HarperCollins Why Mummy Drinks on Holiday.

Why Mummy #6

by Gill Sims

No.1 bestselling author Gill Sims is back with her eagerly awaited sixth Why Mummy novel.When family life gives you lemons, trade them for grapes!

Mummy Ellen is on a well-earned sabbatical from work, and she has A Vision. She is going to cherish *every* moment this holiday with her Precious Moppets Peter and Jane, alongside her ride-or-die best friend, Hannah. There will be wicker baskets! Vintage bicycles! Pink sunshine wine! And not an electronic babysitter in sight.

But as she strives for her picture-perfect “Ultimate Family Summer” in the sun-kissed bliss of her almost-chateau, reality crashes the party. With small feral hell-beasts to keep alive on the daily, and Hannah suddenly and mysteriously MIA, wine o’clock gets earlier and earlier as each day crawls by.

Can she keep The Vision alive without resorting to nightly beige ‘freezer tapas’ (aka guilt-flavoured chicken nuggets)? Or will she reach the end of her Gentle Parenting book and her tether as her dream holiday descends into a nightmare?

Join Ellen on her uproarious quest to salvage one of the #18PreciousSummers, or simply find her Grape Escape.

Genres: Audiobook, Chick Lit, Fiction, Humor, Comedy

336 pages, Hardcover

Published June 20, 2024

About the author

Gill Sims is a bestselling British author and blogger.

Sims is the author of Why Mummy Drinks which was the Sunday Times Fiction Bestseller of 2017, Why Mummy Swears published in 2018, and Why Mummy Doesn't Give A **** published in 2019.

In 2016, she began her Peter and Jane blog, which quickly gained a viral following. Her blog offers a comical response to issues facing parents. She has also written postnatal depression for Netmums. Sims has been regularly profiled as a leading proponent of a "Mummy Blogger."

She lives in Scotland with her husband, two children and border terrier, 'Judgy Dog'.

Reviews

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

found the latest in series funny as usual

[Noemi Proietti · Rating 4 out of 5]

She’s back! The funniest and most chaotic mother in the world is back right on time for the summer holidays. This year, Ellen has decided to take a two-month sabbatical from her work (which she hates, by the way), so that she doesn’t have to juggle babysitters and summer camps during the school holidays, and she has decided to make the most of it. Together with her best friend Hannah, she’s organized fun activities, picnics and adventures (lots of “japes and frolics”) so that they can have their Summer of Happy Memories. Of course, things never go according to plan. First, Hannah leaves her alone to go and spend three weeks with her ex-husband in Cape Town, so Ellen decides to make new friends (and make Hannah jealous) by spending time with perfect yummy mummies Fiona Montague and Lucy Atkinson’s Perfect Mummy which involves healthy food, intellectual activities, and Fiona’s ever-present clipboard. Then, her disapproving mother moves in with her, luckily Ellen and her family are going to France to spend two weeks at her in-laws “chattete”, but the presence of her crystal crazy sister-in-law (who lives nearby in a house paid for by her) doesn’t help things. Also, it may be time to decide what to do with her life and the job she dreads returning to.

I love the Why Mummy series and I am always looking forward to a new story. I don’t know how many times I laughed out loud while I was reading this book. Why Mummy Drinks on Holiday is hilarious, entertaining, but also relatable as it addresses topics of friendships, how to juggle friends and family, and trying to appear different to be accepted by new friends. Highly recommended!

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the ‘Why Mummy’ series and this book was a great sequel!
Not only was it hilarious, but it focused on the difficulties of navigating friendships through parenthood.

Ellen is trying to provide the perfect summer holidays for her children with lots of ‘japes and frolics’ whilst simultaneously having a crisis about who she is and what she wants to do.

‘The Summer of Happy Memories’ doesn’t quite go to plan as Ellen continues her sweary ranting about the struggles of living up to expectations of yummy mummies like Lucy Atkinson’s Perfect Mummy and her sidekick Fiona Montague. Especially after a rather brutal falling out with her best friend Hannah, who abandons their Summer of Happy Memories to bugger off to South Africa with her ex.

All is not as it seems, and even two weeks in her parents-in-law’s French ‘chattete’ isn’t enough to help Ellen overcome her problems. Especially when her crazy, crystal wielding, poet of a sister-in-law makes a reappearance.

This book had me laughing out loud the whole way through, and even as somebody who isn’t a parent, I still find it relatable!

Highly recommend for a lighthearted, hilarious read.

Thank you NetGalley for the arc in return for an honest review!

[Alison Bradbury · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh I was not a fan of this at all.

I have never read any of these books before so was glad of the recap in the first chapter. I was hoping to enjoy it as it looked fun and funny but it really wasn't. There were a couple of occasions when I did laugh out loud at something that was said or something that happened, but these were so few and far between that I didn't find it entertaining.

Ellen, the main character, is unlikable at best. I couldn't warm to her at all as she was whiny and too teenage like constantly complaining that her friend wasn't being her friend because it wasn't all about her. The supporting characters read like a list of cliches and these are leaned into really hard! Drinking plays such a strong part of the story that I began to worry for Ellen's health and wondered if she was an alcoholic. Of course the story resolves itself with everyone being friends, the kids having the best holiday ever despite Ellen's attempts and everyone agreeing that Ellen is amazing.

I won't be reading another of these intentionally - it just wasn't for me. However, if you are part of that playground 'yummy mummy' clique it will probably make more sense to you than it did to me.

[Sammy Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely love this set of books, and again Gill didn't disappoint with number 6

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Great audiobook narration.

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is not a secret that I LOVE this series by Gill Sims, so of course, I had it on pre-order for months. This is another fantastic addition to the 'Why Mummy...' series!

This would work as a standalone. However, reading the others in the series makes it more enjoyable, as readers can relate to Ellen’s dilemmas on a deeper level and reveal her quirks and lack of thinking methods. Although this read has some hidden deeper meanings, this author’s humour and creativity make it lighthearted, with some fantastic relatable scenes and conversations.

It was great to relive an unknown part of Jane and Peter’s youth as this storyline unfolded, and I can only hope that there are more to follow. These characters are like long-distance family members. It may be a while before we see each other, but when we do, it is like we’ve never been apart! Perfect for a fridge magnet, don’t you think? (IYKYK!)

Also, Laura, aka The White Witch, is back with more naked frolicking around the garden, chanting and connecting with wombs! What’s not to love?

I absolutely recommend this for a summer read. It is an ideal beach read and perfect to pack in the suitcase! Why not make it 2024’s airport purchase? Reading it won't disappoint you!

‘Why Mummy Drinks on Holiday’ is out now and available in all formats.

[Harbir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart warming

Heart warming and follows on well from precious stories. Tales of friendship, love and loss all in one hit.

It made me make changes in my life time with the support of other people even if I don't drink myself

Brilliant book!

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny, laugh out loud, full of familiar moments and a great easy read

[Laura (experiment in progress) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can only hope the next book is “why mummy needs therapy”.

I’m not sure if I’ve outgrown this series or the book was less engaging than previous but I had to take long breaks in the middle due to the teenage whining of Ellen. Why her husband stays is now an unsolved mystery. She needs therapy, rehab and maybe some time at her sister in law’s retreat might do her some good.

That being said, it wasn’t all bad. Learning about Lucy Atkinson’s perfect mummy and Fiona Montague were a definitely pleasant addition to the characters and there’s some positive opportunities for future books there. But I can give Ellen eleventy billion reasons why she should grow the heck up for the next one…

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why Mummy .... series is so not my usual cup of tea - but I do love them! You can really feel the desire to give the best life ever for her children, Peter and Jane, but, kids being kids, do they want that? Nah - leave them to their devices. With a charger.... And this sixth installment of the series covers the interminably long summer holidays. No wonder Mummy drinks on holiday!

Blurb:
(Back cover)
This would be the Summer of Happy Memories.
My head was filled with visions of wicker picnic hampers, me in a white dress reclining elegantly on a faded ancient silk carpet, dispensing cloudy lemonade from stone bottles into quirky vintage glass goblets for us (with perhaps a small nip of gin in mine), before we ran, free as the wind, our hair blowing Instagrammably behind us along a golden, sun-drenched beach.
Though, on reflection, the flaw in this plan, as always, was the children. I wonder if Enid Blyton parents sometimes looked at the Famous Five merrily tying up kidnappers in dungeons and wondered where their vision of lashings of ginger beer and japes had gone wrong?
(Inside cover)
When family life gives you lemons, trade them for grapes!
Mummy Ellen is on a well-earned sabbatical from work, and she has a Vision. She is going to cherish *every* moment of this holiday with her Precious Moppets, Peter and Jane, alongside her ride-or-die best friend, Hannah. There will be wicker baskets! Vintage bicycles! Pink sunshine wine! And not an electronic babysitter in sight.
But as she strives for her picture-perfect "Ultimate Family Summer" in the sun-kissed bliss of her not-quite-a-chateau, reality crashes the party. With small, feral hell-beasts to keep alive on the daily, and Hannah suddenly and mysteriously MIA, wine o'clock gets earlier and earlier as each day crawls by.
Can Ellen keep the Vision alive without resorting to nightly beige "freezer tapas" (aka guilt flavoured chicken nuggets)? Or will she reach the end of her gentle parenting book *and* her tether as her dream holiday descends into a nightmare?
Join Ellen on her uproarious quest to salvage one of the #18PreciousSummers, or simply find her Grape Escape.

