The First Time Mum's Club is a fantastic debut novel! Warm characters that I developed feelings for, lots of laughs, sensitivity where needed and a bit of intrigue. A pleasure to read!

I enjoy chick-lit novels, so when I heard about this one from debut novelist Lucie Wheeler, I was eager to give it a go. The cover and blurb are very appealing, so I dove right in.

From the off, I found this to be a very easy read. The author's writing style is light and engaging, and I liked how the story focused on several characters, and included lots of real issues. I was drawn in to all the storylines, and was eager to find out what happened next. I don't want to say much more because I don't want to give anything away, but let's just say if you like fun chick-lit books which aren't all sweetness and light, then you should check this out. Also, I don't know if it was done deliberately, but the book is ideally structured to lead into a sequel or a spin-off.

Hi Lovely!

How are you? How was your weekend? I'm just sitting with a nice lemon tea (my favourite beverage) and thought I'd pop in and have a chat with you about a book that I've recently read. This book is not only a real treat to read that actually helped me get out of a reading slump, but it's actually making me feel quite broody! Now my Mr is aware I've been reading the book and he said "the book sounds so good" but I don't think he quite knows the fact that its made me broody haha. So, Mr, if you're ready this on your day off whilst I'm being "Moaning Myrtle" - as in Myrtle Warren (HARRY POTTER DAY!) at work then - .... Surprise haha, Your girlfriend is officially broody!

So, this book is a beautiful looking book that is absolutely a winner in my eyes for being a debut. Let's take a look shall we?


The First Time Mums' Club is the debut novel from Lucie Wheeler. HarperImpulse published it and I was fortunate enough to receive an eBook ARC from them (Thank you HarperImpulse).
You can purchase your copy from Amazon here (paperback is out 13th July)


As you can see, the cover is delightful, and you can obsviosuly work out that it's a novel about a group of women who are pregnant - for the first time. Shall we see what the blurb says?

A gorgeous, heartwarming debut for fans of Giovanna Fletcher, Paige Toon and The Unmumsy Mum!
Meet Pippa…
After years of trying and a failed IVF attempt, Pippa is thrilled to see two little lines appear on a pregnancy test. Finally a precious baby to call her own. This is all Pippa has ever wanted…if only husband Jason could show just a little excitement.
Imogen…
A baby is the icing on the cake for Imogen and Alice – proof that their love for each other can overcome any obstacle. But when Imogen starts receiving malicious texts, it's clear that not everyone is thrilled about the girls' good news.
And Ellie…
A drunken one-night stand and Ellie's life is ruined! Pregnant, jobless and the relationship with her best friend, Chris, over- forever. Because Chris just happens to be the father of Ellie's baby…and potentially the love of her life!
For these first time mums the road to motherhood is bumpier than most!


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I loved this book from start to finish, I genuinely did. I am very fortunate that 98% of the books I receive are spot on with regards to my interests and this was one of those. I love supporting debut authors because you are potentially holding their dream, their 'book baby' in your hands and they are trusting you to be honest and be gentle with it. This can sometimes scare me as a blogger because I always have to remind myself - that I have nothing of their previous work to compare it to, this is it. This is the first impression going out into the world.

Lucie, I'll put you at ease; as far as I'm concerned you have a beautiful bouncing book baby here and I can't wait to see what you bring us next.

So why did I like it so much?

Well, firstly the topic; new mums. This is something that of course at my age I've thought about and I've talked about - a lot, it is something that I've literally dreamt about on many occasions. Literally. Becoming a mum for the first time as much as it can be joyous, i'm sure that a lot of mums will agree with me here when I say that it can be the most terrifying, emotional, scary yet exhilarating experience ever. I know for myself personally, as much as I a m looking forward to becoming a Mum - and believe me I am - I've got the crochet homemade baby blanket patterns, ideas and booties all ready in my mind, along with the nursery decor, it actually does scare me a little.

Lucie shares this journey with you in The First Time Mums' Club so brilliantly and she weaves in so many possibilities for a first time pregnancy that I am sure there is something that everyone can identify with. We have the couple that's been trying for years, couples who've tried IVF, same sex marriage and parenthood, couples who break up, couples who do the unthinkable, and then we have the "friends with benefits" couple. It's jam packed with gorgeous storylines that you will find it very hard to become bored with the story.

So many important topics came up in this book that I feel I need to mention; same sex marriage and the trials and tribulations that come with it, miscarriage, abortion, decision making, infidelity, twins, juggling motherhood and work. And that's just to share a few.

All I will say, is that the epilogue could have been lengthened and turned into a follow up book because I would have loved to have read about the first year as parents. Other than that, it is a splendid debut, a spectacular storyline and one that I will be recommending for a long time to come. Congratulations Lucie!!!

Therefore I am awarding this book 4.5/5 stars.

I think the best thing about the characters in this book is that they are so different and yet have one special thing in common - pregnancy! It was great to pick out certain personality traits as to how I was during my pregnancies, I definitely had flashbacks. It really was so easy to be pulled into these women's lives as Lucie Wheeler has created a wonderful heart warming story that I am sure will resonate with lots of people.

You are introduced to Ellie as she is making her discovery of being pregnant. I think anyone who has ever been in the situation can understand that once you make the decision to take the test it is all you can think about. I know I was the same, I had no patience whatsoever! Pippa is a delight and I couldn't help but smile along with her as she told her friend her news, you could feel the joy she was experiencing radiate from the pages. Although as the story progresses you discover that not everything is a perfect as it first appears to be. I felt a lot of affection for Imogen as she had such a tough relationship with her mum I'm sure that if you read this book you would want to give her a hug just like I wanted to.

The transition from one character to another is smooth and I never felt like I wanted to switch back to another character. Their stories all held my attention just in different ways and Zoe I guess was the glue that kind of held them together. Mainly due to her owning a cafe which to be honest I wish I could go to myself. Even though there are multiple characters they each have a distinct personality and they all have a different story to tell. I'm not totally sure that I could pick a favourite as I enjoyed reading all of their individual stories and by the end it honestly felt as if I knew them all.

The whole book felt so down to earth with a special charm that made me want to keep on reading. There is a great mix of emotional moments, funny moments and everything in between. There are lots of issues explored in this book from same sex marriage, an unstable relationship and also finding yourself pregnant when you aren't in a relationship. Pretty much everything is covered which makes this story so relatable.

A fantastic story exploring the wonderful experience that is motherhood along with love, romance and friendships.

It really is a joy to read!

With thanks to Harper Impulse & Netgalley for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

*Book provided by the publisher on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Three women, three lives, three personalities, but they have one thing in common: they are pregnant!

Pippa is excited to finally be pregnant, her husband Jason however, doesn’t seem to happy about it.
Imogen and Alice are happy to complete their family with a little baby. Alice’s parents are really supportive of their relationship and the pregnancy, but Imogen’s mum is not thrilled.
A night with her best friend Chris and Ellie is pregnant, not what they both wanted, it just makes everything more awkward.

It was interesting to follow their journeys. They all were in very different situations and I was very curious to find out more for all three of them. they all meet at the club, Ellie's sister Zoe organizes and get to share their story and we of course see how everything develops during their pregnancies.

The fact that it's so different for all of them, but they are going through the same thing and they meet each other, creates a wonderful storyline. I found all three parts of the story interesting, but I was most curious about Ellie's situation.

The book is about friendship, love, family and of course pregnancy. Lucie Wheeler created a lovely atmosphere around the characters and I loved the ladies as individuals. In the end however, it's all their stories put together in a clever way and I really enjoyed reading the book.

I absolutely adore the idea behind the story and Lucie Wheeler has done a brilliant job, such a talented lady.

Lucie's writing is engaging, funny, fresh and just has a unique voice! A fabulous debut novel, I want more!

Rating: 4.5/5

This was a really good read had me laughing out loud a really fun realistic read would recommend to all.

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. How this book bought back really happy memories. Lovely read

5☆+  Friendship, fun and First Time Mum's

Absolutely loved this book.
Such a fabulous fresh exciting idea for a book.
It had everything you could want in a book.
Laugh out loud Moments, heartwarming stories, at times tearful, beautiful friendships, Romance and New Beginnings.

Becoming a New Mum is always scary, so having the First Time Mum's Club for support is a fantastic and special idea. I think there should be clubs everywhere so Mum's know they are not alone!

 No matter what your circumstances are the First Time Mum's Club welcomes everyone.

The story is based around 4 main characters... Zoe, Imogen, Ellie and Pippa

Zoe is the glue that holds each of the girls together. She is so strong and loyal. A truly beautiful person.
Zoe owns the coffee shop where the girls meet for the First Time Mum's Club.

Ellie is Zoe's sister. Things don't always go to plan between them and Ellie is convinced Zoe was always the favourite sister.
But as the story progresses their sisterly bond just gets stronger and stronger.
It's So beautiful to see.
Zoe and Ellie's backstory is quiet emotional.
Chris, Ellie's best friend is a great character. I wish there was more of him. (All will be revealed once you start reading)

Pippa is Zoe's best friend. She's been trying for years to conceive but things just haven't worked out.
She is married to Jason. Their marriage is far from a happy one. Jason I disliked the most, he is a coward and a bully!

Imogen does not have an easy backstory.
I warmed to her the most.
With emotional abuse from her Mother she always feels inadequate.
So when she falls in love and marries Alice her Mother does not approve one bit.
Imogen and Alice have also been trying for a baby for a long time.
Imogen meets Zoe and the others when they attend the First Time Mum's Club.
It's so nice to see Imogen finally accepting and loving herself with the support of the others!

With such different stories all four girls are bonded through being First Time Mums.
Seeing each one of them grow in character and confidence is heartwarming.
So beautiful to see that no matter how different they are, they are always there for each other.

From the very first pages where we meet Ellie I knew I was in for a fun read.... Lucie didn't disappoint she bought exactly that.... Fun!

I just want to mention how beautifully charming the cover is. Represents the story so well.

I would also like to say well done to Lucie for writing something different.
 I'm sure lots of First Time Mum's and Mum's in general are going to relate to this story and the fabulous characters inside!!

Overall a really enjoyable fun read, great charming characters and some laugh out loud moments. A few twists along the way!What more could you want.

The only slight niggle I would of liked more of the Mum's Club... although the 4 ladies made up the First Time Mum's Club, we did get 2 group meeting where other mums attended.
Especially because Ellie and those meetings were so funny! She is not afraid to speak her mind!
I would of liked a lil more of the group meetings. But that is just a very very tiny niggle.

Other than that I Absolutely loved it!
I really hope we haven't seen the last of the First Time Mum's Club, there is definitely more I can't wait to uncover!

The perfect ending to a perfect book!!


Would I recommend this book.... 100% YES!!

I would recommend this book to readers who love Rom Com's, Chick Lit, Women's Literature and Mum's in general!

This was such a lovely read- three new mum to be's meet a a first time mum's club at a local cafe. Pippa is finally expecting a much longed for baby but her husband Jason seems to have cold feet. Imogen and her wife are expecting a treasured IVF baby and Ellie is horrified when she discovers that after a drunken night out she's expecting a baby with her best friend.

It's a beautiful book of friendship, relationships, worries and babies! The girls get to know each other and provide a lovely support network- although they are intially reluctant to let the other girls know their worries. You can feel the excitement of the families expecting the babies, but also the stresses the new mums to be are feeling.

Zoe's cafe sounds a wonderful place to visit and she's a great sister to Ellie. Ellie's best friend Chris is also such a lovely character. I can't wait to read more from Lucie Wheeler.

The First Time Mum's Club

O...M...G!!! I totally loved and adored this book!! I genuinely couldn't put it down and really didn't want it to end!

