The School Run

by Helen Whitaker

Two mothers. Two daughters. One school place.

Imogen and Lily are old friends - they've shared hangovers, unsuitable boyfriends and wild nights out together. But now they're mums, and their partying days are behind them.

When a place comes up at one of the best primary schools in the area, both women want it for their daughters. From faking religious beliefs to bogus break-ups, Imogen and Lily will go to any lengths to secure the perfect school for their children - and so will all the other mothers.

Will their friendship survive the strain? Will their marriages take the pressure? And when a sexy new vicar arrives on the scene, will the mothers' keep focus for long enough to keep their eyes on the prize?

Genres: Chick Lit, Summer

272 pages, Paperback

Published August 22, 2019

Reviews

[Meggy Chocolate'n'Waffles]

Do you remember your school days? I recall the relief that almost overwhelmed me when the bell rang the end of the day. I can still see my mom near the gates, talking to other moms. I never paid much attention. Life was already so busy, how could I think of what mothers deal with when they are out of our sight? But the magic of books is to take you back and help you grasp the subtleties you missed, the fleeting moments that never reached you but played its part in your life, or the life of someone you love. That’s just what I found here…

I picked The School Run in honor of those blissful days when I didn’t know life was complicated. I wanted to fill the other side of the school gate with stories.

Helen Whitaker’s novel feels so authentic that it is both hilarious and painful! All of a sudden, the children’s world felt uncomplicated!! Adults walk on eggs while their kids paint their clothes! Well, I am simplifying, but at the heart of The School Run, I found a beautiful and scary mirror. Mothers and children being linked by an invisible cord, each with their struggles. Friends? Enemies? Work/Homework? Feelings? It’s all there, it’s all ready for us to read about, to relate with, and to smile.

A long time ago, Lily and Imogen were close friends. Different but on parallel paths, they shared so much that their connection was supposed to withstand the passing of time. Until one day it all stopped. Forward five years later and they are reunited at the gates of a school with an outstanding reputation.

The first day of their upbringing and their way to deal with it told me right away that there were unsolved issues in the air as well as very different takes on parenting. There is no right or wrong, as we get both point of views. I felt the gap between the friends just as much as the small flicker of the old warmth they used to share, and I bonded with both women really fast.

Lily, married, working mom, doing her best not to roll her eyes at the rules and hoping she can channel the most religious part of herself to cope with the primary school’s beliefs. Looking at her watch, she prays she won’t be late for work…
Imogen, long-time girlfriend, PR ace working freelance, embracing motherhood with a blog dedicated to the best role of her life. Teary-eyed and worried about leaving her daughter for the first time, her heart breaks when Winnie starts flying solo.

Around them, dozens of mothers with the same goal: make sure their kid get into the school. For this, they must tick off many criterion on a list. And we all know there is nothing a mother won’t do…

Mothers can be scary!!! When you say goodbye to high school, you think you’re leaving feuds, silly competitions, nastiness, and whatnot behind. Then you’re propelled into the Adult World. As a woman, you are expected to be efficient at work, sexy and a great cook at home, the best friend one can hope, and, when the time comes, Super Mom. Pressure, much?

With their different paths and background, every character in the book opened my eyes to the insecurities being a parent, or even just a human being, brings, as well as the comfort we all need at some point. The biggest lesson however, is that we all totally suck at communication!!! But life does this to us, doesn’t it? It makes the most normal situations look terrifying, it turns the world into something you need to fight against instead of what you need to embrace.

The School Run takes us on a crazy ride where the price is a golden seat in a school. That Holy Graal is at the center, and everyone gravitates around it. Groups form. Loneliness catches up. Daily worries made me laugh. Misunderstanding made me ‘tut’ I just loved hating the haters, I adored rooting for Lilly and Imogen, I enjoyed watching the kids evolve, unaware of the storm around them.

There are all kind of parents in this book. The ones who register a second home to get extra points. The ones who won’t get their kids get chocolate. The ones desperate to move within the vicinity of the school so their babies can get a better chance. The ones who volunteer for fund-raising… Being a parent is exhausting but makes for a terribly good book!
Just how far is too far? With their eyes on that primary school, could those women lose sight of what is important?

