A super fun read about a blogger who goes viral and then has to deal with the positives and negatives afterwards. I found Jess to be a fun character and I liked seeing how she handled a work/life balance.

It was a while since I’d read the previous book about Jess, but I just got straight back into it so easily.

There’s been a lot of changes for Jess, and since winning the blogging award, her following has increased hugely. This brings about both good and bad things. The offers are beginning to come in for trips, promos, even a possible TV appearance, but this brings a whole new set of difficulties with it. With another baby on the way, is it all too much?

Told with the same marvellous sense of humour, and with many touching and true sentiments, this book is a pleasure to read.

It can be read as a standalone, but it would be a shame not to read both. If you’re in need of a pick-me-up, treat yourself and buy this book and the previous one.

A really uplifting and entertaining story, I absolutely loved it.

I greatly enjoyed this book, thank you for giving me a preview copy. The plot was interesting and fast paced and I sympathised with the characters. This is the first novel I have read by this author but I hope it will not be the last!

This is the first book I have read by this author and it certainly won’t be the last.
Jessica is a pregnant mum blogger who is trying to build up her following in the blog world whilst managing a toddler with the help of family, friends and a supportive, caring husband. The problem is while dealing with everyday life she also has to deal with Tiggy her arch enemy who is also a successful blogger and mother. This book is based on letters she writes to her children while dealing with the chaos a toddler brings to everyday life. I enjoyed this entertaining read and I would recommend it to readers looking for a easy to read, fun book about family and friends.

I really enjoyed this book, it took me back to my pregnancy days with all the fear & excitement that go with it. Really likeable characters & a great storyline, fantastic!

Book starts slow mom is complaining about having to do tours while staying on a free vacation in Dubai with family. It feels a little predictable and it doesn't hold my attention. I',m going to give this book another chance and post my review after. This book reads fake and cliched. DNF

************I received an ARC for my honest review.***********************

Jess is a very successful blogger who saw her life turned upside down when her blog went viral. She didn't expect the success of what started as a way to escape the stresses and strains of daily life. She gets more than she bargained for when there's a problem with one of her posts.

She is already mother to Bella, and has a second baby on the way. Her husband is not keen on how much the blogging and her popularity is eating into their time together and their family life. Jess has some thinking to do. Is blogging what she wants? Can she protect herself against the negative comments? Will the positive ones go to her head?

Join Jess in her fight for a work-life balance in this fun and realistic read. As a blogger, I know all too well the trials and tribulations bloggers face. I too have had happy and frustrating times. But I have kept on blogging through good times and bad (including lockdown).

And am glad I have.

Blogging has personally helped me to realise I am capable of producing good content and it is a change from something longer, such as working on a novel.

I'm lucky enough to have taken part in both the cover reveal and blog tour for both of Louise Emma Clarke's novels- From Mum with Love and now Mum's Big Break.

I love the characters and Jess's straight-talking, humorous (for the most part) outlook and also her honesty in the bad patches which makes it all so real. Having got to know the backstory in From Mum with Love, I did not hesitate to say a resounding "yes!" when Aria offered me the opportunity to review this second novel.

Every chapter begins with a letter from Jess to Bella and "Bump" (her unborn baby). I thought this was touching. The letters, which are the basis of Jess's blog (original idea there) are a kind of diary too- think Bridget Jones' Diary, except the stats are for followers, weeks pregnant and other things related to the plot of this novel.

This was a fun and informative way to quickly suss out what was going on in Jess's life and how she was progressing in two different aspects of her life: the pregnancy and the blog, before the emotions got more raw and each letter began.

And boy, was it raw. Jess tells it how it is, and when she and her family go on holiday, the suspicions rise between her readers: is her life really that great? Who paid for the holiday? How come she is even on holiday? etc.

It's realistic and engaging finding out how all the different facets of her life come together at times, and then just.....don't.

I wanted to comfort her one minute then get on the forums myself and tell the haters to back off. Mum's Big Break made me feel a lot of things: I was concerned for Jess and her family, then rooting for them and horrified by the haters.

Overall, Mum's Big Break is a lovely novel. It's a quick, laid-back, honest and at times emotional and gritty portrait of what some bloggers are up against and of just how competitive things can get in the bloggerverse. It's about faith, trust priorities and tough decisions as well as what to do to protect yourself and those you love.

Thanks to Louise Emma Clarke and Aria for my ARC in exchange for an honest review. Nice to revisit the title after having taken part in the cover reveal in the past and it is a great follow up novel to From Mum with Love. Both have nice vibrant, fun covers that just fit amamzingly well .

5 stars.

My one big question is: will there be another book in the series? (I hope so).
2 likes

Apparently this is a sequel. I never read the first book, and maybe I would have had a different experience with this book if I had, but I disliked the characters in this so much. I couldn't with the poor-me mommy blogger complaining about having to work while on a free vacation to Dubai. Maybe there would have been some personal growth further along. I guess I'll never know, because I couldn't get past the immaturity of the MC.

I assume I encountered the "one wrong post" mentioned in the synopsis, which honestly just came across as everyone making a mountain out of a molehill.

Maybe if I had read this at a different time, I would've liked it enough to continue. Not this time though. I stopped reading at 22% and just couldn't go on.

I"m not a Yummy Mummy nor a 'mummy blogger' but I really enjoyed this book. It was light, with touches of serious issues that were just right for the storyline. I think it gave a good insight into the world of the 'mummy crowd' but in this case put them in a positive light.
The letters to her unborn children were charming.
I wonder if mummy blogging life is really like this?

A fun read about an expectant mommy Jess writing a letter to her daughter in her blog post. When suddenly the negative comments affected her emotionally.

This was a fast read where I understood Jess more as I had also been subjected to such vicious comments. Her friendships stayed strong as she dealt with the aftermath.

The book was quite fun and an easy read.

In this day and age of blogging, vlogging and influencing, ordinary people becoming big-time celebrities from their living rooms has pretty much become the norm and that is certainly the case for Jess in Louise Emma Clarke’s funny and relatable read, Mum’s Big Break.

When Jess’s blog went viral, she not only hit the big time but her entire life was turned upside down. Now with hundreds of thousands of followers clamouring for her every post and hanging on to her every word, the pressure is building on Jess as she finds herself navigating a new online world where she is one of its biggest stars. Jess knows that she should be over the moon at all this fame and acclaim, but what started out as an escape and as a way of seeking some much needed me time from all the chaos of her life has got very job-like all of a sudden. Is Jess aware of just what she has signed up for?

Being a huge online celebrity is not all it’s cracked up to be, either. Aside from having a brand new baby on the way to think about, a reality TV show is being mooted and she also has a husband ill-prepared for fame and for all the sudden changes coming their way. Jess thought being rich and famous would be the answer to all of her problems, but clearly fame and fortune are only just the start of a legion of problems as she finds herself battling haters, coping with bullying and pettiness and wondering whether the life she has always thought she wanted might actually not be the one she truly wants?

Louise Emma Clarke’s Mum’s Big Break is enjoyable for two different reasons: the first being that it is a riotous, light-hearted and often hilarious read featuring a terrific heroine you cannot help but root for, with the second reason being that it is a searing exposé on the perils and pitfalls of online celebrity, something which is clearly nowhere near as appealing as most people imagine.

Warm, witty and enjoyable, Mum’s Big Break is just the ticket to while away a lazy and decadent weekday afternoon!

Jess is a successful mummy blogger who, after winning her first award, has realised that the world of professional blogging is not quite as friendly as she first thought. Throw in the fact that she has made her first major error on social media which is costing her followers, she’s pregnant with her second child and in the running for a reality tv show (that her husband doesn’t want her to do), no wonder she’s stressed out. Jess needs to decide if blogging is all she wanted it to be or if it’s all getting a bit too much.

When I read this book I didn’t realise it was the second story following these characters, however that did not affect the reading or my enjoyment of the book. Book one is called From Mum with Love in case you want to read them in order!

Jess is a likeable and relatable character who’s story about blogging felt authentic and honest. She is surrounded by an amazing set of friends, who feature heavily in the book, and their close bond demonstrates what it’s like when your friends are more like family.

Mum’s Big Break is a fun, easy read that had me laughing out loud and I would definitely recommend it.

4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher (Aria Fiction) for providing a copy of the book for review. All opinions are my own and provided willingly.

Thanks to NetGalley for a chance to read this!
3 stars!
I have never followed mom blogs and myself being far from having kids, couldn't completely relate to any of these situations and a storyline. Although overall it was a nice, warm story, just a bit boring.
The main character's friendship and family relationships felt lovely, yet the conflicts lacked some action and felt infirm.

