Well, That Escalated Quickly

by Sarah Turner

Meet Fran. This is her to-do list:

buy milk
get promoted
book dentist
swerve PTA meeting
practice gratitude
be a better friend
stop crying in Morrisons
rescue relationship
organise life
stop keeping secrets

Not on her to-do list? Being made redundant when she was expecting a promotion.

And when one tiny, impulsive decision leads Fran to tell a lie she can’t quite keep up with, suddenly everything starts to unravel.

But could rock bottom be a golden opportunity instead of a complete and utter disaster? With the help of her friends and family, Fran's about to blow her life wide open…and start piecing it back together. Her way.


Well, That Escalated Quickly is a hilarious, painfully relatable novel about the magic of what happens when you finally stop trying to have it all.

368 pages, Paperback

Published September 22, 2026

Reviews

[Natalie "Curling up with a Coffee and a Kindle" Laird]

Hilarious.
Parents rejoice, there is a book out there that literally describes your lives!
Parents alike will identify with so much of this novel. It's chaotic and very funny.
The writing is poignant and stark, truly honest.
I'm not even a mum but it's amazing!

[eve]

When Fran goes into work expecting a promotion, but ends up being made redundant instead, she feels, understandably lost. As she struggles to admit what has happened to the people in her life, she decides to take a few weeks to sort it out first. However, it doesn't go as well as planned, and things start spiralling out of control.

Oh what a delight this book was, I absolutely had the best time!! Fran was such an easy character to follow along and root for. Things kept unravelling so quickly around her, granted it was her own fault most of the time, even though I feel like she was doing the best she could to keep herself afloat in such a complex situation.

The story itself was so entertaining and so fast paced, it was honestly impossible to put down. I read it in under two days, I think, because I simply couldn't stop. I was so interested to see where it would go, and couldn't stop thinking about it through the day. The writing played such a huge part in it as well, as it was very easy to get lost in; it genuinely felt like having a chat with a friend most of the time, and I feel like that so perfectly captures the vibe of the book, and it made for such a great reading experience.

There is so much humour in this one, and I feel like they perfectly balance out a story that can get quite serious at times. What I truly liked about it is the focus on how no one can do it all by themselves, and how important it is to rely on those around you, to have a community of people who can take the load off you in some way. And how lucky one is to have that. Absolutely loved it.

Many thanks to Random House UK, Transworld & NetGalley for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

[Roksana]

Very easy and quick read, but heartfelt and really relatable. We all need a Coach Ron 🥹

[Sara Woodcock]

4.5 stars

[Lou G]

If, like Fran - and let's be honest, every parent will no doubt nod along to this - keeping on top of EVERYTHING feels near enough impossible, then this story will probably resonate with you. It's about one woman's struggle to defeat the impossible, whilst realising that life isn't perfect and neither is trying to keep every aspect of it under control.

We are introduced to Fran, mom to a six-month-old, stepmom to a seven-year-old and partner to Steve, who has thrown herself back into work and is, quite frankly, not coping. We join Fran’s journey just as she believes she’s up for a (well deserved) promotion at work, but in fact, is being made redundant. Returning home to contemplate what to do next, she arrives to a surprise congratulations party, and in the sheer panic and rush, decides that it might be better NOT to say anything. She'll give herself a few weeks to get her life back together, get on top of everything, in her own way and in her own time, away from the everyday family pressures.
But as with any small impulsive lie, white lies have a habit of unravelling.

In forcing herself to confront reality, Fran ends up taking a long hard look at everything going on in her life, the pressures, the tasks, and really starts to work out what is a priority and what is not.
A lot of this is done through her utilising a co-working space, where we meet a whole array of side characters. Sarah has done an impeccable job of incorporating these characters, their personalities and interactions are so real. They are not written as characters in a book, but people you can actually relate to.

