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Because Mummy Said So
The era of the yummy mummy has finally gone and to celebrate, Shari Low has taken a baby wipe to the glossy veneer of the school of perfect parenting with Because Mummy Said So. This collection of hilarious memories tells the truth about motherhood in all of its sleep-deprived, frazzled glory. No judgement, no impossibly high standards, no perfect day – just real life and a whole lot of chaos that every experienced, new or soon-to-be parent will relate to.
Embarrassing mistakes, disastrous summer holidays, childhood milestones, tear-jerking nativity plays, eight bouts of chickenpox and that time when a three-year-old superhero locked himself in a toilet... this is one imperfect mum's tales of the ups, downs and unforgettable moments of parenthood.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 18, 2018
404 people are currently reading
229 people want to read
About the author
Shari Low
47 books1,473 followers*No1 Multi-Million Copy Best-Selling Author*
In a career spanning twenty five years, author Shari Low has published over 40 books, and sold over five million copies around the globe, hitting the best seller charts in many countries including UK, USA, Canada, Germany and Australia.
In 2020, her first novel, What If? (originally published in 2001), was updated and re-released, followed by the sequels What Now? and What Next?. All three novels became international best sellers.
Since then, several of Shari's books have been #1 chart-toppers - including One Day With You, One Moment in Time, One Christmas Eve, One Year After You, One Midnight With You and One Day & Forever.
Her latest novels, One More Day of Us and One Snowy Day were published in 2025 by Boldwood Books.
Shari has also co-written three Hollywood thrillers, The Rise, The Catch and The Fall, with LA-based TV presenter and actor Ross King.
In real life, once upon a time she met a guy, got engaged after a week, and thirty-something years later she lives near Glasgow with the one they said would never last. Their children have now grown and scattered across the world, so she spends an inordinate amount of time on video calls and aeroplanes.
For all the latest news, visit Shari on Facebook, twitter, instagram or at sharilow dot com
In a career spanning twenty five years, author Shari Low has published over 40 books, and sold over five million copies around the globe, hitting the best seller charts in many countries including UK, USA, Canada, Germany and Australia.
In 2020, her first novel, What If? (originally published in 2001), was updated and re-released, followed by the sequels What Now? and What Next?. All three novels became international best sellers.
Since then, several of Shari's books have been #1 chart-toppers - including One Day With You, One Moment in Time, One Christmas Eve, One Year After You, One Midnight With You and One Day & Forever.
Her latest novels, One More Day of Us and One Snowy Day were published in 2025 by Boldwood Books.
Shari has also co-written three Hollywood thrillers, The Rise, The Catch and The Fall, with LA-based TV presenter and actor Ross King.
In real life, once upon a time she met a guy, got engaged after a week, and thirty-something years later she lives near Glasgow with the one they said would never last. Their children have now grown and scattered across the world, so she spends an inordinate amount of time on video calls and aeroplanes.
For all the latest news, visit Shari on Facebook, twitter, instagram or at sharilow dot com
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 13, 2024
A lovely little amusing funny book of mummy tales from Shari Low that mum's, aunts, uncles, dad's infact almost anyone can and will relate to even from your own childhood memories possibly but definitely amusing if you have been around children or parents etc so many of these little things are life in a nutshell!!
Only another few Shari books left for me so glad there is a new 1 coming in Jan!!
Only another few Shari books left for me so glad there is a new 1 coming in Jan!!
November 14, 2024
Well, lads. That’s it. I’ve taken mission Shari Low as far as I can (her other titles haven’t been audiofied,as yet) so Helen McAlpine, I’m sure you’re a busy lady but if you’d maybe like to give the remaining titles a wee update, or if you’d like to visit and read them to me I can guarantee laughs, tears and snotters, and tea, lots of tea. In all seriousness I’m genuinely sad. These novels (this one isn’t a novel) mean the world to me, they’re a little safe haven, and I’m always guaranteed comfort.
Anyhoo. As I said, this title isn’t a novel, it’s a collection of stories on the authors experiences of motherhood. I know that Shari Low writes a column for a newspaper and I think a lot of the stories have been compiled from the columns. I’m not certain, I don’t buy the tabloids and I don’t know which one.
There’s all the heart and humour that the author pours into her novels, and it was lovely to recognise little traits from some of the characters.
I definitely related to a lot, and I laughed a lot.
That’s it then ………….…..…
Anyhoo. As I said, this title isn’t a novel, it’s a collection of stories on the authors experiences of motherhood. I know that Shari Low writes a column for a newspaper and I think a lot of the stories have been compiled from the columns. I’m not certain, I don’t buy the tabloids and I don’t know which one.
There’s all the heart and humour that the author pours into her novels, and it was lovely to recognise little traits from some of the characters.
I definitely related to a lot, and I laughed a lot.
That’s it then ………….…..…
August 27, 2018
This really is a laugh out loud book. As such, i advise against reading it in church, on a busy train or whilst pretending to listen to someone talking.
Is it so true to life and so funny i really couldnt put it down.
Shari Lows style of writing and honesty is unbeatable.
I had planned to add a funny quote from the book, however after highlighting 27 suitable funnys before I'd even reached the end pages I decided not to attempt to choose one . You'll just have to read it for yourself!!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Is it so true to life and so funny i really couldnt put it down.
Shari Lows style of writing and honesty is unbeatable.
I had planned to add a funny quote from the book, however after highlighting 27 suitable funnys before I'd even reached the end pages I decided not to attempt to choose one . You'll just have to read it for yourself!!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 21, 2018
"Because Mummy Said So" is close to life, painfully realistic and hilarious read. It is a compilation of short essays the author has written for her column and they tell us about life with two young boys, about being family - in a very realistic and brutally honest way. Oh yes, Shari Low really tells how it is - that life with young children can be very, very embarrassing but she also shows the soft side of such life, of being a part of family and how richer and fuller your life becomes when the children arrive.
I am also a mum and I've also experienced many, many embarrassing moments with my daughter so I could really relate to those essays. However, I don't know if it's because Shari Low is a writer that she can simply better notice such situations or her boys are much more accident prone than my daughter because I can't remember SO many embarrassing situations in my life.
I could really relate to this book and often identify with it. Some of the stories were funny however some were a bit hit or miss for me, and some felt a bit too overdone but altogether it was a nutshell manual of how it is to be a parent nowadays. The writing style is light and engaging and funny. I would recommend it if you're a parent and in need of a good laugh and to see that you're not alone. Refreshing and eye - opening, showing that the era of perfect mothers is truly and really over - hallelujah!
Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.
September 21, 2018
This is a side-splitting, toe-curling delve into motherhood .. a must read for all mums-to-be, (no you can’t change your mind), mums’ of toddlers through teens and best of all by mums’ like me who have survived and the kids have grown up!
Shari Low has a wickedly enjoyable sense of humour so even if each ‘event’ doesn’t match your own you can still smile knowingly with sympathy or embarrassment.
Having kept a diary type account of her life with little ones which aired in a newspaper column Shari has now formed it all into Because Mummy Said So! to make a fun book to read on a rainy day.
It covers just about every scenario us mother’s go through, the adoring love, the tears of pride, the frustration of tantrums and definitely the embarrassing moments that any mum will think could only happen to her!
I flew through this, had a few giggles and a couple of laugh out loud moments but the biggest emotion of all was definitely ‘Thank Goodness’ those days are over. For all of the yummy mummy’s out there just remember time goes so fast it will all be over in the blink of an eye, so don’t miss it.
And the best part of all of this is knowing I am not alone in that wonderful saying of Because Mummy Said So! Even though I vowed I would never use it after my mother did constantly, it mortified me the first time I was reduced to it but funnily enough it soon became normal vocabulary!
Thanks to the author, publisher & netgalley I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Shari Low has a wickedly enjoyable sense of humour so even if each ‘event’ doesn’t match your own you can still smile knowingly with sympathy or embarrassment.
Having kept a diary type account of her life with little ones which aired in a newspaper column Shari has now formed it all into Because Mummy Said So! to make a fun book to read on a rainy day.
It covers just about every scenario us mother’s go through, the adoring love, the tears of pride, the frustration of tantrums and definitely the embarrassing moments that any mum will think could only happen to her!
I flew through this, had a few giggles and a couple of laugh out loud moments but the biggest emotion of all was definitely ‘Thank Goodness’ those days are over. For all of the yummy mummy’s out there just remember time goes so fast it will all be over in the blink of an eye, so don’t miss it.
And the best part of all of this is knowing I am not alone in that wonderful saying of Because Mummy Said So! Even though I vowed I would never use it after my mother did constantly, it mortified me the first time I was reduced to it but funnily enough it soon became normal vocabulary!
Thanks to the author, publisher & netgalley I read and reviewed voluntarily.
March 29, 2019
De columns over de kinderen van Shari Low zijn leuk om te lezen en geven een inkijkje in haar leven. Toch vond ik dit boek iets tegenvallen. Dat komt omdat het veel van hetzelfde is. De columns zijn geschreven over een lange periode, waarbij ze wekelijks verschenen. Ik kan me voorstellen dat als je er elke week een leest, het leuk blijft. Nu was het too much. Daarom heb ik er steeds maar een paar gelezen, waardoor ik lang over dit boek heb gedaan. Ik vind het boek nog steeds wel een aanrader, maar je kunt het het beste in etappes lezen.
August 28, 2018
Really enjoyed it. hope she writes more
October 10, 2018
A fun and very amusing read.
I would love to go for a coffee someday with Shari, she seems like my sort of person.
I would love to go for a coffee someday with Shari, she seems like my sort of person.
October 25, 2018
This book is a compilation of stories that the author wrote in her column about her life with two small boys over the years. Some of the stories are laugh out loud and some I completely identify with as I am currently in the depths of parenthood with a 4 and 7-year-old. Then other stories are a bit hit or miss for me.
I’d imagine if you’re a fan of the author you will very much enjoy this book and or have/currently experiencing the whirlwind of being a mum. I am keen to read the fiction books that the author has written as I did enjoy her sense of humour.
I received an ARC copy from the publisher & NetGalley in exchange for a honest review
I’d imagine if you’re a fan of the author you will very much enjoy this book and or have/currently experiencing the whirlwind of being a mum. I am keen to read the fiction books that the author has written as I did enjoy her sense of humour.
I received an ARC copy from the publisher & NetGalley in exchange for a honest review
October 1, 2018
I have read a few of Shari’s books now and I have loved each and every one of them. I hadn’t realised that she had a newspaper column detailing life with her two young children or that she had released a book containing her favourite parenting stories from her column. I knew that I had to get a copy and read it as soon as I could. Boy oh boy am I glad that I did because I absolutely adored reading ‘Because Mummy Said So’ and my sides have only just stopped aching from all the laughing I did.
As soon as I began to read I knew that reading this book would become addictive and so it proved to be. Reading this book was much like having a chat with a friend over coffee and swapping stories. Shari’s writing style is such that she draws you in and you soon realise that ‘Because Mummy Said So’ is going to be one of those books that you simply can’t put down. That was certainly the case for me. I loved Shari’s writing style, the stories and the brutally honest way in which she describes the adventures her family get up to. I have a very vivid imagination and so when I was reading the stories she shared, I could easily visualise the events as they happened. I love Shari’s sense of humour too. ‘Because Mummy Said So’ wasn’t glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it came everywhere with me. If I had to put the book down at any point, then I was counting down the time until I could pick it up again. I seemed to race through the book in next to no time but because I was enjoying the read so much I didn’t notice the speed with which those pages were turning. I was so disappointed to finish the book because I just didn’t want it to end as I was enjoying the book so much. The humour helped me in another way because it distracted me from the chronic aches and pains that I have all the time and it helped to cheer me up which is always a good thing.
I don’t have children myself but that didn’t stop me from enjoying the book. I have friends and relatives who used to relate the stories of what their children got up to so I did have a good idea of how little darlings could suddenly change from behaving angelically to acting like little monkeys.
In short I absolutely bloody adored reading ‘Because Mummy Said So’ and I hope that this isn’t the last we hear of the adventures of the Family Low. If she does release a sequel then I will be first in the queue to read it. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
As soon as I began to read I knew that reading this book would become addictive and so it proved to be. Reading this book was much like having a chat with a friend over coffee and swapping stories. Shari’s writing style is such that she draws you in and you soon realise that ‘Because Mummy Said So’ is going to be one of those books that you simply can’t put down. That was certainly the case for me. I loved Shari’s writing style, the stories and the brutally honest way in which she describes the adventures her family get up to. I have a very vivid imagination and so when I was reading the stories she shared, I could easily visualise the events as they happened. I love Shari’s sense of humour too. ‘Because Mummy Said So’ wasn’t glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it came everywhere with me. If I had to put the book down at any point, then I was counting down the time until I could pick it up again. I seemed to race through the book in next to no time but because I was enjoying the read so much I didn’t notice the speed with which those pages were turning. I was so disappointed to finish the book because I just didn’t want it to end as I was enjoying the book so much. The humour helped me in another way because it distracted me from the chronic aches and pains that I have all the time and it helped to cheer me up which is always a good thing.
I don’t have children myself but that didn’t stop me from enjoying the book. I have friends and relatives who used to relate the stories of what their children got up to so I did have a good idea of how little darlings could suddenly change from behaving angelically to acting like little monkeys.
In short I absolutely bloody adored reading ‘Because Mummy Said So’ and I hope that this isn’t the last we hear of the adventures of the Family Low. If she does release a sequel then I will be first in the queue to read it. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
October 2, 2018
Candid snapshots of life with children are popular at the moment, what makes this one different is that it is retrospective. A collection of thoughts that featured in the author's column at the time ranging from 2004 -2017. Some of the people and events mentioned will bring back memories and add entertainment value to these amusing anecdotes about parenting and being a working mum.
This book is a fun-filled read for all parents, and its innate honesty is part of its charm. Being the perfect mummy, while holding down a full-time job was a mantra in the nineties, and the first decade of the twenty-first century, thankfully this stereotype has been ousted in recent years by a more realistic view of parenting which this book certainly showcases.
It's worth reading because its funny, realistic, thought-provoking and poignant and given that many of the stories started in the early noughties a true original that has sparked the honest parenting blogs and books that currently are an important part of our culture.
I received a copy of this book from Head of Zeus via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
September 24, 2018
After having reviewed With or Without You which I really liked, I was eager to see what Because Mummy Said So would be like. It's a rollercoaster ride of honesty quirkiness and realistic moments about Shari's life with her 2 boys. It's hilarious on more than one occasion and I found myself wholeheartedly agreeing with Shari's reference to learning medical knowledge from ER as that's what I found I did.
Shari Low has a truthful, chatty and friendly yet laid-back writing style that seems to naturally flow between the pages of this book which can be described as a manual for mothers. I'm not a mum myself yet and see the value in this book for mums-to-be who may be looking for the experience of someone who already has children. The cover is very fun and eye-catching.
Thanks to Shari Low and Aria for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review as well as a slot on the blog tour for this title. I am looking forward to the blog tours for future books by Shari Low.
Shari Low has a truthful, chatty and friendly yet laid-back writing style that seems to naturally flow between the pages of this book which can be described as a manual for mothers. I'm not a mum myself yet and see the value in this book for mums-to-be who may be looking for the experience of someone who already has children. The cover is very fun and eye-catching.
Thanks to Shari Low and Aria for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review as well as a slot on the blog tour for this title. I am looking forward to the blog tours for future books by Shari Low.
September 24, 2018
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I really enjoyed this story – it was genuinely funny and had me laughing and smiling throughout!
It is the perfect pick me up book and being a new mum (my daughter is 14 months old now) I am really looking forward to what is still to come and I feel a little more prepared now!!
It is very well written and I loved the flow the book had – it was very hard to put the book down! 4.5 stars from me rounded up to 5 stars for Goodreads and Amazon – very enjoyable and had me laughing out loud too!!
I really enjoyed this story – it was genuinely funny and had me laughing and smiling throughout!
It is the perfect pick me up book and being a new mum (my daughter is 14 months old now) I am really looking forward to what is still to come and I feel a little more prepared now!!
It is very well written and I loved the flow the book had – it was very hard to put the book down! 4.5 stars from me rounded up to 5 stars for Goodreads and Amazon – very enjoyable and had me laughing out loud too!!
January 12, 2020
This isn’t a novel, it is a collection of anecdotes which were originally published weekly in a newspaper so, if you don’t have the time to get stuck into a book, or perhaps are not feeling at your best and find it hard to concentrate for long or on anything complicated you can enjoy a quick dip. It is an amusing tale of the everyday antics of raising two boys, it all feels very real world and normal, ordinary people juggling life, laundry and the school run. I’ve read nearly all of Shari’s books and loved them, now I feel I know a lot more about the author and it has made me like her even more.
September 1, 2018
Hilarious!!!
The book is a compilation of stories about the authors life with two small boys over the years... as a parent of twin boys I could certainly relate.
I read it in one sitting as I just could not put it down... some many laughable stories but so true to life.
I would definitely recommend if you're a parent and need a really good laugh... this is the book to read.
Thank-you to Netgalley for my ARC.
The book is a compilation of stories about the authors life with two small boys over the years... as a parent of twin boys I could certainly relate.
I read it in one sitting as I just could not put it down... some many laughable stories but so true to life.
I would definitely recommend if you're a parent and need a really good laugh... this is the book to read.
Thank-you to Netgalley for my ARC.
January 4, 2019
Laugh out loud
I've read a few books by Shari Low, and enjoyed them all. This compilation of her columns about her adventures as a mother of two sons was hilarious. They were quite a few scenarios that I recognized as a mother of two boys myself, and quite a few laugh out loud moments. If you are looking for a light, funny, easy read, try this one on for size.
I've read a few books by Shari Low, and enjoyed them all. This compilation of her columns about her adventures as a mother of two sons was hilarious. They were quite a few scenarios that I recognized as a mother of two boys myself, and quite a few laugh out loud moments. If you are looking for a light, funny, easy read, try this one on for size.
January 4, 2022
This lady is hysterical
I laughed so hard I cried. Every time I settled down I was right back to repeating the process. I'm from the U.S. so I know I missed few finer points...but not so much I don't want to sing the praises of Ms Low's truth. Thanks for the reality check...especially after giving birth and the body that may or may not remain.
I laughed so hard I cried. Every time I settled down I was right back to repeating the process. I'm from the U.S. so I know I missed few finer points...but not so much I don't want to sing the praises of Ms Low's truth. Thanks for the reality check...especially after giving birth and the body that may or may not remain.
October 6, 2024
This compilation of Low's parenting tales is a funny and easy read and one that I thoroughly enjoyed. We get an insight into Low's family life and learn some hilarious anecdotes along the way. This is a feel good read that left a smile on my face.
Thank you to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for an advance copy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for an advance copy.
August 18, 2018
Ah this was a fab pick me up from Shari and had me chuckling away to myself reading the tales that her boys got up to and trying not to laugh too hard as I recognised my own versions of these episodes.
Thank you to the publishers and netgalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to the publishers and netgalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
September 7, 2018
These parenting stories are completely relatable and laugh out loud funny. As a Yankee I got a bit confused by some of the British English sayings, but it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book.
I received an ARC from NetGalley.
I received an ARC from NetGalley.
November 24, 2018
Loved it.
As a 60 something year old,I laughed out loud ,and cringed and remembered mine as youngsters.
I now have the pleasure of watching my offspring dealing with their boys. Oh the joy of chuckling into my vino!!
As a 60 something year old,I laughed out loud ,and cringed and remembered mine as youngsters.
I now have the pleasure of watching my offspring dealing with their boys. Oh the joy of chuckling into my vino!!
February 2, 2022
These stories were probably fine as a weekly newspaper column but as a book it’s really repetitive. I never abandon a book I’ve started but if I did this would definitely have been a DNF. Shame as I’ve enjoyed quite a few of Shari’s other books.
February 15, 2025
I was expecting a novel when I chose this book but instead, I got this hysterical semi-autobiographic ramble.
Despite not being a mum myself, so much of this book resonated with me and even what didn’t resonate, I understood.
Despite not being a mum myself, so much of this book resonated with me and even what didn’t resonate, I understood.
October 11, 2019
Moms can relate. It was nice to read through the progression of her motherhood and her children growing up.
January 1, 2021
Really funny down to earth book about the truths of motherhood! Loved it!
May 17, 2019
Fun read
Loved this book. Plenty of laugh out loud moments. Would recommend to anyone looking for a light read. Will definitely read more from Shari Low.
Loved this book. Plenty of laugh out loud moments. Would recommend to anyone looking for a light read. Will definitely read more from Shari Low.
October 25, 2018
This was so funny and cannot recommend it enough, Shari has done an outstanding job here and I am sure it will go far.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews