Hatchards

(Hardback)

by Rosalee Nel

Ah sheesh- this was such a blast to read. You know when the right books come along at the right time? This was one of those. A genuine, laugh out loud, read for me. A woman who isn’t at all interested in having children, gets royally f*cked over by her ex-husband and ends up telling her teaching colleagues that she’s pregnant, in order to gain a year off work. Cue a number of fake baby bumps, awkward ‘mum-to-be’ conversations, baby classes with a colleague you can’t stand and receiving copious gifts and unsolicited advice for the baby you’re not having. This starts as a funny read, but quickly encompasses so much more, when our MC’s conscience and the reality of her situation hits home. This had me hooked from the first line and it just didn’t let go. From hilarious to genuinely heart-warming, this book had a mix of everything, and I can’t recommend it enough. Think Miranda meets Bridget Jones, and you’ll be on the right vibe length for this. Highly recommend- I can’t wait to get this one when it’s out, so I can share it with everyone. Thanks NetGalley and @panmacmillan for the ARC Pub date; 26.02.26

This reviewer received a free of charge product for review.

(Hardback)

by Cathu Sowden

I really enjoyed this original read. It was emotional and moving but also at times, really humorous. I loved the cast of complex female characters, their relationships and their getting to know themselves and each other. It also raises the issue of choosing to have children or not and explores it in a sensitive way. Highly recommend.

This reviewer received a free of charge product for review.

(Hardback)

by Danielle Dawkins

What a funny book! Great idea/ concept, which was what made me request it. I enjoyed the whole idea of the book from beginning to end especially being a teacher a lot of this made me laugh so much. It made me question all of my colleagues. The different names she gave for her bumps was a particular fun joke and there was lots of little jokes running throughout it like that.

This reviewer received a free of charge product for review.

(Hardback)

by Maggie Harris

Mother Faker Barri Brown is a school teacher who has received a text off her husband telling her he’s left her, she also discovers he remortgaged the house and has taken £50,000 that her father had left her. On top of all that she is not given the promotion she expected at work. She then decides to fake a pregnancy, why not she thinks she’ll get a year off during which she’ll save hard and then disappear into the sunset to start a new life. With lots of characters this book is very humorous and light but also there is depth and many emotions happy and sad. Barri is not a person one takes to easily, I even felt at first there was little wonder her husband left with her acerbic attitude and straight talking, gradually though as people start treating her more kindly and involving her in their lives due to the ‘pregnancy’ she opens herself up more and finds unlikely friends. A lovely read which I enjoyed, I would of loved more of a glimpse into Barrie’s future which I’m hoping is wonderful. My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.

This reviewer received a free of charge product for review.

(Hardback)

by The Secret Book Review

Motherfaker by Anna Brook-Mitchell is a witty and heartwarming book about one woman’s outrageous lie and the unexpected lessons that follow. Barri Brown is a respected teacher and trusted member of her community, but she’s had enough of work, responsibility and routine. Her solution is unthinkable yet strangely ingenious: fake a pregnancy to secure a year of paid leave and vanish into a new life. Armed with foam bumps and flowing dresses, Barri’s scheme is equal parts chaotic and hilarious. What begins as a sham quickly spirals into a tangle of awkward moments, close calls and surprising self-discovery. Along the way, she forms an unlikely bond with a lonely teenager and a neighbour hiding secrets of their own, forcing her to rethink what family and care really mean. The writing sparkles with humour and warmth, balancing sharp comedy with genuine emotion. Barri’s journey is laugh-out-loud funny yet unexpectedly touching, showing that even the biggest lies can lead to moments of truth. A clever, uplifting and completely entertaining read about friendship, redemption and finding meaning in the most unlikely places. Read more at The Secret Book Review.