Pack up the Moon is an emotional ride through the course of love and loss.

When Emma loses John, the love of her life, her world is turned upside down.

Without her soul mate, it is down to Emma’s friends to keep her world turning.

The group become closer than ever and their love gives her the strength she needs.

Clo, whose mouth opens before her brain engages, is a huge source of comedy in the novel.

With her blunt attitude and horrible taste in films, Clo’s is the loyal, if at times hopeless, best friend.

Anne and Richard face losing not only John but one another if they don’t address the unspoken issues.

Sean, John’s best friend is suffering in his own way. Surrounding himself with drink and distractions he blocks out the guilt and pain of the fateful night.

It becomes obvious that without John, the group need each other more than ever.

This novel touches your heart in many ways, it’s not one for the bus unless you’re prepared for the world to see you cry and laugh publicly.

Anna McPartlin writes eloquently, and her own experience of loss and grief allows her to cover sensitive issues with delicacy and tact, injecting humour in the least likely opportunities.

For a first novel, this is impressive and I look forward to reading more from such a talented author.