‘Songs From In Repair‘ – 5-Track EP inspired by the novel, out now on all digital platforms or BUY NOW from the Shop (see header above).
In Repair published by StoneBook Press
4 Stars**** ‘Preston’s style is effortless and flowing; it had me invested in the story’s characters..’ Scottish Field
‘A page-turning, strong first novel. It reminds me of Jodi Picault and Marian Keyes’ – Sophy Dale Fully Booked
Set over the 70s, 90s and pre-Covid, In Repair explores the themes of love, loss and courage for new beginnings.
Her aunt’s sudden death sends Annie MacIntosh, a London human rights lawyer, to the Scottish Highlands, where she meets Callum (‘Cal’) Mathieson, a local boatbuilder and former successful rock guitarist/songwriter, who is still suffering the loss of his wife two years previously.
The formative years of both illustrate their loss, loneliness and despair, while their current solid fronts belie their deeper emotions. As the co-leader of globally successful ‘2CM’, the death of Cal’s best friend and bandmate Charlie forced Cal to change course, while Annie uses her career to get away from childhood trauma, abuse and having never known her father. Initially summing up Cal as ‘a scruffy boatbuilder’, Annie first encounters the 2CM phenomenon through a lift from a recovery truck driver, who fills her in on big 2CM hit ‘Island Nights’. See below…
Island Nights
by 2CM. Music from the book ‘In Repair’. A big hit for fictional successful Scots band 2CM. Written by Andy Murray. Additional lyrics: John Preston. Lead Vocals, Backing vocals, Guitars by Ville Leppanen. Backing vocals by Scarlet Freeman. Lead guitar, guitars by Andy Murray. Bass, Drums, Keyboards, Engineering, Mixing by Mat Leppanen. Produced by The Animal Farm & Andy Murray. Mastered by Castle Sound. WATCH THE VIDEO (RIGHT)
A sailing trip with Cal leads to a surprisingly powerful connection. Annie falls for Cal’s vulnerability and tenderness, and it seems he feels the same, but is then stricken with guilt. A recovering alcoholic, he withdraws from the relationship and seeks solace in whisky.
Heartbroken, Annie returns to her London working life, while Cal’s teenage daughter Kirsty takes her father in hand and, with her aunt, gets him sober. Cal begins to build a future, restarting his songwriting career with a home-recorded album for charity. A TV show features him and his increasing emotional responsibility. He sings about his new maturity in ‘Starting Again’.
Starting Again (For the First Time)
Over Christmas holidays, Annie sees the film and realises her love for Cal is still strong, but in the New Year she decides to start anew. Her aunt’s letters finally reveal details about her father that her late mother hid, so she decides to explore and define her own identity. Kirsty, at the same time, sends Annie a video clip of Cal performing a song about their time together, ‘Sun On The Sound’.
Sun On The Sound
by Cal Mathieson. Music from the book ‘In Repair’. Written by Andy Murray. Additional lyrics: Roz Preston. Guitars, drums, keyboards, bass, vocals by Andy Murray. Mastered by Castle Sound. WATCH THE VIDEO (RIGHT).
Annie’s phone dies before she hears Cal’s song, but she realises that in order to be able to move on, she must confront Cal…
In Repair by Roz Preston, published by StoneBook Press. www.rozprestonauthor.co.uk
Songs From In Repair, available NOW on CD from the 4 Tunes store or via download/streaming platforms. Cat. No. 4Tune04
Readers’ reactions to ‘In Repair’:.
“What reading should be; absorbing and convincing.” – Martin Salisbury
“It is such a great read” – Hazel Albrow
“Skills in construction and plot … ability to conjure up sympathetic and believable characters” – Susannah Webster