The School Gates by Nicola May: Review

The School Gates by Nicola May

When Was It Released?: 3rd September 2012
Where Did I Get It From?: Received from the author in exchange for a review. Thank you!
Who Published It?: Self Published
Number Of Pages?: 301 Pages
Buy?:Paperback or Kindle

I love Nicola May’s books and have done ever since I first picked up Working It Out back when it was first released. Every time Nicola brings out a new novel I am quick to make sure I have my own copy to devour.


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?


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.