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Take Mum Out
“What do you need a boyfriend for? You’re a mum.”
Fiona Gibson returns with a laugh-out-loud read, sharply observed and full of dating disasters.
Three blind dates
Two teenage boys messing up her plans
And one man who'll melt Alice's heart.
'You need to get back in the saddle…' Alice despises that phrase. She's fine being single – with two slothful teenage boys and a meringue business to run, she has enough on her plate without negotiating the troublesome world of modern dating.
However, Alice's three best friends have other ideas. Each one will present her with an utterly delicious, eligible man – all Alice has to do is pick her favourite.
Perfect for fans of Tracy Bloom, Kate Long and Tess Stimson.
Fiona Gibson returns with a laugh-out-loud read, sharply observed and full of dating disasters.
Three blind dates
Two teenage boys messing up her plans
And one man who'll melt Alice's heart.
'You need to get back in the saddle…' Alice despises that phrase. She's fine being single – with two slothful teenage boys and a meringue business to run, she has enough on her plate without negotiating the troublesome world of modern dating.
However, Alice's three best friends have other ideas. Each one will present her with an utterly delicious, eligible man – all Alice has to do is pick her favourite.
Perfect for fans of Tracy Bloom, Kate Long and Tess Stimson.
384 pages, Paperback
First published March 13, 2014
175 people are currently reading
965 people want to read
About the author
Fiona Gibson
50 books509 followersFiona 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
March 11, 2014
5 - Fuzzy Felt & Arse-Busting Stars!!!
I really don’t know where to begin in my gushing about how good this book is. Fiona Gibson for me is the absolute Queen of writing down-to-earth, witty and just plain enjoyable books; I refuse to pigeon-hole her in the “Chick-Lit” category, as her books are so much more than that.
The humour is such that although it is a little naughty at times, Take Mum Out as well as her other titles are books that I would have no reservations in recommending to my Mum, Gran, the woman in the hairdressers or a random person on a bus. I have to warn you now though be prepared for ALOT of odd looks from the general public if you take the risk of reading this while you are say, waiting for your train home. I made that mistake and in an effort to cover up my laughter ended up snorting, coughing and then almost choking myself to death in-front of a platform full of commuters! Add that to the fact I then had to stop several times at home to go to the loo, as I was laughing so hard in parts I had pretty much lost control of my bladder as well as several other important faculties, you will hopefully understand just how funny this author’s writing is.
Alice Sweet has been single for approaching 6 years, and although she is happy with her life and her two sons Logan and Fergus, her friends Viv, Kirsty and Ingrid encourage her to think about getting into the dating scene again. In fact they are so encouraging they even offer to set her up with friends that they think she will hit it off with. What ensues can only be described as non-stop mayhem and madness in the most charming and enjoyable of ways.
We are in turn introduced to Giles (10 years younger, with a penchant for the older lady), Charlie (a bit of a drinker, who hasn’t yet reached the maturity level that belies his age) and Stephen (a dentist...) and a series of “dates” with each of them, as well as a diverse and varied cast of characters as the story progresses.
I don't want to give too much more of the story away as the joy I had in reading of Alice’s escapades with these men, her friend’s and pretty much everyone else in the book are something that I urge you to discover and enjoy for yourself, I cannot recommend this book highly enough, Fiona Gibson is a genius when it comes to written comedy, and let’s face it who doesn’t enjoy a bloody good laugh once in a while.
ARC provided through Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.
I really don’t know where to begin in my gushing about how good this book is. Fiona Gibson for me is the absolute Queen of writing down-to-earth, witty and just plain enjoyable books; I refuse to pigeon-hole her in the “Chick-Lit” category, as her books are so much more than that.
The humour is such that although it is a little naughty at times, Take Mum Out as well as her other titles are books that I would have no reservations in recommending to my Mum, Gran, the woman in the hairdressers or a random person on a bus. I have to warn you now though be prepared for ALOT of odd looks from the general public if you take the risk of reading this while you are say, waiting for your train home. I made that mistake and in an effort to cover up my laughter ended up snorting, coughing and then almost choking myself to death in-front of a platform full of commuters! Add that to the fact I then had to stop several times at home to go to the loo, as I was laughing so hard in parts I had pretty much lost control of my bladder as well as several other important faculties, you will hopefully understand just how funny this author’s writing is.
Alice Sweet has been single for approaching 6 years, and although she is happy with her life and her two sons Logan and Fergus, her friends Viv, Kirsty and Ingrid encourage her to think about getting into the dating scene again. In fact they are so encouraging they even offer to set her up with friends that they think she will hit it off with. What ensues can only be described as non-stop mayhem and madness in the most charming and enjoyable of ways.
We are in turn introduced to Giles (10 years younger, with a penchant for the older lady), Charlie (a bit of a drinker, who hasn’t yet reached the maturity level that belies his age) and Stephen (a dentist...) and a series of “dates” with each of them, as well as a diverse and varied cast of characters as the story progresses.
I don't want to give too much more of the story away as the joy I had in reading of Alice’s escapades with these men, her friend’s and pretty much everyone else in the book are something that I urge you to discover and enjoy for yourself, I cannot recommend this book highly enough, Fiona Gibson is a genius when it comes to written comedy, and let’s face it who doesn’t enjoy a bloody good laugh once in a while.
ARC provided through Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.
January 7, 2022
Alice is a thirty-nine year old single mother of two teenage boys, Logan aged sixteen and Fergus aged thirteen. Their father Tom spent years lying on the sofa, not working, drinking too much and generally being a slob, then when Alice kicked him out he somehow transformed and is now married to a woman with her own business (think Boden/ White Company levels of aspirational middle-class living) and has a young daughter.
Alice works as a school secretary during the day and bakes meringues for additional cash in the evenings. Since she and Tom split she hasn't had much time for dating, what with her jobs and bringing up two teenagers but her three best friends are urging her to 'get back on that horse' and each decide to set her up with a lovely man that they know.
I think to describe this as a humorous look at dating in your late thirties kind of sells this book short because it is much more than that. It's about being friends even when you have very little in common, it's about seeing people clearly (but it's also about not judging too quickly). Alice and her sons have a tense relationship, not helped by Tom or Logan's best friend Blake whose parents have just converted their attic into a self-contained apartment for him.
Overall, this was funny, charming, and ultimately life-affirming. I also liked that what I thought would be the romantic twist turned out to be wrong.
Alice works as a school secretary during the day and bakes meringues for additional cash in the evenings. Since she and Tom split she hasn't had much time for dating, what with her jobs and bringing up two teenagers but her three best friends are urging her to 'get back on that horse' and each decide to set her up with a lovely man that they know.
I think to describe this as a humorous look at dating in your late thirties kind of sells this book short because it is much more than that. It's about being friends even when you have very little in common, it's about seeing people clearly (but it's also about not judging too quickly). Alice and her sons have a tense relationship, not helped by Tom or Logan's best friend Blake whose parents have just converted their attic into a self-contained apartment for him.
Overall, this was funny, charming, and ultimately life-affirming. I also liked that what I thought would be the romantic twist turned out to be wrong.
March 6, 2014
I found this book really easy to get into. You warm straight away to the character of Alice, a single mum with 2 teenage sons. She is the perfect chick0lit heroine in that she ins strong and independent but just a little bit ditsy too. You find yourself rooting for her the entire way through the novel and so that really carries the storyline along. The other characters in the novel were there for emotional value and comedy value. The two teenage sons are written beautifully, given the teens that i know/have worked with, and they add pure moments of magic to the novel. Throughout the novel, Alice goes on dates with various men picked out by her girlfriends. These guys really do just add pure comedy value. I have to say though, i found them all rather hard to warm too. I had this same problem with Alice's ex Tom, perhaps this was because I felt somewhat protective over Alice and her family and didn't want anything to burst their little bubble.
The storyline of this book was nothing new. The idea of a women dating several guys and having to choose between them or eek out their pros and cons, however it was told in a light-hearted and fun way, and every aspect of dating was explored-from the butterflies in your tummy beforehand, to the thought of sex with another man when its been a while. The whole thing is definitely heart-warming, and really highlights the importance of a strong family unit. There were some real laugh-out -loud moments, especially moments from her fortieth birthday party, and so you will definitely fin yourself chuckling at several points in this book!
I liked the fact that this book was set in Edinburgh, you know I love a good setting, and I found it really easy to picture Alice's surroundings and all the different scenes where her adventures were taking place. In one part of the book, she travels to a different city and there could have been a lot more description of her surroundings, but there were a lot of events going on at the time and so I can understand why the author chose not to include too much setting description at this juncture.
Overall this was a fun read and definitely something I would recommend to fans of chick lit, or fans of this author. It had all the makings of a really good contemporary women's fictions novel and will definitely keep you entertained. I've not read any novels by this author before, although I have a couple sitting waiting to be read, this novel would definitely encourage me to explore more of her writing in the future!
The storyline of this book was nothing new. The idea of a women dating several guys and having to choose between them or eek out their pros and cons, however it was told in a light-hearted and fun way, and every aspect of dating was explored-from the butterflies in your tummy beforehand, to the thought of sex with another man when its been a while. The whole thing is definitely heart-warming, and really highlights the importance of a strong family unit. There were some real laugh-out -loud moments, especially moments from her fortieth birthday party, and so you will definitely fin yourself chuckling at several points in this book!
I liked the fact that this book was set in Edinburgh, you know I love a good setting, and I found it really easy to picture Alice's surroundings and all the different scenes where her adventures were taking place. In one part of the book, she travels to a different city and there could have been a lot more description of her surroundings, but there were a lot of events going on at the time and so I can understand why the author chose not to include too much setting description at this juncture.
Overall this was a fun read and definitely something I would recommend to fans of chick lit, or fans of this author. It had all the makings of a really good contemporary women's fictions novel and will definitely keep you entertained. I've not read any novels by this author before, although I have a couple sitting waiting to be read, this novel would definitely encourage me to explore more of her writing in the future!
February 5, 2023
Another brilliant book by Fiona gibson.. one of my current fave writers 😍
March 12, 2014
I'm glad to be able to say that Fiona Gibson belongs to the authors that for sure are going to deliver a great, funny, easy read without creating an exaggerated story. I have read all of her books and have enjoyed all of them, maybe because they are about situations and issues that are close to my heart, and maybe because Fiona Gibson is a great storyteller, or maybe both of the things.
Take Mum Out is about Alice, mum to two teenager sons, working as a school secretary and also starting her own business Sugar Mummy, making and selling meringues. She is still in touch with her ex, who has now a new family, but takes care about Logan and Fergus as well. No need to say that her private life is actually non - existent and, according to her sons, she actually doesn't need any boyfriend because "she's a mum". But well, Alice is alive, isn't she, and she wants to enjoy her life as well. So her three best friends have this idea that they are going to send her on three blind - dates with a man that they are going to choose.
Well, it sounds so simple, but as usually life has its own ideas and gets in the way. The blind dates were ranging, as expected, not from the very ordinary, but rather from the very ridiculous to much more hilarious.
While I enjoyed them immensely, I think it's a pity there were only three men and three dates. I love reading about blind dates, and I would really love to see more of them in this book.
I enjoyed the story told from Alice's point of view, and I enjoyed Alice herself. She was very likeable woman, full of warmth and joy, I adored her sense of humour and the fact that she had a lot of distance to herself just made her more likeable for me. Her relationship with her boys was brilliant and she managed really fantastic with two teenagers. It was great how laid - back she was to her sons although she has had her worries and problems related with the boys. She was greatly coping with her work and her meringues business although sometimes she felt that heaven is falling down on her head, especially when Logan wanted to move out.
The character of Alice's mother was one of the best in this book, she was hilarious but also a woman of a big heart and her interactions with Molly were one of the best in this book.
Logan and Fergus were two very special boys, they were brilliantly portrayed, there was nothing forced in their descriptions and this is really how the teenagers behave. I liked them both but I must admit that I have a lot of respect for Logan, who - although typical teenager - was able to see his faults and recognize them and well, he could communicate like a human being, even with his own mother.
Alice's friends were also great. Each of them had their own problems and their own story, which were mentioned in the plot, and although they were significant for the characters they were not too overwhelming. We knew what they were coping with and I kept my fingers crossed for them, but they didn't overshadow Alice and her own plot. And well, thanks to them we had those blind - dates!
The three man were very different characters and actually I liked all of them, sometimes a little more, sometimes a little less but all of them added spice and comic value to the story. It's a real shame that there were only three men and so few dates.
The book shows not only Alices's blooming and full of hope romances but also the relationships between her and her sons, her ex, friends, mother and they were all brilliantly written and pictured, each of them added some joy and importance to the book.
The idea of the book isn't new perhaps, woman going on blind dates with hope to find Mr. Right, while there is her work and children waiting at home who don't make it easier for her, but nevertheless it has worked out for me. There are no over the top ideas in this book which is another plus, the situations are being kept down to earth, everything is so normal, but Fiona Gibson gives normal a face - lifting.
She's funny, she delivers many laughs but also has something to say and writes with certainty and reliability, she knows what she's writing about. She writes the truth with such honesty that it hurts, but in a funny way. Comfort and down - to - earthness dominate in the story but perhaps thanks to those things I enjoyed it immensely. There was a gentleness in this story, nothing was too forced, everything was flying, from page to page, from word to word. This book didn't need any additional fireworks, I am buying it as it is.
Copy provided by publisher in exchange for a review.
Take Mum Out is about Alice, mum to two teenager sons, working as a school secretary and also starting her own business Sugar Mummy, making and selling meringues. She is still in touch with her ex, who has now a new family, but takes care about Logan and Fergus as well. No need to say that her private life is actually non - existent and, according to her sons, she actually doesn't need any boyfriend because "she's a mum". But well, Alice is alive, isn't she, and she wants to enjoy her life as well. So her three best friends have this idea that they are going to send her on three blind - dates with a man that they are going to choose.
Well, it sounds so simple, but as usually life has its own ideas and gets in the way. The blind dates were ranging, as expected, not from the very ordinary, but rather from the very ridiculous to much more hilarious.
While I enjoyed them immensely, I think it's a pity there were only three men and three dates. I love reading about blind dates, and I would really love to see more of them in this book.
I enjoyed the story told from Alice's point of view, and I enjoyed Alice herself. She was very likeable woman, full of warmth and joy, I adored her sense of humour and the fact that she had a lot of distance to herself just made her more likeable for me. Her relationship with her boys was brilliant and she managed really fantastic with two teenagers. It was great how laid - back she was to her sons although she has had her worries and problems related with the boys. She was greatly coping with her work and her meringues business although sometimes she felt that heaven is falling down on her head, especially when Logan wanted to move out.
The character of Alice's mother was one of the best in this book, she was hilarious but also a woman of a big heart and her interactions with Molly were one of the best in this book.
Logan and Fergus were two very special boys, they were brilliantly portrayed, there was nothing forced in their descriptions and this is really how the teenagers behave. I liked them both but I must admit that I have a lot of respect for Logan, who - although typical teenager - was able to see his faults and recognize them and well, he could communicate like a human being, even with his own mother.
Alice's friends were also great. Each of them had their own problems and their own story, which were mentioned in the plot, and although they were significant for the characters they were not too overwhelming. We knew what they were coping with and I kept my fingers crossed for them, but they didn't overshadow Alice and her own plot. And well, thanks to them we had those blind - dates!
The three man were very different characters and actually I liked all of them, sometimes a little more, sometimes a little less but all of them added spice and comic value to the story. It's a real shame that there were only three men and so few dates.
The book shows not only Alices's blooming and full of hope romances but also the relationships between her and her sons, her ex, friends, mother and they were all brilliantly written and pictured, each of them added some joy and importance to the book.
The idea of the book isn't new perhaps, woman going on blind dates with hope to find Mr. Right, while there is her work and children waiting at home who don't make it easier for her, but nevertheless it has worked out for me. There are no over the top ideas in this book which is another plus, the situations are being kept down to earth, everything is so normal, but Fiona Gibson gives normal a face - lifting.
She's funny, she delivers many laughs but also has something to say and writes with certainty and reliability, she knows what she's writing about. She writes the truth with such honesty that it hurts, but in a funny way. Comfort and down - to - earthness dominate in the story but perhaps thanks to those things I enjoyed it immensely. There was a gentleness in this story, nothing was too forced, everything was flying, from page to page, from word to word. This book didn't need any additional fireworks, I am buying it as it is.
Copy provided by publisher in exchange for a review.
March 18, 2017
Nagyon jó humorú, kellemes kis könyv volt, rendkívül élveztem az olvasását, de olyan kurtán-furcsán lett vége, amit nem tudok hova tenni... Kár érte. (Először azt hitem, hogy az én könyvemből hiányzik az utolsó fejezet :) vagy esetleg folytatása van, de erre utaló jeleket sehol nem találtam. )
March 28, 2014
Alice, hardworking and independent mum of 2 boys has been separated from their dad for several years and doing very well thank you. Three of her closest friends however, feel it is time for her to get back into the dating game, and each finds her a suitable candidate for a blind date in the hope she'll find that special someone to share her life with.
Aside from the dating scenarios which are nicely played out, family life is realistically and often hilariously portrayed by Fiona Gibson. I found all of the characters relatable, especially Alice, and enjoyed the interactions she had with her teenage sons immensely. The ending wasn't predictable either. A really enjoyable read and one I would happily recommend.
*I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Aside from the dating scenarios which are nicely played out, family life is realistically and often hilariously portrayed by Fiona Gibson. I found all of the characters relatable, especially Alice, and enjoyed the interactions she had with her teenage sons immensely. The ending wasn't predictable either. A really enjoyable read and one I would happily recommend.
*I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 16, 2015
It took me a while to finish this book. At first it was boring but I've found that I did and have enjoyed its calm manner and real-life manner. This is a great book for a laid back session with no sudden surprises or heartbreaking moments.
November 7, 2014
Take mum out was one of my favourite books of the year so far. It was funny, cute and I didn't want to put it down.
May 16, 2017
I loved this book. I loved the characters and I just always wanted to know what was going to happen next. The pace was perfect. Looking forward to reading another Fiona Gibson book soon.
December 27, 2025
A very enjoyable & so comical a read, brought back some funny moments personally too! Loved Alice's character & her love for her boys throughout book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2015
I won this in good reads giveaway
I enjoyed it :)
I enjoyed it :)
July 7, 2017
I chose this book at a book sale because I felt like I should read more mom related shenanigans ( since am now a mom) but am not putting a lot of hope that I will enjoy it.
I am glad that I was proved wrong.
This book is delightful. I love her and her dotty boys. I love imagining her living in Edinburgh because I just love Edinburgh so that is a plus point. What shined through the most when I read it, is a feeling that to her, family is everything even if they have a huge fault.
Also the characters felt real, even if they can be OTT, but it does not feel out of line.
A fun book. Though a bit predictable, but still it was a nice read especially since I picked this book to be read in a hospital stay. So yes! Anyone who have to stay in a hospital for a few days either as a patient or a mom whose child was in a hospital ( that was me , so I really need a pick me up), this is a pretty good choice!
I am glad that I was proved wrong.
This book is delightful. I love her and her dotty boys. I love imagining her living in Edinburgh because I just love Edinburgh so that is a plus point. What shined through the most when I read it, is a feeling that to her, family is everything even if they have a huge fault.
Also the characters felt real, even if they can be OTT, but it does not feel out of line.
A fun book. Though a bit predictable, but still it was a nice read especially since I picked this book to be read in a hospital stay. So yes! Anyone who have to stay in a hospital for a few days either as a patient or a mom whose child was in a hospital ( that was me , so I really need a pick me up), this is a pretty good choice!
September 28, 2018
This is definitely a laugh out loud read. I loved Alice’s dates, although I was surprised by her final choice of partner.
My favourite laugh out loud moment had to be Alice’s first date with Anthony, and his Botox advice for Alice. I mean why date someone if you’re going to sit there and advise that they get plastic surgery?
My favourite laugh out loud moment had to be Alice’s first date with Anthony, and his Botox advice for Alice. I mean why date someone if you’re going to sit there and advise that they get plastic surgery?
September 7, 2023
Perfectly Enjoyable if a little predictable. Would have been 4 stars if it weren’t for the ridiculous over use of the word “snigger” which annoyed me so much, by the end of the book i couldn’t wait to never read anything by this author ever again! It’s not the word itself but the fact that it’s used so much - there are other words out there!!
July 25, 2018
Really loved this book, warming to the main character Alice - who like myself, a single Mum with teenagers - working hard, and finding herself thinking about getting back out there in the dating world. Lots of funny moments, and a nice easy enjoyable read. Thoroughly recommend.
August 25, 2019
Lovely easy read. Liked the main character and her band of three friends. What I liked about this book most of all was that I didn’t predict the ending. With the set up of different dates I thought the ending would be predictable but it turned out my guess was wrong :-)
September 18, 2020
Easy to read humourous story of Alice single mum of two teenage boys who as she approaches 40 is set up on three dates by her girlfriends. Great fun and as a mum of two boys very easy to identify with. I thoroughly enjoyed this.
November 30, 2022
This was a nice, easy book to read. Up to the last few chapters, I didn't know who Alice will choose so there's anticipation to keep reading. Overall, this is one of the author's better books. Solid plot and with enough humor and levity to make it relatable for people at a certain age.
January 16, 2023
Enjoyed immensely!
Chick Lit at its best. Funny yet very accurate life of single mom trying to find love. The story had no graphic scenes and not a lot of angst for filler. I would highly recommend.
Chick Lit at its best. Funny yet very accurate life of single mom trying to find love. The story had no graphic scenes and not a lot of angst for filler. I would highly recommend.
January 4, 2018
Feel good, refreshing, often funny novel.
April 5, 2018
Szellemes-kellemes, egyszerű… Kissé kiszámíthatóan és biztos happy enddel.
June 4, 2018
Disappointing
October 29, 2018
Cute and fun. Not the best written.
April 25, 2020
Enjoyable and fun.
I loved this book although not as much as the woman who upped and left, that book I read in a day! Love Fionas books. Would highly recommend them ❤️
I loved this book although not as much as the woman who upped and left, that book I read in a day! Love Fionas books. Would highly recommend them ❤️
June 8, 2020
oh shit they got me with who the mom ends up with
Read
June 15, 2020lovely funy and cute with big dose of hope.at first to near the end i think that prefer meriunge above men! that's good
July 19, 2020
Keeps you guessing till the end....which is what I enjoy so much from this author. She must be REALLY good at poker, because she keeps her cards close to the vest.
February 4, 2021
Really enjoyed
Fab book really enjoyed the story line and was so happy at the end to see Alice finally found the right man
Fab book really enjoyed the story line and was so happy at the end to see Alice finally found the right man
Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews