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Other Parents
They all have opinions.
They all have secrets.
In a small town like West Burntridge, it should be impossible to keep a secret. But the problem with having your nose in everyone’s business is that you can miss what’s staring you in the face.
Rachel Saunders knows gossip is the price you pay for a rural lifestyle and outstanding schools. The latest town scandal is her divorce – and the fact that her new girlfriend has moved into the family home.
Laura Spence lives in a poky bedsit on the wrong side of town. She and her son Jake don’t really belong, and his violent tantrums are threatening to expose the very thing she’s trying to hide.
When the local school introduces a new LGBTQ+-friendly curriculum, Rachel and Laura find themselves on opposite sides of a fearsome debate. But the problem with having your nose in everyone else’s business is that you often miss what’s happening in your own home.
They all have secrets.
In a small town like West Burntridge, it should be impossible to keep a secret. But the problem with having your nose in everyone’s business is that you can miss what’s staring you in the face.
Rachel Saunders knows gossip is the price you pay for a rural lifestyle and outstanding schools. The latest town scandal is her divorce – and the fact that her new girlfriend has moved into the family home.
Laura Spence lives in a poky bedsit on the wrong side of town. She and her son Jake don’t really belong, and his violent tantrums are threatening to expose the very thing she’s trying to hide.
When the local school introduces a new LGBTQ+-friendly curriculum, Rachel and Laura find themselves on opposite sides of a fearsome debate. But the problem with having your nose in everyone else’s business is that you often miss what’s happening in your own home.
397 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 20, 2022
107 people are currently reading
1058 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews
November 5, 2021
4-5 stars.
It all starts with two women raising a ‘query’ (ie a criticism and objection) about age appropriate inclusive teaching, specifically an LGBTQ matter. However, what starts as a query builds to a protest and oh boy, does it ignite like an exploding Bonfire Night rocket sending sparks in a multiple of directions over the ‘calm’ night skies of Burntridge in Northumberland. Jo is the head of the prestigious West Burntridge First School where it all starts and she’s caught slap bang in the middle of it all in more ways than one when several women are set on a collision course with all the force of charging rhinos. The story is told from five perspectives which I’d usually consider too many but in this case it’s absolutely vital as it provides an insightful and incisive balance of contrasting and most revealing points of view.
This is a really good book - not so much a mystery thriller but more a noir examining what lurks beneath the surface in a small seemingly perfect community when prejudice breaks its surface veneer. There are so many undercurrents here that it’s fascinating reading as we witness such things as the imbalance of inequality, the impact of poverty and what that forces characters to do, the difficulties of parenthood and new relationships. The characterisation is very good especially those of mother Rachel and teen daughter Maia who are also on a collision course. Maia’s storyline becomes a very upsetting dark one but which is handled sensitively. Rachel is such an intriguing character, she’s a high flyer and very intelligent and possessing a bitingly sarcastic tongue which runs away with her on occasion. Sometimes you just want to laugh at what she comes out with as she’s often saying what people are thinking! There’s one incident towards the end that makes your jaw drop and then smile with delight as it’s literally delicious! I like the way the plot builds with layer on layer of issues making it compelling reading which leads to a most satisfying conclusion with some characters having to make tough decisions in order to live with themselves.
Overall, I definitely want to read more by this author as the writing is so accomplished. Although there’s a lot tackled in this book it doesn’t feel overblown and I applaud the way it’s all handled.
With thanks to Netgalley and especially to HQ for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
It all starts with two women raising a ‘query’ (ie a criticism and objection) about age appropriate inclusive teaching, specifically an LGBTQ matter. However, what starts as a query builds to a protest and oh boy, does it ignite like an exploding Bonfire Night rocket sending sparks in a multiple of directions over the ‘calm’ night skies of Burntridge in Northumberland. Jo is the head of the prestigious West Burntridge First School where it all starts and she’s caught slap bang in the middle of it all in more ways than one when several women are set on a collision course with all the force of charging rhinos. The story is told from five perspectives which I’d usually consider too many but in this case it’s absolutely vital as it provides an insightful and incisive balance of contrasting and most revealing points of view.
This is a really good book - not so much a mystery thriller but more a noir examining what lurks beneath the surface in a small seemingly perfect community when prejudice breaks its surface veneer. There are so many undercurrents here that it’s fascinating reading as we witness such things as the imbalance of inequality, the impact of poverty and what that forces characters to do, the difficulties of parenthood and new relationships. The characterisation is very good especially those of mother Rachel and teen daughter Maia who are also on a collision course. Maia’s storyline becomes a very upsetting dark one but which is handled sensitively. Rachel is such an intriguing character, she’s a high flyer and very intelligent and possessing a bitingly sarcastic tongue which runs away with her on occasion. Sometimes you just want to laugh at what she comes out with as she’s often saying what people are thinking! There’s one incident towards the end that makes your jaw drop and then smile with delight as it’s literally delicious! I like the way the plot builds with layer on layer of issues making it compelling reading which leads to a most satisfying conclusion with some characters having to make tough decisions in order to live with themselves.
Overall, I definitely want to read more by this author as the writing is so accomplished. Although there’s a lot tackled in this book it doesn’t feel overblown and I applaud the way it’s all handled.
With thanks to Netgalley and especially to HQ for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
July 29, 2022
I wasn't quite sure what to expect from this novel, having not read this author before.
The prologue hinted at a mystery, but it ended up being an enjoyable character study involving playground politics.
The narrative is told from five narratives including recently separated from her husband Rachel and is now living with her female lover, head teacher Jo and struggling Mum Laura.
The book tackles a whole host of topics especially as the school plans to teach LGBTQ topics which sparks a petition from a vocal few parents.
Navigating between the various POVs helped keep the plot fresh whilst the mini-dramas helped make this an addictive read.
The prologue hinted at a mystery, but it ended up being an enjoyable character study involving playground politics.
The narrative is told from five narratives including recently separated from her husband Rachel and is now living with her female lover, head teacher Jo and struggling Mum Laura.
The book tackles a whole host of topics especially as the school plans to teach LGBTQ topics which sparks a petition from a vocal few parents.
Navigating between the various POVs helped keep the plot fresh whilst the mini-dramas helped make this an addictive read.
February 17, 2022
This was one of my 2022 anticipated books and it didn’t disappoint me.
Gossip
People poking noses in where they shouldn’t
Rumours
Lies
Backlashes
Right up my street!
It covers the insight to some who think they aren’t prejudiced but actually their way of thinking actually is!
One of my top 20 so far.
Gossip
People poking noses in where they shouldn’t
Rumours
Lies
Backlashes
Right up my street!
It covers the insight to some who think they aren’t prejudiced but actually their way of thinking actually is!
One of my top 20 so far.
January 5, 2022
What can I say about this book?
It may be easier to say what can’t I say about this book?
To call it a dark family drama with psychological elements thrown in would be to belittle it
Seriously it is really hard to describe this story or how poignant and how refreshingly honest it is, a really satisfying read that isen’t all light and fluffy by any means and covers almost everything you can imagine a book in 2022 needing to cover but in a non pompous way, it tackles issues the modern world is and needs to face but in a realistic way with both sides making mistakes and looking foolish, the self righteous do often suffer in this book whilst also making a difference
Some of the characters are repulsive in their charisma and charm, some deliciously honest and real ( the head teacher who loathes the PTA parents ) and some downright objectionable yet raise sympathies from the reader when their lives are more closely looked at
Any book that has you laughing out loud at a furious cake fight at a School Christmas fair between a ‘newly lesbian Mum’ and an anti gay rights campaigner with a clipboard and yet make you want to cry a few pages on for one Mother who is a sex worker so she can feed her child is to me outstanding and worthy of praise
It is unashamedly frank, brutally honest and so well written I wish it had carried on for another 400 pages
An amazing read
10/10
5 Stars
It may be easier to say what can’t I say about this book?
To call it a dark family drama with psychological elements thrown in would be to belittle it
Seriously it is really hard to describe this story or how poignant and how refreshingly honest it is, a really satisfying read that isen’t all light and fluffy by any means and covers almost everything you can imagine a book in 2022 needing to cover but in a non pompous way, it tackles issues the modern world is and needs to face but in a realistic way with both sides making mistakes and looking foolish, the self righteous do often suffer in this book whilst also making a difference
Some of the characters are repulsive in their charisma and charm, some deliciously honest and real ( the head teacher who loathes the PTA parents ) and some downright objectionable yet raise sympathies from the reader when their lives are more closely looked at
Any book that has you laughing out loud at a furious cake fight at a School Christmas fair between a ‘newly lesbian Mum’ and an anti gay rights campaigner with a clipboard and yet make you want to cry a few pages on for one Mother who is a sex worker so she can feed her child is to me outstanding and worthy of praise
It is unashamedly frank, brutally honest and so well written I wish it had carried on for another 400 pages
An amazing read
10/10
5 Stars
February 24, 2022
I'm not sure what category I'd put this book under, perhaps domestic drama comes closest, but it sure has a heck of a lot going on. Secrets, lies, rumour, gossip, prejudice and lots of other nasty stuff simmers just under the surface of a "nice" middle class, rural English town, all waiting for a bit of extra heat to bring it to boiling point. This covers some serious issues, and even though it has mostly unlikeable characters, I still enjoyed it, it made me laugh in places and it really made me appreciate no longer having to wait at the school gates 😬.
January 22, 2022
I've been reading this book over the last few days and whilst I've now finished it (so clearly enjoyed it enough to finish) I'm not crazy about it. Reading the blurb I was expecting this to be a bit more of a thriller/suspense and also feel it should come with some TW's (I read an ARC so perhaps the finished copy will). This book was funny and some of the characters were pretty relatable but overall it was an average 3 star read for me.
October 14, 2023
Rachel Saunders knows that living in West Burntridge, that it is impossible to keep a secret as everybody knows everyone's business.
Rachel knows gossip is the price you pay for a rural lifestyle and outstanding schools. The latest town scandal is her divorce - and the fact that her new girlfriend Erin has moved into the family home. This has sent shock waves through the usually conservative town and is destroying her relationship with her eldest daughter Maia.
When the local school introduces a new LGBTQ+ curriculum, Rachel and Laura find themselves on opposite sides of a fearsome debate.
This had all the magic ingredients for me, gossip, nosiness, rumours, lies which made this into a gripping read that I could not put down.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
Rachel knows gossip is the price you pay for a rural lifestyle and outstanding schools. The latest town scandal is her divorce - and the fact that her new girlfriend Erin has moved into the family home. This has sent shock waves through the usually conservative town and is destroying her relationship with her eldest daughter Maia.
When the local school introduces a new LGBTQ+ curriculum, Rachel and Laura find themselves on opposite sides of a fearsome debate.
This had all the magic ingredients for me, gossip, nosiness, rumours, lies which made this into a gripping read that I could not put down.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 19, 2022
I read The Home by Sarah Stovell a few years ago and it was a heartbreakingly, beautifully written masterpiece. So I was really looking forward to reading this, the author has a real talent for throwing a bomb of controversy into a group of people and detailing the fallout. This wasn’t as dark as The Home and had some lighter funny moments, mostly down to Rachel and her wonderfully potty mouth. She may have meant to say shove it up your arse to Kate but we all know vagina is what came out and what is the main source of her current scandal.
With Rachel leaving her husband for, shock horror, another woman and LGBTQ inclusion being added to the curriculum. Lines are drawn along with a petition and the war is on with poor Jo the headteacher and friend of Rachel stuck in the middle.
Most mothers will know of the cliques that parents form in the school playground, this exaggerates it in all its glory with the PTA and the thoroughly unlikeable Kate. Who you just know has Mary Berry on speed dial and probably Kirstie Allsopp too.
This highlights the existence of bigotry and even the ones throwing stones are living in the proverbial glass houses. And you know the thing about glass is that it can shatter!
Like the characters here I’ve always been opinionated and my opinion on this is read it. Read it, choose a side, add some war paint and get stuck in.