Whilst we have Fran’s supportive sidekick in Steve, he has his own life struggles, he isn't a perfect partner, nor is he written to be. He experiences family life very differently to Fran, and that contrast felt incredibly realistic. Women, and mothers in fact, so often put pressure on themselves to do everything, for the children, for the partner, for the home, and always put themselves last, and sometimes men don’t see it like that. Steve is a real-life partner, they have a family, and a home, they have built a life that comes with its own struggles and those don’t stop just because Fran is having an off day. Arguments happen, lies are told and found out, feelings get hurt and to be honest, that’s okay. Even the strongest of bonds can be tested when it comes to the pressures of meeting what you believe to be everyone else’s expectations.

The friendships Fran builds through the co-working space also become a real source of comfort. Around this new group, she can finally let her hair down, switch off from reality and simply be herself. Whilst it becomes something of an escape, it also reminds her that you can only avoid reality for so long.

Can we just take a moment for Coach Ron. You know how much I love a batty old side character in a book. There is always one who stands out for me, and in this, its Ron. Your typical older gentleman - somewhat wiser, fiercely independent, seemingly emotionless - but full of sarcastic humour and hidden depth. Fran treats him just so, and in return he supports without judgement, gives her cold hard truths and puts her in her place on more than one occasion. We are here for that. But also, he may come away having learnt a thing or two as well.

This is one of the most relatable books I've read in a long time. It's heartfelt, emotional, funny, messy and wonderfully honest. More than anything, it reminds us that perfection isn't worth sacrificing ourselves for. Sometimes the dishes can wait. The emails can wait. The washing can wait. Your wellbeing can't.
If this book teaches anything, it's that asking for help doesn't mean you've failed. Lean on your family, your friends and your community. None of us are meant to carry everything alone.

Sarah's writing feels so natural and effortless that reading this often felt like sitting down with your best friend and offloading about the latest family drama over a cup of tea. And honestly, sometimes that’s exactly the kind of book we need.

4.5 Stars.

Thank you to Anne from Random Things Tours, and Sarah for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Sally Cowling]

Fran is mum and stepmum to two gorgeous children and has a job she enioys as an assistant at a trendy advertising company (even though she is much unappreciated by her boss). She feels like she is constantly juggling plates and cant keep up with the likes of the glamorous head of PTA Heidi.

When she walks into a coworking office space by chance she decides to to take some time out to sort her life out. She becomes "Cheska" a single woman and doting "aunty", meets some inspiring freelancers and becomes invokved helping with their projects. However, her double life will eventually unravel...

The characters in the story are all very familiar! Everyone knows a Heidi who seems to do and have it all, and I love the no nonsense of Fran's down to earth friend Ellie. I also really liked Ron, the grumpy but kind hearted retired football coach that Fran meets whilst helping with Mia's community project.

Relatable, funny and heartwarming.

[Gillylovesreading]

I loved this book so much. Sarah writes such relatable, likeable characters going through life with its ups and downs. Sometimes laugh out loud funny and other times heart breaking. It’s a beautiful book about Fran, Steve, Cora, Sonny and their family and friends. Cora tells a lie which gets out of control, but she is a woman with a heart of gold who loves her family deeply and she does everything she can to put it right.

[Abi SF]

A fantastic, feel-good read about the absolute chaos that comes with the early days of small children, returning to work and the myth that women can 'have it all'.

I have read everything that Turner has written, from her early blogs on being in the thick of motherhood to her brilliant non-fiction summer reads, and this was a joy like every other.

For me, the character of Ron was the essential glue that holds everything together - bringing his voice of reason, alongside his experience and no nonsense approach. Everyone needs a Ron!

[Laura T]

This completely sums up the craziness of having children, running a household, working and trying to maintain a relationship. I completely identified with Fran and the struggles with perfectionism and life’s plate-spinning!

[Abbie Blackwood]

Lovely wee easy read. As a mum, I found I could relate to the characters. Some really funny parts too as well as pulling at the heart strings.

[Nicola Pattison]

Lovely book

[Jane Palmer]

This be took me by surprise… first couple of chapters I was thinking it was a quick ‘mum chick lit’ type which isn’t massively my thing but then spent an afternoon sobbing about football and all that came with it! I don’t even like football!! Quick to read but really lovely book, a good reminder of what’s important!

[Vikki]

A woman gets made redundant, and rather than telling her family, she decides to spend the time she would be working getting her life in order, and getting involved with a project to save a community resource.

Entirely relatable, and laugh out loud funny.

4.5 stars

[Chloë]

4.75✨

Publication date: 2nd July 2026

A hilarious relatable novel for readers who enjoy -
💙 Heartfelt emotional stories
💛 Laugh out loud humour
💙 Sara Cox, Alexandra Potter & Melanie Cantor

⭑ Remember to check all content/trigger warnings prior to reading!


~ plot ~

When Fran walks into what she thinks is a promotion at work, the last thing she expects is to walk out jobless. Even worse? The surprise party thrown by her family that she walks into afterwards. Worse AGAIN? The fact she can’t bring herself to tell them. The truth is, she just has too much going on in her life to be unemployed!!

And there begins Fran’s totally unintended, chaotic, snowball effect, double life, whoops.


~ review ~

This was such a feel-good read! Don’t get me wrong, it was heartfelt, messy & emotional too but the overall feeling I was left with was one of immense warmth & comfort. It was a very relatable, very human portrayal of this crazy thing we call life & I highly recommend adding it to your TBR!

Sarah Turner’s natural, effortless, conversational, writing style was brilliant. It felt like you were chatting with a friend, discussing the ups & downs of life. From the smaller inconsequential things we do on autopilot to bigger milestones like a promotion or lack of said promotion… Fran’s perfectly-imperfect life & all that it entails had me laughing, crying & everything in between.

Both the characters & their stories felt authentic & familiar & that really added to the humour of things. I’d find myself laughing not only because something was funny but because I recognised it too! Likewise with the softer, more emotional, vulnerable moments. I’m sure a lot of us can relate to that bogged down feeling where you’re drowning in menial things with no end in sight!
I won’t say too much but Fran’s speech towards the end of the novel as well as the ending in general was powerful, satisfying & a just a really great way to close out!


~ characters ~

🦆You know how ducks look chilled on the surface of the water but underneath their little feet are kicking like crazy? Yeah, that’s Fran. Well actually, she’s chaotic on the surface too but you catch my drift, the woman has a LOT is going on! I looked at her character as Superwoman taking some annual leave, hanging her cape up for a little while just to regroup! (ALL Mum’s are heroes though, just saying!) (& Dad’s too!)
I won’t lie, there were times when she really frustrated me, mainly the missed opportunities to be honest. BUT, we’ve all been there & her growth along with the discovery of her self worth was a joy to see.
Her relationship with Cora was really touching & their situation was approached & portrayed with such sensitivity & care. If I wasn’t weeping at that, I was weeping at Ron.

⚽️ Ron was a brilliant additional character. I just wanted to give him a hug & welcome him into my Family! He brought so much warmth & humour to the story & I felt like when it came to him & Fran, it was one of those situations where people find each other when they need them most. Sure, he was a tad grouchy but he had a huge heart & the positive effect he had on so many people (without even realising!) was just so lovely.


~ final thoughts ~

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was humorous but sometimes a little heavy, entertaining but emotional & the perfect story to unwind with. I loved the mentions of the dreaded WhatsApp group (we’ve all been there) & the larger grassroots football theme which personally brought up a lot of childhood memories! Oh, I too have gone along with a name mistake, Zoe in place of Chloë 🙃.
Whether you keep this book on your bedside table, pack it in your bag for your commute to work or in your suitcase for your holiday, just make sure it’s handy. Because once you start reading, you won’t want to stop!

A huge thank you to Bantam Books & the wonderful Sarah Turner for gifting me a proof copy of Well, That Escalated Quickly. This is my honest opinion & I’m sharing it voluntarily❣️

[Amie Derricott]

As parents all know, working and keeping on top of life admin can feel like an impossible task, and for Fran it is no different. Mother to a 6 month old, stepmom to a 7 year old, girlfriend and back at work, she just cannot keep on top of everything. So when it looks like she is about to get a promotion that she's worked so hard for, she reckons its all worthwhile. However, a promotion is not what is on the cards. Instead, Fran finds herself jobless, and when she arrives home to find that her family has thrown her a surprise congratulations party, she is too embarrassed to admit what's really going on. Rather than owning up, Fran sees this as an opportunity to get her life together and starts using a co-working space in order to catch up on all of those things she never usually has time for. What starts out as a small fib, soon gets out of control, and Fran is soon forced to confront not only the consequences of her actions, but also to take a good hard look at the pressures she puts on herself.

This book was absolutely flipping brilliant! It is laugh out loud funny but also takes a good hard look at the pressures of modern life in a way that is so very familiar. Fran is well and truly every working parent, spinning ten thousand plates at once and putting everyone first before herself. She is such an incredibly relatable character in this way, and anyone who reads this book will understand just how authentic her struggles are. As most of us will know, we constantly put pressure on ourselves to just keep going even when we are at breaking point, measure ourselves against what we are able to achieve and feel let down by ourselves when we cant do it all. The book has perfectly captured how one small decision can snowball into complete chaos, and while the situations become increasingly hilarious, her motivations always felt so genuine. Fran's insecurities and determination to keep everything together made her such an easy character to root for, even though she does make some pretty questionable decisions.
One of my absolute favourite things about this book was the rest of the characters we are introduced to. Steve could so easily have been written as a stereotypical partner who is utterly devoted to Fran and instantly forgives her. However, he’s written as someone who has his own struggles and is absolutely oblivious to how much pressure Fran is putting herself under, who, when it comes to the crunch, doesn’t know how to handle her lies. Their interactions together and as a family show them as people who have built a life together, rather than just people who are just thrown together for the sake of the plot. Coach Ron is another favourite, a surly and standoffish man who brings an unexpected heap of humour and wisdom to the plot. His interactions with Fran are some of the most memorable in the book because he offers support without judgement, often giving her the perspective she desperately needs, even if she doesn't realise it at the time.
What I loved most was that beneath all the laughs, this is a story about burnout, self worth and learning that asking for help isn't a weakness as so many of us feel. It's about letting go of impossible expectations and realising that perfection isn't something achievable to anyone. Highly recommend this to everyone, especially anyone who feels like they are trying to achieve the impossible!

[Books By Your Bedside]

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.

I loved this from the first chapter. The plot, the characters, the storytelling was fabulous. And it could only go in two directions. I could finish it and I would still love it. Or it could be a struggle to keep up that momentum. Luckily it managed to keep my interest.

I don't often find books funny, because humour is so subjective and I just find it doesn't generally work in fiction (in my experience) but I found this one truly funny. I think it's because it wasn't too try hard. As far as I could tell, she wasn't trying to write overly funny bits, but it was definitely there. It felt so natural.

There isn't a dud character among them. I mean, do they set the page alight? Not really. But they didn't need to. They're so natural, so familiar, you could easily see yourself in their shoes and I really enjoyed that.

I mean, Fran does lie in it, quite a lot and about quite a big thing. I'm not a huge fan of characters like that because it's hard to support their decision. However, she was so likeable that even that couldn't irk me. One lie sort of snowballed and it got so chaotic that I couldn't help but find it funny.

It is a bit slow. Not automatically a negative point. I've enjoyed slow books and fast books. Same as I've disliked slow books and fast books. It all depends on the book. I did find this was erring on the side of too slow. It wasn't boring. But because it's a story about everyday normal stuff, it does drag out a bit and I did keep flicking down to see what percentage I was on and I realised it wasn't going up all that quickly. So I think it could have done with something a little earlier to keep it going forward, because by about 1/4 of the way, it still felt quite stuck.

It is quite predictable, let's not lie here. In its parts it doesn't feel very new, but as a whole it feels fresh. It's a bit twee an corny, and at times quite frustrating. But overall I thought it was enjoyable, funny, cute, relatable, relaxing, comforting, and uplifting with marvellous characters.

I think this is my first of her books but I enjoyed it enough to want to read some of her others.

[Bookshortie]

When Fran tells one white lie, that lie quickly snowballs out of Fran’s control.

This was a really easy, enjoyable and at times funny read. It’s one I found myself flying through but at the same time I was worried about Fran. The storyline was about managing multiple roles, telling a lie, feeling overwhelmed, burnout and imposter syndrome.

When we meet Fran, she is waiting for news of a well-deserved promotion. But the meeting doesn’t go as planned as she finds out her company has been taken over and she is being made redundant. Before she can tell her family, she arrives home to a surprise party celebrating her promotion. Fran feels she can’t tell the truth and pretends that she has been promoted. This white lie quickly take in a life of its own.

Fran was a character that I felt every reader could relate to in one way or another. She is juggling many roles and has a very long to do list. She has a job; she is a wife to Steve and is a mother to 7-year-old step daughter Cora and also has a 6-month-old baby called Sonny. Unable to tell the truth Fran starts to throw herself into other tasks including her never ending to do list and finds herself inadvertently involved in other projects when she goes to Hive Mind, a place that offers shared work space. When Fran decides to stick with her lie about her promotion it felt like she was leading two lives, one inside the house and one outside of the house. But she has to be very careful to keep those lives separate. When Fran’s truth is finally revealed it does cause issues in her marriage. What became clear is that Fran puts a lot of pressure on herself. Pressure to be the best she could be as an employee, wife and mother and stepmother. She seemed to constantly compare herself to others including the mothers in the playground, who she perceived as perfect. Ultimately this is Fran’s journey of learning what is really important in life and it’s not what she initially thought.

My favourite scene in the book was when Fran finished the blanket that Cora’s late mother was crocheting and presents it to Cora. It was such a touching and emotional moment, one I will never forget.

[HisBookHerBook]

HerBook Review 🩷

𝘞𝘦𝘭𝘭, 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘌𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘘𝘶𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘭𝘺 by Sarah Turner @theunmumsymum

If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll probably already know that I love Sarah Turner’s books, so I can’t tell you how happy I was to receive a proof copy of her new novel. Thank you to Anne @randomthingstours for having me on the tour.

The story follows Fran, a working mum who’s constantly trying to keep all the plates spinning. When she’s unexpectedly made redundant, she tells one small lie. But this quickly snowballs into something far bigger than she ever imagined 👀

The characters were brilliantly written, I instantly warmed to Fran. Her struggles to balance work, family and the endless mental load of everyday life really resonated with me.
Ron, in particular, stole my heart 🥰He comes across as a bit of a grumpy old man initially, but there’s so much warmth beneath the surface, and I loved watching his friendship with Fran develop.

One thing Sarah Turner does so well is weave meaningful messages into her stories without them feeling forced. This book doesn’t shy away from the realities of everyday life, exploring the often invisible mental load of motherhood, family dynamics and the pressure of trying to keep everyone else happy. Yet, those moments with humour, hope and a reminder that we don’t have to navigate life’s challenges on our own.

One of my favourite moments in the book was Ron’s description of this stage of life as life’s “rush hour”. It’s such a simple idea, but one that really stayed with me. It’s a reminder that while life can feel overwhelming when we’re trying to juggle everything, these busy years are also the ones we’ll probably look back on and miss the most. I think that message will resonate with so many readers.

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Overall, a warm, uplifting, emotional story that reminds us it’s okay to ask for help, lean on others and embrace the unexpected. Whether you’re a parent or not, I genuinely think there’s something to take away from this book. I’d wholeheartedly recommend giving it a read ❤️

[Lorraine]

Wow!! Tears, laughter and relatability! This one has it all, and I loved it!

AD/PR-Gifted

Meet Fran, a mum juggling everything and feeling like she's not in control of anything. Who hasn't felt like that? But then follows a series of events, which you wonder if she'll ever make it back from. A redundancy she wasn't expecting causes a domino effect that becomes completely overwhelming. Sink or swim? Will Fran float to the top and rise like a star?

Fran is formidable, in the best possible way, not that I think she'd agree! When all you're trying to do is your best, but feel like you're wading through mud and trying to keep all the plates in the air, not least spinning too, something has to give - but what if you're not the giving up type??

This is a story that I'm sure so many people will relate to. Fran is a mum just trying to do her best and she is written in such a way that I felt for her immediately. You can feel how she is drowning and the increasing sense of being overwhelmed and if you've ever been in those shoes, you'll feel it even more! With a great group of supporting characters, friends and acquaintances that you'd want as your own - or may have some similar - and the most adorably cute children, this is a book I had no hesitation in giving 5 stars.

There is something so effective about the descriptions, especially a video montage that I could only picture in my head, yet still had me bawling!! And who knew a cantankerous old man and a story about a skateboard could have such an effect! This feels real, nothing seems over the top, it's as if you've experienced it yourself or know someone who has - making it even more relatable. You have to read this book!!

Will be getting myself Sarah Turner's other books now and this one will make great gifts for friends!

[Laura Docherty]

I think Sarah Turner (aka The Unmumsy Mum) is fantastic. She never fails to make me laugh (if you haven’t already, do yourself a favour and check out her promo reels for this book!) I’ve been a fan since the very beginning and her relatable humour always shines through. I knew this latest novel would have me laughing and so I was really excited to dive in.

Fran is mum to a 6-month-old and stepmum to a 7-year-old and she’s drowning in the never-ending parenting admin that so many of us can relate to. There is one bright spot on the horizon: she’s convinced she’s about to receive a promotion at work. Except… she isn’t. Instead, she’s made redundant. Heading home to break the news to her partner, she’s met with an unexpected surprise - a congratulations party he’s organised with all their friends and family. Caught up in the moment, Fran pretends she really did get the promotion, setting off a chain of increasingly complicated events.

Ron was an absolute delight. I love the inclusion of an outwardly grumpy but secretly soft-hearted older man and it was lovely to learn he was inspired by someone from Sarah’s own life. Sarah often draws on her real-life experiences and that authenticity really comes across in her writing. I was, however, surprised she chose Plymouth Argyle as Cora’s favourite football team rather than her own Exeter City!

That said, this is probably my least favourite of Sarah’s three novels so far. I didn’t feel quite as invested in the characters as I did in her previous books, but it was still a refreshing, entertaining read with plenty of humour. Sarah remains an author I’d happily recommend to anyone looking for a warm, funny and uplifting read.

Rating: 3.5 ⭐️

[Becky Wallace]

WELL, THAT ESCALATED QUICKLY - REVIEW
By: Sarah Turner @theunmumsymum
 
I’m so excited to be part of the book tour run by Anne @randomthingstours … Thank you for having me and thank you to @bantambooksuk for sending me me a fabulous proof copy.
 
Oh, how I absolutely adored this book. From the first page to the last. This is the perfect read to fall into if you are just after a re-set. The premise was effortless to read, relatable, funny, heart warming and utterly heart wrenching at the same time. This book made me chuckle but it also made me ugly cry … and I loved every second.
 
Fran was relatable and just so real. A woman at the end of her tether. Trying to do it all. She had a fabulous husband, but everything still felt very much like it was on her plate. When she went into work expecting a promotion and was made redundant, Fran’s life imploded. When she told her family she had got the promotion, everything just went from bad to worse. Her journey was a tumultuous one for sure, but that split second decision to go in to the shared work space called HIVE MIND, changed Fran’s life forever.
 
The characters in this story were pure gold. I adored Ellie. Everyone has to have a brutally honest friend, who always has your back, but Ron was the winner for me. He was grumpy, and cantankerous, but he was also so wise and a complete force to be reckoned with. I completely fell in love with him. His advice was next level and I cried multiple times reading about Ron.
 
This book just got me right in the heart. It gave me all the feels. The writing was sharp, relatable, funny and just so delicious. I highly recommend.

[Carrie]

4.5 stars!

Fran has had enough of trying to do it all, and not managing to do anything as well as she wants to. When, instead of getting the promotion she was hoping for, she is made redundant, she can’t face up to telling her expectant family.

And soon a small lie snowballs into a huge mess! As Fran tries her best to piece everything back together, she discovers that maybe things don’t have to be as perfect as she used to think.

WOW this was just soooooo relatable! For me, as a mum of a 7-year-old like Fran’s step daughter in the book, but also I would say for any woman juggling more than you can manage (all of us, right?!) and constantly comparing ourselves to others who seem like they’ve got everything together.

I jotted down so many quotes that I had to abandon the idea of actually including any in my review at all! 🤣 Everything Fran was thinking was so spot-on and hilarious, I was constantly either nodding my head vigorously or laughing out loud!

Which is a fantastic start to the book - but then, the story really developed and became something surprisingly moving. As Fran tries to figure out what to do, and to get on top of her life admin whilst she’s out of work, she meets 73-year-old former grassroots football coach, Ron. This is where the real heart of the story blossomed for me.

And it’s where something clicks with Fran around what really matters, and what she’s really good at.

Such a moving, hilarious and exceptionally relatable book that I can see myself re-reading and recommending to all the women in my life!

[Ann Lovell]

Francesca - a busy mum to step daughter Cora and baby Seb.
Full of mum guilt as a working mum . Spinning one plate after another to try and keep her head above water. Her mental load is huge due to perfectionism and a critical mum. Makes a few bad choices and gets in so deep she’s leading a double life !

Steve her partner stay at home dad to Seb. His previous partner died leaving him a single Dad.

Ron - widower and retired football coach with no family. However he doesn’t realise how much impact he’s had on so many lives. Befriended by Fran and they’re such a help to each other it’s a lovely relationship to watch grow.

This is a fun and relatable story. Several extra characters make up the plot. Building a small network in Frans /Cheskas life. The central theme, alongside grassroots football played by her stepdaughter Cora, is the chaos of family life that weighs her down. The story starts to unfold with what appears to be a innocent “I’ll tell them later” to a host of problems for her. It’s funny in parts ( the playground mafia !) with some sad parts in Ron’s life. The building of friendship, Mum’s struggles with honesty and her own personal issues, and the journey of her and Ron’s friendship to seeing their worth make for an absorbing read.

I’d definitely recommend it. I’ve never read any of Sarah Turners books. This was a ARC from NetGalley and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it

[Jessikah Hope]

Well That Escalated Quickly by Sarah Turner is exactly the kind of book that pulls you in with a simple premise and then delightfully spirals into chaos. What starts with Fran being made redundant quickly snowballs into a web of lies that becomes increasingly impossible to untangle and while the plot is fairly predictable, it’s predictable in the most comforting way possible.

The real charm of the novel lies in its characters. Fran is easy to root for despite her questionable decisions, but Cora absolutely steals the show. She brings warmth, humour and heart to the story, making every scene she’s in feel especially memorable. The relationships throughout the book feel authentic and lived-in, which makes the emotional moments land even more strongly.

You can also really feel Sarah Turner’s own personality infused into the story. The references to grassroots football and the honest portrayal of the exhausting, messy early stages of parenting give the novel a relatable and personal touch.

Despite the escalating mess Fran creates, the overall tone remains uplifting and reassuring. It’s funny, addictive and incredibly easy to read, with enough warmth and optimism to keep you hooked throughout. The result is a genuinely lovable comfort read: inspiring, heartfelt, and exactly the sort of book you race through while not wanting it to end.

[BooksCoveredHB]

I am familiar with the author as In the past I have received the very popular previous titles such as 'Unmumsy Mum' and 'The Unmumsy Mum diary' for very appropriate Mother's Day gifts. I also remember reading Sarah Turner's 'Stepping Up' a couple of years ago. I recommend all of those titles for good light hearted reads. As we mums head towards to school summer holidays I felt another title from Sarah Turner would make perfect read for this time of year.
The opening lines to 'Well, That Escalated Quickly' had me smiling and giggling with my own lived experiences. I found the book flowed really fast and it had me picturing every conversation and every scene. Turner's dialogue is spot on. The reader knows immediately that the book is set today. The characters and plot did make me feel somewhat better about myself with my many children all of whom require extra support (we are a neurodivergent, disabled and chronic life long health conditions family), my forever to do list that's gets longer by the second. This read certainly made me feel, I'm 'ok' l've got this
'life' thing and I'm doing ok. Thank you Sarah for this and the observations so many of us can relate to.
A longer review can be found on my blog page.

[Emily]

As the mum of a nearly two-year-old, I found it incredibly easy to relate to Fran and her struggles. The portrayal of trying (and often failing) to “have it all” as a woman felt very real, and I think a lot of readers will see themselves in her.

Fran is a really likeable protagonist, and I genuinely felt for her - especially when she’s made redundant. The supporting cast (especially Steve and Cora) is equally sweet, with no real villain in the story - just a group of well-meaning, very human characters. That said, I did find myself occasionally frustrated with Fran, wishing she’d just be honest and deal with things before they spiralled. But of course, that’s part of what drives the plot.

The pavilion refurbishment storyline is a little on the twee side, but it ultimately works within the tone of the book. While it’s fairly easy to see where the story is heading, the characters are endearing enough that it doesn’t really matter. This isn’t a book that’s going to be groundbreaking, but it doesn’t need to be.

Overall, it’s an easy, comforting, and enjoyable read - exactly the kind of book you sometimes need.

[Elizabeth Currie]

Find me a mother who hasn't struggled with the pressure to have it all - and has spent much of their life juggling work and motherhood and feeling like they're not doing a good job at any of it, whilst others around you seem to be handling it perfectly. Well, That Escalated Quickly captures that feeling perfectly in a humorous but touching story.

Fran already feels like the perennial underachiever having dropped out of university - and when, struggling with a newborn and a stepdaughter whose mother died, she is made redundant, her self-worth takes a nosedive, and she can't bring herself to tell those closest to her. But in the hardest of times, sometimes you realise what really matters ....

Did I inwardly scream at Fran at times as she dug herself bigger and bigger holes? Absolutely - but at the same time I empathised with her enormously. There is a lovely story of community and some fabulous supporting characters - you have got to love Ron! It's a story full of emotion but there is also plenty of humour - much of it very relatable - and it all makes for an entertaining read.

[A Red Headed Reader]

📖 Book Review 📖

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“It’s prudent to get my ducks in a row. Right now, my ducks are all over the fucking place.”

Fran is tired of trying to do it all. So for the first time in her life, she decides to put herself first..

This book will relate to ANY mum/parent carrying the ‘mother load’ out there.. and if you say it doesn’t? You are 100% lying. 🤥
I JUMPED at the chance to receive this uncorrected proof for review - a huge fan of all of Sarah Turners work.

‘Well, That escalated quickly’ is just so so relatable from the funny, witty and laugh out loud moments (a lot of them). To the more serious topics of how hard being a parent really is, especially the parent who has to think, write and complete the to do lists for everyone. To keeping up relationships, friendships, work, careers and even just some sort of self care.
Breaking down the ‘having it all’ image that is just crap really, nobody has it all.

Thank you, @theunmumsymum & @bantambooksuk for sending me a copy, a very enjoyable read ✨

Available to Pre-order now ready for July 2026 ✨

[Rebecca May]

I've always been a follower of Sarah on Instagram, but never read her books and this one did not disappoint! Call me snobby but I'm always a bit cautious of influencer/author/fiction however this is a heart warmer of a read, great construct of characters (Ron is adorable - even more so if you read the acknowledgement at the end). Even though there is alot going on, it's still a well thought out storyline, and yes very relatable when it comes to navigating family/work life balance. I also have a soft spot for Plymouth too (Cornish girl) so I did like the fact it was based here and could imagine the Barbican. I really liked the football emphasis at the end and it didn't take the turn I was expecting too which I'm glad. Only bad point was probably there was alot of chatting between characters which sometimes felt confusing especially at first when I was trying to get my head around who was who. But a perfect summer read; read it in under two days!!

[Saffy]

I really loved the author’s previous novel Stepping Up and while Well, That Escalated Quickly wasn’t quite as good it was still an entertaining read that I enjoyed.
When an expected promotion doesn’t happen for busy mum Fran, one quick decision she makes soon escalates and she is soon deceiving her family and friends. I liked the character of Fran and could relate to her challenges of being a parent alongside having a career, however I did think that the initial decision she made was frustrating. There’s a good cast of characters including her family, the school mums, her new colleagues and football coach Ron. I liked the portrayal of her relationship with her step daughter Cora and the challenges involved with navigating that. This was an easy, feel good read, the plot was well paced and satisfying. Recommended if this is a genre that appeals. 3.5 stars
Many thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.