I Will Survive

by Pippa James

A laugh-out-loud, heart-warming read for every parent who has struggled bleary-eyed through toddler tantrums, school fancy dress fails and found unlikely friendships over wine and cake. As a single mom, Frankie’s bold and brave, and right now she’s winning at life – isn’t she? Underneath her big smile and daring outfits, she’s hiding a secret. Her five-year-old son Liam is awesome. But life as a solo parent is tough. Her job as a barmaid sucks, her meddling mother is taking over and she’s far from living her best life. Maybe she’s lost her way and starting to feel... lonely.

When Frankie’s overbearing mother breaks her leg and has to go and live with her saintly sister, it’s time for Frankie to hit shuffle and shake things up. Because she wants to turn things around for the little boy who holds the keys to her broken heart. Surrounded by perfect mothers, Frankie realises she needs some real mum friends to get her through the repetitive school runs and red-faced dating disasters. The kind of people who won’t judge your shop bought cakes and will bring wine to your door, just because. So Frankie sweeps up anxious Kate and organised Alison in her whirlwind. As the trio face the troubles and trials of motherhood, they learn that parenting is about taking one day at a time. And together they can wing it through anything, can’t they? Perfect for fans of The UnMumsy Mum, Why Mummy Drinks and Poppy Dolan.

Growing up in Birmingham, Pippa James was never without at least one book on the go and therefore lived several different lives concurrently. As an adult, she would like to spend much of her time the same way, but she now lives a chaotic life in a small Derbyshire town with her husband and two children. Her writing is frequently interrupted by parenting duties and her day job as a teacher and the only way she can find a quiet space to think, is by taking her laptop to the pub, which she does at every opportunity.

Audible Audio

First published September 19, 2018

About the author

Growing up in Birmingham, Pippa James was never without at least one book on the go and therefore lived several different lives concurrently. As an adult, she would like to spend much of her time the same way, but she now lives a chaotic life in a small Derbyshire town with her husband and two children. Her writing is frequently interrupted by parenting duties and her day job as a teacher and the only way she can find a quiet space to think, is by taking her laptop to the pub to drink tea and write, which she does at every opportunity.

Reviews

[Berit☀️✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun! Nostalgic! Engaging!

This was a fun book that brought back memories of my kids early days of school... The descriptors in this books very long subtitle are a bit misleading, I wouldn’t necessarily say this book is laugh out loud funny or a romantic comedy.... what it was is a very engaging story that gives a realistic look into motherhood.... filled with delightful characters and an occasional giggle.... A story that I truly appreciated for the story it was, it really depicted this stage of your life so well, with three characters I really grew to adore!

Allison, Frankie, and Kate all have kids in the same class, all are mothers, but all have their own unique parenting style and problems.... Allison is determined to be the “perfect“ mother, she wants to make the “perfect“ friends, and be the “perfect“ PTA member... Frankie had her son young and has relinquish parenting duties to her mother, convinced she’s not a very good mom...Kate is a shy and insecure mom, not sure how she fits in with all these moms that appear so “perfect” on the outside... I found each of these ladies to be likable and real, and I saw a little bit of myself in each of them, even Frankie.... I loved the friendship that blossomed between these three unlikely friends, as they learned they actually had much more in common than they thought.... I also loved how much character growth there was in each of these characters as they navigated their way through motherhood....

There is a little romance in this book and I really did like the love interest, he was a good guy... and I am super glad to see that there is a follow-up to this book, because I really want to know where this relationship is headed... there are also a few other storylines with some loose ends that I would love to see wrapped up.... not to mention I’d love to spend more time with Allison, Frankie, and Kate, and see their friendship bro...

A book that anybody who is a mom, wants to be a mom, or has a mom will absolutely enjoy!

*** many thanks to Bookouture for my copy of this book ***

[Melisa]

So excited today to be on the blog tour for Pippa James’ debut, I Will Survive! Thank you to Bookouture for the invitation.

This is a book about friendship and family and motherhood and finding your “mom friends.” I especially enjoyed the family dynamics and the motherhood issues, and found myself growing quite attached to these characters by the end of the book.

There are three very distinctly different women - Alison, Kaye, and Frankie - who have different styles of parenting. Kate is a wallflower with a bit of social anxiety. Alison is the perfect PTA mom who has it all together. And Frankie is the young, rebellious mom who prides herself on doing things against the grain.

As a mom of young children myself, I found this book to be super identifiable - and it is so reassuring to know that no matter where you are in the world, most moms feel the same! There’s the mom who feels left out at pick up and drop off - we’ve all been there - I remember those days well. I’m lucky to have found my “crew” now, as the ladies strive to do in this book. There’s being pressured into school activities because you feel like you have something to prove. And there’s the social dynamics of the children and birthday party politics.

There is also a bit of family drama, some that was deeply moving and had me feeling tremendously for the characters. Add a smidge of romance and you have a well-balanced book.

I was excited to learn that there will be a second book, I am definitely looking forward to seeing what antics these three get up to next!

ARC provided by Bookouture.

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I Will Survive: A laugh out loud, feel good romantic comedy about surviving love, life and parenting one gin at a time! by Pippa James has probably the longest subtitle out there that to be honest I didn’t even find really fit the book at all. Maybe it was just me but I didn’t actually find this all that funny or romantic and if rating off that I might have ended at 1 star.

However, reading this one I did find myself getting engrossed in the lives of the ladies within I Will Survive. This one seemed to come across more as a contemporary read about three ladies in different stages of their lives and their day to day struggles and I did find that interesting.

First there was Frankie who basically turned parenting over to her mother and was stuck in the poor pitiful me stage of not growing up and taking responsibility in her life. Then there’s Allison who want’s to be the perfect mom doing everything just right on the outside while she crumbles on the inside. And finally Kate who seems to live in fear of being accepted by anyone and everyone.

The book changes the point of view between the characters as they interact with each other and others in their lives. And sure, there were a few funny moments here and there but not a laugh out loud all throughout read at all to me, more a tale of growth, friendship and life in general. So while this was not was I expected to find I did end up thinking it was an OK read in the end.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three incredibly different women, all just trying to survive motherhood! Frankie, Alison and Kate all felt very realistic, as though you probably have met at least one of them in your own playground

Frankie is a young single mum to Liam, who lives with her won mum, and her mother Paula does most of the childcare. She is possibly the character with the most personal growth in this book - initially a bit tricky to like, but by the end I really did enjoy reading about her and eager to see how she develops in the next book.

Alison just wants to fit in and make some friends when Xander starts school, and thus gets roped into the PTA. Xander was the child I didn't take to of the main children but that is just because he didn't seem to get as much air time as such. I really felt for what Alison is going through at the moment and she really is the sort of character that proves that you never know just what is under the outward appearance.

Whereas Kate is a rather anxious sort of mother, continually worrying about things and being uncomfortable in social situations, which makes it harder for her to get to know new people. Amelia and Reuben her children are lovely and are getting on really well with Liam.

There are unlikely friendships being formed, good character development and lots of moments to make you giggle. I Will Survive has a great feel good vibe to it and it was a pleasure to read. I loved the various real mums messages on the pages separating each month - which were a lovely touch.

Already looking forward to reading the sequel - The Happiness Project, which i suspect I will be starting incredibly soon.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Els · Rating 5 out of 5]

School does not only change the kids' lives ...

This book was so relaxing. I read it in one go on a lazy Sunday and it was all I needed to reload my batteries.

The story takes us, mums, back to the days when our children had to start school. A period full of good and not so good memories. Oh no, don't think you can enjoy this one if you are not a mum (yet). Maybe it will remind you of your own first days or of a niece, cousin, ..., but most of all it's about growing up, coming out of your shell, seeing the difference between real and fake friends.

I hope this book is the beginning of a series, because I certainly want to know what happens next. It would be too cruel to leave us hanging here. LOL.

Thank you, Pippa James, Bookouture and Netgalley

https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com

[Zoé-Lee O'Farrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is what the doctor ordered! I swear I keep reading some books at an opportune time in my life! Me at the moment using the mantra I will survive, as my little lady is off to school and I am working full-time, potential PTA me! So it is all kicking off and I have fab friends to help me through it! Perfect timing!

The three mums, Frankie, Allison and Kate are all relatable and to be honest, I think at times I was a combination of the three of them! Wanting to be the perfect mum, to be accepted and occasionally the pity parties, but their friendship keeps them going. Reminding me of my mum friends I have, and how we are all surviving and supporting each other, doing the exact same things.

This book was an easy to read book, just a lovely free-flowing book and so quick to lose yourself in. For me it is so relatable in this period of my life, but please do not get me wrong EVERYONE can enjoy this book, even if you are not a mum. There is something for everyone I promise. I was laughing out loud a lot, and yes like usual I got the look, the look of shut up! Sometimes you can’t help yourself.

Just found out there is a follow up to this book, not sure when but *happy dance* there will be one.

[Emma L · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a cute story and has characters that we all meet at the school gates, for example the PTA ladies in this book does mirror my school's PTA and even my own personal experiences of it all! I did giggle at some of the funny moments in the story whereas other points in the story were quite sad. If you're looking for a light read that is not to taxing to follow then this is a ok book.

I received a ARC from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this's one of the funniest book I read in 2018. Even if I'm not a mother there were part I was able to relate and laughed a lot.
The book is really written and the plot interesting.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for this ARC

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please see all of my reviews on my blog at www.robinlovesreading.blogspot.com.

I Will Survive focuses on three mothers and their harried lives. Frankie, Alison and Kate all have children attending the same school and they become involved in some common activities, including play dates and the PTA, with all of the planning that ensues. Each woman is fighting the battle of motherhood, failing even. Kate is the most fragile of the three. Frankie is a single mum with very few maternal instincts. Alison is the over-achiever of the trio.

Kate, Alison and Frankie become friends, something difficult but basically necessary. The issues they face have a sense of realism attached. Often they think of their lives Before The Kid. How many women have pondered that from time-to-time? Oh, plenty, I'm certain. Indeed having children changed their lives irrevocably, so what else is there to do but to handle the lives they lead now? It is not enough to take their children to and from school each day, but it is the other activities that end up bonding the women together.

This is said to be a laugh-out-loud comedy, but I felt it fit more in line with women's fiction, as there was a fair amount of family drama involved. Yes, I smiled occasionally, but I very was involved in the stories and situations presented. Also, there was a touch of romance involved, and this was a nice addition to this warm and engaging story. I Will Survive takes an honest look at the stresses of motherhood. I loved this tender story by Pippa James. It was a quick and delightful read. For people like me who enjoy series, here's something to make you smile, there is a second book to follow.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of a group of playground mums (and dads!) and their lives in between collecting their children from school.  The book primarily focuses around mums Frankie, Kate and Alison.  Frankie, the young single mum who so far has left the upbringing of her son to her mum; Kate, a shy and retiring mum of 2 whose husband is training to run the marathon; and Alison, desperate to integrate herself with the popular mums of the school – even if it means joining the PTA.  They are all completely different personalities yet all brought together by their children who all attend the same school.  Can they last out the entire school year?

My first book by this author.  First impressions of the book are that it’s a laugh out loud comedy but don’t let the cover fool you.  Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of moments to chuckle at, and I did particularly like the ‘anecdotes’ at the beginning of each chapter, but this book is not just about the humorous antics of playground mums, it’s also about how these women manage their whole lives – work, husbands, children, families and even their own feelings.

I have to admit I leant more towards certain characters than others.  Kate had to be my favourite – a shy and retiring woman who came across initially as meek as a mouse, but was brought out of her shell completely unexpectedly by Frankie, one of the other mums.  Having to put up with her husband disappearing at all times to train for the marathon, it’s easy to see why Kate comes across as a bit of a pushover at times.  Alison, was again a likeable character but really needed to stop trying to be part of the ‘yummy mummies’ because it was obvious that she could do so much better in the way of friends!  Frankie I thought was one of the most selfish characters I’ve read about in a long time!  Leaving her mum to do everything which she should be doing for her son I practically cheered out loud when Frankie had to step up to being a mum!

I could relate to so much in this book.  If you’re a mum no doubt you’ve been there stood in the playground with no one to talk to, or perhaps you were one of the popular mums who always have a big crowd around you.  Either way, you may recognise and be able to relate to so many of the situations that these three mums do.  Don’t think this book is only aimed at mums though, everyone can read this book and enjoy it.  Some of the struggles they faced made me cry, and I mean really cry!!  Others made me laugh.  This book takes you on a true rollercoaster of emotions.  Highly recommended!

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frankie, Kate, and Alison are three women with one thing in common, they all have children at the same school. Apart from that, they are very different people, from different walks of life. Frankie is a young single parent, Alison is striving to be the perfect wife and mother and Kate is introverted and self-conscious.

I saw a little of myself in each character which is the reason the book held my attention. As mothers, we all have different perceptions of how to be ‘perfect’ and we all strive to achieve it. Actually, there is no parenting handbook and even with the greatest will in the world…..we still get things wrong! With that in mind, anxiety and lack of self-confidence is present in every mum, regardless of personal circumstances and background.

I found the different mum’s stories compelling and the dynamic of the unlikely group of friends was depicted beautifully. I also liked how the minor characters had stories of their own and although the novel has a heavy female cast, the male characters were extremely likeable and added a romantic interest. Sorry to say that I didn’t find this book to be the laugh out loud story that was portrayed on the cover. However, I really enjoyed I Will Survive and look forward to a sequel.

A light-hearted, intriguing book that will resonate with every mum who has ever stood at the school gates.

[Monica Mac · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmmm, this book is all about the time in a woman's life when your child starts school. How to juggle the needs of your child, your partner, your job, other relatives etc.

It is primarily about Frankie, Alison and Kate - three women who are about as different as it is possible for three women to be, and the relationships they have with their families and with each other as well. They approach motherhood dissimilarly and yet there is something that connects each of them.

It's been a long time since I had a child at primary school but I remember the feelings of trying to adjust to my new role and how important the connections you make with the other mums (and dads) are.

Unfortunately, I found it a bit of a drawn-out read and there wasn't much that was funny about it, I am sorry to say. It was interesting and well-written, but it was not the hilarious read that the blurb indicated it was.

I give this book 3.5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.

[Fiona Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this engaging and well written book about three young women doing their best to be good mums while negotiating the PTA, friendships, family problems - and new love.

There are plenty of laughs (as well as a few tears), sparkling dialogue and great characterisation. I loved feisty Frankie, uptight Alison and sweet, gentle Kate, and look forward to meeting them again in the sequel.

[M T · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley for my copy.

This is a light quite entertaining book for the beach. It has some funny moments but the characters are shallow and very immature.

[Anjana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book introduces a little town, which our three leading ladies call home. We have Frankie the youngest mother of the brood who does not fit any mould in the playground as the kids make their way inside. She is loud, uncertain and struggling in life in general. She does not know her so-called easy life is about to change making her a better person. Kate is trying to hide in the shadows, she is worried about almost everything under the sun. She does not know that she will be yanked into participation and like doing things. Alison thinks she knows what is to happen, she has it all planned down to the last point. That plan may not be worth anything a few days into her new life as her son starts school. These are the mothers that the story revolves around but there are many more people who add flavour to their lives and to the pages.

They do not start off as friends but end up that way, a whole lot of insecurities are tackled but there seemed to be too much going on for us to tie ourselves to a single fate. I liked their combination, and as we are privy to their innermost thoughts and fears, they all endeared themselves to me. I just felt like I would have wanted to bond more with the people in the tale. I liked the book more on reflection about what I had read than when I was actually reading it. It is a light read and reasonably quick to read.They are all stereotypical caricatures of people but some of them might surprise you.

[Emma Star Crossed Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I saw this book on Netgalley last year but I knew I wouldn't have time to read it so I managed to exercise some restraint and didn't request it. With the second book coming next month I thought it was time to catch up.

This story is centred around three mums Frankie, Kate and Alison. Frankie has let her mum do a lot of the bringing up of her son for the last five years. Kate is a nervous mum which is reflected in her youngest and Alison wants to be the perfect mum. She tries everything to appear to be perfect. Frankie was my instant favourite but throughout the book, I really warmed to the other two.

There were quite a few side characters in the playground. The PTA mums are exactly the sort of people I expect the PTA to be and I felt quite sorry for Stand Alone Dad.

I really enjoyed this story. It was a nice easy read peppered with giggly moments. This is a story about unlikely friendships and seeing beneath the surface. I'm looking forward to seeing these three again in The Happiness Project.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book I really enjoyed it. The characters are well drawn, I think I've met some in real life! There are funny scenes, heartwarming ones (watch out for bananas - that made me cry and you'll know when you get ther, and just plain true to life ones. Favourite character actually turned out in the end to be Alison! I wish I could be that organised. The story takes us through from September to December of the characters children starting school for the first time. It's a milestone for the parents as well they have to adjust to this next stage in life. An amazing book for a first time author - can't wait for her next one!

[Jackie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book to be a silly, predictable story about a young British mom who is not ready to grow up. To be honest, I was unable to finish it, because I found it difficult to suspend belief enough to accept the extent of Frankie's selfishness.

[kieran james bassett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect mum read!

Three unlikely mums all rally together to get through this thing we call motherhood. Full of laughs and the odd tear and plenty of wine! Can’t wait to read the happiness project which is next on my list. Really worth a read.

[Hayley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to follow