Member Reviews
What a fun romantic novel! The heroine is faced with the dual problem of a failing marriage and her getting older, but faces both issues beautifully. Highly recommended!
I don't know if this is supposed to be self-help, humorous, anecdotal stories or a big fat complaint but the whole thing was kind of off-putting AF. I do like the family element but it just seems like the Emma was beating the divorce topic to death since finding her husband had been unfaithful several times. Obviously she was trying to find support from family members and they were urging her to move on and start over (I understand this part is hard) but stop trying to be so pathetic. I have been cheated on in numerous relationships but have never married any of this men, so sorry if any of this sounds harsh or unsympathetic. At least her husband didn't have a double life like with one of my older cousins when she got divorced.
Overall, this book just was not for me although there were some humorous parts and the family part was nice. Perhaps, I would recommend this to anyone going through a hard time in their marriage and for people with marriages that are strong, appreciate what you have.
Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an ARC n exchange for an honest review.
Available: 6/19/20
It might just be me, but somehow Can I Give My Husband Back? was not exactly a winner for me... I was desperate for a funny read, and the blurb of this story seemed to tick all the right boxes. I had high hopes, but somehow the author's humor and me are definitely not on the same page. Because guess what? I didn't laugh once. Nope, not even a snort, not even a giggle... And this was a mayor letdown for me. I know from the few first reviews popping up that I'm an exception though... But still, what I thought was going to be a funny ride, turned out to be as fun as a trip to the dentist. Ouch?
I have to be honest here and say that I wasn't a big fan of the writing. It felt halted in points and sometimes was just bit too crude for me... Especially the constant sex talk and sexy scenes, although that wasn't even my main issue with this book. The big focus on cheating and the love triangle did contribute though; both being mayor pet peeves for me and both elements always end up making me enjoy a story a lot less. Especially when Emma lets that bastard walk all over her and keeps doing the same even after their divorce. I know this is a personal aversion, but it was hugely frustrating for me. And this includes seeing how she lets him be around her children as he lies, cheats and seems to be a bad influence in general. And then I'm not even talking about the newer developments in his life...
There were things I really appreciated too, including the relationship between the five sisters, Emma's new crush and the kids (including one of Emma's patients). But overall this story just wasn't for me; both because I wasn't able to laugh even once and because I had to deal with that cheating and lying bastard the whole story. I guess the unpopular opinion curse has struck once again? I know humor is a personal thing though, so if you think this is your cup of yea, don't miss out on my account.
This is the second book I’ve read by this author. I didn’t realise until well into the story, that the main characters from the first book are also in this one! Whilst in theory it is a series, the books can easily be read as standalone reads! A word of warning before you start it though – it does have quite a few references to sex and quite a bit of bad language, so if you prefer not to read any of that, then perhaps this isn’t the book for you! Thankfully, I’m not bothered and I have to admit I laughed and laughed my way through this book from start to finish!!
We are introduced to cardiologist, Emma Callaghan. Emma has two daughters and is divorced from her serial cheater husband, Simon. She lives with her sister, Lucy who looks after her daughters whilst Emma is at work. I have to admit, I’ve never found a character that I’ve found so funny as what Lucy is!! Emma is persuaded by Lucy to reintroduce herself to the dating game and we follow Emma’s experiences through that!
I loved this book and found it so funny that I rolled from one laugh straight to into another one for most of the book! I loved Emma’s character! She was such a clever woman but completely inept at dating and her first lines of conversation with her blind dates were just genius! I hated Simon, the ex-husband, with a passion and cheered every time Lucy said she would see him next Tuesday (okay, so that’s not quite right, but you’ll understand when you read the book!). It wasn’t until well into the book however, when Emma visited her sister up north that I realised I’d already met her sister in this author’s previous book! (In the author’s notes at the end, she hints that the next books may follow the other sisters’ storylines also, and I’m so excited for those!!)
The storyline doesn’t just follow Emma’s love-life though, it gives us a more serious view as to how complicated and messy the after effects of a divorce can be, particularly one where the other party is a serial cheater! It is quite sad how many lives were affected by Simon’s actions and, amongst all the laughs, it leaves you pondering whether people would behave as they do if they knew the consequences. On the whole though, this was an absolute belter of a book!!! My favourite character was Lucy, and I genuinely cannot wait until we get to her own book. The family dynamics were perfect and it was lovely to see the sisters all so comfortable around each other, although I would draw the line at trimming their bikini lines! I loved this book so much I finished it in a day – I think that tells you everything you need to know!! Fab, fab, fab!!
Witty with a bit of snark is how I would describe Emma's personal musings. Her relationships with her sisters were never without a dramatic flair especially Lucy but it was with love and that they all truly wanted the best for each other. Heaven forbid anyone who got in their way! Emma chose the perfect profession because as Lewis said, the heart is the strongest organ and survive anything. Her resilience in the face of constant adultery by Simon shows a person of great character and role model to Iris and Violet. I can't wait for the next one!
To the world of modern dating, wacky sisters and modern family life... 🍷🤣
Emma recently divorced, it's been so long since she went out on the dating scene, she's not sure what the etiquette is, very much overthinking things. With constant contact with one of her sisters, Lucy, who's currently living with her and her two daughters.
Lucy has a very honest, no holding back, approach to saying as she feels, just the sort of Aunt we should all have, fun and seems very comfortable in her own skin.
Then there's Simon, the Ex husband, a leopard who'll not likely change his spots.
This book goes from the now, living life after Simon and trying to finalize things with the divorce, dating and family life. To taking you back to memories of how it was.
Great read full of humour, it definitely makes you laugh, smile and feel for some of the difficult situations Emma is put in. Some of the issues, I'm sure many people could relate to, (perhaps not all of them I hope 🤣).
If you like 'Has Anyone Seen My Sex Life' you'll definitely enjoy this book, would be surprised if you didn't. It's told from Emma's perspective, one of Megs sisters from this book. I hadn't realized it was linked until I'd read about the Morton's and an event that occurred in this book. This was confirmed by the authors notes at the end of the book.
I look forward to reading further books from the other siblings 👀
'Can I Give My Husband Back?' is a compulsive read that I would have finished in one sitting if I had the chance! It's funny, fast moving and written in such a lovely, flowing style that it's so easy to absorb yourself in it and lose track of time. Even before I had completed it, I was searching out other work by Kristen and wondered how I had missed her!
I liked the character of Emma, the narrator and protagonist. We meet her at a low point in her life when she is newly divorced and follow her journey to finding happiness again. We witness the excruciating meetings with her unfaithful husband, her awkward attempts to embark on a new love life, her great professional skills at work and her memorable family. Issues such as infidelity, divorce and children with heart defects are handled sensitively yet there is no wallowing in self pity or depression. It is an uplifting story with many hilarious moments.
Emma's sisters feature throughout and they are great fun. They are the source of a lot of humour. The youngest sister, Lucy, is the most outrageous and as she lives with Emma, her antics shock and entertain us frequently. I was pleased to read in a note by the Kristen at the end that she plans to write future books about the sisters and her earlier title, 'Has Any-one Seen My Sex Life?' is about Meg.
I highly recommend this book. Emma is a woman of integrity and also fun. She encounters a lot of ups and downs but the story is nicely tied up at the end and you don't need to be in a relationship (or ending one!) to appreciate it. Thank-you to Netgalley and Bookouture for this advance copy of an excellent book..
I am so grateful for the existence of this book, and I am now definitely a fan of Kristen Bailey for writing it. I’m sending my extreme gratitude and thanks to her in the form of hugs and smiles.
I think the universe directed me towards this book (so, many thanks to you too, universe!) because I was in need of some cheering up and was on the hunt for a book that would make me smile and laugh. This was definitely the comic relief that I was in desperate need of. This book is so uplifting and fun, and I finished it in a mere few hours because I didn’t want to put it down.
This book is hilarious and one that will make you laugh out loud while reading it. I haven’t laughed this much while reading a book in a long time!
The main character, Emma, is such a riot and I absolutely loved her. The other characters are great as well; I loved how quirky and funny all of the characters were. There were so many hilarious scenarios in the story, and while reading I wished that I could transfer myself into the pages of the story so that I could meet and mingle with Emma and her friends. I really loved Emma’s sense of humor and manner of speaking, and she just has such an awesome personality overall.
This book has it all-its hilarious and filled to the brim with moments that literally make you laugh out loud, has a wonderful cast of characters (who are all very realistic and relatable), fun family dynamics, deals with relationships and romantic mishaps.
The romantic aspect of this novel was so relatable and heartwarming, because all humor aside, it showcased that no matter how ugly and nightmarish some relationships can be, and how difficult and frustrating love and relationships tend to be sometimes unfortunately, you will survive the pain of heartbreak and disappointment, and you can get through it and be okay.
I absolutely loved this book, and my only regret is that I devoured it so quickly, because I adored this story and the hilarious characters in it, and now i’m sad that my time spent in their world has come to an end. (hint hint: sequel please!)
This is the perfect book to settle down and relax with on a particularly stressful day. (Or any day really! No matter how you’re feeling, this book is wonderful and you need to read it ok? Ok) If you’re stressed, sad, broken hearted, or all of the above, this book is the perfect remedy for your distress and sadness.
This is the first book that i’ve read by Kristen Bailey, but it certainly won’t be the last!
Add this book to your TBR, you won’t regret it!
Highly recommend! Especially to those who are in need of a good laugh! (And if you’re a fan of Sophie Kinsella’s books, then I definitely recommend that you pick this book up!)
***an early copy of this book was provided to me by the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review
The answer to question in the title is NO (well that’s what I told my wife anyway) not my usual sort of book but my wife challenged me to read it in the vain hope I might become emotionally mature 😉
It’s a funny book with some very poignant sections and actually I do feel it has increased my maturity although in this time of pandemic I am not sure that is a good thing
Thank you to NetGalley for gifting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I don’t even know where to start with this book!?
Can I Give My Husband Back is the BEST book I have read for a long time!
If I could give it more than 5 stars I would!
I had recently read Has Anyone Seen My Sex Life by Kristen Bailey and I loved it!
When I was sent this ARC by Bookouture via NetGalley I was really excited to read it.
Emma has two beautiful daughters - Violet and Iris but her ex husband Simon is a serial cheat and she has finally divorced him. This book is her story.....
I was a bit dense and so it took me a while to realise that Emma was a Callaghan and therefore part of the same group of sisters I had read about in Kirsten’s previous book Have You Seen My Sex Life - That just made me fall in love with this book even more.
The 5 Callaghan sisters are all completely different and all absolutely amazing. Meg (from Have You Seen My Sex Life) Lucy the crazy, hilarious, sister that’s living with Emma, Beth who has baby Joe and Gracie who has recently been widowed.
A book has never made me laugh like this one, the birthday party chapter made me laugh until I couldn’t breathe, I had tears rolling down my face and I had to force myself to put the Kindle down for a bit to recover.
This book has it all, it’s laugh until you risk passing out funny, it made me cry, the characters are highly relatable and I loved every second of it.
Kristen Bailey has definitely been added to my favourite author list and I can’t wait for the next one....I hear it will be Beth’s story but we have to wait until January 2021!!!!
Absolutely loved,has anyone seen my sex Life so had great expectations for can I give my husband back? And I wasn’t disappointed! So nice to be reacquainted with the Callaghan sisters and their families!
Hilarious laugh a minute read! Had me chuckling aloud as I read,much to the consternation of my husband!
Frank, funny and full of relatable family dynamics! Em and her sisters have a brilliant frank open relationship and are a force to be reckoned with particularly if you are Simon, ems philandering husband! A great read from start to finish peppered with lots of sexual references and swearing but not in an offensive manner at all! A real laugh out loud read of a book that I devoured in a day! Would love a sequel to see what happens next to this wonderful family!
Thank you net galley for this early read.