Review: Dear Dad by Giselle Green

Three people longing to find love. Connected by one big lie.
Handsome, 28-year old, Nate Hardman is a frontline reporter with a big problem. Suffering from shell-shock and unable to leave his house, he’s already lost his social life and his girlfriend. Now his career prospects are sinking fast.
9 year-old Adam Boxley who lives alone with his ageing nan, also has big problems. Neglected at home and bullied at school, he’s desperate to reach out to his dad – and that’s when he sends his first letter to Nate. Only Nate’s not who he thinks he is. Will he help? More importantly – can he? 55Across town meanwhile, caring but impulsive teacher Jenna Tierney really wants to help Adam - except the feisty redhead has already had enough of teaching. Recently hurt by yet another cheating boyfriend, Jenna’s now set her sights on pursuing a dream career abroad ... only she’s about to meet Nate - her dream man who’ll make her re-think everything.
The big question is; can three people desperate to find love, ever find happiness when they’re only connected by one big lie?

Ikira's Review - 5 out of 5 stars

This story is romantic in both the traditional and non-traditional sense. The two adult main characters develop a lovely relationship in slightly odd but nonetheless real circumstances and the wider three (including young Adam) each have a unique set of circumstances which bring them together in a peculiar way.

Before they meet, each one has their own list of issues and they somehow manage to mottle together to help each other to deal with their issues and move on with their lives without even really knowing how to do so and in some cases that they are.

The concept of the storyline is so crazy its totally believeable! I loved it! The way the main characters interact with each other and the wider cast is so real...the thought processes, conversations, actions...everything! So many authors take a concept and run with it, making the characters less believable but these guys here? They were so real in my mind I could imagine every little facial expression to go along with the dialogue and descriptions given. It took very little on my part to 'see' everything in my mind as the author gave such great descriptions without going overboard and becoming annoying as some can.

I was able to pick this book up and put it down in between looking after children, working and usual every day stuff without it stilting my progress. I did not have to re-read anything or refresh my memory at all - it was a nice paced, easy read and this was helped immensely by NOT stumbling across grammatical or spelling errors (a particular bug bear of mine). Bravo to the author and editing team on that score!

If every school had a Jenna; every son or daughter a Nate and every Nan an Adam, this world would be a wonderful place!
I couldn't give this book anything less than 5 stars...I enjoyed it immensely - thank you for giving me the chance to read it!