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Wife Support System
We’ve got the balance all wrong. Instead of living with our partners, struggling to do everything by ourselves and only seeing each other now and then, we should do it the other way round. We should live together and see them now and then.
Erica knows her suggestion sounds extreme, but when her nanny leaves without notice, she’s extremely desperate. Polly and Louise aren’t convinced, but when circumstances force them to move into Polly’s enormous but run-down house, they have to admit that life’s much easier when the childcare and workload is shared.
At first, communal living seems like the answer to all their prayers - childcare on tap, rotas for cleaning, and someone always available to cook dinner (no more last-minute pizza delivery!). But over time, resentment starts to grow as they judge each other’s parenting styles and bicker over cleaning, cooking and whose turn it is to buy toilet rolls.
And as one woman has her head turned by a handsome colleague, one resorts to spying on her husband and another fights to keep a dark secret, they need each other more than ever. But can Polly, Louise and Erica keep their friendship and relationships strong? Or will their perfect mumtopia fall apart?
Essential reading for anyone fed up with never-ending housework/homeschooling/preparing healthy meals that their kids reject … Will have you shrieking with laughter! Fans of Why Mummy Drinks, Has Anyone Seen My Sex Life? and Beth O’Leary won’t want to miss this one!
Erica knows her suggestion sounds extreme, but when her nanny leaves without notice, she’s extremely desperate. Polly and Louise aren’t convinced, but when circumstances force them to move into Polly’s enormous but run-down house, they have to admit that life’s much easier when the childcare and workload is shared.
At first, communal living seems like the answer to all their prayers - childcare on tap, rotas for cleaning, and someone always available to cook dinner (no more last-minute pizza delivery!). But over time, resentment starts to grow as they judge each other’s parenting styles and bicker over cleaning, cooking and whose turn it is to buy toilet rolls.
And as one woman has her head turned by a handsome colleague, one resorts to spying on her husband and another fights to keep a dark secret, they need each other more than ever. But can Polly, Louise and Erica keep their friendship and relationships strong? Or will their perfect mumtopia fall apart?
Essential reading for anyone fed up with never-ending housework/homeschooling/preparing healthy meals that their kids reject … Will have you shrieking with laughter! Fans of Why Mummy Drinks, Has Anyone Seen My Sex Life? and Beth O’Leary won’t want to miss this one!
307 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 29, 2020
24 people are currently reading
311 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
July 2, 2021
In a Nutshell: This was a quick, fun read where you don’t need to tax your brains too much but just go with the flow.
The book is full of over-the-top situations and exaggerated humour. So it works well if you keep your brains aside and just take it as a predictable light-hearted story. The three friends are all flawed characters so it is tough to identify completely with any of them. (Well, I came very close to connecting with Louise over her passion for Colin Firth. I get you, girl!) At the same time, they show a decent amount of vulnerability that is endearing and irksome in turn. But as I said, I just kept my brains aside while listening to this audio, so while I wasn’t surprised, I wasn’t disappointed as well.
The writing is pretty decent for a debut author. She needs to work on making the narrative crisper as there is a fair bit of repetition in the name of thoughts and a lot of dragged-out writing in some of the scenes. But other than this sharper editing requirement, the book stands pretty strongly in its genre. It talks of friendships, adjustments, letting go and trying out new things. It also shows how no one is perfect and you must be comfortable in your own skin before others can accept you for who you are.
Narrator Natalie Drew converted this 11.5 hrs audiobook into an enjoyable experience with her spirited rendition of all the characters. I loved her performance. A hearty 5 stars for her efforts.
Overall, this was a fairly good read and I’d recommend it to lovers of light-hearted women’s fiction. 3.5 stars from me, rounding up to 4.
Thank you, NetGalley and Saga Egmont Audio, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.
***********************
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Story:
Erica is a busy stylist with a passion for fashion and fitness and not much time for her daughter. After her nanny quits, she finds herself struggling, especially as her partner Dan isn’t a hands-on parent.
Still mourning the loss of her love, Polly has moved into her old family B&B with her two kids. She finds herself lonely and struggling to return to normalcy.
Louise is a highly organised career woman who is conscious about her excess weight and suspicious about her husband’s commitment. She decides she needs a break from her relationship.
The three friends soon realise that the best solution to their problems is if they cohabit under the same roof and share in the parental and household duties. As can be guessed, the result is organised chaos.
The book is full of over-the-top situations and exaggerated humour. So it works well if you keep your brains aside and just take it as a predictable light-hearted story. The three friends are all flawed characters so it is tough to identify completely with any of them. (Well, I came very close to connecting with Louise over her passion for Colin Firth. I get you, girl!) At the same time, they show a decent amount of vulnerability that is endearing and irksome in turn. But as I said, I just kept my brains aside while listening to this audio, so while I wasn’t surprised, I wasn’t disappointed as well.
The writing is pretty decent for a debut author. She needs to work on making the narrative crisper as there is a fair bit of repetition in the name of thoughts and a lot of dragged-out writing in some of the scenes. But other than this sharper editing requirement, the book stands pretty strongly in its genre. It talks of friendships, adjustments, letting go and trying out new things. It also shows how no one is perfect and you must be comfortable in your own skin before others can accept you for who you are.
Narrator Natalie Drew converted this 11.5 hrs audiobook into an enjoyable experience with her spirited rendition of all the characters. I loved her performance. A hearty 5 stars for her efforts.
Overall, this was a fairly good read and I’d recommend it to lovers of light-hearted women’s fiction. 3.5 stars from me, rounding up to 4.
Thank you, NetGalley and Saga Egmont Audio, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
Follow me on Instagram: RoshReviews
July 30, 2020
Three wives, five kids, and a house. Kathleen Whyman has written an entertaining story with plenty of food for thought. Louise, Erica, and Polly are on vacation complaining about their partners (or lack there of) when Erica has a great idea. What if we all live together during the week share childcare, household chores, and cooking. Then on the weekends we go stay with our partners? At first both Louise and Polly are hesitant, but eventually they come around to Erica‘s way of thinking. When the women first move into Polly’s big house it is wonderful. They are enjoying the camaraderie, the companionship, and the shared responsibilities. BUT it doesn’t take long before things go slightly sideways. Erica is a workaholic, Louise is constantly checking out, and Polly is left doing the bulk of the child care. When things start getting personal over a argument about who’s turn it is to purchase toilet paper, it is time to reevaluate this experiment.
This was such a fun book. I absolutely loved this refreshing plot line. Anyone who has ever had a roommate knows it is all about compromise. In this book not all the women were always willing to do this. I found Erica particularly selfish. I really wanted to like her, but I had to question a few of her actions. Louise was a hot mess! I really felt for her and how consumed she was with her luxe. The saddest part was she had a husband who loved her just the way she was and she didn’t appreciate it. Polly’s story was heartbreaking, but I have to admit it was the story I was most interested in. She really had a big heart and I was really thrilled with how this book ended for her. What I loved the most about this book was the interactions between the women and the growth these characters had throughout the book. A well done engaging debut.
This book in emojis. 👩🏼 👩🏼 👩🏼 👦🏼 👦🏼 👧🏼 👧🏼 👧🏼 🏚 🐶
*** Big thank you to Hera Books for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
This was such a fun book. I absolutely loved this refreshing plot line. Anyone who has ever had a roommate knows it is all about compromise. In this book not all the women were always willing to do this. I found Erica particularly selfish. I really wanted to like her, but I had to question a few of her actions. Louise was a hot mess! I really felt for her and how consumed she was with her luxe. The saddest part was she had a husband who loved her just the way she was and she didn’t appreciate it. Polly’s story was heartbreaking, but I have to admit it was the story I was most interested in. She really had a big heart and I was really thrilled with how this book ended for her. What I loved the most about this book was the interactions between the women and the growth these characters had throughout the book. A well done engaging debut.
This book in emojis. 👩🏼 👩🏼 👩🏼 👦🏼 👦🏼 👧🏼 👧🏼 👧🏼 🏚 🐶
*** Big thank you to Hera Books for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
August 12, 2020
4☆ A Lighthearted, Entertaining, Unique Read that had me giggling in all the right places!
Erica, Polly and Louise are friends through their children's friendship, but they aren't particularly close. But all that is about to change!
Erica has just had her Nanny walk out on her leaving her in an awful predicament. Her partner Dan is never around and always away on business trips, so can't help with childcare.
But there is just one way out of her predicament and that's.....to move in with Polly and Louise and share childcare responsibilities.
Erica's got it all worked out...live together 5days a week, go back home to their partners at the weekend!
All she has to do now is convince the others it's a fantastic idea!
Polly is struggling with grief after her husband tragically dies.
She's living alone with her 2 children, in her b&b and it's lonely.
Her 8yr old son Oliver convinces her that she should let Erica and Louise move in after she has yet another panic attack. But Polly is afraid to show the others her vulnerability. Maybe this is exactly what she needs to help her heal.
Louise and Hubby Nick are not in a great place. Nick is feeling unloved, unappreciated and fed up with how Louise treats him and the twins.
So when she mentions to him about Erica's idea about them all living together during the week, he thinks it's just what they need!
He can't take it anymore and believes this change might just save their marriage!
But can they make this move work for each of them and improve their lives and friendships, or could it cause more problems than they anticipated!
I really enjoyed reading this unique book. It's a wonderfully lighthearted story about friendship, support, anxiety, coming together, new beginnings, self discovery, change, family, relationships and helping each other along the way!
There is plenty of ups and Downs as we discover their trials and tribulations of motherhood, and their relationships and friendships. Let's just say it's not all plain sailing, there's plenty of humour, drama, emotion, poignant moments and joyous ones too. It really does have a lil bit of everything.
The characters are wonderfully developed, very relatable, endearing and complex but I really liked them.
Overall Wife Support System is a Unique, very Entertaining and Compelling read.
If you enjoy Women's Fiction and want a Lighthearted and Enjoyable read then I highly recommend reading this fab Book!
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
You can Find this Review and all my Other Reviews on My Blog :-
http://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2020/07...
Erica, Polly and Louise are friends through their children's friendship, but they aren't particularly close. But all that is about to change!
Erica has just had her Nanny walk out on her leaving her in an awful predicament. Her partner Dan is never around and always away on business trips, so can't help with childcare.
But there is just one way out of her predicament and that's.....to move in with Polly and Louise and share childcare responsibilities.
Erica's got it all worked out...live together 5days a week, go back home to their partners at the weekend!
All she has to do now is convince the others it's a fantastic idea!
Polly is struggling with grief after her husband tragically dies.
She's living alone with her 2 children, in her b&b and it's lonely.
Her 8yr old son Oliver convinces her that she should let Erica and Louise move in after she has yet another panic attack. But Polly is afraid to show the others her vulnerability. Maybe this is exactly what she needs to help her heal.
Louise and Hubby Nick are not in a great place. Nick is feeling unloved, unappreciated and fed up with how Louise treats him and the twins.
So when she mentions to him about Erica's idea about them all living together during the week, he thinks it's just what they need!
He can't take it anymore and believes this change might just save their marriage!
But can they make this move work for each of them and improve their lives and friendships, or could it cause more problems than they anticipated!
I really enjoyed reading this unique book. It's a wonderfully lighthearted story about friendship, support, anxiety, coming together, new beginnings, self discovery, change, family, relationships and helping each other along the way!
There is plenty of ups and Downs as we discover their trials and tribulations of motherhood, and their relationships and friendships. Let's just say it's not all plain sailing, there's plenty of humour, drama, emotion, poignant moments and joyous ones too. It really does have a lil bit of everything.
The characters are wonderfully developed, very relatable, endearing and complex but I really liked them.
Overall Wife Support System is a Unique, very Entertaining and Compelling read.
If you enjoy Women's Fiction and want a Lighthearted and Enjoyable read then I highly recommend reading this fab Book!
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
You can Find this Review and all my Other Reviews on My Blog :-
http://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2020/07...
August 5, 2020
What an amazing debut novel! It's funny and tender at the same time, and I couldn't put it down.
Mum-friends Erica, Louise and Polly need the help of each other, so they come up with an unusual arrangement: they'll live together at weekdays, to share childcare and house chores, and go back to their homes on weekends. What seems as a brilliant idea soon stars falling into pieces, as the three of them (and their children) are very different from each other.
I loved the three main characters, as they were so well developed, and I fell in love with Erica's sense of humor from the beginning of the book.
If you have ever been overwhelmed with juggling your career, children and housework, or if you don't but you want to have a good time reading about it, then this book is definitely for you!
This is my first book by Kathleen Whyman as this is her debut novel, but it won't be the last!
** Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion **
Mum-friends Erica, Louise and Polly need the help of each other, so they come up with an unusual arrangement: they'll live together at weekdays, to share childcare and house chores, and go back to their homes on weekends. What seems as a brilliant idea soon stars falling into pieces, as the three of them (and their children) are very different from each other.
I loved the three main characters, as they were so well developed, and I fell in love with Erica's sense of humor from the beginning of the book.
If you have ever been overwhelmed with juggling your career, children and housework, or if you don't but you want to have a good time reading about it, then this book is definitely for you!
This is my first book by Kathleen Whyman as this is her debut novel, but it won't be the last!
** Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion **
August 2, 2021
I was really interested in this story line which seemed unique and fun, but the characters fell flat. I feel like there was a missed opportunity for a lot of drama that could have happened when mixing these three lives together but overall it was a bit of a bore and dragged on. Some characters were better than others but I found most of them to be whiny and shallow so I wasn't able to connect to any of them or really feel invested in their story.
April 9, 2023
Wife Support System by new to me author Kathleen Whyman was not only relatable on so many levels to me, as a woman, but was very clever and entertaining! So many women in the world are performing a juggling act, trying to balance careers, spouses, partners, children and home. Some women appear to manage it flawlessly but come on! They are either Stepford Wives or aliens.
This story introduces us to Erica, Louise and Polly who all share a common trait of many pots on the stove and not enough hands to stir. Erica has a brilliant suggestion after her nanny abruptly quits. Why not share a house with each other and see their respective partners on the weekends? Share everything…housekeeping, the shopping and the child minding. Erica’s partner of ten years, Dan, is hardly ever there and when he is, he can’t be bothered to help. Louise is uber organized and appears to be critical of her husband, Nick. Polly is a single parent who is struggling with anxiety and could use a helping hand but is afraid of letting anyone in close enough to ask.
One house, three women and five kids. As you can expect, it’s not long before tension and resentments build and relationships begin to feel the strain.
I loved this story for many reasons. Relatable characters with real world issues, concerns and problems are a huge draw for me. Add in the entertaining aspect of humor and tears and I couldn’t look away. I liked these women but I often felt like Erica and Louise were selfish and taking advantage of Polly, especially when it came to the child minding. Polly doesn’t work outside the home and it’s her house that everyone moves into. Though it makes sense for Polly to be the primary caregiver, I started to feel a little put out on Polly’s behalf when it started to feel expected.
Erica works on a television show and for a good part of the story is more plugged into her phone and her job instead of being available for her daughter but resents it when her daughter and Polly become close.
Louise struggles with her weight and has a lot of resentment towards her sister. She takes her husband for granted and there are major trust issues for her with her husband. She also ignores her children because she is so wrapped up in her own head. She is a bit of a control freak and it shows with the numerous lists she creates.
Polly is a bit of a push-over. She is dealing with major trauma in her life, raising two children after the man she loves dies suddenly. She is living in a very large house but it is run-down and she could use some friends.
As this story goes on, we learn much more about these women that made me see them more openly with all the baggage they each are carrying. I ended up rooting for all of them to come out on top and this story did not disappoint.
Kathleen Whyman is an author I will be on the lookout for. Her ability to create characters that the reader will connect to is wonderful. This story made me laugh, cry and even shocked me. The plot flows so seamlessly that I was a little surprised that it was ending. I could easily see it continuing and myself catching up with these women over coffee or wine. I went with the audio format for this story and Natalie Drew’s narration was fantastic. She does a brilliant job of conveying multiple emotions and tones for the characters that will draw the reader into the story.
My Final Verdict: I highly recommend this story to readers who like connecting to the characters on a deep emotional level, who like stories that are relationship driven and like surprises mixed in with the laughter and tears. This story reminded me that we all have times in our lives where a little support goes a long way and we just have to be brave enough to ask for it and seize it.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Wife Support System from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This story introduces us to Erica, Louise and Polly who all share a common trait of many pots on the stove and not enough hands to stir. Erica has a brilliant suggestion after her nanny abruptly quits. Why not share a house with each other and see their respective partners on the weekends? Share everything…housekeeping, the shopping and the child minding. Erica’s partner of ten years, Dan, is hardly ever there and when he is, he can’t be bothered to help. Louise is uber organized and appears to be critical of her husband, Nick. Polly is a single parent who is struggling with anxiety and could use a helping hand but is afraid of letting anyone in close enough to ask.
One house, three women and five kids. As you can expect, it’s not long before tension and resentments build and relationships begin to feel the strain.
I loved this story for many reasons. Relatable characters with real world issues, concerns and problems are a huge draw for me. Add in the entertaining aspect of humor and tears and I couldn’t look away. I liked these women but I often felt like Erica and Louise were selfish and taking advantage of Polly, especially when it came to the child minding. Polly doesn’t work outside the home and it’s her house that everyone moves into. Though it makes sense for Polly to be the primary caregiver, I started to feel a little put out on Polly’s behalf when it started to feel expected.
Erica works on a television show and for a good part of the story is more plugged into her phone and her job instead of being available for her daughter but resents it when her daughter and Polly become close.
Louise struggles with her weight and has a lot of resentment towards her sister. She takes her husband for granted and there are major trust issues for her with her husband. She also ignores her children because she is so wrapped up in her own head. She is a bit of a control freak and it shows with the numerous lists she creates.
Polly is a bit of a push-over. She is dealing with major trauma in her life, raising two children after the man she loves dies suddenly. She is living in a very large house but it is run-down and she could use some friends.
As this story goes on, we learn much more about these women that made me see them more openly with all the baggage they each are carrying. I ended up rooting for all of them to come out on top and this story did not disappoint.
Kathleen Whyman is an author I will be on the lookout for. Her ability to create characters that the reader will connect to is wonderful. This story made me laugh, cry and even shocked me. The plot flows so seamlessly that I was a little surprised that it was ending. I could easily see it continuing and myself catching up with these women over coffee or wine. I went with the audio format for this story and Natalie Drew’s narration was fantastic. She does a brilliant job of conveying multiple emotions and tones for the characters that will draw the reader into the story.
My Final Verdict: I highly recommend this story to readers who like connecting to the characters on a deep emotional level, who like stories that are relationship driven and like surprises mixed in with the laughter and tears. This story reminded me that we all have times in our lives where a little support goes a long way and we just have to be brave enough to ask for it and seize it.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Wife Support System from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
August 1, 2020
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I really enjoyed this story and it was well written and very entertaining!
The book was full of things that I enjoyed, and it was on that I could relate too in places working full time with a husband that works shift as most of the tasks fall to just me and sometimes it is a little manic especially as my job is not the easiest or stress free most to the time. I would love a little help now and again but I could never do what the friends do in this one!! It was an interesting plot and I liked seeing how it would developed with the interlinking of the personal relationships and friendships.
The characters were so well developed and they worked well together even if Erica did irritate me at times, she worked well with the plotline - and after all, you can't love everyone in every book you read either.
It is 4 stars from me for this one, it was an enjoyable and well developed story, there were mixes of betrayal and trust issues as you would expect with them all being so closely knitted together, but ultimately it was one that was fun and light-hearted and the perfect read to relax with after a stressful week at work - highly recommended!
I really enjoyed this story and it was well written and very entertaining!
The book was full of things that I enjoyed, and it was on that I could relate too in places working full time with a husband that works shift as most of the tasks fall to just me and sometimes it is a little manic especially as my job is not the easiest or stress free most to the time. I would love a little help now and again but I could never do what the friends do in this one!! It was an interesting plot and I liked seeing how it would developed with the interlinking of the personal relationships and friendships.
The characters were so well developed and they worked well together even if Erica did irritate me at times, she worked well with the plotline - and after all, you can't love everyone in every book you read either.
It is 4 stars from me for this one, it was an enjoyable and well developed story, there were mixes of betrayal and trust issues as you would expect with them all being so closely knitted together, but ultimately it was one that was fun and light-hearted and the perfect read to relax with after a stressful week at work - highly recommended!
July 31, 2020
I love to discover new authors and Kathleen Whyman is certainly a new author for me. I read the synopsis for 'Wife Support System' and it certainly sounded like an interesting read. I couldn't wait to get started and so without further ado, I grabbed a cup of tea, grabbed my Kindle and settled down to start reading. I did enjoy reading 'Wife Support System' but more about that in a bit.
I have to be honest and say that the character of Erica particularly irritated me. It wasn't anything that she did really but it was the way she acted and the way in which she treated certain people. She's the sort of person that I think I would fall out with. I didn't warm to her at all but at the same time I had to find out if she modified her behaviour and to see how the story panned out for her.
It didn't take me long to get into this story. In fact by the time I got to the end of the first chapter, I knew that I was going to be in for one fun and light hearted read. I was spot on too. I couldn't read the book in one long binge because I had other stuff on but I did manage to read it over the course of a few days. When I picked the book up, I would become so engrossed in the story that I lost all track of time and just how quickly the pages were turning. All too soon, I reached the end of the book, which I was disappointed about.
'Wife Support System' is well written. The author has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading this book felt more like a chat with friends or listening into a bitching session between a group of friends, rather than reading a book. The author grabbed my attention from the start and drew me into the story from pretty early on. I really did feel as though I was part of the story myself and that's all down to Kathleen's very vivid and realistic storytelling.
In short I did enjoy reading 'Wife Support System' and I would recommend it to other readers. I will be reading much more of Kathleen's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 4* out of 5*.
I have to be honest and say that the character of Erica particularly irritated me. It wasn't anything that she did really but it was the way she acted and the way in which she treated certain people. She's the sort of person that I think I would fall out with. I didn't warm to her at all but at the same time I had to find out if she modified her behaviour and to see how the story panned out for her.
It didn't take me long to get into this story. In fact by the time I got to the end of the first chapter, I knew that I was going to be in for one fun and light hearted read. I was spot on too. I couldn't read the book in one long binge because I had other stuff on but I did manage to read it over the course of a few days. When I picked the book up, I would become so engrossed in the story that I lost all track of time and just how quickly the pages were turning. All too soon, I reached the end of the book, which I was disappointed about.
'Wife Support System' is well written. The author has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading this book felt more like a chat with friends or listening into a bitching session between a group of friends, rather than reading a book. The author grabbed my attention from the start and drew me into the story from pretty early on. I really did feel as though I was part of the story myself and that's all down to Kathleen's very vivid and realistic storytelling.
In short I did enjoy reading 'Wife Support System' and I would recommend it to other readers. I will be reading much more of Kathleen's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 4* out of 5*.
August 3, 2020
This book had an intriguing premise and I was definitely eager to read it. If you're given the chance to move into a B&B with your friends to share childminding and house costs, who wouldn't? Being a mother certainly isn't easy and it takes a village to raise a child after all...
I wanted to love this but felt like I couldn't connect to the characters. All of the women, bar one, were lazy and insufferable. I felt sorry for their children. They seem to spend a lot of their time drinking wine and arguing over a whole host of mundane and trivial things. It seemed to drag for half of the book until we finally got some character development and start to see that they are hugely flawed.
The book tackles some sensitive subjects and manages to do so sensitively. The topics covered range from self-harm, friendships, relationships, domestic violence to bullying and depression.
I loved that it showed that nobody is perfect and that we are all imperfect in some way. Nobody is a perfect mother but children deserve to see their parents and shouldn't feel as though they are always second to work.
I liked this but wanted to love it. I wish the characters were more relatable because this had the potential to be fantastic.
