Maddison is married to Rich, a handyman on television with big ambitions to host his own show. They have two children and a happy life, or so Maddison thought. She is completely thrown when Rich says he needs to move out for a while, he needs space. Maddison just wants things to go back to how they were, but will they?

I enjoyed reading this book very much. It wasn’t what I expected and that made it so much more fun. I warmed to Maddison from the beginning and was rooting for her, whilst she was discovering who she was, and what she wanted from life too.
I look forward to reading any future books from the author.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Publisher for an advanced e-book copy. Opinions about the book are entirely my own.

“Bombshell” is the debut novel from TV star Alison Hammond (with co-writer Lisa Bent). It’s set at Christmas and tells the story of Madison who has the perfect family. But when her TV presenter husband announces out of the blue that he needs some space, Madison isn’t sure what to think. Eventually, with the help of a new friend, she turns detective but will she find the answers she’s looking for and will she find the confidence to follow her own dreams again?

I love Alison Hammond so was excited to read this book. While it didn’t quite live up to my expectations, it’s an enjoyable easy read and perfect for Christmas time. I think it could have benefited from a closer edit as there were points that were unnecessarily repeated and details that contradicted each other. Also, it was billed as a romcom but I felt it needed a bit more of the “com” especially from someone who is as naturally funny as the author always seems to be on screen.

But overall I did enjoy it and would recommend it to others, especially those who are fans of Alison Hammond or who are looking for a festive read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

Loved this. I was apprehensive as I love Alison but had never seen her as an author. It starts with a lovely picture of a family at Christmas, then lies, betrayal and the worst twist for the main character. A typical keep your friends close and enemies closer

Loved this book, it was such a nice easy read, I dont like to give anything away in reviews but anyone who gets the opportunity should read this book.

4/5 ⭐️

Honestly a delightful Christmas read, even with me clocking the reveal quite early on.
A very strong debut

I loved this book and read it within a few days because I just had to know how everything turned out for the main character! Madison, was very relatable and I was rooting for her throughout. The plot was gripping and it made a lovely, relaxing read over the festive period. The book is well written and Alison Hammond's wit and humour shines through.

I did find myself guessing the plot quite easily but this certainly didn't put me off as I still wanted to read it through and find out the ending for myself. The writing was empowering and showed how resilient and strong Madison was whilst also being set around themes of family and Christmas.

Overall a very gentle read. Thanks to Netgalley and Random House UK for the ARC.

I didn't know what to expect but was suprised to find that I enjoyed reading it. I had guessed the ending near the beginning of the book so it didn't come as shock. I wouldn't say it was lit was anything like the famous author that I read a lot of that it was hinted that it was similar to but was still enjoyable to read.

I really enjoyed this debut novel. The character of Madison was relatable, her strength shone through as did her love for her family.

When Rich suddenly leaves her, she wants to know why, can’t believe it’s over and is desperately trying to pretend everything is ok for her kids. Seeing her start to believe in herself was wonderful, making new friends that really boosted her self worth and confidence.

I liked how Madisons detective work was what let her to rediscovering her love of art and interior design, and made her a few new friends along the way. The added twist right at the end was totally unseen by me, and I think my reaction might have been the same as Madisons.

I liked the budding friendship with Nathan, how her saw her talents and supported her, and whilst I could see the attraction was there between them, they never acted on, and still only at the end it’s only a date request to see if anything progresses, this made it a lot more believable for me, Madison is in a fragile and vulnerable place and needs time to find herself again and get used to a new normal.

A great, fast paced, funny and heartwarming read.

Fairly average story about finding out who you are in life when everything around you falls to pieces. It’s fine.

A fun light read at times . Madison thinks every thing is perfect then her famous husband leaves and it is a shock . I loved the opening chapter about the ice skating . That will make you laugh . She grows stronger and stronger . Her work is not making her happy either. Ended well .A nice wet Saturday afternoon read

I love Alison Hammond in Bake Off, so was excited to read her book.

It's set in the build up to Christmas, so was a little Christmas reading treat 🎄

Madison's perfect family is turned upside down when her husband walks out, saying he needs space. Embarassed, she doesn't tell anyone.
She bumps into a woman who gives her good advice about deciding what she wants to do for herself, but her friends seem to just want everything to go back to how it was before, when she tells them what's going on.

I could relate to Madison as a busy, hands on Mum, trying to juggle everything to put her children first. It was empowering to see her realise it isn't selfish to follow her own dreams.

I'd love to catch up with Madison in a sequel.