This is a beautiful debut novel, chronicling the lives of Pippa, Imogen and Ellie as they become mums for the first time. They join a first time mums club at a local cafe, owned by Ellie's sister (and Pippa's best friend), Zoe. We get to know all of the characters stories, which are all very different but ultimately bring them together.

I really can't express enough just how much I loved this book, if I could award more than 5 stars, I definitely would!! I'm keeping everything crossed for a sequel, plleeeaasssee Lucie Wheeler!!

With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher, 5 big fat shiny stars!

Since I've become a mum myself, I really like to read books with heroines that are pregnant, or are just about to get a baby, or just got the baby and have to deal with their worlds being turned upside - down. "The First Time Mums' Club" is already the perfect, very promising title, and then you see that you're going to get not one pregnant character but straight away three! Add to this this lovely, colourful, eye - catching cover and there was nothing holding me off from reading this debut novel from Lucie Wheeler. This is a story full of friendship, sisterhood, girls' power and plenty of laughs, but it also touches upon many more difficult issues and deals with them in a likeable, believable way.

However, there was not so much about the pregnancies themselves, the book mostly focused on the circumstances the women got pregnant and on their private lives and problems, as there were many troubles coming for them. They are all brought together by Zoe, who runs the First Time Mums' Club in her cafe - and no, Zoe herself is not pregnant. Ellie is Zoe's sister, then we have Zoe's best friend Pippa and there is also Imogen, who gets to know the girls at the cafe and they click. Pippa's marriage is going through difficult path right now. Imogen and her partner Alice are happy to be pregnant, though there are problems with Imogen's family accepting the fact that she's married to a woman and the realisation that Ellie is pregnant, and who is the father, is a great shock for her system.

The characters were very well developed. I really had a feeling that I know them inside out, that I knew what drives them and what makes them tick, and why they are like this. However, there were many moments that the story just stood in place without moving and the same thing was being talked about over and over again. The Ellie and Olli situation played incredibly on my nerves, it was will they/won't they taken on another, annoying, level. I could only roll my eyes at their banter, the way they cut in on when talking, never getting close to a conclusion or solution, even though you could see immediately how this is going to end. To be honest, I didn't have a feeling that I should keep my fingers crossed for them or something because they just only annoyed me. So there. Even though they were - separately - sharp, witty characters and I adored Ellie's "no shit" approach.
The stories of the three girls, or rather four, because we also got to know Zoe's background, were interesting and believable, and also I am sure most of us will find something that can relate to, that can nod your head and state "I've been there, I've seen it". The situations are down to earth and not too exaggerated and Lucie Wheeler shows that the story can carry on without adding unnecessary dramas, and I liked it.

We see how the girls deal with their problems and with the different emotions that their pregnancies freed in them and their closest surroundings, and we slowly observe how the meetings in the cafe become important for them, and how their friendship is building closer. They start to count on each other and support each other. The end of this story was very fairy - talish, for my liking, but oh well, it was a rom - com, right, so even if it was this tad unbelievable for me, too random, and it made me roll my eyes, I did buy it. I only couldn't get straight into the story and warm to it just like I should, and I can't put my finger on what has caused it, and I am really torn about this novel. I have expected something different, really rather focusing on being a mum for the first time, full of hilarious anecdotes and instead the story concentrates on the problems of the four new - made friends, and I don't mean that it's wrong, it is absolutely OK, however I also can't say that it was my most favourite read that is going to stay with me forever. I do appreciate Lucie Wheeler's writing style - it was fluent and flowing, with moments of being a little too unpolished and raw, but oh my, I can live with that, it is a debut novel. The author is a great story teller and she can for sure create her characters, so I think that my problem must be with the plotline itself. However, the book is already gaining tons of fans, which is a great thing, and if you try it you may discover you also love it. And I am already looking toward Ms Wheeler's next novel.

