I'm thrilled to be taking part in the blog tour for Mums Just Wanna Have Fun by Lucie Wheeler and today I will be sharing my review. First of all though let's take a look at the description for the book...
Meet Nancy…
Single mum Nancy will do anything for her little boy. Jack’s autism makes life difficult at times, but she’s determined to ensure he lives the best life possible. So, when her best friend Harriet suggests a holiday to Ibiza, Nancy is torn: will Jack cope with the change in routine…will she?
And Harriet…
Workaholic mum Harriet convinces Nancy it’s the break they all need. A chance to have some fun with the kids, away from the stresses of normal life. And she’s determined to switch off her laptop, ignore her inbox, and just have fun with her kids for seven whole days…
Cocktails and kids’ club – what could go wrong?
Ibiza is beautiful, but Jack struggles with everything, Harriet refuses to put her laptop away, and Nancy begins to think she’s made a huge mistake. And then Nancy meets Cameron and his young son, Aiden and discovers that sometimes the best fun happens when you least expect it…
Can these two single-mum’s swap their mummy guilt for sunglasses and sangria?
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Mums Just Wanna Have Fun has a much deeper layer to the story than what I originally expected to read. This book is about both the struggles and the joy of being a parent and it really is a complete package.
The prologue definitely got my attention as I felt Nancy's frustration and disbelief over what was happening. I found it to be a great introduction to her character, showing both her strength and determination where her son was concerned. My heart broke for Nancy and Jack at times throughout this story and I'm sure that many people will be able to relate to the situations that they faced. Lucie Wheeler wrote with feeling and sensitivity showing the struggles of daily life for not just Nancy but Harriet too. Harriet is lively and so likeable but she is also struggling to create the so called perfect balance between home and work life. The thing is life is never perfect and I think at one time or another we have probably all felt "mum guilt" so it was good to see this side of the story too. I loved how Harriet and Nancy have different personalities but this works so well for their friendship.
There were some fun moments that really helped to create a lovely balance with the emotional parts. I have to admit to having a chuckle over a certain part involving phonics. I could just imagine my five year old trying to segment the word as he said it! There is a very realistic edge to this story showing the happy moments but also the turbulent times that people face when bringing up their children. All set against a holiday that this set of characters will never forget!
Emotional but hopeful with some wonderful friendships and even a dash of romance!
With thanks to Lucie Wheeler, Harper Impulse and Netgalley for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
I am a strong believer in fate. I believe that things happen for a reason and I believe that you should take what life throws at you and turn it into a positive.
In November 2006, I had my daughter and I had to seriously rethink what I was going to do workwise. I was very lucky and I had the opportunity to stay at home full time. Whenever she napped, I would write down little stories and dream up characters. Nothing substantial – writing was just a hobby I was dabbling in.
This continued over four years and in 2010, after a visit to a clairvoyant who told me I should do the thing I had been thinking about because I would be good at it, I took the plunge and signed up with The London School of Journalism to complete a course in novel writing. As much as I loved writing, I knew I needed to learn how to do it properly.
Since then I have achieved incredible things. I have entered competitions, attended writing events, became a member of online writing group The Romaniacs, contributed to an anthology of short stories with three of my own and in 2013, I won the Festival of Romance’s New Talent Award. My first proper recognition as a writer.
But this was just the beginning.
As a result of winning the award, I was offered representation by literary agent, Kate Nash and have been under her representation ever since. Things were going from strength to strength and this peaked in 2016 when I was offered a two book deal with publishing giants Harper Collins under their digital first imprint, Harper Impulse.
Ten years it took me, but I finally did it – I got a book deal!
Alongside writing and being a mummy, I am also a university student (and course representative) at Anglia Ruskin. I am studying for a degree in Early Childhood and I absolutely LOVE it. Children are amazing human beings and not only do I get to be a mummy to LO, but I also get to learn all about children and how they work. Over the years I have worked within many types of settings with children ranging from a private nursery, primary schools, dance and drama schools, Special schools and temporarily running a parent and toddler group when LO was 3. And I loved them all.
Special Educational Needs is something that has interested me for quite some time and it is something which I am incorporating into my everyday learning – choosing to focus on this in certain aspects of my degree. I also studied with the National Autistic Society and gained a level 3 early educators certificate for working with Autistic children. I regularly complete training for inclusivity for those with additional needs and disabilities and I am hoping to, one day, write some stories for little ones to enjoy too!
My debut chicklit novel, The First Time Mums’ Club, was released on May 5th 2017 (ebook) and in paperback on July 13th 2017.
And still I keep pinching myself – I can’t believe I’m doing all these amazing things.
Never give up on your dreams, they actually can come true
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