Member Reviews

I haven’t read Time Out which might explain why it took me a little while to get into this however there were plenty references to events that had happened in it so no actual issue with understanding what was going on. The storyline was simple but pacy with some colourful characters, there’s plenty of life in this and numerous humorous situations but balanced with more serious and emotional moments. It’s a great bit of escapism but with many familiar parental and marital moments and a few extreme ones too 7/10

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A humorous, well-written novel on domestic life, female friendships, motherhood and marital relationships. I found all the main characters likeable and cute and I could totally relate with the absurdity of the school WhatsApp chats! I will definitely read the sequel. An enjoyable and lovely story.

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Like many others on here I didn't realise this was a sequel, but it made no difference. It was a fine standalone book and very, very funny. Domestic life with all the warts, enjoyable and relatable. (the only thing I found irritating was the repeated use of 'eejit' but that's a very minor point). Highly recommended.

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It was not until after I read this book that I realized it was a follow-up to a previously published book. However, having not read the first book, I felt like this one worked totally fine as a stand alone! I loved the perspective of the woman juggling everything - so real. Definitely laughed out loud a few times!

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I didn’t realise when I started this book that it is a follow up to the author’s previous book, Time Out. You don’t need to read that book to be able to read this one, both can easily be read as a standalone book, but for better understanding of the characters I would recommend reading in order. Saoirse is a mum and wife, and finds herself constantly juggling work, family, housework and friendships. When her husband, David loses his job, she takes on the role of being the main earner in the house and finds that her life changes hugely!

I did like Saoirse’s character, even though I found myself having to remember how to pronounce her name every time I read it! Her life is pretty hectic, and I’m sure many mothers, wives and best friends can relate to parts of her story! The school WhatsApp chats I found particularly funny as they were just so true to life, and thinking back on my son’s younger school days I’m so glad that WhatsApp wasn’t as widely used then as it is now. I liked Saoirse’s relationship with her friend, Bea, and found some parts of Bea’s storyline particularly heart-warming and emotional.

Filled with lots of trials and tribulations of life, this book takes us on a whirlwind journey through Saoirse’s daily journey. Whilst not as funny as I initially thought it would be, it is humorous in the fact that most modern mums and wives will have definitely gone through things which Saoirse is experiencing so you will find yourself nodding along and agreeing with it all (I certainly would have taken shop-bought cakes for the cake stall!)!! It’s definitely a tender and heart-warming read which is perfect if you’ve also found yourself juggling what life throws at you! The characters are fun, realistic and totally relatable and the story is easy to read. I’ll definitely be going back to read the first book for more of Saoirse! Would recommend!

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This book was so much fun to read. I didn't realize it was a sequel in the beginning, but it wasn't necessary to read the first book. Overall I just had a fun time reading about the drama in Saoirse's life. For a woman who has a huge fear that she is boring, her life is so dramatic it's just fun to watch what happens next. The way Murray rights about motherhood and the trials and tribulations was so real and visceral. I felt each moment for her. I do wish that some of the moms in the book weren't so one note. I understand the background characters are more of a "chorus" for Saoirse, but I just felt like there should be something redeemable about even the most judgmental mom. I was hoping it would come and it just didn't. I also wish the book had been a bit more resolved by the end, but also realize that is part of the genre and not a flaw.

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Funny lighthearted read that’s totally relatable to anyone who has had to juggle childcare ,work ,housework and husbands! Told in a frank, funny way that instantly gets the message across!
The usual topics of the playground mafia, marital relationships, oneupmanship re the children and friendship problems abound on a constant loop.
A quick humerus read that will entertain you!
Thank you netgalley for this early read.

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A perfect second book!! Loved the first one and this one didn’t disappoint at all! It’s story line draws you in and the characters keep you there.

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The Juggle is the follow up to Time Out which I absolutely loved and reviewed as a 5 star read. This one was well written with hilarious characters and lots of laugh out loud moments.


Unfortunately, it didn't grab me in the same way. Still a good read though.

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I didn’t realise this book was a follow on to Time Out, because of this I’d definitely recommend reading that first.
It was great to catch up with the characters again and see where their lives had moved onto.

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I absolutely adored book #2 in Emma Murray's series. (Note: if you have not read book one TIME OUT, I'd suggest doing so to provide more background on the characters). This book was just what I needed during a stuck-at-home pandemic and literally had me laughing out loud! I look forward to reading Murray's next book and will definitely recommend this series. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy.

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What permeated the most through this book wad Saoirse and her kindness. She was fully supportive of David and pursuing a relationship with Bonnie as well as finding more satisfactory employment. She dropped everything for Bea and found ways to make her happy. She was real in her relationship with Anna. Of course I enjoyed the wit and sarcasm but this book felt very real.

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