Bonnie and Stan is a very gentle story, a story of a great and enduring love between the eponymous characters.

Now in their 70s, Stan finds that he doesn't have long left and it's breaking his heart to leave his precious Bonnie behind, on her own. Fair enough, they have twin daughters and several grandchildren but, as Stan thinks to himself, who is going to lift the roast out of the oven and carve the meat when he's gone. That's his job. With the help of their eldest granddaughter, Greya, Stan decides to try and find a new mate for Bonnie, someone who will look after her once he's gone.

We also learn of how Bonnie and Stan met, back in the 60s. This storyline is not as prominent as the current day one, but it's very important and explains a lot about their subsequent life together. It's also fascinating as this is not just any city in the 60s, this is Liverpool. We visit the Cavern Club, see Cilla, The Beatles. You can hear the Merseybeat loud and clear in this book.

Ultimately, this is the story of two people who have spent pretty much all of their adult lives together. It's such a lovely story but I admit I found it a difficult read at times due the subject matter, i.e. Stan's illness. But despite that, I was enthralled by it and the journey of discovery that both of them, but particularly Stan, go on.

In effect, Bonnie and Stan is a slice of life story. There are no great reveals, no twists or shocks, it's just following a family through a difficult, yet life-changing time. The writing is emotive and I loved the characters. It's very much a character-driven book and I liked that those characters were mostly older ones.

It's moving, it will make you smile and probably make you cry. It's really a lovely read. ( )

Absolutely adored Bonnie and Stan! Beautifully written, it is a tender and bittersweet celebration of the relationship between these endearing soulmates in their seventies and how they come to terms with Stan’s diagnosis. In alternating flashbacks we are transported back in time to the wonderful backdrop of Liverpool at the peak of its music scene when The Beatles are kings and everyone is trying to become the next big thing. This is the beginning of Bonnie And Stan’s love story. Bonnie, an architect student, is introduced to an upcoming band which Stan is a member of and until almost the very end you are kept guessing as to Stan’s identity and which of the bandmates Bonnie ultimately falls in love and builds a life with.

I’m glad I took a chance on this unfamiliar book and author. I laughed and I cried and I couldn’t help but reflect on my own fond memories and how I would handle similar circumstances. Despite the terrible diagnosis, Bonnie and Stan’s story was a joy to read and I loved every minute of it. ( )