Ellie is a make-up artist in love with her best friend Chris. Pippa works hard to please her selfish husband and make her marriage work. Imogen wants to reconcile with her mother who can’t accept that she is married to another woman. What do these three women have in common? They belong to the first time mums’ club. After a one-night stand with Chris, Ellie finds herself pregnant and she doesn’t know what to do. Pippa and her husband tried for years to have a baby and now that she is finally pregnant, he doesn’t seem too happy about it. And, Imogen and her wife Alice are finally having the baby they’ve been dreaming of, but Imogen’s mother is ruining her happiness by sending her threatening text messages.Luckily, the three women rely on each other and their friendship helps them through their pregnancy and difficult personal moments.
The story is engaging and the characters are realistic and likable (at least, most of them). With funny situations, romance, and also some dramatic moments, this is an enjoyable debut novel about motherhood and female friendship.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for this review copy.

This book was fabulous! I just knew it was going to be, it just has a look of a book that says ‘Read Me!’ We meet three pregnant women and all of them have their own individual stories as to why and how they got pregnant. Pippa is married to Jason. After having a failed IVF attempt she is finally pregnant, but Jason doesn’t seem as keen as before. Imogen is married to Alice. They have been desperate for a baby, but have to overcome the stigmas attached to same sex parents. Ellie – well, Ellie is Ellie! Pregnant by her best friend after a drunken one night stand and now she feels like her life is ruined! What a great mixture of characters!

We also meet Ellie’s sister, Zoe. Zoe runs a local café and starts up a “mum’s to be” club. Here is where our three mum’s meet and they all become firm friends. The book takes you on an emotional rollercoaster, following them on their pregnancy journeys. There are laughs, tears, happiness and sadness. It is a story of love, friendship…..oh and of course, babies! This was such a lovely read. I was hooked from page one, and didn’t want to be put it down until all the babies were safely with us! I just didn’t want it to end!

My first Lucie Wheeler book, and will definitely be looking out in the future for more books by this author. Fantastic! Five Stars!

A very good debut novel that definitely captures the emotions of being pregnant. Well written and humorous in places. A really enjoyable read that gets you caught up in another world for a few hours. I would definitely recommend this book and I would definitely read another book by this author.

Super debut book! Loved everything about it! Amazing characters and a wonderful plot! If your a first time mum you need to read this! It will have you emotionally supercharged

Loved this book. Couldn't put it down. I hope there will be another one, I'd love to know how these four friends continue their journey.

The First Time Mums Club was an enjoyable read with likeable characters, it was quite slow in parts and found myself skipping parts but i enjoyed it.

Phenomenal debut for Lucie! I will be posting a review in Mama Life Magazine in the September issue!

If I wasn't broody before I read this novel, I sure as hell am now!!! Waiting for Lucie Wheeler's book to land amongst the blogger community was quite similar to the last month of pregnancy; long and couldn't come quick enough! The thing is though folks, I am rather disappointed. You know when you wait an absolute age for something whilst getting more and more excited as each day passes, the day finally arrives and you end up feeling 'OH', ever get that? I am at that point, so I am rather disappointed.

I mean, WHY THE MATERNITY DID THE BOOK HAVE TO END?!?!?! Nobody told me that it would end...I wasn't prepared for the story to finish and be left sitting there. -cries eyes out- I WANTED TO STAY WITH IMOGENNNNNNNN, WAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

Ohhhhhhh, sorry, did you think I was going to say that I was disappointed with the book? Er hell no! Being a mummy myself I was able to relate to a lot of the storyline, especially Ellie's situation (to a point). Pippa, Imogen and Ellie all have babies on the brain, after all, all three ladies are expecting! At first the ladies are complete strangers yet they are all drawn to a certain café. Well, seeing as it's Ellie's sister who owns the café it would be a bit tricky for her not to be drawn to it...

Each lady has their own individual story; Pippa is married to husband Jason and after a failed attempt at IVF, they're FINALLY going to be parents, Imogen is married to wife Alice and despite all of the hurdles their relationship has had to jump over, they are about to complete their family with a baby of their very own. Oh, and finally, there is Ellie who is probably the least maternal woman of the group, yet ta-daaaa she is about to become a mummy after a drunken sha....shenanigan left her eating for two. And you know what? They're all unbelievably fabulous!

