I read the first two books of this series and I have to say, this one is definitely my favourite. Mollie and Esme are a team and have been for the last eleven years, but when Esme's dad Jamie turns up, wanting to be a part of their lives, will they find three is better than two? A L Michael once again creates a pair of characters who are just meant to be together, even if they are too stubborn to admit it. This is a love story with grit and depth to it as Mollie and Jamie fight to overcome their insecurities and see if they have a future together. Esme is sassy and sweet, and often the voice of reason when her parents aren't! Mollie's friendships with the other characters were beautifully-written, fierce and powerful, as they had been in the previous two books. This really is a love letter to second chances and female friendships.

It’s the third book in the series and it focuses on Mollie, who is a single mom to an eleven-year-old Esme. Mollie is building her name as Tv chef and she concentrates on healthy cooking. Mollie has been single for a long time and is going on dates to find a new partner, but doesn’t have a lot of luck. When Mollie’s ex sees her on Tv, she decides to pay her a visit and that turns Mollie’s life upside down. Can Mollie trust him again and forgive?

It was a sweet and heartwarming story about friendship, love and family. I’ve read one another book by the author and enjoyed them both, therefore I’m eager to check out more great reads.

Two’s company…

If you asked Mollie whether she struggled as a single mum, she’d have to cover her daughter’s ears before answering. Surrounded by friends, watching Esme grow into the sassiest eleven-year-old in North London, and building her name as TV chef Mollie Makes, Mollie’s never been happier. Well, that’s what she’d tell you. But as her best friends pair off, and Esme starts getting into trouble at school, Mollie wonders whether life would be different – not better…but easier – with a team mate.

Three’s a crowd?

But Esme’s dad, Jamie, would be the last man Mollie would team up with. After all, he made it clear eleven years ago that he wasn’t interested in playing the family game. So when he suddenly reappears, Mollie can’t believe her eyes. And soon, she’s got to ask herself the hardest question yet: she knows she can succeed as a single mum. But what if her daughter doesn’t want her to?

I really enjoyed the book, it has everything I love in a novel from start to finish. I can’t wait to read what the author has planned next!

The font in this was uncomfortably small and I didn't end up reading the galley, which was quite disappointing. I've had this issue with some other galleys as well. That said, I did end up buying the book when it was published and absolutely loved it. I'm a huge fan of A.L. Michael's work and this book was no exception. Lovely characters and setting and the story really shines. I'm a huge fan and am excited for whatever she writes next

Loved this book! The characters were fantastic and totally relateable!

Be My Baby by A. L. Michael is the third and final instalment in The House on Camden Square series of books. As this is the first book by the author that I’ve ever read before, I’m ashamed to say that I missed out on the other books in this series. However, this did not stop me from enjoying By My Baby which turned out to be a wonderful read.

In Be My Baby we meet Mollie who is a single mum to young Esme. Being passionate about healthy eating, Mollie is also the face behind Mollie Makes…and is surrounded by wonderfully supportive friends who are all keen to see her succeed. Although Mollie seems to have a lot going for her, she can’t help but reflect on her past life and wonder how different things would be if she had made different decisions. She doesn’t have to wonder for long when a familiar face from her past unexpectedly turns up on her front doorstep.

Each and every single character that we met during Be My Baby were perfectly crafted and seemed incredibly real. What really stuck out for me and what was particularly lovely to read about was the mother and daughter relationship that existed betwen both Esme and Mollie. Whatever happened, you knew that they would always be there for and were extremely protective of each other. For an eleven-year-old girl I found Esme to be an incredibly intelligent character and one who I adored. She knew she didn’t fit in at school and recognised that what made her stand out from her peers was the lack of a father figure in her life. As I read of the powerful emotions she felt, my heart broke for her and I’m sure that there are many people who will be able to relate to Esme’s story.

What I loved about the way in which this book was written is how it painted the bigger picture, in that not only did it tell the present day story but also gave us an insight into Mollie’s past with flashbacks appearing regularly and at just the right time without interrupting the overall flow of the novel. This is a book that I found so easy to love and although there were a few sad moments there were also many humerous moments which helped to make it a super entertaining and light-hearted read. A. L. Michael has successfully weaved several important topics into this book, dealing with them in a sensitive manner and has created a story which to me really highlights how important it is for a person’s wellbeing and happiness to let go of the past and live in the moment.

Having enjoyed this book so much, one thing I really regret is not having discovered this series sooner than I did. Whilst I feel that the book undoubtedly works very well as a standalone novel I feel certain that I’ve missed out on what I’m sure were two brilliant stories. I’ll definitely be back to read more by A. L. Michael in the future.