Blog Tour Review: Foxglove Farm by Christie Barlow

Foxglove Farm by Christie Barlow

Published: 28th June 2019

Publisher: Harper Impulse

Available on Kindle

Order now from Amazon

Rating: 5/5

Blurb

Return to Love Heart Lane for friendship, romance and a community who will be be there for you no matter what…

Isla and Drew Allaway appear to have the perfect life – a strong marriage, two beautiful children and their picture-perfect home, Foxglove Farm.

But, new mum Isla is struggling.  She loves her little family but with Drew working all hours on the farm, Isla’s lonely.

When she discovers that Drew has been keeping secrets from her, Isla has to face losing the home they all love.
Can the Love Heart Lane community pull together once more to help save Foxglove Farm?  And can Isla save her home…and her marriage?

Review

Christie Barlow is one of my favourite authors and after reading Love Heart Lane earlier in the year I didn’t think it was possible for her to write anything better, but yet again she’s managed to create something which is utterly wonderful. Foxglove Farm is a wonderful additional to the Love Heart Lane series and the perfect summer read.

This time the focus of the story is on Isla and Drew Allaway, childhood sweethearts who now live at Foxglove Farm with their sons Finn and Angus. After years of happy marriage Isla has noticed a change in Drew. He’s become withdrawn, argumentative and claiming its time Isla went back to work instead of living off his handouts. Luckily distraught Isla has her friends in Heartcross to rally round her and give support and if Drew’s moods weren’t enough to cope with a series of mishaps lead to Isla and Drew fighting to save their home.

This is a wonderful novel which at the core has the message that sometimes even the strongest of us are not ok and are suffering on the inside and that its okay to ask for help. Despite the serious side to this novel its balanced perfectly with plenty drama and fun. Birthday llamas, grannies on Tinder and mountains of bunting all add their own touch of joy to this wonderful story.

Martha and Nate are new arrivals to the village and they give the residents of Heartcross plenty of drama while they settle in. I love that new characters have been added into the mix, but it was lovely to find out more about Isla and Drew and of course catch up with how things are going for Flick and Fergus from Love Heart Lane.

This was an absolute joy to read, it’s a wonderful uplifting story which will definitely leave you with a great big smile on your face, the only downside is I read it far too quickly, so now I’m impatiently waiting with fingers crossed that’s there’s another book by Christie out very soon.

Thank you so much to Christie Barlow and the publishers for sending me a copy to review and to Rachel’s Random Resources for inviting me to be part of the blog tour.

About the Author

Christie Barlow is the author of A Year in the Life of a Playground Mother, The Misadventures of a Playground Mother, Kitty's Countryside Dream, Lizzie's Christmas Escape, Evie's Year of Taking Chances, The Cosy Canal Boat Dream, A Home at Honeysuckle Farm, Love Heart Lane and Foxglove Farm. Her writing career came as somewhat a surprise when she decided to write a book to teach her children a valuable life lesson and show them that they are capable of achieving their dreams. The book she wrote to prove a point is now a #1 bestseller in the UK, USA & Australia. 

Christie is an ambassador for @ZuriProject raising money/awareness and engaging with impoverished people in Uganda through organisations to improve their well-being.

Website www.christiebarlow.com 

Twitter @ChristieJBarlow 

Facebook page Christie Barlow author

Purchase Links:

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Foxglove-Farm-romantic-comedy-again-ebook/dp/B07L21WV71

US - https://www.amazon.com/Foxglove-Farm-romantic-comedy-again-ebook/dp/B07L21WV71

Blog Tour Review: Love Heart Lane by Christie Barlow

Love Heart Lane by Christie Barlow

Published: 11th January 2019

Publisher: Harper Impulse

Available on Kindle

Order now from Amazon

Rating: 5/5

Blurb

Welcome to Love Heart Lane…

When Flick Simons returns to the small village of Heartcross she only expected to stay for a few days. The white-washed cottages of Love Heart Lane might be her home, but the place holds too many painful memories, and of one man in particular – Fergus Campbell.

When a winter storm sweeps in, the only bridge connecting the village to the main land is swept away! As the villagers pull together, Flick finds herself welcomed back by the friends she once left behind. And as the snow begins to melt, maybe there is a chance that Fergus’s heart will thaw too…

Review

I’m a huge Christie Barlow fan and Love Heart Lane sounded like the perfect read for those post-Christmas blues we can sometimes feel. It was the perfect uplifting novel and I think my new favourite novel by Ms. Barlow so far.

After leaving her home eight years ago in a whirlwind of heartbreak Flick Simons reluctantly returns to the small Scottish village of Heartcross to visit her mum who is struggling after the death of Flick’s grandmother. Coming home to Love Heart Lane has left Flick with a mixture of emotions including guilt, regret and uncertainty as she tries to make amends with those she left behind. Maybe her actions were selfish eight years ago when she left behind partner Fergus, but I really felt for her when she must face him again and learns his life has moved on without her.

A freak winter storm breaks the only bridge into the village soon after Flick arrives, leaving her and the rest of the village stranded from the nearest town. Needing something to do to stop herself brooding about the past Flick volunteers herself as village spokesperson and begins a campaign to get supplies to the village. Her well meaning actions don’t always lead to the desired results and as Flick finds herself falling for Fergus all over again, she wonders if he’ll ever find it in his heart to forgive her.

I connected with Flick straight away as a main character. Yes, she has her flaws mainly being she’s selfish and doesn’t always think how her actions will affect others; but given that she’s lived by herself for eight years then that’s understandable. I loved reading about her interactions with young Esme and I think these were my favourite parts of the novel as showed Flick at her best. The other characters added some depth to the novel and I loved seeing how much they all welcomed Flick back home.

I found Love Heart Lane an uplifting and inspiring novel with an over-whelming sense of community spirit throughout. The story develops at a good pace and some unexpected plot twists add some drama to this delightful tale. I think this is Christie Barlow’s best novel yet and I was gutted when I finished Love Heart Lane and Ihad to leave Flick and her friends behind. Luckily Christie Barlow is writing another book based in Heartcross and I for one cannot wait to read it.

About the Author

Christie Barlow is the author of A Year in the Life of a Playground Mother, The Misadventures of a Playground Mother, Kitty's Countryside Dream, Lizzie's Christmas Escape, Evie's Year of Taking Chances, The Cosy Canal Boat Dream, A Home at Honeysuckle Farm and Love Heart Lane. Her writing career came as somewhat a surprise when she decided to write a book to teach her children a valuable life lesson and show them that they are capable of achieving their dreams. The book she wrote to prove a point is now a #1 bestseller in the UK, USA & Australia. 

Christie is an ambassador for @ZuriProject raising money/awareness and engaging with impoverished people in Uganda through organisations to improve their well-being as well as Literary Editor for www.mamalifemagazine.co.uk bringing you all the latest news and reviews from the book world.

website www.christiebarlow.com 

Twitter @ChristieJBarlow 

Facebook page Christie Barlow author

Purchase Links

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Love-Heart-Lane-Christie-Barlow-ebook/dp/B07DX1YXKM/

US - https://www.amazon.com/Love-Heart-Lane-Christie-Barlow-ebook/dp/B07DX1YXKM/

Blog Tour Review: A Home at Honeysuckle Fram by Christie Barlow

A Home at Honeysuckle Farm by Christie Barlow

Published:  6th April 2018

Publisher: Harper Impulse

Pages: 271

Available on Kindle

Order now from Amazon

Rating: 5/5

Blurb

A family secret

One shocking argument and ten-year-old Alice Parker’s world was turned upside down. Her peaceful life at Honeysuckle Farm in the quiet rural village of Brook Bridge swapped for the bustling metropolis of New York City. Alice’s life was changed forever…

A second chance

Now, thirteen years later, Alice’s American dream is over. With her life in tatters, there is only one place Alice wants to be… home at Honeysuckle Farm. So, when Alice learns her beloved Grandie is ill, she knows this is her last chance to heal the family rift.

A forever home?

But secrets still swirl in Brook Bridge, and Alice is no closer to discovering the truth. And for some reason her new friendship with local heartthrob Sam Reid seems to be making the locals tense.

Sick of the lies Alice knows it’s time to lay the past to rest once and for all. But could the truth ruin her hopes of ever calling Honeysuckle Farm home again?

Review

Having read most of her books I’m a huge Christie Barlow fan, I think with A Home at Honeysuckle Farm she has completely knocked it out of the park, I loved this book. It has less comedy than her previous novels but is an utterly gorgeous heartfelt novel.