If you're a pregnant, first time mum and are currently experiencing feelings such as the ones mentioned in this storyline, or if you have already had your baby(ies), you'll know that finding out you're pregnant has got to be one of the most phenomenal yet terrifying experiences. Yes, even if the pregnancy is planned! Lucie Wheeler has captured those fears, apprehension and sheer enjoyment, in every part of her storyline absolutely magnificently. A lot of people may think that pregnancy and impending parenthood will be a vision of white roses and bouncing rabbits (well, that was how you got there), when in reality it's not always like that. Lucie Wheeler has taken the topic of pregnancy, laid it bare and written about it in such a black and white manner; aka realistically. Take Ellie for example; as soon as she found out she was pregnant she felt as though her whole world had nose-dived, yet that is quite a common reaction to pregnancy, especially if unplanned!

Falling pregnant isn't a case of wham, bam, thank you mam and a baby is made. No. Some women may need additional help or may be classed as high risk, so their feelings are going to be completely different to women who do fall pregnant on the first sniff of the Sea Man. What really impressed me with the entire storyline was how nearly every avenue was explored; fertility issues, same-sex marriage, single parent, rocky marriage and so on. Hand on heart, how many storylines do you know of that cover all of the above in one sitting?

Even though I adored every character (bar one), I resonated more with Imogen's personality and beliefs. She became my 'go to' character very quickly and it was her labour that caught me more than the others. Daft eh? On a very personal level what with being considered 'higher risk', just like Imogen I've always know that I wanted to be a mummy; her fears and levels of uncertainty was as though I was watching a video of myself pregnant. Maybe that's why I found her to be my 'go to' character, I don't know.

For me, 'The First Time Mums' Club' was such a flawless representation of motherhood, even where the labour was concerned! I could go on and on about Lucie Wheeler's book all night, it really is THAT good. But I won't though!

It is incredibly rare to read a storyline which not only captures your heart, your soul and your ovaries, it also leaves you feeling a level of fulfilment that you have never, ever felt before; just like The First Time Mums' Club. I cannot put into words how much I adored every word and every feeling that this storyline contained; every single thing was...perfection.
Personally, 'The First Time Mums' Club' had the right amount of giggles, the right amount of solidarity and girl power, the right ratio of serious to light-hearted moments, and even the right way of showing all first time mums (and mums in general) that it's more than okay to not have everything together ALL of the time.

Lucie Wheeler's debut novel, 'The First Time Mums' Club' is such an outstanding and beautifully written tale about motherhood and friendship; I cannot tell you how much I LOVED reading this belter of a book. I was absolutely devastated to reach the end of such an empowering and fantastic book, so much so I am debating whether to read it for a second time already!

Phenomenal debut novel from the inspirational, Lucie Wheeler. It's safe to say that 'The First Time Mums' Club' is ranking in TWG's Top 5 books of 2017 so far; roll on book two!!

Thank you HarperImpulse!

I was in the middle of a book slump when I decided to give this book a go, after reading the blurb and wanting a nice easy read to get my reading mojo back! All I can say now is that Lucie Wheeler has earn't herself another fan as this book was brilliant.

The First Time Mums' Club was about a small group of woman, all with their own stories and things going on behind closed doors, but with one thing in common....they are all pregnant with their first child. After her sister falls pregnant and comes to stay, cafe owner Zoe decides to start the group in the cafe to support first time mums and to help her sister, but little did she know that this group would turn into long lasting friendships.

I loved all the characters in this book! Each one was so real and I felt as if I knew these people personally! It's not easy when you fall pregnant with your first. especially when you have lots of other things going on in your life and this book faces these problems in an emotional but also a fun way. I actually really wish I had had a support network when I went through my pregnancies like these group of woman do.

A fab read and I cannot wait to read more of Lucies work in the future.