I wanted to love this but felt like I couldn't connect to the characters. All of the women, bar one, were lazy and insufferable. I felt sorry for their children. They seem to spend a lot of their time drinking wine and arguing over a whole host of mundane and trivial things. It seemed to drag for half of the book until we finally got some character development and start to see that they are hugely flawed.
The book tackles some sensitive subjects and manages to do so sensitively. The topics covered range from self-harm, friendships, relationships, domestic violence to bullying and depression.
I loved that it showed that nobody is perfect and that we are all imperfect in some way. Nobody is a perfect mother but children deserve to see their parents and shouldn't feel as though they are always second to work.
I liked this but wanted to love it. I wish the characters were more relatable because this had the potential to be fantastic.
July 17, 2020
I really enjoyed this book and read it over a couple of days. It was one of those books that had a gentle pace and it gave me a chance to get to know the three main characters. They were Erica, Louise and Polly, each has children and are school mum friends.
When Erica suggests that their recent holiday together was great and wouldn't it be good if they could do this again. Sharing the childcare, the housework and being there for each other sounds quite a good suggestion. While on paper things should be good in practice, well that is another matter altogether.
I just know that a group of women living together may sound great, but it can also be a recipe for disaster. Especially if one is always working, the other is having issues and the third seems to be the one picking up after everyone. This is definitely a read that shows the women interactions well and made for great reading.
The dynamics between the women are wonderful reading, I loved how the author tackled various aspects of parenthood from the "my child would never do that" to the "can you pick take so and so to school scenarios". While each of the women has their own personal lives and problems, there is also the new challenge of working together and finding compromises, this does not work so well.
I found this an entertaining read and one that had me sniggering several times, it also had some heartbreaking revelations. Seeing the women in a setting that doesn't allow them to put on their "school mum" face was interesting.
I liked this a lot and really warmed to some characters more than others, but also by the end had discovered more about each of the women. A great summer read and one that I would definitely recommend.
When Erica suggests that their recent holiday together was great and wouldn't it be good if they could do this again. Sharing the childcare, the housework and being there for each other sounds quite a good suggestion. While on paper things should be good in practice, well that is another matter altogether.
I just know that a group of women living together may sound great, but it can also be a recipe for disaster. Especially if one is always working, the other is having issues and the third seems to be the one picking up after everyone. This is definitely a read that shows the women interactions well and made for great reading.
The dynamics between the women are wonderful reading, I loved how the author tackled various aspects of parenthood from the "my child would never do that" to the "can you pick take so and so to school scenarios". While each of the women has their own personal lives and problems, there is also the new challenge of working together and finding compromises, this does not work so well.
I found this an entertaining read and one that had me sniggering several times, it also had some heartbreaking revelations. Seeing the women in a setting that doesn't allow them to put on their "school mum" face was interesting.
I liked this a lot and really warmed to some characters more than others, but also by the end had discovered more about each of the women. A great summer read and one that I would definitely recommend.
July 18, 2020
This was something different I haven't come accross before. The story focuses on three women Erica, Polly & Louise. All mothers. All have problems with men, work and money.
Erica is career driven. That's her number one.
Polly lost her partner and is in hiding with her kids, feeling alone. Polly is the one who takes over all the childcare and house chores. Unemployed.
Louise is also career driven but not as much as Erica.
This story has it all affairs, break ups, divorce, lies, secrets, jealousy, love, happiness and puppies. There is always something going on to keep the reader emerged between these womans three lives. It all started with a friends and kids retreat. They end up all moving in together and it is far from plain sailing. Many rows and disagreements emerge when the aim was they all helped each other out. However, they all come together at the end which was beautiful. It's a hectic book which relates to motherhood perfectly. Parts are hilarious. It's a perfect chick-lit read.
A well deserved four stars from me. Highly recommend. If your feeling down this book will cheer you up. It did for me.
Erica is career driven. That's her number one.
Polly lost her partner and is in hiding with her kids, feeling alone. Polly is the one who takes over all the childcare and house chores. Unemployed.
Louise is also career driven but not as much as Erica.
This story has it all affairs, break ups, divorce, lies, secrets, jealousy, love, happiness and puppies. There is always something going on to keep the reader emerged between these womans three lives. It all started with a friends and kids retreat. They end up all moving in together and it is far from plain sailing. Many rows and disagreements emerge when the aim was they all helped each other out. However, they all come together at the end which was beautiful. It's a hectic book which relates to motherhood perfectly. Parts are hilarious. It's a perfect chick-lit read.
A well deserved four stars from me. Highly recommend. If your feeling down this book will cheer you up. It did for me.
June 27, 2020
Wife Support System is more than a clever title. There’s a lot of heart and humor in this story about “three women, five kids, and one house.” You may have heard of “book club fiction”. A book club would have so much fun diving into this book.
What makes a book a “book club book”? First, it should have perspective you’ve never considered. Wife Support System has a most creative perspective- 3 casual friends with kids who realize that they need help! Erica is proud of her exciting career. But, with a husband who travels for his career, she depends upon her nanny. What happens when her nanny suddenly quits? Louise also has an interesting job, and a nice husband, but things just aren’t clicking on the home front anymore. Polly is timid and scared. Her husband died and she has a lot on her plate. Polly lives in a rundown (which is a compliment in this case) B&B and the three women decide that they will move in together and share their housekeeping and childcaring duties. They will visit their own homes and husbands on the weekend. Now, that is a perspective I have never considered!
Second, to be a “book club book”, the characters that must explore a theme. Many interesting and important themes are presented throughout the story, including domestic violence, body image, infidelity, women’s career choices, and bullying.
Third, a “book club book” must have an ending that makes sense yet is open to interpretation. Book clubs love to discuss, “Where do you see these characters five years from now?” Wife Support System has a “happy for now” ending for each character. Through living together, each of the woman does grow and becomes more mature.
Readers will enjoy reading about each character and their humor and observations are entertaining. Book clubs could discuss, “Who is your favorite character?” “Would you have acted/responded like Erica/Louise/Polly?” “How have you handled these situations?”
“Book Club Fiction” sometimes describes an upmarket or literary fiction book. Wife Support System is not like that. It’s a friendly, upbeat book. Enjoy! Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for an advance digital review copy. This is my honest review.
What makes a book a “book club book”? First, it should have perspective you’ve never considered. Wife Support System has a most creative perspective- 3 casual friends with kids who realize that they need help! Erica is proud of her exciting career. But, with a husband who travels for his career, she depends upon her nanny. What happens when her nanny suddenly quits? Louise also has an interesting job, and a nice husband, but things just aren’t clicking on the home front anymore. Polly is timid and scared. Her husband died and she has a lot on her plate. Polly lives in a rundown (which is a compliment in this case) B&B and the three women decide that they will move in together and share their housekeeping and childcaring duties. They will visit their own homes and husbands on the weekend. Now, that is a perspective I have never considered!
Second, to be a “book club book”, the characters that must explore a theme. Many interesting and important themes are presented throughout the story, including domestic violence, body image, infidelity, women’s career choices, and bullying.
Third, a “book club book” must have an ending that makes sense yet is open to interpretation. Book clubs love to discuss, “Where do you see these characters five years from now?” Wife Support System has a “happy for now” ending for each character. Through living together, each of the woman does grow and becomes more mature.
Readers will enjoy reading about each character and their humor and observations are entertaining. Book clubs could discuss, “Who is your favorite character?” “Would you have acted/responded like Erica/Louise/Polly?” “How have you handled these situations?”
“Book Club Fiction” sometimes describes an upmarket or literary fiction book. Wife Support System is not like that. It’s a friendly, upbeat book. Enjoy! Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for an advance digital review copy. This is my honest review.
July 29, 2020
All mums especially working mums will recognise the difficulties these women face, of never feeling good enough and not being around for their children, housework piling up and the massive guilt that comes with juggling everything and sometimes dropping the proverbial ball or balls.
Yet somehow the men in their lives seem to carry on selfishly and rigidly with no guilt whatsoever. I bet a lot of women on reading this will say been there and got the T-shirt. I know I did.
Added to this all three women have added worries, secrets and insecurities. I really empathised with all three for different reasons and the characters and their flaws made them very relatable. Nobody is perfect but maybe together they can be. Although extremely different personalities when push comes to shove they are really there for each other and their friendship was to me the real feature point of this.
Polly was the biggest mystery and to me the most intriguing of them all. Ignoring phone calls, panic attacks, covering scars and struggling after her husbands death. There is so much she isn’t telling that you are desperate to find out more.
This is a great piece of women’s fiction, showcasing the difficulties women face but that we are stronger when we have each other’s backs. This has warmth, humour and characters that we all recognise pieces of ourselves in.
Yet somehow the men in their lives seem to carry on selfishly and rigidly with no guilt whatsoever. I bet a lot of women on reading this will say been there and got the T-shirt. I know I did.
Added to this all three women have added worries, secrets and insecurities. I really empathised with all three for different reasons and the characters and their flaws made them very relatable. Nobody is perfect but maybe together they can be. Although extremely different personalities when push comes to shove they are really there for each other and their friendship was to me the real feature point of this.
Polly was the biggest mystery and to me the most intriguing of them all. Ignoring phone calls, panic attacks, covering scars and struggling after her husbands death. There is so much she isn’t telling that you are desperate to find out more.
This is a great piece of women’s fiction, showcasing the difficulties women face but that we are stronger when we have each other’s backs. This has warmth, humour and characters that we all recognise pieces of ourselves in.
August 2, 2020
This book was so much fun! And, as a single mum of two teenage daughters, I can completely relate to many of the dilemmas faced by the three women in this novel. If you are a woman with children, with or without a husband, there are scenarios in this book that will ring scarily true to you too, without a doubt.
When I read the blurb for this book, I wondered why no one had come up with this plot for a book before, it is absolute genius. The scenario that Kathleen sets up makes so much practical sense. Many of us will know that some men are hopeless at providing help and support with childcare and household chores. I think lockdown has shown this into even sharper relief, as I read an article recently that showed the burden of extra childcare in quarantine had fallen mostly on women. I know, shocking, right? Women everywhere have taken on the burden of looking after children, homeschooling and all the extra housework while schools have been closed, as well as trying largely to work from home. I doubt there are few women who will deny that this has been a hard period for a lot of us mums, so the idea of a female commune where everyone chips in with help as needed is more appealing than ever.
Of course, there are reasons why people don’t do this, despite its appeal, and why the experiment doesn’t run smoothly. Some people don’t pull their weight, there are personality clashes, jealousy, misunderstandings, tensions, hormones. The author milks all of these matters for dramatic effect, with lot of comedy thrown in. The book explores issues of misogyny, romantic neglect, relationships, friendships, grief and loss, mental health issues, female life/work balance and a lot of other things to make this a book with some bite, as well as being charming and entertaining.
I thought the book was innovative and original, moving, appealing and easy to read. The author has a very winning voice that I enjoyed reading, and the book was pacy and engaging. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and would definitely recommend it as a lively read for anyone who likes this type of comedic, mum-focused fiction with quite a lot to say.
When I read the blurb for this book, I wondered why no one had come up with this plot for a book before, it is absolute genius. The scenario that Kathleen sets up makes so much practical sense. Many of us will know that some men are hopeless at providing help and support with childcare and household chores. I think lockdown has shown this into even sharper relief, as I read an article recently that showed the burden of extra childcare in quarantine had fallen mostly on women. I know, shocking, right? Women everywhere have taken on the burden of looking after children, homeschooling and all the extra housework while schools have been closed, as well as trying largely to work from home. I doubt there are few women who will deny that this has been a hard period for a lot of us mums, so the idea of a female commune where everyone chips in with help as needed is more appealing than ever.
Of course, there are reasons why people don’t do this, despite its appeal, and why the experiment doesn’t run smoothly. Some people don’t pull their weight, there are personality clashes, jealousy, misunderstandings, tensions, hormones. The author milks all of these matters for dramatic effect, with lot of comedy thrown in. The book explores issues of misogyny, romantic neglect, relationships, friendships, grief and loss, mental health issues, female life/work balance and a lot of other things to make this a book with some bite, as well as being charming and entertaining.
I thought the book was innovative and original, moving, appealing and easy to read. The author has a very winning voice that I enjoyed reading, and the book was pacy and engaging. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and would definitely recommend it as a lively read for anyone who likes this type of comedic, mum-focused fiction with quite a lot to say.
July 22, 2020
What do you do when your spouse isn’t helpful with the kids and chores? You move in with two other run down moms and try to group raise your children, what could go wrong?
With work, childcare, household chores, potty training, and a social life, it’s a wonder how most mothers do it. With the help of each other, Erica, Polly and Louise move in together to tackle life as a team. However, this is much easier said than done. The women bicker and disagree and even take advantage of each other throughout the book. But as each woman grows and learns and begins to understand that bettering yourself is always possible.
Although I liked the story, I didn’t find myself liking any of the women. They are all flawed, in their own ways, but they got on my nerves. They made silly decisions and treated others wrong. I didn’t find myself cheering for any of them at all.
With work, childcare, household chores, potty training, and a social life, it’s a wonder how most mothers do it. With the help of each other, Erica, Polly and Louise move in together to tackle life as a team. However, this is much easier said than done. The women bicker and disagree and even take advantage of each other throughout the book. But as each woman grows and learns and begins to understand that bettering yourself is always possible.
Although I liked the story, I didn’t find myself liking any of the women. They are all flawed, in their own ways, but they got on my nerves. They made silly decisions and treated others wrong. I didn’t find myself cheering for any of them at all.
February 12, 2023
Brilliant .. a book about friendship.. motherhood and relationships.. funny and heartwarming.
May 14, 2025
3.75 liked it better than I thought I would!
September 27, 2020
With 47 Chapters as well as an Epilogue this is a long book, but it will seem short when you read it. That will mainly be because it is so easy to get stuck into this book and invested in the lives of Polly, Erica and Louise. The further you read into this book the more twists and turns appear, which just makes this even more of an interesting book to read.
Throughout the book the point of view switches from chapter to chapter and is shared between our three leading ladies. Ladies who could not be more different from each other, from the way they dress to they way they raise their children. However no matter how different they are, they just make sense when it comes to their friends.
There is a slight air of mystery when it comes to the background of one of these ladies, which just makes the reader want to read on and uncover this mystery. As you go through the book you will also discover a bit of will they/ won't they which simply adds even more interest to this book.
Although the ending was different than this reader expected, it also turned out to be better than what I expected. The book has its funny moments, its relatable moments as well as emotional moments (at least for the reader). All things that simply make the reader fall in love with this book.
Overall this book is well written and I am so glad I took a chance and signed up for this blog tour. This book will get your emotions involved especially when it comes to the relatable moments. Now although this book was my first by this author it certainly won't be my last.
Throughout the book the point of view switches from chapter to chapter and is shared between our three leading ladies. Ladies who could not be more different from each other, from the way they dress to they way they raise their children. However no matter how different they are, they just make sense when it comes to their friends.
There is a slight air of mystery when it comes to the background of one of these ladies, which just makes the reader want to read on and uncover this mystery. As you go through the book you will also discover a bit of will they/ won't they which simply adds even more interest to this book.
Although the ending was different than this reader expected, it also turned out to be better than what I expected. The book has its funny moments, its relatable moments as well as emotional moments (at least for the reader). All things that simply make the reader fall in love with this book.
Overall this book is well written and I am so glad I took a chance and signed up for this blog tour. This book will get your emotions involved especially when it comes to the relatable moments. Now although this book was my first by this author it certainly won't be my last.
November 3, 2020
#WifeSupportSystem #NetGalley
Thank you, Netgalley, for the opportunity to get a free e-arc for Kathleen Whyman's debut book "Wife Support System." When I saw the book cover, I was intrigued by the cover and the summary. The truth I expected to be more a straightforward woman-fiction story, but the truth is the plot has some themes that I didn't expect.
I want to give a trigger warning for cheating, self-harm, physical & emotional abuse. Even though I enjoyed it, each of the main characters, Erica, Polly & Louise, have their secrets that they keep from each other. But those secrets are the part that builds their friendship at the end.
The dynamics between the women are lovely reading, and I loved how the author tackled various aspects of parenthood from the "my child would never do that" to the "can you pick take so and so to school scenarios." While each of the women has personal lives and problems, there is also the new challenge of working together and finding compromises; this does not work so well.
Ultimately the book makes us realize that life is not a roller coaster ride for anyone-neither to people seemingly happy from outside nor to those with full luxury. And that, no one is ever perfect in whatever they do, and it doesn't matter at all. What matters is, we get to live with small moments of a smile every single day.
"Wife Support System" comes out on July 29th.
Thank you, Netgalley, for the opportunity to get a free e-arc for Kathleen Whyman's debut book "Wife Support System." When I saw the book cover, I was intrigued by the cover and the summary. The truth I expected to be more a straightforward woman-fiction story, but the truth is the plot has some themes that I didn't expect.
I want to give a trigger warning for cheating, self-harm, physical & emotional abuse. Even though I enjoyed it, each of the main characters, Erica, Polly & Louise, have their secrets that they keep from each other. But those secrets are the part that builds their friendship at the end.
The dynamics between the women are lovely reading, and I loved how the author tackled various aspects of parenthood from the "my child would never do that" to the "can you pick take so and so to school scenarios." While each of the women has personal lives and problems, there is also the new challenge of working together and finding compromises; this does not work so well.
Ultimately the book makes us realize that life is not a roller coaster ride for anyone-neither to people seemingly happy from outside nor to those with full luxury. And that, no one is ever perfect in whatever they do, and it doesn't matter at all. What matters is, we get to live with small moments of a smile every single day.
"Wife Support System" comes out on July 29th.
July 29, 2020
This had such a bizarre plot I was intrigued to read more.
It follows the story of 3 mums and their children who move in together to provide a support network to each other for one month.
Workaholic parents Erica and Dan have just lost their nanny and neither are able to look after their children due to their work commitments.
Louisa, also a workaholic mum, seems to leave everything to her husband and their marriage is at breaking point, despite her pretending it’s not.
And Polly, a widow with 2 children suffers extreme anxiety since the death of her husband.
In this fabulous story, boundaries are crossed, friendships and relationships are tested, and secrets unravel. There are betrayals of trust and each woman’s parenting skills come into question.
I thought this was a brilliant debut novel from Kathlyn Whyman. It was easy to follow, had a bit of everything and there were lits of surprises along the way. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
It follows the story of 3 mums and their children who move in together to provide a support network to each other for one month.
Workaholic parents Erica and Dan have just lost their nanny and neither are able to look after their children due to their work commitments.
Louisa, also a workaholic mum, seems to leave everything to her husband and their marriage is at breaking point, despite her pretending it’s not.
And Polly, a widow with 2 children suffers extreme anxiety since the death of her husband.
In this fabulous story, boundaries are crossed, friendships and relationships are tested, and secrets unravel. There are betrayals of trust and each woman’s parenting skills come into question.
I thought this was a brilliant debut novel from Kathlyn Whyman. It was easy to follow, had a bit of everything and there were lits of surprises along the way. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
July 8, 2020
What a great debut book!
The title of the book drew me in, so glad I read it and thoroughly enjoyed!
Three women and their assorted children moving in together,three very different women each having a different agenda on what the house share will provide! Leaving behind their husbands/partners Erica and Louise plus children move in with quiet timid polly! Female solidarity, friendship and fun!The wife support system provides childcare, help with chores, company, friendship and humour! Lives and relationships are changed/altered for ever following the houseshare positivity,hope and second chances await the three women leading to them having a better work life balance,more meaningful loving relationships and a better handle of the trials and tribulations of motherhood! A must read for any mum juggling childcare, career, chores and relationships!
Thank you net galley for this early read!
The title of the book drew me in, so glad I read it and thoroughly enjoyed!
Three women and their assorted children moving in together,three very different women each having a different agenda on what the house share will provide! Leaving behind their husbands/partners Erica and Louise plus children move in with quiet timid polly! Female solidarity, friendship and fun!The wife support system provides childcare, help with chores, company, friendship and humour! Lives and relationships are changed/altered for ever following the houseshare positivity,hope and second chances await the three women leading to them having a better work life balance,more meaningful loving relationships and a better handle of the trials and tribulations of motherhood! A must read for any mum juggling childcare, career, chores and relationships!
Thank you net galley for this early read!
July 12, 2020
When three stressed mums decide to solve their problems by sharing a house and childcare for a month, what can possibly go wrong? One is so wrapped up in work she hardly ever sees her daughter, one is so organised with safety checks and domestic rotas she drives everyone (even her own husband) up the wall, and one has panic attacks and is hiding her scars as well as her secrets. Each of them changes as the story progresses, discovering things about themselves and making much-needed life-changing decisions. They all, in different ways, find love. I enjoyed the book, and the way alternating chapters are written from the three different points of view, although the structure changes in the final few pages which try to merge their three stories/voices in combined chapters and tie it all up in an epilogue that didn't quite work for me.
January 15, 2021
Absolutely loved this.
Great writing, easy to read.
I kept thinking right sleep now Sophie but wanted to read the next chapter to find out more!
Great writing, easy to read.
I kept thinking right sleep now Sophie but wanted to read the next chapter to find out more!
October 18, 2020
Initially, the idea that a return to the ‘village’ being the best place to raise a child was an attractive one, however, in reality putting three very different women together, who aren’t really ‘friends’ is a recipe for disaster, particularly when their home lives and backstories aren’t shared cleanly from the beginning. When Erica’s live-in Nanny quits at the last minute, Erica is left with having to juggle a demanding job as a TV stylist and take care of her 8 year old daughter Jasmine simultaneously. Dan, Erica’s partner, is pretty much a free-lance father, who has absolutely no interest in sharing the responsibility of raising Jasmine as it interferes too heavily in his work and leisure time. Whilst on holiday with Louise and Polly, Erica comes up with the brilliant idea of all moving into Polly’s dilapidated Bnb so that they can support each other and share the load of their combined 5 children. Originally, Polly and Louise are dead-set against the idea, however, Louise’s husband Nick, who by all accounts is loving, decent, supportive and hot, is fed up with the ridiculous OCD antics of his patronizing wife and the lack of raunchy good times happening. Louise, devastated by Nick’s request to have some time and space, reluctantly agrees, and Polly, feeling somewhat more balanced and less inclined to have horrific panic attacks with the women and children around, agrees that it too could be the change she needs to get herself better again. And so the three women and five children set about making the best out of the situation.
Apart from Nick, Rob and Alex who sit on the periphery, the central female characters are by and large unlikeable. Erica, literally neglects Jasmine and despite my deep loathing for Dan and men like Dan, Erica was in many ways just as bad in terms of her serious self-interest. How the gorgeous, attentive Rob could fall in love with her and continue to soothe her quite legitimate mother guilt is bizarre. And despite the ludicrous OCD rosters that Louise constructs to exert control over the household, Polly inevitably sucks up the majority of the mothering as both Louise and Erica continuously both flake out. And no one thanks her. In many ways, this was in fact a pretty effective statement on mothering and motherhood, and whilst Polly may have crossed some boundaries form time to time, it was actually difficult to even blame her given the other two women were super content to let her do all the work. Strangely enough, keeping Polly’s backstory to the closing few chapters was actually a critical error. It should have been laid out from the very beginning, not necessarily to Erica and Louise but certainly to the audience as the big reveal was layered in a strange conservative moral imperative that made very little sense – and for Erica to compare her own losses to Polly’s – I nearly died of eye rolling exertion.
