After years of trying and a failed IVF attempt, Pippa is thrilled to see two little lines appear on a pregnancy test. Finally a precious baby to call her own. This is all Pippa has ever wanted…if only husband Jason could show just a little excitement.
Imogen…
A baby is the icing on the cake for Imogen and Alice – proof that their love for each other can overcome any obstacle. But when Imogen starts receiving malicious texts, it's clear that not everyone is thrilled about the girls' good news.
And Ellie…
A drunken one-night stand and Ellie's life is ruined! Pregnant, jobless and the relationship with her best friend, Chris, over- forever. Because Chris just happens to be the father of Ellie's baby…and potentially the love of her life!
For these first time mums the road to motherhood is bumpier than most!
I absolutely loved this so much I couldn't put it down!
The main characters are brilliant, they are all so different and have so much going on in their lives and they join this club and they really do become the best of friends and they can rely on each other for anything. They go through highs and lows together and support each other through anything and everything.
Please let there be a follow up book, I cant bare to let go of these characters!
*Book provided by the publisher on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Three women, three lives, three personalities, but they have one thing in common: they are pregnant!
Pippa is excited to finally be pregnant, her husband Jason however, doesn’t seem to happy about it. Imogen and Alice are happy to complete their family with a little baby. Alice’s parents are really supportive of their relationship and the pregnancy, but Imogen’s mum is not thrilled. A night with her best friend Chris and Ellie is pregnant, not what they both wanted, it just makes everything more awkward.
It was interesting to follow their journeys. They all were in very different situations and I was very curious to find out more for all three of them. they all meet at the club, Ellie's sister Zoe organizes and get to share their story and we of course see how everything develops during their pregnancies.
The fact that it's so different for all of them, but they are going through the same thing and they meet each other, creates a wonderful storyline. I found all three parts of the story interesting, but I was most curious about Ellie's situation.
The book is about friendship, love, family and of course pregnancy. Lucie Wheeler created a lovely atmosphere around the characters and I loved the ladies as individuals. In the end however, it's all their stories put together in a clever way and I really enjoyed reading the book.
I absolutely adore the idea behind the story and Lucie Wheeler has done a brilliant job, such a talented lady.
Lucie's writing is engaging, funny, fresh and just has a unique voice! A fabulous debut novel, I want more!
What a glorious debut novel, it contains everything you want from a chick lit book, plenty of laughs, female friendships, angst about men, and some incredibly likeable characters (and a couple of ones designed to make your blood boil!).
What we have here is three women who are all pregnant for the first time, in quite different circumstances to each other, who are all brought together by Zoe, and the First Time Mums' Club she runs in her cafe.
For Zoe is Pippa's best friend, and Ellie's sister, and gets to know Imogen along with the others, as they all attend the club. Pippa's marriage is going through a difficult time so her pregnancy announcement doesn't come at the best moment. Imogen is over the moon to discover that she and Alice are pregnant and that the IVF has worked. However Imogen's mother is not so accepting and is downright vicious and malicious. And Ellie, well finding out she's pregnant was a shock to the system, especially given the father is her best friend, who only sleep together very occasionally.
We join the ladies on their journey through pregnancy, the ups and downs in their relationships, and Zoe is a rock for them all. This is a wonderful story of female friendship, and how women can bond over a common interest.
I loved Ellie's outspokenness at just about every situation she comes across. She may be a bit confused as to what she is doing, but some of her comments to the other girls are just pure gold! I loved the tenderness and loving relationship Imogen and Alice had, and how Alice is such a supportive wife. With Pippa I was shocked at how her husband treats her, and yet there were still surprises in that direction!
I found the women to be incredibly engaging, and I loved every aspect of the book and how it drew me in. It is a pleasurable story to read, and I believe Lucie Wheeler is an author I will be looking out for a lot more in the future.
Thank you so much to Harper Impulse and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Hands down, this is one of the most delightful chick lit novels I have read in a long time! It is filled with everything that us chick lit fans have come to love with these novels- friendships, love, charming and lovable characters, and a plot driven with real life issues that all women can relate to. If this is the type of book you like, then I would strongly recommend giving this wonderful debut novel a try. It's the perfect read to cozy up with and one that I won't soon forget.
With that, this book is about 4 very different women who live completely opposite lives. However, they do all have one thing in common- pregnancy. When they come together at the First Time Mum's club it's easy to spot their differences, but no matter what they are, they all find a way to lean on one another through this hectic time in their lives.
Characters: I found each and every character in this novel to be completely charming. On top of this, I love how they are all written with differences which allows each of them to really stand out on their own. Imogene for example, is in a lesbian partnership/marriage and has a mother who is completely against their union. The fact that the author included this character really made me smile because it brings a lot of diversity to the book and shows that not every relationship has to me M/F. The next character is a married woman who is slowly beginning to realize that her husband is hiding a secret from her. I won't tell you the secret as you will have to read it on your own but I think there are many women who can relate to her. Sigh. The world is not filled with perfect men. Then we have Ellie who is pregnant out of wedlock with a close friends baby. She is the character that stood out to me the most in this story because of her dry sense of humor and a lot of sass. Finally, Zoe (who also happens to be the one who started the First Time Mums' club at her cafe), is Ellie's sister. While she may not be pregnant she is the one that ultimately brings all these women together who form a strong bond through pregnancy.
Overall, this is a wonderful story and I wouldn't mind seeing a followup with these characters. Perhaps the fist time mums' club can strike again? I feel like it should because I would love to read more!!! But even if it doesn't, this story ends on a wonderful note and each of the characters have some sort of happy ending.
Fans of chick lit novels and those who like novels that are pregnancy related this is the perfect book for you!
Is it possible to fall in love with a book as much as I did with The First Time Mums’ Club by Lucie Wheeler? Firstly, just look at the cover … stunning … gorgeous … in fact utterly fabulous! The minute I spotted this book I knew I just wanted to jump inside, and I couldn’t download my review copy quickly enough! But, I need to tell you something … as soon as you open the book it just gets better and better!
Meet Pippa…
After years of trying and a failed IVF attempt, Pippa is thrilled to see two little lines appear on a pregnancy test. Finally a precious baby to call her own. This is all Pippa has ever wanted…if only husband Jason could show just a little excitement.
Imogen…
A baby is the icing on the cake for Imogen and Alice – proof that their love for each other can overcome any obstacle. But when Imogen starts receiving malicious texts, it’s clear that not everyone is thrilled about the girls’ good news.
And Ellie…
A drunken one-night stand and Ellie’s life is ruined! Pregnant, jobless and the relationship with her best friend, Chris, over- forever. Because Chris just happens to be the father of Ellie’s baby…and potentially the love of her life!
The story is woven between three first time pregnant mums that join a club at the local café. I found each of their individual stories engaging and Wheeler draws you into their lives like they are your new best friends. I especially adored Ellie whose outspoken attitude kept me amused at every situation, if I’m honest she reminded me a little of myself!
This book captured my heart, everything about it was perfection. It had the right amount of giggles, girl power moments and genuine friendships. There is definitely not a dull moment in The First Time Mums’ Club!
Phenomenal debut by Lucie Wheeler and a book you NEED in your life!
I enjoy chick-lit novels, so when I heard about this one from debut novelist Lucie Wheeler, I was eager to give it a go. The cover and blurb are very appealing, so I dove right in.
From the off, I found this to be a very easy read. The author's writing style is light and engaging, and I liked how the story focused on several characters, and included lots of real issues. I was drawn in to all the storylines, and was eager to find out what happened next. I don't want to say much more because I don't want to give anything away, but let's just say if you like fun chick-lit books which aren't all sweetness and light, then you should check this out. Also, I don't know if it was done deliberately, but the book is ideally structured to lead into a sequel or a spin-off.
Since I've become a mum myself, I really like to read books with heroines that are pregnant, or are just about to get a baby, or just got the baby and have to deal with their worlds being turned upside - down. "The First Time Mums' Club" is already the perfect, very promising title, and then you see that you're going to get not one pregnant character but straight away three! Add to this this lovely, colourful, eye - catching cover and there was nothing holding me off from reading this debut novel from Lucie Wheeler. This is a story full of friendship, sisterhood, girls' power and plenty of laughs, but it also touches upon many more difficult issues and deals with them in a likeable, believable way.
However, there was not so much about the pregnancies themselves, the book mostly focused on the circumstances the women got pregnant and on their private lives and problems, as there were many troubles coming for them. They are all brought together by Zoe, who runs the First Time Mums' Club in her cafe - and no, Zoe herself is not pregnant. Ellie is Zoe's sister, then we have Zoe's best friend Pippa and there is also Imogen, who gets to know the girls at the cafe and they click. Pippa's marriage is going through difficult path right now. Imogen and her partner Alice are happy to be pregnant, though there are problems with Imogen's family accepting the fact that she's married to a woman and the realisation that Ellie is pregnant, and who is the father, is a great shock for her system.
The characters were very well developed. I really had a feeling that I know them inside out, that I knew what drives them and what makes them tick, and why they are like this. However, there were many moments that the story just stood in place without moving and the same thing was being talked about over and over again. The Ellie and Olli situation played incredibly on my nerves, it was will they/won't they taken on another, annoying, level. I could only roll my eyes at their banter, the way they cut in on when talking, never getting close to a conclusion or solution, even though you could see immediately how this is going to end. To be honest, I didn't have a feeling that I should keep my fingers crossed for them or something because they just only annoyed me. So there. Even though they were - separately - sharp, witty characters and I adored Ellie's "no shit" approach. The stories of the three girls, or rather four, because we also got to know Zoe's background, were interesting and believable, and also I am sure most of us will find something that can relate to, that can nod your head and state "I've been there, I've seen it". The situations are down to earth and not too exaggerated and Lucie Wheeler shows that the story can carry on without adding unnecessary dramas, and I liked it.
We see how the girls deal with their problems and with the different emotions that their pregnancies freed in them and their closest surroundings, and we slowly observe how the meetings in the cafe become important for them, and how their friendship is building closer. They start to count on each other and support each other. The end of this story was very fairy - talish, for my liking, but oh well, it was a rom - com, right, so even if it was this tad unbelievable for me, too random, and it made me roll my eyes, I did buy it. I only couldn't get straight into the story and warm to it just like I should, and I can't put my finger on what has caused it, and I am really torn about this novel. I have expected something different, really rather focusing on being a mum for the first time, full of hilarious anecdotes and instead the story concentrates on the problems of the four new - made friends, and I don't mean that it's wrong, it is absolutely OK, however I also can't say that it was my most favourite read that is going to stay with me forever. I do appreciate Lucie Wheeler's writing style - it was fluent and flowing, with moments of being a little too unpolished and raw, but oh my, I can live with that, it is a debut novel. The author is a great story teller and she can for sure create her characters, so I think that my problem must be with the plotline itself. However, the book is already gaining tons of fans, which is a great thing, and if you try it you may discover you also love it. And I am already looking toward Ms Wheeler's next novel.
Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for this review copy.
This book was fabulous! I just knew it was going to be, it just has a look of a book that says ‘Read Me!’ We meet three pregnant women and all of them have their own individual stories as to why and how they got pregnant. Pippa is married to Jason. After having a failed IVF attempt she is finally pregnant, but Jason doesn’t seem as keen as before. Imogen is married to Alice. They have been desperate for a baby, but have to overcome the stigmas attached to same sex parents. Ellie – well, Ellie is Ellie! Pregnant by her best friend after a drunken one night stand and now she feels like her life is ruined! What a great mixture of characters!
We also meet Ellie’s sister, Zoe. Zoe runs a local café and starts up a “mum’s to be” club. Here is where our three mum’s meet and they all become firm friends. The book takes you on an emotional rollercoaster, following them on their pregnancy journeys. There are laughs, tears, happiness and sadness. It is a story of love, friendship…..oh and of course, babies! This was such a lovely read. I was hooked from page one, and didn’t want to be put it down until all the babies were safely with us! I just didn’t want it to end!
My first Lucie Wheeler book, and will definitely be looking out in the future for more books by this author. Fantastic! Five Stars!
I was very surprised this is a debut novel because the writing is so polished and fun I did not want to put this down. The way Wheeler set up her characters you could easily see this turning into a series so we can follow her wonderful creations for more adventures; here’s hoping that happens!
Her characters are multi-dimensional, realistic and are a great example of what a support network should look like.
This is the perfect novel for your book club with great humor and relationships for the reader to enjoy and dissect.
I would definitely recommend this as it’s a great way to escape and come out with a brighter mood.
If I wasn’t broody before I read this novel, I sure as hell am now!!! Waiting for Lucie Wheeler’s book to land amongst the blogger community was quite similar to the last month of pregnancy; long and couldn’t come quick enough! The thing is though folks, I am rather disappointed. You know when you wait an absolute age for something whilst getting more and more excited as each day passes, the day finally arrives and you end up feeling ‘OH’, ever get that? I am at that point, so I am rather disappointed.
I mean, WHY THE MATERNITY DID THE BOOK HAVE TO END?!?!?! Nobody told me that it would end…I wasn’t prepared for the story to finish and be left sitting there. -cries eyes out- I WANTED TO STAY WITH IMOGENNNNNNNN, WAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!
Ohhhhhhh, sorry, did you think I was going to say that I was disappointed with the book? Er hell no! Being a mummy myself I was able to relate to a lot of the storyline, especially Ellie’s situation (to a point). Pippa, Imogen and Ellie all have babies on the brain, after all, all three ladies are expecting! At first the ladies are complete strangers yet they are all drawn to a certain café. Well, seeing as it’s Ellie’s sister who owns the café it would be a bit tricky for her not to be drawn to it…
Each lady has their own individual story; Pippa is married to husband Jason and after a failed attempt at IVF, they’re FINALLY going to be parents, Imogen is married to wife Alice and despite all of the hurdles their relationship has had to jump over, they are about to complete their family with a baby of their very own. Oh, and finally, there is Ellie who is probably the least maternal woman of the group, yet ta-daaaa she is about to become a mummy after a drunken sha….shenanigan left her eating for two. And you know what? They’re all unbelievably fabulous!
If you’re a pregnant, first time mum and are currently experiencing feelings such as the ones mentioned in this storyline, or if you have already had your baby(ies), you’ll know that finding out you’re pregnant has got to be one of the most phenomenal yet terrifying experiences. Yes, even if the pregnancy is planned! Lucie Wheeler has captured those fears, apprehension and sheer enjoyment, in every part of her storyline absolutely magnificently. A lot of people may think that pregnancy and impending parenthood will be a vision of white roses and bouncing rabbits (well, that was how you got there), when in reality it’s not always like that. Lucie Wheeler has taken the topic of pregnancy, laid it bare and written about it in such a black and white manner; aka realistically. Take Ellie for example; as soon as she found out she was pregnant she felt as though her whole world had nose-dived, yet that is quite a common reaction to pregnancy, especially if unplanned!
Falling pregnant isn’t a case of wham, bam, thank you mam and a baby is made. No. Some women may need additional help or may be classed as high risk, so their feelings are going to be completely different to women who do fall pregnant on the first sniff of the Sea Man. What really impressed me with the entire storyline was how nearly every avenue was explored; fertility issues, same-sex marriage, single parent, rocky marriage and so on. Hand on heart, how many storylines do you know of that cover all of the above in one sitting?
Even though I adored every character (bar one), I resonated more with Imogen’s personality and beliefs. She became my ‘go to’ character very quickly and it was her labour that caught me more than the others. Daft eh? On a very personal level what with being considered ‘higher risk’, just like Imogen I’ve always know that I wanted to be a mummy; her fears and levels of uncertainty was as though I was watching a video of myself pregnant. Maybe that’s why I found her to be my ‘go to’ character, I don’t know.
For me, ‘The First Time Mums’ Club’ was such a flawless representation of motherhood, even where the labour was concerned! I could go on and on about Lucie Wheeler’s book all night, it really is THAT good. But I won’t though!
It is incredibly rare to read a storyline which not only captures your heart, your soul and your ovaries, it also leaves you feeling a level of fulfilment that you have never, ever felt before; just like The First Time Mums’ Club. I cannot put into words how much I adored every word and every feeling that this storyline contained; every single thing was…perfection. Personally, ‘The First Time Mums’ Club’ had the right amount of giggles, the right amount of solidarity and girl power, the right ratio of serious to light-hearted moments, and even the right way of showing all first time mums (and mums in general) that it’s more than okay to not have everything together ALL of the time.
Lucie Wheeler’s debut novel, ‘The First Time Mums’ Club’ is such an outstanding and beautifully written tale about motherhood and friendship; I cannot tell you how much I LOVED reading this belter of a book. I was absolutely devastated to reach the end of such an empowering and fantastic book, so much so I am debating whether to read it for a second time already!
Phenomenal debut novel from the inspirational, Lucie Wheeler. It’s safe to say that ‘The First Time Mums’ Club’ is ranking in TWG’s Top 5 books of 2017 so far; roll on book two!!
Absolutely loved this book. Such a fabulous fresh exciting idea for a book. It had everything you could want in a book. Laugh out loud Moments, heartwarming stories, at times tearful, beautiful friendships, Romance and New Beginnings.
Becoming a New Mum is always scary, so having the First Time Mum's Club for support is a fantastic and special idea. I think there should be clubs everywhere so Mum's know they are not alone!
No matter what your circumstances are the First Time Mum's Club welcomes everyone.
The story is based around 4 main characters... Zoe, Imogen, Ellie and Pippa
Zoe is the glue that holds each of the girls together. She is so strong and loyal. A truly beautiful person. Zoe owns the coffee shop where the girls meet for the First Time Mum's Club.
Ellie is Zoe's sister. Things don't always go to plan between them and Ellie is convinced Zoe was always the favourite sister. But as the story progresses their sisterly bond just gets stronger and stronger. It's So beautiful to see. Zoe and Ellie's backstory is quiet emotional. Chris, Ellie's best friend is a great character. I wish there was more of him. (All will be revealed once you start reading)
Pippa is Zoe's best friend. She's been trying for years to conceive but things just haven't worked out. She is married to Jason. Their marriage is far from a happy one. Jason I disliked the most, he is a coward and a bully!
Imogen does not have an easy backstory. I warmed to her the most. With emotional abuse from her Mother she always feels inadequate. So when she falls in love and marries Alice her Mother does not approve one bit. Imogen and Alice have also been trying for a baby for a long time. Imogen meets Zoe and the others when they attend the First Time Mum's Club. It's so nice to see Imogen finally accepting and loving herself with the support of the others!
With such different stories all four girls are bonded through being First Time Mums. Seeing each one of them grow in character and confidence is heartwarming. So beautiful to see that no matter how different they are, they are always there for each other.
From the very first pages where we meet Ellie I knew I was in for a fun read.... Lucie didn't disappoint she bought exactly that.... Fun!
I just want to mention how beautifully charming the cover is. Represents the story so well.
I would also like to say well done to Lucie for writing something different. I'm sure lots of First Time Mum's and Mum's in general are going to relate to this story and the fabulous characters inside!!
Overall a really enjoyable fun read, great charming characters and some laugh out loud moments. A few twists along the way!What more could you want.
The only slight niggle I would of liked more of the Mum's Club... although the 4 ladies made up the First Time Mum's Club, we did get 2 group meeting where other mums attended. Especially because Ellie and those meetings were so funny! She is not afraid to speak her mind! I would of liked a lil more of the group meetings. But that is just a very very tiny niggle.
Other than that I Absolutely loved it! I really hope we haven't seen the last of the First Time Mum's Club, there is definitely more I can't wait to uncover!
The perfect ending to a perfect book!!
Would I recommend this book.... 100% YES!!
I would recommend this book to readers who love Rom Com's, Chick Lit, Women's Literature and Mum's in general!
I received this book from the Publisher in exchange for a honest and fair review via Netgalley.
What a delightful, heartwarming and inspiring debut novel! I think we have a new author on the blog who will carry on having a very fruitful and long career in the writing industry. What a gorgeous cover is this book wrapped up in!
Meet Pippa… After years of trying and a failed IVF attempt, Pippa is thrilled to see two little lines appear on a pregnancy test. Finally, a precious baby to call her own. This is all Pippa has ever wanted…if only husband Jason could show just a little excitement. Imogen… A baby is the icing on the cake for Imogen and Alice – proof that their love for each other can overcome any obstacle. But when Imogen starts receiving malicious texts, it's clear that not everyone is thrilled about the girls' good news. And Ellie… A drunken one-night stand and Ellie's life is ruined! Pregnant, jobless and the relationship with her best friend, Chris, over- forever. Because Chris just happens to be the father of Ellie's baby…and potentially the love of her life!
Pippa, Imogen and Ellie have one thing in common, the three of them are pregnant and struggling with the new development in their life. Pippa is very excited about her pregnancy but her husband Jason seems less happy and more and more distracted by his work commitments. I loved the way Pippa was trying very hard to run her delectable baking business while doing everything to make her marriage with Jason happy again. I got really fond of Pippa and hoped that she will find her happy ever after again.
I also loved the sisters Ellie and Zoe. Ellie was my favourite character. When Ellie found out about her pregnancy, she completely freaked out about this little surprise, but luckily Ellie finds a huge support in her sister Zoe, a cafe owner and the founder of The First Mum's Club and Chris, the father of the baby. Zoe is another fabulous character, she has got the personality that everyone loves, and Zoe also happens to be a good listener to the pregnant and hormonal ladies of the club. Imogen was another fabulous character who suffers terrible anxiety probably inflicted by her mother who can't look past Imogen relationship status. So Imogen is wrapped up with profound worry about her family happiness.
There are a lot of characters in the book, but without one another the book would not be so captivating because I could not tear my eyes off the pages of this story. The First Mum's Club is oozing warm, sweetness and a snippet of drama that unravels the story ribbon by ribbon to deliver a truly inspiring and emotional story. Loved, loved loved this book. Highly recommend this book to any first-time mother, already a mother or mother to be! Grab yourself a copy and snuggled down for an excellently written package of a book.
I think the best thing about the characters in this book is that they are so different and yet have one special thing in common - pregnancy! It was great to pick out certain personality traits as to how I was during my pregnancies, I definitely had flashbacks. It really was so easy to be pulled into these women's lives as Lucie Wheeler has created a wonderful heart warming story that I am sure will resonate with lots of people.
You are introduced to Ellie as she is making her discovery of being pregnant. I think anyone who has ever been in the situation can understand that once you make the decision to take the test it is all you can think about. I know I was the same, I had no patience whatsoever! Pippa is a delight and I couldn't help but smile along with her as she told her friend her news, you could feel the joy she was experiencing radiate from the pages. Although as the story progresses you discover that not everything is a perfect as it first appears to be. I felt a lot of affection for Imogen as she had such a tough relationship with her mum I'm sure that if you read this book you would want to give her a hug just like I wanted to.
The transition from one character to another is smooth and I never felt like I wanted to switch back to another character. Their stories all held my attention just in different ways and Zoe I guess was the glue that kind of held them together. Mainly due to her owning a cafe which to be honest I wish I could go to myself. Even though there are multiple characters they each have a distinct personality and they all have a different story to tell. I'm not totally sure that I could pick a favourite as I enjoyed reading all of their individual stories and by the end it honestly felt as if I knew them all.
The whole book felt so down to earth with a special charm that made me want to keep on reading. There is a great mix of emotional moments, funny moments and everything in between. There are lots of issues explored in this book from same sex marriage, an unstable relationship and also finding yourself pregnant when you aren't in a relationship. Pretty much everything is covered which makes this story so relatable.
A fantastic story exploring the wonderful experience that is motherhood along with love, romance and friendships.
It really is a joy to read!
With thanks to Harper Impulse & Netgalley for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
I'd heard such good things about this book and I knew I had to read it, but I did wonder if, not being a mummy myself, I would fully be able to gel with the characters and plot.
But a great story is a great story, and I needn't have worried. This isn't just a story about a group of women on their journeys to becoming mums: it's about strong, supportive female friendships overcoming all obstacles, and I found it so easy to relate to that.
I loved all of the women: they were so well-drawn, each one with her own distinct voice, and I was rooting for them throughout. I loved Ellie's sarcasm and disarming directness as, with the help of sister Zoe, she struggles to come to terms with her feelings for best friend Chris, father to the baby she finds herself carrying after a drunken one-night stand. I loved kind, compassionate Pippa, and really enjoyed seeing her become stronger and more independent as the story progressed. And I especially loved Imogen and her wife Alice, who after years of IVF are finally expecting the baby that will make their little family complete. The scene where Imogen finally stands up to her controlling mother was emotional gold.
A charming, sweet and often very funny read that gets a resounding five stars from me! One of the best romcoms I've read in a long time, and with an original premise that kept me turning the pages right to the end. Hurry up with the next one please, Lucie!
I seem to have got into a habit of reading debut novels recently and, as was my last few experiences, Ms Wheeler’s debut does not disappoint. Is there any common link between these authors? Well, yes, they are pretty much all members of the Romantic Novelist’s Association. Go RNA!
What we have here is a group piece telling the trials and lives of three women who all find themselves pregnant under different circumstances and those around them who provide much needed support, in some cases, hindrance. Through their eyes, we feel their highs and lows and everywhere in between.
Quick note – a book doesn’t often capture my attention so much that I put aside everything else but here, that’s exactly what I did.
This is a very well written book which I believe the author has used personal experience to make our reading experience that more enjoyable and realistic. Well-constructed and paced, with believeable characters you can’t help but fall in love with (and in one place grow to hate), this is an auspicious offering that will give the reader of the Romance genre much pleasure and I feel that we must expect great things of Ms Wheeler if ‘The First Time Mum’s Club’ is anything to go on.
What a novel! I have been in somewhat of a book slump recently and this was the perfect book to reignite my love for reading. I got so immersed in the storyline and the characters that I felt that I experienced every feeling alongside the girls; I smiled their smiles, laughed their laughter and experienced their heartbreak and joy. Initially there were some characters I thought I would relate to more than others however Wheeler created an enticing read that had me rooting for all of the girls and racing to discover what would happen next ('Oh go on, one more chapter then...').
This book does what all great books should do, it insights smiles and laughter and inspires conversations that ultimately bring people together. It inspired somewhat of an impromptu book club between my my mum, my grandma and myself - three generations all bonding over this book and becoming engrossed in every page.
This is a really clear indicator that Wheeler has a promising future in the literary world and I for one cannot wait to see what she does next!
Congratulation's Lucie Wheeler on your debut novel... I loved it! I really enjoyed this book, it had all the things I love about chick lit - friendship, love and a villain to hate!
Ellie, Pippa and Imogen all fall pregnant under different circumstances and we get to follow them throughout the 9 months seeing their friendships develop through meeting at the first time mum's club that Zoe (Ellie's sister and Pippa's best friend) runs at her cafe. (I constantly wanted cake while reading this book, the cakes just sound too yum!)
At times I got frustrated with some of the characters, I wanted to step into the book and give them a good shake but that just showed me how invested and involved I felt in them and the story. By the end I felt like I had known them for ages, I loved their friendship and how they supported each other through the ups and downs.
I was disappointed that it had to come to an end I am really hoping Lucie revisits the group and brings out book two so we can find out what they are up to!
I will be recommending this book to all of my friends!
This was such a lovely read- three new mum to be's meet a a first time mum's club at a local cafe. Pippa is finally expecting a much longed for baby but her husband Jason seems to have cold feet. Imogen and her wife are expecting a treasured IVF baby and Ellie is horrified when she discovers that after a drunken night out she's expecting a baby with her best friend.
It's a beautiful book of friendship, relationships, worries and babies! The girls get to know each other and provide a lovely support network- although they are intially reluctant to let the other girls know their worries. You can feel the excitement of the families expecting the babies, but also the stresses the new mums to be are feeling.
Zoe's cafe sounds a wonderful place to visit and she's a great sister to Ellie. Ellie's best friend Chris is also such a lovely character. I can't wait to read more from Lucie Wheeler.
A delightful debut that kept me hooked until the last page. The story revolves around three very different women who find themselves pregnant for the first time, and follows their individual lives and how their group friendship grows. There were sweet moments aplenty and not just because one main setting was a delicious coffee shop. Keep a shot of caffeine handy, though, to deal with the characters who will have you almost angry enough to lose your appetite. I loved how the women pulled together, despite their varied problems and backgrounds. This is a story about friendship. About doing the right thing. It cheer-leads kindness and courage. The perfect sunny read to match your holiday in the sun.
I picked up this book while waiting for books I'd put on hold to come in, expecting it to be as juicy and exciting as my mum's group catch ups are. Well. It was the opposite, it was like a badly written soap episode, all predictable storylines and characters so corny it made me cringe! I could have written a better book in year 7! This book is unbelievably crap, it's not even a good summer beach read because it makes you groan with frustration and roll your eyes and pull out your hair (not a good look on the beach) so I am so confused as to how it got published and also why it's rated so highly? Although only 166 people have rated it, and I think it should stay that way. I actually feel bad for the author, but honestly don't waste your time.
From the very first page, the very first positive test, I was immersed in this delightful story of Imogen, Pippa, Ellie and Zoe too.
I loved how every chapter unfolded a little more of each character's journey to motherhood and as well as a little more of their histories. I really felt for Pippa in her relationship. The stark contrast between Pippa and Imogen's partners was harrowing and enthralling and I found myself reading more and more every day.
This is a fabulous story about friendship, relationships and the sometimes bumpy road to motherhood. I devoured it and loved it!
I really enjoyed this debut novel by Lucie Wheeler. I was gripped from the first page and I couldn't put it down.
The book is about 3 women Pippa, Imogen and Ellie. Who are embarking on motherhood. The support they show each other is lovely. A lovely friendship is born.
I would love for there to be a sequel to this book and I throughly enjoyed it.
A little predictable and I would have liked to see more of the relationship between Ellie and Chris as I thought that could have been a book on its own but I really enjoyed it and couldn't put it down.
fantastic debut. Hadn't realised it was her first novel and actually went to buy her back catalogue to discover there wasn't one. Will definitely be getting the next one.