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The Mum Who Got Her Life Back
The laugh-out-loud Sunday Times bestseller is back and funnier than ever! Perfect for fans of WHY MUMMY DRINKS.
When her 18-year-old twins leave for university, single mum Nadia’s life changes in ways she never expected: her Glasgow flat feels suddenly huge, laundry doesn’t take up half her week, and she no longer has to buy ‘the Big Milk’. After almost two decades of putting everyone else first, Nadia is finally taking care of herself. And with a budding romance with new boyfriend Jack, She’s never felt more alive.
That is, until her son Alfie drops out of university, and Nadia finds her empty nest is empty no more. With a heartbroken teenager to contend with, Nadia has to ask herself: is it ever possible for a mother to get her own life back? And can Jack and Nadia’s relationship survive having a sulky teenager around?
A gloriously funny and uplifting new book perfect for fans of Gill Sims and Jill Mansell.
When her 18-year-old twins leave for university, single mum Nadia’s life changes in ways she never expected: her Glasgow flat feels suddenly huge, laundry doesn’t take up half her week, and she no longer has to buy ‘the Big Milk’. After almost two decades of putting everyone else first, Nadia is finally taking care of herself. And with a budding romance with new boyfriend Jack, She’s never felt more alive.
That is, until her son Alfie drops out of university, and Nadia finds her empty nest is empty no more. With a heartbroken teenager to contend with, Nadia has to ask herself: is it ever possible for a mother to get her own life back? And can Jack and Nadia’s relationship survive having a sulky teenager around?
A gloriously funny and uplifting new book perfect for fans of Gill Sims and Jill Mansell.
381 pages, Paperback
First published February 21, 2019
1419 people are currently reading
2257 people want to read
About the author
Fiona Gibson
54 books514 followersFiona is an author and journalist who has written for many UK publications including The Observer, The Guardian, Marie Claire, Red, New Woman, Top Sante and Elle. She writes a monthly column for Sainsbury’s magazine and is a Contributing Editor at Red magazine.
Fiona lives in Scotland with her husband, their twin sons and daughter. She likes to draw, run 10k races, play her saxophone and lie in the bath with a big glass of wine, although not all at once.
Fiona lives in Scotland with her husband, their twin sons and daughter. She likes to draw, run 10k races, play her saxophone and lie in the bath with a big glass of wine, although not all at once.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 249 reviews
February 28, 2019
5☆ A Light Hearted and Fun Read!
The Mum Who Got Her Life Back is a Light hearted, Fun read about being a Mum, letting your children go and then starting your life again, on a journey of self discovery, Romance, new challenges, Drama, Relationships and Ex Partners.
Nadia's life used to be hectic, running around after her Twin Children Alfie and Molly, but they have now grown up and left home to go to Uni and start a new chapter in their life.
Leaving Nadia in a quiet home that feels pretty empty. With no Kids to look after Nadia feels a lil lost.
So it's about time Nadia also embarked on a new chapter in her life, and what better way to start it, then with a passionate romance.
In walks Jack, to help fill her void with some fun, frolics and romance.
Well that is until Alfie decides Uni is no longer for him and he wants to come home.
Can Nadia and Jack's relationship survive now Alfie is back, or has their relationship run it's course?
I adored reading this book.
It made such a nice change to see an older Divorcee Mum, juggle being a parent to older children, deal with ex partners, find love and passion, start over and grow in confidence, so much so she even takes up life modelling.
It just goes to show your never too old to find love. My Aunt 're married in her 80s.
Life really is what you make it.
The Mum Who Got Her Life Back is a Light hearted, Cosy Warm Romance, with plenty of laugh out loud moments a dash of drama, Likeable and Endearing characters, a Relatable and Feel Good Plot, that will have you laughing hard and leave you feeling warm inside.
So grab a hot chocolate and a box of your fave chocolates and snuggle down and enjoy The Mum Who Got Her Life Back.
Thank you to Aria Fiction for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/0...
The Mum Who Got Her Life Back is a Light hearted, Fun read about being a Mum, letting your children go and then starting your life again, on a journey of self discovery, Romance, new challenges, Drama, Relationships and Ex Partners.
Nadia's life used to be hectic, running around after her Twin Children Alfie and Molly, but they have now grown up and left home to go to Uni and start a new chapter in their life.
Leaving Nadia in a quiet home that feels pretty empty. With no Kids to look after Nadia feels a lil lost.
So it's about time Nadia also embarked on a new chapter in her life, and what better way to start it, then with a passionate romance.
In walks Jack, to help fill her void with some fun, frolics and romance.
Well that is until Alfie decides Uni is no longer for him and he wants to come home.
Can Nadia and Jack's relationship survive now Alfie is back, or has their relationship run it's course?
I adored reading this book.
It made such a nice change to see an older Divorcee Mum, juggle being a parent to older children, deal with ex partners, find love and passion, start over and grow in confidence, so much so she even takes up life modelling.
It just goes to show your never too old to find love. My Aunt 're married in her 80s.
Life really is what you make it.
The Mum Who Got Her Life Back is a Light hearted, Cosy Warm Romance, with plenty of laugh out loud moments a dash of drama, Likeable and Endearing characters, a Relatable and Feel Good Plot, that will have you laughing hard and leave you feeling warm inside.
So grab a hot chocolate and a box of your fave chocolates and snuggle down and enjoy The Mum Who Got Her Life Back.
Thank you to Aria Fiction for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/0...
February 25, 2019
Nice, not a great descriptive word to use but there you go, this book is nice!!
Nadia’s twins have gone to Uni and she is all ‘empty nested syndromish’ then she meets Jack ( by pretending to be a shop assistant in Lush ) and the book progresses through their courtship, always bringing a smile at their antics and sometimes a genuine lol moment, Jack is the Manager of a charity shop and the staff are described ( and actually take quite main parts ) wonderfully and they brighten up what should be a cold Feb day ( however its sunny and 17 degrees so lets say add to it )
The narrative from both Jack and Nadia is quick, on point and ‘real’ and I would think would resonate with any parent whose kids have left home and the freedom ( albeit not entirely wanted ) they now have
Of course love never runs smooth and there are tricky moments and a wonderful holiday in Barcelona that they book, but Nadia’s son goes instead instead of Jack!!......does true love win in the end....well that would be telling of course but its great fun finding out!
The scenic descriptions of Barcelona are really atmospheric and also Glasgow (where the book is set) is opened up and I saw a different side to the City
A really nice warm fuzzy romp of a book that would be hard not to enjoy
March 7, 2019
The story was exactly what the title said. Nadia's twins left for college, her ex was busy with shooting his movies and girlfriend, now it was her time to live her life. The empty nest syndrome became her freedom where she met Jack a single father, and life started looking up for her in the romance department too. Till one twin Alfie popped home and stayed there, and mum title took over the girlfriend one.
Fiona Gibson's started off fine. It was humorous, gave me a chuckle or two till Alfie dominated the mother's thoughts and life. Quite a sanctimonious bub he was!! I would have kicked him out had he been found lazing around on my couch!! Never understood why main character Nadia pandered to her son's needs more than the daughter's who was hardly there.
The story went through the routine lanes with the characters revealing their past only in the end. All of them played their parts. Nothing really pulled me in the book. I read and forgot it instantly, except I still want to bop Alfie one!! And I am generally peace loving!!
Overall, the book was a quick read, done in a couple of hours. On to my next!!
Fiona Gibson's started off fine. It was humorous, gave me a chuckle or two till Alfie dominated the mother's thoughts and life. Quite a sanctimonious bub he was!! I would have kicked him out had he been found lazing around on my couch!! Never understood why main character Nadia pandered to her son's needs more than the daughter's who was hardly there.
The story went through the routine lanes with the characters revealing their past only in the end. All of them played their parts. Nothing really pulled me in the book. I read and forgot it instantly, except I still want to bop Alfie one!! And I am generally peace loving!!
Overall, the book was a quick read, done in a couple of hours. On to my next!!
October 19, 2020
This book just has way too much boomer energy. And of course, as a Gen Z-er, that was just something I really did not enjoy.
First of all, Alfie. Alfie was the most annoying character there was, and the worst part is that it felt like I was reading him from the perspective of an old lady who spent her free time talking smack about Millenials and Gen Z.
You know: "Oh, those college students — they all have these weird vegan diets, think they're better than you just because they're getting an education (which we're paying for), and they don't respect their elders and just want to push their political and social beliefs on everyone! AND — they make these horrible decisions like getting terrible tattoos!
And so — yes, Alfie was annoying, but it was even more annoying because it felt like he was an overgeneralization of what the older generation thinks of mine.
Now, onto bigger and broader issues. It wasn't just Alfie who had issues with character development; It was difficult to connect with both Jack and Nadia, both of which just felt like unremarkable, boring people thrown into a plot that was also pretty much a lot of nothing. I appreciated the attempt to add some layer to Jack's backstory, but it came too late.
I still feel like this book might be something older people could enjoy — especially if they were like Nadia, empty nest syndrome and all. But it wasn't for me.
First of all, Alfie. Alfie was the most annoying character there was, and the worst part is that it felt like I was reading him from the perspective of an old lady who spent her free time talking smack about Millenials and Gen Z.
You know: "Oh, those college students — they all have these weird vegan diets, think they're better than you just because they're getting an education (which we're paying for), and they don't respect their elders and just want to push their political and social beliefs on everyone! AND — they make these horrible decisions like getting terrible tattoos!
And so — yes, Alfie was annoying, but it was even more annoying because it felt like he was an overgeneralization of what the older generation thinks of mine.
Now, onto bigger and broader issues. It wasn't just Alfie who had issues with character development; It was difficult to connect with both Jack and Nadia, both of which just felt like unremarkable, boring people thrown into a plot that was also pretty much a lot of nothing. I appreciated the attempt to add some layer to Jack's backstory, but it came too late.
I still feel like this book might be something older people could enjoy — especially if they were like Nadia, empty nest syndrome and all. But it wasn't for me.
March 16, 2019
What is this “empty nest” of which you speak Fiona Gibson?! Only kidding! I’m only too aware of what one is because 2 years ago, myself and The Grumpy Scotsman had one for SIX WHOLE MONTHS!!! We thoroughly enjoyed being “Hens” (happy empty nesters) and we use to look at each other sometimes in our clean, tidy and quiet home and just smile smugly at each other!! Hopefully, we will once again be able to take full advantage of the helpful notes that Fiona Gibson provides to advise empty nesters of the fun they can now have without the confines of your adult children residing with you. One day maybe…*big sigh*
Anyway, enough of me and my “Hen envy” let’s talk about the wonderful characters in Fiona Gibson’s “The Mum Who Got Her Life Back”! I loved Nadia and Jack right from their first connection when they meet in the most fragrant of settings with a case of mistaken identity. Single parent Nadia has just seen her 18 year old twins off to different Scottish universities and is on her own. She’s getting used to food shopping for one and putting her own needs first for the first time in years. And she isn’t exactly looking for love but there is an immediate attraction between her and charity shop manager Jack, when they do meet. Jack is also a single parent with a close relationship to his 14 year old daughter even though she lives with her mother. What follows is a funny, poignant and life affirming journey for them both that shows the path of true love will never run smoothly whilst secrets are kept as they will always pop up again when you least expect it. True story!
I am a latecomer to Fiona’s books but I adore them. Her female characters are always likeable, pleasantly flawed personas who are realistically drawn and placed in circumstances that we can all relate to. Their lives aren’t perfect but they do the best with what life throws at them and take their chances with those projectiles!
This book made me laugh out loud and then quietly contemplate life in equal measure as I mentally cheered this relationship on. It’s a book that’s easy to pick up and become involved in due to caring about what happens to everyone in it, including those terrible teenagers who always seem to stick a spanner in the works when you least expect it. So just remember, a child is for life not just for the first 18 years!!
Highly recommend by me!
Anyway, enough of me and my “Hen envy” let’s talk about the wonderful characters in Fiona Gibson’s “The Mum Who Got Her Life Back”! I loved Nadia and Jack right from their first connection when they meet in the most fragrant of settings with a case of mistaken identity. Single parent Nadia has just seen her 18 year old twins off to different Scottish universities and is on her own. She’s getting used to food shopping for one and putting her own needs first for the first time in years. And she isn’t exactly looking for love but there is an immediate attraction between her and charity shop manager Jack, when they do meet. Jack is also a single parent with a close relationship to his 14 year old daughter even though she lives with her mother. What follows is a funny, poignant and life affirming journey for them both that shows the path of true love will never run smoothly whilst secrets are kept as they will always pop up again when you least expect it. True story!
I am a latecomer to Fiona’s books but I adore them. Her female characters are always likeable, pleasantly flawed personas who are realistically drawn and placed in circumstances that we can all relate to. Their lives aren’t perfect but they do the best with what life throws at them and take their chances with those projectiles!
This book made me laugh out loud and then quietly contemplate life in equal measure as I mentally cheered this relationship on. It’s a book that’s easy to pick up and become involved in due to caring about what happens to everyone in it, including those terrible teenagers who always seem to stick a spanner in the works when you least expect it. So just remember, a child is for life not just for the first 18 years!!
Highly recommend by me!
March 10, 2019
How I love a book that does what it promises to do…….. make me warm inside and laugh out loud, including while I was shopping at the supermarket, walking through town and on public transport, as I listened to the story. This did both perfectly. I have giggled and snorted at the madcap things that happened between middle-aged Nadia and her lovely new man in her life Jack. They want to do what comes natural between any couple in love except Nadia’s 18-year-old twins return from University and back into the flat they all call home. It real makes for some pretty funny scenes.
I loved Nadia’s confidence in herself, with the side line of earning a little extra cash. I just wanted to shout you go girl at her. Nadia is portrayed perfectly at home. The mum that is there to pick up after everyone, cook, clean and be there when needed and dismissed as background noise when it comes to everything else. There were times that I wanted to shake some characters that were unintentionally hurtful to her, especially Alfie.
Jack is the loveliest man, what a perfect find while shopping. A scene that still makes me laugh. You know when you begin something that you get too far into and just can’t back out of it. Well the first meeting of Nadia and Jack is like that, just perfect reading! Along with all the funny stuff and heart pounding moments there are some sad story lines in the book too which leave someone with a couple of life lessons to think about.
If you want a funny, charming and good feel story then you just can’t go wrong with this. It captures family life, love and laughter. Absolutely loved it!
I wish to thank NetGalley and the publisher for an e-copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly
I loved Nadia’s confidence in herself, with the side line of earning a little extra cash. I just wanted to shout you go girl at her. Nadia is portrayed perfectly at home. The mum that is there to pick up after everyone, cook, clean and be there when needed and dismissed as background noise when it comes to everything else. There were times that I wanted to shake some characters that were unintentionally hurtful to her, especially Alfie.
Jack is the loveliest man, what a perfect find while shopping. A scene that still makes me laugh. You know when you begin something that you get too far into and just can’t back out of it. Well the first meeting of Nadia and Jack is like that, just perfect reading! Along with all the funny stuff and heart pounding moments there are some sad story lines in the book too which leave someone with a couple of life lessons to think about.
If you want a funny, charming and good feel story then you just can’t go wrong with this. It captures family life, love and laughter. Absolutely loved it!
I wish to thank NetGalley and the publisher for an e-copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly
March 14, 2019
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the Publisher
Witty, entertaining, and thought-provoking, THE MUM WHO GOT HER LIFE BACK by Fiona Gibson is a fantastic story that kept my eyes glued to the page from start to finish.
Nadia isn't sure what she is going to do with the extra free time she has now that her children have left for University, but she has work and her friends and that should be enough to fill the void. But Nadia didn't expect to meet a handsome and charismatic stranger in the Lush bath bomb department, and soon she finds herself in the throes of lust with a man that seems to be perfect for her in every way. Nadia realises that her life can still be passionate and it is ok for her to feel a little bit happy that her kids no longer need her like they used to. Until they do. Alfie, Nadia's son, has dropped out of Uni and has resumed his role as her baby boy and suddenly Nadia doesn't have the freedom that she once had and feels guilty for even thinking like that. Her new relationship begins to feel the pressure as Nadia and Jack begin to merge their families, and when a misunderstanding takes on a deeper meaning, could their new found love falter before it has really begun?
With ex-partners, embarrassing first meetings, and miscommunication THE WOMAN WHO GOT HER LIFE BACK by Fiona Gibson made me laugh and made me think about how I would feel if I was in Nadia's position. I really enjoyed the characters but I have to say that while I didn't always agree with Nadia and her actions, I could always understand them.
THE MUM WHO GOT HER LIFE BACK by Fiona Gibson is a wonderful story about discovering you are when the role that has been the most important part of your life has taken a bit of a back seat, and I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
Witty, entertaining, and thought-provoking, THE MUM WHO GOT HER LIFE BACK by Fiona Gibson is a fantastic story that kept my eyes glued to the page from start to finish.
Nadia isn't sure what she is going to do with the extra free time she has now that her children have left for University, but she has work and her friends and that should be enough to fill the void. But Nadia didn't expect to meet a handsome and charismatic stranger in the Lush bath bomb department, and soon she finds herself in the throes of lust with a man that seems to be perfect for her in every way. Nadia realises that her life can still be passionate and it is ok for her to feel a little bit happy that her kids no longer need her like they used to. Until they do. Alfie, Nadia's son, has dropped out of Uni and has resumed his role as her baby boy and suddenly Nadia doesn't have the freedom that she once had and feels guilty for even thinking like that. Her new relationship begins to feel the pressure as Nadia and Jack begin to merge their families, and when a misunderstanding takes on a deeper meaning, could their new found love falter before it has really begun?
With ex-partners, embarrassing first meetings, and miscommunication THE WOMAN WHO GOT HER LIFE BACK by Fiona Gibson made me laugh and made me think about how I would feel if I was in Nadia's position. I really enjoyed the characters but I have to say that while I didn't always agree with Nadia and her actions, I could always understand them.
THE MUM WHO GOT HER LIFE BACK by Fiona Gibson is a wonderful story about discovering you are when the role that has been the most important part of your life has taken a bit of a back seat, and I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
March 11, 2019
The Mum who got her life back by Fiona Gibson was a hidden gem for me. I requested the arc on netgalley, because the synopsis sounded quite fun. But to be absolutely honest my expectation weren’t very high. But I fell for this story in the first couple of chapters and I devoured it.
I was drawn in by the title at first, because well I am a mom so books about motherhood always seem to speak to me at a certain level. Although Nadia’s world isn’t mine for quite some years to come. Nadia’s twins have left home to go to university and she is experiencing the empty nest syndrome. After years of taking care of her two children, suddenly there is time for herself and for a new man in her life.
Although I am in a completely different stage of parenthood I loved reading about this later stage of life. And I could still relate with all the worries and comical situations that being a parent brings with it. The story is told from two different pov’s, being Nadia and her romantic interest Jack. I absolutely adored both of the narratives. They are very on point and felt realistic. Reading their chapters felt almost like talking to a friend.
But what really drew me in was the writing style. I absolutely love the way Fiona Gibson tells this story. It is quirky, heartfelt, funny and at times a bit sad. The story flows along on a nice pace. It never drags or goes to fast. It was just perfect. And Fiona really knows how to bring a city to life. I loved the way Glasgow was portrayed in the story, but the way she brought Barcelona alive on the pages really blew me away.
The overall story was quite refreshing. A female lead from over 50 in a romantic setting is not something you see every day. And she is a lovely heroine for this story. A caring mother, but at the same time independent and not blind to her own happiness. Even in flashbacks you see that Nadia has always cherished her own desires and needs. I loved that aspect of Nadia and the overall story.
This story is everything it promises to be. It is heart-warming and romantic. It is funny, sometimes even laugh out loud funny. But at the same time it has some deeper and sadder story lines, that will give this story some extra depth. I had never read anything by Fiona Gibson before. But I will surely add other books by her hand to my to read list!
I was drawn in by the title at first, because well I am a mom so books about motherhood always seem to speak to me at a certain level. Although Nadia’s world isn’t mine for quite some years to come. Nadia’s twins have left home to go to university and she is experiencing the empty nest syndrome. After years of taking care of her two children, suddenly there is time for herself and for a new man in her life.
Although I am in a completely different stage of parenthood I loved reading about this later stage of life. And I could still relate with all the worries and comical situations that being a parent brings with it. The story is told from two different pov’s, being Nadia and her romantic interest Jack. I absolutely adored both of the narratives. They are very on point and felt realistic. Reading their chapters felt almost like talking to a friend.
But what really drew me in was the writing style. I absolutely love the way Fiona Gibson tells this story. It is quirky, heartfelt, funny and at times a bit sad. The story flows along on a nice pace. It never drags or goes to fast. It was just perfect. And Fiona really knows how to bring a city to life. I loved the way Glasgow was portrayed in the story, but the way she brought Barcelona alive on the pages really blew me away.
The overall story was quite refreshing. A female lead from over 50 in a romantic setting is not something you see every day. And she is a lovely heroine for this story. A caring mother, but at the same time independent and not blind to her own happiness. Even in flashbacks you see that Nadia has always cherished her own desires and needs. I loved that aspect of Nadia and the overall story.
This story is everything it promises to be. It is heart-warming and romantic. It is funny, sometimes even laugh out loud funny. But at the same time it has some deeper and sadder story lines, that will give this story some extra depth. I had never read anything by Fiona Gibson before. But I will surely add other books by her hand to my to read list!
March 1, 2019
After bringing up her twins practically single-handed after separating from their father when they were eleven years old, Nadia is looking forward to getting her life back when the twins go to university. A chance meeting in the Lush shop just before Christmas introduces Nadia to Jack, himself a single father, and they embark on a glorious passionate love affair.
However, just because your children have gone to university doesn't mean they are adults, when Nadia's son Alfie drops out of university Nadia's new life comes crashing to a halt, suddenly there are dishes left in the sink, towels on the floor and empty toilet roll inners on the floor. There's no time for naked afternoons and things become tense between Nadia and Jack, especially with Alfie's rabid veganism.
Jack runs a charity shop for a small group which supports animal rescue. On a daily basis he has to keep the peace between the various volunteers, some of whom are rather 'challenging'. He also looks after his young daughter on alternate weekends while worrying that his ex-wife may be verging on an alcoholic.
This is a lovely romance for the over-40s. It is refreshing to have heroine as a fifty-one year old, also nice that she lives in Glasgow rather than London or Edinburgh, especially nice that she is a life model for a local art class despite her children's objections. Good that the hero and heroine have their own family issues to contend with, that balancing of needs of children, exes, family and friends that we all have to learn once we reach a certain age. I guess what I am trying to say is that this rang true as two adults with hectic lives and competing claims on their time and attention.
I think this is my first book by Fiona Gibson but I will definitely look out for others as I enjoyed her writing style and deftly drawn characters.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
However, just because your children have gone to university doesn't mean they are adults, when Nadia's son Alfie drops out of university Nadia's new life comes crashing to a halt, suddenly there are dishes left in the sink, towels on the floor and empty toilet roll inners on the floor. There's no time for naked afternoons and things become tense between Nadia and Jack, especially with Alfie's rabid veganism.
Jack runs a charity shop for a small group which supports animal rescue. On a daily basis he has to keep the peace between the various volunteers, some of whom are rather 'challenging'. He also looks after his young daughter on alternate weekends while worrying that his ex-wife may be verging on an alcoholic.
This is a lovely romance for the over-40s. It is refreshing to have heroine as a fifty-one year old, also nice that she lives in Glasgow rather than London or Edinburgh, especially nice that she is a life model for a local art class despite her children's objections. Good that the hero and heroine have their own family issues to contend with, that balancing of needs of children, exes, family and friends that we all have to learn once we reach a certain age. I guess what I am trying to say is that this rang true as two adults with hectic lives and competing claims on their time and attention.
I think this is my first book by Fiona Gibson but I will definitely look out for others as I enjoyed her writing style and deftly drawn characters.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
December 30, 2019
When her twins Alfie and Molly go their separate ways to University, Nadia's life changes for the better - instead of suffering with empty nest syndrome, she instead becomes a Happy Empty Nester (HEN). She loves her kids and misses them it but it means she doesn't have to buy The Big Milk anymore, towels remain on the handrail, the washing machine only goes on twice a week and she can eat whatever she wants, whenever she wants to (with no one criticising her lasagne anymore)!
Not long after, illustrator Nadia meets a new man, Jack and begins a budding romance, the first proper relationship she has had since she split up from the twins dad. Nadia and Jack meet after a case of mistaken identity in a branch of Lush just before Christmas. Jack is a loving dad to 14 year old Lori, who runs a charity shop and is exceptionally kind and caring to the volunteers and he and Nadia are a perfect match! Things are going well - Jack meets Nadia's sister and her family; Nadia meets Jack's daughter Lori. They even plan a summer holiday to Barcelona. Then Alfie arrives home for the summer holidays early and announces he is dropping out of University. Can Nadia and Jack's relationship survive having a stroppy teenager around?
I'm going to let you in on a small secret...I have become a little snobby about what I would call chick-lit books. I read a lot of them when I was younger but I guess as I've got older and am more widely read (thanks to Instagram and reading blog posts from other readers) I have left these books behind. I thought this would be an easy unremarkable 3 star read. But I was so wrong!
Both Nadia and Jack were just lovely people and I was rooting for a happy ending for them. This is a funny and heart warming story. I was sorry to see the story end...in fact I think I want to move to Glasgow and become friends with Nadia and Jack. Highly recommended!
Not long after, illustrator Nadia meets a new man, Jack and begins a budding romance, the first proper relationship she has had since she split up from the twins dad. Nadia and Jack meet after a case of mistaken identity in a branch of Lush just before Christmas. Jack is a loving dad to 14 year old Lori, who runs a charity shop and is exceptionally kind and caring to the volunteers and he and Nadia are a perfect match! Things are going well - Jack meets Nadia's sister and her family; Nadia meets Jack's daughter Lori. They even plan a summer holiday to Barcelona. Then Alfie arrives home for the summer holidays early and announces he is dropping out of University. Can Nadia and Jack's relationship survive having a stroppy teenager around?
I'm going to let you in on a small secret...I have become a little snobby about what I would call chick-lit books. I read a lot of them when I was younger but I guess as I've got older and am more widely read (thanks to Instagram and reading blog posts from other readers) I have left these books behind. I thought this would be an easy unremarkable 3 star read. But I was so wrong!
Both Nadia and Jack were just lovely people and I was rooting for a happy ending for them. This is a funny and heart warming story. I was sorry to see the story end...in fact I think I want to move to Glasgow and become friends with Nadia and Jack. Highly recommended!
December 30, 2021
A quick, easy read. Light content to finish my reading challenge with.
March 1, 2019
I always love Fiona Gibson’s books – they are very well-written, with plenty of humour. You can imagine everything happening in real life, and even put yourself into some of the characters’ shoes.
Nadia and Jack meet while they’re shopping, although Nadia inadvertently gave Jack the impression that she was a member of staff. They are both separated from their partners. Nadia’s twins have gone off to university and Jack’s teenage daughter lives mostly with her mother, so they’re free to date. Except the twins come back between terms, and Jack’s ex-wife has a drink problem, so his daughter then spends more time with him. The other characters in the book (Jack’s work colleagues and Nadia’s friends, as well as other family members) all give something to the main story.
The story is set in Glasgow, but we spend a nice few days in Barcelona as well!
A great book that I didn’t want to put down, absolutely loved it! Highly recommended.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for an advance reader copy in return for an honest review.
Nadia and Jack meet while they’re shopping, although Nadia inadvertently gave Jack the impression that she was a member of staff. They are both separated from their partners. Nadia’s twins have gone off to university and Jack’s teenage daughter lives mostly with her mother, so they’re free to date. Except the twins come back between terms, and Jack’s ex-wife has a drink problem, so his daughter then spends more time with him. The other characters in the book (Jack’s work colleagues and Nadia’s friends, as well as other family members) all give something to the main story.
The story is set in Glasgow, but we spend a nice few days in Barcelona as well!
A great book that I didn’t want to put down, absolutely loved it! Highly recommended.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for an advance reader copy in return for an honest review.
December 21, 2018
In "The Mum Who Got Her Life Back," single mum Nadia is on her own for the first time in nearly two decades. Soon after sending her twins, Alfie and Molly, off to university, Nadia meets single dad Jack. As their relationship progresses, and she begins to reclaim her time and space, Nadia realizes she's become a "HEN: a Happy Empty Nester." Just as she begins to embrace her new-found freedom and care for herself, however, Alfie makes a decision that threatens both Nadia's empty nest and her relationship with Jack.
Parts of the story are somewhat humorous, and as the mom of teens, I related to some of Nadia's internal dialogue on parenting, but I felt the Goodreads description, "...gloriously funny and uplifting..." was a stretch. While the characters are all quite likable, they lack depth and I finished the book without knowing them.
This is a fast, easy read and if you're looking for some light entertainment requiring little thought, this book is for you.
Parts of the story are somewhat humorous, and as the mom of teens, I related to some of Nadia's internal dialogue on parenting, but I felt the Goodreads description, "...gloriously funny and uplifting..." was a stretch. While the characters are all quite likable, they lack depth and I finished the book without knowing them.
This is a fast, easy read and if you're looking for some light entertainment requiring little thought, this book is for you.
March 13, 2019
A book from Fiona Gibson is always a treat. She speaks from the heart, writes cleverly and makes you laugh with her wit and true to life honest observations. Being a HEN is years away for me, but her observations on parenting and identify made me feel comforted, made me giggle and also made me realise that things are just about okay, and maybe every parent feels like this!
This book was again one of her finest, and I sped through it with gusto. I won't say it's a light or easy read because I always feel that those words don't do justice to the clever, realistic characters woven into a story that you just can't help put dissolve into. Brilliant book!
This book was again one of her finest, and I sped through it with gusto. I won't say it's a light or easy read because I always feel that those words don't do justice to the clever, realistic characters woven into a story that you just can't help put dissolve into. Brilliant book!
May 7, 2020
This funny, uplifting novel will resonate with many a middle aged woman whose children have flown the nest and have experienced that unsettling emotion of 'what's next?'
Nadia is a freelance illustrator with twins at different universities in Scotland. She has a famous ex husband with whom she has an amicable relationship, good friends, a life drawing class she regularly models for, but absolutely no love life.
Nadia is filled with the usual doubts about starting over again but in a hilarious misunderstanding in Lush, is given the opportunity to get back in the dating game. The catch in these novels is often the same in that the path of true love goes a bit wonky , but even though this dilemma isn't a new or unexpected one, the characters are quite quirky and the situations comical.
Jack runs a charity shop and has a teenage daughter living with an alcoholic mother. Jack looks after his volunteers in the shop who all have some strange but endearing ways and who think the world of him.
Nadia's teenage daughter is self sufficient but her twin brother Alf is the exact opposite and causing consternation back in the family home to which he has returned.
Jack meet Nadia, Nadia meet Jack. What then ensues is a series of mishaps as the pair believe they have found a soulmate in each other, but where Real Life happens to think differently. Cue children! And veganism, a charity auction, a trip to Barcelona and a lost dog.
Hop along and board the bus to Romance Town, where happiness, holidays and successfully blended families aren't necessarily guaranteed but where Love is bound to win the day.
Nadia is a freelance illustrator with twins at different universities in Scotland. She has a famous ex husband with whom she has an amicable relationship, good friends, a life drawing class she regularly models for, but absolutely no love life.
Nadia is filled with the usual doubts about starting over again but in a hilarious misunderstanding in Lush, is given the opportunity to get back in the dating game. The catch in these novels is often the same in that the path of true love goes a bit wonky , but even though this dilemma isn't a new or unexpected one, the characters are quite quirky and the situations comical.
Jack runs a charity shop and has a teenage daughter living with an alcoholic mother. Jack looks after his volunteers in the shop who all have some strange but endearing ways and who think the world of him.
Nadia's teenage daughter is self sufficient but her twin brother Alf is the exact opposite and causing consternation back in the family home to which he has returned.
Jack meet Nadia, Nadia meet Jack. What then ensues is a series of mishaps as the pair believe they have found a soulmate in each other, but where Real Life happens to think differently. Cue children! And veganism, a charity auction, a trip to Barcelona and a lost dog.
Hop along and board the bus to Romance Town, where happiness, holidays and successfully blended families aren't necessarily guaranteed but where Love is bound to win the day.
March 12, 2019
An empty nest has never been so much fun!
A fresh start.
A new man.
Could it be too good to be true?'
A thoroughly feel-good book folks, brimming with hope and optimism, with a strong dose of reality within it’s pages.
Nadia is the mother of twins, now eighteen years old, Alfie and Molly. No longer in a relationship with their father, Danny, Nadia is about to embark on a new stage of her life. Alfie and Molly are heading off to college, embracing the student lifestyle away from home, leaving Nadia alone, relishing this new lifestyle, that of a HEN aka a Happy Empty Nester.
‘After a while you stop thinking, “My God, this is weird! Where is everyone!” You’re not missing the days when it looked as if a wildebeest had stampeded through the kitchen, whenever someone made toast. Gradually, you become used to them not being there, and – it almost seems criminal to admit this – you don’t completely hate it.’
Nadia is an artist by trade and is perfectly content to work away in the studio she shares with her two friends. Yet Nadia is missing something, a relationship. With the kids gone and the house to herself, Nadia would love to share experiences with someone new and exciting, someone, whose company she can enjoy freely, without guilt or fear of interruption. Nadia has little confidence in her appearance or her ability to attract a man, but a chance meeting with Jack in a high street shop proves differently. There is an immediate spark between the two and with the intervention of fate, Nadia and Jack have a few wonderful weeks of passion and romance, of relaxed fun and the total enjoyment of each other, in ways that Nadia had never imagined she would experience again. Living in a bubble, life is perfect for Nadia….until her son, Alfie, makes a very surprising appearance with an equally surprising announcement.
Nadia and Jack initially take Alfie’s return in their stride. Jack has his own teenage daughter,who lives with her mother, so he is all too familiar with the challenges that teenagers bring. Nadia is prepared to ‘be there’ for Alfie, as something is obviously upsetting him, and she intends to get to the bottom of it. But the everyday can consume the minutes and the hours, and Nadia and Jack struggle to find private time together and their relationship falters.
Nadia and Jack’s story is not unusual, making this novel very real for many. Fiona Gibson writes with humour, but also with a style that carries a very strong message. Relationships, at the best of times, can be difficult, but when you throw a few teenagers into the mix, who crave attention and time, cracks can easily appear. Nadia and Jack had a very idyllic start to their relationship but, as reality came crashing in on them, they were challenged in multiple ways. Is their relationship strong enough to survive the onslaught of the daily pressures associated with modern family living? Do Jack and Nadia have a future?
Fiona Gibson writes from experience. She is a mother who is all too aware of the highs and lows of rearing teenage children. Alfie is a selfish, self-absorbed, lazy, self-righteous teenager. As his mother, Nadia, at times, tip toes around him, afraid of upsetting the apple-cart. She does pander to her children, which was a little frustrating at times, but Nadia is lacking in confidence. She is a middle-aged woman, with all the wrinkles and scars that come with it. She is trying her best to appease and please, to keep everyone happy but sometimes this just isn’t possible. Nadia needs to step back and reassess her life and recognise what it is that she wants for herself..but can she do this? Is she strong enough?
The Mum Who Got Her Life Back is a charming read with some wonderful characters and a very sweet story-line. It’s a light and entertaining read, perfect for when you are looking for a book that will provide you with a few giggles, yet also emitting a warmth from it’s pages. A delightful read!
A fresh start.
A new man.
Could it be too good to be true?'
A thoroughly feel-good book folks, brimming with hope and optimism, with a strong dose of reality within it’s pages.
Nadia is the mother of twins, now eighteen years old, Alfie and Molly. No longer in a relationship with their father, Danny, Nadia is about to embark on a new stage of her life. Alfie and Molly are heading off to college, embracing the student lifestyle away from home, leaving Nadia alone, relishing this new lifestyle, that of a HEN aka a Happy Empty Nester.
‘After a while you stop thinking, “My God, this is weird! Where is everyone!” You’re not missing the days when it looked as if a wildebeest had stampeded through the kitchen, whenever someone made toast. Gradually, you become used to them not being there, and – it almost seems criminal to admit this – you don’t completely hate it.’
Nadia is an artist by trade and is perfectly content to work away in the studio she shares with her two friends. Yet Nadia is missing something, a relationship. With the kids gone and the house to herself, Nadia would love to share experiences with someone new and exciting, someone, whose company she can enjoy freely, without guilt or fear of interruption. Nadia has little confidence in her appearance or her ability to attract a man, but a chance meeting with Jack in a high street shop proves differently. There is an immediate spark between the two and with the intervention of fate, Nadia and Jack have a few wonderful weeks of passion and romance, of relaxed fun and the total enjoyment of each other, in ways that Nadia had never imagined she would experience again. Living in a bubble, life is perfect for Nadia….until her son, Alfie, makes a very surprising appearance with an equally surprising announcement.
Nadia and Jack initially take Alfie’s return in their stride. Jack has his own teenage daughter,who lives with her mother, so he is all too familiar with the challenges that teenagers bring. Nadia is prepared to ‘be there’ for Alfie, as something is obviously upsetting him, and she intends to get to the bottom of it. But the everyday can consume the minutes and the hours, and Nadia and Jack struggle to find private time together and their relationship falters.
Nadia and Jack’s story is not unusual, making this novel very real for many. Fiona Gibson writes with humour, but also with a style that carries a very strong message. Relationships, at the best of times, can be difficult, but when you throw a few teenagers into the mix, who crave attention and time, cracks can easily appear. Nadia and Jack had a very idyllic start to their relationship but, as reality came crashing in on them, they were challenged in multiple ways. Is their relationship strong enough to survive the onslaught of the daily pressures associated with modern family living? Do Jack and Nadia have a future?
Fiona Gibson writes from experience. She is a mother who is all too aware of the highs and lows of rearing teenage children. Alfie is a selfish, self-absorbed, lazy, self-righteous teenager. As his mother, Nadia, at times, tip toes around him, afraid of upsetting the apple-cart. She does pander to her children, which was a little frustrating at times, but Nadia is lacking in confidence. She is a middle-aged woman, with all the wrinkles and scars that come with it. She is trying her best to appease and please, to keep everyone happy but sometimes this just isn’t possible. Nadia needs to step back and reassess her life and recognise what it is that she wants for herself..but can she do this? Is she strong enough?
The Mum Who Got Her Life Back is a charming read with some wonderful characters and a very sweet story-line. It’s a light and entertaining read, perfect for when you are looking for a book that will provide you with a few giggles, yet also emitting a warmth from it’s pages. A delightful read!
March 1, 2019
Nadia is embracing the HEN - Happy Empty Nester - after her twins left for University. And then she meets the fabulous, funny and warm Jack - and they hit it off immediately. Going from full on parenting to a feeling of being a desired woman again is a change that Nadia enjoys very much - and of course uses the situation, the freedom of an empty house and dating again. But then Alfie comes back home earlier as expected and it turns out he's dropped out of uni - and now Nadia has to juggle her role as a girlfriend and a mother and find a balance and a happy medium. But things don't go too smoothly.
Nadia was great - in her early 50s and doing nude modelling for an art class and an illustrator and I really liked her life approach. I know, Nadia's attitude towards Alfie was sometimes soooo overblown - the way she was treating her son like a baby was getting on the nerves, but on the other hand I could absolutely understand her, the desire to help him, to save him the troubles was ringing the bell - I mean, my daughter is only 7, so I have some time still, but oh my god, I'm sure you know this feeling when you simply want to do things for your child just for the sake of it, for some serenity, and because you just cant watch how they're doing it, right? And Alfie was just such a typical teenager, you want to hug him and in the next second to bang his head on the wall. Really well developed and described, feeling like an adult but deep inside still a child relying on his mum. The ways Nadia would go to defend him only showed that no matter how old our kids are, the inner lioness is going to wake up and simply kill the ones who dare to criticise her kids - you, as mum, are allowed to do this, but not other people, don't forget it :)
Jack was also brilliant - working in a charity shop, divorced and raising his daughter together with his ex, trying to be a good dad and - in my opinion - doing a great job on this front, looking after his work colleagues as well. There was something that happened in his past that he didn't want to talk about, something really sad and difficult.
The story is told from Nadia and Jack's points of view and it was great to see their perspective on the same things - that often, as it usually happens, was different. I really liked the romantic aspect, from the very beginning to the end. It was lovely, and warm, and didn't run smooth, with some tricky moments and sharp turns. There were no silly games between the characters, however they also had problems to communicate sometimes - usually when it came to their families! It was realistically painted, showing what it actually looks like, and feels like - for all involved - when single parents meets someone.
This was a totally nice and relatable book. The pace was only right, the amount of desperation I felt towards Alfie and Nadia as well, and it felt so refreshingly honest and genuine. It's for sure going to resonate with any parent, not only those whose kids have left home - we were all teenagers, so we know how the wind blows.
"The Mum Who Got Her Life Back" is a down - to - earth story, tackling some real life problems and struggles but without being too depressive, too serious. It touches upon relationships, new and old, and their dynamics, everyday life and problems that it brings and this all written in a very accessible, light writing style. It is full of humour mixed with bittersweet moments and families and characters that will make you smile and also desperate and showing you that you're not alone here, that we all have to balance the needs of our children, family, friends, sometimes ex - partners and eventually our own. Recommended!
Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.
March 4, 2019
Review: I really enjoyed this book right from the word go. The books is split into multiple parts as well as chapters within those parts and each part begins with bullet points of advice for parent who've children have left home to go to university or other reasons. These pieces of advice are absolutely hilarious and yet I could definitely recognise that they were true to life, but they involve and absorb you in the story right away as well as providing a little bit of light change from the main storyline of the book.
This books follows Nadia and her life after her children leave to go to university and then again after the both come back for the summer. I really liked Nadia as a character because she is down to earth and works hard for a living. She has twin teens and a partner whom she has had an amicable separation from. This book then changes narrative every other chapter and we also get to hear from Jack. Jack manages a Charity shop and he also had an amicable separation from his partner and has a teenage daughter-I wonder what could happen when these two meet? I like the fact that Jack is involved in charity work but also thinks about his own life and his own family.
One of the things I loved most about this book was the setting. It is set in Glasgow and that is just my favourite city in the world. I loved all the other references to Scottish towns and cities and spending time with the characters moving around Glasgow either on foot or on the subway-it was great fun being back there. I read the majority of this book on a flight between Denver and Los Angeles and so it was lovely to have a little taste of my favourite place in such an alien place to me.
I think that, as I mentioned above, the storyline is definitely true to life and some of the frustrations that both these characters go through and the highs and lows they experience are definitely things that other people in similar positions might feel. There are funny moments, sweet moments and sad moments throughout this book and it is definitely structured to be a page turner that takes you between those moments seriously. Even if, like me, you are not a mum, I think you will find humour and truth in this book and enjoy spending time with Nadia in Glasgow as much as I did.
This books follows Nadia and her life after her children leave to go to university and then again after the both come back for the summer. I really liked Nadia as a character because she is down to earth and works hard for a living. She has twin teens and a partner whom she has had an amicable separation from. This book then changes narrative every other chapter and we also get to hear from Jack. Jack manages a Charity shop and he also had an amicable separation from his partner and has a teenage daughter-I wonder what could happen when these two meet? I like the fact that Jack is involved in charity work but also thinks about his own life and his own family.
One of the things I loved most about this book was the setting. It is set in Glasgow and that is just my favourite city in the world. I loved all the other references to Scottish towns and cities and spending time with the characters moving around Glasgow either on foot or on the subway-it was great fun being back there. I read the majority of this book on a flight between Denver and Los Angeles and so it was lovely to have a little taste of my favourite place in such an alien place to me.
I think that, as I mentioned above, the storyline is definitely true to life and some of the frustrations that both these characters go through and the highs and lows they experience are definitely things that other people in similar positions might feel. There are funny moments, sweet moments and sad moments throughout this book and it is definitely structured to be a page turner that takes you between those moments seriously. Even if, like me, you are not a mum, I think you will find humour and truth in this book and enjoy spending time with Nadia in Glasgow as much as I did.
March 6, 2019
So I'll start by pointing you to previous gushes about one of my favourite authors. There's As Good As It Gets, which was the first time I came across The Mum Who'd had enough , and then I was lucky enoufh to come across her in a series of Valentines shorts here . From the second I read my first Fiona Gibson book I sat up, revelling in the fact that I'd found someone that wrote rom coms that were about the everyday and yet written in such a way that sparkled, made you smile, laugh and nod along for the duration of the journey ( my sole goal in my own books and the reason why I actually always quote Ms. Gibson as my writing inspiration.)
And here is no exception as we follow Nadia, who thought her world would fall apart when her 18 year old twins left, but who is starting to be able to list the ways it's actually not shaping up to be so bad ( we are privy to these lists throughout the book).
When we met Jack, who's got a teen daughter and runs a local charity shop, I was pretty much taken straight away. The shop itself contained the loveliest mish mash of people and beyond added to the humour. Jack was just one of the nicest guys and I found myself thrilled when they bumped into each other in Lush, where he now thinks she works. I'll admit while I loved seeing them together, I was hankering for some drama ( in the slightest way this book was the geekiest amount less fast moving than her others) which arrived in the form of lovelorn Alfie, Nadia's son, who I have to admit was the only character I wanted to throttle!
Nadia then finds herself thrown back into a tip-toeing, whispering mother again, suddenly having to perform all of her duties again for her vegan ( but in a totally non accepting way of others), forlorn, moody son. Of course, the requirement to keep him happy pretty much puts everything else in Maria's life into a spin and leads to a totally enjoyable, read over multiple nights so I could properly savour and adore it, hilarious and romantic read that is totally recommended. I loved this book and can't wait to get back to Ms. Gibson's back catalogue (I've a huge number to read on my Kindle for when I have a bit of time!) Thanks so much to Avon and Netgalley for this brilliant book in return for an honest review.
Rating:5/5
And here is no exception as we follow Nadia, who thought her world would fall apart when her 18 year old twins left, but who is starting to be able to list the ways it's actually not shaping up to be so bad ( we are privy to these lists throughout the book).
When we met Jack, who's got a teen daughter and runs a local charity shop, I was pretty much taken straight away. The shop itself contained the loveliest mish mash of people and beyond added to the humour. Jack was just one of the nicest guys and I found myself thrilled when they bumped into each other in Lush, where he now thinks she works. I'll admit while I loved seeing them together, I was hankering for some drama ( in the slightest way this book was the geekiest amount less fast moving than her others) which arrived in the form of lovelorn Alfie, Nadia's son, who I have to admit was the only character I wanted to throttle!
Nadia then finds herself thrown back into a tip-toeing, whispering mother again, suddenly having to perform all of her duties again for her vegan ( but in a totally non accepting way of others), forlorn, moody son. Of course, the requirement to keep him happy pretty much puts everything else in Maria's life into a spin and leads to a totally enjoyable, read over multiple nights so I could properly savour and adore it, hilarious and romantic read that is totally recommended. I loved this book and can't wait to get back to Ms. Gibson's back catalogue (I've a huge number to read on my Kindle for when I have a bit of time!) Thanks so much to Avon and Netgalley for this brilliant book in return for an honest review.
Rating:5/5
April 25, 2020
Just loved this book. Going to miss this story. Had me laughing
February 18, 2019
This is the story of Nadia who finds love again, in her fifties, after her children have flown the nest and gone off to university. For a while, she enjoys her freedom and her new relationship with Jack. Then her son comes home, and announces that he is no longer going travelling with his girlfriend for the summer, or going back to university, and everything falls apart. Alfie is a lazy, tiresome and self-obsessed teenager and Nadia panders to him too much (his twin sister doesn’t get nearly as much attention). By the time Jack finally gets him to open up about what went wrong, I really didn’t care that much. There are some nice touches – I liked that it was set in Glasgow, and enjoyed the descriptions of the trip to Barcelona – but the rest of the story seems to fall flat and does not live up to expectations.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 10, 2019
Without reading the blurb in too much detail, I expected a tale about a woman suffering empty nest syndrome. Since her two kids are twins, they leave for university at the same time. But instead of being lonely and feeling kind of useless all of a sudden, after 18 years of cooking, washing, shopping, cleaning up after everyone and generally caring for her children, Nadia embraces the new situation and is quite happy to finally have her life – and her flat – back to herself. She's a HEN - a Happy Empty Nester.
I was fond of Nadia from the very beginning, and the writing style suited her character perfectly. But also the chapters told from the point of view of Jack were very fitting. The book does have one serious ‘ingredient’, but generally it is very humorous and – above all – true to life. Even very small characters, like customers at the charity shop, are depicted brilliantly.
A very enjoyable read, for me personally maybe 10 years too soon.
I was fond of Nadia from the very beginning, and the writing style suited her character perfectly. But also the chapters told from the point of view of Jack were very fitting. The book does have one serious ‘ingredient’, but generally it is very humorous and – above all – true to life. Even very small characters, like customers at the charity shop, are depicted brilliantly.
A very enjoyable read, for me personally maybe 10 years too soon.
February 1, 2019
A fun, quick and un-upsetting romp. This fun novel follows the story of Nadia and Jack who meet in a Lush store right before Christmas. Nadia is a new empty-nester and lives alone. I loved the interaction between the two, and having read some of Fiona Gibson's prior work, I knew that it would be well written, insightful, fun, and sweet. A wonderful chick lit book that went fast, made you feel cozy, and was intelligent as well. A great reprieve from the turmoil a lot of us are currently feeling in our lives and worlds, this book will completely transport you to a place where you can fall in love with Jack and Nadia.
I highly recommend this book.
This ebook was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I highly recommend this book.
This ebook was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 6, 2019
Hilarious tale that captures your heart from the first page. Life after kids exists and it’s something to look forward too! I really enjoyed this book. The characters are likeable (even loveable!) and the story has a completeness about it that calms my senses. This is everything I want in a book - a high snuggle up with a hot chocolate factor. Read this, you won’t regret it.
February 20, 2019
Loved it, full of humour, love, family, relationships and a main character who juggles all of these things and comes out smiling. Should make all mums feel they’re heading in the right direction even though at times it takes just a little longer than usual. Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
March 17, 2019
Review coming from Romancing the Book
February 5, 2019
Time taken to read - just over a day
Pages - 400
Publisher - Avon Books
Source - ARC Review copy
Blurb from Goodreads
The laugh-out-loud Sunday Times bestseller is back and funnier than ever! Perfect for fans of WHY MUMMY DRINKS.
When her 18-year-old twins leave for university, single mum Nadia’s life changes in ways she never expected: her Glasgow flat feels suddenly huge, laundry doesn’t take up half her week, and she no longer has to buy ‘the Big Milk’. After almost two decades of putting everyone else first, Nadia is finally taking care of herself. And with a budding romance with new boyfriend Jack, She’s never felt more alive.
That is, until her son Alfie drops out of university, and Nadia finds her empty nest is empty no more. With a heartbroken teenager to contend with, Nadia has to ask herself: is it ever possible for a mother to get her own life back? And can Jack and Nadia’s relationship survive having a sulky teenager around?
A gloriously funny and uplifting new book perfect for fans of Gill Sims and Jill Mansell.
My Review
Meet Nadia, mother to twins who are up out finally out the house, Alfie is finally off to uni and the nest is finally empty. Nadia comes across the fabulous Jack and sparks up a romance, finding the joys and freedom of an empty house and dating again. When Alfie drops out of uni and comes home Nadia has to juggle her role as girlfriend, mother and find her place between her ex and his partner whom Alfie seems to have no issue opening up to. Molly is the other twin but doesn't play a huge part at all, our main characters are Nadia, Jack, Alfie and flashes of her ex partner and his misses Kiki.
Nadia is embracing the HEN - Happy Empty Nester, I am sure many a parent can relate to this and as a non parent even I could appreciate it. Going from full on parenting to actually being about you again was a nice change of pace for me, also some fab comedic moments and social awkwardness that a think we can all appreciate or relate to.
The book goes between Nadia and Jack, each having their own chapters, thoughts and moments. Jack has an ex and a teenage daughter with some genuine issues that tackle real life struggles without going too far in depth. It keep the book grounded and real, jocular, emotive, relationships, working life, every day issues and some of the obstacles facing a couple starting off together mid life with all the baggage getting to that age brings.
Nadia in one hand is brilliant, early 50s, does nude modelling for an art class and the response that brings from her kids. Her job, her family woes especially dealing with the partner of her ex who of course is younger, a skin specialist and loved by her kids, ha rage! Jack works in a charity shop and is a sweet chap looking out for his colleagues, totally oblivious to unwanted attentions, trying to be a good dad and deal with an old emotive wound from his past. It is a great wee cast of characters and much as I liked Nadia when it came to Alfie I wanted to shake her although she admits herself she maybe coddles him a bit too much.
The book made me want to visit a charity shop, skelp into quality street at ridiculous o'clock. Try out that with a butternut squash to see if it is a real thing (you have to read yourself to find out, no spoilers here). Hug a dog and visit Lush to buy a ridic amount of stuff I don't need (I do love Lush to be fair but we all know what it is like buying excess crap we don't need!). I really needed a wee book like this, funny, serious, different, relationships, family, humour - just a wee something different. I have read this author once before and I will need to nosey and see what else she has that I have missed. 4/5 for me this time, despite it being a mum I reckon everyone can appreciate this wee book for what it is, had work not got in the way I likely would have sunk it in one sitting.
Pages - 400
Publisher - Avon Books
Source - ARC Review copy
Blurb from Goodreads
The laugh-out-loud Sunday Times bestseller is back and funnier than ever! Perfect for fans of WHY MUMMY DRINKS.
When her 18-year-old twins leave for university, single mum Nadia’s life changes in ways she never expected: her Glasgow flat feels suddenly huge, laundry doesn’t take up half her week, and she no longer has to buy ‘the Big Milk’. After almost two decades of putting everyone else first, Nadia is finally taking care of herself. And with a budding romance with new boyfriend Jack, She’s never felt more alive.
That is, until her son Alfie drops out of university, and Nadia finds her empty nest is empty no more. With a heartbroken teenager to contend with, Nadia has to ask herself: is it ever possible for a mother to get her own life back? And can Jack and Nadia’s relationship survive having a sulky teenager around?
A gloriously funny and uplifting new book perfect for fans of Gill Sims and Jill Mansell.
My Review
Meet Nadia, mother to twins who are up out finally out the house, Alfie is finally off to uni and the nest is finally empty. Nadia comes across the fabulous Jack and sparks up a romance, finding the joys and freedom of an empty house and dating again. When Alfie drops out of uni and comes home Nadia has to juggle her role as girlfriend, mother and find her place between her ex and his partner whom Alfie seems to have no issue opening up to. Molly is the other twin but doesn't play a huge part at all, our main characters are Nadia, Jack, Alfie and flashes of her ex partner and his misses Kiki.
Nadia is embracing the HEN - Happy Empty Nester, I am sure many a parent can relate to this and as a non parent even I could appreciate it. Going from full on parenting to actually being about you again was a nice change of pace for me, also some fab comedic moments and social awkwardness that a think we can all appreciate or relate to.
The book goes between Nadia and Jack, each having their own chapters, thoughts and moments. Jack has an ex and a teenage daughter with some genuine issues that tackle real life struggles without going too far in depth. It keep the book grounded and real, jocular, emotive, relationships, working life, every day issues and some of the obstacles facing a couple starting off together mid life with all the baggage getting to that age brings.
Nadia in one hand is brilliant, early 50s, does nude modelling for an art class and the response that brings from her kids. Her job, her family woes especially dealing with the partner of her ex who of course is younger, a skin specialist and loved by her kids, ha rage! Jack works in a charity shop and is a sweet chap looking out for his colleagues, totally oblivious to unwanted attentions, trying to be a good dad and deal with an old emotive wound from his past. It is a great wee cast of characters and much as I liked Nadia when it came to Alfie I wanted to shake her although she admits herself she maybe coddles him a bit too much.
The book made me want to visit a charity shop, skelp into quality street at ridiculous o'clock. Try out that with a butternut squash to see if it is a real thing (you have to read yourself to find out, no spoilers here). Hug a dog and visit Lush to buy a ridic amount of stuff I don't need (I do love Lush to be fair but we all know what it is like buying excess crap we don't need!). I really needed a wee book like this, funny, serious, different, relationships, family, humour - just a wee something different. I have read this author once before and I will need to nosey and see what else she has that I have missed. 4/5 for me this time, despite it being a mum I reckon everyone can appreciate this wee book for what it is, had work not got in the way I likely would have sunk it in one sitting.
March 18, 2019
3.5*
Single mum Nadia is getting used to life as a HEN (happy empty nester) after her teenage twins head off to different universities. After an initial period of getting used to the silence and cooking for one, and the inevitable worrying if Alfie and Molly are managing okay, she soon settles into her new way of life. During a very funny encounter in a Lush shop, she meets charity shop manager Jack and they begin a relationship. With no children around to cramp their style, they revel in the freedom to enjoy themselves. Until, one evening, Alfie unexpectedly arrives home and almost catches them in what would have been a rather embarrassing situation!
I couldn't help but sympathise with Nadia , as Alfie not only put a damper on things with Jack but also seemed to have acquired lots of annoying bad habits such as not flushing the loo and leaving the tv on all night. I did get rather irritated with his selfishness at time but also with Nadia who I felt was far too tolerant of his behaviour. As any parent of teenagers knows though, it can be tricky finding the right things to say and do and there is always the worry that too much pressure may have awful consequences. I liked how the story was told not only from Nadia's point of view but also from Jack's. We got to see how he was feeling about the whole situation and his mixture of understanding and frustration at what Alfie's arrival home and bombshell announcement did to his and Nadia's relationship.
The Mum Who Got Her Life Back is an entertaining and amusing read, with lots of make you smile and lots of situations that any parent will identify with. It shows many different kinds of family situations and how they can be complicated with second relationships. But it also shows how with a bit of compromise, they can work for everyone. I was so hoping that things would work out for Nadia and Jack as they seemed lovely people who deserved happiness. Whether it works out the way I'd hoped, you'll need to read for yourself to find out. But for all you mums (and dads) out there who wonder if they will ever get their lives back, this book offers hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel. And more than a few smiles!
Single mum Nadia is getting used to life as a HEN (happy empty nester) after her teenage twins head off to different universities. After an initial period of getting used to the silence and cooking for one, and the inevitable worrying if Alfie and Molly are managing okay, she soon settles into her new way of life. During a very funny encounter in a Lush shop, she meets charity shop manager Jack and they begin a relationship. With no children around to cramp their style, they revel in the freedom to enjoy themselves. Until, one evening, Alfie unexpectedly arrives home and almost catches them in what would have been a rather embarrassing situation!
I couldn't help but sympathise with Nadia , as Alfie not only put a damper on things with Jack but also seemed to have acquired lots of annoying bad habits such as not flushing the loo and leaving the tv on all night. I did get rather irritated with his selfishness at time but also with Nadia who I felt was far too tolerant of his behaviour. As any parent of teenagers knows though, it can be tricky finding the right things to say and do and there is always the worry that too much pressure may have awful consequences. I liked how the story was told not only from Nadia's point of view but also from Jack's. We got to see how he was feeling about the whole situation and his mixture of understanding and frustration at what Alfie's arrival home and bombshell announcement did to his and Nadia's relationship.
The Mum Who Got Her Life Back is an entertaining and amusing read, with lots of make you smile and lots of situations that any parent will identify with. It shows many different kinds of family situations and how they can be complicated with second relationships. But it also shows how with a bit of compromise, they can work for everyone. I was so hoping that things would work out for Nadia and Jack as they seemed lovely people who deserved happiness. Whether it works out the way I'd hoped, you'll need to read for yourself to find out. But for all you mums (and dads) out there who wonder if they will ever get their lives back, this book offers hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel. And more than a few smiles!
March 18, 2019
This review was first published at M's Bookshelf
Uplifting, colourful and funny. Those were my first impressions when holding this book. And Fiona Gibson did not disappoint on those expectations.
Her delightful sense of humor really shines through. Her characters are easy to love, easy to relate to and hard to forget. Even when your own day to day life doesn't like anything like Nadia's or Jack's, you somehow relate to them from the start. Or I'm now really getting old for feeling more understanding and sympathy towards the 50-something parents, instead of the college students - who I was one of only a couple of years ago! All credit to Fiona Gibson's writing to make these characters and their stories recognizable, even for someone like me - who's just now getting used to the idea of being someone's mum in a couple of months time! Let alone a couple of teenagers...
Both Jack and Nadia are wonderful characters. They've both bring their past to this relationship. At least one failed relationship, a temporary loss of identity when becoming a parent, or in Jack's case some scars that run even deeper. I loved how despite, or maybe because of all this baggage, they were open to the possibilities of getting to know each other.
Jack is an incredible guy and an amazing father figure. His involvement and care towards his volunteers in the shop and the way he tries to be both a friend to them, as well as a "coach" in whichever way they need, is heartwarming.
Apart from making me feel very grateful for my ever-patient parents during those horrible teenage years, 'The Mum Who Got Her Life Back' made me laugh out loud, and even cry a little. Great, uplifting and heartwarming read!
Uplifting, colourful and funny. Those were my first impressions when holding this book. And Fiona Gibson did not disappoint on those expectations.
Her delightful sense of humor really shines through. Her characters are easy to love, easy to relate to and hard to forget. Even when your own day to day life doesn't like anything like Nadia's or Jack's, you somehow relate to them from the start. Or I'm now really getting old for feeling more understanding and sympathy towards the 50-something parents, instead of the college students - who I was one of only a couple of years ago! All credit to Fiona Gibson's writing to make these characters and their stories recognizable, even for someone like me - who's just now getting used to the idea of being someone's mum in a couple of months time! Let alone a couple of teenagers...
Both Jack and Nadia are wonderful characters. They've both bring their past to this relationship. At least one failed relationship, a temporary loss of identity when becoming a parent, or in Jack's case some scars that run even deeper. I loved how despite, or maybe because of all this baggage, they were open to the possibilities of getting to know each other.
Jack is an incredible guy and an amazing father figure. His involvement and care towards his volunteers in the shop and the way he tries to be both a friend to them, as well as a "coach" in whichever way they need, is heartwarming.
Apart from making me feel very grateful for my ever-patient parents during those horrible teenage years, 'The Mum Who Got Her Life Back' made me laugh out loud, and even cry a little. Great, uplifting and heartwarming read!
March 19, 2019
The Blurb :
When her 18-year-old twins leave for university, single mum Nadia’s life changes in ways she never expected: her Glasgow flat feels suddenly huge, laundry doesn’t take up half her week, and she no longer has to buy ‘the Big Milk’. After almost two decades of putting everyone else first, Nadia is finally taking care of herself. And with a budding romance with new boyfriend Jack, She’s never felt more alive.
That is, until her son Alfie drops out of university, and Nadia finds her empty nest is empty no more. With a heartbroken teenager to contend with, Nadia has to ask herself: is it ever possible for a mother to get her own life back? And can Jack and Nadia’s relationship survive having a sulky teenager around?
My Thoughts :
This has such a bright stand out cover that will make anyone want to pick it up and give it a read.
Set in Glasgow, with a little trip to Barcalona thrown in, we meet Nadia who now lives alone after her 18 year old twins Molly and Alfie set off to uni. Not one to sit and mope, Nadia has now started enjoying her life once again and that is with the factor of new boyfriend Jack, who she met in a charity shop. All in life is going well until son Alfie moves back home and now Nadia has to struggle with juggling her son and her new man. Alfie is not easy, from his Vegan life to not cleaning up after himself. Jack is also having some problems of his own with his ex wife and his daughter.
Can Nadia and Jack’s new relationship survive ex partners, children and life or is it all over before it started.
I love anything by Fiona Gibson, she is one of my go to authors. She has a way of telling the story at a pace you can capture whats going on easily and fall in love with the charactors. Looking forward to more from her in the future.
When her 18-year-old twins leave for university, single mum Nadia’s life changes in ways she never expected: her Glasgow flat feels suddenly huge, laundry doesn’t take up half her week, and she no longer has to buy ‘the Big Milk’. After almost two decades of putting everyone else first, Nadia is finally taking care of herself. And with a budding romance with new boyfriend Jack, She’s never felt more alive.
That is, until her son Alfie drops out of university, and Nadia finds her empty nest is empty no more. With a heartbroken teenager to contend with, Nadia has to ask herself: is it ever possible for a mother to get her own life back? And can Jack and Nadia’s relationship survive having a sulky teenager around?
My Thoughts :
This has such a bright stand out cover that will make anyone want to pick it up and give it a read.
Set in Glasgow, with a little trip to Barcalona thrown in, we meet Nadia who now lives alone after her 18 year old twins Molly and Alfie set off to uni. Not one to sit and mope, Nadia has now started enjoying her life once again and that is with the factor of new boyfriend Jack, who she met in a charity shop. All in life is going well until son Alfie moves back home and now Nadia has to struggle with juggling her son and her new man. Alfie is not easy, from his Vegan life to not cleaning up after himself. Jack is also having some problems of his own with his ex wife and his daughter.
Can Nadia and Jack’s new relationship survive ex partners, children and life or is it all over before it started.
I love anything by Fiona Gibson, she is one of my go to authors. She has a way of telling the story at a pace you can capture whats going on easily and fall in love with the charactors. Looking forward to more from her in the future.
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