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The Callaghan Sisters #2
Can I Give My Husband Back?
My sisters call my ex-husband Satan. That tells you everything you need to know about him.
I thought I was sorted on the life front. I was a heart surgeon with a loving partner and two gorgeous little girls. Except my husband’s version of ‘loving’ is lying, cheating and sleeping his way around London. Which means I definitely deserve a refund.
Unfortunately, moving on isn’t that simple. Just because I know how to operate on a heart doesn’t mean I know how to fix my broken one. Plus, I lost the receipt for him years ago so I’m definitely getting short changed.
But now I’m single, am I ready to mingle? There are a few minor
1) The last time I went on a date double denim was in fashion and my eyebrows were horrendously overplucked.
2) Men wear stupidly skinny jeans now.
3) I don’t know how to use dating apps but at least I don’t have to get changed out of my pyjamas.
4) Sometimes the most promising thing you have in common with a guy is a shared love of prawns.
5) I don’t know whether to open a date with ‘hi’ or ‘hello’ or ‘hey’ and once I ended up saying ‘howdy’.
Everything happens for a reason, they say. There’s plenty more fish in the sea. But what happens when everything falls apart and you haven’t got a clue how to go fishing?
An absolutely hilarious and utterly relatable tale for anyone who has ever survived a nightmare relationship, felt a little lonely or nursed a broken heart with wine and carbs. This feel-good novel will get you back on your feet and genuinely laughing out loud. Perfect for fans of Why Mummy Drinks, Sophie Ranald and Sophie Kinsella.
Readers love Kristen
‘Absolutely hilarious!! Seriously, I haven’t been able to put this one down!… I have not stopped laughing… One of those books which is perfect after a stressful day because you are guaranteed to laugh out loud… Loved it… Devoured this book in just a few hours… Impossible to put down.’ Little Miss Book Lover 87, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘One of the funniest books I have read. Ever!… I absolutely LOVED this.’ Star Crossed Reviews, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I can’t even count all of the times I burst out laughing… I laughed so hard my cat jumped out of his bed scared out of his mind and gave me an evil look for disturbing his sleep… If you love a good laugh-out-loud story full of heart, love and banter and are not afraid to be that crazy person in public laughing like a total maniac, then this is definitely the book for you!’ Sinfully Wicked Book Reviews, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I’ve read books which have made me laugh before – but this time I couldn't stop!… I giggled hysterically… It's so very, very funny! My long suffering other-half is used to me giggling maniacally when I'm reading, but this took things to a whole new level… A right good laugh… Absolutely hilarious… Yes, it's THAT funny! Without a doubt, worth a full house of stars.
I thought I was sorted on the life front. I was a heart surgeon with a loving partner and two gorgeous little girls. Except my husband’s version of ‘loving’ is lying, cheating and sleeping his way around London. Which means I definitely deserve a refund.
Unfortunately, moving on isn’t that simple. Just because I know how to operate on a heart doesn’t mean I know how to fix my broken one. Plus, I lost the receipt for him years ago so I’m definitely getting short changed.
But now I’m single, am I ready to mingle? There are a few minor
1) The last time I went on a date double denim was in fashion and my eyebrows were horrendously overplucked.
2) Men wear stupidly skinny jeans now.
3) I don’t know how to use dating apps but at least I don’t have to get changed out of my pyjamas.
4) Sometimes the most promising thing you have in common with a guy is a shared love of prawns.
5) I don’t know whether to open a date with ‘hi’ or ‘hello’ or ‘hey’ and once I ended up saying ‘howdy’.
Everything happens for a reason, they say. There’s plenty more fish in the sea. But what happens when everything falls apart and you haven’t got a clue how to go fishing?
An absolutely hilarious and utterly relatable tale for anyone who has ever survived a nightmare relationship, felt a little lonely or nursed a broken heart with wine and carbs. This feel-good novel will get you back on your feet and genuinely laughing out loud. Perfect for fans of Why Mummy Drinks, Sophie Ranald and Sophie Kinsella.
Readers love Kristen
‘Absolutely hilarious!! Seriously, I haven’t been able to put this one down!… I have not stopped laughing… One of those books which is perfect after a stressful day because you are guaranteed to laugh out loud… Loved it… Devoured this book in just a few hours… Impossible to put down.’ Little Miss Book Lover 87, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘One of the funniest books I have read. Ever!… I absolutely LOVED this.’ Star Crossed Reviews, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I can’t even count all of the times I burst out laughing… I laughed so hard my cat jumped out of his bed scared out of his mind and gave me an evil look for disturbing his sleep… If you love a good laugh-out-loud story full of heart, love and banter and are not afraid to be that crazy person in public laughing like a total maniac, then this is definitely the book for you!’ Sinfully Wicked Book Reviews, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I’ve read books which have made me laugh before – but this time I couldn't stop!… I giggled hysterically… It's so very, very funny! My long suffering other-half is used to me giggling maniacally when I'm reading, but this took things to a whole new level… A right good laugh… Absolutely hilarious… Yes, it's THAT funny! Without a doubt, worth a full house of stars.
389 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 16, 2020
818 people are currently reading
1105 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 210 reviews
June 23, 2020
Favorite Quotes:
“I could be kidnapped and killed for my body parts. Look after my girls. Make sure Si doesn’t ruin them.” “Two things: Don’t mention that man’s name to me. And you’re too old to be kidnapped. Your organs would be a hard sell.”
She looks like the eighties ate her up and spat her back out again. That’s some slick hair and a strong shoulder. She stands on my doorstep expecting to be invited in; I’m pretty sure that’s what you traditionally have to do with vampires.
‘I also don’t eat blueberries, for future information,’ I carry on. ‘But blueberries are delicious?’ ‘My sister once told me they are Smurf testicles so I can’t bring myself to eat them now.’
He normally wears glasses but Meera didn’t want them in her photos so forced him to wear contact lenses for the first time. So the poor boy’s eyes are bulging like his pants are too tight.
… she told the thirty-odd people present that she was glad she didn’t marry me because I’m very hairy and she didn’t want my furball babies.
My Review:
This is wicked funny and laced with all varieties of humor from acerbic snark to highly comical events and everything in between. I haven’t had this much fun giggle-snorting into my Moscato in ages. While there were also parts of the storylines that were quite tragic as the loathsome husband was an unrepentant serial adulterer, the writing sparked with clever wit and wry humor. I was frequently smirking and a few times nearly apoplectic with laughter.
While I was occasionally impatient and annoyed with the main character’s spineless inability to face her husband’s blatant and repeated infidelities as well as her overly forgiving nature once she finally did so, I appreciated her journey and reveled in the manner her sisters and friends were shoring her up and giving her the encouragement to retrieve her own identity and sense of worth. The characters were riotously amusing with my favorite being the fierce and mischievously salacious younger sister Lucy, who I hope to see featured in her own book soon with more Frozen Fiesta Fracas adventures.
“I could be kidnapped and killed for my body parts. Look after my girls. Make sure Si doesn’t ruin them.” “Two things: Don’t mention that man’s name to me. And you’re too old to be kidnapped. Your organs would be a hard sell.”
She looks like the eighties ate her up and spat her back out again. That’s some slick hair and a strong shoulder. She stands on my doorstep expecting to be invited in; I’m pretty sure that’s what you traditionally have to do with vampires.
‘I also don’t eat blueberries, for future information,’ I carry on. ‘But blueberries are delicious?’ ‘My sister once told me they are Smurf testicles so I can’t bring myself to eat them now.’
He normally wears glasses but Meera didn’t want them in her photos so forced him to wear contact lenses for the first time. So the poor boy’s eyes are bulging like his pants are too tight.
… she told the thirty-odd people present that she was glad she didn’t marry me because I’m very hairy and she didn’t want my furball babies.
My Review:
This is wicked funny and laced with all varieties of humor from acerbic snark to highly comical events and everything in between. I haven’t had this much fun giggle-snorting into my Moscato in ages. While there were also parts of the storylines that were quite tragic as the loathsome husband was an unrepentant serial adulterer, the writing sparked with clever wit and wry humor. I was frequently smirking and a few times nearly apoplectic with laughter.
While I was occasionally impatient and annoyed with the main character’s spineless inability to face her husband’s blatant and repeated infidelities as well as her overly forgiving nature once she finally did so, I appreciated her journey and reveled in the manner her sisters and friends were shoring her up and giving her the encouragement to retrieve her own identity and sense of worth. The characters were riotously amusing with my favorite being the fierce and mischievously salacious younger sister Lucy, who I hope to see featured in her own book soon with more Frozen Fiesta Fracas adventures.
June 26, 2020
Fun fun fun! Kristen Bailey brightened my day with this laugh out loud story packed with wit and authenticity. No sugarcoating Here, this was a humorous look at real people with real problems. This is the story of Emma, mother to two little girls Iris and Violet. Emma has recently left her philandering, no good, arrogant husband Simon. Simon was really one of the most despicable men I’ve read about in a long time and that’s saying something because I read a lot of thrillers full of slimy bastards. Emma was so likable and relatable, this probably made Simon look even worse. Their two young daughters Iris and Violet were adorable, love their curiosity as they tried to figure out what was going on with the adults around them. The highlight of the book really was Emma‘s relationship with her four sisters, especially youngest sister Lucy who is currently living with her. Lucy’s antics made me laugh more than once, especially when she was competing in a princess Elsa- Frozen contest. Emma meets a new man in the book and the romance was sweet but understated, and I appreciated that. This was an entertaining real occasionally vulgar look at the not so pretty side of life. I am definitely looking forward to more stories to come involving these sisters.
This book in emojis 👩👧👧 🧾 🩺 🧜🏻♀️ 🧸
*** Big thank you to Bookouture for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
This book in emojis 👩👧👧 🧾 🩺 🧜🏻♀️ 🧸
*** Big thank you to Bookouture for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
November 14, 2020
"Shoes are important. Like if he wore Crocs then I would tell you to kick him to the curb"
That was some wise advice from an eight years old boy. Only for that line the author has my complete devotion forever and ever!
"Can I give my husband back?" Who hasn't said that some time? I've certainly done specially after two months in confinement being together 24/7, but after reading this book I can consider myself lucky and will not be giving him back just yet.
Having loved “Has Anyone Seen My Sex Life?” I couldn't be happier when I learnt that in “Can I Give My Husband Back?” we would meet again the Callaghan family as I loved all the dynamics between the sisters (it reminded me of Marian Keyes' Walsh family series).
This time the main character is Emma whom we already met in Meg's story. She's recently divorced and dealing with two kids, her new single life and what must be one of the most despicable characters I've ever read, her ex-husband Simon (I found myself calling him names all the time. He truly is a See You Next Tuesday!). It was disheartening reading about the way he treated Emma during their marriage but a joy seeing her grow up throughout the story and standing her ground when it came to dealing with his bulls**t.
I loved the cast of secondary characters, specially Lucy. I can't wait to read her story (yayyy, there will be three more books of the Callaghan sisters according to the author's note). There were some pretty funny scenes where I found myself laughing out loud (the Frozen Contest, the body hair scene...) and some that made me teared up (I just know there's gonna be tears with Grace's story).
As it overlaps with Meg's storyline there were some situations we had already read about in "Has anyone..." so it felt a bit repetitive.
I've never gone through a divorce myself but I think the aftermath was pretty well depicted and I liked how, even in spite everything Simon put her trough, Emma never badmouthed him to her kids so that alone deserves some respect (I'm not sure I would have been able to do that).
All in all, 4,5 ⭐️
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
That was some wise advice from an eight years old boy. Only for that line the author has my complete devotion forever and ever!
"Can I give my husband back?" Who hasn't said that some time? I've certainly done specially after two months in confinement being together 24/7, but after reading this book I can consider myself lucky and will not be giving him back just yet.
Having loved “Has Anyone Seen My Sex Life?” I couldn't be happier when I learnt that in “Can I Give My Husband Back?” we would meet again the Callaghan family as I loved all the dynamics between the sisters (it reminded me of Marian Keyes' Walsh family series).
This time the main character is Emma whom we already met in Meg's story. She's recently divorced and dealing with two kids, her new single life and what must be one of the most despicable characters I've ever read, her ex-husband Simon (I found myself calling him names all the time. He truly is a See You Next Tuesday!). It was disheartening reading about the way he treated Emma during their marriage but a joy seeing her grow up throughout the story and standing her ground when it came to dealing with his bulls**t.
I loved the cast of secondary characters, specially Lucy. I can't wait to read her story (yayyy, there will be three more books of the Callaghan sisters according to the author's note). There were some pretty funny scenes where I found myself laughing out loud (the Frozen Contest, the body hair scene...) and some that made me teared up (I just know there's gonna be tears with Grace's story).
As it overlaps with Meg's storyline there were some situations we had already read about in "Has anyone..." so it felt a bit repetitive.
I've never gone through a divorce myself but I think the aftermath was pretty well depicted and I liked how, even in spite everything Simon put her trough, Emma never badmouthed him to her kids so that alone deserves some respect (I'm not sure I would have been able to do that).
All in all, 4,5 ⭐️
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 10, 2021
Review coming soon.
August 11, 2020
This was so awful it felt like my eyes were bleeding to read it. Trashy, vulgar and not in any way funny. Only pushed on because it was the choice of my book club to try something different. Only saving grace was that it was so basic it took about 2 hours to read.
June 15, 2020
This was a good read for me. I didn't find it extremely humorous, but thanks to the main character's sister, Lucy, it kept me interested in the story.
This was Emma's life post divorce with children and career and 4 sisters. The author's writing showed the various subplots as life happened to Emma. I didn't like the cheater husband at all.
The rest of them were fun.
This was Emma's life post divorce with children and career and 4 sisters. The author's writing showed the various subplots as life happened to Emma. I didn't like the cheater husband at all.
The rest of them were fun.
June 5, 2020
I’m in the minority with my 2 star rating but I just tried several times to get into this book but I’m sad to say I just cannot connect to any of the characters! Sorry to say but I gave up at 33 %. I tried, I really did! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review.
May 19, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is the 2nd book I have read by Kristen Bailey. I enjoyed the 1st one so I knew this one would be great too. I like that she is writing the books from each sister's point of view. The humor did make me laugh a lot and each sister is so different from each other, which adds a lot to the story. I look forward to the rest of her books featuring these sisters.
This is the 2nd book I have read by Kristen Bailey. I enjoyed the 1st one so I knew this one would be great too. I like that she is writing the books from each sister's point of view. The humor did make me laugh a lot and each sister is so different from each other, which adds a lot to the story. I look forward to the rest of her books featuring these sisters.
December 24, 2021
Emma is a heart surgeon, but it seems she can fix all hearts but hers. She divorced Simon (also known as Satan) and is slowly recovering her previous life. Thankfully, she has the help of her sisters and her two daughters, as well as her colleagues.
I read a couple of weeks ago Has Anyone Seen My Sex Life? by the same author, which is the story of Emma's older sister Meg. I love how the stories are intertwined and some anecdotes I read in the first book are developed in more detail in this book. As there are three more sisters, I hope we can read a new book for each of them! I'm looking forward for the next one.
This is perfect for fans of Marian Keyes, as it reminds me a little of the Walsh sisters.
** Thanks a lot to bookouture and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion **
I read a couple of weeks ago Has Anyone Seen My Sex Life? by the same author, which is the story of Emma's older sister Meg. I love how the stories are intertwined and some anecdotes I read in the first book are developed in more detail in this book. As there are three more sisters, I hope we can read a new book for each of them! I'm looking forward for the next one.
This is perfect for fans of Marian Keyes, as it reminds me a little of the Walsh sisters.
** Thanks a lot to bookouture and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion **
January 21, 2022
Absolutely loved this. Review to follow
August 4, 2020
It was fine.
It was easy to immersed myself into 'Can I Give My Husband Back?'. The storyline was relatable and this novel had a decent amount of drama that wasn't too overwhelming. Generally pretty enjoyable despite the romance I could've done without. I liked Jag but I didn't love him as much as Leo and I was a bit surprised she ended up with the former. I felt like Leo and Emma had better chemistry but whatever flows your boat I guess.
Additional to that, the family dynamic between Emma and her sisters, especially Lucy, was hilarious. It made me wish I had that type of relationship with my siblings.
Now to sum up, it was not too shabby. I will definitely read from this author again.
June 24, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
What a great book! I was cracking up within the first few pages. Truly hilarious! Two words: kitchen shears.
It was SO REFRESHING to read a book where grown ass adults are looking for love. Teenage romance gets to be obnoxious after a while.
Not only was this a story about rebuilding after divorce, we get to see how important the bond between siblings is as well. Bailey also speaks of the difficulties of co-parenting. How can you be the bigger person when you hate your ex-husband’s guts? This touched my heart in many ways and I will definitely pick up other books by this author.
What a great book! I was cracking up within the first few pages. Truly hilarious! Two words: kitchen shears.
It was SO REFRESHING to read a book where grown ass adults are looking for love. Teenage romance gets to be obnoxious after a while.
Not only was this a story about rebuilding after divorce, we get to see how important the bond between siblings is as well. Bailey also speaks of the difficulties of co-parenting. How can you be the bigger person when you hate your ex-husband’s guts? This touched my heart in many ways and I will definitely pick up other books by this author.
June 11, 2020
Finished reading: May 15th 2020
"A heart can beat millions and millions of times throughout your lifetime. Yet you can die from a broken heart."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
May 26, 2020
I received this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. So thank you to them and the publisher for accepting my request to read the book early.
Firstly, I loved the cover of this book. I’d not heard of ‘Has Anyone Seen My Sex Life’ but after reading ‘Can I Give My Husband Back’, I’ll be sure to check it out. I really enjoyed Kristen Bailey’s writing style and found this to be a well paced read.
My favourite part of the book was the relationship between Emma and her sisters, it reminded me of myself and my siblings and how I’d defend them until the end. Lucy particularly is a highlight of the story with her cutthroat lines and utter contempt of Simon.
Simon...what a scumbag. That is all on that one.
There were times when I couldn’t quite understand why Emma put up with what she did, there didn’t seem to be many, if any redeemable factors to Simon’s character but she lives and breathes for her family so in that aspect it makes sense.
If you get chance to read this book, definitely do. I really enjoyed it. There’ll be moments that make you laugh, moments that make you angry (whenever Simon speaks) and ultimately moments that make you root for Emma and her journey of rediscovering herself.
Firstly, I loved the cover of this book. I’d not heard of ‘Has Anyone Seen My Sex Life’ but after reading ‘Can I Give My Husband Back’, I’ll be sure to check it out. I really enjoyed Kristen Bailey’s writing style and found this to be a well paced read.
My favourite part of the book was the relationship between Emma and her sisters, it reminded me of myself and my siblings and how I’d defend them until the end. Lucy particularly is a highlight of the story with her cutthroat lines and utter contempt of Simon.
Simon...what a scumbag. That is all on that one.
There were times when I couldn’t quite understand why Emma put up with what she did, there didn’t seem to be many, if any redeemable factors to Simon’s character but she lives and breathes for her family so in that aspect it makes sense.
If you get chance to read this book, definitely do. I really enjoyed it. There’ll be moments that make you laugh, moments that make you angry (whenever Simon speaks) and ultimately moments that make you root for Emma and her journey of rediscovering herself.
February 3, 2023
Ich fand das Buch absolut unterhaltsam. Ein doch recht ernstes Thema über eine unschöne Trennung wurde von Kristen Bailey kurzweilig und mit einer gehörigen Portion Humor an den richtigen Stellen aufgearbeitet. Auch was für's Herz ist dabei, zB wenn Herzchirurgin Emma mit ihren kleinen Patienten interagiert. Und last but not least ist es auch ein Mutmach-Buch für Frauen, die in toxischen Beziehungen feststecken und aus Angst vor der Veränderung (und der Angst dann ganz alleine und hilflos dazustehen) nichts daran ändern.
Meine persönliche Heldin war allerdings nicht Protagonistin Emma (für die ich trotzdem große Sympathien hegte), sondern ihre Schwester Lucy. Die hat die Dinge immer sehr treffend auf den Punkt gebracht und war so mutig, wie ich (und auch Emma) es nie sein werden. Dafür hab ich sie wirklich gefeiert.
Bei ihrer "B-Motto-Party" wäre ich ja auch gern dabei gewesen und ich hab schon überlegt, als was ich dann gegangen wäre. Es war jedenfalls wirklich amüsant zu erfahren, wie kreativ die Gäste dort waren. Bis die Stimmung zu später Stunde dann doch irgendwann kippte...
Meine persönliche Heldin war allerdings nicht Protagonistin Emma (für die ich trotzdem große Sympathien hegte), sondern ihre Schwester Lucy. Die hat die Dinge immer sehr treffend auf den Punkt gebracht und war so mutig, wie ich (und auch Emma) es nie sein werden. Dafür hab ich sie wirklich gefeiert.
Bei ihrer "B-Motto-Party" wäre ich ja auch gern dabei gewesen und ich hab schon überlegt, als was ich dann gegangen wäre. Es war jedenfalls wirklich amüsant zu erfahren, wie kreativ die Gäste dort waren. Bis die Stimmung zu später Stunde dann doch irgendwann kippte...
June 10, 2020
I was fortunate to receive a copy of this book to read from NetGalley.
I absolutely loved this book! There is so much depth to the writing and the characters and I felt completely absorbed.
Some of Emma's inner dialogue absolutely cracked me up and in some ways I want to be like her "when I grow up" 😂
The story focuses on the affect of marital problems on everyone around the couple and how to navigate the post separation world and the resulting changes. I loved it! x
I absolutely loved this book! There is so much depth to the writing and the characters and I felt completely absorbed.
Some of Emma's inner dialogue absolutely cracked me up and in some ways I want to be like her "when I grow up" 😂
The story focuses on the affect of marital problems on everyone around the couple and how to navigate the post separation world and the resulting changes. I loved it! x
May 28, 2021
The British may be good at the stiff upper lip thing, but they are very good at turning that stiff upper lip into a belly laugh. This is the first book of Kristen's I've read and I look forward to reading more about the sisters. Being one of 5 sisters I could really relate to the family dynamics. Despite all the different personalities when the chips are down family is always there for you.
If you need a really good laugh this book is for you.
If you need a really good laugh this book is for you.
May 15, 2020
I am so grateful for the existence of this book, and I am now definitely a fan of Kristen Bailey for writing it. I’m sending my extreme gratitude and thanks to her in the form of hugs and smiles.
I think the universe directed me towards this book (so, many thanks to you too, universe!) because I was in need of some cheering up and was on the hunt for a book that would make me smile and laugh. This was definitely the comic relief that I was in desperate need of. This book is so uplifting and fun, and I finished it in a mere few hours because I didn’t want to put it down.
This book is hilarious and one that will make you laugh out loud while reading it. I haven’t laughed this much while reading a book in a long time!
The main character, Emma, is such a riot and I absolutely loved her. The other characters are great as well; I loved how quirky and funny all of the characters were. There were so many hilarious scenarios in the story, and while reading I wished that I could transfer myself into the pages of the story so that I could meet and mingle with Emma and her friends. I really loved Emma’s sense of humor and manner of speaking, and she just has such an awesome personality overall.
This book has it all-its hilarious and filled to the brim with moments that literally make you laugh out loud, has a wonderful cast of characters (who are all very realistic and relatable), fun family dynamics, deals with relationships and romantic mishaps.
The romantic aspect of this novel was so relatable and heartwarming, because all humor aside, it showcased that no matter how ugly and nightmarish some relationships can be, and how difficult and frustrating love and relationships tend to be sometimes unfortunately, you will survive the pain of heartbreak and disappointment, and you can get through it and be okay.
