She's Having Her Baby in Aussie Readers

Jan 18, 2015 Shelleyrae at Book'd Out rated it really liked it

Shelves: aussie-author, arc-are

She's Having Her Baby is a funny and bittersweet debut chick lit novel from Lauren Sams.

"This is it. She's going to ask me to be her surrogate. No, she won't. Surely she won't. That only happens in Katherine Heigl movies, Jesus f** Christ, what if she asks? What am I going to say? There's only one answer, right? Jesus f**"

Thirty something magazine editor, Georgie Henderson, has never wanted kids but her best friend, Nina Doherty, wants nothing more than to be a mother and when her latest IVF att
She's Having Her Baby is a funny and bittersweet debut chick lit novel from Lauren Sams.

"This is it. She's going to ask me to be her surrogate. No, she won't. Surely she won't. That only happens in Katherine Heigl movies, Jesus f** Christ, what if she asks? What am I going to say? There's only one answer, right? Jesus f**"

Thirty something magazine editor, Georgie Henderson, has never wanted kids but her best friend, Nina Doherty, wants nothing more than to be a mother and when her latest IVF attempt fails, she asks Georgie for the ultimate favour. Reluctantly Georgie agrees to become Nina's surrogate, willing to help Nina's dream come true, but Georgie is wholly unprepared for what comes next...

Life doesn't always go to plan and in She's Having Her Baby the plot doesn't quite develop as the reader may expect. Sharply observed, the author explores the themes of infertility, surrogacy, motherhood and friendship in a manner that is funny, poignant and compassionate.

I found Georgie to be an interesting character, she definitely has her flaws, being somewhat inflexible and self absorbed, but she is amusing, feisty and loyal in her own way. I admired Georgia for deciding to help Nina, though I think choosing not to have children for whatever reason is a perfectly valid decision, and though Georgia doesn't cope particularly well when things don't work out as expected, including with her relationship and career, she eventually pulls it together.

I've witnessed the toll infertility can take on the soul, and relationships, and I really felt for Nina, her desperation is authentic and moving. I laughed out loud at the passages describing the parenting styles of Ellie and the mothers at the playground. Those type of 'helicopter', holier than thou parents drove me crazy when my children were babies so I agreed . It's not like I let mine play with knives or fed them a steady diet of McDonalds but they watched ABC Kids, ate jarred baby foods and wore disposable nappies, and let me assure you they are all bright, healthy and happy children.

The writing is of a good standard, the dialogue is natural, and humour is used to good effect, without undermining the more serious issues. The pacing works well with some surprises in the plot and a conclusion that is satisfying but not too neat.

I enjoyed She's Having Her Baby, I found it to be both an entertaining and touching novel tackling issues relevant to the modern woman. Lauren Sams is a debut author with promise.
...more

4 likes · Like · see review

Jan 15, 2016 Kat rated it liked it · review of another edition

This is my kind of book. I really enjoyed it. My hat goes off to the main character Georgia for helping her friend Nina when she couldn't have a baby. Even though I'm not a mother myself, I always scope out books about parenthood especially motherhood. I like to hear about the trials and tribulations. I enjoy it in both genres of fiction and non fiction. I hope Lauren writes more in the future especially about motherhood. maybe even a sequel?

Thanks goes to net galley & the publishers for provid ...more

2 likes · Like · see review

Feb 28, 2015 Chris marked it as to-read

Like

Jun 23, 2015 Jules marked it as to-read

Like

May 06, 2016 Bri marked it as to-read

Like

From the Bookshelf of Aussie Readers…

Find A Copy At

Group Discussions About This Book

What Members Thought

Aussie Readers