Letters on Motherhood

by Giovanna Fletcher

Letters on Motherhood is a collection of heartfelt and deeply personal letters written by Giovanna to her three young sons Buzz, Buddy and Max, husband, Tom, and the family and friends who have inspired and supported her to become the mother that she is today.

In this beautiful book she shares the funny and moving personal tales of her own family life whilst also talking about the deeper universal truths of parenting - coping with mum guilt, finding a work/family life balance, positive body image, rediscovering a sense of identity, and a parent's hopes, fears and expectations for their child's future.

Honest, heartwarming and hilarious, her own experiences of motherhood and the lessons she has learned along the way will resonate with parents everywhere.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, Parenting, Memoir, Autobiography

326 pages, Hardcover

Published February 20, 2020

About the author

Giovanna grew up in Essex with her Italian dad Mario, mum Kim, big sister Giorgina and little brother Mario, and spent most of her childhood talking to herself (it seems no one wanted to listen) or reading books.

At thirteen she left Essex behind to attend the full-time Sylvia Young Theatre School, where she met her husband Tom Fletcher. Following SYTS she completed an acting BA (hons) at Rose Bruford – since then she's been acting, chaperoning mini actors and dabbling in a spot of freelance journalism.

Giovanna is a firm believer in the power of magpies and positive energy. To see what makes Giovanna smile, view her blog at www.giovannasworld.com, or her Twitter page @mrsgifletcher

Billy and Me is Giovanna's debut novel.

Reviews

[Gemma Birkett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book will hold a special place in my heart now. I read it at a time when I really needed it, the reassurance and confirmation that every mum needs now and again. I laughed, cried and nodded along with this book, I could have written some parts!! It was brilliantly honest and just perfectly real!

I don’t often read books more than once but I can see myself returning back to this one time and time again!

[Liva's reading antics · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has been on my bookshelf for a while now. Luckily I found it right around Mother's Day, as I find it to be perfect timing for me to finally read it. Sometimes we moms need to read each other's stories to find reassurance for ourselves that our frequently crazy and irrational behavior, as well as a variety of highs and lows, are OK.

I think this collection of letters is an honest and brilliantly accurate reflection of what it is to be a mom. Gi is very brave not only to let us see some glimpses of her family but also to show us her vulnerability. This book is honest, inspiring, funny, and powerful.

The only thing that I felt was missing was a little more raw depths. For me, some of these letters felt somehow impersonal. They felt a little too "clean". I cannot find anything specific to pinpoint, but for some reason, I did not get very emotional while reading this. I wish I did...

The letter addressed To the Swimming Interrupter resonated the most with me. An excellent reminder to all "helpful" people around who rarely think about implications to what they say and how it might make moms feel.

[Fabulous Book Fiend · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh this audiobook was so great! I loved the subjects tackled as well as the fact that Giovanna reads the audiobook herself. I listened to the whole thing in one go.

[Georgie · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 stars 🌟

[Gemma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me cry several times! I felt like it was written to me, all the self doubt I’ve felt since having my little boy, all the insecurities that I wasn’t good enough and that I was screwing it all up was written down in front of me by someone who was saying ‘look this is how I feel too, it’s normal and you’re doing great’. I should have read this book sooner & it’s definitely one I’ll revisit. A beautiful love letter of a book to all the people in Giovanna’s life who have shaped her as a parent, especially her 3 gorgeous boys 💙💙💙

[Vikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was ok. A cosy comfort read. *But* I felt it was a very self-indulgent book on Giovanna’s part. I love her podcast as it gives different perspectives on motherhood, and a more interesting book would have been a compilation of letters on motherhood from mothers in different circumstances.

The letters in this book feel somewhat impersonal - while many are addressed to her family members, they feel like they’re written for publication: beginning, middle, moralistic point.

[Candela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book, it is a lovely idea. I’m not a mom and even so I have definitely enjoyed it from start to finish.

[Between The Pages (Gemma M) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful book. I’d like to start by thanking Giovanna for sharing her thoughts, family and life with us all. As a mother of two myself I related to a lot of this. This book is inspiring, uplifting, powerful, honest, emotional, beautiful, funny and eye opening. You made me tear up, you made me smile and you made me laugh.
This is Giovanna sharing letters to her boys, husband, friends, herself, family and us. It includes lots of beautiful photos of herself and her family throughout adding the extra special touch. There are so many stories and adventures she talks about in this book. Including the tough and sad times we all face as parents. Giovanna has not missed anything out in this book. Utterly perfect.
It was like it opened my eyes. I kept putting it down just to watch my kids playing together, being cute, having cuddles and kisses with them. Arn’t kids just amazing? Then theres the part I had to put it down to catch sick in my hands not once… Twice. All part of motherhood!!
It was an easy read. I would recommend this to every single mother out there. You will not regret it. Sometimes you just need to know you’re doing okay and not alone. A well deserved five stars from me. It will also be going in my top twenty reads of the year.
Lastly I doubt she will see this but thank you Giovanna. You’ve made many mothers feel like they’re not alone. We are all winging it and learning as you say so yourself. Your a voice many can relate too regardless of age. You’re an amazing mother.

[Lindsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to follow.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this. Gi is such a wonderful, observant writer and while I’m not planning to be a mother Gi’s take on motherhood is genuinely infectious and really sweet and she’s so down to earth about it all. The highs, the lows and everything in between.

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think we all fell a little bit in love with Mamma Gi during her I'm a Celeb stint last year, she has such a beautiful soul & is so down to earth🌴🐍

I downloaded this from Kindles daily deals this morning & didn't put it down until I'd finished. This was a truly beautiful book, full of letters from the heart to her three boys, her parents & Tom; honest, funny & uplifting, to make even the darker of days when you're struggling seem easier, making you feel you're not alone. The family photos added a nice personal touch & although I personally am not a mother, it made me reminisce back to my childhood & the relationship that me & my two brothers had with our Mum ❤️

𝗜 𝗴𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮 5 ⭐ 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴

[StaceyWare19 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing!
Giovanna never disappoints.

It’s so lovely to hear Giovanna’s thoughts about being a mum, wife, friend and getting through life.

More often that not we only see one side of celebrities and it’s normally a side that we all envy because they always seem to look the part and have their s**t together.

However Giovanna says everything we are all thinking!

She has such a wk derail way with words!

A great balance of truth and humour and realism!

A must read!!!!!

[Louise Batchelor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me crying in both laughter and heartbreaking tears. Loved every part of it, i dont have kids but i felt every part of it coming out of the pages. Giovanna is one of my favourite authors, and whether its fiction or non fiction she always delivers. I read it all in one sitting and i think its become one of the fastest books (of this size) that I've read. Take my advice and read it now 😊😊

[Elisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book on motherhood in the form of letter to different people describing different situations and the impact they had or how they made her feel. Will be buying this book as a gift for some mothers for sure. Beautiful

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book came at a perfect time for me as a mum of a 2 year old. So relatable, the reassurance I needed to remind me I’m doing a good job as a mum. Just a gorgeous book, I laughed and cried, loved it.

[Bekks Pike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartbreaking. Loving. Touches at the very heart of both motherhood and womanhood

[Kerry Norris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a special book. It’s an emotional, relatable read for any parent. I found myself laughing and crying. Perfect gift for a new parent too.

[Sammy Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice easy read, for mums of young ones

[Steph Hayward-bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book that highlights the ups and downs of motherhood. A great read for any mother

[Dannie Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book really gets your brain going 🥰

[robynluckystars · Rating 3 out of 5]

I preferred happy mum, happy baby but this was still a nice read 😊

[Norina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love is always there in some capacity.

[Em Jane McCarty · Rating 2 out of 5]

Firstly let me say I’m a big GF fan. I also enjoy a lot of books on parenting, particularly motherhood. But I was quite disappointed with this one. I agree with the other reviews that point out it lacks any sort of ‘rawness’ - the letters can feel a bit insincere and lacking in any real depth. I could be being a bit unfair though, as I’ve just read another nonfiction about motherhood and single parenting which was so full of real emotion that this paled a bit. It was an easy read, though.

[AGG · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a heartwarming book!!! ❤️ Absolutely beautiful!! 😍👌🏼

[Kate Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

**listened via audible**

Absolutely adored this! I’m not even a mother myself but I felt like I learnt so much. It was beautiful! Always had so much love and admiration for Giovanna & the Fletcher fam! This book continues to fuel my admiration.
I recommend for everyone! Men, women, mothers, grandparents, people that want to be parents... absolutely fabulous!
Listened in one day!

[Lost_in_her_bookland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review for Letters on Motherhood ⁣
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5⁣
This is fully deserving of every star, and for anyone that knows someone who is a mum, dad, parent, who is one, who wants to be one, you should definitely read this.⁣
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Having met Giovanna yesterday, I could see from the short interaction with me and my family that her book would be full of truth, and it absolutely was.⁣
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This book is a collection of letters to her 3 sons, her husband, parents, the mothers who have judged, or needed support, and the reader. These letters melted me, warmed me, I could completely relate to all of the moments. ⁣
It made me want to be a better parent to my two children, at such impressionable ages in this big scary world. But made me wonder if I even need to be a better parent. Arent we all just winging it?⁣
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It made me appreciate my mum friends, the ones tagged, who support me and love me regardless of my tantrumming toddler, and my best friend who is yet to enter the world of motherhood but doesnt judge the smears of banana on her jumper from my son or the attitude from my 6 year old.⁣
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This was read in less then 24 hours, and if you need a book for company with a coffee (or wine!) and a blanket then this is it.⁣
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#bookreview #5starreview #reviewtime #bookblogger #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #readersofinstagram #photosofbooks #bookpost #giovannafletcher #tomfletcher #buzzbuddymax #lettersonmotherhood #wingingit #motherhood #parenting #mumbible #bookish #hardback #mumoftwo #read

[Kayleigh G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 90 of 2025 finished 26/8/25 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is a collection of letters written by Giovanna Fletcher. The letters are written mostly to her three sons, but she also writes to her husband, Tom, and her parents. The book gives an honest insight into the thoughts and emotions that mothers experience.

My thoughts: As someone who regularly writes letters to my children and journals my thoughts, I deeply connected with this book. I already had a soft spot for the Fletcher family, so getting an even closer glimpse into their lives made this read all the more special.

Giovanna has always come across on social media and television as a strong, loving wife and mother, so it was refreshing and comforting to see that she experiences the same mum guilt and emotional struggles so many of us face. Reading her words felt like she was speaking directly to me and reminding me that the self-doubt and insecurities I carry are not only normal, but shared, even by someone I admire.

Thank you, Giovanna, for your honesty and for making mothers feel seen, supported, and less alone. This book is a collection of moments, funny, heartwarming, poignant, and sometimes sad. They are written with honesty and are incredibly relatable and reassuring. It’s a reminder that we’re all doing better than we think.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

When my husband and I first started talking baby a couple of years ago I started a journal recording the early days, my subsequent pregnancy and - for a week or two at least - the newborn stage. I put down everything that I was thinking and feeling. The highs, the loss and swollen ankles.

I thought that this would be what Letters on Motherhood would be. Raw and emotional letters from Mother to sons. It was a series of letters, not only to the Fletcher boys but to other Mothers etc, but it sometimes lacked the rawness that I thought I would get. I did get a lump in my throat at times, but it was the exception rather than the norm. The letters just felt overly publishable and polished. The sentiments read like a series of 'Live, Laugh, Love' type posters rather than lunatic emotions of a mother parenting in the moment.

What this book does highlight is how important it is for parents to know that they are not alone in struggling at times, in the guilt and the endless self criticism.

I did enjoy reading about the relationships between Mother and sons and the events that were detailed, but just a little too polished for me to really love.

[Rach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Letters on Motherhood
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
⁣
This book contains a touching collection of letters written to her sons, husband and any other important person/aspect of her parenting journey. Each letter was heartwarming and beautifully written; I flew through this book as I was unable to put it down. As a non-parent, I have never considered to write letters as a means of capturing those early parenting memories/a childs journey but I certainly will now!⁣
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What I really loved was the level of honesty contained within these letters. Giovanna is clear that motherhood is a bumpy ride; there are times when you feel you have a handle on things however there are other times (possibly the majority of times) where motherhood is difficult and challenging which can leave you doubting your parenting abilities. The clear message is that 'you are doing a good job'. ⁣
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This was my first read by Giovanna Fletcher but it certainly won't be my last. From other reviews, it seems I need to get my hands on Happy Mum Happy Baby. ⁣

[Lucy Cooksley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I’m not a mum, there is something about Giovanna’s books that cater for everyone. Whether it’s her ability to make you laugh or how she makes her family life sound relatable, Giovanna’s non fiction books always leave me smiling. From the first sentence it is as if we are allowed a seat at the family dining table, welcomed in to listen to Giovanna’s experiences of being a mum of three. The book is set out as various letters, ones written to her children, husband and even various body parts! The letters allow Giovanna to get personal with certain experiences, sharing thoughts and feelings that, I can imagine, resonate with a lot of mums. Although I am not a mum, like I said, this book still touched me a lot. As a 21 year old, it made me look back fondly of how my parents brought me and made me think about stand out moments of my childhood. This is a book of sheer delight that shares the happy moments, but also normalises the not so happy moments. Don’t make the mistake in thinking this book is just for mums, we can all resonate in the joy of life through Giovanna’s words!