With Rachel leaving her husband for, shock horror, another woman and LGBTQ inclusion being added to the curriculum. Lines are drawn along with a petition and the war is on with poor Jo the headteacher and friend of Rachel stuck in the middle.
Most mothers will know of the cliques that parents form in the school playground, this exaggerates it in all its glory with the PTA and the thoroughly unlikeable Kate. Who you just know has Mary Berry on speed dial and probably Kirstie Allsopp too.
This highlights the existence of bigotry and even the ones throwing stones are living in the proverbial glass houses. And you know the thing about glass is that it can shatter!
Like the characters here I’ve always been opinionated and my opinion on this is read it. Read it, choose a side, add some war paint and get stuck in.
April 19, 2022
*Schools & Dramas*
The main Rachel Saunders is what I would describe as a big fish in a small pond. This is based in a rural village where everyone knows each other’s business and the school seems to be the place where the action is. The drama seems to come more from the parents!
Rachel is a high achiever with 3 children 2 of which are teenagers. Now she has become the main source of scandal and gossip because not only is she recently divorced, her new partner Erin has moved into the family home.
This then kicks off a petition because the latest head of school Jo is including a topic that some are offended by.
There are the ones who never have to work and one woman in particular Laura is struggling to feed her son and make ends meet, her choice of work is on the brink of being found out
I won’t say too much more but while this is all kicking off secrets are being exposed that some are too blind to see in their own lives
This was a surprising read for me
The main Rachel Saunders is what I would describe as a big fish in a small pond. This is based in a rural village where everyone knows each other’s business and the school seems to be the place where the action is. The drama seems to come more from the parents!
Rachel is a high achiever with 3 children 2 of which are teenagers. Now she has become the main source of scandal and gossip because not only is she recently divorced, her new partner Erin has moved into the family home.
This then kicks off a petition because the latest head of school Jo is including a topic that some are offended by.
There are the ones who never have to work and one woman in particular Laura is struggling to feed her son and make ends meet, her choice of work is on the brink of being found out
I won’t say too much more but while this is all kicking off secrets are being exposed that some are too blind to see in their own lives
This was a surprising read for me
December 21, 2021
This is Stovell's fifth novel. I've been reading her work since way back in 2009 and have enjoyed everything she's published. I've been really looking forward to seeing just what she's conjured up for her readers this time.
So, it's dark; we could call it #SchoolgateNoir or #SmallTownNoir as it's set in a small town and the main characters are all connected to the local school. What it really is, is an insightful and often scathing study about women. About how they behave toward one another, about how much they hide and how much they allow themselves to really be true. It's about the effect of adult behaviour on young people and it's about bigotry and ignorance. It's also very very funny in places, with some characters who I secretly want to be just like (hello Rachel!), and some who I felt desperately sorry for and one who I just hated (oh dear Kate!).
Rachel Saunders is intelligent, outspoken and successful. She's a mother of three, lives in one of the nicest houses in town and has just replaced her long-term husband Will, also the father of her children, with her girlfriend Erin. This sent shock waves through the usually conservative, ordinary town and is destroying her relationship with her daughters, especially eldest Maia.
Stovell tells her story through the voices of five of the main players; Rachel, Jo (the head of the school), Erin, Laura and Maia. This is a great way to see all sides of what can be a grubby, uncomfortable story at times. Each character is created so very well, from Rachel with her determination to bring about equality in all parts of life, to downtrodden Laura - single mother to Max; a small boy with enormous needs.
The incident that sparks the biggest debate is when Laura and Kate (a pompous, vile, PTA mum) decide that they don't want their children to be taught about homosexual relationships. Their blinkered view is painful to read about, but anyone who reads the comments on social media will realise that their thoughts are widespread in this country, despite our inclusive laws and supposed acceptance of all. Obviously, Rachel takes this personally and the battle lines are drawn.
Whilst this is going on, sixteen-year-old Maia is dealing with her own insecurities. She's bright, beautiful and popular but is damaged by something she sees at home. Her only way of dealing with this is her own form of self harm; not the norm, but equally as damaging as taking a knife to her skin, and her actions opens up more heartache, especially for Jo, the head of the school.
I could talk more about the developments in the plot and the issues dealt with in Other Parents, but I fear my review could become as long as the book itself! I will say that it is a gripping, entertaining read that I struggled to put down once I'd started. Stovell excels in creating female characters who are totally flawed at times. She doesn't shy away from bad behaviours and I think most readers may see a bit of themselves in at least one of the lead players in this story.
This is a sharp, relatable, hilarious and heart-breaking novel that I will remember for a long time. Highly recommended by me.
So, it's dark; we could call it #SchoolgateNoir or #SmallTownNoir as it's set in a small town and the main characters are all connected to the local school. What it really is, is an insightful and often scathing study about women. About how they behave toward one another, about how much they hide and how much they allow themselves to really be true. It's about the effect of adult behaviour on young people and it's about bigotry and ignorance. It's also very very funny in places, with some characters who I secretly want to be just like (hello Rachel!), and some who I felt desperately sorry for and one who I just hated (oh dear Kate!).
Rachel Saunders is intelligent, outspoken and successful. She's a mother of three, lives in one of the nicest houses in town and has just replaced her long-term husband Will, also the father of her children, with her girlfriend Erin. This sent shock waves through the usually conservative, ordinary town and is destroying her relationship with her daughters, especially eldest Maia.
Stovell tells her story through the voices of five of the main players; Rachel, Jo (the head of the school), Erin, Laura and Maia. This is a great way to see all sides of what can be a grubby, uncomfortable story at times. Each character is created so very well, from Rachel with her determination to bring about equality in all parts of life, to downtrodden Laura - single mother to Max; a small boy with enormous needs.
The incident that sparks the biggest debate is when Laura and Kate (a pompous, vile, PTA mum) decide that they don't want their children to be taught about homosexual relationships. Their blinkered view is painful to read about, but anyone who reads the comments on social media will realise that their thoughts are widespread in this country, despite our inclusive laws and supposed acceptance of all. Obviously, Rachel takes this personally and the battle lines are drawn.
