The Mums' Group Chat: A Glenacre Small Town Romance

by J A Hyde

Starting over was meant to be simple. But small villages have big secrets… and even bigger gossip.

When single mum Emily Black moves to the coastal village of Glenacre, she's desperate for a clean slate; for her and her daughter, Tabs. But fitting in with the school mums turns out to be far trickier than she expected. Between the cliques, the gossip and the relentless chatter in the infamous mums' group chat, Emily starts to wonder if she'll ever belong.

Then there's Dominic George, the ruggedly handsome local police officer who seems to appear just when she needs him most. He's kind, protective and dangerously easy to fall for. But Emily's sworn off romance. After what her ex put her through, the last thing she needs is another man complicating her fresh start, even if he does come complete with an adorable four-legged friend.

As whispers spread and her ex threatens to crash back into her new life, Emily has to decide who she can really trust. Because in Glenacre, not everything - or everyone - is as it seems.

306 pages, Paperback

Published February 24, 2026

Reviews

[Jodi Warne]

What do you do when you’ve been rudely woken up at ridiculous hour of the morning, easy finish reading your book.

Jen what an absolute delight this book was and if it wasn’t for the fact that I had to adult in between I probably would have read it on one sitting.

I was excepting village life with some spice I didn’t expect an ITV afternoon drama playing out on the pages in front of me !!!

And that proposal !!! Oh my days completely swoon worthy 🫠🫠

I can’t wait for book two !!!

From grief, domestic violence, adultery, found family, sisterhood, suspense this book hits the mark on each one.

[Sarah Webb]

I not a big reader and I struggle to keep my attention to stories. However The mum's group chat has been such a good read. It is really relatable especially when it came to Emilys mum, and the school playground and the dynamics that brings. I have really enjoyed reading it. The relationship between Emily and Dom has been heartwarming to read. I would love to see what else J A Hyde has for us. I will definitely be looking out for your next one.

Sarah Webb

[Rebecca Graham]

Actually really enjoyed this. I rounded up to 4 from 3.75.

Emily is a mum Trying fleeing an abusive relationship with her daughter. When she meets a while new group of mum friends.

From experience mum friends are a different breed and they are the best!!!

[Louise Pope]

It was good, a typical mum group chat!

[Kimberley Draper]

Enjoyed this book, easy reading. Mums group chat very relatable

[Claire M]

One of those books you just can't put down. Gripped. Just had to know how it finished.

[Michelle Davis]

I enjoyed this book. It wasn't to hard to follow and had a few weeks twists I wasn't expecting.

[Chloe]

4.5⭐️

[Barbara Liu]

Took me a while to get into. Not what I expected but overall good read.

[Sophie Jaye]

Dragged out slightly & very chaotic ending but enjoyable book still