Diary of a Stressed Out Mother - Madness: Madness

by Nicola Kelsall

Madness , is the second, brilliantly funny book, in the series Diary of a Stressed Out Mother . Dora Loveday is a harassed mother of four kids, grappling with a crazy menagerie of pets, an impervious and obstinate husband, and a relentless bombardment of trials and tribulations that would test a saint. In this wonderful sequel, this book does not fail to deliver a fabulous read, just as funny as the first.

321 pages, Paperback

Published October 29, 2017

About the author

Nicola is a prize-winning author of comedy and romantic comedy. Her 'Diary of a Stressed Out Mother' series is a bestselling series of books in the Amazon Kindle Comedy Store.

She is a writer, an artist, mum to her own three children, and has been foster mum to many more. She lives and works in a small Cotswold village near Cheltenham, with her husband and ever-present dog, Chester.

Reviews

[Debbie Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I anticipated from having enjoyed the first book in this series, this second book was a real tonic, cheering me just as I was coming down with a bad cold before Christmas. Its diary structure makes it easy to dip into in small doses, and although it's an undemanding read, it's also rewarding and pacey enough to keep you turning the pages, with never a dull moment. As previously, there's an entertaining cast of characters surrounding the well-intentioned but hapless narrator, Dora, including friends, neighbours and family, and a good sense of her small-town community, as well as of the family dynamic. As an author myself, I particularly enjoyed the extracts from Dora's husband's painful attempts to write his first novel - and his optimism that he's mastered the art. Any modern parent will relate to the novel's madcap humour about family life, and I'm looking forward to reading the next installment in this series.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Casual

This is the second installment of a 3 part series about Dora loveday and her battles bringing up four kids, juggling everyday issues and starting a new business. In this installment she appears on the radio and has to try battle lawyers as someone tries to sue her for something that wasn't her fault, there are a few other things that happen that keeps dora and her family on her toes. I am looking forward to seeing how this roller coster ends

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was fun and very enjoyable. I love the authors style of writing and I like that the story took place over months. Some of the things that happened to Dora was hilarious. This was a very good book to sit back and relax with.

[Sharron Joy Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another hilarious instalment

I can’t decide if Dora is a saint or insane, I think it’s a bit of both, she certainly seems to attract catastrophe!

[James Minter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a man and a husband. I appreciate this book was written tongue-in-cheek, but I hoped the Diary of A Stressed Out Mother would provide me with some insights into women and especially mothers and wives. It didn’t but instead confirmed what I always suspected we, that is men, and women, mothers, and wives are very different creatures when it comes to dealing with the home, work, children, family, friends, pets, and neighbours.

Nicola’s narrative covers a wide and varied patchwork of improbable situations, juxtaposing the surreal with the sublime like grandparents caught smuggling drugs to the free-spirited neighbour indulging in swinging. Dora, the main protagonist, has unique relationships with her parents, children, husband, sister and animals, all of which are explored in the fast-paced cacophony of absurdity. A well written, laugh-out-loud look at a middle-class, middle-aged couple dealing with life, direction and purpose.

A great pool-side read accompanied by a G&T!

The author supplied a copy of Diary Of A Stressed Out Mother – Madness for review purpose.

[Julie Haigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, quick, light read.

The action centres around main character Dora Loveday and her family's adventures-and misadventures. This is Dora's diary and comprises 3 months in the life of an ordinary family; from 1st April to the end of June. This is the second book in the series and I've enjoyed both of them, they're good fun reads.

A portrait of family life; dealing with jobs, pets, children, school parents' evenings etc. in a day by day diary format. Here are everyday family stories, well-observed and humorous. Full of fun right from the start.

There is mayhem as Dora and family have one calamity after another. I thought that some of the scrapes were a bit unbelievable but it is a fiction book and just for fun-so I don't think it really matters that it's not completely true to life. And then, there are also completely authentic family happenings and teenager's reactions to them.

This quote by main character Dora sums it up and gives you a taster for this series: "Honestly, I think my family are jinxed, Suzie. Nothing ever goes to plan– there’s always trouble looming."

Looking forward to more madness and mayhem! Delightfully daft!

[Vickie Taylor-Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m quite busy at the moment but found this book was ideal to dip in and out of. I enjoyed finding out what Dora & co had been up to & I like the way each book is set over a few months as it gives it a more natural flow. Very likeable, relatable characters and a nice easy narrative. Reminds me of Sophie Kinsella. A great holiday or quick read.

[Stephanie Neill · Rating 5 out of 5]

fun & relatable

I love reading about Dora and the stresses & strains in life. It makes me feel more normal. I have grown quite attached to the characters.

I look forward to the next one.

[Mark Beer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice light hearted, easy read. Very predictable and slightly stressful at times!

[Jackie Tribe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diary of a stressed out mother

Funny, enjoyable reading. Great flow which kept a smile on my face throughout. Family antics written well in a comical tale

[Dizzy Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good fun, utter chaos, but an easy read with LOL moments.