What do you think?
Rate this book
Oakwood Primary #1
Dirty Laundry
Marriage wasn’t supposed to feel this lonely.
After years of nappies, school runs, and carrying the invisible weight of family life, Clara barely recognises the woman she used to be. The spark in her marriage has faded, replaced by routine, resentment, and a growing feeling that she’s become invisible in her own life.
Mark loves his wife. Of course he does. But somewhere between work, parenting, and the chaos of everyday life, he stopped noticing the small things that mattered to her. Now the distance between them feels wider than ever.
When tensions finally reach breaking point, Clara is forced to ask herself a question she never thought she would:
Is her marriage worth fighting for… or has she already lost herself trying to hold it together?
As secrets surface and emotions long buried begin to spill out, Clara and Mark must confront the truth about their relationship, their mistakes, and whether love can survive when two people have forgotten how to see each other.
Set in the charming small-town world of Oakwood Primary, Dirty Laundry is an emotional, honest romance about marriage, motherhood, and rediscovering the woman you were before life became so heavy.
After years of nappies, school runs, and carrying the invisible weight of family life, Clara barely recognises the woman she used to be. The spark in her marriage has faded, replaced by routine, resentment, and a growing feeling that she’s become invisible in her own life.
Mark loves his wife. Of course he does. But somewhere between work, parenting, and the chaos of everyday life, he stopped noticing the small things that mattered to her. Now the distance between them feels wider than ever.
When tensions finally reach breaking point, Clara is forced to ask herself a question she never thought she would:
Is her marriage worth fighting for… or has she already lost herself trying to hold it together?
As secrets surface and emotions long buried begin to spill out, Clara and Mark must confront the truth about their relationship, their mistakes, and whether love can survive when two people have forgotten how to see each other.
Set in the charming small-town world of Oakwood Primary, Dirty Laundry is an emotional, honest romance about marriage, motherhood, and rediscovering the woman you were before life became so heavy.
303 pages, Paperback
Published December 1, 2025
12 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 16, 2026
Overall this is an enjoyable story about a married couple with kids who struggle to communicate and have lost a bit of the closeness of what initially made them a great couple because the Mom (FMC) is stressed & burned-out and the Dad (MMC) is also stressed about money and other things and clueless how to be an equal partner in this marriage of theirs until his wife has enough and threatens divorce which is the wakeup call he needed to do better.
Honestly, there is no bad guys here. Even when one minute you are totally on FMC’s side, you get MMC’s perspective and you are on his too (though there was a moment in the story where he said something cruel to her about money that I wanted to smack him upside the head several times! Lol) and when they finally get to the end, it's chef's kiss 💋.
So in a sense, this is a little bit of a marriage in crises trope because both MCs have drifted apart a bit and it takes an angry word in the heat of an argument for both of them to wake up and start rebuilding their relationship – not because they don’t love one another, but because they stopped listening, talking and communicating. Too much time was focused on their kids that they lost themselves somewhat so this is a story how often we have to step back and make time for ourselves and our partner instead of just existing day to day.
No OP drama, just a bit of real-life depiction of what many couples face when raising a young family. With my own chaotic crew, I can definitely relate here a little bit. What made it a 4 star for me is the repetiveness of the arguments and actions even after they had "The Talk" and promised to make changes but I can see how it needed to be written this way for them both to grow & learn from their mistakes and I love how MMC supported FMC in the end with her career and stepped up to be a great Dad and Husband.
Honestly, there is no bad guys here. Even when one minute you are totally on FMC’s side, you get MMC’s perspective and you are on his too (though there was a moment in the story where he said something cruel to her about money that I wanted to smack him upside the head several times! Lol) and when they finally get to the end, it's chef's kiss 💋.
So in a sense, this is a little bit of a marriage in crises trope because both MCs have drifted apart a bit and it takes an angry word in the heat of an argument for both of them to wake up and start rebuilding their relationship – not because they don’t love one another, but because they stopped listening, talking and communicating. Too much time was focused on their kids that they lost themselves somewhat so this is a story how often we have to step back and make time for ourselves and our partner instead of just existing day to day.
No OP drama, just a bit of real-life depiction of what many couples face when raising a young family. With my own chaotic crew, I can definitely relate here a little bit. What made it a 4 star for me is the repetiveness of the arguments and actions even after they had "The Talk" and promised to make changes but I can see how it needed to be written this way for them both to grow & learn from their mistakes and I love how MMC supported FMC in the end with her career and stepped up to be a great Dad and Husband.
March 1, 2026
3.5 ⭐
This was okay, but tbh I felt exhausted after reading it. 😅
It was just about their everyday family stuff and how the MCs worked to fix their bond. It can feel a bit repetitive since it really captures the emotional roller coaster and the highs and lows of keeping a relationship going. All I know is that it definitely requires a lot of effort.
Anyway, I really admire those families who make life seem so effortless, even though we all know it’s anything but that. But this also makes it clear how much I don't want to be in this situation. It really is a lot that can feel overwhelming in so many ways (even when you've got an amazing partner). It's going to drive me crazy all day, every day. I just know it. 😂
That said, this was okay, but the repetitiveness of some parts made the story feel a whole lot longer than it actually is. Also, there's no cheating here, and the MCs are still very much in love with one another; it's just that life, work, and their kids made them overlook that aspect for a bit. Still, I loved that they found their way. 🤍
This was okay, but tbh I felt exhausted after reading it. 😅
It was just about their everyday family stuff and how the MCs worked to fix their bond. It can feel a bit repetitive since it really captures the emotional roller coaster and the highs and lows of keeping a relationship going. All I know is that it definitely requires a lot of effort.
Anyway, I really admire those families who make life seem so effortless, even though we all know it’s anything but that. But this also makes it clear how much I don't want to be in this situation. It really is a lot that can feel overwhelming in so many ways (even when you've got an amazing partner). It's going to drive me crazy all day, every day. I just know it. 😂
That said, this was okay, but the repetitiveness of some parts made the story feel a whole lot longer than it actually is. Also, there's no cheating here, and the MCs are still very much in love with one another; it's just that life, work, and their kids made them overlook that aspect for a bit. Still, I loved that they found their way. 🤍
February 16, 2026
4.5 stars-
Ok, I feel like I should address the one star review for this book since it is the only one besides mine. Their complaint was that the book felt repetitive and sometimes it seemed to go on a loop and that made it boring.
I completely understand what they're saying, however, as a single mom of a boy in a very complex co- parenting situation, I took this as the normal almost monotonous loops of life, you come back to same thoughts, same arguments and issues over and over.
Dirty Laundry made me cry, I felt seen as a mom who is the primary caregiver six days out of seven of the week, who is also a surrogate mother for her younger sister and the main support of her stubborn army veteran dad. Some of my feelings that I have never voiced or managed to put into words were depicted so relatably, so raw. Real.
My self care is taking the time to read a book, and I felt attracted by the cover of this book, barely glanced at the blurb but I decided to still pick it up and give it a read, only to find out that I 'm actually not doing things so bad, I'm not so lost. I'm not so alone.
Thank you to the author for this, I didn't know I needed it.
Ok, I feel like I should address the one star review for this book since it is the only one besides mine. Their complaint was that the book felt repetitive and sometimes it seemed to go on a loop and that made it boring.
I completely understand what they're saying, however, as a single mom of a boy in a very complex co- parenting situation, I took this as the normal almost monotonous loops of life, you come back to same thoughts, same arguments and issues over and over.
Dirty Laundry made me cry, I felt seen as a mom who is the primary caregiver six days out of seven of the week, who is also a surrogate mother for her younger sister and the main support of her stubborn army veteran dad. Some of my feelings that I have never voiced or managed to put into words were depicted so relatably, so raw. Real.
My self care is taking the time to read a book, and I felt attracted by the cover of this book, barely glanced at the blurb but I decided to still pick it up and give it a read, only to find out that I 'm actually not doing things so bad, I'm not so lost. I'm not so alone.
Thank you to the author for this, I didn't know I needed it.
February 25, 2026
I really struggled to rate this book, so I’ve gone with 4 stars. This book is nothing like my normal reads so I had nothing to compare it to. This wasn’t a fluffy romance, it wasn’t a romantasy, it wasn’t a dark romance - it’s just raw, heartwarming (AND heartbreaking), relatable truth. I felt like I was reading about myself or a friend.
As a mum of 2 who has only recently gone back to work part time, I can fully relate to both Emma and Dan. The fact that I have the same name as the FMC is not where the similarities end. We really are like the same person. Emma’s inner monologue resonates with me so much. I have a partner who, just like Dan, is hard working and loves me and his children more than anything - but he also doesn’t understand the mental load of being the default parent. I honestly felt like I was just reading my own thoughts in a book which was both weird and helpful at the same time.
However, with that being said, my favourite thing about this book is how much it helped me to empathise with Dan (and therefore my partner too). Dan is not slacking because he’s lazy, he’s slacking because there’s a massive breakdown in communication and therefore not enough appreciation or understanding from him. It’s just proof that a little bit of effective communication really can make the world of difference.
I highly recommend this to any parents, but I don’t think it’s the type of book you will enjoy if you don’t have children purely because this book is so good because of it’s relatability.
Thank you to Lottie for allowing me to receive a gifted copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I cannot wait to read about the other couples in this series!
As a mum of 2 who has only recently gone back to work part time, I can fully relate to both Emma and Dan. The fact that I have the same name as the FMC is not where the similarities end. We really are like the same person. Emma’s inner monologue resonates with me so much. I have a partner who, just like Dan, is hard working and loves me and his children more than anything - but he also doesn’t understand the mental load of being the default parent. I honestly felt like I was just reading my own thoughts in a book which was both weird and helpful at the same time.
However, with that being said, my favourite thing about this book is how much it helped me to empathise with Dan (and therefore my partner too). Dan is not slacking because he’s lazy, he’s slacking because there’s a massive breakdown in communication and therefore not enough appreciation or understanding from him. It’s just proof that a little bit of effective communication really can make the world of difference.
I highly recommend this to any parents, but I don’t think it’s the type of book you will enjoy if you don’t have children purely because this book is so good because of it’s relatability.
Thank you to Lottie for allowing me to receive a gifted copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I cannot wait to read about the other couples in this series!
March 16, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. It really connected with the mum in me. There were times where this book felt like a reflection on the reality most mums face during their marriage. The main characters are burnt out, they have lost their spark the MMC is stressed about money and they have young children.
The FMC wants more and realises she is not happy but existing so she tells the MMC she wants a divorce, this is the point where they have to decide if they want to fight for their marriage.
I feel like they were just stuck in a rut and did not realise how unhappy the other was. As a mum of 4 who works full time, been in my relationship for 19 years I could feel this FMCs pain. life is hard sometime it can be miscommunications but this book shine a light on life does not have to be perfect, like what is depicted in a lot of romance books. I found it refreshing and a reminder of what can happen if you do not pour into your marriage. Roll on book 2
The FMC wants more and realises she is not happy but existing so she tells the MMC she wants a divorce, this is the point where they have to decide if they want to fight for their marriage.
I feel like they were just stuck in a rut and did not realise how unhappy the other was. As a mum of 4 who works full time, been in my relationship for 19 years I could feel this FMCs pain. life is hard sometime it can be miscommunications but this book shine a light on life does not have to be perfect, like what is depicted in a lot of romance books. I found it refreshing and a reminder of what can happen if you do not pour into your marriage. Roll on book 2
February 23, 2026
As a Mum, this was such a relatable read. From losing yourself to being completely overwhelmed.. been there. I enjoyed how this was told from both Emma & Dan's perspectives & that we saw the good, the bad & the ugly with them. I couldn't put this book down & I felt like I felt all the emotions reading this. The dedication for this book had me from the get go too & I knew it would be my kind of book just based off that! I'm absolutely sold & cannot wait for the next installment in The Oakwood Primary Series ❤️
February 22, 2026
This was a good book with a married couple having what I think is basic problems most married people stumble upon at some time in their marriage.
But I felt this was kind of dragged out, and a lot of things repeated itself, and it got kind of long.
I liked that their fixing their relationship wasn’t a quick fix, and that it took time to get to a place where they worked as a team.
Also liked that there was no drama with other people, just them who needed to communicate better.
But I felt this was kind of dragged out, and a lot of things repeated itself, and it got kind of long.
I liked that their fixing their relationship wasn’t a quick fix, and that it took time to get to a place where they worked as a team.
Also liked that there was no drama with other people, just them who needed to communicate better.
January 9, 2026
If I could pick a zero star for this I would. Although it does highlight daily life its also awfully repetitive and with repetition comes boredom. It doesn't feel like the story is going anywhere. I had high hopes for this but I've been extremely disappointed.
February 23, 2026
Notes for me
Paula’s review
Dan
Emma - SAHM
Married a few years. Three young children.
Both questioning if they are still in love. Dan feels he works hard outside of home. She is drowning at home.
Paula’s review
Dan
Emma - SAHM
Married a few years. Three young children.
Both questioning if they are still in love. Dan feels he works hard outside of home. She is drowning at home.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2026
Relatable, funny, honest, raw and beautiful. I love it!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews