Pedigree Mum

by Fiona Gibson

Laugh-out-loud funny from the author that bought you Mum On The Run.

Fiona’s writing deals with the real life cringe-worthy moments we all know so well…

A straying husband. A broken heart. And a crazy rescue dog in a town of posh pooches…

When Kerry Tambini upped sticks with her family to a new home on the coast, she couldn’t have been happier. Then husband Rob made the biggest mistake of his life…

Stranded with her children in snooty Shorling, Kerry has plenty on her plate. So how can she say no to the kids' pleas for a dog when they're missing their father dreadfully? Will adopting a wayward hound lead Kerry to a new love – or has she bitten off more than she can chew?

As she steps back into the dating world Kerry must juggle her family, her neurotic dog and try to fit in with the local pedigree mums, making her a true heroine for our time.

Genres: Chick Lit, Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, Romantic Comedy

Paperback

First published February 28, 2013

About the author

Fiona is an author and journalist who has written for many UK publications including The Observer, The Guardian, Marie Claire, Red, New Woman, Top Sante and Elle. She writes a monthly column for Sainsbury’s magazine and is a Contributing Editor at Red magazine.

Fiona lives in Scotland with her husband, their twin sons and daughter. She likes to draw, run 10k races, play her saxophone and lie in the bath with a big glass of wine, although not all at once.

Reviews

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kerry Tambini moves her family to Shorling to set up home in the coast, full of dreams and a feeling that they will be so very happy there. However, Kerry’s dream life comes crashing down as it is revealed that her husband Rob has made a huge mistake. As a result, Kerry is left trying to raise her children in a town where she has no friends and doesn’t know anyone. Convinced by her children into adopting a dog, could things start looking up for Kerry?

I really enjoyed this book! The way I could describe this is that it is an enjoyable, fun book that everyone will take delight in reading!

Kerry in particular was a fantastically written character, I warmed straight away to her, and there are many scenes and aspects of her life that readers will be able to relate to – this made Kerry very realistic, very true to life and in my opinion it enhanced my enjoyment and involvement in the book as I felt I knew her. The other characters are very well explored, they’re very believable and Kerry’s relationship with other characters are built up very well during the course of the book so that as a reader we genuinely care about these interactions and want to see them develop and progress.

There are many humourous moments throughout, some that will make you smile, and others that will have you snorting with laughter! Buddy the dog in particular causes lots of funny moments that lighten the mood and make this a light-hearted read! I really looked forward to the parts with Buddy in because he was always causing trouble!

Pedigree Mum is a light-hearted, beautiful book that is both entertaining and charming all in one! It is the perfect book to become lost in for many wonderful hours, so next time you’re at the shops, grab a copy and a bar of chocolate, and enjoy relaxing with this delightful read!

[Dianne · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story started off ok, then meandered off into the the sunset at some point. There seemed to be a surplus of superfluous characters who did little more than weigh the story down. Rob's character was just ridiculous and incredibly juvenile and I wonder that a character such as Kerry's would have ever been attracted to him in the first place. Must have been those incredible Italian looks.... The ending, summed up in the letter from Kerry's aunt, was trite and unsatisfactory.

[Archana Ganesh · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book has a misleading title. The name of the book suggests some quality time between the dog and Kerry, but that is almost completely absent.
While the story isn't that bad, it was not captivating.

[Georgina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I’m sure this is t how things pan out in the real world but it was nice to get lost in some light fiction with some giggles along the way.

[Hayley Noble · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a lovely day on the beach in Shorling, Kerry Tambini and her family decide to move from busy London to the quiet Sea side town. To begin with Kerry couldn't be happier, that is until she realizes how competitive everything is in Shorling, and until husband Rob makes a mistake that will change their lives forever...

I love a good Chic Lit, and I love Fiona Gibson, I find a lot of her books not only believable, (I do find similar writers can be far fetched with their stories) but I can really relate to her books as well. This one was no exception.

I have only one tiny criticism of this book, and that's the character James, I feel he doesn't really need to be in the book as much as he is. I understand he helps Kerry realize a few things, as well as giving her the beloved dog, Buddy, but found him rather unnecessary and boring.

That does not change the fact that this book is not only well written but really funny, I don't often laugh out loud at books, but I was giggling well into the night with this one!

Well worth a read!

[Layla · Rating 3 out of 5]

The ex H/OW/baby plot line was pretty ridiculous. Everything from the way they meet (he's borderline date raped by OW), to the paternity of the kid--OW was also having sex with ex H's boss (in fact the only reason that she sleeps with ex H is to make his boss jealous) and they broke a condom the SAME WEEK that she had sex with the ex H. So it's very likely that the baby is not really his. And last, but certainly not least, there is the fact that the OW leaves ex H AND THEIR NEWBORN BABY because she "can't handle being a mother." If you can get past those unbelievable elements of this story, it was a fairly enjoyable read.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book i loved the storyline and i thought it was going to end diffrently to what it did so the book didn't give anything away which i liked.

[Helena Wildsmith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I LOVED this! Fantastic characters and a sweet, funny, yet also sad, plot. I struggled to put it down but was also disappointed to have finished it.

[Amanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was shocked to see all the positive reviews of this novel, because I found it an incredibly different read. It was not funny, some of the scenes felt in shockingly poor taste, and the selling point - a family dealing with a new pup - was entirely absent. The characters were paper thin, and moved around as dictated by the plot, rather than driving where the plot needed to go by their actions and motivations. The odd chapter from a different viewpoint was jarring, and felt like a poor way of exploring how each character was feeling, rather than being able to write it in the plot in a more natural and organic way. I hoped for the laugh-out-loud moments promised, but I found them shoehorned in and signposted a mile away rather than anything that surprised and delighted me. I hate giving such poor reviews, but I simply couldn't find anything to like.

[Rea Cobb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kerry and Rob make the ultimate decision whilst on holiday to move with their two children down to the coast at Shorling-on-sea. What was meant to be an exciting new start in their new home is soon ruined when Rob makes the biggest mistake of his life which is about to effect his whole family.

With Kerry left to settle their two children into their new surroundings things soon become a struggle and the children want one thing which she isn’t too keen on…. A Dog. But will a new furry friend be enough to get the children and Kerrys life back on track?

I have loved all of Fiona Gibson’s books that I have read so once I read the synopsis for this book I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a copy to see what the author has in store for us this time.

The book centres around Kerry although we do get a few chapters with Robs storyline which I have to admit I continually felt like I wanted to throttle the bloke after what he has done so the only reason I wanted to hear his story was just to see him suffer although in my opinion he didn’t suffer enough! Kerry is a character who you easily warm to and you find all the way through the book you are hoping for a spot of happiness to come her way.

This was a great light-hearted easy read that I loved, the only thing I did miss with this book was the humour that the author usually brings to her books. There were some mischievous moments with Buddy the dog that did entertain me though. As with the authors previous books the writing flows at such a perfect pace that it is quite easy to get swept away with the storyline. I was a little surprised by the ending it didn’t end how I had imagined which was quite a nice surprise in my opinion.

Another great read by Fiona Gibson can not wait for her next book as always.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5 stars- This book was fairly predictable, you saw things coming a lot of the time. Also, it is less about Kerry and more about Rob, making the excerpt fairly misleading. I might be old-fashioned, but I don't have much sympathy for a guy who cheats on his wife and gets someone pregnant.

[Kat · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked this to begin with but it turned out to be quite predictable and not funny like I'm used to with Fiona Gibson's books. Shame

[Chari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kerry and her family decide to move to the picturesque Shorling on Sea. Then Kerrys husband makes a huge mistake and they separate. Then Kerry decides to rehome a dog and find herself listing reasons why dogs and better than men.

I really liked this book. Fiona Gibson is really good at writing about women post breakup. I like that Kerry doesn't have a "movie" breakup and spend three weeks in her bed because she doesn't have time for that! The only thing I would say is, there are a few unnecessary points in it. The brief romance with James was a bit unnecessary it didn't really add anything to the story because she already had feelings for Harvey. Also...sadly Buddy the dog was a bit unnecessary as well. Again, he didn't really add anything to the story. He was introduced and then he was just...there. at one point he got out the house and ran away for...absolutely no reason at all. Saying that though I still loved this book the story was sweet, heartbreaking and at times shocking (no spoilers!).

[Allison Hurst · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kerry Tambini’s Aunt want to sell her house and in Shorling (By the sea) and retire abroad and offers Kerry, her husband Rob first refusal of the house, Kerry having had such good childhood memories there. They decide to buy it and move there with their two children. Then the unthinkable happens and Kerry is left stranded in snooty Shorling with her 2 children. Not getting on with the snooty school mums except one, and with the children begging, she decides to get a dog. The dog is abit of a handful, so is Kerry’s new friend. Kerry meets a few different people from all walks of life and settles into the neighbourhood with a mixture of fun & friendships along the way. Nice story but for an Italian, Kerry’s husband was a bit of a wet lettuce. Her friend was somebody you would avoid. And her new romantic interests were dull and strange. I’m glad I read it but not really anything to rave about. It lacked a bit of oomph

[Hayley Marsland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't think I've read anything by this author before, I have to say it was pretty good, although not laugh out loud funny.

Kerry Tambini and her family have upped sticks from London and moved to Shorling on the coast.

They should have been perfectly happy, but then hubby Rob makes the biggest mistake of his life.

So now Kerry is stranded, Shorling is a snooty type of town, the children are finding it hard to settle and make new friends, and all the mum's of the local children are seemingly high maintenance and more than a bit standoff-ish.

So after much pleading from kids Mia and Freddie, Kerry caves in and agrees to let them have a dog.

So has Kerry bitten off more than she can chew, by agreeing to adopt a clearly barmy dog, whilst juggling with being a newly single mum and fitting in to seaside life ?

Or can Buddy the wayward hound, lead Kerry towards a new love ?

I will certainly be reading more by this author.

[Sylwia Thompson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn’t like the book :( I am so surprised by the good reviews! There wasn’t anything to it. So unrealistic and annoying! And dragged on and on with no direction. Knowing everyone’s point of view was more than irritating. I almost felt like she was trying To justify cheating husband and wanted me to like him! Well very Unlikely! And Why should we care about his problems with the baby and his new lover? Shouldn’t it all about main heroine and the dog ?(definitely not enough dog in “pedigree mum” ). Ending was less than satisfying, someone said in the review it was surprising..well the author didn’t know where she was going with the story so any ending was possible (but not in the good way ). I couldn’t feel more indifferent about who she ends up with.

[Manali · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful family dramedy, with a sprinkling of romance

My rating: 4/5



A delightful family dramedy, with a sprinkling of romance, that captures the ups and downs of modern family life with humor and heart. Kerry, a single mum thrust into the world of dog ownership, is a lovable and realistic heroine whose misadventures are both touching and hilarious. The story flows with warmth, witty dialogue, and relatable moments that many parents and pet owners will recognize. Fiona Gibson’s writing is engaging and effortlessly funny, making the book a breezy and satisfying read. Perfect for fans of feel-good fiction with a furry twist.

[Helin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book that I've read by Fiona Gibson. I'm planning to purchase Mum On The Run by her because I absolutely loved Pedigree Mum. It had everything a book can contain: Drama; love; humor; friendship. I laughed out loud many times which usually doesn't happen unless I find a book very humorous. It had this tension of who Kerry was going to end up with and the end result wasn't that surprising! It finished solidly even though it ended with a letter from Aunt Maisie.

[Pravina · Rating 4 out of 5]

First time reading Fiona Gibson’s book and I must say I love it. It was so perfectly written. It was not draggy at all or rushed in the end like the past few books I have read. Fiona did a brilliant job on this book. Throughout the whole book, I did not have a clue about how this book was going to turn out and I am glad it turned out the way it did.

Rating: 8/10

[linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

My friend lent me this book which is completely different to my usual genre. Once I started to read it I couldn't put it down. I started on the Friday evening and finished of Saturday afternoon. It was well written, with good characters and set in a beautiful beach location. I don't want to say anymore to avoid spoiling it for you.

[Christin Natalia · Rating 1 out of 5]

This novel's plot is going nowhere. The pace is very very slow and there really was nothing to it. In the end I just skimmed it and did not regret it. I regret reading it word by word in the beginning.

[Shan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm giving this a 3 because it was a cute story and enjoyable read but I'm starting to come to the conclusion that chick lit shouldn't sit unread on the shelf for years as it doesn't really age well. I probably would have enjoyed this much more if I'd read it 5 years ago.

[June Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book, especially Buddy the dog, and his antics, lots of funny moments, also loved Harvey the clown, Rob came across as a very weak man, felt so sorry for Kerry. Would recommend

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a good read really enjoyed most of it apart from the ending

[Sue Vickery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Loved all the characters. Another fab book Fiona

[Anshika · Rating 3 out of 5]

The start is solid and the content is well written. This book is one for a good evening read and very engaging.

Though I still feel the end could have been stronger.

[Karen Wickham · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an OK read. I expected there to be more in terms of coping with the dog. I also didn't expect that ending. I thought the whole Rob side of the story could have been handled a lot better.

[Michaela Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the sort of book I normally read, I like something a bit funnier than this. But I warmed to it and in the end did find it enjoyable.

[Daryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5 stars

[Annette Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good fun and easy to read x