Bombshell follows the life of our main character Madison, who’s trying to navigate the complexities of her career, friendships, relationships, and self-discovery.
The writing is relatable, with the conversational style making it easy to connect with and relate to the characters. However, the story lacks any sense of real depth. The plot felt overall predictable, and some of the character arcs didn’t feel fully developed. Overall, this novel is a fun, light read, and a great bit of contemporary fiction escapism.

Thank you to NetGalley, and to Random House UK/Transworld Publishers for allowing me to read and review an ARC in exchange for my review!

Thanks to NetGalley, publishers and author for an ARC of Bombshell.

An enjoyable, easy read tackling relationships and life for Madison, a mother of two and wife of a husband who needs a break. The frustration was real while reading the book, I wanted to shake her, and him, but such feelings can only come from realistic writing.
Recommend.

I enjoy watching Alison Hammond presenting several TV shows, and love her bubbly, off beat sense of humour. I couldn’t wait to read this book and wasn’t disappointed.

Madison is devastated when her husband suddenly decides that he needs space, and moves out to live with his cousin. She is unable to understand his sudden decision, wondering whether she is to blame or whether there is another woman.

She is left looking after her children, trying to carry on as before working for a boss who doesn’t appreciate her creative skills. She decides to turn detective and try to find out whether her husband has found someone else. I loved the humour as she tries to discover the truth in a story that is heartwarming and filled with humour. Her friends are supportive, and all characters are warm and relatable, and I enjoyed their interaction.

As Madison discovers new opportunities to use her creative talents, she grows as a person, becoming more positive and upbeat, going on a journey to find who she really is. A positive message told in a friendly, heartwarming way.

4.5*

Madison (not Maddy) is a mum doing the best for her family until one day when they’ve had a family trip ice skating. That day everything changed, the unthinkable happened – her husband moved out.

I’ll admit I was devastated for Madison. She didn’t know what was going on or why Rich needed space. But the more I read about Rich, the less I liked him. He expected Madison to manage in her own with their two kids and not pick up any of the slack in this mess he created.

Madison on the other hand, I loved. As the story went on, I was willing her to prove to herself she was more than a mum and wife to a TV handyman. The journey she went on with her friends cheering from the sidelines was so heartwarming and life affirming.

Bombshell is a delightful read that I devoured in an afternoon. My emotions went through the mill as Madison learnt her new way of life. Hammond may have her name on the front but she does acknowledge she co-wrote this with Lisa Bent. Between them, this pair have written a fabulous book of seconds chances and new beginnings.

Her worst nightmare might just be the making of her…

The family has always been everything to Madison. Married to the nation’s heartthrob, TV handyman Rich, with two beautiful children, she’s always put their needs first. Her career has taken a backseat, but she’s never minded—until, out of the blue, Rich drops a bombshell. He needs "space" and is moving out.

Madison is left reeling by the sudden revelation and turns to her close-knit group of friends for support. However, when their help doesn’t seem enough, she takes matters into her own hands, determined to uncover what’s going on—even if it means playing detective on her husband.

As her interior design career starts to take off (provided her manager stops sabotaging her bold ideas for his dreadful ones and she doesn’t get too distracted by the new guy in the office), Madison is forced to confront her worth. After all, she’s a bombshell.

The plot was engaging. Madison’s husband Rich suddenly moves out, leaving her with their two young children, leaving her feeling utterly lost. She begins to suspect he might be having an affair, and in her quest to uncover the truth, she starts questioning whether she even wants him back.

Madison is an incredibly relatable character, and her actions feel so real and believable. You find yourself wholeheartedly rooting for her to rediscover her happiness, all the while feeling utter disdain for her husband, Rich.

Well-written and compelling, this is a quick and satisfying read. I’d love to see a sequel to catch up with Madison a few years down the line—I'd be interested to see where life takes her next!

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

I'm not really sure what to say about this book. It fell completely flat for me, wasn't at all funny, and read too simple.

There was too much emphasis on what people were wearing, what they were eating, too many irrelevant and pointless descriptions. The story wasn't emotional, despite the subject matter.

It was all disappointing, as I didn't feel any of the warmth or humour I associate with Alison.

Madison is married to TV heartthrob and handyman Rich. They seem to have a perfect family life. That is until Rich drops a bombshell and tells her that he is moving out and he needs space, all before Christmas. Madison hopes that her friends will help her with the troubles but will they really? A good story with loveable characters.

I've always adored Alison Hammond so I was excited to receive this as a granted wish!
This was light and sweet and the perfect seasonal read. The characters felt slightly rushed but overall, it made me laugh and smile at all the right moments.

This was OK to read. Could have been a bit more to the storyline. Thought the storyline was good but could have been a bit more following husband searchin, investigating. Seems all very quick in the end.