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How to Make Time for Me
No-one said being a single mum would be easy.
Everyone knows that being a single mother means having no time to yourself. But for Callie Brown, its more exhausting than most. She's juggling the needs of three teenage children, two live-in parents, a raffish ex-husband, and a dog who never stops eating.
The last thing Callie needs is anything more on her plate. So when she bumps (quite literally) into a handsome, age-appropriate cyclist, she's quick to dismiss him from her life. After all, if she doesn't have time to brush her hair in the morning, she certainly doesn't have time to fall in love.
Funny, heartwarming and oh-so-true, this is a novel about motherhood, families, and life after divorce, perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella and Allison Pearson.
Everyone knows that being a single mother means having no time to yourself. But for Callie Brown, its more exhausting than most. She's juggling the needs of three teenage children, two live-in parents, a raffish ex-husband, and a dog who never stops eating.
The last thing Callie needs is anything more on her plate. So when she bumps (quite literally) into a handsome, age-appropriate cyclist, she's quick to dismiss him from her life. After all, if she doesn't have time to brush her hair in the morning, she certainly doesn't have time to fall in love.
Funny, heartwarming and oh-so-true, this is a novel about motherhood, families, and life after divorce, perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella and Allison Pearson.
437 pages, ebook
First published July 11, 2019
12 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
July 10, 2019
A fun humorous read. This book made me laugh at times, smirk at some and snort at the others. An emotive, honest story of single parenting.
Callie was knocked down on the street by a delivery man as he couldn't see her. That was a literal knock to her head which made her realize that she was invisible to everyone in her life. She decided to take control over her life, just one step at a time.
My first book by Fiona Perrin, a fast read it was. I could finish it in one sitting. I loved the way Callie's life was shown with her twin daughters, her sorta adopted son, her work, and old parents. And the stinky dog. It was like a rush hour every day.
No book is complete without a romance or two. And she did find her suitors, the one who knocked her down and is her neighbor, other is a mentor to daughter. A hurried makeout session leading to a crisis with her son, and the friends and supporters who stood by her made Callie realize how much she was needed. She was visible.
This was a book on family and the deep bonds of love which tied them together. Fiona's writing brought out emotions in an easy to read manner. The drama in the characters' life made it a fun read without going too much over the top. I could race through this in a couple of hours. An easy-breezy read.
Callie was knocked down on the street by a delivery man as he couldn't see her. That was a literal knock to her head which made her realize that she was invisible to everyone in her life. She decided to take control over her life, just one step at a time.
My first book by Fiona Perrin, a fast read it was. I could finish it in one sitting. I loved the way Callie's life was shown with her twin daughters, her sorta adopted son, her work, and old parents. And the stinky dog. It was like a rush hour every day.
No book is complete without a romance or two. And she did find her suitors, the one who knocked her down and is her neighbor, other is a mentor to daughter. A hurried makeout session leading to a crisis with her son, and the friends and supporters who stood by her made Callie realize how much she was needed. She was visible.
This was a book on family and the deep bonds of love which tied them together. Fiona's writing brought out emotions in an easy to read manner. The drama in the characters' life made it a fun read without going too much over the top. I could race through this in a couple of hours. An easy-breezy read.
September 27, 2019
3,5 Stars
Callie has a lot on her plate and always thinks about others - not only first, but exclusively. She never considers herself and her needs. Sometimes she even feels that she is invisible to the world. No wonder then that her new neighbor runs her over with his bike...and starts a little chain of events.
This is a very nice book and probably also very true to life. I don't have teenagers yet to really know what it will be like. It is mainly a humorous book, but with some more serious moments as well, the problems and anxieties of the teens for example.
I found the incident with Wilf towards the end a bit overly dramatic, but all in all it was a good read.
Callie has a lot on her plate and always thinks about others - not only first, but exclusively. She never considers herself and her needs. Sometimes she even feels that she is invisible to the world. No wonder then that her new neighbor runs her over with his bike...and starts a little chain of events.
This is a very nice book and probably also very true to life. I don't have teenagers yet to really know what it will be like. It is mainly a humorous book, but with some more serious moments as well, the problems and anxieties of the teens for example.
I found the incident with Wilf towards the end a bit overly dramatic, but all in all it was a good read.
July 8, 2019
A rare sort of book that I found was on my mind even when I was reading it. I was completely interested in Lily and Wilf's stories in particular.
Which is odd as the main character was Callie, and the book was written in the first person from her perspective, yet its one of her twin daughters, and Wilf, the boy she has been a mother too since he was 6 (now 14), that really interested me.