Whilst this is going on, sixteen-year-old Maia is dealing with her own insecurities. She's bright, beautiful and popular but is damaged by something she sees at home. Her only way of dealing with this is her own form of self harm; not the norm, but equally as damaging as taking a knife to her skin, and her actions opens up more heartache, especially for Jo, the head of the school.
I could talk more about the developments in the plot and the issues dealt with in Other Parents, but I fear my review could become as long as the book itself! I will say that it is a gripping, entertaining read that I struggled to put down once I'd started. Stovell excels in creating female characters who are totally flawed at times. She doesn't shy away from bad behaviours and I think most readers may see a bit of themselves in at least one of the lead players in this story.
This is a sharp, relatable, hilarious and heart-breaking novel that I will remember for a long time. Highly recommended by me.
December 21, 2021
3.5 ⭐️
Other Parents by Sarah Stovell will be published in the New Year. Stovell has been referred to as Britain’s answer to Liane Moriarty and it’s not hard to see why. She breathes the same life and drama into small town England as Moriarty does to small town Australia. It’s hard not to keep turning pages, with well-developed characters and a decent (if at times far fetched) storyline that comes together in a gradual but satisfying way.
Rachel is a doctor turned successful author who has recently ended her marriage after meeting Erin, causing scandal and upheaval aplenty. Her friend Jo is principal of the local primary school. Laura is a single mother trying to make ends meet. Each of the women are so consumed with their own lives but it’s what’s going on closer to home that requires their attention.
The book is pure floss but I think the author captures the working mother juggle, PTA politics, and goldfish bowl small town living really well - it’s very entertaining even if some of it is totally overegged. She delves into some topical issues for parents in the modern age. It’s a juicy pageturner and proved an excellent distraction these past few days. Right book at the right time perhaps? 3.5⭐️
**Other Parents by Sarah Stovell will be published on 20 January 2022. I read an advance digital copy of the book courtesy of the publishers @harpercollins @hqstories and @netgalley. As always, this is an honest review.**
Other Parents by Sarah Stovell will be published in the New Year. Stovell has been referred to as Britain’s answer to Liane Moriarty and it’s not hard to see why. She breathes the same life and drama into small town England as Moriarty does to small town Australia. It’s hard not to keep turning pages, with well-developed characters and a decent (if at times far fetched) storyline that comes together in a gradual but satisfying way.
Rachel is a doctor turned successful author who has recently ended her marriage after meeting Erin, causing scandal and upheaval aplenty. Her friend Jo is principal of the local primary school. Laura is a single mother trying to make ends meet. Each of the women are so consumed with their own lives but it’s what’s going on closer to home that requires their attention.
The book is pure floss but I think the author captures the working mother juggle, PTA politics, and goldfish bowl small town living really well - it’s very entertaining even if some of it is totally overegged. She delves into some topical issues for parents in the modern age. It’s a juicy pageturner and proved an excellent distraction these past few days. Right book at the right time perhaps? 3.5⭐️
**Other Parents by Sarah Stovell will be published on 20 January 2022. I read an advance digital copy of the book courtesy of the publishers @harpercollins @hqstories and @netgalley. As always, this is an honest review.**
April 5, 2022
The story alternates in chapters between five women. Rachel, her partner Erin, Rachel’s teenage daughter Maia, Laura and Jo. Jo is the head teacher of the local school where Rachel’s children go to along with Laura’s son Max. It has a small town/village feel to the story with everyone knowing everyone’s business and of course everyone having opinions on that business.
There is some humour in parts although some of the threads that run throughout are quite dark yet the author weaves in some light-hearted moments so that it doesn’t make it to much of a sombre read. I would say it’s very much a family drama kind of read where none of us really know what any one person is going through. I think my heart went out mostly to Laura as she is trying to do her best with what life has dealt her. Rachel I loved and you soon know that things are never going to be dull where she is concerned!
Other Parents is a drama of sorts which would make great television. It quickly became an addictive read and I couldn’t wait to see which way the story was going to turn next. The novel touches on quite a few different subjects and it really does make it a compelling page turner. This is quite different to the other two novels I have read by this author but was another winner for me.
There is some humour in parts although some of the threads that run throughout are quite dark yet the author weaves in some light-hearted moments so that it doesn’t make it to much of a sombre read. I would say it’s very much a family drama kind of read where none of us really know what any one person is going through. I think my heart went out mostly to Laura as she is trying to do her best with what life has dealt her. Rachel I loved and you soon know that things are never going to be dull where she is concerned!
Other Parents is a drama of sorts which would make great television. It quickly became an addictive read and I couldn’t wait to see which way the story was going to turn next. The novel touches on quite a few different subjects and it really does make it a compelling page turner. This is quite different to the other two novels I have read by this author but was another winner for me.
November 30, 2021
This one started out with so so much potential. I really thought that is was going to be at least a 4 star, and it gave me Lianne Moriarty Big Little Lies vibes. I got lost pretty quickly with all the storylines though and it felt like overkill. I was really interested in the plot of the Anti LGBTQ protest but this seemed to be forgotten for a huge chunk of the story. The writing style was inconsistant and like I say i was really dissapointed by this.
January 29, 2022
Excellent book which makes you think about different family lives and how circumstances can breakup a family and also bring it together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2021
Other parents publication date 20/1/22 thank you Netgalley , Bookouture and Sarah Stovell for an ARC in exchange for my fair and honest opinions
The other parents follows the lives of Laura, Erin ,Rachel, Jo and Maia all these women are linked but they don't know it. We explode the daily struggles of each woman and their tools to overcome it.
The prologue opens with someone looking around a court and waiting on a decision guilty or not guilty. Even though the book started like this I had completely forgotten this as I sped read my way through this book. I was absolutely hooked from cover to cover. Trying to work out connections and guess the ending had me not put it down. This is a great family saga.
We have five main characters and we switch between each one for each chapter some of which are longer han others making it an easy read.
Erin is in a new relationship with Rachel a famous professor and politician. Their relationship has come as a surprise to everyone as Rachel was married to a man and had been all her adult life. I really enjoyed Erin's character she is trying so hard and is getting nothing but resistance from Rachel's children one of which is 15 year old Maia.