Alice Parker has been living in New York for the last 13 years after a huge argument her mother had with her Grandie saw them leave their home in the quaint English village of Brook Bridge and move to New York. With explanation as to why her life was completely changed Alice has never fully  settled in New York and her dreams of being a dancer on the stage have stayed just that…dreams.

After childhood friend Grace lets Alice know her Grandie is in hospital Alice knows it’s time to head home and find out the secrets of her past and heal the rift between her Grandie and her mum
Rose.

 Once home Alice is given a opportunity that could make all her dreams come true but can she get the villagers to divulge their secrets and work out why some have been holding a grudge for over twenty years.

A Home at Honeysuckle Farm may not have been the book I was expecting, which was a story more centred around the actual farm, but it was a fantastic read and centred around Alice’s true passion which is dancing and the love of her family.

Alice is a great character, she has so much love in her heart that she just wants to share. I was so behind her as she tried to work out the family secrets and bring her family back together and that she might get a little romance with the gorgeous Sam Reid that she just seems drawn too.

A Home at Honeysuckle Farm is a fantastic read, definitely Christie’s best book so far. It’s a book about secrets, family relationships and following your dreams even when they’re not initially going in the direction you intended.

Thank you so much to Rachel’s Radom Resources, Netgalley and Christie Barlow for sending me a copy to review honestly and for inviting me to be part of the blog tour.

About the Author

Christie Barlow is the author of A Year in the Life of a Playground Mother, The Misadventures of a Playground Mother, Kitty's Countryside Dream, Lizzie's Christmas Escape, Evie's Year of Taking Chances, The Cosy Canal Boat Dream and A Home at Honeysuckle Farm. Her writing career came as somewhat a surprise when she decided to write a book to teach her children a valuable life lesson and show them that they are capable of achieving their dreams. The book she wrote to prove a point is now a #1 bestseller in the UK, USA & Australia.

Christie is an ambassador for @ZuriProject raising money/awareness and engaging with impoverished people in Uganda through organisations to improve their well-being as well as Literary Editor for www.mamalifemagazine.co.uk bringing you all the latest news and reviews from the book world.

She loves to hear from her readers and you can get in touch via her website www.christiebarlow.com Twitter @ChristieJBarlow and Facebook page Christie Barlow author

Release Day Round-Up #20

So here we are the last week of February and finally some sunshine here in Yorkshire! Fingers crossed it lasts. So here are my top three for this week and surprisingly they are all authors whose previous books I also loved.

Kitty's Countryside Dream by Christie Barlow

Published: 25th February 2016

Publisher: Bookouture

Pages: 309

Available in Paperback and on Kindle

Order now from Amazon

New home. New life. New beginning. Love affairs can blossom in the most unlikely places . . .
When Kitty inherits Bluebell Lodge from her grandmother, a farm in the beautiful Staffordshire countryside, it’s time for fresh air and a fresh start. Up to her elbows in chickens and ponies, Kitty soon realises there’s an awful lot to learn about farming. Still, at least the locals seem friendly, not least her handsome neighbour Tom…

But just as Kitty is beginning to find her feet, and the possibility of love, the discovery of a long-hidden diary, by a mysterious character called Violet changes everything. Who is Violet and what is her message for Kitty? As Kitty fills in the lost pieces of her family jigsaw and discovers some shocking revelations, will her countryside dream and blossoming relationship fall to pieces? When it comes to life in the country, nothing is ever quite as it seems …

Just like Christie's previous novels I loved this book. Its got more of a deeper plot than her other books with the mystery surrounding Kitty's grandma and who exactly Violet was. It still had Christie's wonderful comical moments and close-knit friendships which made it a really enjoyable book. Check out my review here.

The Silk Merchant's Daughter by Dinah Jeffries

Published: 25th February 2016

Publisher: Penguin UK

Pages: 400

Available in Hardback and on Kindle

Order now from Amazon

1952, French Indochina. Since her mother's death, eighteen-year-old half-French, half-Vietnamese Nicole has been living in the shadow of her beautiful older sister, Sylvie. When Sylvie is handed control of the family silk business, Nicole is given an abandoned silk shop in the Vietnamese quarter of Hanoi. But the area is teeming with militant rebels who want to end French rule, by any means possible. For the first time, Nicole is awakened to the corruption of colonial rule - and her own family's involvement shocks her to the core...

Tran, a notorious Vietnamese insurgent, seems to offer the perfect escape from her troubles, while Mark, a charming American trader, is the man she's always dreamed of. But who can she trust in this world where no one is what they seem?

The Silk Merchant's Daughter is a captivating tale of dark secrets, sisterly rivalry and love against the odds, enchantingly set in colonial era Vietnam.

Dinah Jeffries The Tea Planter's Wife was one of my favourite books of last year so I was really looking forward to her next book. In The Silk Merchant's Daughter we meet Nicole a young eighteen year old who is half French and half Vietnamese and is struggling to find where she belongs in the world. I really enjoyed reading about Nicole as she is pulled first one way then another by the various sides in her life, but can she really trust Tran who is offering her a way out of the family where she's never felt she belonged or Mark the my of her dreams who she longs to be with. Check out my full review on the blog tomorrow. 

The Cosy Teashop In The Castle by Caroline Roberts

Published: 25th February 2016

Publisher: Harper Impulse

Pages: 400

Available in Paperback and on Kindle

Order now from Amazon

When Ellie Hall lands her dream job running the little teashop in the beautiful but crumbling Claverham Castle, it’s the perfect escape from her humdrum job in the city. Life is definitely on the rise as Ellie replaces spreadsheets for scones, and continues her Nanna’s brilliant baking legacy.

When Lord Henry, the stick-in-the-mud owner, threatens to burst her baking bubble with his old-fashioned ways, Ellie wonders if she might have bitten off more than she can chew. But cupcake by cupcake she wins the locals over, including teashop stalwart, Doris, and Ellie’s show stopping bakes look set to go down in castle history!

Now all that’s missing in Ellie’s life is a slice of romance – can Joe, the brooding estate manager, be the one to put the cherry on the top of Ellie’s dream?

I've only just started reading this but already I'm hooked. Ellie's determined to make the teashop work and I'm right behind her and rooting for her to succeed as she's such a lovely bubbly character. I love how this is much more light-hearted than Caroline's previous novel The Torn Up Marriage which for me was a real emotional rollercoaster. I can't wait for more time to continue on with Ellie's story. Look out for my review coming soon.

So that's my top three for this week but I'd also like to mention One Summer Night by Emily Bold which is a very emotional read and perfect for fans of Me Before You by Jojo Moyes. Checkout me review here. If your after something else then check out my releases page above to find other books published today.

Kitty's Countryside Dream by Christie Barlow

Kitty's Countryside Dream by Christie Barlow

Published: 25th February 2016

Publisher: Bookouture

Pages: 309

Available in Paperback and on Kindle

Pre- Order now from Amazon

Blurb

New home. New life. New beginning. Love affairs can blossom in the most unlikely places . . .
When Kitty inherits Bluebell Lodge from her grandmother, a farm in the beautiful Staffordshire countryside, it’s time for fresh air and a fresh start. Up to her elbows in chickens and ponies, Kitty soon realises there’s an awful lot to learn about farming. Still, at least the locals seem friendly, not least her handsome neighbour Tom…

But just as Kitty is beginning to find her feet, and the possibility of love, the discovery of a long-hidden diary, by a mysterious character called Violet changes everything. Who is Violet and what is her message for Kitty? As Kitty fills in the lost pieces of her family jigsaw and discovers some shocking revelations, will her countryside dream and blossoming relationship fall to pieces? When it comes to life in the country, nothing is ever quite as it seems …

Review

Having read and adored Christie’s first two novels last year I was eager for her next novel and what a stunner Kitty’s Countryside Dream is. Just look at that cover it’s gorgeous and it just screams spring and sunshine to me which is what I think we’re all longing for.

In Kitty’s Countryside Dream we meet the lovely Kitty who has recently lost her mother and has inherited a small flat and Bluebell Lodge a farm from her late grandmother, whom Kitty knew nothing about. With nothing to lose Kitty embraces the challenge of life in the country and heads off to the farm.  Soon she is immersed in farm and village life and feels surprisingly at home around the farm and her new friends Jeannie, Tom, Lucinda and Robin. Everything is going well until Kitty discovers an old journal from someone called Violet, who is she and how does she link to Kitty? As Kitty reads the diary her whole world is turned upside down and everything she knew is questioned, will Kitty be able to make sense of it all?