Although any book that starts with the main character being run over by a deliveroo cyclist, and then calling herself Miss Invisible in A&E, definitely captured my attention initially, and I did enjoy seeing how her story progressed.
This is a book which just goes to show it doesn't matter that shape, size or blood ties, that determine who your family really are and where your home is. Although it take many funny moments, some more worrying ones, and a whole deal of drama to get through this.
There are issues dealt with in this book that any parent of teenagers will relate to, and also those with ageing parents who are becoming slightly more needy.
I loved Callie's friends, and her job in HR just had me rolling my eyes and the sexism and chauvinism of some of the people she was meant to be working with, but again could easily see happening in real life.
This is the first book I've read by the author, and I was struck by her conversational writing style, realistic and relateable characters, and plots that make you think while being entertaining. This is almost certainly an author I will be looking to read again in the future.
A very enjoyable book that gives a great look at modern parenting of a teenager while trying to potentially have your own life.
Thank you to Aria and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Which is odd as the main character was Callie, and the book was written in the first person from her perspective, yet its one of her twin daughters, and Wilf, the boy she has been a mother too since he was 6 (now 14), that really interested me.
Although any book that starts with the main character being run over by a deliveroo cyclist, and then calling herself Miss Invisible in A&E, definitely captured my attention initially, and I did enjoy seeing how her story progressed.
This is a book which just goes to show it doesn't matter that shape, size or blood ties, that determine who your family really are and where your home is. Although it take many funny moments, some more worrying ones, and a whole deal of drama to get through this.
There are issues dealt with in this book that any parent of teenagers will relate to, and also those with ageing parents who are becoming slightly more needy.
I loved Callie's friends, and her job in HR just had me rolling my eyes and the sexism and chauvinism of some of the people she was meant to be working with, but again could easily see happening in real life.
This is the first book I've read by the author, and I was struck by her conversational writing style, realistic and relateable characters, and plots that make you think while being entertaining. This is almost certainly an author I will be looking to read again in the future.
A very enjoyable book that gives a great look at modern parenting of a teenager while trying to potentially have your own life.
Thank you to Aria and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
January 13, 2020
I loved Callie and her family! The book was well-written, lots of humour, very true to life. The drama towards the end was a bit OTT, though.
Especially liked the footnotes in the book, although I didn't exactly need them.
Especially liked the footnotes in the book, although I didn't exactly need them.
July 23, 2019
Callie Brown is a single mum to 16 - year - old twin daughters and a 14 - year - old Wilf from her previous relationship, who she has been a mother for eight years, with her ex rather absent, and her ageing parents, for whom she cooks and cleans on a regular basis, and, of course, working full time in HR of a car dealership. One day she's run over by a takeaway delivery bike because, as the cyclist says, he "just didn't see her". Callie realizes that actually this is how she is feeling - somehow invisible. To everyone in her life. Surely, something must change in her life now, right?
I liked the romance aspect that was not so predictable. The chaos and drama in the family's life were brought in a light, chatty way and were not too over the top, simply bringing on how it really is, how complicated things can get. I adored how Callie reacted to all the pressure and struggles and how supportive her friends were (well, she not so invisible, right!).
It was a light - hearted story with a depth, especially when it comes to Lily and Wilf's stories. It's another in the really popular and relevant "not yummy - mummy", modern family category but it is refreshing and different and I enjoyed it wholeheartedly. I loved the message in this story, that no matter what - blood ties, relationship, shape, whatever - your home is where your family is, and those are not the above mentioned things that determine who you call your family. It was full of funny but also more serious and worrying moments but the writing style was really pleasant, so conversational and easy to follow. The characters and some of the situations are truly likeable and relatable and the plot is a clever one, much more complex that you could think at first, and I really liked this fact. And what's more, it was full of emotions and explored single parenting in a nice, light but also honest, way. Recommended!
Copy provided by the publisher.
October 21, 2022
This book had some real good laugh out loud moments. Was a fantastic light read.
October 28, 2019
Callie Brown is a very busy single parent to her twin 16 year old daughters and a 14 year old boy from a previous relationship. As a member of the "sandwich generation" she still cooks and cleans for her aging parents on a regular basis as well - all while holding her full time position in HR of a car dealership. When she is struck by a bike on a busy Friday evening the cyclist reports that he "just didn't see her", she realizes this to be quite fitting as she feels invisible anyhow.
This cyclist turns out to be a very nice man of similar age to Callie who supplies her with many bags of take out food to feed her family over the next few weeks. But Callie doesn't want a relationship right now - her family is keeping her busy enough. But when Sunil, a good looking younger man enters her life via a daughter's community group, she begins to feel that perhaps she isn't invisible after all. Will a romance with Sunil be just what she needs?
This book is perfect for fans of Paige Toon or Sophie Kinsella. I thoroughly enjoyed the comedy which is Callie's life, with all it's every day stress and family love. I loved the discussion of the men in Callie's life, whether romantically or supportive. I rate this book 4/5 stars and look forward to reading more of Fiona Perrin's work.
Thanks to Netgalley and Aria books for the ARC of this book in exchange for the honest review provided here.
This cyclist turns out to be a very nice man of similar age to Callie who supplies her with many bags of take out food to feed her family over the next few weeks. But Callie doesn't want a relationship right now - her family is keeping her busy enough. But when Sunil, a good looking younger man enters her life via a daughter's community group, she begins to feel that perhaps she isn't invisible after all. Will a romance with Sunil be just what she needs?
This book is perfect for fans of Paige Toon or Sophie Kinsella. I thoroughly enjoyed the comedy which is Callie's life, with all it's every day stress and family love. I loved the discussion of the men in Callie's life, whether romantically or supportive. I rate this book 4/5 stars and look forward to reading more of Fiona Perrin's work.
Thanks to Netgalley and Aria books for the ARC of this book in exchange for the honest review provided here.
July 23, 2019
Callie Brown is a single mum and has 16 year old twin girls and a 14 year old boy Wilf, who she adopted when he was 6 years old.
Callie's day starts off badly when she gets knocked over by a Deliveroo guy on his bike. She's convinced she's invisible when she's in A&E and when she gets home she keps doubting her impoortance to her family. Wilf prefers his music and her daughters have exams and teen problems.
Her world is complicated by her live in parents and a dog.
Fionna Perrin makes this dysfunctional family so realistic! I felt for Callie and her struggle to be noticed and heard by her family although when she puts her foot down there is some concern.
The book is fun, funny realistic thought provoking and the family are loveable despite all their quirks and attitudes. Fiona Perrin really knows how to show the struggles and fight to get balance and priorities in families and I was hooked from start to finish.
This is the second title I've reviewed by Fiona Perrin after The Story After Us and each was enjoyable. I'm not a mum (yet) but salute Callie for her fighting approach to life and her dedication to each and every member of her family.
Thanks to Fiona Perrin and Aria for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review and my slot on the blog tour for this title.
A very honest and highly addictive novel about family dynamics. 5 stars. I recommend it!
Callie's day starts off badly when she gets knocked over by a Deliveroo guy on his bike. She's convinced she's invisible when she's in A&E and when she gets home she keps doubting her impoortance to her family. Wilf prefers his music and her daughters have exams and teen problems.
Her world is complicated by her live in parents and a dog.
Fionna Perrin makes this dysfunctional family so realistic! I felt for Callie and her struggle to be noticed and heard by her family although when she puts her foot down there is some concern.
The book is fun, funny realistic thought provoking and the family are loveable despite all their quirks and attitudes. Fiona Perrin really knows how to show the struggles and fight to get balance and priorities in families and I was hooked from start to finish.
This is the second title I've reviewed by Fiona Perrin after The Story After Us and each was enjoyable. I'm not a mum (yet) but salute Callie for her fighting approach to life and her dedication to each and every member of her family.
Thanks to Fiona Perrin and Aria for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review and my slot on the blog tour for this title.
A very honest and highly addictive novel about family dynamics. 5 stars. I recommend it!
July 15, 2019
I love the easy to read writing style of this novel. The themes are familiar to everyone who parents or has parented teenagers or looked after elderly parents. There’s a glossary of teenage vocabulary at the end of the story for the uninitiated. It is the story that most of us have thought of writing at some time, but this author has actually done it and with great results.
Callie is a single mum, with twin girls and a son from her previous relationship who she has been a mother to for eight years, her ex is frankly abysmal, and her ageing parents are a further emotional and physical drain on her already depleted resources. Getting run over by a takeaway delivery bike, is the final straw, she’s invisible and surely something has to change?
Modern family stories are particularly popular and relevant at this moment. This story has many laugh-out-loud moments mixed in with strong emotional poignant scenes, especially concerning Wilf. It is a story of family, friends, self- worth and love, in all its forms.
An absorbing, yet quick read, I read it today in a couple of hours. Its charm is in its relatability and believable characters. A lovely, emotional humorous read.
I received a copy of this book from Aria via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Callie is a single mum, with twin girls and a son from her previous relationship who she has been a mother to for eight years, her ex is frankly abysmal, and her ageing parents are a further emotional and physical drain on her already depleted resources. Getting run over by a takeaway delivery bike, is the final straw, she’s invisible and surely something has to change?
Modern family stories are particularly popular and relevant at this moment. This story has many laugh-out-loud moments mixed in with strong emotional poignant scenes, especially concerning Wilf. It is a story of family, friends, self- worth and love, in all its forms.
An absorbing, yet quick read, I read it today in a couple of hours. Its charm is in its relatability and believable characters. A lovely, emotional humorous read.
I received a copy of this book from Aria via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
October 15, 2022
The audio narrator is amazing. She does a fantastic job at conveying the emotions and voice of each character. The author does a good job at character development throughout the book. She takes a light hearted approach to many difficult topics, while seamlessly moving the plot forward. Definitely a great book for people who are dealing with or who have dealt with teens. This story will make you feel like you are not alone.
June 16, 2019
“How to Make Time for Me” was perfectly refreshing and entertaining! It is one of those books that you can pick up and breeze through quickly and easily, and eagerly enjoy every page. I LOVE the humor, I found myself smiling and chuckling a few times. The characters are delightful, the drama is just enough, and the plot is spot on. Super cute book.
July 7, 2019
Getting hit by a bicycle is never a good thing- or is it? Callie is truly a member of the sandwich generation and she's doing it all. And she's tired. Her kids, her parents, her job, her dog- odds are you'll relate and appreciate that she just keeping moving along. But getting hit by a handsome man on a bike opens her up a bit so that when she meets Sunil, well, she's willing to think about herself for a change. She's got great friends and a good sense of humor. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This is a fun read and you will find yourself rooting for Callie.
June 23, 2019
This was a fun, well-written story. Callie was a single mom to three teenagers, plus she takes care of her aging parents who live nearby. Then she bumps into a cyclist, who happens to be attractive, age-appropriate and a new neighbor who is interested in getting to know her better. So much was happening in their lives and it was an entertaining, heartwarming story. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others.
May 25, 2019
Thank you to Netgalley and Aria books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book is perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella. It is a funny and heart-warning story which focuses on motherhood, families and life after divorce. This is a book I feel many readers would be able to relate to. Parts of the book have made me smile and parts have made me giggle. This is charming and fun to read. I recommend this book to Kinsella fans and to those who have enjoyed the books of Gill Sims.
November 24, 2019
I quite liked this book. Single Mum, doing it tough on her own with twin teenage daughters doing their exams with one totally stressed by it all, a semi adopted 14 year old who ends up being the focus of the narrative, whacky parents/grandparents and a couple of unorthodox friends and a couple of guys interested in the Mum, who is way out of practice.
Some humour, some dodgy bits, some heartfelt happenings and overall a good read that examines a lot of pertinent issues.
Recommended
Some humour, some dodgy bits, some heartfelt happenings and overall a good read that examines a lot of pertinent issues.
Recommended
July 12, 2019
Read more reviews at www.thebookbloglife.com
I loved How to Make Time for Me, the characters were all relatable and I think the entire book was a good representation of what family life is like and how complicated things can get. I loved Cali and how she reacted to the different pressures she had going on around her. The story follows the ups and downs perfectly and I loved that although it wasn’t all perfect it wasn’t angst filled. It was normal life and I really appreciated it all. I will say as just a small down point that the book was a little predictable especially when it came to the romance element, but I think that’s just something I’m going to have to get used to.
How to Make Time for Me was made by its characters and the struggles they each face during day to day life. The characters were rich and diverse, and their back stories were well developed but also used to inform the story later on. I think my favourite character arc was actually Lily’s, her struggle with anxiety and pressure was something that I really related to and really felt for her about. I also thought the relationship that Wilf had with Cali and the rest of the family was really interesting and well thought out. I think this was probably one of the best relationships within the book alongside the others.
The beginning for me was hilarious I immediately loved the narration style and I loved how we were introduced to Cali and her life of all the kids. The moment where she is stood in her kitchen surrounded by screaming children and moaning parents was one of many real moments within this book! My other best bit was Lily’s panic attacks. I think it really highlighted what it can feel like to go through a panic attack and how debilitating they can be especially when dealing with a lot of added stress. I thought it was well written and done in such a way that it didn’t feel like a plot tool.