Maia I'd hating her mother's new relationship and is on the warpath to grow up and have many adult experiences some which she may not actually be ready for. Her and Erin butt heads like no tomorrow.
Rachel is my least favourite character and honestly I think she was unlikeable and I struggled to connect to her.
Jo is Rachel's best friend and also the head of the local primary school. She has a PTA to contend with espically with the resistance about teaching the students about Sam's sex relationships.
Laura is a struggling single parent. She has to work all hours to support her son, a son who has some major behavioural difficulties. Her job is explored with great depth and I found the non judgemental narrative around it made bed a sympathetic character. She is also spear heading the anti lgbtq movement
All of these womens stories are fascinating and I enjoyed reading the under current theme around the same sex studies in school. Again I felt the author wrote this really well and without judgement giving us a realistic commentary surrounding this topic.
All in all I loved this book and rate it 4 stars. There were some great characters and the storylines weds great. With each chapter you could tell the shift from each character. We have no official lead and yet I would say it was Erin. If you like books by Carolyn England, Louise jenson or belinda buer then you will love this book. Highly recommend
The other parents follows the lives of Laura, Erin ,Rachel, Jo and Maia all these women are linked but they don't know it. We explode the daily struggles of each woman and their tools to overcome it.
The prologue opens with someone looking around a court and waiting on a decision guilty or not guilty. Even though the book started like this I had completely forgotten this as I sped read my way through this book. I was absolutely hooked from cover to cover. Trying to work out connections and guess the ending had me not put it down. This is a great family saga.
We have five main characters and we switch between each one for each chapter some of which are longer han others making it an easy read.
Erin is in a new relationship with Rachel a famous professor and politician. Their relationship has come as a surprise to everyone as Rachel was married to a man and had been all her adult life. I really enjoyed Erin's character she is trying so hard and is getting nothing but resistance from Rachel's children one of which is 15 year old Maia.
Maia I'd hating her mother's new relationship and is on the warpath to grow up and have many adult experiences some which she may not actually be ready for. Her and Erin butt heads like no tomorrow.
Rachel is my least favourite character and honestly I think she was unlikeable and I struggled to connect to her.
Jo is Rachel's best friend and also the head of the local primary school. She has a PTA to contend with espically with the resistance about teaching the students about Sam's sex relationships.
Laura is a struggling single parent. She has to work all hours to support her son, a son who has some major behavioural difficulties. Her job is explored with great depth and I found the non judgemental narrative around it made bed a sympathetic character. She is also spear heading the anti lgbtq movement
All of these womens stories are fascinating and I enjoyed reading the under current theme around the same sex studies in school. Again I felt the author wrote this really well and without judgement giving us a realistic commentary surrounding this topic.
All in all I loved this book and rate it 4 stars. There were some great characters and the storylines weds great. With each chapter you could tell the shift from each character. We have no official lead and yet I would say it was Erin. If you like books by Carolyn England, Louise jenson or belinda buer then you will love this book. Highly recommend
January 30, 2022
Other Parents centres around a small group of children and parents in the town of Burntridge, and the kind of events that can split a community.
We begin with a disagreement over the plans for the school to teach about inclusion. Some of the PTA parents - and we definitely have the caricature yummy mummy group in this camp - object to their children being taught that same-sex relationships are valid. When one of the mums - who has recently divided the community by coming out as a lesbian - calls them out for their bigotry, the lines are drawn.
What then follows actually depended on so many strands and storylines that it was hard to work out exactly what the focus would be. We tapped into the lives of a number of the mums and their offspring/partners, and as events progressed we got to see that plenty of secrets were going to come out. Some of which have more bearing on events than others.
By the time the book drew to a close, few people actually seemed to have learned from their experiences. Many were hurt. Lots of the strands were left unexplored and there was a definite sense for me of things simmering, ready to bubble up the next time someone ‘forgets their place’.
I’m grateful to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this before publication though it wasn’t quite the book I expected I was going to be reading.
We begin with a disagreement over the plans for the school to teach about inclusion. Some of the PTA parents - and we definitely have the caricature yummy mummy group in this camp - object to their children being taught that same-sex relationships are valid. When one of the mums - who has recently divided the community by coming out as a lesbian - calls them out for their bigotry, the lines are drawn.
What then follows actually depended on so many strands and storylines that it was hard to work out exactly what the focus would be. We tapped into the lives of a number of the mums and their offspring/partners, and as events progressed we got to see that plenty of secrets were going to come out. Some of which have more bearing on events than others.
By the time the book drew to a close, few people actually seemed to have learned from their experiences. Many were hurt. Lots of the strands were left unexplored and there was a definite sense for me of things simmering, ready to bubble up the next time someone ‘forgets their place’.
I’m grateful to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this before publication though it wasn’t quite the book I expected I was going to be reading.
January 18, 2022
Small rural town with outstanding school. Perfect place for rumours and scandals. And the latest is a relationship between two women, freshly divorced Rachel and a journalist from London Erin. Rachel's children have a tough time too, especially teenager Maia who catches them having sex on the kitchen floor.
The novel deals with homophobia, issue of sexual consent and above all parenting. Characters are complex and relatable. School politics is accurate. Because it deals with so many different and hard topics, the narrative is frequently scattered and unfocused.
All things considered - good read.
The novel deals with homophobia, issue of sexual consent and above all parenting. Characters are complex and relatable. School politics is accurate. Because it deals with so many different and hard topics, the narrative is frequently scattered and unfocused.
All things considered - good read.
January 18, 2022
I was so engaged I could not put this down. It was brilliant so well written and the characters well drawn. Could just see this being a netflix series. If you like little fires everywhere this is for you.
So glad I no longer do PTA work but now I have to worry about other things with children.
Just loved it.
I was given an advance copy by the publishers and netgalley but the review is entirely my own.
So glad I no longer do PTA work but now I have to worry about other things with children.
Just loved it.
I was given an advance copy by the publishers and netgalley but the review is entirely my own.
September 25, 2022
The beginning of this book was so good but unfortunately that standard wasn’t maintained.