I instantly adored Kitty she seemed very determined and strong. Despite having no family support anymore she moves to a new location where she knows no-one and has no clue what will happen and throws herself wholeheartedly into everything she finds there, there is no way you would get me anywhere near a chicken! I also loved that she cares about her new friends and will instantly help them when they need her without them even asking. However I think the thing I loved most about her was her slight clumsiness. The scene where she first meets Tom and she falls over her bicycle not once but twice had me in stitches, I knew then I was going to love this book.

The other characters in this book are also lovely and I just longed to be part of their little gang. With hunky farmer Tom, the lovely Jeannie whom Kitty instantly feels close to, the lovely sweet shy Robin and Lucinda, I need her as a friend if she going to bring cake every time I see her. I also loved that despite their closeness there were a few hidden secrets among them which made for interesting reading and some comical misunderstandings along the way.

Although I loved Christie’s first two novels I think this one is my favourite. I loved that is had an element of mystery to it surrounding Kitty’s past and reading about how that unravelled was so intriguing and kept me wanting to read more.

This is a lovely novel full of friendship, funny mishaps and finding out the truth. I adored everything about it, the lovely characters, the intriguing plot and the lovely village of Rosefield. I’d recommend everyone reads this as it’s the perfect book to put you in the mood for spring and it will leave you with a warm and fuzzy glow at the end.

Thank you Christie for another fabulous read, they just keep getting better and thank you to the publishers Bookouture and Netgalley for the review copy. I give Kitty’s Countryside Dream a massive 5 stars! I just loved it!

Top Ten Tuesday - New to Me Authors in 2015

Today I decided to join in with Top Ten Tuesday hosted by The Broke and The Bookish, its being a long time since I complied a bookish Top Ten and felt this week's list was the perfect one to jump back in with: Top Ten New to Me Authors in 2015. Now at least half of what I've read this year has been new to me authors but I have found some real favourites who are now on my must-read list.
   

1. Angela Marsons: this woman's writing is superb and I've loved all three of her D.I. Stone novels that she has written this year and am looking forward to more in 2016



2. Jill Mansell: I'm very sad to admit that I've never picked up a Jill Mansell novel before despite being a huge chick-lit reader. Three Amazing Things About You changed that, it was just amazing in every way and has opened up a whole new love. Luckily for me Jill has written quite a few novels so I've plenty more gems to discover in her back catalogue.


3. Kirsty Greenwood: The Vintage Guide to Love and Romance was just brilliant and the main character Jess Beam just had me laughing all the way through. I have Yours Truly her first novel on my tbr pile so hopefully it won't be sat there too long.


4. Dinah Jefferies: The Tea Planter's Wife was such a beautifully written novel and I loved how the story unfolded. I'm so looking forward to her next read The Merchant's Daughter which is out in February.


5. Jessica Thompson: The Waiting Game was beautiful, such a heart-breaking novel. Will pick up another book by her when I want an emotional read.


6. Sarah Morgan: I've just finished reading Christmas Ever After and I adored it, love the characters, the setting, the plot, everything was perfect. I need to read more from this lady very soon.


7. Debbie Rix : The Secrets of the Tower was a ready good read with a dual narrative full of mystery and romance. I really hope this lady writes more in the future.

 
8. Christie Barlow: I read both of Christie's novels back to back in September and enjoyed the comedy in both of them. Looking forward to her new novel Kitty's Countryside Dream which is out in February


9. Claire Sandy: Loved What Would Mary Berry Do? and am hoping to read her other two novels before too long.


10. Chrissie Manby: I've just finished the first Proper Family book and am eager to start the next one as this family just captured my heart. Will enjoy going back and reading her previous novels next year.

So that's my list, are any of these favourites of yours? Pop over to The Broke and the Bookish and have a look at other people's lists.

Joanne x

The Misadventures of a Playground Mother by Christie Barlow

 

The Misadventures of a Playground Mother by Christie Barlow

Published: 11th September 2015

Publisher: Bookouture

Pages: 300

Available on Kindle

Order now from Amazon

 

Blurb

New term. New dramas. New friendships. And that’s just the parents…

After a year of country living, Rachel Young is finally getting into the swing of things. Her four kids are happy and content at the village school, and she’s managed to navigate the choppy (shark-infested) waters of the playground mafia.

Or… so she thought.

When playground mum Penelope Kensington moves herself and her kids into Rachel’s home, after discovering husband Rupert has been having an affair, Rachel knows she must ask them politely to leave. The problem is, Penelope never takes no for an answer.

As Rachel tries to deal with Penelope, she also meets new school mum Melanie. Melanie is a breath of fresh air, but her arrival sends ripples of gossip through the playground. Melanie has a few secrets in her closet, and it seems she’s not the only one…

 

Review

 

The Misadventures of a Playground Mother is Christie Barlow’s second novel featuring mum of four Rachel Young and her adventures in the playground in the village of Tattersfield. If you read the first novel then like me you will have been longing to find out what happened after Rupert was a little too honest on New Year’s Eve.  Luckily for me I already had a copy of the second novel already to go so I could dive straight in. Don’t worry if you haven’t read the first book (but you really should its brilliant!) Christie gives us enough background information in the first couple of chapters so you can work out who is who and what happened previously.

I think I loved this one even more than the first book. Penelope has become even worse for Rachel to deal with, subjecting her to tacky speed dating, airport hysterics and meltdowns at the school fair. I really liked the introduction of new character Melanie and liked that Rachel was able to make a normal friend to counteract Penelope’s craziness. It was also good to read about the little romance blooming between Melanie and the hunky farrier.

The Misadventures of a Playground Mother is a book which echoes the reality of the playground and vamps it up making for a thoroughly enjoyable read. All the way the book you’re just longing for Rachel to tell Penelope No!! As the book comes full circle back to New Year’s Eve Penelope finally gets her comeuppance and it’s just perfect for her!

As a sequel this is just as good as Christie’s first novel and one I enjoyed immensely. I love her to revisit Rachel’s life again, but if not I’m sure her next novel will be just as brilliant and one I can’t wait to read.

I’d like to thank Bookouture for sending me a review copy though Netgalley and give this book 5 out 5.  

 

A Year in the Life of a Playground Mother by Christie Barlow

 

A Year in the Life of a Playground Mother by Christie Barlow

Published: 9th June 2014

Publisher: Bookouture

Pages: 336

Available on Kindle

Order now from Amazon

 

Blurb

A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF A PLAYGROUND MOTHER Ever had the pleasure of collecting your children from the school playground? Even if you haven't this is a hilarious must read. A month by month comical tale of a young mother fighting for her place in the world against the backdrop of the Playground Mafia. As her life unfolds and she takes us through from one amusing anecdote to another the characters come to life. There is Penelope who has a lot more going on in her life than she bargained for and Mrs Noland who has a lot less than she claims, not to mention Rupert who is a VERY busy man. With Mrs High School Musical, The International Sex God and The Frisky Pensioner, the characters are undeniably fascinating and leave you compelled to read more. Who knew that one false move in the playground, one step in the wrong direction or smile at the wrong person could lead to such complications? The witty one liners and side splitting stories will keep you amused from beginning to end. Lively and entertaining, a hilarious comedy that every playground mother can relate to.

 

Review

A Year in the Life of a Playground Mother follows life of Rachel Young as she leaves behind the bitchiness and competition of the suburban mothers and sets off for a quiet life in the county…or so she thought. Instantly Rachel is catapulted into the extreme madness of the playground mothers in Tattersfield, a small village and unwittingly she befriends probably the maddest and most competitive person of them all Penelope Kensington. As the school year progresses will Rachel make it out sane or will she succumb to the playground mafia.

I loved this book so much, it’s probably one of the funniest books I’ve ever read with the most annoying characters I’ve ever had the pleasure to read about: Penelope Kensington. Imagine every annoying thing that a primary school mother can do and this woman will do it and no one will stand in her way as she just doesn’t understand the word NO. Penelope is a woman who you just love to hate and throughout reading this book you will just want to shout NO PENELOPE!! Many, many times. Poor, poor Rachel being stuck with her, the woman deserves a medal!

This was a hilarious and quick read for me as the writing style is very easy flowing. It felt like Rachel was telling me the story herself over a coffee and it was very addictive. I also loved the way so much happened, there was constantly some drama taking place, usually with Penelope at the centre of it and dragging Rachel along for the ride.

I was lucky that I was able to read the follow on book for this straight after as there was a cliff-hanger ending that just made me desperate to find out what was going to happen. So I would definitely suggest you pick up this book and its sequel Misadventures of a Playground Mother and read them back to back.

I loved this book and rate it 5/5, one to share around the playground with your fellow mums.