I don’t have many worst bits at all to be honest, this will be a short and sweet paragraph I think. The only real issue I had with this book would have been the predictability of the ending. But I loved it so much so I can’t really complain.
I'd recommend this book in a heartbeat. How to Make Time for Me is hilariously written with some really great characters and representation. I loved each and every one of them and all I wish is that there had been more book for me to demolish!
Read more reviews at www.thebookbloglife.com
I loved How to Make Time for Me, the characters were all relatable and I think the entire book was a good representation of what family life is like and how complicated things can get. I loved Cali and how she reacted to the different pressures she had going on around her. The story follows the ups and downs perfectly and I loved that although it wasn’t all perfect it wasn’t angst filled. It was normal life and I really appreciated it all. I will say as just a small down point that the book was a little predictable especially when it came to the romance element, but I think that’s just something I’m going to have to get used to.
How to Make Time for Me was made by its characters and the struggles they each face during day to day life. The characters were rich and diverse, and their back stories were well developed but also used to inform the story later on. I think my favourite character arc was actually Lily’s, her struggle with anxiety and pressure was something that I really related to and really felt for her about. I also thought the relationship that Wilf had with Cali and the rest of the family was really interesting and well thought out. I think this was probably one of the best relationships within the book alongside the others.
The beginning for me was hilarious I immediately loved the narration style and I loved how we were introduced to Cali and her life of all the kids. The moment where she is stood in her kitchen surrounded by screaming children and moaning parents was one of many real moments within this book! My other best bit was Lily’s panic attacks. I think it really highlighted what it can feel like to go through a panic attack and how debilitating they can be especially when dealing with a lot of added stress. I thought it was well written and done in such a way that it didn’t feel like a plot tool.
I don’t have many worst bits at all to be honest, this will be a short and sweet paragraph I think. The only real issue I had with this book would have been the predictability of the ending. But I loved it so much so I can’t really complain.
I'd recommend this book in a heartbeat. How to Make Time for Me is hilariously written with some really great characters and representation. I loved each and every one of them and all I wish is that there had been more book for me to demolish!
Read more reviews at www.thebookbloglife.com
March 10, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and Aria Publishing for access to the audiobook of How to Make Time for Me by Fiona Perrin in exchange for an honest review.
CW: misogyny, see full list on StoryGraph
Callie Brown, a single mother to three children has her world upended when her ex-husband and his new wife begin fighting for custody of his biological son because they wish to move him to South Africa for better educational opportunities. In the midst of starting a legal battle where she has little ground to stand on, Callie starts dating.
Um.....first of all, the title of this book has absolutely nothing to do with the plot or content. Based on the title, I was led to believe that this was going to be a story about a middle aged woman finally learning to set boundaries and meet her own physical and emotional needs. We all know that this is a common struggle for single moms. I hoped this would be a story of growth for Callie, but alas it was not. The implied message that Callie was going to begin doing things for herself was only true in the sense that she started dating. And the man she was dating was an absolute asshat.
I gave this book two stars because the central conflict was actually quite interesting. It was genuinely enjoyable for me to think through the ethical and legal implications of this situation. Callie is neither the biological or legally adoptive parent or guardian of her son, but he does call her mom, considers her to be his mom, and she has been the only significant caretaker in his life. Additionally, the son is 16, so his agency and choice is taken into account, but he is caught between his two parents. It was a complex problem. I wish the whole of the book could have been focused on this conflict and that the book would have been marketed as a literary fiction rather than a contemporary romance.
Also, absolute side note, this narrator's South African accent that she used for the ex husband's new wife was so obnoxious and grating.
CW: misogyny, see full list on StoryGraph
Callie Brown, a single mother to three children has her world upended when her ex-husband and his new wife begin fighting for custody of his biological son because they wish to move him to South Africa for better educational opportunities. In the midst of starting a legal battle where she has little ground to stand on, Callie starts dating.
Um.....first of all, the title of this book has absolutely nothing to do with the plot or content. Based on the title, I was led to believe that this was going to be a story about a middle aged woman finally learning to set boundaries and meet her own physical and emotional needs. We all know that this is a common struggle for single moms. I hoped this would be a story of growth for Callie, but alas it was not. The implied message that Callie was going to begin doing things for herself was only true in the sense that she started dating. And the man she was dating was an absolute asshat.
I gave this book two stars because the central conflict was actually quite interesting. It was genuinely enjoyable for me to think through the ethical and legal implications of this situation. Callie is neither the biological or legally adoptive parent or guardian of her son, but he does call her mom, considers her to be his mom, and she has been the only significant caretaker in his life. Additionally, the son is 16, so his agency and choice is taken into account, but he is caught between his two parents. It was a complex problem. I wish the whole of the book could have been focused on this conflict and that the book would have been marketed as a literary fiction rather than a contemporary romance.
Also, absolute side note, this narrator's South African accent that she used for the ex husband's new wife was so obnoxious and grating.
July 14, 2019
Callie is a single mum to three children – including a teenage boy called Wilf who she stepped up to be a stepmum for when her ex, his father, left in an alcoholic haze. Her family is shocked when his father – now recovered and married to a high powered attorney – announces that he’s taking Wilf to South Africa, permanently. As she never adopted him, she has no legal way of stopping him and the family has to face the thought of saying goodbye. Whilst this is going on, Callie manages to find herself two love interests, including a cyclist who knocked her down and a political activist. Two very different men. After years of feeling invisible (I think we all know that feeling), Callie decides it’s time to give herself a bit of attention, and she deserves it! Add a chunk of drama in between from all angles and you’ve got a funny romantic story about a family trying to come together in difficult circumstances.
How To Make Time for Me is a messy modern tale of family drama with a conversational writing style that was very easy to read and helped me connect with Callie and be rooting for her to find her happy ending. Four Stars.
How To Make Time for Me is a messy modern tale of family drama with a conversational writing style that was very easy to read and helped me connect with Callie and be rooting for her to find her happy ending. Four Stars.
July 20, 2019
How To Make Time For Me is all about something happening in your life that makes you realise how you are perceived and try to change it.
Callie Brown is the main character and is mother to twins and kind of mother to her kind of stepson and in the opening scenes she is knocked over by a deliveroo cyclist and ends up going to hospital saying she is Mrs Invisible. Callie is far from invisible though and this is a book that had me giggling along in places but also covered family life showing the ups and downs of being single as she tries to keep her kind of stepson from being taken from her by his dad and new wife and taking him to live in a different country, keeping her twin girls focused for GCSEs but enabling them to try and achieve a work and play routine. Callie also had a couple of love interests in there as well to keep us all on our toes as she copes with work as well.
An action packed read, lots happens and I flew through this book, I shall look out for Fiona Perrin in the future.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Aria for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.
Callie Brown is the main character and is mother to twins and kind of mother to her kind of stepson and in the opening scenes she is knocked over by a deliveroo cyclist and ends up going to hospital saying she is Mrs Invisible. Callie is far from invisible though and this is a book that had me giggling along in places but also covered family life showing the ups and downs of being single as she tries to keep her kind of stepson from being taken from her by his dad and new wife and taking him to live in a different country, keeping her twin girls focused for GCSEs but enabling them to try and achieve a work and play routine. Callie also had a couple of love interests in there as well to keep us all on our toes as she copes with work as well.
An action packed read, lots happens and I flew through this book, I shall look out for Fiona Perrin in the future.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Aria for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.
October 6, 2022
I loved this one! It was an adorable romance but also so much humor. It honestly flowed really well and kept me entertained the entire time! Loved all of the characters and their quirks too.
🌀Synopsis
Callie gets run over by a food delivery man, Patrick, but that’s not the worst part of her day. No, it gets even worse when she gets home and finds out her ex wants to take his son, who has lived with her for 8 years, and move to South Africa with his new wife.
Her son, Wilf, isn’t truly her’s. His mother died when he was young and Callie had been in his life so long she filled the mother role for him. In addition to her twin girls and elderly parents, Callie’s hands are beyond full. She’s forgotten how to make time for herself.
When she finally decides to put herself out there Wilf walks in on her mid-sex with a guy and he bolts. They can’t find him anywhere and take to every avenue to bring him home. There is her ex who commits to letting him stay and her neighbor, Patrick, who has a good friendship with him and is doing everything he can to help her.
When they finally figure out where he is and get him back they all commit to some changes and life ends up even better than before.
🌀Synopsis
Callie gets run over by a food delivery man, Patrick, but that’s not the worst part of her day. No, it gets even worse when she gets home and finds out her ex wants to take his son, who has lived with her for 8 years, and move to South Africa with his new wife.
Her son, Wilf, isn’t truly her’s. His mother died when he was young and Callie had been in his life so long she filled the mother role for him. In addition to her twin girls and elderly parents, Callie’s hands are beyond full. She’s forgotten how to make time for herself.