I felt that the pacing was off and also the writing was inconsistent.
A disappointment
I felt that the pacing was off and also the writing was inconsistent.
A disappointment
March 17, 2024
This was what happened when you got too involved in other people’s lives.
Honestly? I was very happily and pleasantly surprised by this. The more I think about it, the more this seems like a book that wouldn't have worked for me, or at least a book that I'd have very mixed feelings about. It's a contemporary family drama that gets a little dark, following a group of characters in a small town, focusing a lot on school politics, the dynamics of motherhood, interactions of people from different classes, rape culture and misogyny. I don't tend to like dramas, and while I like mess, I like a particular type of mess that this did not seem to be. This has a lot of secrets and gossip and angst and the like.
But I still ended up liking it very much. At the centre of it is the new lesbian relationship that has scandalised this small town, and while they had their ups and downs, I really really liked Erin and Rachel together, their joy in each other and their later in life revelations. They were flawed people, like everyone else in the cast, and I ended up really loving the almost slice of life feel of this. There's a teensy mystery aspect, maybe, but really, the book just puts a microscope on these five women and the people surrounding them for a few months, and shows how all their complicated relationships play out. Some people change a lot over the course of the book, and some people change very little. In another book, that's something I might have been very frustrated with, especially with the way things turned out for some characters, but it just seemed really fitting in this story. This is a book that COULD have been written to be a thriller, but I'm so glad it wasn't. This didn't need a bunch of silly twists and reveals -- though technically, there ARE twists and reveals. But they're not written in the thriller style, and it was just really satisfying to me.
Some spoilery thoughts.
Listened to the audiobook as read by Elaine Claxton, a new to me narrator whom I liked so much. This was really skillfully rendered. I'm excited to try more from Stovell. The first book I read from her was a thriller I actually really liked, which is impressive for me. I'll be glad to read her in any genre.
Content warning:
February 1, 2022
What was it all about
It started with the local school wanting to teach LGBTQ+ friendly curriculum which saw two mothers on the opposite side of the classroom. One had left a marriage of 2 decades to live with her girlfriend and the other was homophobic. Rachel had everything, and Laura nothing.
A clash in the school and PTA meetings soon became mired in anger and hatred when secrets swirled around their children.
How it made me feel
I never knew I had voyeuristic tendencies until I read this book where the houses were laid open for me to peruse to my heart’s content.
The author Sarah Stovell didn’t back down to call a spade a spade. Some daring scenes were added in which made the story feel so authentic. I was actually addicted to this book and couldn’t seem to wait to get back into this book.
The audio version was also very well done.
The Good
The writing. A seemingly cute small town had some bitter discrimination pulsating under it. Many social issues were weaved in so delicately but without hiding behind words. The scenes felt disjointed, yet they were cohesive.
The strength of a woman and a mother was seen in this book where she would do anything for her child. Love was sensitively written in.
There were so many things happening in this book that at no time did I feel overwhelmed. This was not a thriller but it didn’t fail to thrill me.
This was the first time I didn’t know how to describe what I felt. But the book had something that made me read it at one go.
I would call this a women’s fiction, but it was not really so. The book called to me, and I couldn’t stop reading.
The Bad
Actually there was nothing bad in it. Everything was good. But it was not a thriller that the blurb promised it to be.
The Conclusion
An entertaining potboiler was this book. Well recommended, if you love small town gossip and some scandalous secrets.
It started with the local school wanting to teach LGBTQ+ friendly curriculum which saw two mothers on the opposite side of the classroom. One had left a marriage of 2 decades to live with her girlfriend and the other was homophobic. Rachel had everything, and Laura nothing.
A clash in the school and PTA meetings soon became mired in anger and hatred when secrets swirled around their children.
How it made me feel
I never knew I had voyeuristic tendencies until I read this book where the houses were laid open for me to peruse to my heart’s content.
The author Sarah Stovell didn’t back down to call a spade a spade. Some daring scenes were added in which made the story feel so authentic. I was actually addicted to this book and couldn’t seem to wait to get back into this book.
The audio version was also very well done.
The Good
The writing. A seemingly cute small town had some bitter discrimination pulsating under it. Many social issues were weaved in so delicately but without hiding behind words. The scenes felt disjointed, yet they were cohesive.
The strength of a woman and a mother was seen in this book where she would do anything for her child. Love was sensitively written in.
There were so many things happening in this book that at no time did I feel overwhelmed. This was not a thriller but it didn’t fail to thrill me.
This was the first time I didn’t know how to describe what I felt. But the book had something that made me read it at one go.
I would call this a women’s fiction, but it was not really so. The book called to me, and I couldn’t stop reading.
The Bad
Actually there was nothing bad in it. Everything was good. But it was not a thriller that the blurb promised it to be.
The Conclusion
An entertaining potboiler was this book. Well recommended, if you love small town gossip and some scandalous secrets.
August 13, 2023
This was an unexpected treasure.
The story isn't a mystery, though I thought it was going to be after reading the prologue.
It focuses on the voices of 5 individuals whose lives are intertwined around three families in one village
I felt that the author captured many of the challenges that parents feel and face as their children grow up. I thought the voices of each of the characters felt authentic.
I was frustrated by the PTA and their prejudice. Not because I don't believe it happens, I know it does, but by the fact there was less clear emphasis placed on the legal requirements for children to be taught PSHEe, but I think this is too close to my work so my frustrations bubbled into the book!
The reason I didn't give 5 stars is for Laura's story. Max clearly is having a terrible time. Without giving spoilers, I am left worried about the casual acceptance that his end home is the right place for him. Despite the lack of any evidence that it is, or that he can be cared for there. Why would social services show concern and then decide that solution is a good one???
I might rewrite with spoilers if this is still playing on my mind
The story isn't a mystery, though I thought it was going to be after reading the prologue.
It focuses on the voices of 5 individuals whose lives are intertwined around three families in one village
I felt that the author captured many of the challenges that parents feel and face as their children grow up. I thought the voices of each of the characters felt authentic.