I read the synopsis for 'Mum's Big Break' and it certainly sounded like the fun and light hearted read that I desperately needed. I wasn't wrong either because it really was a fun read, which made me chuckle on more than one occasion. I really enjoyed reading 'Mum's Big Break' but more about that in a bit.
As soon as I started to read 'Mum's Big Break' I just knew that I wasn't going to be able to put the book to one side for any great length of time. When I first picked the book up, I was in need of a distraction because my back was playing up and I needed to take my mind off the pain. I totally immersed myself into the story to the extent that I forgot all about the pain I was in!! I couldn't bear to be parted from my Kindle, which accompanied me everywhere. The book had definitely developed a hold over me and it was a hold that I wasn't willing to break. This was one of those stories that you wanted to finish because you needed to know how the story ended but at the same time you didn't want to finish reading it because you were enjoying the story so much that you didn't want the book to end. Despite my attempts to ration how much I read in one go, I soon reached the end of the story and I had to say goodbye to Jess, who felt more like a friend by the time I finished the book.
'Mum's Big Break' is really well written. This is the second of Louise's books that I have had the pleasure of reading. I love the way in which she creates realistic characters who go through the same sort of trials and tribulations that we all go through. Louise has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact, reading one of Louise's books is more like a chat between friends rather than reading an actual book. I hope that makes sense. Louise writes in such a way that makes you feel as though you are part of the story yourself. As I mentioned above, I chuckled to myself several times whilst reading this book. 'Mum's Big Break' was just the tonic I needed, so thank you to Louise for a thoroughly enjoyable and uplifting story.
In short I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Mum's Big Break' and I would recommend it to other readers. I will definitely be reading more of Louise's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

Mum's Big Break is another enjoyable chapter about Jess, her family and her life as a successful mummy blogger. Now a 'celebrity' social influencer Jess finds that blogging isn't the escape it was.
Amusing anecdotes and an insiders insight into the world of mummy blogging and social influencers make this a delightful read.

Mum's Big Break is a contemporary, engaging, and humorous story about life as a mummy blogger.

I received a copy of this book from Head of Zeus- Aria in return for an honest review.

Jessica is a relative newbie in the blogging world, but with a coveted award already under her belt she has ruffled some feathers in the community.  However, the award wasn't all she took home that evening, as tucked in her fancy clutch bag Jess had a positive pregnancy test wrapped inside a plastic zipper bag and the knowledge she is to become a Mum for the second time.

After the competitive drama of the awards aftermath and hoping to keep her baby news under wraps for a while Jessica decided to take a short break from blogging, but she's back and determined to take her passion for writing to a new level, including brand collaborations, bagging herself an agent and even the possibility of a TV show. Sounds like a great plan doesn't it? But, Jess has a lot on her plate to juggle already; an unruly toddler, pregnancy and family life without the added pressure of a newborn thrown in the mix! Will she be able to balance everything successfully or will it all come crashing down around her ears?

Mum's Big Break is a wonderfully lighthearted quick read that I found so relateable from both a blogging and parenting perspective. Jess is a likeable character that is portrayed 'flaws and all' making her come across as so down to earth and someone I could easily see myself befriending. Her experiences of pregnancy, birth and uncertainty about become a Mum of two were written so beautifully and really struck a chord with me, making me think back to my own experiences and feelings of becoming a Mum. As strange as it may sound it was obvious that these sections were written from the heart and by someone who has actually been through those experiences as I often find them to be inaccurate or glossed over in other books - it's really refreshing.

I found the world of competitiveness between the big names in bloggers interesting and rather eye opening, especially as I've always found fellow bloggers to be so friendly and welcoming and I rather hope that the kinds of behaviour discussed in this book is an exception and not the rule. I'd hate to think the world of higher tier bloggers was so toxic!

The highlight of the book though was the strong friendships Jess had with her fellow Yummy Mummy's. It was really heartening and lovely to see the bond the group had and the lengths to which they would go to support and help each other; it's the way all friendships should be!

When I started reading this book I was unaware it is the second in a series and whilst I happily read it as a standalone I did feel in parts that I was missing some information that was only mentioned as an aside. I do feel reading the first book From Mum With Love* would possibly have added a little something extra to my enjoyment of the book and I have already added it to my TBR to 'catch up' on the bits I missed! Despite this I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to parents and bloggers alike, it's a well written realistic and uplifting story perfect to devour with a glass of something bubbly in the sunshine!

I felt like this was the case of a story that did not really need a sequel. Although I enjoyed the author's writing, it did not have the same effect on me as the first one did. It can be read as a standalone, but that would mean missing out on a lot of the complex personal relationships in this instalment.

