Book Review: The School Gates by Nicola May

At 3.10pm every weekday, parents gather at Featherstone Primary in Denbury 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 sideline, but really all she longs for is another child. Slummy Mummy Mo'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?
Four very different mothers. One adorable dad. And the intertwining trials and tribulations that a year at the primary school gates brings. 

I had read and enjoyed Nicola May's first book Working it Out so I was very pleased when Nicola offered me the opportunity to review her latest book.
I have yet to enjoy the real-life experience of the school run but I think that Nicola May is extremely clever to bring her characters together in such a way. These characters see each other every day but what do they really know about each other and what are they all saying behind each other's backs?
Alana is not a natural mother, she gains more pleasure from business meetings. However, when she reveals the identity of her daughter's father she cannot foresee how things will change. Her life and those of others will not be the same again.
Dana has the perfect life to anyone looking in from the outside. Beautiful son, loving and hardworking husband and a stunning house. But Dana is far from fulfilled but what would her husband say if he knew what she really wants?
Mo and Joan are good friends away from the school gates. Mo does not know how to escape her abusive husband and Joan has a large family to juggle plus whatever life has to throw at her.
Gordon is gay and a father of twins; not out of choice but out of love and loyalty to his sister who was tragically killed. Learning to be a parent is not easy but neither is entering the dating game when your long term partner has a wobble.
The School Gates is an entertaining read, because of all the characters there is a lot going on. Nicola May brings all of the story lines together and the book has a good pace. I didn't find it predictable, there were a good few twists and turns. I recommend The School Gates, it has good story lines and realistic characters.

Dot Scribbles Rating: 4/5