Member Reviews
‘Mommy Banter’ is fun, light hearted audio book set in Derry, Northern Ireland and narrated in in Northern Irish accent. On reading the descriptor, I was anticipating a meeting of Bridget Jones and Marian Keyes but I experienced it as it neither, instead finding the author to have her own unique style.
The story revolves around the escapades of 30 something Tara, who, on making the startling discovery that she is an embarrassment to her teenage daughter, undertakes all sorts of ventures into self improvement. Her experiences are both entertaining and cringingly relatable for anyone who has, or has had, young children. Overall this book is a very nice distraction from the tedium/seriousness of real life and I would recommend it to anyone looking for something light hearted to listen to on the daily commute or undertaking routine tasks that require entertainment.
My thanks to Net galley author and publisher for the opportunity to review this audio book in exchange for an advanced copy
This book is amazing! It is the funniest book I have ever read, and I really enjoyed it. It brightened up the few days over which I read it, and it made me laugh so much! I highly recommend it, especially if you are in need of a wee pick me up. The story is about a Mum called Tara, who has a husband and 3 children, and the book goes through all of the different things that happen to her at home, and at her work, as well as when she is out with her friends. It is hilarious and clever, and it is one of the best books I have ever read! It is so honest and real, and it really relates to what real life is like. Best banter I have heard in a long time!
The audiobook was read by the author of the book, and she was amazing, with a lovely irish accent, which made me feel happy.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I found this quite amusing to listen to - I love the Irish accent and have seen the author on TikTok - she tells the story of how difficult being a parent can be, especially to teenagers!
I didn’t make the connection to @mammybanter (love her Instagram & Tic Tok) when I requested this on Netgalley but it sounded similar to Kristen Baileys book series on The Callaghan Sisters which I just adored. I just loved it from the first word. Every woman on the planet can identify with all aspects of this book and a lot more then I’d like to admit 🤦♀️😆. I laughed out loud, smirked and cringed with Tara throughout. I loved all the characters, the different voices, the accents, the statements and the no holding back and telling it like it is even though a lot of the time we are thinking we can’t say that. Really glad I got it in audio format as Serena narrates it herself and it just really added to it hearing the accents and she just has such a way with words 😉. Would totally recommend this one if your in need of a laugh and some reassurance you are doing a good job as a Mammy and that it doesn’t just happen in your house ❤️. Can’t wait for the next instalment…
Thanks to Netgalley, Mammy Banter & Harper Collins UK for the opportunity to listen to and review this ARC thats out tomorrow 3rd of March - WALK DON’T RUN 😉.
When the beginning chapter is titled "That's not Nutella on the Sofa!" and the main character's life motto is "Stick it in ya hole with a jam roll," you know it's going to be a cry-with-laughter kind of book. Oh Serena Terry, you are an absolute God in my eyes - I haven't laughed this much over an audio book for ages and this was definitely what I needed in my life, without even knowing it! I don't care that I received strange looks from my family as I walked around the house with headphones on, howling with laughing and talking to a fictional character. If they didn't think I had lost the plot already, they definitely do now!
Tara is a cracking leading character, that attacks life hard, trying to juggle work, life, marriage and motherhood whilst being brutally honest about insecurities, and many emotions that we experience as parents. Tara just says what we are all thinking, well me anyway! She is extremely relatable, witty and absolutely hilarious. I am actually gutted that Tara is fictional, because I felt she has became a new friend by end of this and I was a bit upset that I had to say goodbye to her. I really hope Mammy Banter is back again soon with a follow up. I would love to catch up with Tara as her children grow and see how life progresses for them all.
If you are looking for a light, entertaining, and comical read/listen, this is definitely for you. If you are a fan of Gill Sims, you will adore Serena Terry. I think the author deserves some kind of award for the high level of entertainment that the park scene brought and would recommend it for this part alone (if you know, you know - no spoilers here!) This may be the easiest 5 star rating I have ever given - an absolute hoot!
A hilarious debut novel from TikTok sensation Serena Terry, aka Mammy Banter.
I loved this book to death. Anyone who has any Irish blood will recognise a fair few of the sayings shared as Tara describes her everyday life as a wife, mammy and woman.
The trials and tribulations of a newly teenage daughter, the demands made by two young lads and the inevitable 'jobs for the boys' boss who is condescending in his support of the hard working Tara.
It's just as well her 'pure ride' of a husband, Paul, can see beyond the sometimes gloss of panic that gets Tara through the day.
This book changes and grows as Tara rediscovers herslef, the self that is more than her role of mammy, wife, workmate and friend.
I loved being part of the Gallagher family for a short time and look forward to joining them again in further adventures as Gemma, Nathan and Jax take on the world in support of their 'cool' Mammy.
It was especially amazing having Serena Terry narrate this audiobook. She brought every experience, and situation to life with her 'Derry Wummin' class and wrought tears of laughter and gasps of amazement whilst bringing Tara, Paul and the weans out for us all to meet.
Fun, Lighthearted MumCom
🧡 A lively, endearing example of one of my favourite genres, mumcom. Very relatable with plenty of laughs.
__________________________________________________
SOUNDBITE
🎧 This was an easygoing listen, great in the background or while relaxing.
Big thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins for providing me with an ALC in return for an honest review.
Over the past few years, I've moved away from reading this kind of book, favouring gritty crime fiction or a psychological thriller instead. I'm not sure what drew me to read this book, but it was certainly a big change to what I've been used to of late.
I listened to the audiobook of Mammy Banter, which was read by the author herself. I found it totally hilarious and I'm certain that this is entirely down to the narration.
This book tells the story of 30 something Tara and her struggles to find out who she actually is, aside from being a wife and mother. I found Tara so relatable and, as we are the same age, all of her references were totally relevant to me. I found myself reminiscing on more than one occasion and I definitely had several real laugh out loud moments.
Overall, I would recommend this book, particular to other 30 something Mummies, who I'm sure will love it as much as I did.
My thanks to NetGalley and the Publishers for sending an ARC in return for an honest review.