We meet Jess again, this time she is expecting her second child and is having to juggle the perks and downsides of being a blogger/influencer. She is unsure of the rules as her flight to the top was pretty sudden and took a very short time. The friendships she formed earlier still continue to flourish, and they are a robust support system. The relationship between the spouses continues to be realistic with ups and downs. The letters are fewer, and those fleeting glimpses do not help set the mood like before. I might pick up another book if there was another one because they are quick, easy reads, but I hope to feel more for the next.

There is not much to comment on the storyline beyond what I already have, I think it would resonate more with actual mommy bloggers.

I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.

This book was such a fun read! I definitely have a fascination with all things blog related (no surprise there, I am a blogger!) and I absolutely love a book where the main character is a blogger/influencer and there doesn’t seem to be that many around!
Main character Jessica Holmes is a “Mummy Blogger” who finds her love for blogging reignited when she finds out she is pregnant with her second child. Jess’s blog is called Letters to My Daughter as every post is just that, a letter to her daughter or to bump aswell. The letters start each chapter in the book and they were so lovely, to be honest this is exactly the type of blog I would read and follow myself.
Jess is a great main character and I found her trials and tribulations with blogging to be realistic and relatable, no surprise there, the author, Louise Emma Clarke is a successful blogger herself. Clarke shines a light on the competitiveness between bloggers, the stress of following ASA guidelines and how negative comments can make your emotions spiral. There was even a reference to gossip forums, something which has recently become a popular way to talk horribly about bloggers.
We follow Jess’s journey with taking her blog to the next level during her second pregnancy. This is where I started to realise that there must have been a book previous to this with references to a previous falling out with another blogger. Whilst this book does work perfectly well as a standalone I do wish I had read the first book only so I could get a better understanding of Jess and how her career first started. I'm sure fans of the first book will absolutely love this sequel.
I loved Jess’s group of friends who feature heavily in the story. The bond between them felt so real and so strong, it felt like such a genuine friendship between them all. Likewise with Jess’s relationship with Chris, her husband. His reaction to certain situations and the dynamic of their relationship just felt so real and believable.
This book really was an enjoyable, light hearted read, a perfect spring/summer read to chill out in the garden with (I would say beach/poolside but you know, lockdown!). I thoroughly enjoyed getting lost in Jess’s world for a few days and if there are future books in the series I will definitely be reading them as I would love to know what happens after the end of this book!

The first I’ve read from this author – the premise is simple. Jess started a “Mommy Blog” that went viral, and now with a toddler, pregnant with her second child and some strife at home as the obligations for the now successful blog overwhelm. I believe that this is a second in the series – but not having read the first the problems were clearly laid out and easy to understand. It was the choices and the reliance (or perhaps even over-reliance) on feedback and the pressures of ‘always being on” for each post that struck a chord. Each chapter starts with ‘entries’ from simple facts and figures, to appointments and times pre-scheduled, and even including letters to the as-yet unborn daughter. But not everyone is welcoming the changes.

Jess’ husband isn’t all-in on the blog- and now with the option of spinning everything into a reality show – he’s understandably concerned, particularly when Jess is having a ‘bad’ day, and things are just overwhelming. From the competition with another Mommy Blogger, to support from a solid group of friends, it is up to Jess to realign her priorities, decide what is most important, and, above all, find her happiness and peace in what is soon to be a trying and stressful time with two little ones at home.

There were moments when this story moved forward quickly and enjoyably – but it also hung in places without a solid ‘background’ on events that would be familiar to readers of the first book. Nothing truly surprising to those of us who do blog regularly – there were snippets of the very real competition and keyboard warriors who couldn’t say something nice if they tried, and the worry about numbers, views, etc.. But there was also a ton of heart and at the core a very likable character in Jess, trying to power through the endless reruns of Peppa Pig, tantrums, feeling overwhelmed and overtired, and the never-ending carousel of obligations that one has to a successful blog. Add family pressures and the little voice in the head that adds more stress – the only relief is the support system that she’s developed, and relies on consistently. A quick and easy read that is most probably best picked up after reading the first from this author.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=” https://wp.me/p3OmRo-aGx /” > <a> I am, Indeed </a>

Light, fun read about the journey of a pregnant mommy blogger, her struggles to manage her career, family and romantic relationship with her husband, and just navigating life overally.

Jessica has a great circle of friends and a supportive husband, but she also has a nemesis in follow mommy blogger, Tiggy. Jessica's blog is centered around letters to her children, and it's an interesting glimpse into her world.

This is a light, quick, fun read that is a good way to pass some time.