Life Song by Christine M. Knight is a realistic look at the joys and trials of a young mother’s quest for musical stardom in Australia. Protagonist Mavis, stage name Nikki, leaves an abusive relationship to birth her son out of wedlock. Her parents and a close male friend, Gary, are her support system through hard times. When Mavis gets an opportunity to turn her humdrum life around by singing with an unknown band at pubs, she seizes the moment. Stars shining in her eyes and the thrill of performing on stage propel her through highs and lows. Balancing everyone else’s expectations of her in order to grow into her own woman is the theme in this lyrical journey through music, agents, concerts, record deals, fans and image branding.

Christine M. Knight, in Life Song, writes in third person and weaves a story about the challenges in trying to achieve a balance in life. Each moment of Mavis’ journey from frustrated artist to CD-selling band front man is captured from a woman’s point of view. A charming true-to-life story of the female struggle, laced with the rhythmic beauty of heartfelt drama. A captivating read from start to finish.

Life Song by Christine M. Knight is about Mavis and her story of triumph, discovery and friendship. Mavis is born to be a singer and, coincidentally, her parents name her after the songbird of spring too, but she finds her dreams of being a singer blocked by circumstances and problems in her life. In due course, she realizes that either she can be someone ordinary or try to succeed and be different. The challenges are tough and demanding and she wonders if she will be able to provide a good life for her son and herself. The story brings to the fore the challenges that one faces when trying to balance all aspects of living; that is of working and being a single parent.

The theme of the story will resonate well with readers because it is something that many of us would have gone through at various stages in our lives. All of the characters emerge as authentic people. The relationships in the story are well developed and the protagonist's belief in herself and the support from her friends and the people around her is credible and relatable. The realities of life and relationships are effectively portrayed. The story has many layers to it and that keeps reader’s interest alive until the very end. The author’s language creates a clear picture of the world the characters live in, is easy to read, and is written with a lyrical flow. The thread of music runs through the entire plot, connecting well with the name of the protagonist. This book has many dimensions that makes it a worthwhile and enjoyable read.

Life Song by Christine M. Knight is a wonderful tale of a woman's life. In this story set in Australia, Mavis is struggling to cope with bills and raising her son, Dan. She embarks upon her singing career which was once a childhood dream in order to make ends meet. With the help of her parents, Mavis finds her feet and being in a band again awakens her soul. Her son has various health conditions to contend with, but he thrives with many lovely people in his life. Mavis continues on her chosen path and the book captures her story.

Christine M. Knight delivers a wonderful story in Life Song, a straight-forward, easy to read novel about the journey which Mavis takes. The bond of friendship and the equal importance that the godparents take is just lovely. I could identify with many issues myself, which made the novel feel more personal to me. The characters shone throughout the story, and each individual had their unique qualities which was so nice to see. The character of Dan and the struggle Mavis coped with to raise him alone spoke volumes for all of the single parents out there, myself included. As a reader, I felt her struggle and overwhelming protection as a mother as she shielded him from the truth of his abusive father. Some parts did bring a tear to my eye, while others made me laugh. The overall message of hope was very clear; it is never too late to begin your life, no matter how old you are. A joyous read and recommended to all.

Set in the mid-nineties, Life Song by Christine M. Knight is the story of Mavis, a single mother in her thirties who dreams of becoming a singer-songwriter. The beginning of the story sets the characters and the stage they are at in their lives: Mavis is a single mother to a boy called Dan and Gary is the boy’s godfather. As the story unfolds and Mavis finds an opportunity to reclaim her dreams and The Nikki Mills Band is born. Will they make it?

I enjoyed reading Life Song by Christine M. Knight as it portrays a protagonist that many women can relate to on several different levels. The narrative style flows naturally and the dialogue is believable, each character having a unique voice, humour and mannerisms. I liked the main character - Mavis/Nikki - because she is a strong woman who wants to prove that she can have it all thus being a role model for women today pressured by society into an ordinary life to the detriment of their dreams and aspirations. The book sends a strong message about the power of believing in yourself and following your dreams, despite the impediments and obstacles.

I read Life Song after reading its sequel Song Bird first, so my journey of discovery as a reader was different from that of readers who read this novel first.

Life Song is a wonderful tale with complex characters and an intriguing, believable plot. I loved the fact the conflict centred on the emotional tugs of war in people’s lives.

I felt an incredibly strong connection to Mavis and was drawn to her family and friends. I think of them now as real people. It was fascinating to learn more about the back stories of the characters in Song Bird.

As in Song Bird, the writing is lyrical. Life Song is truly about the music in life - its joy and tribulations. I was struck by Christine M Knight’s use of a unique motif in each novel. It added to the overall story telling as did the author's ability to move me from laughter to tears and through a range of emotions in between.

Both novels would make the best BBC mini-series ever! I am a fan of Joe Wright who directed the movie version of Pride and Prejudice. I vote for Joe as director for Life Song and Song Bird.

LIFE SONG is a wonderful character driven novel with authentic characters, some of whom I loved. It would make a wonderful movie.

'Life Song' is about Mavis Mills, a woman who suffered domestic violence, had the courage to walk away, but still had to deal with the long term consequences of that earlier destructive relationship.

The story does not focus on the abuse - that is in the backstory. It focuses on Mavis' attempts to rise above her circumstances and what she gains from that journey.

The novel is very much about the woman that Mavis becomes on the journey rather than her literal destination (although I did want it for her too).

The novel is also about love and intimacy. It also deals with the hard yards of being a musician and trying to make it in a tough industry.

In a society where so much of what we see on TV, in film, and read about is dark, this novel showed me hope and the surprises that life holds for each of us. I don't know how Knight does it but with her books, you emotionally respond to the characters.