I absolutely loved this book, and my only regret is that I devoured it so quickly, because I adored this story and the hilarious characters in it, and now i’m sad that my time spent in their world has come to an end. (hint hint: sequel please!)
This is the perfect book to settle down and relax with on a particularly stressful day. (Or any day really! No matter how you’re feeling, this book is wonderful and you need to read it ok? Ok) If you’re stressed, sad, broken hearted, or all of the above, this book is the perfect remedy for your distress and sadness.
This is the first book that i’ve read by Kristen Bailey, but it certainly won’t be the last!
Add this book to your TBR, you won’t regret it!
Highly recommend! Especially to those who are in need of a good laugh! (And if you’re a fan of Sophie Kinsella’s books, then I definitely recommend that you pick this book up!)
***an early copy of this book was provided to me by the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review
I think the universe directed me towards this book (so, many thanks to you too, universe!) because I was in need of some cheering up and was on the hunt for a book that would make me smile and laugh. This was definitely the comic relief that I was in desperate need of. This book is so uplifting and fun, and I finished it in a mere few hours because I didn’t want to put it down.
This book is hilarious and one that will make you laugh out loud while reading it. I haven’t laughed this much while reading a book in a long time!
The main character, Emma, is such a riot and I absolutely loved her. The other characters are great as well; I loved how quirky and funny all of the characters were. There were so many hilarious scenarios in the story, and while reading I wished that I could transfer myself into the pages of the story so that I could meet and mingle with Emma and her friends. I really loved Emma’s sense of humor and manner of speaking, and she just has such an awesome personality overall.
This book has it all-its hilarious and filled to the brim with moments that literally make you laugh out loud, has a wonderful cast of characters (who are all very realistic and relatable), fun family dynamics, deals with relationships and romantic mishaps.
The romantic aspect of this novel was so relatable and heartwarming, because all humor aside, it showcased that no matter how ugly and nightmarish some relationships can be, and how difficult and frustrating love and relationships tend to be sometimes unfortunately, you will survive the pain of heartbreak and disappointment, and you can get through it and be okay.
I absolutely loved this book, and my only regret is that I devoured it so quickly, because I adored this story and the hilarious characters in it, and now i’m sad that my time spent in their world has come to an end. (hint hint: sequel please!)
This is the perfect book to settle down and relax with on a particularly stressful day. (Or any day really! No matter how you’re feeling, this book is wonderful and you need to read it ok? Ok) If you’re stressed, sad, broken hearted, or all of the above, this book is the perfect remedy for your distress and sadness.
This is the first book that i’ve read by Kristen Bailey, but it certainly won’t be the last!
Add this book to your TBR, you won’t regret it!
Highly recommend! Especially to those who are in need of a good laugh! (And if you’re a fan of Sophie Kinsella’s books, then I definitely recommend that you pick this book up!)
***an early copy of this book was provided to me by the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review
May 13, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley for gifting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I don’t even know where to start with this book!?
Can I Give My Husband Back is the BEST book I have read for a long time!
If I could give it more than 5 stars I would!
I had recently read Has Anyone Seen My Sex Life by Kristen Bailey and I loved it!
When I was sent this ARC by Bookouture via NetGalley I was really excited to read it.
Emma has two beautiful daughters - Violet and Iris but her ex husband Simon is a serial cheat and she has finally divorced him. This book is her story.....
I was a bit dense and so it took me a while to realise that Emma was a Callaghan and therefore part of the same group of sisters I had read about in Kirsten’s previous book Have You Seen My Sex Life - That just made me fall in love with this book even more.
The 5 Callaghan sisters are all completely different and all absolutely amazing. Meg (from Have You Seen My Sex Life) Lucy the crazy, hilarious, sister that’s living with Emma, Beth who has baby Joe and Gracie who has recently been widowed.
A book has never made me laugh like this one, the birthday party chapter made me laugh until I couldn’t breathe, I had tears rolling down my face and I had to force myself to put the Kindle down for a bit to recover.
This book has it all, it’s laugh until you risk passing out funny, it made me cry, the characters are highly relatable and I loved every second of it.
Kristen Bailey has definitely been added to my favourite author list and I can’t wait for the next one....I hear it will be Beth’s story but we have to wait until January 2021!!!!
I don’t even know where to start with this book!?
Can I Give My Husband Back is the BEST book I have read for a long time!
If I could give it more than 5 stars I would!
I had recently read Has Anyone Seen My Sex Life by Kristen Bailey and I loved it!
When I was sent this ARC by Bookouture via NetGalley I was really excited to read it.
Emma has two beautiful daughters - Violet and Iris but her ex husband Simon is a serial cheat and she has finally divorced him. This book is her story.....
I was a bit dense and so it took me a while to realise that Emma was a Callaghan and therefore part of the same group of sisters I had read about in Kirsten’s previous book Have You Seen My Sex Life - That just made me fall in love with this book even more.
The 5 Callaghan sisters are all completely different and all absolutely amazing. Meg (from Have You Seen My Sex Life) Lucy the crazy, hilarious, sister that’s living with Emma, Beth who has baby Joe and Gracie who has recently been widowed.
A book has never made me laugh like this one, the birthday party chapter made me laugh until I couldn’t breathe, I had tears rolling down my face and I had to force myself to put the Kindle down for a bit to recover.
This book has it all, it’s laugh until you risk passing out funny, it made me cry, the characters are highly relatable and I loved every second of it.
Kristen Bailey has definitely been added to my favourite author list and I can’t wait for the next one....I hear it will be Beth’s story but we have to wait until January 2021!!!!
June 17, 2020
I really enjoyed the first in what looks like a series from this very talented and astute author. And I liked this one even more. In this second book, we follow Emma. A compassionate heart surgeon, she is divorced from her cheating you-know-what of a husband (and that’s treating him nicely). Anybody who has been involved in a divorce will be able to find a character in this book to relate to. The author simply tells a person’s story, and it’s up to the reader to get what they want out of it. Ms. Bailey knows how to set and describe a scene so that it feels like the reader is actually there. From Beth’s birthday to a raucous and thoroughly enjoyable trivia competition that left tears rolling down my face, the humanity and the humor are captured perfectly. I hope that we’ll get three more chances to visit the Callaghan sisters. For a detailed review, please visit Fireflies and Free Kicks. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a digital ARC of the book.
June 13, 2020
Can I Give My Husband Back By Kristen Bailey
I really enjoyed this book! I laughed a lot, Kristen seems to have a great sense of humour, even the acknowledgments had me laughing.
I read Had Anyone Seen My Sex Life a few months ago, so was delighted to be able to read this book.
I loved Emma, I am not divorced, but after a long marriage I can only imagine what dating is like these days, and reading this book I am not sure I would be able for it 😂
I found myself picking this book up at every opportunity, and read until late at night to finish it. I already know I will want to read Kristens next book without even reading the blurb.
A fun read, with family life thrown into the mix.
I really enjoyed this book! I laughed a lot, Kristen seems to have a great sense of humour, even the acknowledgments had me laughing.
I read Had Anyone Seen My Sex Life a few months ago, so was delighted to be able to read this book.
I loved Emma, I am not divorced, but after a long marriage I can only imagine what dating is like these days, and reading this book I am not sure I would be able for it 😂
I found myself picking this book up at every opportunity, and read until late at night to finish it. I already know I will want to read Kristens next book without even reading the blurb.
A fun read, with family life thrown into the mix.
June 21, 2020
4.5 Stars Rounded up
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Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an electronic ARC for my honest review!
Emma is a successful pediatric heart surgeon,recently divorced from her husband Simon, and now a single mother of 2 young girls. Needing some help, she has her sister Lucy come and live with them. Trying to pick herself up from her failed marriage, you are taken on a hilarious journey of her hatred towards her cheating, secret keeping husband, new date prospects and how she will move forward.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s a light read that definitely has some laughs. I wouldn’t categorize this as a quick read it did take me longer than normal to finish, but it is a good one none the less. I enjoyed Emma’s character, but I enjoyed Lucy’s more, all the characters are well written and relatable. There is a nice pace to the book, it keeps you laughing and wanting to know more about what’s going to happen next. I would recommend.
Follow me on Instagram.com/dees_bookshelf
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an electronic ARC for my honest review!
Emma is a successful pediatric heart surgeon,recently divorced from her husband Simon, and now a single mother of 2 young girls. Needing some help, she has her sister Lucy come and live with them. Trying to pick herself up from her failed marriage, you are taken on a hilarious journey of her hatred towards her cheating, secret keeping husband, new date prospects and how she will move forward.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s a light read that definitely has some laughs. I wouldn’t categorize this as a quick read it did take me longer than normal to finish, but it is a good one none the less. I enjoyed Emma’s character, but I enjoyed Lucy’s more, all the characters are well written and relatable. There is a nice pace to the book, it keeps you laughing and wanting to know more about what’s going to happen next. I would recommend.
August 19, 2020
"Please ignore my mother. She'd also like to know your monthly salary, your religious status, and whether you're a virgin."
That statement is straight out of my mom's handbook that the only thing that came to my mind was, 'Oh god. The whole world knows about the Indian moms now'. And the second thing? 'Kristen Bailey is phenomenal'.
I think this world deserves more Lucys. Since it has an extreme shortage of truly extraordinary people. On the other hand, I sincerely hope Simon was just a character. If only to save Satan the embarrassment of being compared to him.
August 17, 2023
Druhá knížka ze série o sestrách Callaghanových opět nezklamala! Poutavý příběh, vtipný, ani chvíli jsem se nenudila. Bavil mě ještě o chlup víc, než příběh první, který ale doporučuji také.
