Another triumph from Gill Sims, Why Mummy Doesn't Give a ****! had me rolling my eyes like a teen (my own teen, in fact) in recognition of much of what poor Ellen has to deal with.

With children the same age and gender as Ellen's, it's wonderfully reassuring to learn that 'Mother!' is a standard milestone for them to reach! Indeed, it seems that Ellen's two are the epitome of children raised with love - a dizzy mix of utter selfishness and delightful sensitivity, as they find their way to adulthood in an increasingly fast-changing world.

The storyline rather took me by surprise; Gadget Twat deserved a serious shock to his selfish, self-obsessed system years ago. But then, enabled as he was by Ellen (just as we all do, in fact) why should he change his ways? The lasagne conversation had me in stitches....oh my, I would love to have the same with my other half (who is, thankfully, a long way from Simon's style) but still thinks knocking up a simple little lasagne shouldn't take so long AFTER I GET HOME FROM WORK!)

It's a situation in which many find themselves however, so i was a little puzzled by how few disastrous dates Ellen tried before finding her lovely vet. I have heard countless tales of liars, weirdos, stinkers and married cheats seeking 'company' - definitely enough to fill many more chapters in a book. Although this might have added entertainment value however, the lovely Bridget Jones-esque sense of completeness at the book's close was more than enough for me to close it with a sense of satisfaction.

On to the next, please, Ms Sims!

I started this book with a couple of laughs out loud but then got increasingly irritated by the use of text abbreviations which I didn’t understand. Some were obvious but others I couldn’t work out. I persevered but didn’t enjoy the book as much as others I have read recently

I had the wonderful opportunity to read Why Mummy Swears through Netgalley and loved it! I requested this book and was thrilled to be accepted to review this book before the publication date which is 27th of JUNE 2019! I was literally crying with laughter and this book has been added to my To Buy list.
I have yet to read Why Mummy Drinks but it is on my TBR list.

I want to thank Netgalley & HarperCollins UK for the opportunity to read an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book had me crying tears of happiness, sadness and laughter! Another great instalment in the series with a grown up twist to it. I seriously can not get enough of Why Mummy!

As a male in his late fifties I'm probably not the target market for this publication, but I've now read all the publications in this series and everyone is as good as the last one.
Plenty of laugh out loud moments and very real to life humour.
Keep up the good work Ms Sims

The best in the series yet. I've enjoyed Why Mummy Drinks and Why Mummy Swears so was familiar with all the characters. I had thought however, that the second wasn't quite as good as the first so I approached this third one with a little apprehension as I didn't want to be further disappointed. I needn't have worried.

I was surprised at the marital state at the beginning but I can see why it would be dealt with quickly ... to give time to doing the aftermath justice. I had little sympathy for Simon who seems to have become even more selfish and insensitive (but the author was still able to write scenes where some sympathy was regained).

The children's antics are hilarious. I love Jane's sarcasm (in the book that is. I couldn't bear it if it was constantly from my child)! I love Peter's appetite and surprising sensitivity at times. Really enjoyed seeing (and feeling) the children had definitely grown physically and mentally since the last book. I deliberately don't follow the Peter and Jane blog because I want to be surprised by the books.

I loved having all the previous characters back again and how their lives have progressed. Most of all I love Ellen's character. She has very obvious flaws and swears too much in front of her impressionable kids and lets them get away with too much (Jane's drinking and being at parties till 2am ... and she's only 15?. Not quite my parenting style but then I don't have a 15yr old daughter. But I did cast my mind back to myself at that age and I was mostly doing the same ... without my parents knowing!) so credited Ellen with handling Jane's behaviour in a more modern/open way.

So much happens over the year (and I also like the way the chapter headings are a timeline as I could see how much time was in between incidents, feelings and seasonal changes etc). Loved her going to the festival, totally OVER prepared for it.

There are, of course, some sad parts, as there are in everyone's life over a year. The author dealt with these very sympathetically too. Even when her father was in hospital and her sister was kicking off about doctors not doing enough etc, whilst I wanted to slap her sister, I could also understand the reasons for her behaviour (on top of her already being an insensitive, delusional show off).

Most of all, I loved the humour. How Ellen describes things. How Ellen also thinks things we would love to say out loud to some people. Confirms I'm not the only one who has to snap myself out of visualising revenge, witty put downs, putting people in their place and sometimes physical assault with an unusual weapon. Also totally relatable are the situations Ellen finds herself in, e.g., the personal grooming, her lack of understanding of dating etiquette having not done so for so long, her body confidence, her worries about being on her own when the children leave (and it's the being relatable that makes them even funnier and, in a way, an inspiration and spark of hope for anyone else in the the same situation).

Ellen obviously has a well paying job so she seems financially stable at least which is an advantage over many in her situation. She can obviously afford to pay for her own and her children's needs (also demonstrated in her argument with Simon after he took the children shopping for school uniform, following their summer holiday which she also paid for). And to keep chickens and two dogs (where does she find the time)? I would like to have seen a little more financial worries thrown in to be a little more realistic (other than she could only afford to buy her dream-ish cottage rather than her totally dream(y) one).

I took longer than I would have liked to read the book but that was 100% down to my lack of time rather than the book itself. I looked forward to my next free time to read it as I knew it would cheer me up by making me chuckle.

Finally, the will they, won't swing ... with not just one but two contenders. Again, seemed to happen a little too easily and smoothly for me and without enough thought of taking the easy and more comfy and familiar route, but glad it did happen and not have a closed and predictable ending.

Things could change in the next book though and I hope there IS a next book because I'll actually miss these characters and want to know what's next for them all.

Thank you to Jasmine Gordon of Harpercolliins for the advanced copy via NetGalley.

Absolutely bloody fantastic! Love, love, love Gill Sims! She is a genius, had me laughing out loud like a demented nutter; however there are a few sobering moments too. Mums, dads, grandparents should all read this series... all I can say is how bloody true. Humongous 5 stars to the mummy who doesn’t give a sh!t.

May half term was the usual #funtimes #soblessed – juggling 4 kids with no childcare, the eldest child of the 4 being mid GCSEs, so eggshells were being trodden on, and we still needed to run our construction company.

Then – on the last day of the week – I was emailed by the publisher asking if I’d like to read an advanced review copy of Gill Sims new book Why Mummy Doesn’t Give A F*ck! I was beyond excited. I have LOVED the previous 2 books in the series – Why Mummy Drinks and Why Mummy Swears – so couldn’t wait to catch up with Ellen and co again.

This picks up when Jane and Peter are 15 and 13 – which is pretty much the age of my oldest 2 children. I love that the 3 books have started with kids the age of my littlest pair, and now they’re the age of my eldest pair #relevanttome.

It is just sooooo spot on with references of life with teenagers.

I thought I was the only person whose teenage daughter refers to them as ‘mother’ in a disparaging way – but seemingly not!

I’m also not sure I’ve ever read a book that has referenced The Suite Life On Deck (a slightly rubbish American kids TV programme which my kids loved when they were younger – and I’m not sure I’d ever realised that Zack and Cody (the twins in it) were played by the actors who played Ben in Friends – so this book is also very educational!!)

I could quote reference after reference – but I don’t want to ruin it for you – as you’ll also be nodding and laughing along when you read it.

Although – my absolute favourite part is when Ellen says that parents’ evening should be parent’s evening because she’s going on her own. Who doesn’t love an apostrophe gag?!? (I am such a geek, sometimes I want to punch myself……….)

The book covers some big topics – death / divorce / moving house – but does it brilliantly, and with great ‘realness’ (not sure that’s even a proper word) and emotion.

Gill Sims is so bloody good at writing books. Other parenting blogs have tried to make the leap to books and it’s just not translated as well (mentioning no names) but Gill’s books are all BRILLIANT. If you haven’t read the first 2 (and don’t mind a bit of potty mouthed language), then download them IMMEDIATELY – and pre order this for when it’s out later this month. I would go as far as to say this one is my favourite of the three!!

A massive thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced review copy.

Mummy not only drinks too much and swears profusely, she now doesn't give a toss anymore about her marriage - or does she?
This third instalment of non-domestic bliss covers the most difficult phase of parenthood -i.e. coping with adolescent children. (What's that - you thought infancy was stressful ?)
Gill Sims has given us another master-class in comedy writing : a must-read for parents (but especially mums) in need of a good laugh - and much better than counselling.

Oh my goodness, this is the best yet. It helps that I have kids the same sort of age, but once again it’s like “this is me” which is brilliant. I’m not the only person who thinks like that. Other people have teenagers who act like mine, thank god.

Of course this is hilarious in the way Peter and Jane always are, but it is also poignant and moving in parts. Ellen is so relatable and adorable, and all the other characters in the book are brilliant. Even Simon, bless him.

This is such a good book. I’m beside myself with joy to have been able to read it prior to publication. I found I did nothing else with my free time (including time that wasn’t really free at all) until I’d finished this. Loved it. Can’t recommend it enough. If you liked the first two books, if you have children, if you want a really good read, get this.

Although I usually find Gill Sims’ writing hysterically funny, this time, in Why Mummy Doesn't Give A ****! there were fewer belly laughs but a more sophisticated and mature contemplation of Ellen’s life and the hazards of bringing up two recalcitrant teenagers whilst estranged from her husband Simon. Consequently, the themes felt more poignant so that I was more emotionally connected to the narrative rather than simply giggling along to Ellen’s 'FML' comments.

The portraits of 'moppets' Peter and Jane are incredibly well drawn as they begin to stretch their adolescent wings. I was reminded of many of the youngsters I’ve taught in the past because their attitudes felt so real. On a more personal level, Jane’s acerbic comments still frequently go through my own mind at times, although thankfully I’ve learnt to keep them silent! I'm sure many a mother has wondered just how their son can eat quite so much as does Peter... What works so well is the fine line between wanting to be a grown up yet still remaining a child that Gill Sims presents so astutely. 

I have always been dubious about Simon and I was actually pleased that he and Ellen had parted company as the main plot device in Why Mummy Doesn't Give A ****!

However, it was Ellen who still appealed to me the most and I found her predicament of dealing with single motherhood, (along with another couple of stressful life altering events that I can't say too much about for fear of spoiling the read), actually quite moving at times so that I shed the occasional tear. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting her more mature and contemplative persona and consequently she became a much more rounded and believable figure in my mind. 

With the same effortless and conversational writing style, the plot of Why Mummy Doesn't Give A ****! had greater depth than the other books in the series. I thought I’d guessed the resolution fairly early on, but Gill Sim kept me guessing with elements I really enjoyed and not everything worked out as I had imagined. There’s also less about extraneous characters and a more profound exploration of Ellen’s feelings and emotions so that I felt a greater affinity to the people this time.

With the same yearly plot structure, Why Mummy Doesn't Give A ****! feels an honest and appropriate continuation of the other books and whilst Why Mummy Doesn't Give A ****! may be less funny and light hearted, it’s no less engaging. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

I f*&^ing LOVE Gill Sims!! I don't often laugh out loud when I am reading books, but with this one I did - repeatedly. And not just the odd titter - full on guffawing! I have to confess to being a little nervous at being given this one to read on review. I was scared it might not live up to it's predecessors. But it does. In spades. I was gutted when I finished it. Maybe it's because we are the same age, because we have been married for a similar time and have similar aged children, but this book really resonated with me.

If you have been living on another planet and have not yet discovered the delight that is Gill Sims, I urge you to start from the beginning with Why Mummy Drinks, then move on to Why Mummy Swears, and then this one. And in between you can follow all of Gill and Judgy's japes and frolics on 'Peter and Jane' and 'Judgy Dog' on Facebook and Twitter.

Women (for it is women who are the most likely audience) of a certain age will find themselves nodding sagely at her pearls of wisdom and laughing wryly at her stories of errant husbands and moody teenagers, not to mention the amazing Judgy - the noble border terrier will always be the real star of the show. 'Why Mummy doesn't give a %^&% ' is a coming of age book for the forty-something who is feeling ignored, unrecognised and furniture-like. I loved it.

Brilliant! Ellen getting divorced and so she is starting afresh with her prcious moppets Peter and Jane. This is the story of her new house, new life and hilarious tales of dating, deciding whether she wants to get back with ex-husband and getting some new pets. There are some sad elements of thr story too, but even they manage to inject some humour too!

Wonderful, as with the other books in this series. Gill Sims totally captures the trials and tribulations of family life and, I for one, can relate to so many of the scenarios. I so recognise the 'Golden Child' syndrome and Ellen's relationship with her mother. A fun read and hilarious in turn it's a must for anyone wanting a light tongue in cheek take on family life. Anyone who has had anything to do with teenagers can certainly identify with some of the issues they raise. As the saying goes, "many a true word spoken in jest". Brilliant observations of modern life and I look forward to more titles in this series.

I enjoyed this.

Another fun, quick read from Gill Sims.

Ellen is realising that her marriage is at breaking point, and this story details her year of new beginnings. Full of alcohol, teenagers, embarrassment, friends, and love.

If you enjoyed the other “Why Mummy…” books, you’ll like this one too.

I did not finish this book. Not because it was awful but it wasn't my usual read. Plus I was expecting something different from the description 🤔
I thought it would be more comedic and 'real-life' observations.

This is an easy read chic lit book. But just for now I couldn't finish it as I like a bit more thrills and spills.

I will pick it up again one day mind 👍🏻

Warning SPOILERS !

The major change in circumstances happened very quickly near the start of the book and I did not find it very believable. I have zero sympathy for Gadget Twat, but I find it hard to accept that someone as funny and smart as Ellen would have allowed him to continue on his selfish course for so long and I was very cross with both of them and sympathetic to Peter and Jane as awful as they can be. But approaching half way the book improved and became much more nuanced and realistic.
Laugh out loud funny all the way through though as well as being very sad. As there's no mention of the Phantom Shitter I guess we now know who it was...

This is a great addition to the Why Mummy... series, as ever on the surface it seems a light hearted, almost pastiche, of modern life but as you read on it becomes clear just how many serious areas are covered by the humour.
Death, divorce & teenage angst vie for attention along with the light hearted nights out and I found myself moved to tears and snorting with laughter - both on a crowded train!

As with the first two books, this one picks you up and takes you through the whirl that is Ellen's chaotic life, but this time she is in the throes of breaking away from husband, Simon, and being responsible for her own life and happiness. It is hilarious in its irreverent style and language, saying out loud all those things that run through every woman's head at some time in their lives and watching the consequences explode in her face. I always feel uplifted by the glimpse into her world, carried along by the fast pace and frankness of the narrative, but knowing that Ellen will surface with humour, determination and, hopefully, on top.

this is my favourite in the series - had me laughing at loud - the writing is honest,funny and with great insight - if you are having a bad day this book cannot fail to cheer you up