When she finally decides to put herself out there Wilf walks in on her mid-sex with a guy and he bolts. They can’t find him anywhere and take to every avenue to bring him home. There is her ex who commits to letting him stay and her neighbor, Patrick, who has a good friendship with him and is doing everything he can to help her.
When they finally figure out where he is and get him back they all commit to some changes and life ends up even better than before.
October 9, 2019
This book had me in deep thought about parenthood. I'm still young and I don't see myself having kids — teenagers! and one who is not really your child — anytime soon, but Callie AKA Ms. Invisible Girl really put me in the position of being a parent. It was a fun, quick read.
The book starts with Callie getting run over by deliveroo cyclist. It isn't traumatic per se, but it does put Callie in a very "confused" situation. Adding to that, she really doesn't prioritize herself. Her attention is exclusive for her twin daughters and Wilf, her ex-boyfriend's son.
I love Callie's perception in taking care of her kids. Even though at times, I find it too clingy. It is supposed to be the other way around, but it just shows how she loves all three of them. The book also tackles student issues, which I find relateable. I was a little frustrated with her decisions in romance department, but that makes her flawed and the way she redeems herself in the end is just divine. I
The book is about family, which just shows how blood-ties don't matter and how home is where you feel to be.
The book starts with Callie getting run over by deliveroo cyclist. It isn't traumatic per se, but it does put Callie in a very "confused" situation. Adding to that, she really doesn't prioritize herself. Her attention is exclusive for her twin daughters and Wilf, her ex-boyfriend's son.
I love Callie's perception in taking care of her kids. Even though at times, I find it too clingy. It is supposed to be the other way around, but it just shows how she loves all three of them. The book also tackles student issues, which I find relateable. I was a little frustrated with her decisions in romance department, but that makes her flawed and the way she redeems herself in the end is just divine. I
The book is about family, which just shows how blood-ties don't matter and how home is where you feel to be.
July 26, 2019
Here's another one for my mom-lit (or mum-lit since it does take place overseas) list of books!
Callie is a single mom to her twin daughters and her ex-husband's son. Coming home one night, she is run over by a food delivery man on his bicycle and lands in the ER. It turns out, he is her neighbor and begins to "fancy" her. But at the same time, her ex-husband wants to move to South Africa with his new wife and take his son with him, one of her daughter's is getting involved with a movement, and the other is drowning in her studies with crippling anxiety. Add to that her parents who want to move to a commune and her life is starting to sound more and more like my dysfunctional life.
I enjoyed reading this one. It was an easy and quick read that was very entertaining. Highly recommend for my mom-lit fans!
I received this e-book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Callie is a single mom to her twin daughters and her ex-husband's son. Coming home one night, she is run over by a food delivery man on his bicycle and lands in the ER. It turns out, he is her neighbor and begins to "fancy" her. But at the same time, her ex-husband wants to move to South Africa with his new wife and take his son with him, one of her daughter's is getting involved with a movement, and the other is drowning in her studies with crippling anxiety. Add to that her parents who want to move to a commune and her life is starting to sound more and more like my dysfunctional life.
I enjoyed reading this one. It was an easy and quick read that was very entertaining. Highly recommend for my mom-lit fans!
I received this e-book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 5, 2022
How to Make Time for Me by Fiona Perrin was a sweet and delightfully entertaining read with many scenes that had me laughing out loud. I loved Callie; she was endearing and relatable. This is the first book in a while that I took my time with simply because I didn't want it to end. I would love to read another installment of this family and their dynamics.
The book's description made it seem like a romance read, which it is not. It is more humor and contemporary fiction (my favorite genres). I also never saw Callie learn how to make time for herself, but I didn't even notice that until I was reminded of the title when writing this review.
Imogen Church was enjoyable to listen to. The voices for most characters were distinct, which I really appreciate with an audiobook.
Thank you to Saga Egmont Audio for providing me with an ALC.
The book's description made it seem like a romance read, which it is not. It is more humor and contemporary fiction (my favorite genres). I also never saw Callie learn how to make time for herself, but I didn't even notice that until I was reminded of the title when writing this review.
Imogen Church was enjoyable to listen to. The voices for most characters were distinct, which I really appreciate with an audiobook.
Thank you to Saga Egmont Audio for providing me with an ALC.
November 12, 2020
Wowsers, I have just finished How to Make Time for Me by Fiona Perrin. It's an absolutely amazing book that had me hooked from page one.
All about Callie, who has a pretty hectic life bringing up 16 year old twin girls, Daisy and Lily and a 14 year old boy, Wilf (not biologically her son). Has her elderly parents to look out for, plus her full time job. Not only that but her ex husband and his new wife In the background trying to take Wilf to South Africa. Callie is knocked over by Patrick, the deliveroo chap and taken to A&E. Lily starts having panic attacks and Wilf runs away... Will Lily be able to cope with the panic attacks? will Wilf come home safe? Will Callie fall in love again? Find out in this amazing book, coincidentally written by my mums boss!
All about Callie, who has a pretty hectic life bringing up 16 year old twin girls, Daisy and Lily and a 14 year old boy, Wilf (not biologically her son). Has her elderly parents to look out for, plus her full time job. Not only that but her ex husband and his new wife In the background trying to take Wilf to South Africa. Callie is knocked over by Patrick, the deliveroo chap and taken to A&E. Lily starts having panic attacks and Wilf runs away... Will Lily be able to cope with the panic attacks? will Wilf come home safe? Will Callie fall in love again? Find out in this amazing book, coincidentally written by my mums boss!
September 30, 2022
I knew I was going to enjoy this from the very beginning. The humor brought me right in. It's also totally relatable to think that you could literally get hit by a moving vehicle and have your family still ask what is for dinner. It's also easy to relate to being the "sandwich generation" of people who are taking care of their kids and their parents. I laughed out loud multiple times and found it to be an enjoyable read, just not something I was dying to get back to. I also thought the title was a little odd because it sounds more like a self-help book.
I listened to the audio version and loved the narrator. I did have an issue with one of the sections not working.
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I listened to the audio version and loved the narrator. I did have an issue with one of the sections not working.
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
October 11, 2022
Callie is one of the most relatable main characters I have read in a while. She doesn't have it all together and doesn't pretend to. Her heart is so big, she's adopted everyone and they all become part of her family, making her have to take care of everyone and have no time for herself. She finally comes into her own and stands up for herself, meeting a few new friends along the way. I laughed so much through this book and really enjoyed it. I recommend it for a vacation read or when you need a good laugh.
Narration was well done, all the different accents were amazing.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
Narration was well done, all the different accents were amazing.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
October 13, 2022
Callie is a single mum of two teenage girls and also a full time parent to her ex’s teenage son. After being run down by her neighbour on his bike she spirals into the fact she feels invisible after making no time for herself. A few tricky situations later and she finally realises why she needs to make time for herself.
This was a lovely, heartwarming read with enough family drama to keep you reading. Callie is an incredible mum and her character was so loveable, and I imagine relatable to anyone who has kids.
I couldn’t get over the fact she is actually called Calipso and it irritated me every time I heard it! With that aside, I would recommend you read this book - particularly if you are looking for a palate cleanser.
**Thank you to NetGalley and Saga Egmont Audio for the ALC in exchange for an honest review**
This was a lovely, heartwarming read with enough family drama to keep you reading. Callie is an incredible mum and her character was so loveable, and I imagine relatable to anyone who has kids.
I couldn’t get over the fact she is actually called Calipso and it irritated me every time I heard it! With that aside, I would recommend you read this book - particularly if you are looking for a palate cleanser.
**Thank you to NetGalley and Saga Egmont Audio for the ALC in exchange for an honest review**
July 11, 2019
Entertaining read that hits home! Callie is a mom of 3 kids and in the sandwich generation of taking care of them & her parents. She also has a job that she doesn’t love, but it pays the bills. She feels like the “Invisible Woman” as she does everything for everyone else. After an accident (and meet cute), it makes her realize she really is invisible and she should try to make time for herself. I love how her family (and friends) put the “fun in dysfunctional.” I also liked how the author footnoted words/ sayings that not everyone might know (teen speak). Great book!
July 17, 2019
This was such a fun read. Purely escape entertainment. I see that Fiona Perrin has other books in the same vein and I will be seeking those out. What did I like? I liked the humor with which she writes, the situations are amusing, the dialogue witty and the characters actions and reactions are realistic and entertaining. A single mom finding her way in her new "normal" is a strong premise, and the story supports it well. A light, easy read.
I received my copy through NetGalley under no obligation.
I received my copy through NetGalley under no obligation.
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August 20, 2019A fun summer read! This book made me laugh out loud right from the beginning! The story starts with a single mom, Callie, getting ran over by a bicycle food delivery man. The story then follows Callie as she navigates being a single mom/"step" mom, takes care of her parents, and trying to take care of herself. I enjoyed following her parenting style with her teenage children and how open she is with them.
I highly recommend!
Thank you #netgalley
I highly recommend!
Thank you #netgalley
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