A protože sester Callaghanových je pět a z prvních dvou knih je patrné, že i zbylé tři sestry budou mít zajímavé osudy, těším se na pokračování.
A protože sester Callaghanových je pět a z prvních dvou knih je patrné, že i zbylé tři sestry budou mít zajímavé osudy, těším se na pokračování.
December 27, 2024
Absolutely hilarious, such an easy read. I love the different personalities of the sisters and reading the second book from the perspective of a different sister to the first. Can’t wait for the other three!
February 20, 2022
I just noticed this way book 2 of the series but I don’t think it’s super important because it’s about a different sister! But I’m super thrill to find out there are others books… I’m dying to read a book with Lucy!
July 27, 2022
Hilarious light hearted read. I love the main characters view on the family and the Callaghan sisters are great
January 23, 2024
Very funny.
I was expecting a romance and this was more women's fiction but I still enjoyed the banter and the writing style
I was expecting a romance and this was more women's fiction but I still enjoyed the banter and the writing style
June 28, 2020
This is the second book I’ve read by this author. I didn’t realise until well into the story, that the main characters from the first book are also in this one! Whilst in theory it is a series, the books can easily be read as standalone reads! A word of warning before you start it though – it does have quite a few references to sex and quite a bit of bad language, so if you prefer not to read any of that, then perhaps this isn’t the book for you! Thankfully, I’m not bothered and I have to admit I laughed and laughed my way through this book from start to finish!!
We are introduced to cardiologist, Emma Callaghan. Emma has two daughters and is divorced from her serial cheater husband, Simon. She lives with her sister, Lucy who looks after her daughters whilst Emma is at work. I have to admit, I’ve never found a character that I’ve found so funny as what Lucy is!! Emma is persuaded by Lucy to reintroduce herself to the dating game and we follow Emma’s experiences through that!
I loved this book and found it so funny that I rolled from one laugh straight to into another one for most of the book! I loved Emma’s character! She was such a clever woman but completely inept at dating and her first lines of conversation with her blind dates were just genius! I hated Simon, the ex-husband, with a passion and cheered every time Lucy said she would see him next Tuesday (okay, so that’s not quite right, but you’ll understand when you read the book!). It wasn’t until well into the book however, when Emma visited her sister up north that I realised I’d already met her sister in this author’s previous book! (In the author’s notes at the end, she hints that the next books may follow the other sisters’ storylines also, and I’m so excited for those!!)
The storyline doesn’t just follow Emma’s love-life though, it gives us a more serious view as to how complicated and messy the after effects of a divorce can be, particularly one where the other party is a serial cheater! It is quite sad how many lives were affected by Simon’s actions and, amongst all the laughs, it leaves you pondering whether people would behave as they do if they knew the consequences. On the whole though, this was an absolute belter of a book!!! My favourite character was Lucy, and I genuinely cannot wait until we get to her own book. The family dynamics were perfect and it was lovely to see the sisters all so comfortable around each other, although I would draw the line at trimming their bikini lines! I loved this book so much I finished it in a day – I think that tells you everything you need to know!! Fab, fab, fab!!
We are introduced to cardiologist, Emma Callaghan. Emma has two daughters and is divorced from her serial cheater husband, Simon. She lives with her sister, Lucy who looks after her daughters whilst Emma is at work. I have to admit, I’ve never found a character that I’ve found so funny as what Lucy is!! Emma is persuaded by Lucy to reintroduce herself to the dating game and we follow Emma’s experiences through that!
I loved this book and found it so funny that I rolled from one laugh straight to into another one for most of the book! I loved Emma’s character! She was such a clever woman but completely inept at dating and her first lines of conversation with her blind dates were just genius! I hated Simon, the ex-husband, with a passion and cheered every time Lucy said she would see him next Tuesday (okay, so that’s not quite right, but you’ll understand when you read the book!). It wasn’t until well into the book however, when Emma visited her sister up north that I realised I’d already met her sister in this author’s previous book! (In the author’s notes at the end, she hints that the next books may follow the other sisters’ storylines also, and I’m so excited for those!!)
The storyline doesn’t just follow Emma’s love-life though, it gives us a more serious view as to how complicated and messy the after effects of a divorce can be, particularly one where the other party is a serial cheater! It is quite sad how many lives were affected by Simon’s actions and, amongst all the laughs, it leaves you pondering whether people would behave as they do if they knew the consequences. On the whole though, this was an absolute belter of a book!!! My favourite character was Lucy, and I genuinely cannot wait until we get to her own book. The family dynamics were perfect and it was lovely to see the sisters all so comfortable around each other, although I would draw the line at trimming their bikini lines! I loved this book so much I finished it in a day – I think that tells you everything you need to know!! Fab, fab, fab!!
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