I came across Marilyn Bennett’s novel Mummy With Benefits – The Fall From Grace on Netgalley, and was intrigued by the synopsis. It seemed like a fun, somewhat quirky tale of a journey into new motherhood. Main character Grace is about to become a mum, and she still isn’t completely sure which of her two friends is the baby’s father. Sure, Grace’s current setup isn’t exactly the perfect family life she imagined – but does it have to be?

Let me just state before I begin that this is going to be a bit of a strange review. The main reason? I just couldn’t finish this novel. And I absolutely hate giving up on books. Before I go on, I need to point out that I didn’t give up on it because it’s a bad book – not at all.

The blurb sounded great. The opening instantly hooked me. Marilyn Bennett has a great writing style that I fell for straight away; witty, real, with added humour. However, at the beginning of Mummy With Benefits I found myself confused as to what was going on. Characters appeared who, it seemed, had already been established; events were referenced that had not yet happened, mentioned as though I should have known about them already. I checked my Kindle, wondering if, in my haste to board my train home, I’d accidentally skipped a chunk of the novel. I hadn’t, but after a quick look on Goodreads and Amazon, it became clear what the issue was.

Mummy With Benefits is not a standalone novel. It is, in fact, a sequel to Marilyn’s previous book, Granny With Benefits.

Sadly, I hadn’t read Granny With Benefits, and wouldn’t have requested the sequel had I known what it was, simply because I hadn’t read the first. And judging by other reviews, I wasn’t the only one left confused by this book (although I did get to nearly 20% before giving up entirely). I just couldn’t finish it, and not because I didn’t like it – I WANTED to like it. I enjoyed the beginning, so much so that I now want to read the first book as well as this one. But there was just so little context that there was no point in carrying on.

I have read a few books which have been part of a series, in which previous events and characters are briefly explained so that you can pick them up without having to read the previous ones. Mummy With Benefits is not one of these books. Which isn’t at all a problem, IF readers are made aware from the start that this is a sequel. In this case, that fact is not made clear on the cover or book information, causing some readers to dive in and become quickly baffled.

That said, Mummy With Benefits is a fast-paced and fun book up to a point, and I know I would have enjoyed it had I read book one. Which I am now planning on doing, as like I said, I enjoy Marilyn Bennett’s writing style and I don’t want to miss out on what might be an excellent series. Until then, I’m going to give this book 2.5 stars, only because having not read the book entirely, it’d be unfair to give it a higher rating at this time. It’s definitely one to revisit though!

When I started the book, few pages down, I didn't understand where the story was going or anything about the characters. I thought I was losing my mind, till googled the book to realise it's a sequel.
When a reader picks up a book sequel or standalone the book has to be complete. This did not give such a feeling.
I read through the book pretty fast, skimming and skipping to reach the end.
There were moments of slight humour, the only good part about the book.
A mediocre read at its best

Good book, good characters but I hadn't read the first book so got a little confused in places.

I should have read the previous book for this one to make sense. It was not the best read and at times it did leave some questions unanswered but maybe it was in the previous book. It was an easy read though.

The story itself was really good, Grace is pregnant and doesn't know which of her two friends is the father. However, I didn't realise it was a follow on from another book which explains my slight confusion to start off with. It's still an easy book to read though, with some moments of humour

I did not finish this book. I stopped reading in chapter 1.

I am sorry, but this book wasn't for me.

I found this book quite bland and although was readable it didn't really excite me. The end was very abrupt and I felt it left me short of a proper conclusion .

Another entertaining instalment in the shenanigans of Grace and her loved ones! This novel was an enjoyable read with a host of well developed multifaceted characters. Grace never disappoints!

Brilliant book, easy reading and lively plot. Looking forward to reading more.