There was a time when Delphine had dreams and ambitions for herself and her daughter Em but now she’s a single mum, working in a cafe and barely making ends meet. But when she has the chance to step outside of her little life, she finally finds the space to find herself again. This heartwarming novel features some fantastic characters, namely the bookish 11-year-old Em and the cantankerous, fascinating Letty. Ultimately, it is a simple story about a normal woman trying to do the best with what she has but it is very thoughtful and uplifting. Beth Morrey has a wonderful charming style and I finished it, full of hope.

I was hoping and praying that I would enjoy Beth Morrey's second book as much as her first and I am pleased to say I adored it! What a story and what a set of characters. From the grumpy but affluent Letty to the caring and nurturing Rosa this book is packed with characters you can't help but love. Em is certainly a chip off the block and her relationship with Delphine was beautiful, both very intelligent and caring women. I couldn't help but cry on a few occasions when reading this one!

Another excellent book by Beth Morrey.

I loved Saving Missy and this has the same feel, despite the story being very different. Beth creates characters for the reader to care about. Grief has hurt Delphine and her dad, and they need to move forward with their lives.

I loved how the love of books runs through the story, as Emily and Delphine enjoy reading. Letty was my favourite character - and what a fabulous character she is.

Thank you for the opportunity to read and review.

Oh what a beautiful story. Em and Me is a wonderful, emotional love story between mother and daughter.
This was one of our Tsundoku Squad reads for the month and I loved it from the very beginning.
A story of understanding why things happen in our lives and what we need to do to make things better for ourselves and our loved ones.
With strong and determined female characters, this warm and uplifting story is a delight to read.

Beth Morrey is definitely going on my list of authors not to miss. She know how to weave a story together and when you think you know what’s happening she throws a curveball. Delphine is struggling to keep her head above water but with a change of job her luck begins to change with the help of an inspirational teacher of her daughter’s she begins to start living her life and thinking of the future for her and her incredibly intelligent daughter Em. With the secrets of her past catching up with her can they ever get a fresh start? Really great read with some fantastic characters

I enjoyed this but I do think it needed a bit more work , especially on the characters which seemed to lack depth at times. However, I loved it’s message that it’s never too late to make a change and itsok to need and ask for help, this isn’t always covered as well as it is in this book. Overall 3.5 stars, it’s a debut so I do think with work this could easily be a 5 star read

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

Producing a second book with the uplifting qualities and emotional impact of Saving Missy must have been an immense challenge – and it must have been a tremendous temptation to remain in similar territory, with a quirky older heroine and the interactions that change the direction of her life. But the author didn’t do that – instead her heroine is Delphine, a young mother struggling with life, wanting only to make sure that her daughter Em has the opportunities that evaded her when she became pregnant at 16 and had to give up on her own hopes and dreams.

Em has the same love of books and passion for life that her mother once had – until her life took a series of turns that forced a change of course. One of those was the loss of her vibrant French mother – and as well as daughter Em, she now cares for her father who has withdrawn from life and is still consumed by grief many years later. There’s very little money – and things take a turn for the worse when she loses her barista job at the cafe and her main source of income. But another opportunity comes up – working as a waitress at Merhaba, her daughter’s favourite coffee shop run by a wonderful Eritrean couple who show her real kindness – and she begins to really live her life rather than going through the motions, rediscovering the strength within her that she’d kept buried for so long.

This whole book is packed with the most wonderful characters, and moments that you feel in your heart. The relationship between Delphine and Em is quite beautifully drawn, and you can feel the love between them – and Em herself is a very real teen but with the wisdom at times of someone twice her age, sometimes rather better at adulting than her mother. The situation with her grieving father is wonderfully drawn too – the emotional connection between them, his inability to cope with his memories, the exchanges and interactions that tear at your heart. But as Delphine begins to live her life, a whole cast of characters cross her path and enable her to change and grow. Her former English teacher Roz becomes a friend and urges her on when she decides to return to her studies and get the qualifications she missed out on – and she introduces her to Sanjay and Dylan, who in turn invite her to sing with their band (I really loved this storyline…), belting out the classic songs that her mother loved. And then there’s Letty – an elderly (and rather outrageous – but magnificent) lady who finds Delphine when looking for someone with whom to practice her French conversation, and helps extend the narrowed boundaries of her life.

Emotionally, this book is simply perfect – there were certainly times I cried, but there are also times when it’s extremely funny (often involving Letty), and the whole story has exceptional warmth, overflowing with love and uplifting moments that can’t help but bring a smile to your face and an ache to your heart. I engaged particularly strongly with Delphine, urging her on when her courage sometimes wavered, desperately wanting her life to continue improving, wanting her to live her best life. I enjoyed too the insights into Delphine’s early life – the experiences that shaped her and took away her confidence, woven quite perfectly into the story, only making you feel for her even more. And every single relationship in this book is beautifully drawn, along with the impact the individuals have on her life – the supportive friendships, the challenges and fierce love of family, along with the beginnings of a romance I really believed in.

This is such a life-affirming read, inspiring and full of hope, quite beautifully written, and I loved every moment – recommended very highly to all.

Having adored Morrey’s debut Saving Missy, I’ve been waiting in restless anticipation of this, her second novel, for two years. Was it worth the wait? Absolutely! In Em & Me, Morrey has created yet another spellbinding story of friendships and second chances, with characters that worm their way into your heart and prose so dazzling it makes your eyes hurt.

Delphine is a single mum to 11 year-old Em, the daughter she gave birth to at the age of just 17. They live with Delphie’s widowed dad, a man still locked in grief after 15 years. As the breadwinner and lynchpin of this small family, Delphie’s life is a daily grind for survival; a colorless existence devoid of joy. Until, that is, one small act of rebellion sets her on a course of at first tentative, then reckless, joyous transformation.

In the most unexpected way, Delphie finds herself forging new friendships, reprising long buried talents and ambitions, and like a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis, unfolding her wings and taking flight. And in so doing, she effects transformation not just in herself but in her father and in Em and in the lives of everyone she touches.

The dual timeline works beautifully, giving us insight into Delphie’s teenage years as a gifted student with glittering prospects, and her ill-fated romance with fellow student Adam. We learn of the sacrifices she makes to keep her baby and the guilt she carries over her mother’s death. All of which makes her a hugely sympathetic protagonist.

There are also secrets and mysteries to unravel, which add an extra frisson to an already absorbing tale.

As in Saving Missy, Morrey’s characterization is sublime. Here, once again, she presents a cast of unforgettable individuals. All of them unique, all of them wonderful, all of them drawn from the rich tapestry that makes up humankind. I loved them all.

But it is not individuals that sit at the heart of this novel; it is the connections that bind them — love in all its forms; the kindness of strangers; and friendship, especially that found in the unlikeliest of places.

I’m already looking forward to Morrey’s next offering, even if I do have to wait another two years.

This story opens with an incredibly gripping first chapter. It hooked me in right away, wanting to know more about the main character and her life, her history and where this was all going.

It was such an easy read but also with great depth. At its core it’s the story of a mother and daughter, but it’s so much more. It’s hopeful and heartwarming, celebrating real personal growth. It’s also beautifully written!

Deeply moving….. A big-hearted, hopeful novel about finding second chances – and taking them. The author wrote a story that was interesting and moved at a pace that kept me engaged. The characters were easy to invest in. Simply lovely!

I loved Beth Morrey's debut novel "Saving Missy" so I was eager to read her new book "Em & Me". It definitely didn't disappoint.

What I enjoy most about this author's writing is her ability to create quirky characters that you can't help but love.

This story is emotional, funny and uplifting. Definitely to be read with a box of tissues to hand.

A great book that explores people taking second chances at life. Sad in places but turns out old in the end. Lovely well written book.

I've been sitting staring at this page for a while, because I can't figure out how to review this book. It's not a romcom; it's not a thriller; it's not meant as an inspirational, although it is quite. It's something all of its own, this book.

These trigger warnings are spoilers, so read at your own risk: arguably non consensual relationship between a teacher and pupil; death of a(n elderly) character.)

I loved this book. It's beautiful. Delphine just never gives up, she keeps plugging away even when things look grim. Em is clever, if slightly alarming, and I love the group of friends she builds around herself as the story moves on. I don't want to give too much away by mentioning names, but they were all fantastic, and I loved the oldest one the most. I did cry several times during this! Make of that what you will.

I can't really say this has an overall plot. It's a year, more or less, in Delphine's life - a fairly tumultuous year, which she finishes in a very different place than she started it. I enjoyed watching along as things change for her. There are frequent flashbacks, but I never found them jarring or confusing, as can sometimes happen.

Definitely buy this as soon as it's available. Also buy some tissues, because if you're anything like me you will cry.

Relationships between mothers and daughters are not always straight forward, each trying to protect the other at times from hurt and pain. Sometimes this means keeping secrets and burying the truth, even from oneself at times, for the greater good of others.
Em & Me is one of those books that is relatable, either as a mum or your mothers child...I found it very good at looking at things from both perspectives, doing both right and wrong things, always with validity. Because it was relatable it made for an easy, swift and uncomplicated read, with twists and turns that you didn’t necessarily see coming. It was at times life-affirming, joyful, devastating, sad...a roller coaster of real emotions that made the characters feel more genuine, and the scenarios more plausible. This is the kind of book that you want to keep going with...you want to know about how things moved on and what the future would bring long after you’ve finished reading...a real gift when a writer can make you feel the sense of hope for good lives after less joyful turns of events.... I’m still rooting for Delphine, she’s had a tough deck of cards to deal with, but I have high hopes for the future for her and Beth Morrey..
Many thanks to NetGalley Uk for my review copy, this is my unbiased opinion

I’m automatically attracted to the kind of storylines Beth Morrey’s Em and Me offers and in the past year in particular I’ve feasted upon a huge array of titles all promising the same thing; that I’ll find the content heartwarming, uplifting and joyous. Invariably I do but sometimes this type of fiction can be a trifle too lighthearted and/or frivolous for my liking. Em and Me isn’t like that. It is beautifully written, emotionally intelligent and nuanced, starring a character with whom I felt an affinity towards. What truly blew me away was the relationship between these characters and the sheer amount of love and friendship that exists within their circle. Some of these relationships really struck a chord with me. Em and Me is a novel about second chances and finding the confidence, however late in life, to achieve your dreams. It’s about grief and holding onto memories but ultimately not letting these memories hold you back. It’s about love in all its glorious forms and treading your own path to happiness and although I would consider this novel to err on the more serious side of life at times, it is by no means depressing. I found this novel to be inspiring, hopeful and entertaining. It is tender, sweet, a little bit quirky, funny and yes, I’m afraid I can’t escape using those three adjectives, it is heartwarming, uplifting and joyous! But it has an element of mystery too which I also found appealing. This was definitely my cup of tea and I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did.

Delphine (Fifi) Jones is a single mum living with her 12 year old daughter Em and her father who is consumed by grief over the loss of his beloved French wife Jojo. They are a close unit but money is extremely tight with Delphine working as a barista and cleaner, the only options open to a woman who dropped out of school aged 16, pregnant. Once a promising student herself, destined for great things, Em is following in Delphine’s scholarly footsteps, a chip off the old block as they say. All Delphine wants is for her daughter to succeed where she has failed, just like any other parent would. The sudden loss of her barista job is another blow on the financial front but strangely and serendipitously this is the point at which Delphine’s life takes an upward turn. Finding work as a waitress at Merhaba, an Eritrean coffee/bookshop run by Selassie and his wife Abrihet, Delphine’s world begins to open up, introducing her to like minded souls who together broaden her horizons, offering her the opportunities to live her best life.

Divided into four sections according to the academic school year the storyline charts Delphine’s progress from a stressed out mum with an empty belly and an empty bank account to a woman embracing all life has to offer, fulfilling her true potential and rediscovering her passions. It goes backwards and forwards in time, enabling the reader to meet the younger Delphine, a star pupil besotted by English literature and experiencing romantic love for the first time. I loved this aspect of the novel, these insights clarifying Delphine’s reasons for her lack of confidence and self belief, for holding back, afraid to let go of the past. They made me love her just a little bit more. Like I’ve already said this is a novel concerned with the relationships that shape and define us, good and bad. Beth Morrey’s exploration of those that exit between mothers and daughters, between daughters and fathers, between teachers and pupils, between the old and the young is one of the biggest strengths of this novel. As a single mum to an only daughter I completely connected with Delphine and Em, instantly recognising that close, fierce bond they share. Despite the fact that life is hard, Em is the reason Delphine keeps on getting up in the morning, for Delphine is nothing if not brave and resilient. The love Delphine feels for her daughter knows no bounds and that resonated with me 100%. Meanwhile the dynamic between Delphine, her dad and Em is exquisitely observed and simply gorgeous. There can be no denying these three are a tight knit team. The way in which Delphine cares for her father, accepting that he has chosen to lock a part of himself away, his life bleached of all colour is both beautiful and heart rending. Time and again their interactions brought a lump to my throat. These emotional connections are really quite intense and none more so than the love still felt for Jojo, memories of whom linger everywhere, her ghostly presence felt in every corner of their lives. For this reason she is a hugely important character, whose role in Delphine’s metamorphosis equals that of any of the other characters, all encouraging Delphine to take a leap of faith.

That leads me nicely onto a discussion about the individuals who Delphine somewhat fortuitously crosses paths with. First mention goes to the generous hearted Selassie and Abrihet who welcome both Delphine and Em into their lives, cosseting and nurturing them like they would their own child or grandchild. These two hold a special place in my heart for the warmth,kindness and friendship they extend and the guidance they give to Delphine as she begins to find her feet again. There’s Em’s English teacher and former child actress Roz Gill who is another big influence in Delphine’s life, taking her under her wing, inspiring and encouraging her to resume her studies, finishing what she started all those years ago. Roz is also partly responsible for bringing music and singing back into Delphine’s life, introducing her to husband Sanjay and friend Dylan who are both musicians. Last but not least there’s the wonderful outrageous Letty, a widow searching for a French speaking companion and Delphine naturally fits the bill. They form a beautiful friendship, embarking on a French adventure of their own helping Delphine to not only reconnect with her mother’s roots but to learn how to find joy and pleasure once more. Letty brings the fun element to the table which is a welcome respite from the more serious stuff playing out behind the scenes.

I can’t compare Em and Me to Saving Missy because the latter is still languishing on my bookshelf (apologies to the author) but what I do know is I adored Delphine’s story. Beth Morrey takes you on an emotional journey with a novel that celebrates love, friendship and personal growth alongside characters who all have a positive impact on this young woman’s future self. Definitely life affirming and good for the soul Em and Me is a novel to hold dear.

My thanks as always to the publisher HarperCollins and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review.

Delphine has always found it difficult to let go of the past. She more than others has good reason. Her mother died when Delphine was still a teenager, and she became a young mother to Em aged 17. She continually worries about her daughter, wanting to protect her from harm while keeping a secret that could ruin everything very, very close to her heart. But Delphine knows that to do this is only existing, not living. And she can remember living, opting for happiness and the things that made her smile. Singing, for example. Having friends. Realising memories can be positive as well as negative. Slowly, her life changes, becomes more vibrant and more hopeful as she embraces the good of what it has to give her. But will she take the chances she’s being afforded… and what about Em? Will she be strong enough to tell her daughter nothing but the truth? If you loved Beth’s debut Saving Missy, you will adore. I did.

Em & Me is a book about grasping opportunities and taking second chances. It's also about friendships both old and new and how they give meaning to our lives.

Delphine's life had plenty of potential. She was destined for greatness. She was in the top group for English at school and expected to ace her A levels and go to a good university, but everything changed when she fell pregnant at the age of 16. Instead of having a high flying career and a comfortable life, she's working in a coffee bar, looking after her grieving father, and bringing up her talented but challenging 11-year-old daughter Em. Life is lived from one paycheque to the next and suddenly her main income disappears after an incident in the coffee bar. She has a part-time job cleaning a posh apartment but that has its own challenge in the shape of the owner's creepy cokehead son who's a bit handsy.

Opportunities come knocking. Delphine is asked if she'll take on sessions of French conversation and companionship with elderly Lettie. She gets invited to join a band but is so nervous she's almost sick. And through her daughter's precocious talent at English, Delphine rekindles her love of literature and wants to study again.

For a woman who finds herself gathering dust on life's shelf in her late 20s, Delphine is initially reluctant to take on new challenges but as the book progresses, we experience the past that made her who she is, and the present that opens up a brighter future.

It's a lovely book filled with very lovely characters who become friends as you pass through the pages. It's a reminder that when we look back on our past, we shouldn't rule out expanding our present and future. There's a need to sometimes take stock of what we put to one side and ask ourselves whether we should pick it up again.

Em and Delphine are a delight.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my copy.

Delphine Jones is someone who feels as if she’s existing. Stuck in a job she doesn’t particularly like (working in a coffee shop) she does her best for her daughter, but as Em matures it highlights the things Delphine gave up on.
We are slowly introduced to Delphine’s life now, and learn about her as a teenager. We see how both she and her father have somewhat stagnated following the death of mother/wife, and how Delphine found herself abandoning her dreams once she got pregnant.
Potentially a most depressing subject, but there’s a warmth to this which carries you along. We see the importance of choices, and the need to be willing to open yourself to opportunities. There’s a strong cast of characters that aid Delphine in her journey of self-discovery, and though things might all end on a rather rosy note it certainly offers food for thought.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the chance to spend some time with Delphine and Em.

Another proof I wrestled from the hands of the postman at work. Knowing that Beth is coming to Booka to do an event, and having loved her debut in lockdown, this was a must read. And I loved it. I love her writing, her characters and their development in the book. There is alot of kindness, a little French diversion, and all in all a very lovely tale which I loved. If there is one thing we have learned to value in the past 2 years it is the value of education and those in schools who keep it all going. Children learn more than reading and writing at school, friendships and inspirational teachers play an undefined role in our psychy as we grow into useful members of society. Beth recognises this in her tale of a single mum wanting the best for her daughter. I loved this book and I will very willingly chase the postman for any more books Beth writes!

This book started out well but then slipped into a bit of tedium. It had a nice and satisfying storyline that just needed an injection of higher level interest to keep the reader wanting to know more.