Reading this makes me so glad that I'm not swayed by hashtags on Insta and Pinterest - life is way too short! But it definitely makes for hilarious reading...

A book I bought to complete my series, and definitely a keeper! Looking forward to the next one already!

[Cee Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

In these enlightened days of equality and non-stereotyping, there’s no such thing as a ‘man’s book’ or a ‘woman’s book.’ So there should be nothing odd about my buying a hardback copy of this, the latest in the ‘Why Mummy …’ series by Gill Sims.

That said – it is a ‘woman’s book.’

So why did I buy it? Well, as a author myself (not in Gill’s league, I hasten to add) I wanted to see what styles other writers adopted for their humorous books. I read the book’s blurb, and it instantly conjured the image of a distinctly harassed, middle-class mummy – the type of character you’d expect to see in a television sitcom.

I was right.

This is a lovely book – pretty much about nothing at all! I won’t say anything here as there’s not much to give away regards the plot and story-line. But it’s absolutely fine. That may seem an odd thing to say, but the three hundred and eleven pages turned quickly. It was a light read, as easily read in little one or two-page snippets as it was to ‘binge’ on several chapters at a time.

Initially, I found the use of hyper-long sentences very annoying. My own book editing tool would have blown a circuit had it been asked to comment on these. However, as I got deeper into the tale, I could see it was part of the author’s deliberate style, and was in fact particularly relevant to the main character’s (erm … ) character.

I’ve seen a review where mention is made of the swearing that crops up from time to time. The reviewer felt it was not necessary. I disagree. I think it perfectly highlights the woman’s frustrations and anger. And it’s ‘polite’ potty-mouth. Sort of prim and proper swearing. It comes across as being totally incongruous to the general surroundings and situation, and since it’s used sparingly, it accentuates the comedic effect.

Similarly, the references to sex come almost out of the blue and I really did find myself bursting out in spontaneous laughter from time to time.

Yeah – overall, I’d say this was a very enjoyable read. Would I shell out to read any of the other six books in the series? You know … I just might.

_____

[Simon Bostock · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Set just after the first book, Ellen has taken a sabbatical from work so that she can make memories with the 'poppets' over the summer holidays. She spends a lot of time with Gemma and Fiona, the 'yummy mummies' and makes a friend on holiday Angie.

This is the book about friendship as an adult, when your connection to friends is rooted in your common ground being, you have children. There is a moment in the book where on her holiday in France, Ellen basically spits the dummy, and declares that 'Louisa has stolen her friend Angie' like a slightly drunk petulant child.

Ellen's mother turns up out of the blue, and gets her nose put out when Ellen mentions that she would need to clear it with Simon's parents if she were to come with them on their holiday.

'This' said Mum dramatically, 'is typical of you Ellen. You make everything about yourself, just like you did with your wedding!'

She is the a truly awful character, at least Louisa is a fun slightly out there character, with a massive entitlement, Ellen's mother is utterly vile at times.

As this is set just after the first book, Ellen is still in that instagram, perfect holidays, fun and japes mindset, which at times considering how Ellen wants these perfect moments, which only ever happen organically, and can't be hoped into existence. it was nice to also see Ellen spending time with Gemma and Fiona, and after coming back from their holiday, actually admitting it wasn't a good time, that Ellen sees them as not having it all together, and there's a great moment near the end, where they show how very capable they are, when something needs to get done.

Overall an great addition to the series, well worth a read.

[Danni (_forbookssake) · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the summer holidays just around the corner, I think Why Mummy Drinks On Holiday is the book I really needed right now. The holidays can be tough as a parent, not that we ever really speak about it. Finding things to do to always keep your children entertained, while also trying to keep some of those things educational, the chaos that often ensues and wasn’t planned for on days out, juggling every day home life, all without completely losing your mind… It’s A LOT! This story follows Ellen trying to handle all of those things, mostly on her own.

Gill Sims always manages to write the most relatable stories, while also making them absolutely hilarious! The Green family are a family I will happily come back to over and over again. I see a lot of myself and my feelings in Ellen in particular. But a personal favourite character of mine is Simon’s sister, Louisa. There’s never a dull moment with her around, and the parts of the book where she makes an appearance are always some of the most entertaining and laugh out loud moments to read.

Alongside the humour, there is also some serious elements to the story. Mainly, it shows the importance of friendship, especially as an adult. While we’re all so busy with every day life, we often take our friendships for granted, and it’s not until they’re gone that we realise how much we needed them. Ellen and Hannah have been friends for most of their lives, and they simply can’t do life without each other, which became very obvious with how Ellen struggled without her. I wish I had a friendship like theirs in my life!

As well as it being a go to for a good laugh, I find this series super comforting in the sense that it makes me feel less alone knowing that I’m not the only one who sometimes finds it difficult to juggle everything. This is easily one of my favourite series, and this book is an excellent addition to the series. I’m desperately hoping there’s more to come.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by Gill Sims, but definitely won't be my last. I really enjoyed this; I found the main character to be whiny and a tad annoying at times, but realised that she is supposed to come across like that and actually, there was something wonderfully human about her. I read this whilst on my first holiday as a mum and it did make me laugh, the naivety of Making Memories and Best Holiday Ever with a 6 month old who genuinely did not care what we did, he just wanted to be snuggled (when not screaming blue murder or sicking up!) He did not care for shushing when we visited the Best Bookshop Ever, for staying awake during our visit to the zoo despite my "look, snow leopards!" protestations nor did he care for Alnwick Castle despite being dressed up as Harry Potter.

I loved the friendships within this book - the female comradery (towards the end had me cheering out loud!) - and Ellen's development was great. A lovely little read full of humour and heart.

[Lizzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is the summer holidays. A time for JAPES and FROLICS and MEMORIES. This will be the BEST SUMMER EVER. It can't be that hard to realize the Vision... Surely?

This book was hilarious. It has me actually laughing out loud. I really love Ellen as a character. She is loud and funny and a touch over dramatic but she just feels so authentic. I don't have any kids, but strangely I find it so easy to empathize with her. I honestly think Ellen is the kind of character everyone could find a piece of themselves in. 
This book deals with friendship and attempting to navigate changing relationships alongside being an actual adult. I feel like Ellen does grow a lot in this book, embracing the Yummy Mummies and being more accepting of herself and others. The story also touches on some insecurities that I think help to make Ellen such a relatable character.
This is one of my favorite books this year, and I'd honestly recommend this series to anyone. 

[Sarah Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gill Sims’ Why Mummy Drinks on Holiday is an absolute gem that had me chuckling from start to finish. Mum Ellen, on a much-needed sabbatical, has grand plans for the “Ultimate Family Summer” with her beloved Peter and Jane, her bestie Hannah, and a vision of sun-soaked days filled with idyllic bliss.

Picture wicker baskets, vintage bikes, and endless pink wine, but, as we all know, reality loves to crash the party. Ellen’s dream of a picture-perfect holiday quickly unravels, thanks to feral children, unexpected absences, and the ever-tempting call of an early wine o’clock.

Gill Sims nails the chaos of motherhood with hilarious precision, and I found myself rooting for Ellen as she desperately tries to keep her vision alive amidst the madness.

This book is a delightful escape into the wild world of parenting, where survival is often measured in wine glasses. Five stars for this witty, relatable, and downright funny read!

[Kayleigh G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 132 of 2024 finished 23/11/24 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Ellen and the family are back for a holiday full of frolics and japes. Ellen has a vision of spending the six weeks holidays with her precious moppets making amazing memories. She envisions wicker picnic baskets, paddling, and no electronics, but unfortunately reality has other ideas.

My thoughts: These books always make me laugh. They are an exaggerated account of parenting and the fight between trying to make everything perfect for your children whilst trying not to lose your identity (and sanity) along the way.

These are a great, lighthearted read which had me laughing aloud.

My favourite quote:
‘The museum…is one of those splendid institutions built by the victorian industrialists, back in an era when people who’d made a lot of money spent it on the betterment of the poor, rather than on space rockets that everyone assumed were simply compensation for a small p3nis’

[Maggie Timlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get ready for the best summer … ever?

Once again Ellen has great plans for her holidays. It is going to be the best holiday ever worthy of an Instagram grid of dreams.
When she falls out with her best friend almost at once Eleen is left trying to make the most of the long summer days with her children in a new group of friends. The new friends all seem to have their lives more together than she does. The new friends encourage her to create’ teachable moments’ with her children and she encourages them to have an occasional (!) glass of wine whilst looking after their own kids.

I love these books. It feels a bit like my own inner monologue at times which simultaneously makes me laugh out loud and feel a bit sad that I am not as unique as I like to think I am.

Thank you to the publishers for a review copy of this book.

[Riette Beling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been in a bit of a reading slump, and I needed something to get me out of my book black hole. And let me tell you, @judgydogandgill is a life saver! This book had me from the word go. I was giggling all the way through. And yes, it made me feel very good about myself! To read about other people having to deal with the same boring everyday things I deal with and getting to laugh about.... Brilliant!! I applaud this author, and although this is the 6th book in the series , I am going to get the rest, and, in fact, I am already busy with one of her other books. This was exactly what I needed to get over my depression! If you need a good chaotic laugh, this is the one!

[Meredith Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

At this start, this seemed like Simms was going through the Why Mummy Drinks motion with this one, however, things quickly improved to this becoming one of the my favourite novels of the series. It sees Ellen’s often self-created chaos through the play out of her intent to have the best summer holiday ever. The framing device of the absence of her best friend allows for the usual storytelling to be more layered through consideration of the role of friendship for women of a certain age. The writing is as sharp as ever, especially recount of the throw-away lines of truth-telling children and Ellen’s long-suffering husband.

[Sarahlovesbooks76 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The latest in the "Why Mummy..." series, but works well as a standalone.

This time round, we see Ellen determined to have the best summer ever with her children. Nothing goes to plan however - she has a falling out with best friend Hannah, and finds herself spending time with yummy mummies Fiona and Gemma, as well as dealing with her mother, who just appears on her doorstep. The book has plenty of laugh out loud moments, but also highlights how lonely motherhood can be, and how important friendship is. A great summer read.

[DJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only 6 months late reading this but it has however put me in the mood for Summer 2025!
Apparently my facial expressions were most interesting!
Highly recommend reading this all in one night with a Glass of Pink Sunshine if you want a " Girls Night " but no one can agree on a night! And then leave little voice messages to Girlfriends with " snippets " pertinent to them! They'll feel they've missed out and rush to buy it - and hopefully Gill Sims will be so overwhelmed with joy - she'll write another!

Chin Chin.

[Helen Purchon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these books. I do feel slightly confused though. Gill's last book, Why Mummy Drinks At Christmas, her children ate grown up and Ellen is panicking over potentially having their last family Christmas with the 4 of them. Then this book, they're right back to bring children again..which threw me a little. That bring said, I tore through this in about 7 days. Really enjoyed it anyone who is a mum can relate to Why Mummy Drinks books. Thankyou Gill

[Bookwormbadger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant addition to the utterly hilarious Why Mummy series. Returning to these books is like meeting up with old friends. Louisa is by far my favourite character as she is just so completely bonkers. I thought Angie was a great new addition and hope she pops up again in a future book... I do very much hope that there will be future books as this really is just the best series ever - perfect escapist holiday reading.

[Kirstie Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy the Why Mummy books, and this one was funny and so so relatable.
I don't care what anyone says, all parents will be able to relate to some parts of these books and if you say different you are lying 🤣
This one started off a little slower and I did question maybe that these books should come to a natural end, but then it ramped up and there were loads of moments where I literally laughed out loud.
Great read and would recommend.

[Louise Allan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like all of the books in this series, this was brilliantly funny and oh so relatable as a mum in the long school holidays!

Ellen and her friend Hannah, plan the best summer holidays ever. Then plans change, Hannah is going to South Africa with her ex, and Ellen is left with the school yummy mummies. And so starts the most random adventures.

I really enjoyed this. Such a light read with some great messages saved within. As always the star was judgy dog!
Highly recommend.

[Laura Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed all the ‘Mummy’ series, there is a lot of truth in the stories and at times they have been a real comfort. This one fell a little flat for me though. Ellen was a bit too whiny and ridiculous, and it was less about the kids and their challenges. There was also quite a lot of reliance on mumsnet jokes, which if you aren’t familiar with could well leave you bemused. I enjoyed it, but not as much as others.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The perfect holiday read. I am sure every mother can relate to the pressure that they put on themselves to give the kids precious memories and keep them entertained over the summer holidays. The book perfectly describes the trials of trying to be someone else to fit in with the other mam's only to get to know to them better and find they are just like you in lots of ways too. I didn't find it as funny as the books in the series so I only gave it 4:stars .still a very good read though.

[Louise Ashdown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book.
So relatable. Funny.

Ellen is looking forward to spending the holidays with her friend Hannah and their children.
Until Hannahs ex Dan invites her and their children on a holiday of a life time, causing both woman to fall out.
Ellen is now dreading the holidays, until she pairs up with the ptfa mummies, together they will create educational memories together or they'll find out some home truths about one another.