I will admit, I only requested this book for the title. I went in blind. I wasn't really loving it at the start. That's on me, though. It's very Mammy/child/family based, and as I don't have that, I struggled to warm to the Gallagher crew.

It didn't take too long for me to melt. The kids did it for me. I absolutely adored all of them. Gemma with her attitude, Nathan saying so many words wrong, and little Jax copying everything Nathan does. So sweet!

I laughed so much at Tara too. I fell for Paul. And I cheered for Pammy. This is a great, fun, festive read. And yes, I did cry at the end.

Maybe it's because I'm not a parent, or maybe it's because I tried to read a Christmas book in February, but I just couldn't get into this. I didn't find it funny and if I'm honest, I am totally for people being realistic about how hard it is being a parent, but at times I just felt uncomfortable with near constant complaining about motherhood. I think this is more down to how it just baffles me how many people seem to become parents without actually wanting to be a parent and it annoys me.
Maybe if I have kids I'll realise it's way harder than I could ever imagine and also want to complain - I'm not completely ignorant to my ignorance by nature of being childfree but it still makes me feel icky when parents seem to not actually want to be parents and it put me off.
DNF

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion.
The title of this book gives the clue that the language used is not for the faint-hearted, but the pages are filled with swear words as well as acronyms, used in speech and thought. The amount was offensive, which was a pity because the story and events were comical and credible. The plot is based around Tara's pregnancy and Christmas so it has a very festive feel.
I did enjoy the story but wouldn't read more by this author because of the language although I'm probably in the minority of readers who would believe this reflects contemporary life.

Tara has got a lot on her plate … two young boys, and teenage daughter, an increasingly distant husband, passive aggressive mother, oh and she’s 8 months pregnant … but she’s still determined to give her family the best Christmas possible.

This was a fun and mostly lighthearted look at the ‘joy’ that is Christmas and all the excitement and expectations that comes with it, although I’ve got to say it nearly lost a star due to the rather offensive attitude about the ‘agony’ of her children coming from a ‘broken’ home when Tara thinks her marriage is in trouble.

This was a perfect antidote to some very dark and serious reads I've delved into lately. It was full of fun, frolics and mishaps. Some of the descriptions were quite graphic and not great for a sensitive stomach (thankfully not me haha) but it was such an immersive, fun read that I truly felt part of the family from very early on. I was rooting for the family and Tara especially to have a joyful, peaceful (ish) Christmas and build bridges and deeper connections with those around her. She really deserved happiness! I loved the layers of the plot, with different issues around family, friendship, relationships, being a working mother and work/life balance, An addictive, fun, festive read that I truly recommend. I can't wait to read more by this author!

This was the perfect book for my dry humoured self, love love love. Espeically the Christmas themes.

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I have never laughed so hard reading this book is brilliant and written with a dry humour and a quick witted sense of self. Every parent who has ever struggled should read it. I enjoyed it from beginning to end.

Christmas books can always be a bit hit and miss but this one really hit the spot. Serena Terry has a great way with words and I may have read the book with her alter ego Mammy Banter's voice.

In the run up to Christmas, Tara Gallagher is heavily pregnant with 3 demanding children already ruling the roost at home. What more can add to her worries more than a birthing scare in the car, a vaping incident with her daughter Gemma, her husband having a potential affair and her estranged mother threatening a surprise visit?

As the chaos escalates the closer it gets to Christmas can Tara ensure that her family still have the best Christmas ever and why is her husband acting so shifty?

This book was honestly a laugh a minute and I loved the special N. Irish humour that shone through throughout.

An easy fun read, exactly what you'd expect from the author if you knew her from Tiktok. It would make a great gift for friends as a holiday read. Would recommend.

what an absolute book to read so enjoyable with the antics of each member of the family to the build up of christmas with the little ones and the end is the birth of amelia which is a brill ending

A really easy read with a lot of laugh out loud, relatable moments. Loved this one just as much as the first, perfect escapism

I really enjoyed this book! Felt like the reality of Christmas, as even though it’s such a magical time it does come with stressful moments (or shite)! Highly recommend!

A humorous read, perfect light-hearted yet realistic insight into family life. Would recommend to escape the hustle bustle in the busy run up to Christmas. Funny and relatable, an easy read. The second book I have read by author Serena Terry and would definitely recommend both.

Definitely a chaotic book but I loved it. She describes the feral kids and joys of pregnany well.

A fun uplifting read.

Loved this one! Really funny, an honest depiction of the shitshow that motherhod can be and the lengths we go to to make Christmas magical for all involved.

Unfortunately I just couldn't get in to this read. I think it was my head space and not the read itself. It's quite possibly a title I'd revisit

To be honest, I struggled with this book. I appreciate there were some very funny sections but the language threw me so many times I just found it quite hard work.

Hilarious, relatable and emotional! I enjoyed this, didn't realise it was part of a series but can definitely be read stand alone. A great story, characters to love, and some Christmas shte in there!

This was such a funny/ yet realistic view on family at Christmas. Terry truly has a signature of humour as I could tell straight away WHO was writing it. I watch her on TikTok but didn’t immediately have put the connection together! However when I did I was amazed.

The characters were so well written and gave me quite the giggle. Especially the mother who you can tell is on the edge the whole way through even if she deals with it via jokes. All the children were such amazing little characters which really made the story what it was.

Loved it!

This was a great twist on the normal cute Christmas book. A brilliantly funny read full of humour and an hilarious main Character. A very realistic story that could be any family. A great lighthearted read.