Recipes for Melissa

by Teresa Driscoll

Genres: Women's Fiction

Synopsis

Is it ever too late for the gift of goodbye?

Melissa Dance was eight years old when her mother died. They never got to say goodbye.

Seventeen years later, Melissa is handed a journal. As she smooths open the pages and begins to read her mother's words, she is instantly transported back to her childhood.

But returning to her past is painful and memories of her mother's beautiful face are a cruel reminder to Melissa that she'll never see her again.

As Melissa slowly makes her way through the precious book, reading the snippets of advice and cooking the dishes from the recipes she is also shocked to learn of her mother's secrets – secrets that if shared, could change Melissa's world forever.

A beautifully written, heartbreaking and ultimately uplifting story of a mother's loving legacy for her daughter – perfect for fans of Rowan Coleman, Lucy Dillon and JoJo Moyes.

‘A deeply moving story that explores what it means to love and to be loved. It is told with insight and compassion, as Teresa deals with a powerful subject - the fall-out of illness and what it means for the family. You will be captivated by this emotional tale, beautifully told.' Kate Furnivall

‘A beautifully written book, full of emotion, passion and compassion. It's a book I would recommend to everyone who is interested in relationships and family stories. A lovely book that touches on the most enduring subjects with sensitivity and poignancy.' Louise Douglas, bestselling author of The Love of My Life

‘An absolutely beautifully written book. It is heartbreaking and sad, but at the same time it is also uplifting and inspirational. The book is a reminder that you have to make the most of each day, making sure to laugh and love lots, and be true to your heart...A powerful tale that will stick me with for a long time to come. 5/5 stars' Jill Loves to Read

‘Recipes for Melissa should be read with tissues, ice-cream, and a phone on-hand to call up your nearest and dearest to tell them you love them... A life-affirming, nostalgic, captivating tale of one mother and daughter, whose love for each other echoes throughout the years spent apart.' Becca's Books

‘Beautifully written...A book that will stay with me.'Any Excuse to Read

‘A superbly written debut novel...full of heart-tugging moments, An emotional read, but a beautiful one at the same time – I look forward to future books from this author.' Literary Week

‘You can feel the mum's pain and anguish...Such a moving book full of love for her child and her husband.' Bookworms and Shutterbugs

‘A wonderful legacy of love from mother to daughter.' Amanda Prowse

‘A wonderfully poignant portrayal of a mother's undying love for her daughter....A very touching tale.' Sincerely Book Angels

‘This is a beautifully written family story which is filled with the heartbreak of loss and the overriding power of the love that a mother has for her child...this is one book which needs to be read over the space of a sunny afternoon, preferably with a pot of tea and cream scone close at hand.' Jaffa Reads Too

‘The story is filled with emotion, passion and sensitivity. It is both poignant and inspirational showing Melissa that life is a precious gift and that you should make the most of it. I really enjoyed reading this novel and wholeheartedly recommend it as a really lovely read. The journal of motherly love and wisdom

‘Do not mistake Recipes for Melissa for a classic weepy. It is far more than that. The story is one of rediscovery, resolution and healing as much as it is about loss and mourning. Teresa deals with this difficult and heartbreaking subject with sympathy and warmth. Her writing feels very honest... a subtle and moving debut and I'm very much looking forward to Teresa's second book.' Chick Lit Love

Release date: June 5, 2015

Publisher: Bookouture

Print pages: 290