I was frustrated by the PTA and their prejudice. Not because I don't believe it happens, I know it does, but by the fact there was less clear emphasis placed on the legal requirements for children to be taught PSHEe, but I think this is too close to my work so my frustrations bubbled into the book!
The reason I didn't give 5 stars is for Laura's story. Max clearly is having a terrible time. Without giving spoilers, I am left worried about the casual acceptance that his end home is the right place for him. Despite the lack of any evidence that it is, or that he can be cared for there. Why would social services show concern and then decide that solution is a good one???
I might rewrite with spoilers if this is still playing on my mind
November 28, 2021
In Other Parents Sarah Stovell wields her pen like a scalpel splicing through the heart of small community life with the precision of a top notch surgeon. Revealing narrow mindedness, prejudice, secrets and scandal she rips into the lives of those living in and around West Burntridge, Northumberland leaving no stone unturned, sifting through the debris like a scavenger picking over a carcass. Darkly humorous as well as shocking, every aspect of family life from love, sex, parenthood, divorce and friendships comes under the microscope in this no holds barred exposé. If you’re partial to a gossipy, mud slinging behind closed doors type drama then you won’t be disappointed with this one!
Naturally it all begins at the school gates (where else?) where for two parents in particular, the decision to include LGBTQ lessons in the curriculum is enough reason to declare all out war against the more liberal minded members of this community. Kate Munro, queen of West Burntridge First school PTA and single parent Laura Spence are lining up on one side of the battle lines with Rachel Saunders, the subject of much idle gossip and conjecture on the other and head teacher Jo Fairburn reluctantly caught in the middle. Told from five perspectives this storyline goes beyond the confines of the school gates and mere differences of opinion, giving you a 360 degree angle of parenthood as a whole, examining the difficulties that arise regardless of wealth and status, financial or emotional insecurities. Tackling some serious issues with delicacy and sensitivity Sarah Stovell invites you into these characters homes where disharmony reigns for a variety of reasons. Single parenthood and the problems of making ends meet forcing individuals into situations they’d never normally dream of struck a real chord with me but the problems arising from the reconfiguration of a family household with one parent gone, replaced by another partner will resonate with many readers too. There’s plenty of emotion embedded in this novel from guilt, anger, resentment and revulsion to love, kindness, humour, justice and hope. I liked how all these characters lives are interconnected, whether that be in small or larger scale ways. Some scenes make you squirm and cringe with embarrassment, some will make your blood boil, some will make your heart bleed with sympathy and others will have you choking with laughter. Overall as the drama escalates this juicy, often poisonous but blackly comic narrative turns into an explosive, compelling read. The more embroiled you become in the lives of Rachel, Erin, Laura, Jo and Maia the more you scratch beneath the surface, peeling back layer upon layer of secrets until the worst one of all is revealed. Divisive, harmful and repellent with the power to wreck lives, laying this secret bare is akin to detonating a bomb and everyone will bear the scars from the inevitable fallout.
Living somewhere renowned for being incredibly inclusive where literally anything goes and no one bats an eyelid this novel reminds me that in places like West Burntridge the slightest departure from the norm gives cause for alarm. Especially when the outstanding reputation of the school is at stake. Grrrrr! Haven’t we all met people like Kate, the worst type of middle class hypocrite who takes her role in the PTA wayyyy too seriously. From the outset a couple of these women are determined to take Kate down a peg or two either by well practiced patience or with candid expletive ridden comments and my goodness was I cheering them on, especially towards the end! I love a toxic school ground storyline but I got more than I bargained for with these characters who are portrayed extremely well. Like all of us each one is flawed to some degree; no one comes up smelling of roses but barring one individual (or possibly two) the author allows you to appreciate both their strengths and their weaknesses thereby enabling you to forgive some of their less finer moments. Although there are elements of Laura and Jo’s lives that touched and tugged at my heartstrings Rachel is the stand out character for me. I loved Rachel’s lack of ability to control what comes out of her mouth, her profanity laced honesty hilarious and a welcome breath of fresh air. She’s not afraid of confrontation and says things most of us are too polite to say! Successful and at the top of her game professionally she’s locking heads not only with the likes of Kate but with teenage Maia too who’s not altogether comfortable with the recent change in the family dynamics, discovering things about her mother and the opposite sex she’d rather not. Rebelling against this new status quo plunges Maia into a distressing situation of her own which leaves you seething with anger, despondent and despairing at the way others choose to conduct themselves. It’s this element of the storyline that proves the most shocking.
This is well written, each perspective engaging and enlightening with the author building tension into the narrative until such a time the lid cannot be put back on this particular can of worms. By writing a storyline that for the majority of the time pulls these characters in opposite directions it’s surprising how despite all the havoc the ending brings the majority of them together, though not before forcing some to make heart wrenching, tough decisions. If you needed reminding that parenthood is the most difficult job in the universe then the conclusion will most definitely confirm that belief.
I’m happy this author has finally registered, albeit belatedly, on my “who and what to read in the future” radar. Other Parents is well worth a read and I enjoyed this so much I straightaway ordered her debut novel to keep me entertained until such a time a new novel is in the pipeline.
My thanks as always to the publisher HQ and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review.
Naturally it all begins at the school gates (where else?) where for two parents in particular, the decision to include LGBTQ lessons in the curriculum is enough reason to declare all out war against the more liberal minded members of this community. Kate Munro, queen of West Burntridge First school PTA and single parent Laura Spence are lining up on one side of the battle lines with Rachel Saunders, the subject of much idle gossip and conjecture on the other and head teacher Jo Fairburn reluctantly caught in the middle. Told from five perspectives this storyline goes beyond the confines of the school gates and mere differences of opinion, giving you a 360 degree angle of parenthood as a whole, examining the difficulties that arise regardless of wealth and status, financial or emotional insecurities. Tackling some serious issues with delicacy and sensitivity Sarah Stovell invites you into these characters homes where disharmony reigns for a variety of reasons. Single parenthood and the problems of making ends meet forcing individuals into situations they’d never normally dream of struck a real chord with me but the problems arising from the reconfiguration of a family household with one parent gone, replaced by another partner will resonate with many readers too. There’s plenty of emotion embedded in this novel from guilt, anger, resentment and revulsion to love, kindness, humour, justice and hope. I liked how all these characters lives are interconnected, whether that be in small or larger scale ways. Some scenes make you squirm and cringe with embarrassment, some will make your blood boil, some will make your heart bleed with sympathy and others will have you choking with laughter. Overall as the drama escalates this juicy, often poisonous but blackly comic narrative turns into an explosive, compelling read. The more embroiled you become in the lives of Rachel, Erin, Laura, Jo and Maia the more you scratch beneath the surface, peeling back layer upon layer of secrets until the worst one of all is revealed. Divisive, harmful and repellent with the power to wreck lives, laying this secret bare is akin to detonating a bomb and everyone will bear the scars from the inevitable fallout.
