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Part-Time Working Mummy: A Patchwork Life

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THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER
Want to know the truth about what life is like as a mum and step-mum with a chaotic patchwork family?

This book is everything I've been through that's made me who I am, plus the lessons I've learned from many mistakes. I hope that it will make you laugh as well as give you strength to keep going when times get tough. After all, we are all in this together...
Rachaele, aka Part-Time Working Mummy

Hundreds of thousands of fans flock to the PTWM page online and now, in this book, Rachaele shares her behind-the-scenes experiences with single parenthood , unexpected pregnancy , domestic violence , relationships , bullying and much more - spreading kindness amidst the craziness along the way!

***** Readers are raving about this book *****

'What can I say...amazing! The book is humbling, it's heart wrenching, it's funny and it's real life! The world needs more Rachaeles.'

'Thanks to Rachaele and this amazing book, I all of a sudden don't feel so bad about my parenting skills. A brave insight on Rachaele's life and how patchwork families can be amazing if you fill your home with love. A must have on your book shelf!'

'The most heart wrenching real book I've ever read, full of sadness, amazement and utter brilliance. Never has a book made me have a lump in my throat and burst into tears then have me in fits of laughter a few pages later... So real and so relatable.'

'I don't normally do reviews or books even but wow I couldn't put it down! Read it in one. A must read!'

'Straight-from-the-heart read - every mum needs to read this.'

272 pages, Hardcover

Published September 25, 2018

141 people are currently reading
394 people want to read

About the author

Rachaele Hambleton

5 books46 followers

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5 stars
1,035 (56%)
4 stars
441 (24%)
3 stars
244 (13%)
2 stars
72 (3%)
1 star
26 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
Profile Image for Steph.
1,393 reviews3 followers
July 18, 2018
Absolutely amazing and heartfelt!

I have followed PTWM Facebook page for a long time now and her stories about motherhood and life are always hilariously funny and have this incredible way of making you feel like you're not alone.
You're not the only one who forgot the kids packed lunches, are always late to everything, fucking up dinner or feeling like your kids are driving you insane. You're not alone in feeling like you're failing in life.
She makes you laugh out loud, she makes you cry, she brings awareness to bullying, domestic violence and charity.
She's an amazing woman who uses her platform to help others and bring light into people's lives.
So when I heard she was releasing this book, I knew I HAD to read it and I'm so glad I did.
It was a hard read for me at times, seeing how she suffered as a child as it bought back so many unpleasant memories from my own childhood. But I admired her absolute honestly about the bad decisions she has made, the hard choices she was faced with and the horrors she endured. It just made me love her even more.

I loved every minute of it 💓

Profile Image for Jessica Keane.
4 reviews
August 21, 2018
Quick, easy read

I bought this book as I follow Rachael on social media and enjoy her honest blogs and posts. Plus I’m a nosy b*stard and wanted to know more about her patchwork family and how they came to be. This book did give answers to these questions but skipped over a lot of the details (I assume for legal reasons and to protect the kids) but it did seem like we were only given part of a story. I finished the book very quickly as it was easy to read and although I enjoyed it, it did feel like just an extra long blog and not enough to fill a book with lots of the details glossed over. I can see the appeal for huge fans and I did enjoy it - just didn’t love it. Sorry!
Profile Image for Leanne Heafield.
10 reviews
September 2, 2020
I didn't actually read this book, I listened to it whist walking my dog. It was such a great experience to listen to rachaele tell her stories. I actually cried to one of them, thank goodness it was sunny and I had sunglasses on 😂
Profile Image for Lynsey Farmer.
172 reviews6 followers
February 26, 2019
Been waiting for this book for ages. On Sunday i read it in one sitting from 6-8 i really enjoyed the book love how ptwm makes you feel a good enough parent this book is inspiring and emotional wishes a bit more detail was put in from the younger days as had to use your own imagination for the younger days
Profile Image for Abigail Reilly.
46 reviews8 followers
March 11, 2021
I LOVE PTWM! I’ve followed Racheale on Instagram for years now but never read her story until now. What an incredible woman! She works tirelessly to support women who haven’t got anyone else to support them all while raising 6 beautiful babies and running a HILARIOUS insta page at the same time! 100% worth a read!
18 reviews
August 31, 2020
Fab book, couldn’t put it down. I was able to relate to and understand parts of her life and others. I have also joined the Facebook page she has too and I am now following it. Very true to life on how it is to be a part time working mum, we just need to admit it and not feel we have failed, stay strong always.
Profile Image for Fiona Sing.
7 reviews
April 21, 2020
What a read ! I’ve followed PTWM for a while now and just had to read her back story. This book brought tears to my eyes in parts but at the same time so was heartwarming hope she writes another book !
Profile Image for Sammy Jackson.
549 reviews13 followers
July 19, 2018
What a fantastic read, a must for every Mum out there
Profile Image for Katie.
304 reviews9 followers
April 18, 2020
i already follow PTWM on insta and facebook so i know a lot of what she is about and what to expect from this book but i still really enjoyed in and absolutely flew through it!
Profile Image for seri jay.
25 reviews23 followers
July 3, 2021
two and a half years ago i discovered rach on instagram, and since that day i have been in awe of the powerhouse that she is. she is strong, and so resilient, and a true inspiration to so many of us. her compassion and empathy, is truly beautiful, as is her determination to change the world for the better! i wish there were more rach's in the world! ✨ rach shares alot on social media, but this book delves more into rach's life, where she came from, and what made her who she is today. i cannot recommend it enough.
5 reviews
January 6, 2022
This book was just what I needed! I was looking for something to get me back into reading after a very long time not reading anything.
It’s made me laugh, made me cry, it’s also made me stop and think about myself and the world around me.
I have followed PTWM for a few years now and I love seeing how well she is doing now I know where she’s been.
Profile Image for Kelly Howe.
19 reviews2 followers
January 2, 2023
I have followed PTWM on Instagram for a while now and her brutally honest version of life never fails to hit me right in the feels. This book was no different.
Profile Image for claire.
9 reviews1 follower
January 7, 2023
I have followed this lovely lady on instagram for years now. I am just getting round to reading her first book . Brilliant. What a woman
Profile Image for Helen.
16 reviews
January 25, 2022
I hadn't heard if Rachaele or PTWM when this book arrived as part of a monthly mum and baby subscription box. An interesting read that had me laughing and also filling up with tears hearing about her life and how she got to where she is today. I am now following her on social media and her patchwork family are amazing
Profile Image for helen o'loan.
3 reviews2 followers
October 10, 2020
I loved it wow

Wow I'm in awe of the life you have now, you are such an inspiration to not only your 5 children but to people you meet, and change woman's lives for the best all the work you do for different charity's. I couldn't put my kindle down. Josh and you were 100% made for each other. As they say you have got to go threw shit to meet your diamond and you certainly did that. I also loved the fact you were married in gretna and came bk to a surprise from your best friend and you cried, it was on Facebook you are such a beautiful person inside and out. Your children will be and also are extremely proud to call you mum. I am very very sorry that you had to go threw hell and back with your dad. His loss hunnie. He's lost out on not just you but 5 beautiful kids and Josh. But you're a very strong lady. Last but not least after reading the book I genuinely felt as tho i had visited my friend and we were catching up and talking about the past. It is so detailed. I hope you do another book rach because this book of your life is up there in my top 10. Take care and keep doing what you do best and that's changing lifes. Josh and your kids and family and friends will be so proud of you. Look forward to watching your stuff on Facebook lots and lots of love to you and your family. Helen oloan Scotland
Profile Image for Louise.
2 reviews
July 13, 2018
Made me cry and laugh in equal measures

Rachaele has a style of writing that makes it so relatable. She is a true Earth Angel, put here to make this world a better place. What shines through this book is her absolute strength throughout all her adversity. The love she has for her Husband and children shows what a huge heart she has. I read this book on a long train journey and actually sobbed 3 times. I also made a fool out of myself by belly laughing several time. This book should be read by all parents who are striving to do the best for their children. It should be read by anyone who suspect's that someone they love is going through abuse or bullying. It should be read by anyone who feels that they are a failure because of the circumstances that they find themselves in. It should also be read by anyone who would like a bit more background information on Rach, Bird Boy and this 5 tiny turds who are collectively nailing life.

Absolutely loved the book
53 reviews
July 15, 2018
Loved your book so much, I couldn’t put it down. You are a true Warrior

I have followed your page for probably about a year when I came across it on Facebook and I love your honesty. You are an incredibly open and honest person and you show the realness of life. I literally read your book in about 4 hours I loved reading your background, you are such a strong person and you have been through so much. Your babies are so lucky to have you and Josh. Thank you for writing what you do, your posts are eye opening and really make me realise the bad that is going on around us and a lot of the time we are oblivious but also your page more than ever shows the helpers and that the majority of people are good and want to help. Please continue what you are doing you are a true inspiration.
18 reviews
April 23, 2020
Absolutely loved reading this book! I follow part time working mummy on Instagram and her and her family are my absolute favourites on there. They are so funny, normal and don’t take life seriously at all. I have wanted to read Rachaeles book for a while and was absolutely floored by her upbringing and the life she’s endured! She is so brave for telling her story and for getting out of her abusive relationship and becoming a success story. She is so inspirational and reading her story has made me love her even more!! 100% worth a read xx
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Perusing The Pages.
801 reviews3 followers
January 19, 2021
This book talks about some heartbreaking topics that unfortunately Rachaele herself lived through. This is all about her life, her experiences and how they shaped her into who we know and see today on her social media accounts and why she advocates and does what she does so fiercely.

I have followed her online for a long time now and she is so honest about her experiences as a mum of a big knitted together family and she doesn't shy away from the tough stuff. I just have alot of respect for what she does both as a parent and as an advocate against Domestic Violence & Bullying.
Profile Image for Abigail Elmore.
4 reviews2 followers
June 26, 2019
I genuinely enjoyed reading this book, even though it was a heart breaking read at several points, and I became really engrossed in Rachaele’s story written in her own words. Her story feels so real and raw.

Rachaele’s frank depiction of her life from age 5 when her mother inexplicably left to the current day is nothing short of tragic. SO much pain!!

I felt so sad for her, and ALL the children in the story (herself, her siblings, and her children and step-children) who were victims of adults and their selfish and destructive behaviour.

I did try to remain uncritical, and to refrain from judging a woman who had clearly gone through the absolute ringer.

But I couldn’t help but think: what an absolute MESS of a life.

Couldn’t she maybe have taken more responsibility for her decisions and behaviours? It felt almost like wilful self-sabotage at times. Especially as she had innocent and vulnerable children to think of; not just herself.

It feels like we get quite a one-sided view of her situation. Does she just have really bad luck? Is she just a martyr to all life throws at her? She makes it sound like the whole town seemingly turned on her and her policeman boyfriend for no reason. Maybe they saw her as a troubled homewrecker, getting her claws into yet another man? She has four children to three different fathers, and a really unstable track record. I find it hard to believe that the family would just get attacked from all sides for no reason.

She kind of glosses over all the drama which happens around them, such as her partner (now husband) being ARRESTED BY HIS OWN COLLEAGUES - like its normal or something. And the incestuous bedswapping going on among partners and ex-partners sounds like something off a tv show.

She seems to be the common denominator among all this drama.

I just feel so sorry for her poor children growing up in this quagmire of all the fighting and screaming and instability and all the different partners moving in and out of their parents’ lives.

I do genuinely feel for this poor woman, and I’m glad she seems happy in her life now.

These are just my thoughts and impressions on the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Vinka Maharani.
146 reviews6 followers
August 26, 2020
Initially, I chose the book simply because of its title. It says about part-time working mummy which basically me, so I was interested on reading the book. Surprisingly there's much more heavily topic told by the author. She's a blogger now and have a Facebook page and I'm trying to know her more after I read the book.

It has "dark" side about the abuse at home and toxic relationship. It also told us about how the patch family is working and how the legal right for child and how they are struggling on it. The book is really compelling, I finished it in 3 days, between my sleep and unstoppable sneezes.
I don't have any idea that domestic abuse still happens (a lot) in this developed country. All the facts are really eye opening. So if you are learning about family & marriage, also in domestic abuse, toxic relationship, this book is honest, raw, and incredible. Amazing book, Rachaele @parttimeworkingmummy!
Profile Image for Katy Race.
15 reviews3 followers
July 23, 2018
Amazing as expected

Dear Rach,
When I found out you were publishing a book I was excited. You make me smile with your social media, so a book would be amazing.
It hasn't disappointed. You are truthful, and open, letting us have an insight to your life pre PTW, a life that some may have not spoken about or be too embarrassed to admit theirs is similar to. Your openness and humour made this a book I couldn't put down, even though I ordered the kindle version. I laughed out loud on the bus, I shed tears in a waiting room and feel I like I have lived through parts of your life with you.
This is definitely a book I would read again and again, and I've already told a load of people about it.
Thank you for the book, and sharing your journey with us all.

Katy
Profile Image for Zosieebow.
9 reviews3 followers
August 5, 2018
This book is a must read!!! Everyone should read this at some point! It’s not just for mothers or expectant mothers...anyone can read it! Believe me...I’m neither and I loved it! I cried! I laughed! And I got annoyed by how people can treat another human being! I finished this book within a few hours...it’s that good. This amazing lady has been through soo much in her life and so is dedicated to helping other men, women and children who are suffering like she did! This book gives you a lot of information on domestic violence and I learnt soo much about this topic. Everyone should buy this book and support this amazing, inspirational and caring warrior queen!!!xxx
P.s. if I could give this book more than 5stars I would!!!
Profile Image for Shaena Jasmat.
13 reviews1 follower
July 12, 2018
I’ve been a follower of Rachaele’s for a few years now and was so excited when I heard she was releasing a book. Although I feel like I know her and her family from her blog and Instagram posts this book filled all the unknown gaps and answered so many questions. Reading how she has survived some of the worst experiences throughout her childhood and adult life and coming out the other side this beautiful, amazing and loving soul is inspiring. And now she strives to help those who are going through similar things, whilst also taking care of 5 kids, 2 dogs and also holding down a job! You don’t need to be a parent to read this book....I don’t have any children, yet I still felt that a connected with her on so many different things. You will be horrified, saddened and probably have a little cry. But you will also, laugh, smile and feel a warmth in your heart. A brilliant book from a brilliant and honest writer.
Profile Image for Noemi Proietti.
1,083 reviews56 followers
December 11, 2018
Welcome to my stop on the 12 Days of Christmas Blog Tour. Before taking part in the blog tour I had never heard of Rachaele Hambleton and her online page PTWM, but after reading the blurb I was really intrigued and I couldn’t wait to read it.

Even though the title includes the word “mummy”, this is not only the story of a mother and stepmother, it is also the story of a daughter, a sister, a friend, a wife. It’s the story of a woman. In recounting her story, Rachaele Hambleton is honest and relatable. We get an insight into the life of a woman whose life was far from easy since her childhood. From her parents’ divorce to dropping out of school, from a series of bad relationships to her pregnancies, from finally finding the love of her life to becoming a stepmother, the author doesn’t leave anything out. With a clear and fluid and writing style, Rachaele Hambleton shares the most important difficult, emotional, and happiest moments of her life.

Moving, entertaining, and honest, the book addresses themes that are current, common, and, unfortunately, too real, like domestic abuse, bullying, and post-partum depression. I found heart-breaking some of the experiences that the author shares in the book, both her personal experiences and the ones from other women. I shed a few tears to some of the stories I read.

PART-TIME WORKING MUMMY. A PATCHWORK LIFE is not only the memoir of a determined and hard-working woman, it is also a guide to women and mothers who found themselves in her same situation. She gives advice, she bravely shares her own experience, making the book more relatable and realistic. The book is engrossing and engaging. One moment, I found myself crying and, a few pages later, I would be laughing. I couldn’t put it down and I’d like to thank Tracy Fenton for inviting me to take part in it.
4 reviews1 follower
February 26, 2019
Very honest, raw account of how she came to be in a ‘patchwork family’. I felt at some stages information was missing or we weren’t getting the full story, but as it is an autobiography I assume she just wants to protect the children that are involved.
Though I didn’t relate with a lot of what was written, at stages it did make me think about the parenting style I would like to have as my daughter grows up. It’s a very noninvasive way of allowing the reader the time to understand certain situations people can find themselves in, especially ones revolving around domestic violence, something I have had no experience of.
Easy to read and finished it quickly.
Profile Image for Jenny Smith.
436 reviews3 followers
April 27, 2022
From the title and cover, I picked up this book thinking it was going to tell me light hearted comments and tips about balancing paid work and being a mummy. I hadn’t heard of the author before.

My main issue with the book is that I feel the title and cover are very misleading, this is actually a fairly heavy book about childhood issues, addiction, domestic abuse, and it touches on bullying. As I work in one of these fields, it is a book I would have been drawn to read - but it just wasn’t what I was expecting from THIS book.

The author has clearly had a very difficult life, although some parts of the book were quite cryptic. It was an interesting read.
Profile Image for Danielle Dent.
880 reviews5 followers
August 25, 2018
So I have just devoured this book in one sitting and am currently left with a pool of tears in the base of my throat. I’m 19 weeks pregnant so don’t know if it’s the hormones but by gum this got me in the feels. Think I cried at every chapter - some happy tears some sad. I love PTWM on Facebook and have followed her for ages and this just filled in some of the gaps for me. I am genuinely in awe at what she has achieved and continues to achieve with her page and her drive to be a good person for people who need that in their lives. Totally emotional.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews

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