This book is hilarious! I discovered Serena Terry on the Mammy Banter reels on Facebook and enjoyed her wacky humour so much that i was very excited when she brought out a book.

The book is a perfect description of what it is like to be a parent, with all of the madness and embarrassment that comes with it.

The Rebel Mummies sound like such a great group of supportive ladies, and I can't wait to see what they get up to next.

The narration on the book was wonderful! There were different voices for each character, and i could just picture 13 year old Gemma every time i heard her character speak.

Highly enjoyable.

Hilarious, down-to-earth, no-holds-barred depiction of a mum of three in her mid-thirties.

Surrounded by Gen Z work colleagues who think she's ancient, and trying to navigate her daughter's teenage years whilst reclaiming something of her former self, Tara creates a "f*ck it list" of the things she wants to do to improve her life, including getting in shape, spicing up her marriage and updating her look.

Very relatable and with great narration by the author.

I’m a huge fan of the @mammybanter insta & Tik tok so I was delighted to see the woman behind it all; Serena Terry, has written a book! It’s a work of fiction packed full of the relatable humour you’ll already know and love, if you’re a fan like I am.

Tara Gallagher is 36, a mum of three with a full time job, a stroppy teenager embarrassed by her every move, a creepy boss and Gen Z colleagues that think she’s ancient. She also has a fervent wish to be more like Beyoncé in her day-to-day life.
She makes a “fuck it list” to set about improving her life, including getting into shape, spicing up her marriage, and overhauling her look.
There’s lots of mortifying moments along the way and you can’t help but feel for her as it’s like reading the trials and tribulations of a best friend. As I said, very relatable! I listened on audio, read by Mammy Banter herself and really enjoyed it. I found myself smiling a lot listening to it, it’s a very comforting read and would be a perfect book to pack for holidays. I’m already looking forward to the next book, and I think this would work really well as a tv series.

With thanks to @netgalley and @harpercollinsire for the ARC. Mammy Banter: The Secret Life of an Uncool Mum is now available to buy.

Thank you to Netgalley, Harper Collins and Serena Terry for an ARC in return for an honest review.

I follow 'Mammy Banter' on Facebook and find her hilarious. The book was an interesting listen to hear her backstory and how 'Mammy Banter' came about. A nice little read.

We follow the character of Tara as she juggles her life as a full time working mother while trying to get her inner Beyonce back and find her tribe

I am slightly split with this novel as I only half enjoyed it.

The main thing that I liked was the narrative and how it came full circle.
But I also like the character of Paul, the husband, because I felt he was so down to earth.

When I first started this novel I really felt like I could have related to this, as I am also a 30 something mum, and in some places I did. However, I didn't find any of it funny. I ended up feeling sorry for the main character. I didn't like her daughter and thought her friend Amanda was so judgemental, why would you stay friends with someone like that.
However, as I said the narrative does come full circle and the friendship and daughter issue are resolved.

But parts of this novel actually just built my anxiety; Maybe this is just me and I am just hypersensitive and could relate strongly to the scenarios that Tara was going through. But I have no issue following these influencers on social media so why would I feel like this when they write a full-blown novel? I think it was because it was always a negative outcome. In everyday life, we can say or find one positive that has happened throughout our day, but, I felt, the character of Tara just couldn't seem to catch a break and I felt her confidence being knocked every time.
However, yes this character does catch a break, yes this novel leads to happiness I just personally struggled with it.

Also, I love it when the author narrates their own novels, but I found the accent quite strong that some of the wording, when pronounced, sounded like something else was being said. This is not too much of an issue and you can quickly pick up what is meant. But the voice the narrative/author uses is so whiney and whingey it actually grated on me.
This novel is written in a friendly tone, speaking to the reader throughout, but it still does not have to be whiney.

Absolutely hilarious!!! I have loved watching Mammy Banters videos. They brought light to my day during lockdowns. And the book and especially the audio book which Tara reads herself is so spot on and relatable. I have never laughed out loud so much during a book. Fantastic 👌

"Mammy Banter. The secret life of an uncool mum" by Serena Terry.
🌟🌟🌟🌟

For anyone else who follows Serena Terry a.k.a. "Mammy Banter" on social media, you'll know she portrays life as a Mammy (and even more so specifically an Irish Mammy) hilariously. Her skits on Tiktok and Instagram are on-point, topical pieces showcasing motherhood, being a wife, and being a woman in all it's g(l)ory.

Tara, 36 year old mum of three (It's me!) has three adorable kids, a loving husband and a job she knows she is great at. But when her eldest turns 13 she can't help but give in to the little voice in her head that tells her she has lost herself and needs to overhaul her life in order to become fun, fabulous (pre-kids and marriage) Tara again. Needless to say this plan doesn't go as perfectly as she hopes and she learns a lot a long the way, while navigating life with a stroppy teenager and two small men who are chaos personified, in the cutest way possible. To be fair, the character of her husband is a gem, not the inattentive stereotype that would have been easy to fall into the trap of with this story.

This novel is a fictional account but you know it draws heavily on her own experience and that of those close to her as the situations and dramas detailed are hilariously and cringingly on the nose - checking the light coloured sofa to see whether it is nutella or something more, ahem, fragrant is a sadly all too familiar occurrence! 😭😂

I listened on audio and it is narrated by Terry herself, and she does a brilliant job, injecting the story with loads of personality and the right tone in the right places.

If you're looking for an easy read/listen, and want plenty of laugh-out-loud moments but also some feeling proud and a little teary ones this book is a solid choice!

Thanks to Netgalley and Publishers Harpercollins for the ARC of this book in return for this honest review.

I listened to the audiobook of Mammy Banter and found myself feeling like I had good company while doing various things around the house.

The plot flows beautifully, the narrator, Serena Terry herself, has an awesome Irish accent that’s so delightful to listen to. I couldn’t turn it off if I wanted to!

This is a laugh out loud, hilarious account of the life of Tara, a married, 36-year-old mother of 3. The trials and tribulations of being a mother, a wife, a friend, and colleague come through so well and in a hilarious manner.

A very clever book that takes joy in the everyday life of Tara and her family. Her 13-year-old daughter makes her feel old and tells her she is old and out of touch so much too, it’s a very honest, raw, and real view of life as a mother alongside some great banter.

It is obviously well written, you find yourself instantly in the middle of this chaotic, mess, busy and unpredictable family life. Poor Tara feels so uncool from her daughter, Gemma’s comments through to her husband’s banter. She wants to tackle this and channel her inner Beyonce which is very funny. She wants to claw back her old self without embarrassing her children (I don’t know why as surely that’s part of the point of having children? No?)

There are plenty of cringe worthy moments too, when the youngest poo’s and of course the many mentions of poo with her youngest two will both gross you out and make you chuckle with laughter.

The chapter titles are also brilliant, for example, ‘That’s not Nutella [on the sofa]!’, ‘I’m not cursing, I’m Praying’ and ‘shove your organic parenting up your hole, Janice’.

My only criticism is that I wanted Tara to realise that she was the problem. Her thoughts, self-belief and self-esteem needed some working on, I know that wasn’t the premise of this book, but it would have been lovely to see her realising and making some necessary changes rather than pulling down the other women (in particular) around her to make herself feel better.

I loved this audiobook, I would highly recommend listening instead of reading, The book is just as good, but Serena Terry’s delivery is excellent. This will brighten up your day and make you laugh out loud!

I loved this book! Followed Mammy Banter on Instagram for a while and knew I had to read this book when it came out. However, I listened to it on Audiobook and it was read by the author in her fabulous Derry accent which I think added to the story of the book. Really enjoyed it and I think we can all relate to the Tara in our own lives!! Loved it and hope Mammy Banter brings out a sequel!

I listened to the audio book of this, read by the author. It was brilliant. So funny and down to earth. Felt like real life happening and something we can all identify with. Just brilliant. There is also a nice interview with the author at the end, which I enjoyed.

Serena Terry for the uninitiated is yet another social media sensation now dipping her toes into the frankly overpopulated by social media 'stars' publishing world. But rather than a ghost written tome all about her fantastic life she's self penned an often hilarious novel about the trials, tribulations and joys of being an Irish mammy of three whilst trying to maintain a career and marriage. Now I'll be honest, I listened to the audiobook of these so can't comment how funny it comes across on the page. But as an audiobook, read by the author? Well it's feckin' priceless. Her comic timing brings it wonderfully to life. I tend to listen to audiobooks late at night or walking the dog and as a result have woken up everyone in the house (including the aforementioned dog) and scare innocent passers-by by laughing out loud. Sorry passers-by (and dog).

A light and funny story, well worth a listen (or two!)

This is without doubt a VERY funny book and as a mother I can absolutely identify with Tara Gallagher. The story is honest and relates especially well to what a busy family life is all about - I also really identify with her reminiscing about the 'good ol' times' of an era which I also have the same memories of. I'm not really a TickTok'er, so I don't follow Mammy Banter on TikTok, but if it is as funny as this book, I am definitely missing out on a real gem.

I had the audio version of the book (thanks NetGallery and HarperCollins UK Audio) and I am sad to say it spoiled the experience for me. I believe that Serena Terry narrated the book herself and I usually love when the Author narrates her own story, but I found her Irish accent really strong and difficult to understand - plus she narrates using a really whining voice at times which was a little annoying. This, coupled with the use of lots of Irish/Scottish colloquialisms eg, Boke (vomit), skuttered (drunk) makes the audio difficult to comprehend in parts.

For a fun read I recommend getting the book or ebook. 4 stars for the story itself and 2 stars for the audio version.

Narrator/author 5 stars
Man does this Narrator deserve an Oscar because this was hilarious!

Story 4 stars
This story like the narrator was hilarious. Some of the things to come out of Tara's mouth I've said myself (on a weekly basis I tell my husband Im going to punch him in thd balls because of our children 😆) so listening to this was Iike sitting down and having a vent with my best friends.

Fantastic job for a first novel

Do you ever start a book thinking it’s one genre and find out it’s something completely different?

I somehow had it in my head that Serena Terry’s debut novel was a memoir when in fact it’s fiction! Although being a mother herself I’m sure there are some personal reflections in there.

The story follows Tara, mother to 3 kids and wife to Paul. When she constantly finds herself being a mortal embarrassment to her now teenage daughter, Tara takes life by the horns and makes a bucket list of things shes always wanted to do. The story follows her through her bucket list and the daily challenges of family and marital life.

I listened to the audio version of this and Serena’s narration really brought Tara’s character to life. I loved the accent and mannerisms and while I’m sure I’d have enjoyed it on kindle just the same, the audio was very entertaining to listen to.

Despite not being a Mammy myself, I absolutely adore Serena's TikTok and Instagram accounts – I even find them relatable.

Serena narrating the audiobook brings a realness to the book. It's highly relatable, as Tara tries to find out who she is outside of being a mother. I'm also in my 30s and even without having children found myself nodding in agreement to so many moments.

Recommended for fans of Serena's social media presence, and also mammies who feel like they don't have it all figured out.

I'm a big mammy banter fan so was thrilled when I came across this audiobook on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. As a 34 year old mother of three, the protagonist Tara is so relatable. This book is almost like the story of my day to day life but told in Serena's hilarious way. Loved that Serena herself narrated the audiobook. Will definitely buy a copy of the book.

I love Mammy Banter on Instagram so when I saw that she had a book out, I couldn't wait to get stuck in! The audio book did not disappoint. I don't think I have ever listened to a book that brought such energy throughout.
It was a Performance!
If I was reading the book, I'm not sure I would have enjoyed quite so much because the passion of the author came across so well through the audio. In terms of the story line, it was ok in that it was a 'finding yourself and your tribe' type story but there was great humour and Irish turns of phrase throughout.
I'd recommend as a light read for mammies everywhere that don't take themselves too seriously. All in all I'd give the book 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 for the lol moments the book gave me.




Thanks to HarperCollins UK Audio and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Jesus, Mary & the wee donkey, this is the funniest book I have listened to … ever! It is jam-packed with hysterical moments that had me laughing aloud from start to finish (even making me snort juice out of my nose at one badly timed sip just before a really funny bit).
Having discovered & loved Mammy Banter on her TikTok page I wasn’t sure she could top her hilarious skits about the ‘joyful’ episodes brought into our lives by those little bundles we mothers have to push out of our hoohas, who then mutate (the bundles not hoohas!), I mean grow, into each delightful age. However, this book is absolutely hilarious in the skilful way she weaves the highs & lows of motherhood into such a brilliant story. It is completely relatable but also has us thanking the aforementioned Jesus, Mary & the wee donkey that our lives have not (quite) hit the maternal & domestic depths of the Mammy character.
A great listen & perfectly narrated by the author herself. Full of family, friendship, frivolity and feckin’ grey hair growing in unwanted areas, this is a perfect book, written & narrated brilliantly.

I follow Mammy Banter on TikTok and think she's so funny so I will so glad when I saw this book & even happier when I was approved for the audiobook.

I definitely recommend the audiobook, being narrated by Serena really adds a lot to the book & makes the funny parts funnier.

The way Serena narrates this audiobook really conveys the mayhem & chaos of our main character Tara's life. Even though Tara is only 36, Serena really hits on the panic Tara feels after being labelled "Uncool" by her thirteen year old daughter.

It's both hilarious and heart warming watching Tara tackle her journey to "Beyoncé", as she stumbles & gets stuck but ultimately finds herself really happy.

This is the perfect book to escape reality for a while.

Overall, I definitely recommend this book. I rated it 4 stars.

Thank you tou Harper Collins, Serena Terry & NetGalley for an eArc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Oh lord this was funny. Wildly entertaining and so on the nose.

And this might be the best narrated book I’ve ever listened too. Not only is it narrated by the author, Serena Terry, but it is so brilliantly acted and performed, that you can really honestly put yourself straight slap bang into the middle of the book and get swept up into the frantic life of Tara and her brood.

The writing really relays the hectic, mad panic, messy, busy, unpredictable life of a mother. Humour runs deep in this book and it’s actual laugh out loud funny. Seriously, it’s hilarious and had me smirking and laughing throughout.

With Gemma new into her teens, her mum Tara is wrecked with her ‘uncool’ status after a birthday mishap and deigns to tackle her image and channel her inner Beyoncé. It’s time to claw back and uncover some of her old self and try not to mortally embarrass her kids in the process. This book was a recipe for perfect entertainment. I can’t believe this was a debut! It’s a fantastic first book from this author and I honestly can’t wait to see more from her. I need more!

It’s the perfect book to disappear into. It’s fun, real and a real worthy addition to the bookshelf. It’s great to curl up with at the end of the day and I thoroughly recommend getting the audiobook as well for a great experience of this book. Beyond brilliant!