Member Reviews

I was delighted to receive an review copy of this book after reading the previous book where Penny and her friends initially joined together amongst their struggles to create Bobs Place; a safe space for those suffering with dementia. This book picks up with Bobs Place continuing to be a success; Penny continuing to struggle with daily life; her mother’s dementia and her peri menopause symptoms both getting worse. This book made me both howl with laughter and cry ugly tears simultaneously. A really great read.

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Thank you for this! I had such a fun time reading this life period book. Penny is so very lovable and following her life felt easy and interesting. Well written with a medium flow, I found this book to be heartfelt and inspiring, for women of all ages. Being a mom is tough. Charming stories like this one make women feel a sense of community. We are not alone. Very relatable.

My only gripe is that I didn't know this was book 2. I wish I had read the first book featuring Penny before Hot Mother. Hot Mother was fine as a stand alone.

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"Hot Mother* begins with a comedic flair, offering an entertaining glimpse into the lives of four women navigating the trials and tribulations of menopause. From car rides with teenagers to the all-too-familiar struggles with husbands who seem to forget everything that’s not on the calendar, the book starts off with a refreshing dose of humor and relatability.

However, as the narrative progresses, it veers into much more somber territory. The story delves into the impact of dementia on families, a subject that can be deeply distressing for those who have experienced it firsthand. For readers who find themselves triggered by the themes of aging and cognitive decline, this shift in tone might be challenging to endure.

The portrayal of menopause is heartfelt and varied, showcasing the different ways each character experiences this midlife transition. While the humorous moments provide much-needed levity, the book also grapples with some clichéd elements, which might detract from its overall impact. The funny anecdotes and relatable scenarios are juxtaposed with heavier themes, creating a tonal imbalance that can be jarring.

Despite its engaging start and moments of genuine humor, *Hot Mother* may resonate more with those who can appreciate the blend of light-hearted and serious content. It’s a book that attempts to balance laughter with the poignant realities of aging and illness. For readers who can relate to the midlife experiences and are prepared for the emotional weight of dementia, this book might offer a bittersweet reflection on the trials of life and friendship.

Overall, *Hot Mother* feels like a candid conversation with close friends who don’t shy away from sharing both their struggles and their laughs. It’s a mixed bag of humor and heartache that, while compelling in its own right, might be best approached in small doses for those sensitive to its more somber themes.

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Highly relatable, especially for middle-aged women juggling multiple responsibilities. The book captures the essence of modern motherhood, dealing with demanding jobs, kids, and the challenges of menopause. I found it hilarious and heartfelt at the same time. It’s a book that resonates deeply with those who have experienced the chaos and beauty of balancing family, work, and personal challenges.

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This was a really great story that gave laughter and emotion through so much of it. It was well written and a meaningful story, there were points where it felt a little long winded however it was worth it.

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Disappointed in this one. It sounded so promising but just fell flat for me and often felt depressing instead of witty and engaging

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A solid read. Pen is dealing with menopuase, kids going through milestones, her husband's mid life crisis and her mother's dementia. On top of this, she is holding down full time work, a disobedient dog and is navigating rediscovering who she is at this point in her life. This was an enjoyable read.

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I was very disappointed in this book. The synopsis was very promising but the book was lacking in every way possible.

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A follow on from The Mother of all problems. I had read it, but couldn't remember all the details. Penny is perimenopausal and in the generation where her parents are needing care as well as her children, the youngest of which is leaving primary school . She is also involved with running a care facility for people with dementia . The book documents the decline of her mother as seen through Penny's eyes as well as her juggling her different life roles. There are moments when she and her husband seem to be growing apart, but also moments when they understand what the other needs. Also the friendship and support for each other in the group of girlfriends . I think the worries about parents and offspring are well described . There is advice and moments of poignancy and laughter. Not an easy read at times.
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

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Pen is constantly balancing multiple responsibilities, much like spinning plates or juggling balls. There's a bit of chaos, with some balls being dropped, but overall, she is just like any other mother, doing her best during a very demanding period in her life. She has three children, a husband, a dog, great friends, and wonderful parents. However, her parents are elderly, her mom has dementia, her eldest child has moved out, her middle child recently broke up with his girlfriend, and her youngest is about to leave primary school. Additionally, she manages a special care home for people with dementia and their families. To top it all off, she is going through menopause.

"Hot Mother" is both hilarious and poignant, offering a relatable story about the ups and downs of family life. It’s a novel filled with love and hope, capturing the disappointments, anxiety, and emotions of love in its many forms, as well as the varied ways we grieve. This book deeply touched my heart. Even though the family is fictional, I wish them, and all families like them, the very best.

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This was a really good read.
The topics of Menopause & dementia really hit home for me as I am going through the menopause & my mum has dementia.

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This started off funny and engaging but, then spiralled into a sad and slightly depressing book about parents with dementia. Having seen this disease and how it affects loved ones this book became a difficult read. I was hoping for a funny book but, not this time. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

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A utterly relatable read! It's told with hilarious warmth whilst struggling with every day occurrences. The humour is superb!

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I absolutely loved the mother of all problems so was very excited to read Hot Mother as I found I could totally relate to Penny in her previous book!
Subjects such as empty nest syndrome,marital disharmony, menopause, ageing parents, all whilst juggling a job are so relatable to women of a certain age and this book really highlights that! Add in a sprinkling of humour, a wonderful friendship group and a very dignified, realistic portrayal of the awful condition that is dementia makes for a great read!
Realistic,humorous and touching and so so relatable
Thank you NetGalley for this early read

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Absolutely fantastic plot! Could not put the book down once I began reading it. Cannot wait for it to be released. I will recommend it to everyone I know!

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A book all about 4 women going through menopause in very different yet similar ways. It has funny moments but there’s also a lot of annoying cliche moments. Any female in their midlife time will relate and laugh at this book from car rides with teenagers to interrogate, husbands not putting it on the calendar and having to care or worry about their aging parents. Warning triggers for dementia may affect some people. I could only take this book in small doses. Overall, it was as if I was talking to my girlfriends who share TMI!

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Loved this one! Great and fun read. Highly recommend.
Many thanks to the publisher, Netgalley, and the author for my ARC.

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Nancy Peach does it again with another fantastic book that had me experiencing all sorts of emotions that had me laughter out loud to then crying at some of the events of the story.
The book continues the story of Penny from the previous book The mother of all problems although it can be read as a standalone.
I chose this book for many reasons but one of the main factors was that Penny is going through the peri menopause which I can totally relate to along with being a middle age mother of 3.
The writing was honest, relatable and just so funny in places, while heartbreaking in others.
An excellent read and I’m praying for another book to find out what happens next.
Thanks to NetGalley, Nancy Peach and Hera for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

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This is funny at times and sad . Covered the menopause well.Sadly could relate to some of it. One bit spoilt it for me but I can’t say what or would spoil the story . The old people’s home was amazing. They all should be like that . Read it and judge for yourself.

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What can I say? This book was written for me. If you’re a woman in her mid to late forties and early fifties, you’ve stumbled upon our truth here. This book is hilarious and has taken the time in our lives where we’re taking care of both our parents and our kids and reminds us about ourselves. Highly recommend!

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