All in all, despite the unlikable characters, Wife Support System was well written, easy to navigate and enjoyable despite the aforementioned frustrations. And if you are thinking, this type of village could be exactly what you need to help you maintain your career and role as a mother, ensure you have done a thorough background check on the people you are moving in with otherwise some crazy surprises might be in stall. 3.5 Stars
Apart from Nick, Rob and Alex who sit on the periphery, the central female characters are by and large unlikeable. Erica, literally neglects Jasmine and despite my deep loathing for Dan and men like Dan, Erica was in many ways just as bad in terms of her serious self-interest. How the gorgeous, attentive Rob could fall in love with her and continue to soothe her quite legitimate mother guilt is bizarre. And despite the ludicrous OCD rosters that Louise constructs to exert control over the household, Polly inevitably sucks up the majority of the mothering as both Louise and Erica continuously both flake out. And no one thanks her. In many ways, this was in fact a pretty effective statement on mothering and motherhood, and whilst Polly may have crossed some boundaries form time to time, it was actually difficult to even blame her given the other two women were super content to let her do all the work. Strangely enough, keeping Polly’s backstory to the closing few chapters was actually a critical error. It should have been laid out from the very beginning, not necessarily to Erica and Louise but certainly to the audience as the big reveal was layered in a strange conservative moral imperative that made very little sense – and for Erica to compare her own losses to Polly’s – I nearly died of eye rolling exertion.
All in all, despite the unlikable characters, Wife Support System was well written, easy to navigate and enjoyable despite the aforementioned frustrations. And if you are thinking, this type of village could be exactly what you need to help you maintain your career and role as a mother, ensure you have done a thorough background check on the people you are moving in with otherwise some crazy surprises might be in stall. 3.5 Stars
July 29, 2020
Originally reviewed for Chick Lit Central (www.chicklitcentral.com):
This was an entirely unique story, particularly where familial living and friendships are concerned. After reading Erica’s suggestion on moving in with her friend Polly, while also convincing their friend Louise to join in on that decision, I couldn’t help but wonder what my own life would be like had I decided to forgo tradition and move in with some of my closest girlfriends. I think it would be equal parts fun and chaos, which is exactly what these three women experience!
Told from all three perspectives, we learn that Erica has continual guilt over being a working mother. She feels torn between a job she’s spent years cultivating and the relationship she has with her daughter. Then there’s Louise, who doesn’t feel secure in her marriage or in her own skin, period. Polly has secrets that she’s kept hidden for so long, she doesn’t know how much longer she can keep up the facade. They are all hurting in various ways yet have a difficult time coming to terms with that, or sharing those feelings with one another. I appreciated that each character lets the reader know their internal thoughts, so we fully understand what they’re up against, and really, it’s a lot.
The home that Polly shares with her friends felt like another character within Wife Support System, representing the inhabitants under its roof. From Erica’s shaky foundation to Louise’s lack of care when it comes to her appearance, or Polly’s need to hide asbestos (badness) within the walls, there is so much more than what is seen, but on further inspection, the home has good bones and potential. I felt that way about these touching characters who have a lot of fumbles along the way, or often feel stuck and that there is nothing more than can do to change their situations. Even when there are lifelines, they are overlooked.
Wife Support System focuses on change. Change within relationships, change within one’s self, the ability to see something for what it is and do what needs to be done to survive life. I appreciated the romantic moments, the parental ones, too, yet it was the sisterhood between Erica, Louise and Polly while facing change that really sealed the deal for me, watching them navigate through choppy waters and having each other’s backs as much as can be, given the situations that are thrown at them. It was a uniquely touching experience!
This was an entirely unique story, particularly where familial living and friendships are concerned. After reading Erica’s suggestion on moving in with her friend Polly, while also convincing their friend Louise to join in on that decision, I couldn’t help but wonder what my own life would be like had I decided to forgo tradition and move in with some of my closest girlfriends. I think it would be equal parts fun and chaos, which is exactly what these three women experience!
Told from all three perspectives, we learn that Erica has continual guilt over being a working mother. She feels torn between a job she’s spent years cultivating and the relationship she has with her daughter. Then there’s Louise, who doesn’t feel secure in her marriage or in her own skin, period. Polly has secrets that she’s kept hidden for so long, she doesn’t know how much longer she can keep up the facade. They are all hurting in various ways yet have a difficult time coming to terms with that, or sharing those feelings with one another. I appreciated that each character lets the reader know their internal thoughts, so we fully understand what they’re up against, and really, it’s a lot.
The home that Polly shares with her friends felt like another character within Wife Support System, representing the inhabitants under its roof. From Erica’s shaky foundation to Louise’s lack of care when it comes to her appearance, or Polly’s need to hide asbestos (badness) within the walls, there is so much more than what is seen, but on further inspection, the home has good bones and potential. I felt that way about these touching characters who have a lot of fumbles along the way, or often feel stuck and that there is nothing more than can do to change their situations. Even when there are lifelines, they are overlooked.
Wife Support System focuses on change. Change within relationships, change within one’s self, the ability to see something for what it is and do what needs to be done to survive life. I appreciated the romantic moments, the parental ones, too, yet it was the sisterhood between Erica, Louise and Polly while facing change that really sealed the deal for me, watching them navigate through choppy waters and having each other’s backs as much as can be, given the situations that are thrown at them. It was a uniquely touching experience!
August 1, 2021
Loved this fun, heartwarming, fast paced read! Fantastic debut from this author, Kathleen Wyman!
Three very different characters, Erica, Louise and Polly, all mums are bright together on a cheeky holiday wth their children. Due to childcare issues and (all with lack of father roles) and juggling work, Erica manages to persuade the other two what a great idea it would be to all move into Pollys rundown large ex B&B.
The plan to share childcare, housework and cooking etc soon falls short with Erica and Louise heavily relying on the lovely, sweet Polly. However, they soon realise this comes at a cost!
The story follows the three separate journeys, each one I loved. Pollys unravelled unexpectedly (and quite sad!) I enjoyed her journey the most. It was so lovely to watch her grow stronger and happier.
Friendships are tested throughout but also discovered and each learning from the other and the situation.
Btw I also enjoyed the kids journey. It was also very interesting watching developing from initial excitement of all friends living together to some challenging moments!
I could really relate to the motherhood juggling and the story was refreshing and brought to life by the wonderful narration from Natalie Drew.
She was so good!
I will defo be looking out for Kathleen's next book and more narrations from Natalie!
To conclude this was an awesome, fun, read. Great plot, original concept and imaginative. Thoroughly recommend this book if you like a chick-lit, holiday read then this is a must!
Thanks to Netgalley and Saga Egmont and the author for allowing me the pleasure of this advance copy of this audiobook.
Being registered blind its a wonderful thing to read /listen to such a good book!
Three very different characters, Erica, Louise and Polly, all mums are bright together on a cheeky holiday wth their children. Due to childcare issues and (all with lack of father roles) and juggling work, Erica manages to persuade the other two what a great idea it would be to all move into Pollys rundown large ex B&B.
The plan to share childcare, housework and cooking etc soon falls short with Erica and Louise heavily relying on the lovely, sweet Polly. However, they soon realise this comes at a cost!
The story follows the three separate journeys, each one I loved. Pollys unravelled unexpectedly (and quite sad!) I enjoyed her journey the most. It was so lovely to watch her grow stronger and happier.
Friendships are tested throughout but also discovered and each learning from the other and the situation.
Btw I also enjoyed the kids journey. It was also very interesting watching developing from initial excitement of all friends living together to some challenging moments!
I could really relate to the motherhood juggling and the story was refreshing and brought to life by the wonderful narration from Natalie Drew.
She was so good!
I will defo be looking out for Kathleen's next book and more narrations from Natalie!
To conclude this was an awesome, fun, read. Great plot, original concept and imaginative. Thoroughly recommend this book if you like a chick-lit, holiday read then this is a must!
Thanks to Netgalley and Saga Egmont and the author for allowing me the pleasure of this advance copy of this audiobook.
Being registered blind its a wonderful thing to read /listen to such a good book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2020
ARC PROVIDED BY NETGALLEY IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.
Three wives and five kids, all from different backgrounds and living together under the same roof, for the first time?
This was bound to be a delightful disaster so I knew this book was a must-read. What caught my attention was the book description, I had to know what happened.
I love the character development of this book because we see how each character grows because of the experiences they share with one another. The author uses multiple POV, this provides insights into every character’s thoughts. This also helps the reader understand each character’s action, we walk in their shoes.
You’re going to hate the actions of the characters sometimes, then you forgive them and go back to loving them.
This book explores a lot of themes, like friendship, love, relationships, marriage, motherhood, self-esteem, bullying etc. It also talks about domestic violence and life after DV.
There were some unexpected twist that I didn’t see coming even if the writer left some hints. Brilliant!
