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The Mother Load
Not yet published
Expected 7 Feb 28MIshaps at work. Misery at the school gate. Mayhem at home.
It'll get easier when he starts school...
That's what Lucy was told, and she believed it. But now that her autistic son Stanley has joined Reception, his obsession with Africa and daily screaming fits at the school gates haven't exactly won him or Lucy any popularity contests.
So for Stanley's fifth birthday Lucy plans an extravagant party to help him connect with his classmates.
But her autistic husband Ed knows how his son's mind works better than anyone, so instead of a big bash, they travel to Wales to eat a Libya-shaped birthday cake with Lucy's family. And suddenly Lucy is faced with the truth about what her loved ones really need, and how they can finally find their tribe...
It'll get easier when he starts school...
That's what Lucy was told, and she believed it. But now that her autistic son Stanley has joined Reception, his obsession with Africa and daily screaming fits at the school gates haven't exactly won him or Lucy any popularity contests.
So for Stanley's fifth birthday Lucy plans an extravagant party to help him connect with his classmates.
But her autistic husband Ed knows how his son's mind works better than anyone, so instead of a big bash, they travel to Wales to eat a Libya-shaped birthday cake with Lucy's family. And suddenly Lucy is faced with the truth about what her loved ones really need, and how they can finally find their tribe...
- GenresAudiobook
368 pages, Paperback
Expected publication February 7, 2028
11 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
March 25, 2023
I enjoyed The M-Word, so getting to read The Motherload was great!
It hit so many personal notes on so many levels.
Lucy is back with her family of fellow musician husband, Ed, and two boys. She's struggling to build her cellist career again after motherhood, and Ed is trying his hardest to keep things afloat as they navigate the next chapter of parenthood, i.e., starting school.
Alongside her friends Charlie and Jen, with the support of her family, albeit far away in Wales, and the sometimes unwanted help of her mother-in-law, Lucy gets through some pretty sticky situations.
I am a teacher, and a Reception one at that, so reading about Stanley, Lucy's 4-year-old son, and his struggles as he fails to settle in school while his obsessions and quirks get more and more pronounced, made me want to hug Lucy.
Autism is a broad spectrum, and it is being diagnosed much more, but still so misunderstood. I applaud how the staff were portrayed, as that is a daily scene in most classrooms, as we help parents and children come to terms with the possibility of diagnosis.
Brilliantly done, and I want to know what happens next in Lucy and her family's life!
Many thanks to NetGalley, Atlantic and Corvus Books for an ARC.
It hit so many personal notes on so many levels.
Lucy is back with her family of fellow musician husband, Ed, and two boys. She's struggling to build her cellist career again after motherhood, and Ed is trying his hardest to keep things afloat as they navigate the next chapter of parenthood, i.e., starting school.
Alongside her friends Charlie and Jen, with the support of her family, albeit far away in Wales, and the sometimes unwanted help of her mother-in-law, Lucy gets through some pretty sticky situations.
I am a teacher, and a Reception one at that, so reading about Stanley, Lucy's 4-year-old son, and his struggles as he fails to settle in school while his obsessions and quirks get more and more pronounced, made me want to hug Lucy.
Autism is a broad spectrum, and it is being diagnosed much more, but still so misunderstood. I applaud how the staff were portrayed, as that is a daily scene in most classrooms, as we help parents and children come to terms with the possibility of diagnosis.
Brilliantly done, and I want to know what happens next in Lucy and her family's life!
Many thanks to NetGalley, Atlantic and Corvus Books for an ARC.
April 17, 2023
As soon as I saw The Mother Load on Netgalley I had to request it! I was sent M is For Mummy last year and I absolutely loved it! It was a funny and relatable look at motherhood whilst also looking at the challenges being the parent of an autistic child can bring.
The Mother Load picks up where the first book left off. Stanley has his autism diagnosis and has just started school, but he's struggling with the big changes. Lucy, his mother, is frazzled between trying to meet his needs along with her younger son Jack and her husband Ed who has his own issues to face.
I loved this book just as much as the first. Whilst there's no huge plot here, I loved just being a part of their day to day lives. All the characters are fun to read about and it's a really entertaining book that had me laughing out loud in places and gave me a few happy tears at the end.
It's rare for me to be drawn to any book that is described as lighthearted and easy to read so it says a lot that I'm hoping for a third book in this series!
The Mother Load picks up where the first book left off. Stanley has his autism diagnosis and has just started school, but he's struggling with the big changes. Lucy, his mother, is frazzled between trying to meet his needs along with her younger son Jack and her husband Ed who has his own issues to face.
I loved this book just as much as the first. Whilst there's no huge plot here, I loved just being a part of their day to day lives. All the characters are fun to read about and it's a really entertaining book that had me laughing out loud in places and gave me a few happy tears at the end.
It's rare for me to be drawn to any book that is described as lighthearted and easy to read so it says a lot that I'm hoping for a third book in this series!
August 11, 2023
A really funny, easy reading story about Lucy, Ed and their boys.
This is a story about a working mum living in London with her 5 year old son with autism, her baby son and her husband that has possible/likely undiagnosed autism.
Lucy is struggling to keep her head above water being everything to everybody, she is stressed, exhausted and yet she keeps going.
Having children with autism and ADHD and only being recently diagnosed myself- i found it great that their was a book highlighting how difficult parenting is anyway but how it becomes a bit more complex when your child is up against the world and your the only one fighting it with them. The difference it identified around how Lucy and Ed behaved and felt around people who supported, helped and accepted them and their children in comparison to how they felt around people who found it a bit more difficult to understand the concept of autism was quite a sad reality for myself and a lot of parents of SENCO children.
This book is a must to read. It flows really easily and i didn't want to put it down. It will make you laugh out loud, cry and educate all at the same time.
Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read this. This review is solely my own thoughts/review on the book.
This is a story about a working mum living in London with her 5 year old son with autism, her baby son and her husband that has possible/likely undiagnosed autism.
Lucy is struggling to keep her head above water being everything to everybody, she is stressed, exhausted and yet she keeps going.
Having children with autism and ADHD and only being recently diagnosed myself- i found it great that their was a book highlighting how difficult parenting is anyway but how it becomes a bit more complex when your child is up against the world and your the only one fighting it with them. The difference it identified around how Lucy and Ed behaved and felt around people who supported, helped and accepted them and their children in comparison to how they felt around people who found it a bit more difficult to understand the concept of autism was quite a sad reality for myself and a lot of parents of SENCO children.
This book is a must to read. It flows really easily and i didn't want to put it down. It will make you laugh out loud, cry and educate all at the same time.
Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read this. This review is solely my own thoughts/review on the book.
September 24, 2024
Katy Cox has nailed this on the head!! I grew up with my younger brothers who were diagnosed with autism and honestly watching my parents go through the changes and the upset of having two children who are autistic this book hits the nail on the head!
I highly recommend this book to anyone who has been diagnosed with autism, knows anyone who is autistic or works with people with autism because honestly this book actually helps with the reality of autism!
Some people think that autism is just a child "acting out" or being "spoilt" but I can assure you that is definitely not the case at all, having autistic siblings changes your perspective on so many things from the "meltdowns" to the moments you cherish forever and this book describes that just perfectly especially if you feel like you have let them down or you feel alone in this journey!! I can assure you that you are not alone and you have your tribe behind you!!
I highly recommend this book to anyone who has been diagnosed with autism, knows anyone who is autistic or works with people with autism because honestly this book actually helps with the reality of autism!
Some people think that autism is just a child "acting out" or being "spoilt" but I can assure you that is definitely not the case at all, having autistic siblings changes your perspective on so many things from the "meltdowns" to the moments you cherish forever and this book describes that just perfectly especially if you feel like you have let them down or you feel alone in this journey!! I can assure you that you are not alone and you have your tribe behind you!!
May 19, 2023
Please tell me this isn't the last we will see of Lucy, Stanley, Jack and Ed. I absolutely adore this family, I loved them in the author's first book, and they have grown on me even more with The Motherload.
Stanley is just adorable and so so intelligent, and I just want to give him a hug, but fear it probably wouldn't be appreciated.
I love seeing how Lucy is doing her best to support both her autistic son and husband. The way she explains to the reader, just how their minds work and thus why she is doing things, or allowing certain behaviours, is eye opening and I'd like to think might help anyone who has newly diagnosed autistics in their lives, to see how they could support their person.
I also really wanted to cause Ed's mother large amounts of harm, as she think she is "helping" Lucy at times, but in reality she is in denial as to the fact autism even exists let lone how to support loved ones with it.
I felt for Stanley as he is starting school, and clearly not a fan of it. The school seem to be trying to help him, and I did like his teacher.
There is humour, family, fun and it's a novel that completely absorbed me, I was immersed in Lucy's life and was curious to see just what would happen next, as I was enjoying my time spent with them all so much.
I just hope that this will have at least one more book in the series, as with the way it has ended, I feel like there is a good set up for another story, but even if there isn't, it is certainly a complete and satisfying ending.
Thank you to Corvus and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Stanley is just adorable and so so intelligent, and I just want to give him a hug, but fear it probably wouldn't be appreciated.
I love seeing how Lucy is doing her best to support both her autistic son and husband. The way she explains to the reader, just how their minds work and thus why she is doing things, or allowing certain behaviours, is eye opening and I'd like to think might help anyone who has newly diagnosed autistics in their lives, to see how they could support their person.
I also really wanted to cause Ed's mother large amounts of harm, as she think she is "helping" Lucy at times, but in reality she is in denial as to the fact autism even exists let lone how to support loved ones with it.
I felt for Stanley as he is starting school, and clearly not a fan of it. The school seem to be trying to help him, and I did like his teacher.
There is humour, family, fun and it's a novel that completely absorbed me, I was immersed in Lucy's life and was curious to see just what would happen next, as I was enjoying my time spent with them all so much.
I just hope that this will have at least one more book in the series, as with the way it has ended, I feel like there is a good set up for another story, but even if there isn't, it is certainly a complete and satisfying ending.
Thank you to Corvus and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
September 13, 2024
The heartwarming, uplifting and relatable sequel to M is for Mummy, picks up the story as Stanley starts school.
Although Lucy now has Stanley's autism diagnosis, and they are supported by brilliant, encouraging and resourceful teachers, Lucy still feels separate from the other mums and worries about the lack of school friends that she and Stanley have been able to make.
Now she has realised that her husband also has similar traits, she is able to be more accommodating of his struggles, although life is still hard work.
As professional musicians, they can both be called at short notice for gigs, auditions and tours, and Lucy continues to carry the bulk of the responsibility.
She continues to learn more about how to help Stanley, and when her sister comes to stay she starts to realise how much easier it is for both her and Stanley when they have supportive people around.
Although Lucy now has Stanley's autism diagnosis, and they are supported by brilliant, encouraging and resourceful teachers, Lucy still feels separate from the other mums and worries about the lack of school friends that she and Stanley have been able to make.
Now she has realised that her husband also has similar traits, she is able to be more accommodating of his struggles, although life is still hard work.
As professional musicians, they can both be called at short notice for gigs, auditions and tours, and Lucy continues to carry the bulk of the responsibility.
She continues to learn more about how to help Stanley, and when her sister comes to stay she starts to realise how much easier it is for both her and Stanley when they have supportive people around.
March 15, 2025
I was gifted this book as part of a book club group, and from reading the bio I wasn't really sure it was my type of book, but I'm so glad to have given it a chance and been proven wrong! It is light and easy to read, with such likeable characters and gives an honest insight into the chaotic world of motherhood, friendships and finding the elusive work/life balance. We follow Lucy, the main character, juggling the highs and lows that come with being a good mother, wife, friend, sister, daughter and teacher, whilst also navigating the routines (and meltdowns!) from her loved ones with autism. A perfect blend of humourous moments balanced with more serious life events, it was a heartwarming read that will leave you feeling affection towards Lucy and her family, and wondering what happens next for them.
March 30, 2024
Cox writes with terrific humour and warmth about a mother’s life with her young autistic son. She’s the queen of killer similes such as describing trying on a bikini (post-baby body) and her ‘boobs escaped below the string like a pair of mad cows charging through a barbed-wire fence’. At the heart of the story is the mother’s bond with her eldest son (who is passionate about maps), as together they navigate the world of autism. Lots of fun and relatable characters. You’d definitely want a night out with her family and friends. The only character I didn’t engage with fully was the husband. But the story has lots and lots of heart, which will make you not only glad you read it, but appreciate all those in our families who take on the mother load.
March 17, 2023
Another great totally relatable read from Katy cox following on from M is for mummy!
We catch up with Lucy,Ed,Stanley and baby Jack as they struggle on with the monotony of everyday life,juggling work, childcare,bills and Ed and Stanley’s unique foibles and habits!
Things come to a head with Stanley’s behaviour and distress at school and Ed having a breakdown whilst in your in Australia, so a drastic change is needed!
Realisation hits Lucy and aided and abetted by her loving family they up sticks and move and in doing so start to live again!
A real down to earth, humorous, take on family life blemishes and all!
Would highly recommend
Thank you netgalley for this early read.
We catch up with Lucy,Ed,Stanley and baby Jack as they struggle on with the monotony of everyday life,juggling work, childcare,bills and Ed and Stanley’s unique foibles and habits!
Things come to a head with Stanley’s behaviour and distress at school and Ed having a breakdown whilst in your in Australia, so a drastic change is needed!
Realisation hits Lucy and aided and abetted by her loving family they up sticks and move and in doing so start to live again!
A real down to earth, humorous, take on family life blemishes and all!
Would highly recommend
Thank you netgalley for this early read.
January 9, 2025
This book was so relatable to me . It accurately captured the day to day struggles of a mother of a child with autism. The added factor of the friendship group the mum has and how she feels about the school mum's gave it another layer . I couldn't put it down and the way it all wrapped up so beautifully at the end and the .ain character and her best friend entered a new phase of their lives . The main character chose to move her family back to her childhood home village and Wales for everyones benefit
The best friend gave birth to her beautiful little girl in the most dramatic way and began her own journey as a mother .
The best friend gave birth to her beautiful little girl in the most dramatic way and began her own journey as a mother .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2023
Cellist Alice is juggling her music career with motherhood to two young boys, one of whom has recently been diagnosed as autistic. Husband Ed is a talented guitarist but with his extreme anxiety and tendancy to shutdown in difficult situations ( and play with his collection of action men) she suspects he is also autistic.
Living in London puts them at the heart of the music scene. However, it is also expensive and they live from paycheck to paycheck. As their personal circumstances change they find that finding work performing is becoming increasingly hard to come by and the rejection and unpreditability stressful.
An amusing and frank account of the daily challenges of being a parent, combined with the complexity of neurodiversity. I really liked main character Lucy and hope that there is a sequel as would love to find out what happens next for the family.
Living in London puts them at the heart of the music scene. However, it is also expensive and they live from paycheck to paycheck. As their personal circumstances change they find that finding work performing is becoming increasingly hard to come by and the rejection and unpreditability stressful.
An amusing and frank account of the daily challenges of being a parent, combined with the complexity of neurodiversity. I really liked main character Lucy and hope that there is a sequel as would love to find out what happens next for the family.
June 18, 2023
I loved this! Katy Cox is a mother of two boys, her eldest is autistic as well as her husband. Her and her husband are both musicians (as am I but in the military) and I also have an Autistic son so I found this and her previous book, M is for Mummy, really relatable. At tines, I wanted to cry, the way her children are, and the things she has to overcome just to get through a normal working day. I tore right through them. They were funny too, and I would love her to write a third. Unlikely at the moment as this only came out on the first of June. Smashing read, really enjoyed it!
August 25, 2024
Overall this book did a really good job and showing what life is like living with autism first hand as well as living alongside those with autism. The chaos of everyday life as a mother is wrote beautifully and I loved the way platonic love was shown throughout the friendships.
However the ending for me (moving back home) was just too predictable, before the idea was even proposed by her sister I almost felt that it would likely end up the way it did as it just made the most amount of sense.
However the ending for me (moving back home) was just too predictable, before the idea was even proposed by her sister I almost felt that it would likely end up the way it did as it just made the most amount of sense.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2023
The Mother Load is a brilliant sequel to Katy Cox's M is for Mummy. She has a brilliant and relatable way of writing about coping with motherhood, career and marriage. Dealing with a son and a husband with autism and navigating life with an intrusive all encompassing mother in law.
I couldn't put it down after picking it up. I can't wait for the next one.
I couldn't put it down after picking it up. I can't wait for the next one.
May 15, 2024
3,5/5
Quelques passages au début super intéressants à lire sur l’autisme. Je n’ai pas forcément accroché avec les personnages mais le déroulé de l’histoire est touchant. Il m’a fallu 2 semaines pour le terminer parce que j’étais sincèrement stressée en lisant tout ce que Lucy doit gérer pour elle et sa famille. Alors pas forcément une lecture détendante, mais ça passe bien.
Quelques passages au début super intéressants à lire sur l’autisme. Je n’ai pas forcément accroché avec les personnages mais le déroulé de l’histoire est touchant. Il m’a fallu 2 semaines pour le terminer parce que j’étais sincèrement stressée en lisant tout ce que Lucy doit gérer pour elle et sa famille. Alors pas forcément une lecture détendante, mais ça passe bien.
April 21, 2025
An heart warming story that shows motherhood and different family dynamics that can be difficult. The story follows a mother and focuses on her child Stan and husband Ed that struggle with autism. It shows along the way how Ed starts to accept his autism and how Stan understands that he can lean on his mother despite his difficulties.
Altogether the story was sweet and comedic at times.
Altogether the story was sweet and comedic at times.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2024
I read this book not realising that it was the second in a series however, I could easily follow it and loved it as a stand alone. It’s warm and funny and sweet and relatable. I listened to this on audiobook and the narrator was also fabulous.
July 4, 2025
Entertaining and funny, with a surprisingly sweet ending. I actually hated every single character (except Stanley and the teachers)
at the beginning, especially the husband Ed, but I'm glad I continued reading because it gave me a new perspective on things.
at the beginning, especially the husband Ed, but I'm glad I continued reading because it gave me a new perspective on things.
November 20, 2025
The speech about lunchbox foods made me hungry, tuna sandwich, golden wonders and banana is what I remember having in a brown bag for a school trip lunch.
Unfortunately this book didn't thrill me enough.
Unfortunately this book didn't thrill me enough.
June 2, 2023
Read and reviewed in exchange for a free copy from NetGalley. This was a really enjoyable read. Lucy, the narrator, was likeable and engaging, as was the supporting cast.
June 16, 2023
Absolutely amazing!
Loved the first book, loved the second book!
Such a wonderful insight to a lovely family.
Loved the first book, loved the second book!
Such a wonderful insight to a lovely family.
July 16, 2023
Brilliant
A beautiful story beautifully written. Loveable characters. As pleasurable as reading Gavin and Stacey. Love the ending. Very true to life. Thanks!
A beautiful story beautifully written. Loveable characters. As pleasurable as reading Gavin and Stacey. Love the ending. Very true to life. Thanks!
September 11, 2023
Really enjoyed this book, a great follow up but would also work well as a stand alone.
September 23, 2023
I enjoyed this more than the first one; less (but still too much) toilet humour, and a better story overall.
October 4, 2023
Not a fan personally, very mundane, expected some humour. But there wasn’t much substance to the book
March 15, 2024
Wow!!! What a wonderful story!!! Laughted, cried but mostly I understand now. Families are what makes us and there is no wrong or right types of families.... just love and lots of it.
August 13, 2024
Such an incredible look behind the curtain of the trials and tribulations of not only being a modern mum but an autism mum too.
August 24, 2024
4.5 rounded down to 4
September 4, 2024
I loved this book, it really resonated with me.
September 26, 2024
Such a fab book, I thoroughly enjoyed it. A must read for all mums
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews