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Single Mums' Mansion #3
The Single Mums' Secrets
Everyone's got secrets... but not everyone can keep them!
Recently widowed Louise is facing life as a single mum of three. As her sister Christa keeps telling her, the tragic accident that claimed the life of her husband was just that: an accident. So why does she feel so guilty...?
At long last, Carl's winning the battle against his demons; he's in therapy, he has a new girlfriend, and he loves life in The Mews where he's surrounded by friends who feel like family. But then he gets some news that will change his life forever...
Christa can't have kids and she's okay with that – even though her (ex)boyfriend suddenly isn't. A one-night stand with her gorgeous neighbour Carl is the perfect way to move on... until it results in a shocking surprise.
If she's going to face her new future head-on, Christa must finally deal with a long-buried secret from her past... but she's going to need all the help she can get. Can the residents of The Mews pull together to make sure everyone gets their happy ending?
Will these single mums be able to move on from life in the mansion?
Perfect for fans of Marian Keyes, Sophie Kinsella, Lindsey Kelk and Mhairi McFarlane.
- GenresContemporaryFiction
375 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 6, 2020
48 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 18, 2021
I got this eARC from Netgalley in exhange for a honest review
DNF 24%
The premise seemed interesting at first, but fell flat. First of it wwas just one single mum, And then the narrator is from the sister`s eyes and i was kind of thrown off. But meh, the characters weren`t funny or interesting wich dragged the story down as well.
DNF 24%
The premise seemed interesting at first, but fell flat. First of it wwas just one single mum, And then the narrator is from the sister`s eyes and i was kind of thrown off. But meh, the characters weren`t funny or interesting wich dragged the story down as well.
June 5, 2020
This delightful book is not your typical romance offering where everyone ends up in the perfect happily ever after, but rather it reflects the messiness of real-life and the myriad of ways we now create and live with what we call ‘family.’
Loosely created with some of the characters found in previous books, (The Single Mums' Mansion and The Single Mums Move On) this story focuses on Louise and Christa, the first unwillingly becoming a single mother by virtue of her husband dying and the later believing herself to be infertile discovers the shock of a lifetime in the shape of two little blue lines on a stick. Based mainly around the infamous South London gated community known only as The Mews, this story focuses on the journey both women take in dealing with grief and guilt and grappling with pregnancy and impending motherhood. Louise has never wanted anything more than the perfect husband, family and home, but having the holy trinity isn’t all it is cracked up to be, with a husband more committed to the golf course than to his wife and children. Louise has touted the idea of a trial separation to Nigel and then the unthinkable happens and he is killed in a horrific car crash, leaving her very single and alone with three children, but the truth of her situation is not one that she would like to be made known publicly. Christa has spent her adult life protesting that she doesn’t ever want children and her long-term partnership with Tom even breaks up over the issue because he suddenly really does want a family. But a one-night stand with neighbour Carl leads to the shocking news that not only has her dodgy ovary decided to work and release an egg, but it's been fertilized and gestating quite nicely thank you very much. But Christa feels separated from both the father of her child and her pregnancy, not feeling an overwhelming sense of love for her unborn child and a painful secret from her past will reveal why and on top of that, despite all of Christa’s medical training, pregnancy and life do not follow a smooth path.
This story is refreshing in that the happily ever after the finale is not so obvious with everyone ending up with the man of their dreams and the perfect life such endings that run of the mill romance novels suggest. Both women are in their early 40’s, making them unlikely heroines in today's romance market where the trend feels as if every character seems to be late 20’s or mid 30’s. Both the major and minor characters are relatable, well crafted and likeable. There are portrayals of the neighbours who you wish you had and despite the mess that is apparent, it is the story ending you hope for.
In spite of being marked as a rom-com, this is definitely not a laugh out loud book. Rather it is a serious and unflinchingly realistic look at death, depression (in adults and children), the effects of alcoholism, infertility and miscarriage and the confusion that general life throws a person’s way. There is romance woven through the story, but its not the main star of the novel, rather a nice accompaniment to the main course of watching women grow and change during the road of life. Please don’t misunderstand, it’s not an overwhelmingly heavy book, it just isn’t a rom-com.
This book is third in a series but successfully leaves the reader wanting to read the other two books to catch up on all the characters stories.
Loosely created with some of the characters found in previous books, (The Single Mums' Mansion and The Single Mums Move On) this story focuses on Louise and Christa, the first unwillingly becoming a single mother by virtue of her husband dying and the later believing herself to be infertile discovers the shock of a lifetime in the shape of two little blue lines on a stick. Based mainly around the infamous South London gated community known only as The Mews, this story focuses on the journey both women take in dealing with grief and guilt and grappling with pregnancy and impending motherhood. Louise has never wanted anything more than the perfect husband, family and home, but having the holy trinity isn’t all it is cracked up to be, with a husband more committed to the golf course than to his wife and children. Louise has touted the idea of a trial separation to Nigel and then the unthinkable happens and he is killed in a horrific car crash, leaving her very single and alone with three children, but the truth of her situation is not one that she would like to be made known publicly. Christa has spent her adult life protesting that she doesn’t ever want children and her long-term partnership with Tom even breaks up over the issue because he suddenly really does want a family. But a one-night stand with neighbour Carl leads to the shocking news that not only has her dodgy ovary decided to work and release an egg, but it's been fertilized and gestating quite nicely thank you very much. But Christa feels separated from both the father of her child and her pregnancy, not feeling an overwhelming sense of love for her unborn child and a painful secret from her past will reveal why and on top of that, despite all of Christa’s medical training, pregnancy and life do not follow a smooth path.
This story is refreshing in that the happily ever after the finale is not so obvious with everyone ending up with the man of their dreams and the perfect life such endings that run of the mill romance novels suggest. Both women are in their early 40’s, making them unlikely heroines in today's romance market where the trend feels as if every character seems to be late 20’s or mid 30’s. Both the major and minor characters are relatable, well crafted and likeable. There are portrayals of the neighbours who you wish you had and despite the mess that is apparent, it is the story ending you hope for.
In spite of being marked as a rom-com, this is definitely not a laugh out loud book. Rather it is a serious and unflinchingly realistic look at death, depression (in adults and children), the effects of alcoholism, infertility and miscarriage and the confusion that general life throws a person’s way. There is romance woven through the story, but its not the main star of the novel, rather a nice accompaniment to the main course of watching women grow and change during the road of life. Please don’t misunderstand, it’s not an overwhelmingly heavy book, it just isn’t a rom-com.
This book is third in a series but successfully leaves the reader wanting to read the other two books to catch up on all the characters stories.
February 6, 2023
This is the third in the series I’ve read. Having picked these up on and off over a period of time I’ve really enjoyed them as an easy read. Good character development and real stories. I think this one, and Carl and Christas story was my favourite!
August 6, 2020
This is fabulous! I loved the preceding two novels and think every reader should read these first so as not to miss out.
Life in the Mews continues; Carl is now beating his alcoholism and has a therapist who is helping him with his residual issues. Life is moving on for all the other residents too. Elsewhere, Louise is beating herself up over the death of her husband, and trying to face each day for the sake of her three children. Her sister, Christa, is in the midst of a relationship break-up and needs somewhere to live temporarily until the home they shared is sold and, as luck would have it, manages to get a new place in the Mews where she suddenly finds herself having a one-night stand with Carl; can they keep it to themselves?
Well, there is certainly plenty happening in this one! Janet Hoggarth really knows her stuff, creating a vibrant community each with their own issues to be getting on with but supporting each other too. But this isn't just a tale of problems - it's the type of book where one minute you're almost in tears, the next moment you using your tissue to mop up tears of laughter and your other half is looking at you strangely across the room! A beautiful mixture of angst and happiness, all written in an easily flowing and enticing manner which just drew me in very quickly. Funny, entertaining and such an excellent read, I recommend this to everyone who like their romantic comedies with a healthy dose of realism and easily earning 4.5*.
Life in the Mews continues; Carl is now beating his alcoholism and has a therapist who is helping him with his residual issues. Life is moving on for all the other residents too. Elsewhere, Louise is beating herself up over the death of her husband, and trying to face each day for the sake of her three children. Her sister, Christa, is in the midst of a relationship break-up and needs somewhere to live temporarily until the home they shared is sold and, as luck would have it, manages to get a new place in the Mews where she suddenly finds herself having a one-night stand with Carl; can they keep it to themselves?
Well, there is certainly plenty happening in this one! Janet Hoggarth really knows her stuff, creating a vibrant community each with their own issues to be getting on with but supporting each other too. But this isn't just a tale of problems - it's the type of book where one minute you're almost in tears, the next moment you using your tissue to mop up tears of laughter and your other half is looking at you strangely across the room! A beautiful mixture of angst and happiness, all written in an easily flowing and enticing manner which just drew me in very quickly. Funny, entertaining and such an excellent read, I recommend this to everyone who like their romantic comedies with a healthy dose of realism and easily earning 4.5*.
June 12, 2020
“A RomCom about being a single mum in Britain!” I say, “Sign me up for ALL of that!” And that’s where things get a little problematic. First of all, there is only one single mum in this story... and she’s a newly single stay at home mom because her well-paid husband just died. As a single mum myself, I feel that a large part of her storyline consists of dealing with the grief and loss of loved one more so than coping with the demands of single motherhood... AND her storyline was my favorite part of the book.
The first person narrator of this book, is actually the sister, who is NOT a mother, albeit she does have a secret. This character is so hard to like and I just can’t understand why the story of a grieving family is told through her eyes. It is unsettling and leaves me to question, “Why do I care what you think? Let’s get back to Louise.”
And then there’s Carl, the full cast of characters that live in this house called the Mews, and every extended relative one could find all thrown in to this story that is being told by the wrong perspective . They are more cringey and less funny.
I hope there was a prequel to the story that I must have missed. At this point, all I can do is ask, “What’s relevant?” and “Where are the single mums?”
Thank you Net Galley for providing me with an E-ARC.
The first person narrator of this book, is actually the sister, who is NOT a mother, albeit she does have a secret. This character is so hard to like and I just can’t understand why the story of a grieving family is told through her eyes. It is unsettling and leaves me to question, “Why do I care what you think? Let’s get back to Louise.”
And then there’s Carl, the full cast of characters that live in this house called the Mews, and every extended relative one could find all thrown in to this story that is being told by the wrong perspective . They are more cringey and less funny.
I hope there was a prequel to the story that I must have missed. At this point, all I can do is ask, “What’s relevant?” and “Where are the single mums?”
Thank you Net Galley for providing me with an E-ARC.
August 5, 2020
Everyone's got secrets... but not everyone can keep them!
Recently widowed Louise is facing life as a single mum of three. As her sister Christa keeps telling her, the tragic accident that claimed the life of her husband was just that: an accident. So why does she feel so guilty...?
At long last, Carl's winning the battle against his demons; he's in therapy, he has a new girlfriend, and he loves life in The Mews where he's surrounded by friends who feel like family. But then he gets some news that will change his life forever...
Christa can't have kids and she's okay with that – even though her (ex)boyfriend suddenly isn't. A one-night stand with her gorgeous neighbour Carl is the perfect way to move on... until it results in a shocking surprise.
If she's going to face her new future head-on, Christa must finally deal with a long-buried secret from her past... but she's going to need all the help she can get. Can the residents of The Mews pull together to make sure everyone gets their happy ending?
Will these single mums be able to move on from life in the mansion?
This book for me was very slow in the beginning and I struggled to keep all the characters straight in my head.
As the book progressed it got better and I was really invested in how the sisters story unfolded.
This was an enjoyable read that dealt with grief and loss, while showing you the power of friendships.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for an advanced copy of this book for an honest review.
Recently widowed Louise is facing life as a single mum of three. As her sister Christa keeps telling her, the tragic accident that claimed the life of her husband was just that: an accident. So why does she feel so guilty...?
At long last, Carl's winning the battle against his demons; he's in therapy, he has a new girlfriend, and he loves life in The Mews where he's surrounded by friends who feel like family. But then he gets some news that will change his life forever...
Christa can't have kids and she's okay with that – even though her (ex)boyfriend suddenly isn't. A one-night stand with her gorgeous neighbour Carl is the perfect way to move on... until it results in a shocking surprise.
If she's going to face her new future head-on, Christa must finally deal with a long-buried secret from her past... but she's going to need all the help she can get. Can the residents of The Mews pull together to make sure everyone gets their happy ending?
Will these single mums be able to move on from life in the mansion?
This book for me was very slow in the beginning and I struggled to keep all the characters straight in my head.
As the book progressed it got better and I was really invested in how the sisters story unfolded.
This was an enjoyable read that dealt with grief and loss, while showing you the power of friendships.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for an advanced copy of this book for an honest review.
June 1, 2021
When Christa finds herself pregnant, after being told she is infertile; to Carl, after a one-night stand.
The two struggle to play happy families.
At the same time, tragedy strikes for Christa's sister, Louise; now both sisters need to find their way as their lives change.
This novel explores themes of infertility, erectile dysfunction, death, grief and rape; looking into every day of people's personal lives.
Although Hoggarth explores very serious themes she also writes with a light narrative and a great sense of humor; which left me laughing out loud.
This book is actually the third in a series, which explores other residents in The Mews. If I'm able to get my hands on the other books I definitely will be giving them a read.
And I knew Phil was in love with Louise!!!
For anyone who is thinking the main narrative is far-fetched, I actually know someone to whom this happened.
The two struggle to play happy families.
At the same time, tragedy strikes for Christa's sister, Louise; now both sisters need to find their way as their lives change.
This novel explores themes of infertility, erectile dysfunction, death, grief and rape; looking into every day of people's personal lives.
Although Hoggarth explores very serious themes she also writes with a light narrative and a great sense of humor; which left me laughing out loud.
This book is actually the third in a series, which explores other residents in The Mews. If I'm able to get my hands on the other books I definitely will be giving them a read.
And I knew Phil was in love with Louise!!!
For anyone who is thinking the main narrative is far-fetched, I actually know someone to whom this happened.
August 4, 2020
Louise, Christa, and Carl all have a say in this novel about three people who find themselves in positions they never anticipated. Louise is a new widow coping with three kids and guilt about the last conversations she had with her husband before he was killed in a car accident. Her sister Christa has struggled with infertility; it meant the end of her last relationship. But, surprise, a one night sea with Carl, their neighbor who has his own issues, finds Christa pregnant. A joyful but much worried over pregnancy for sure. How these three form a new family, along with other residents of the Mews is at the root of this novel. It's a positive read, which is just what I needed today. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
July 28, 2020
Thanks to the author and publisher for the eARC of this book, which will be available to purchase on 6th August.
The story follows several characters as they navigate the often rocky terrain that is the life of the single parent.
There's Louise, who having been recently widowed, is trying to adjust to life with her two grieving children whilst trying to get through her own feelings of loss... and guilt.
Christa is Louise's sensible sister, who was told long ago that she can't have children and seems to have made her peace with that, despite it leading to the break up with her long-boyfriend. A one-night stand with her gorgeous neighbour Carl gives her the chance to move on... and a lot more than she bargained for. In order to cope with the shock of the present, she must come to terms with trauma in her past.
Carl is finally feeling in control of his life, his addiction and his body. He has a girlfriend too and it looks like they have a future together. Until he receives some news that will blow his mind...
I didn't realise before starting this book that it is part of a series, including The Single Mums' Mansion and The Single Mums' Move On. There were a few references which I didn't quite grasp, which I gather relate to events from previous books, but it definitely didn't spoil my enjoyment of this novel.
There were parts where I laughed out loud, especially during Carl's pep talks with his non-compliant penis! I felt the pain of Louise's shock and grief, as well as the vacuum which comes after a funeral and the support and understanding can dry up. Much of the story was told from Christa's perspective and I struggled to identify with her, possibly due to her seeming lack of emotion at times. However as her past was explained, I found myself empathising with and understanding her more.
All in all, this was a relaxing read and if my towering TBR pile allows it, I may go back to read the previous books in the series too.
The story follows several characters as they navigate the often rocky terrain that is the life of the single parent.
There's Louise, who having been recently widowed, is trying to adjust to life with her two grieving children whilst trying to get through her own feelings of loss... and guilt.
Christa is Louise's sensible sister, who was told long ago that she can't have children and seems to have made her peace with that, despite it leading to the break up with her long-boyfriend. A one-night stand with her gorgeous neighbour Carl gives her the chance to move on... and a lot more than she bargained for. In order to cope with the shock of the present, she must come to terms with trauma in her past.
Carl is finally feeling in control of his life, his addiction and his body. He has a girlfriend too and it looks like they have a future together. Until he receives some news that will blow his mind...
I didn't realise before starting this book that it is part of a series, including The Single Mums' Mansion and The Single Mums' Move On. There were a few references which I didn't quite grasp, which I gather relate to events from previous books, but it definitely didn't spoil my enjoyment of this novel.
There were parts where I laughed out loud, especially during Carl's pep talks with his non-compliant penis! I felt the pain of Louise's shock and grief, as well as the vacuum which comes after a funeral and the support and understanding can dry up. Much of the story was told from Christa's perspective and I struggled to identify with her, possibly due to her seeming lack of emotion at times. However as her past was explained, I found myself empathising with and understanding her more.
All in all, this was a relaxing read and if my towering TBR pile allows it, I may go back to read the previous books in the series too.
May 10, 2020
Initially I found this book quite slow to start with and rather confusing with all the characters! However as the book progressed it got better! The trials and tribulations of pregnancy and childbirth as experienced by Christa were well documented and realistic! Early widowhood as experienced by Louise after the death of her husband Nigel were also explored and the positivity of support groups family and friends emphasised, drug abuse and alcoholism were also covered in a sensitive yet informative manner. Overall a good read once it got started.
Thank you net galley for this early read.
Thank you net galley for this early read.
May 30, 2020
A Rollercoaster of Emotions... 🎢
This book is not what I'd expected, it was a good read, but I was disappointed as it'd noted it was a laugh out loud romcom. There is a lot going on, a good read but more general fiction that romcom, for me. Would've enjoyed it more, if I wasn't expecting more humour.
It's told from a few different perspectives, Christa, her sister Louise, neighbour Carl... they all have their own issues they're dealing with, reminiscing over past events. Overall good read, a variety of life's challenges they need to find a way forward with...
This book is not what I'd expected, it was a good read, but I was disappointed as it'd noted it was a laugh out loud romcom. There is a lot going on, a good read but more general fiction that romcom, for me. Would've enjoyed it more, if I wasn't expecting more humour.
It's told from a few different perspectives, Christa, her sister Louise, neighbour Carl... they all have their own issues they're dealing with, reminiscing over past events. Overall good read, a variety of life's challenges they need to find a way forward with...
June 1, 2020
Okay, So this book was really hard to get into. It took me ages to get through the first 50 something pages. And it was confusing at the beginning with three perspectives but then I got a hang of it
I was disappointed by the fact that this was described as a laugh out loud rom-com and honestly, it wasn't. There were pretty dark topics discussed in this book which I wasn't prepared for
Overall I liked the realistic approach it took for a lot of topics.
Thank you, Net Galley, for providing an e-arc
I was disappointed by the fact that this was described as a laugh out loud rom-com and honestly, it wasn't. There were pretty dark topics discussed in this book which I wasn't prepared for
Overall I liked the realistic approach it took for a lot of topics.
Thank you, Net Galley, for providing an e-arc
June 24, 2020
This book wasn’t for me.
I found the beginning confusing. It was hard to try and figure out who was who and what their story was.
It was definitely a slow burner, that for me never really picked up.
The book covered lots of emotive subjects such as becoming a widow, drug and alcohol abuse, adult friendships, love, loss and guilt but it was all a bit confusing and I struggled.
Thank you to the Author, Publisher and NetGalley for gifting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I found the beginning confusing. It was hard to try and figure out who was who and what their story was.
It was definitely a slow burner, that for me never really picked up.
The book covered lots of emotive subjects such as becoming a widow, drug and alcohol abuse, adult friendships, love, loss and guilt but it was all a bit confusing and I struggled.
Thank you to the Author, Publisher and NetGalley for gifting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 24, 2020
Death and life, regret and resilience, family and friendship, hope and renewal- I enjoyed this charming book about the many surprises life throws at us, and my heart smiled over the last pages.
Thank you to #NetGalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity to read this lovely book in exchange for my honest opinion. #TheSingleMumsSecrets
Thank you to #NetGalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity to read this lovely book in exchange for my honest opinion. #TheSingleMumsSecrets
August 2, 2021
The single mums secrets by Janet Hogarth.
I found the book a little difficult to follow as getting all the different threads pulled together with the views /stories of the characters.
There are a few dark moments story . A bit difficult to get it all together. From my view point not for the faint hearted. It would have been an easier read if it did not jump about so much
I found the book a little difficult to follow as getting all the different threads pulled together with the views /stories of the characters.
There are a few dark moments story . A bit difficult to get it all together. From my view point not for the faint hearted. It would have been an easier read if it did not jump about so much
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2020
~ ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ~
I've read this book in one afternoon, perfect choice for a summer day.
It has an air of soap opera, centered around single moms (obviously 😁). It has parts that were heartbreaking, it has funny parts and parts with a lot of hope.
I've read this book in one afternoon, perfect choice for a summer day.
It has an air of soap opera, centered around single moms (obviously 😁). It has parts that were heartbreaking, it has funny parts and parts with a lot of hope.
February 14, 2021
Great light read
Great light read, following on from the other 2 books in the series I have completely fallen in love with all the characters and the honesty and humour in Janet's writing.....If you haven't read the other 2 books you can still read this as a standalone as there.
Great light read, following on from the other 2 books in the series I have completely fallen in love with all the characters and the honesty and humour in Janet's writing.....If you haven't read the other 2 books you can still read this as a standalone as there.
February 26, 2021
This book is the 3rd of the series but totally different. No direct connection to 1 or 2 besides The Mews. Even the main character was only mentioned in book 2.
Stand alone really good.
As 3rd of the series a bit disappointing
Stand alone really good.
As 3rd of the series a bit disappointing
February 9, 2022
Loved this book, so many intertwined stories, which normally I would dislike as find chapters that jump around difficult but this flowed. There were a few tears but smiles too. Gutted to find out that my first book by this author is book number three in the series D’oh!
July 7, 2024
Really enjoyed this one and would consider reading more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews