown Brood's Mum, Joan Brown with seven-year-old Clark and nine-year-old Kent, and Cissy in her high chair, but why is her husband Collin a silly old sod?
We enter Rosie's Mum, Mo Collins life and for the love of God he smokes in the house, swears and drinks cans of lager. Six-year-old Rosie shakes with fear from her daddy.
Then there is six-year-old Tommy's Mum, Dana Knight with her 4x4 on the drive. Mark Knight insisted on the recommendation of a Top Wheels television presenter that this was the car to be seen in.
The Twin's Lily and Lola lived in a modern three-bedroom flat with their Daddy, Gordon Summers, and confusion for Lola where id Daddy Chris?
April 11, 2014
Really not good at all - how on earth this book has got such good reviews is quite beyond me.
The only reason it's got two stars from me rather than one is that I did at least finish it - but only because I was on a long, boring train journey.
Amateurish writing, far too many characters, unbelievable plot, dreadful ad-hoc (and quite hardcore) sexual references, flimsy storyline - need I go on?
I felt embarrassed for the author, to be honest. Just awful.
The only reason it's got two stars from me rather than one is that I did at least finish it - but only because I was on a long, boring train journey.
Amateurish writing, far too many characters, unbelievable plot, dreadful ad-hoc (and quite hardcore) sexual references, flimsy storyline - need I go on?
I felt embarrassed for the author, to be honest. Just awful.
December 8, 2012
Firstly I’d like to thank Nicola May for sending me this paperback to read and give an honest review, I enjoyed her previous books and with this being her latest book I was really looking forward to it.
I had a feeling that I would easily be able to relate to this story because I seem to spend half my life stood at the school gates myself! I was right but not in the way that I had expected – there was something from each family that made me nod my head in recognition of my own life. I also found myself comparing characters to the parents from our school and now I have to try to keep a straight face whenever I see them in the playground .
Meeting each of the families at the beginning was enjoyable and because it had been written in a comfortable way I felt like I was part of it all too. I have to admit that it was difficult to read about Mo’s abusive husband but it was certainly necessary to gain the full picture of the character and her surroundings. Once the introductions had been made, the rest of the book was broken up into school terms, I really liked this because it was so real to life (my whole world revolves around school terms) and made it more familiar for me.
In my opinion the whole book really captured the essence of family life, I felt like I had been on an emotional rollercoaster ride – one minute I was smiling and laughing and the next I was feeling desperately sad. There were twists and turns aplenty, a few of which had me gasping out loud in shock!
Something that this book highlighted for me was how people can put on a front, you never know what goes on in their personal lives or what has happened in their past, so I think it gives the message that you should never judge a book by its cover (a very appropriate message for a book blog I think ).
The ending was completely unexpected and I’m hoping that the author is planning to take this further with another book because I really want to know what the future holds for all the characters!
This was a fun story with a serious and emotional edge, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I had a feeling that I would easily be able to relate to this story because I seem to spend half my life stood at the school gates myself! I was right but not in the way that I had expected – there was something from each family that made me nod my head in recognition of my own life. I also found myself comparing characters to the parents from our school and now I have to try to keep a straight face whenever I see them in the playground .
Meeting each of the families at the beginning was enjoyable and because it had been written in a comfortable way I felt like I was part of it all too. I have to admit that it was difficult to read about Mo’s abusive husband but it was certainly necessary to gain the full picture of the character and her surroundings. Once the introductions had been made, the rest of the book was broken up into school terms, I really liked this because it was so real to life (my whole world revolves around school terms) and made it more familiar for me.
In my opinion the whole book really captured the essence of family life, I felt like I had been on an emotional rollercoaster ride – one minute I was smiling and laughing and the next I was feeling desperately sad. There were twists and turns aplenty, a few of which had me gasping out loud in shock!
Something that this book highlighted for me was how people can put on a front, you never know what goes on in their personal lives or what has happened in their past, so I think it gives the message that you should never judge a book by its cover (a very appropriate message for a book blog I think ).
The ending was completely unexpected and I’m hoping that the author is planning to take this further with another book because I really want to know what the future holds for all the characters!
This was a fun story with a serious and emotional edge, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
January 1, 2013
I was really looking forward to this book, not just because I am a teacher who stands welcoming parents at the school gate every morning! This author hooks the reader into the story straight away, introducing each of the families featured in the book, as if each family is a character in itself, I really enjoyed the opening and felt immersed in what was going on in the story right from the word go. It was fabulous as well because each of the families was a completely different unit, realistically representing each of the families that meet at school gates all over the country every morning, Nicola May did really well to portray this so realistically!
The setting of the school was also completely realistic, based on a real school that made me quite jealous, it sounded so lovely. I'm not normally a massive fan of novels that aren't set in big cities, but I found this setting really easy to picture as the community as a whole was described really well. Once I had been hooked in by the initial character introductions, the novel carried on being a total page turner! The characters' stories were relatable but there were so many twists and turns I found myself gasping out loud! I laughed at parts, especially some of the school commits parts that I could totally recognise, but I shed a few tears too. Parts of every day life are dealt with that might make the reader uncomfortable, but they do happen every day to people like this and so I completely understand them being included in the book!
This was a fabulous,y easy read that has a bit of everything in, a bit like a really meaty soap opera with a bit of extra feeling behind it. I would love to find out what happens next to some of the characters as they move on, perhaps the teacher featured in the book could have a story of his own to tell? Whether you experience The School Gates on a daily basis or not, I think you will find something to enjoy within the pages of this book!
The setting of the school was also completely realistic, based on a real school that made me quite jealous, it sounded so lovely. I'm not normally a massive fan of novels that aren't set in big cities, but I found this setting really easy to picture as the community as a whole was described really well. Once I had been hooked in by the initial character introductions, the novel carried on being a total page turner! The characters' stories were relatable but there were so many twists and turns I found myself gasping out loud! I laughed at parts, especially some of the school commits parts that I could totally recognise, but I shed a few tears too. Parts of every day life are dealt with that might make the reader uncomfortable, but they do happen every day to people like this and so I completely understand them being included in the book!
This was a fabulous,y easy read that has a bit of everything in, a bit like a really meaty soap opera with a bit of extra feeling behind it. I would love to find out what happens next to some of the characters as they move on, perhaps the teacher featured in the book could have a story of his own to tell? Whether you experience The School Gates on a daily basis or not, I think you will find something to enjoy within the pages of this book!
January 18, 2013
This is an exciting story of five families and how they cope with the worriment of violent marriages, secrets, tragedy and cheating. Their lives aren’t connected until they reach the school gates, with smiles and charm plastered on their faces so that no one really knows what’s going on behind closed doors. But – as things start to get too much – cracks appear, friendships are formed and the secrets come out! I absolutely loved this book; it’s engaging, juicy and fun but also deals with some really distressing issues very carefully and poignantly.
The characters are fab – every single one of them – and May’s written the book in such a way that you don’t get confused; rather than having a whole chapter solely involving one character, she flits for person to person to keeps you ‘in the loop’ without jeopardising a fluent story line.
I have to say I was very glad Dana got her comeuppance, it could have easily gone the other way as I’d predicted (In this instance – loved being wrong) and it would have just been too sickly and convenient. Gordon is another especially great character, I don’t want to give anything away but after all the troubles he’s faced he’s still upbeat, charming and still manages to have the girls’ best interests at heart; I thought his character gave the story just that extra edge.
I will definitely be begging the boss to be allowed to go back and read May’s previous books, as if this is one is anything to go by they will be well worth reading.
Review by Francesca Verbeeten on behalf of BestChickLit.com
The characters are fab – every single one of them – and May’s written the book in such a way that you don’t get confused; rather than having a whole chapter solely involving one character, she flits for person to person to keeps you ‘in the loop’ without jeopardising a fluent story line.
I have to say I was very glad Dana got her comeuppance, it could have easily gone the other way as I’d predicted (In this instance – loved being wrong) and it would have just been too sickly and convenient. Gordon is another especially great character, I don’t want to give anything away but after all the troubles he’s faced he’s still upbeat, charming and still manages to have the girls’ best interests at heart; I thought his character gave the story just that extra edge.
I will definitely be begging the boss to be allowed to go back and read May’s previous books, as if this is one is anything to go by they will be well worth reading.
Review by Francesca Verbeeten on behalf of BestChickLit.com
October 28, 2012
absolutely loved this book :)
March 15, 2021
Comedy drama about relationships and parenting
I borrowed ‘The School Gates’ by Nicola May from Kindle Unlimited. Added to this I received a review copy from W.F. Howes QUEST via NetGalley of its unabridged audiobook edition. It was narrated by Penny Scott Andrews and has a running time of 7 hours, 15 minutes at 1x speed.
This is a comedy drama following the lives of parents that gather every weekday to collect their children from Featherstone Primary in Denbury. A few friendships are forged at the school gates and the novel follows their lives through a school year filled with drama, secrets and sorrows.
Although not really the kind of novel that I am usually drawn to, I found this fairly interesting in a ‘Love Actually’ type of way with multiple interwoven stories and characters. However, I was a bit perplexed by how May chose to end the novel.
I recently listened to another of May’s books also with Penny Scott Andrews as its narrator. Again, felt that while she did well in voicing the novel’s wide number of characters, her use of high pitched, cutesy voices for adult women just felt incongruous to me. However, it was certainly okay for the actual little children in the story.
Overall, a fairly entertaining tale of relationships and parenting. Its episodic nature made it an easy listen on audio.
I borrowed ‘The School Gates’ by Nicola May from Kindle Unlimited. Added to this I received a review copy from W.F. Howes QUEST via NetGalley of its unabridged audiobook edition. It was narrated by Penny Scott Andrews and has a running time of 7 hours, 15 minutes at 1x speed.
This is a comedy drama following the lives of parents that gather every weekday to collect their children from Featherstone Primary in Denbury. A few friendships are forged at the school gates and the novel follows their lives through a school year filled with drama, secrets and sorrows.
Although not really the kind of novel that I am usually drawn to, I found this fairly interesting in a ‘Love Actually’ type of way with multiple interwoven stories and characters. However, I was a bit perplexed by how May chose to end the novel.
I recently listened to another of May’s books also with Penny Scott Andrews as its narrator. Again, felt that while she did well in voicing the novel’s wide number of characters, her use of high pitched, cutesy voices for adult women just felt incongruous to me. However, it was certainly okay for the actual little children in the story.
Overall, a fairly entertaining tale of relationships and parenting. Its episodic nature made it an easy listen on audio.
April 25, 2022
We are introduced to quite a few characters of which the connection is their children all go to the same school. They all live quite different lifestyles with Dana and Alana having wealth on their side where as for Mo she has to watch the pennies. Daddy Gordon is both a mum and dad to twins of which I loved the parts that featured him as they were never dull!
All four characters are facing various issues in their personal lives. Whilst overall it is a light-hearted read, it very much focuses on relationships. It was interesting to see each character and how their relationships changed throughout the story. With Mo, not only are things changing with her husband, we also get to see a lot of her and her best friend and whilst I loved, I did find myself questioning some of her actions.
The School Gates was a fun and entertaining read that made me quite happy that my own life is relatively boring compared to what the characters get up to in this book. It felt a bit like catching up with friends and having a good gossip! The stork flicks between each of the characters and they had me that hooked that before I realised it, I was already halfway through. The second half went quickly as well and I felt a bit deflated when I got to the end as I had so enjoyed these characters and didn’t want to say goodbye. An engrossing page turner!
All four characters are facing various issues in their personal lives. Whilst overall it is a light-hearted read, it very much focuses on relationships. It was interesting to see each character and how their relationships changed throughout the story. With Mo, not only are things changing with her husband, we also get to see a lot of her and her best friend and whilst I loved, I did find myself questioning some of her actions.
The School Gates was a fun and entertaining read that made me quite happy that my own life is relatively boring compared to what the characters get up to in this book. It felt a bit like catching up with friends and having a good gossip! The stork flicks between each of the characters and they had me that hooked that before I realised it, I was already halfway through. The second half went quickly as well and I felt a bit deflated when I got to the end as I had so enjoyed these characters and didn’t want to say goodbye. An engrossing page turner!
February 12, 2020
Light hearted read to start with and had great potential but didn't get too invested in the characters in the end because there were too many of them and some of the story plots were just ridiculous. Writing style was irritating jumping from one character to another within a couple of sentences and the children seemed to be simply inconvenient extras towards the end of the book. I don't quite understand why the author concluded the book as she did, overall the ending felt it had been rushed and as the reader, I felt totally deflated by the ending 'twist' and it just wasn't a nice way to end the story I thought. Not a book I would recommend I'm afraid.
January 10, 2022
Feeling a bit mixed about this book really. On one hand it’s a lively, fast paced concoction of interrelated lives which kind of bounces off the page. On the other hand it’s a far fetched rather depressing mix of infidelity and depression, all set to a background of a bunch of happy go lucky kids that I really feel for. Plus the ending is so disappointing… just don’t do it Joan 😢 Can see its a good read for parents of primary children who want a laugh over other peoples misfortunes… which to be honest we could all do with from time to time. Taken in jest it’s readable and I’m sure that is what the author intended.
June 6, 2019
It’s sort of a Love Actually type of storyline, with many smaller storylines all connected via the school their children attend.
For me there were too many characters and storylines, with even snippets of mini storylines within another - like the Vicar’s bit - that seemed completely pointless and didn’t really add anything to the book. And some very strange behaviours too.
For me there were too many characters and storylines, with even snippets of mini storylines within another - like the Vicar’s bit - that seemed completely pointless and didn’t really add anything to the book. And some very strange behaviours too.
February 26, 2023
2.5 meh. Found some of the characters terribly annoying but listened to the whole book while doing chores (If I hadn't been busy doing other things I think this would have fallen in the DNF pile of bools). Not sure I liked the narrator either - which probably coloured my view of the book. It seemed like such an annoying dysfunctional group of adults .
March 3, 2022
Loved the way this book was centred around the parents collecting their charges from the school gates. The characters were all very different and the interaction between them all was probably a fair reflection on reality. Fast paced and moved from character to character easily.
A great read.
A great read.
February 13, 2019
Absolutely loved it
It's a must read. This is the second book I've read by this author and will be downloading another. Enjoy 😊
It's a must read. This is the second book I've read by this author and will be downloading another. Enjoy 😊
April 5, 2019
Good read
April 20, 2019
This was readable but not her best!
July 5, 2020
Great read
It was a really great story really felt for the families
Could read it all over again a real feel good story.
It was a really great story really felt for the families
Could read it all over again a real feel good story.
January 10, 2022
Great book
Really enjoyed this book.loved all the convincing characters and the storylines.would love it if there was a follow up book.10/10
Really enjoyed this book.loved all the convincing characters and the storylines.would love it if there was a follow up book.10/10
February 26, 2023
honestly one of the worst books I’ve read
Awful spelling mistakes,
Jumps from one character to the next without warning,
No character development,
AWFUL ending.
Please don’t bother!
Awful spelling mistakes,
Jumps from one character to the next without warning,
No character development,
AWFUL ending.
Please don’t bother!
February 10, 2024
Such a fun book
May 28, 2025
The School Gates
Thoroughly enjoyed this book as I have all her other books I have read so far looking forward to her next book thoroughly recommend 😃
Thoroughly enjoyed this book as I have all her other books I have read so far looking forward to her next book thoroughly recommend 😃
Read
September 2, 2025I have read most of her books some are better than others. She is a queen of Rom Coms.
May 15, 2016
LIA MACK OPENS THE SCHOOL GATES WITH A WINNING ROMANCE
The School Gates, Mary E. Latela
Lia Mack sent me a copy of the School Gates, and I’ve just finished reading, my mind swirling around the complexity of intimate relationships and parenthood, as well as the silly moments threaded throughout. At first, I was going to map the characters, but I soon realized that this cast of characters is like life itself: complicated, unpredictable, emotional, hopeful, and in a way lumped together simply because they use the same daycare. Good people make the same mistakes over and over, but within this “community” some pockets of true love come through. And they are lovely,
Some of the characters just enjoy “coupling” with or without strings attached. Gay, straight, questioning - each seeks to find his/her place in the world within a loving family. One woman’s absolute determination to have a child is heart-breaking because she can’t explain why, and the “right” guy does not come along. She trusts her husband, who seems to be trying so hard, until she learns that he has more than one other attachment. Surviving, no, thriving because the picture is not perfect – is the name of the game.
What about love? Perhaps love is just too hard to determine, and love hurts two much when it goes wrong, but Lia Mack presses the reader to examine what forces are keeping her in a relationship that is toxic, or always choosing the wrong mate. Toss in an obnoxious mother (you only need one in a book like this) and you see quite clearly that nothing is simple, that older parents can act like teens and little children sometimes have the wisest take on reality. The feeling that kids do not come first in a family, bus somewhere down the line is sad, but another phenomenon to observe and avoid.
Lia Mack deftly includes the selfish people, alcoholics unwilling to give anything to the family, abusers who use violence and manipulation to keep a spouse hanging on. For some it is easier not to fight, but to cry, drink, or perhaps meet a friend who understands.
I truly enjoy Lia’s breezy, lively perspective, which nudges the reader to think about life's big questions. There are so many possibilities for people who want children, who are victims of abuse, who are too tired to care, or who are willing to settle for crumbs that I come away wondering what would happen if people thought – plain and simply – about what relationships require and what parenting must involve.
Superb mélange – looking for more from this excellent author!
The School Gates, Mary E. Latela
Lia Mack sent me a copy of the School Gates, and I’ve just finished reading, my mind swirling around the complexity of intimate relationships and parenthood, as well as the silly moments threaded throughout. At first, I was going to map the characters, but I soon realized that this cast of characters is like life itself: complicated, unpredictable, emotional, hopeful, and in a way lumped together simply because they use the same daycare. Good people make the same mistakes over and over, but within this “community” some pockets of true love come through. And they are lovely,
Some of the characters just enjoy “coupling” with or without strings attached. Gay, straight, questioning - each seeks to find his/her place in the world within a loving family. One woman’s absolute determination to have a child is heart-breaking because she can’t explain why, and the “right” guy does not come along. She trusts her husband, who seems to be trying so hard, until she learns that he has more than one other attachment. Surviving, no, thriving because the picture is not perfect – is the name of the game.
What about love? Perhaps love is just too hard to determine, and love hurts two much when it goes wrong, but Lia Mack presses the reader to examine what forces are keeping her in a relationship that is toxic, or always choosing the wrong mate. Toss in an obnoxious mother (you only need one in a book like this) and you see quite clearly that nothing is simple, that older parents can act like teens and little children sometimes have the wisest take on reality. The feeling that kids do not come first in a family, bus somewhere down the line is sad, but another phenomenon to observe and avoid.
Lia Mack deftly includes the selfish people, alcoholics unwilling to give anything to the family, abusers who use violence and manipulation to keep a spouse hanging on. For some it is easier not to fight, but to cry, drink, or perhaps meet a friend who understands.
I truly enjoy Lia’s breezy, lively perspective, which nudges the reader to think about life's big questions. There are so many possibilities for people who want children, who are victims of abuse, who are too tired to care, or who are willing to settle for crumbs that I come away wondering what would happen if people thought – plain and simply – about what relationships require and what parenting must involve.
Superb mélange – looking for more from this excellent author!
January 12, 2013
I have to be honest, this is the first book by this author that I have read. I have seen many wonderful 5* reviews for her previous books, but sadly I never quite got to read any. I was delighted to be asked to review books for the Festival of Romance 2012 and this was one of the books to feature in the selection. Not only was it entered but also won!
As the synopsis states, this book is all about the lives of 5 families that all attend the same school and meet at the gates every weekday. The one thing they have in common is that they have children that attend the same school. Here ends the similarities of each of these mothers and fathers.
Straight away you get caught up in the lives of each of the families, whether it is the mother and her daily struggles, the father and his complex work/home life balance. As you read on, each family has its own problems, not that you would know if you were at the School Gates… Paint on a smile and hide your troubles!
Nicola has written a wonderful and very engaging novel with lots of plot twists that you don’t see coming. There are many humourous elements to it but also a lot of emotion and turmoil. It is not a light chicklit in the general sence but a book with some substance and very much something that will hook you in. I was totally engrossed in the each of their little worlds and how they all interconnect in surprising ways. For me, there were a lot of characters and I was confused a couple of times who was who, but that says more about me than the quality of the writing and I certainly won’t be taking any stars away for that!
An excellent contemporary read and has now certainly made me want to read more by this author.
As the synopsis states, this book is all about the lives of 5 families that all attend the same school and meet at the gates every weekday. The one thing they have in common is that they have children that attend the same school. Here ends the similarities of each of these mothers and fathers.
Straight away you get caught up in the lives of each of the families, whether it is the mother and her daily struggles, the father and his complex work/home life balance. As you read on, each family has its own problems, not that you would know if you were at the School Gates… Paint on a smile and hide your troubles!
Nicola has written a wonderful and very engaging novel with lots of plot twists that you don’t see coming. There are many humourous elements to it but also a lot of emotion and turmoil. It is not a light chicklit in the general sence but a book with some substance and very much something that will hook you in. I was totally engrossed in the each of their little worlds and how they all interconnect in surprising ways. For me, there were a lot of characters and I was confused a couple of times who was who, but that says more about me than the quality of the writing and I certainly won’t be taking any stars away for that!
An excellent contemporary read and has now certainly made me want to read more by this author.
May 17, 2013
I love Nicola May’s books and have done ever since I first picked up Working It Out. Every time Nicola brings out a new novel I am quick to make sure I have my own copy to devour.
The School Gate’s is full of Nicola May’s wonderful humour, interesting characters and engaging storyline. I loved in the way in which each family was portrayed as not being perfect and each having their own problems which made them completely relatable. I also really liked the way each chapter was dedicated to a different family, so that the reader doesn’t get confused and really gets to know all the characters individually. I really enjoyed the way the drama around each family unfolded meaning there was never a dull moment throughout the whole book.
My only downside to this book would be that at the beginning, as there are so many characters introduced, it is a little difficult to remember who is who, however once you get a little more into the book this problem is soon resolved. I also would have liked the ending to be a little longer so that we could find out more about what happens to each character.
Overall I loved The School Gates and would recommend it to everyone, especially those who love chick lit. If you haven’t picked up one of Nicola May’s books yet then you really need to, I can guarantee that you will be hooked.
The School Gate’s is full of Nicola May’s wonderful humour, interesting characters and engaging storyline. I loved in the way in which each family was portrayed as not being perfect and each having their own problems which made them completely relatable. I also really liked the way each chapter was dedicated to a different family, so that the reader doesn’t get confused and really gets to know all the characters individually. I really enjoyed the way the drama around each family unfolded meaning there was never a dull moment throughout the whole book.
My only downside to this book would be that at the beginning, as there are so many characters introduced, it is a little difficult to remember who is who, however once you get a little more into the book this problem is soon resolved. I also would have liked the ending to be a little longer so that we could find out more about what happens to each character.
Overall I loved The School Gates and would recommend it to everyone, especially those who love chick lit. If you haven’t picked up one of Nicola May’s books yet then you really need to, I can guarantee that you will be hooked.
April 18, 2014
Enjoyable book, easy to read (I read it in a couple of days). This book is about the lives of several parents, who are all connected by the fact their children all attend the same primary school. It covers affairs, love, death, domestic violence and everything in between. This book is not my usual choice. It is a little cheesy at times but I liked the story lines and wanted to find out what happened. I liked the ending as well, it wasn't your usual! This book is funny, and what I'd call a good holiday read. I did find some of the writing confusing and I think there were a few printing errors but I was able to work out who said what. I think this would make a good TV adaptation as there are a lot of characters and their stories and backgrounds.
March 12, 2013
I received a copy of The School Gates by Nicola May in exchange for an honest review.
Oh, this book had me laughing out loud at times! There are so many families and key players to this book, and the pages are filled with love, deceit, friendship and betrayal. They are all brought together because of their children, who attend Featherstone Primary. Some have true friendships. Some are frenemies. Some are sleeping together – even those who shouldn’t be. The trials and tribulations of The School Gates kept me interested and happily reading, even though sometimes I had trouble keeping up with the plethora of characters we meet. A fun chick lit read!
**3.5 stars**
Oh, this book had me laughing out loud at times! There are so many families and key players to this book, and the pages are filled with love, deceit, friendship and betrayal. They are all brought together because of their children, who attend Featherstone Primary. Some have true friendships. Some are frenemies. Some are sleeping together – even those who shouldn’t be. The trials and tribulations of The School Gates kept me interested and happily reading, even though sometimes I had trouble keeping up with the plethora of characters we meet. A fun chick lit read!
**3.5 stars**
March 29, 2013
I originally gave this 4 stars as I liked the story and the idea of following several different characters and how they all pieced together with the connection of the school.
However, in hindsight I have knocked a star off as the grammar was quite poor again and I feel this book would benefit from proper chapter breaks. One minute you are reading about Dana, then it jumps to say Joan and it did get a little bit confusing on that front.
Overall a good story if you can look past these couple of points. I did feel a bit confused with the last paragraph/sentence
However, in hindsight I have knocked a star off as the grammar was quite poor again and I feel this book would benefit from proper chapter breaks. One minute you are reading about Dana, then it jumps to say Joan and it did get a little bit confusing on that front.
Overall a good story if you can look past these couple of points. I did feel a bit confused with the last paragraph/sentence
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