Living somewhere renowned for being incredibly inclusive where literally anything goes and no one bats an eyelid this novel reminds me that in places like West Burntridge the slightest departure from the norm gives cause for alarm. Especially when the outstanding reputation of the school is at stake. Grrrrr! Haven’t we all met people like Kate, the worst type of middle class hypocrite who takes her role in the PTA wayyyy too seriously. From the outset a couple of these women are determined to take Kate down a peg or two either by well practiced patience or with candid expletive ridden comments and my goodness was I cheering them on, especially towards the end! I love a toxic school ground storyline but I got more than I bargained for with these characters who are portrayed extremely well. Like all of us each one is flawed to some degree; no one comes up smelling of roses but barring one individual (or possibly two) the author allows you to appreciate both their strengths and their weaknesses thereby enabling you to forgive some of their less finer moments. Although there are elements of Laura and Jo’s lives that touched and tugged at my heartstrings Rachel is the stand out character for me. I loved Rachel’s lack of ability to control what comes out of her mouth, her profanity laced honesty hilarious and a welcome breath of fresh air. She’s not afraid of confrontation and says things most of us are too polite to say! Successful and at the top of her game professionally she’s locking heads not only with the likes of Kate but with teenage Maia too who’s not altogether comfortable with the recent change in the family dynamics, discovering things about her mother and the opposite sex she’d rather not. Rebelling against this new status quo plunges Maia into a distressing situation of her own which leaves you seething with anger, despondent and despairing at the way others choose to conduct themselves. It’s this element of the storyline that proves the most shocking.
This is well written, each perspective engaging and enlightening with the author building tension into the narrative until such a time the lid cannot be put back on this particular can of worms. By writing a storyline that for the majority of the time pulls these characters in opposite directions it’s surprising how despite all the havoc the ending brings the majority of them together, though not before forcing some to make heart wrenching, tough decisions. If you needed reminding that parenthood is the most difficult job in the universe then the conclusion will most definitely confirm that belief.
I’m happy this author has finally registered, albeit belatedly, on my “who and what to read in the future” radar. Other Parents is well worth a read and I enjoyed this so much I straightaway ordered her debut novel to keep me entertained until such a time a new novel is in the pipeline.
My thanks as always to the publisher HQ and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review.
January 16, 2022
Wow could not put this down. Thank you Netgalley and the publishers. This is the first book i have read by Sarah Stovell but not my last. I was hooked into the women's lives from the get go and the book held my interest till the end.
May 1, 2022
Poignant
July 17, 2022
It’s a multiple POV approach which I usually don’t enjoy. However this one used the different POVs to propel the story along. Some POVs were more believable than others. It will make a good Netflix show.
October 29, 2021
This reads a bit like parent behaving badly... there's a lot of behaviour in this that isn't great.
There's also some strong characters that behave exactly as you wished you could.
Primary schools playgrounds are a breeding ground of jealousies,opinions and strife. Heads will always clash.
This does a great job of weaving the separate threads together,so by the end it's all neatly sewn together.
A good page turner.
There's also some strong characters that behave exactly as you wished you could.
Primary schools playgrounds are a breeding ground of jealousies,opinions and strife. Heads will always clash.
This does a great job of weaving the separate threads together,so by the end it's all neatly sewn together.
A good page turner.
January 15, 2023
3 and 1/2 ⭐ for this one. Probably one too any characters to follow along with. I was left with some questions that, for me, needed to resolve. Definately in the modern fiction genre.
I liked the setting in the school with all the factions and gossip going around. So true of any school environment I have been around. The book touched on the tough subject of sexual abuse, and I thought the author handled it well.
Homophobia was also a theme through the book and once again, the subject was handled with care and attention.
Ultimately a book about family relationships and how outside influences can impact.
I liked the setting in the school with all the factions and gossip going around. So true of any school environment I have been around. The book touched on the tough subject of sexual abuse, and I thought the author handled it well.
Homophobia was also a theme through the book and once again, the subject was handled with care and attention.
Ultimately a book about family relationships and how outside influences can impact.
July 28, 2022
A keenly observed suburban drama, set around a school in a small town outside Newcastle. The characters come from all walks of life and are all facing their various challenges as best they can.
Little do they know the secrets they hide or how interconnected their troubles will turn out to be
Wry and emotional, covering a number of difficult themes, including sexual violence.
Little do they know the secrets they hide or how interconnected their troubles will turn out to be
Wry and emotional, covering a number of difficult themes, including sexual violence.
January 21, 2022
Thanks to Netgalley for allowing me this book in return for a review.
This is a tale of a small town and the stories of everyday parents at the primary school. After the syllabus changes so that schools are required to talk about homosexual relationships parents start to take sides. However, there are secrets in every family and not everyone is as they seem. Add in some teens and the drama builds.
There are some very interesting characters, the issues brought up are dealt with sensitively and despite the drama it felt like a story that could easily happen. I’d really recommend this book.
This is a tale of a small town and the stories of everyday parents at the primary school. After the syllabus changes so that schools are required to talk about homosexual relationships parents start to take sides. However, there are secrets in every family and not everyone is as they seem. Add in some teens and the drama builds.
There are some very interesting characters, the issues brought up are dealt with sensitively and despite the drama it felt like a story that could easily happen. I’d really recommend this book.
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