Overall I think the purpose of the book was fulfilled because it questions the essence of friendship. If you are 100% certain that you have a firm grasp of this thing called friendship, you might want to read this book for some revaluation.
Another insight I got from this book is that you don’t have to be perfect to be a good mother, It’s actually not possible to be perfect at motherhood, sometimes you need an extra glass of wine or maybe a really deep breathe, It’s all fine. No one is perfect at this.
Perfection isn’t what makes you a good mother.
There is also a healthy place for vulnerability in every relationship, you have to know when to accept help and when to let others in.
http://www.oliviasose.com/wife-suppor...
Three wives and five kids, all from different backgrounds and living together under the same roof, for the first time?
This was bound to be a delightful disaster so I knew this book was a must-read. What caught my attention was the book description, I had to know what happened.
I love the character development of this book because we see how each character grows because of the experiences they share with one another. The author uses multiple POV, this provides insights into every character’s thoughts. This also helps the reader understand each character’s action, we walk in their shoes.
You’re going to hate the actions of the characters sometimes, then you forgive them and go back to loving them.
This book explores a lot of themes, like friendship, love, relationships, marriage, motherhood, self-esteem, bullying etc. It also talks about domestic violence and life after DV.
There were some unexpected twist that I didn’t see coming even if the writer left some hints. Brilliant!
Overall I think the purpose of the book was fulfilled because it questions the essence of friendship. If you are 100% certain that you have a firm grasp of this thing called friendship, you might want to read this book for some revaluation.
Another insight I got from this book is that you don’t have to be perfect to be a good mother, It’s actually not possible to be perfect at motherhood, sometimes you need an extra glass of wine or maybe a really deep breathe, It’s all fine. No one is perfect at this.
Perfection isn’t what makes you a good mother.
There is also a healthy place for vulnerability in every relationship, you have to know when to accept help and when to let others in.
http://www.oliviasose.com/wife-suppor...
July 11, 2020
Polly, Louise, and Erica are three moms who struggle with the challenges of parenthood, career, and relationships. Polly has a big house and is a stay at home mom who wants adult company. Louise and Erica are career women who need childcare, and a change of scenery. So the three of them join forces, living together with their children, and living back at their homes on the weekend. What ensues is not anywhere near the idyllic situation they each anticipated.
I couldn’t wait to read this book, especially because a few mom friends and I have often dreamt of the same sort of scenario, thinking it would be a way of having our cake and eating it too. Reading this book, I could instantly see the problems just such a situation could present. The miscommunications, the sometimes selfish behavior, the grittiness that comes with being a human, this wasn’t an easy ride, I saw facets of women that I didn’t want to believe exist, but know that I’ve struggled with myself. I really enjoyed that while the support system is flawed, the characters each learn from their mistakes and try to correct them.
I really enjoyed this book. I liked that each woman was flawed in a way that was almost painful to read. Wife Support System will make me think and reflect on my own relationships for a long time, and in the end, that is what I want from a book.
I received an advance copy of this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I couldn’t wait to read this book, especially because a few mom friends and I have often dreamt of the same sort of scenario, thinking it would be a way of having our cake and eating it too. Reading this book, I could instantly see the problems just such a situation could present. The miscommunications, the sometimes selfish behavior, the grittiness that comes with being a human, this wasn’t an easy ride, I saw facets of women that I didn’t want to believe exist, but know that I’ve struggled with myself. I really enjoyed that while the support system is flawed, the characters each learn from their mistakes and try to correct them.
I really enjoyed this book. I liked that each woman was flawed in a way that was almost painful to read. Wife Support System will make me think and reflect on my own relationships for a long time, and in the end, that is what I want from a book.
I received an advance copy of this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 12, 2020
💥💥💥💥Can’t believe you’ve dealt with all this on your own. You should have told us. How do you carry on day to day?’💥💥💥💥
Such strong lines with a great insight!, that every one(especially woman) needs to hear occassionally....
❤️❤️❤️
Erica, Polly and Louise are busy moms, who decides to move in together to Polly's enormous house, -with five kids-for sharing childcare and household works, for easy management of professional and personal life. Its the perfect world for them in the beginning, but issues starts to rise up eventually. How their friendship helps them balance their life, in all the hurry-burry things around them is what constitutes the story.
Everyone's concepts of perfect motherhood comes as a hindrance to them.
.
.
.
It took a while for me to catch the pace, but once I was on it, I really enjoyed the book. Author presents all troubles faced by a modern 'working mother' -at workplace and at home. Woman are not shown as struggling without men, but trying to manage by themselves, with all their physical and mental power. Common real life situations are blended with humorous elements, which makes the flow of the story more interesting.
.
.
.
Ultimately the book makes us realise that life is not a roller coaster ride for anyone-neither to people seemingly happy from outside nor to those with full luxury.And that, no one is ever perfect in whatever they do and it doesnt matter at all.What matters is, we get to live with small moments of smile, every single day.
***thanks to Netgalley for providing the book for a review before its publication***
Such strong lines with a great insight!, that every one(especially woman) needs to hear occassionally....
❤️❤️❤️
Erica, Polly and Louise are busy moms, who decides to move in together to Polly's enormous house, -with five kids-for sharing childcare and household works, for easy management of professional and personal life. Its the perfect world for them in the beginning, but issues starts to rise up eventually. How their friendship helps them balance their life, in all the hurry-burry things around them is what constitutes the story.
Everyone's concepts of perfect motherhood comes as a hindrance to them.
.
.
.
It took a while for me to catch the pace, but once I was on it, I really enjoyed the book. Author presents all troubles faced by a modern 'working mother' -at workplace and at home. Woman are not shown as struggling without men, but trying to manage by themselves, with all their physical and mental power. Common real life situations are blended with humorous elements, which makes the flow of the story more interesting.
.
.
.
Ultimately the book makes us realise that life is not a roller coaster ride for anyone-neither to people seemingly happy from outside nor to those with full luxury.And that, no one is ever perfect in whatever they do and it doesnt matter at all.What matters is, we get to live with small moments of smile, every single day.
***thanks to Netgalley for providing the book for a review before its publication***
July 13, 2021
Relatable and Funny Debut
Kathleen Whyman’s debut novel, Wife Support System, is the story of a group of women, friends for many years, who move into Polly’s large but definitely in-need-of-repair house to share childcare and offer each other support.
At first it seems like a good idea. Erica, stylist for the Sing to Win TV program, needs childcare for her daughter, and Polly is only too happy to step in. Until Erica begins to fear her daughter is growing closer to Polly than to her.
Louise is organized to a fault, with endless lists for who’ll do the grocery shopping, whose turn it is to take out the garbage, et cetera, until her moodiness and controlling nature lead to increasing friction. Worse still, her marriage is in danger of imploding.
Polly, the linchpin of the group, has her own secret - a trauma from her past that threatens her future. She’s tired of living in fear and longs to find happiness. Can she overcome her past and find the courage to forge a relationship with Alex?
As they collectively navigate their relationships, nothing turns out as they imagined and conflict is inevitable.
The ensemble cast engaged me and kept me turning the pages right up to the end. I look forward to more from Ms. Whyman.
Kathleen Whyman’s debut novel, Wife Support System, is the story of a group of women, friends for many years, who move into Polly’s large but definitely in-need-of-repair house to share childcare and offer each other support.
At first it seems like a good idea. Erica, stylist for the Sing to Win TV program, needs childcare for her daughter, and Polly is only too happy to step in. Until Erica begins to fear her daughter is growing closer to Polly than to her.
Louise is organized to a fault, with endless lists for who’ll do the grocery shopping, whose turn it is to take out the garbage, et cetera, until her moodiness and controlling nature lead to increasing friction. Worse still, her marriage is in danger of imploding.
Polly, the linchpin of the group, has her own secret - a trauma from her past that threatens her future. She’s tired of living in fear and longs to find happiness. Can she overcome her past and find the courage to forge a relationship with Alex?
As they collectively navigate their relationships, nothing turns out as they imagined and conflict is inevitable.
The ensemble cast engaged me and kept me turning the pages right up to the end. I look forward to more from Ms. Whyman.
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