With a spot-on narrative making the reader feel like they’re in an elevator going up and down at full speed, the author creates a frank account of what women go through. It is honest, genuine, emotional, fun, and a great read to pick before the new school term!

I'd like to thank Tracy for organising a lovely tour and for inviting me to be part of it. Thank you to Trapeze for the review copy I received.

[Matilda Burn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Borrowed this from Jenny for a quick read, it was that. It also wasn't very good, and God knows why anyone ever has kids because it sounds fucking horrendous.

[Lel Budge · Rating 4 out of 5]

The School Run is a quick, fun read that will resonate with all parents trying to find a good school place for their children.

This shows the extent some people will go to get that elusive place, although I’m sure most people do not go the the extreme lengths like Lily and Imogen..

There are some serious subjects, which I felt were written in a very sensitive manner and the emotions are so real you will feel the frustrations and disappointments. With great characters and laugh out loud moments, a perfect summer read.

Thank you to Tracy and Compulsive Readers for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review

[Carlyn (The Bookworm Mum) · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5

Surprisingly enjoyable, and one that’s actually stuck with me a bit. If you have a child around school age or younger, and have felt the pressure at toddler groups, then this is one for you.

There was one aspect that pulled it down for me, without that storyline (involving one of the husbands) i would have probably rated up. It just seemed cliché to me.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

For my full review, visit me at https://mrsbrownsbooks.wordpress.com/...

I was disappointed by this book: the characters were selfish and Whitaker’s hyperbolic take on the scramble for school places just was not funny. There was no comedic escape and I felt frustrated by how horrible the characters were.

[Dee-Cee It's all about the books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to admit I was hesitant to start this book, not because I didn’t think I’d enjoy it but because I’ve done the school runs *shivers* Honestly some of the parents I’ve encountered would have fitted perfectly into this story and the scary thing is, I’ll have to do it all again in a few years time but reading The School Run made realise that I am just a normal mum and I’m quite happy to be just normal.

Lily and Imogen are old friends but lost contact and haven’t seen each other for a number of years so when Lilly meets Imogen in the playground while trying to drop daughter Enid off on her first day of pre-school she’s pleased to see her old friend. Both women are quite different though, Lilly works full time and is always in a rush where as Imogen has given up her job to be mum and does freelance work from home and it’s soon clear that the old friends have a lot of catching up to do.

I really don’t want to give too much away about this story because I had only read the blurb beforehand so went in not really knowing what to expect and I enjoyed it so much. It had me laughing, cringing and there’s a few quite touching moments too but one of the main things I got from this book was the realness. I felt like the characters were real, the situations were real and I could see it all visually developing as I read and I couldn’t help comparing some of the mums to ones that I’ve met in real life. Like most places the school playground has its groups, you have the busy mums, the childminders, the not sure what I’m doing mums and the ‘organic s’ to name a few and it made me laugh as I was reading, the real life mums kept popping into my head as the characters.

I’ll definitely be recommending The School Run, I really enjoyed how the chapters gave us both Lily and Imogen’s feelings and also how their personal relationships were fairing or not so. This is more than just a story about some mums getting a place at a good school for their child, it’s a story about friendships, relationships and about how some things are just maybe not as important as they seem.

I ended devouring this book and I’m really looking forward to reading more from Helen Whitaker soon (hopefully).

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story that I think will feel familiar to many parents, of just what other mums get up to to try to secure a place at the school of their choice.

From shenanigans with regards moving closer and closer to the school, or inching inside the catchment area, to possibly playing lip service to a religion you don't believe in, to doing everything in your power to be known to be a joiner inner within the school community. Just a hint at what may be in store as Imogen and Lily try to get their daughters one of the few available spaces at this Oftsted Outstanding school

This take place over the course of the year, from Enid and Winnie's first day at pre-school, and most of the focus is on the two women who at one point used to be friends, and their antics, as well as the other mothers to see just what life is like on the school run itself.

The playground politics are in force even amongst parents of 3 year olds at pre-school and it amuses me just what they will try. It was a shame I felt that I didn't really get to know the children's personalities that much, but that all changes with the parents.

We really get to know Imogen and Lily in alternating chapters and I loved seeing everything they were up to, and their relationship dynamics too.

There are all sorts of great sub plots present and I really enjoyed the writing. I think if I was a parent myself, I may have connected with some of the story a bit more, but i could definitely empathises and I wanted to know how things would turn out.

A really good debut novel, and I'll be interested to see what the author writes next.

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

[Ruth Parker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m in two minds about this book. For what it was it was alright. I like chick lit books for a nice easy read and this was everything it promises to be. I just didn’t care much for the characters. Any of them. Even the minor ones. Meh.

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book brings to mind if Fleabag had a baby. Great quick read for those who are familiar with playground politics and finding your circle.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lily and Imogen are two women who have ambitions for their children. Their ambitions for themselves are simple; survive the pressures of their relationships, survive the daily round of being a parent, and retain their sanity. The main ambition for their daughters is simple; to secure a place in the nursery which is a feeder for the primary school which will line them up nicely for a grammar school place in time. The problem is that such places are strictly limited to those with an address in the tiny catchment area, and to guarantee a place, attend the local church. Having a high profile in the school social organisations would also help. Going to church has been made a little easier by the attractiveness of the new vicar, but will his mysterious past mean problem or answers? Will Imogen and Lily’s old friendship mean that they can survive together or will the pressure of the elusive school place keep them apart? Will Yasmine and the other Organic mums with their conniving superiority mean that anyone else will get a look in? Just what will it take to ensure that the Outstanding school will offer a coveted place to either Winnie or Enid? This sometimes funny, always fascinating book will introduce you to characters that have problems and triumphs that are familiar to everyone in the twenty first century. I was so glad to have the opportunity to read and review this engaging book.

The book opens with Lily trying to get her small daughter to pose for the photo on facebook that will get some ‘likes’. The coloured wall is high demand by other mothers who are keen to instagram their child’s first day in nursery. Enid is not co operating with her mother’s need to drop off her child and shoot off to work, she is high from her breakfast of sugary cereal which would be banned by Yasmine, the arbiter of what is good for small children at every turn. Lily is surprised to be approached by her old friend Imogen who has daughter Winnie in tow. She too has researched schools in London and reached the conclusion that the pre school attached to St. Peter and Paul’s is the best option. She is desperate to get a house in the catchment area, and as the book progresses she tries many options. Lily meanwhile is concerned that her challenging job where she must fight to keep her role means she cannot get back in time for Enid, especially as her partner Joe does not pull his weight. Nothing will be as straightforward as it seems, as the women progress through school nativity plays crisis, school parties, and houses of dreams and nightmares.

The reality of contemporary life is to be found in this book, from parents with obsessions to awkward children. It is really funny, sometimes touching, and always truthful. I found the account of Lily’s job fascinating, and so truthful concerning the way she must maintain her commitment despite all the other pressures she is facing. This is an enjoyable book which deals with complex situations in a light and fresh way. As an older mother I recognise some of the pressures, and found it a brilliant read. I recommend it as a satisfying novel for everyone who has felt the pressures of daily life, especially with young children.

[Agi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lily and Imogen (and many other parents) are desperate to get their daughter to the highly appraised St. Peter and Paul's school, but it isn't too easy - you have to live at the right address, show your dedication to the school and its beliefs, be a devoted church goer and those are only few of the things they're ready to go. But won't they forget, among all of those little wars and school - gate politics, what's really important?

I'm a sucker for any school run and not - so - yummy - mummies stories so I was probably the first in the virtual queue to sign for this blog tour. This book was, just like I hoped it's going to be, brutally honest, and oh my, I'll never stop wonder about all those school - gates politics, the tension, bitching and frenemies. It's really stressful and I'm lucky that my daughter goes to school by bus, so I can avoid all of those above mentioned. However, with this book, I'm not so sure what it wanted to tell us, what was the story - yes, I know, about getting a place at school, but other than that? I missed more depth to it and consistency. But I, of course, appreciate what the author did with her story, touching upon so many burning and actual issues of being a parent, no matter if working/non - working, juggling life and job with trying to give your child the best future possible, and the book was just like real life, full of hopes and disappointments.

"The School Run" introduces us to a great number of characters but it's really easy to follow them all and to know who is who and to whom they belong. Lily and Imogen are the main ones, in fact, they used to be friends but they haven't seen each other for a long time so when they meet again dropping their daughters at school maybe their friendship has a chance of reviving? Their lives are not gardens full of roses and I sympathised with both of them, though I actually never warmed to any of them as much as I thought I'm going to, no particular reason why. There is also, of course, a group of "Organic" mums, led by Yasmine, who doesn't feed their children any chocolate because of sugar of course. But no matter who you are, who your group is, how old are you and what's your job, the author shows that parenthood is a hard job for all of them.

It was a genuine, honest and quick novel about friendship and realising what is really important in life. Helen Whitaker's writing style is refreshing, chatty and engaging and the story she tells make you nod when you realise that you've been in some of the situations at least once in your life.

Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.

[Helen French · Rating 4 out of 5]

My god this was a stressful read. And what I mean by that is that this is an entirely too accurate take on what it's like to be a parent trying to get a child into a school with more applicants than spaces. The tension! The polite face-offs with other mums! The disappointment and the hope!

I'm sure you can enjoy the book if you've never been there, but if you have it takes it to a whole other level.

There's a whole host of school-mum (and dad) characters, but The School Run mostly focuses on Lily, massively busy at work yet also still the one in her relationship in charge of doing all the school admin and drop-offs, and Imogen, new to Walthamstow and equally keen to get her daughter into the same outstanding school.

Lily and Imogen are actually old acquaintances who haven't seen each other in years - ever since their friendship went through a painful rough patch. It should be good to see each other, but somehow it's mostly awkward.

Nevertheless, they keep coming back to one another, in part because of Yasmine, leader of the 'Organics' - ie the school mums who don't let their children eat chocolate or even beans (too much sugar, darling), and also because deep down they know they both want the same thing - to do their best by their daughters. They still have lots in common. And yes, that includes doing (almost) anything they can to get into the goddamn perfect school. Even lusting after the vicar...

I sympathised first with Imogen, constantly being asked favours by Lily, then also with Lily, constantly being put down by the men at work who seemingly never had to worry about childcare themselves. Then there were all the other mums that we got to know through quick snapshots into their lives. It's hard for most of them.

The school run is political. So are catchment areas and self-run church schools. It made me relive the year I applied for my son to go to school. So many emotions! (And so glad I'm not going through it right now.)

Coincidentally, I used to live in Walthamstow - where this book is set - many years ago and although I wasn't in the throes of applying for school places back then, or indeed even thinking of children, I found it enjoyable to go travelling through my old stomping grounds.

A compelling read for anyone who's ever applied for a school place, and hopefully for anyone who has yet to have the pleasure.

[Noemi Proietti · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is nothing more competitive than getting your child into one of the best schools in London, as Helen Whitaker shows in her novel. We have two friends, Lily and Imogen. They used to live together and be best friends. Marriage, children, and career made them lose contact, but now they are both living in the same area and competing to get their daughters into the prestigious St Peter and Paul’s Infant School. The competition is high and all the parents are ready to do anything to get a place for their own children. And while Lily and Imogen try to rekindle their friendship, they also have to face problems at home and with their jobs.

I didn’t know that getting a child into a school could be so stressful. Helen Whitaker portrays a detailed and realistic picture of parents who are willing to pretend they are religious and go to mass every Sunday just to have their child going to the right school. We see them join the organic mothers group, flirt with the hot vicar, hunt for a house by the school to be in the catchment area, and argue over the characters of the Nativity. Some stories made me laugh, some stories were utterly incredible and yet believable.

The chapters alternate between Lily and Imogen. Sometimes I didn’t like them and I found them frustrating, like when Lily kept asking Imogen to babysit her daughter or when Imogen was so keen to live by the school that she would buy a place she didn’t like without asking for the opinion of her boyfriend. I also found them relatable and human. They are mothers trying to do their best for their children, they have to juggle work, house, school, and sometimes with no much help from their partners. They are superwomen and I couldn’t help but sympathize with them.

The story is refreshing and funny, with a few emotional and heart-warming moments while addressing more serious issues. A story not only about parenting and marriage, but also about friendship and loyalty, THE SCHOOL RUN is a compelling read that I highly recommend!

[Jenny Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imogen and Lily are old friends who drifted apart when Lily moved to Walthamstow with her family in order to be in the catchment area for the right school for her daughter. Some time later Imogen also moves into the area for the same reason and the two reunite. However, there are a limited number of places available at St Peter and Paul’s and competition is fierce.

Despite not having children of my own, I really enjoyed this book. It is very easy to read, with a very accessible writing style, similar to “Why Mummy Swears”. It is also very funny. The situations that these desperate parents (Mums in particular) get themselves into in order to curry favour with the powers that be and to eliminate the opposition from the running are cleverly thought out and hilarious. The characters are well developed, plausible and largely likeable. We are introduced to many other Mums who congregate at the school gates and also to members of the committee responsible for making the decisions which will determine the children’s future. There are a lot of stereotypical characters who all contribute to the general mayhem. Never having had children myself, I have no idea how true to life these experiences are for parents who have high hopes for their children’s academic achievements and want to get their darling three year-olds set up for the future. If they bear any resemblance at all to reality, I feel extremely sorry for both the children and, to some extent, the parents.

At the start, I didn’t feel as though the author was quite as successful as some others in carrying off the jaunty writing style upon which this book relies. Somehow it missed the mark and seemed a little contrived, which can make for an irritating book as opposed to a humorous one. However, it did not take long for me to be invested in both the writing style and the content.

Thoroughly recommended whether or not you can directly relate to the school gate setting. I will be looking out for more books by this author.

[Kirsty Oughton · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘The School Run’ is probably the quickest book I’ve read this year! I just couldn’t put it down....what a debut from Helen!

I related to this story to an extent as I anxiously but patiently waited for the results of my daughter’s school place for this year, however I didn’t need to go to the extent that Lily, Imogen and the other ‘Organics’ mothers went to to secure a place in a great school. Of course I connected with the reality and struggles of parenthood and it was refreshing to see this in the story. I thought the bond between Lily and Imogen was incredible because although they lost touch they still had ways of always being there for each other, but I won’t go into details!

I found the alternating chapters between characters wonderful as then I knew exactly what Lily and Imogen were feeling and thinking. I also loved the format of the book especially the different headings of each chapter! Helen tackled some serious issues with pure sensitivity. Other than these life issues, I had some laugh out loud moments - literally. I adored all of the characters in this story, especially the children (who provided some of these LOL moments) and I actually feel like there could be a sequel to this story.

‘The School Run’ is about friendship and realising what is more important in life ❤️

I give ‘The School Run’ a very well deserved 5*/5* 😊 I can’t wait to see what Helens creates next and I will be sure to put all of her books on my TBR pile!

Thank you so much to Phoebe at Trapeze Books for my beautiful proof copy of this book.

[Kerry https://likeherdingcatsblog.wordpress.com Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The School Run tells the story of Imogen and Lily who were once old friends. When both their children attend the same nursery they rekindle their friendships but will the race for a school place jeopardise their reunion?

There are several themes running through this novel and they all pull together to make this a brilliant read.

The strongest theme is friendship and the things that can upset it. The narrative alternates between Lily and imogen which helps the reader to gain insight into the thoughts and feelings of each character, and to especially understand the misunderstandings and where they came from.

I particularly enjoyed the mummy stories. Helen Whitaker has included every ‘type’ of mum in existence and to be honest, most of us probably have hints of all of them in us. Very amusing at times, I actually realised that I’d spent half the book judging and laughing at particular characters which then made me question my whole thoughts and feelings. Each parent is written perfectly, with flaws and vulnerabilities that we can all relate to.

Looking deeper into the plot we learn about the heartbreak and difficulties faced by some of the characters. These are written sympathetically and with delicacy, reaching into subjects that will resonate with many readers.

Overall this is a great read with clever and thoughtful character development and some laughs along the way.

[Mehrisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wrapped up a little too neatly but a decent light read nonetheless. I enjoyed it

[Sally Tyrer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The school run depicts some of the struggles of parenthood! Lily and Imogen are desperate to get their daughters a place at the coveted saint peters and Paul’s infant school and will go to extreme lengths to help their application along with the other parents trying to get a place! The extreme lengths they go to are well detailed such as moving house, having extensions, registering a second property, becoming devout church goers,doing fund raising and getting to know the new young trendy vicar very well to name but a few! However realisation dawns and the parents realise what really matters in life is happiness, not compromising on your beliefs and friendship! A light hearted, sensitive,funny read!
Thank you net galley for this advance copy to read and enjoy and the opportunity to try a new author.

[Sally Tyrer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The school run depicts some of the struggles of parenthood! Lily and Imogen are desperate to get their daughters a place at the coveted saint peters and Paul’s infant school and will go to extreme lengths to help their application along with the other parents trying to get a place! The extreme lengths they go to are well detailed such as moving house, having extensions, registering a second property, becoming devout church goers,doing fund raising and getting to know the new young trendy vicar very well to name but a few! However realisation dawns and the parents realise what really matters in life is happiness, not compromising on your beliefs and friendship! A light hearted, sensitive,funny read!
Thank you net galley for this advance copy to read and enjoy and the opportunity to try a new author.

[Angie F · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lighthearted fun read about several different women attempting to get their children into a local primary school with an outstanding review. We follow the women as they fight to buy properties in the right catchment area, join the PTA and become avid churchgoers all in the hope of attaining one of the coveted places for their offspring. There are some really funny moments such as the nativity play and the "obscene gestures"
I'd recommend this to anyone looking for an amusing read. I only have one query about the book, are there really mothers who take their kids to school dressed in skinny jeans and heels with fresh blow dries? In my area they are more likely to turn up in their PJs with smudges of the previous night's mascara under their eyes, lol.

[Lorna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun, engaging and well-written romp through the stressful world of school selection. Helen cleverly weaves the story through the eyes of two main characters, who are both likeable, relatable and often exasperating. While the first half of the novel was enjoyable, the story really picks up pace in the second half, to the point that I couldn't put it down! Helen's writing style is warm, chatty and engaging, and I can't wait to see what's next!

[Emandherbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was easy to read and entertaining! The writing styles was fun and light hearted!

It was interesting to follow Imogen and Lily’s lives along with their marriages, jobs, children and friendships.

In terms of feeling an attachment or really being invested in any of the characters, I didn’t really feel that with this book! Therefore it’s a 3 out of 5.

[clare louise westlake · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of two old friends who reunite when trying to secure their children a place at the best school in the area. Its full of everything you need in a book, humour, sadness and a surprise i wasn't expecting (ooo vicar😉😂). A great story

[Shkolnikjx · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book! Really good description of characters and a good storyline. Highly recommended. Kept me guessing.

[Sylvia · Rating 1 out of 5]

Gave up - totally under whelming. The characters are all caricatures of the most unappealing type. Just couldn't care enough to carry on.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyable easy to read book. Brings back memories of the school gate drama, which I always dreaded. Luckily my kids are a bit older & I don't need to wait at the school for them.
Anyway, at times I wasn't sure who I liked or rather if I liked either of them. Imogen is actually the type of person I hate, makes friends with those who benefit her, two faced and won't stand up to people that are being d**ks! So basically I detested her.
Lily tho I liked a bit, she did tend to let people down a lot without a second thought, but she always stood up for herself & if that made her a bit of a pariah then so be it. Who'd want to be friends with some of them stuck up mums anyway!

Throw in some adorable 3 year old kids and several useless husbands, a dishy vicar and lots of drama.

[Emma Maddison · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think the description of this book is wrong. Talking about fake break ups and the things Lily and Imogen will do to get a school place, when it isn’t their behaviour but that of characters on the periphery.

I thought this book was a an easy read but it wasn’t great. I’m sure there are so sneaky deceptive parents out there but it didn’t ring true with me when I was registering my kids for school. Thou maybe that’s as it wasn’t a religious one 🤷‍♀️

I hated the ending too. It just finished. Too many open ends - Imogen’s kid got a place in the school - so did she buy a house in the area? Why does Lily choose a different school if they did get a place? Just felt a bit dull.

[Melanie Hickman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book, it was different to what I have been reading recently and lighthearted while also been quite true to life. In the beginning there were some bits I found quite funny but that didn’t continue which was a shame and some chapters felt a bit long and in depth but on the whole it was an enjoyable read.

[Aarti Jonas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny, easy read! As a parent the goings on in this book are totally relatable and funny! Whilst I have said this book is an easy read it also covers some interesting topics and conversations that many parents/ mothers go through.

[Sue Lilley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Relatable slice of playground politics, the stresses of working mothers and the various “tribes” they have to navigate. I liked both Imogen and Lily and was rooting for them to recapture their old friendship. Funny and serious by turns. Very entertaining.