Happily Never After - by Emma Robinson

Original Cover

My own copy

The blurb: 

Rory closed her eyes. Think with your head. Your heart can’t be trusted. Life is not a fairytale… 

Rory doesn’t believe in love. She’s got far too many real problems to deal with. 

She’s just bought a tumbledown house. Her mother is generally behaving like a wicked witch, insisting on calling her Aurora, and generally interfering in her (admittedly pitiful lack of) love life. And her 16-year-old daughter has finally grown out of Disney princesses and discovered dating… 

But Rory’s adamant that she doesn’t need saving. In fact, the only thing she’s wishing on a star for is a bit of practical help. However, when she meets a builder whose name is John Prince and who seems to be in the habit of rescuing her (right down to finding her lost shoe one evening) she might have to face a truth as uncomfortable as hobbling home barefoot – that maybe there’s something enchanted in the air. 

Her mother, daughter and friends are convinced her prince has come, but Rory just wishes everyone could let it go. Especially when she hears a story that makes her question whether he is really the hero everyone thinks he is…

My Opinion:

*Book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

Our main character Rory, has a 16-year-old daughter, is a teacher and doesn’t believe in love anymore. Her mother and friends always want to set her up though and they are convinced her prince charming is close. 

She has bought a tumbledown house. A lot of work needs to be done, that’s where builder John Prince comes in. He helps with house stuff, but also other things, several times. He definitely could be mister right. 

Rory is very busy though, especially at work, with a new guy taking over. He wants to change everything, but Rory has a totally different opinion. Then there is her mum, who gets involved all the time and Belle, her daughter, has a boyfriend. 

As a teacher, I really enjoyed the school related scenes. However, I felt that certain things didn’t seem that authentic. My favourite part about this book were all the fairytale references, just genius. 

The story has a wonderful flow and fabulous plot. Emma Robinson’s style is fresh, vivid and funny. It’s also sad at parts and deals with grief, loss and illness. I’d say it’s the perfect mixture and all the characters brings something unique into the story. 

Rating:

Emma Robinson on Twitter: @emmarobinsonuk

Website: https://motherhoodforslackers.com

Goodreads - Amazon UK - Amazon US

The Undercover Mother - by Emma Robinson

Original Cover

My own copy

The blurb: 

Have you ever wondered what secrets other mothers are keeping? 

Jenny has too much on her plate: literally – she’s only pregnant with one child but she’s already eating for three. Not to mention trying to juggle her future life with a baby, a nightmare boss, a know-it-all sister, and a bizarrely laid back husband. 

She used to be famous for her ‘Single Girl About Town’ journalism. But not only is she bored of parties, she also hasn’t been single for years, and is now 8½ months pregnant. 

So when her boss hands her column to a younger colleague, Jenny panics and proposes instead writing about being a clueless new mum. Surely people will find her new friendship group fascinating? Even if the only thing they have in common is that they all had sex around the same time 9 months ago... 

Like – what’s the deal with scary Gail’s mystery husband? How is posh mum Antonia already out drinking when Jenny can barely make a cup of tea? Why isn’t sweet-natured Ruth answering any phone calls? 

And if her readers aren’t quite hooked yet, maybe Jenny will just have to be more liberal with the truth. After all, none of the other mums will read it… will they? 

The Undercover Mother is a feel-good parenting page turner that will make you laugh, cry and recognise every moment. Perfect for fans of Why Mummy Drinks and The Bad Mother’s Diary. 

My Opinion:

*Book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review* 

HILARIOUS, HEARTWARMING and AUTHENTIC!!!

The Undercover Motheris a story of motherhood. We follow Jenny, who is a journalist and writes her “Single Girl About Town” column. Now, that she is pregnant her boss wants something different from her and she won’t have time to write anyway, after the baby arrives right?!

Together with her husband Dan she joins a antenatal class and gets to know other women. A friendship is built, but these women couldn’t be more different from each other. Jenny starts a blog and writes about her experiences. She continues writing after her son Henry is born. Of course she includes the other women as well, using pseudonyms. The idea she comes up with for that is fab and makes the story funny and entertaining. 

All these women have their own story to tell and at one point it gets really dramatic and exciting. I loved following them around. Emma Robinson has a fresh, vivid and thrilling writing style and you just don’t want the book down. I love the humour in it and I definitely enjoyed every second of it. 

This book covers so many topics. Not only motherhood, but also love, friendship, work and relationships. 

A fab set of characters and so much heart in this book. 

Rating:

Emma Robinson on Twitter: @emmarobinsonuk

Website: https://motherhoodforslackers.com

Goodreads - Amazon UK - Amazon US