I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's a brutally honest book about motherhood, told through the eyes of Saoirse (that's Seersha, not Searcy, if you don't mind!), mother to horrendous toddler Anna, and wife to increasingly distant David.

She does enjoy her job as a ghostwriter, although she's reached the stage where she'd like to be an author in her own right, wanting to see her own name credited for her work. Truth is though, she isn't too sure what she'd write about, or if she actually has to confidence to do it. She's barely managing to be a mother! How on earth can she be a writer? And then ... there's dealing with the absolute worst thing about being a mother: other mothers! Specifically the ones who are all judge-y and who always seem to know what they're doing, and who do it so much better than everyone else  ... i.e. you!

Thank goodness Saoirse has her best friend Bea to rely on. Gorgeous, Amazonian, no-nonsense Bea, who just happens to be a single mom, doesn't put up with the preach-y nonsense the other moms are spouting, and who doesn't give a damn if she tells them what she thinks of them! 

But then Saoirse suddenly gets the opportunity she's been waiting for - the chance to pitch for her very own book ... only it's a tell-all book about the reality of motherhood! Not quite what she'd envisaged. As she finds herself surrounded by the perfection of Insta-Mommies and their spotless, shiny, smiley offspring, she wonders if she's the right person for the job. She can't help comparing their bright pics of happy families with her own reality of harassed mom, monster child and barely-there dad! If she thinks she's going to get any support or encouragement from the other mothers at the school-gate, or from those on her local Facebook Mommy group, she can think again! All that's on offer there is criticism and competition.

The strange thing is that Saoirse finds she's able to vent her feelings in the draft of her pitch for the motherhood book that she claims she doesn't think she can write! And when Bea offers her an opportunity to take some time out in Ireland she decides it might be just what she needs to write this pitch that she never thought she could write. Her time away opens her eyes to some real home-truths about motherhood in all its harsh realities and makes her realise that writing about the topic honestly instead of sugar coating it as is done far too often, is something that she's perfectly suited to do!

This is such a gorgeous book about friendship, relationships and motherhood (surprise, surprise!), but it's also a loud shout about how we should be standing up for each other and supporting each other instead of constantly trying to pull each other down. We should be admitting to our flaws more, we should be reaching out to others more, especially when we can see that they're struggling. Emma Murray has written a 5-star 'how-to' book on being part of the village ... 'it takes a village to raise a child' but it also takes that village to raise up a mom!

I've read a few books about motherhood and the joys and dramas that surround bringing up a mini version of yourself. The honesty and truth that is written in Time Out is hilarious and fantastic. It describes the real horrors of being a parent. I loved it and related to a lot of what Saoirse described.

I'm sure we've all been there as new mothers, when we have every Tom, Dick and Harry wanting to impart their words of wisdom on you on how to raise your child. Saoirse deals with these people the best way she knows. Through a lot of healthy swearing 😊

This book isn't just about being a parent. This book follows the relationships that are built and broken as life goes on. We see how Saoirse finds a kindred spirit in Bea. Bea is a friend we all need in our lives to boost us and to handle those hard situations that we get ourselves into.

We see the development of family relationships and how they have an impact on the way we grow. I liked reading about David, Saoirse's husband. Even though he irritated the hell out of me and at times I wondered how Saoirse could live with him. But, as we chipped away at his character and got more of an understanding it was clear to see why he is the way he is.

Time Out is the first in a three part book series. And, I can't wait to see what happens next to the characters that we have met in Time Out.

Time Out is a light hearted read. An honest outlook at life, relationships and bringing up children.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Rachel Gilbey for my gifted digital copy and spot on the blog tour.

A hilarious and authentic look at motherhood, the good, the bad, the ugly. Emma Murray has infused this delightful story with loads of wit, whimsy, and humor. As a mother of three adult children (almost) I appreciated this realistic dive into the most remarkable yet most challenging job I’ve ever had. Saoirs is a stressed out sleep deprived mother to precocious four-year-old Anna. Her controlling neat freak husband David has been growing distant. Saoirs has been working as a ghost writer for business publications so when her agent reaches out to see if she would be interested in writing a book about motherhood she is thrown off. How can she possibly write a book about the joys of being a mother when it is a constant struggle. Completely overwhelmed Saoirs is in need of a TIME OUT. Tantruming toddlers, judgmental mommies, hostile teachers, supportive friends, cheating husband, arctic swimming, disturbing dreams, repaired relationships.

This was so fun! I loved Saoirs and would have loved to be one of her mommy friends. The pretentious “organic” mommies were hilarious. I remember being a new mother and so worried I was doing everything wrong and absolutely convinced everyone else was doing everything right. I never made any homemade baby food, never used cloth diapers, breast-feeding was not for me, gave my kids Cheerios, let them watch television.... and you know what? My kids are thriving! I really appreciated the realism in the story and it brought back so many memories both good and bad.

This book in emojis 👨‍👩‍👧 🤱🏻 🍼 🍷 🏊‍♀️ 🧊 💁🏻‍♀️

*** Big thank you to Boldwood Books for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***

Saoirse lives in London with her husband, David, and their four-year-old daughter. Saoirse been working as a ghostwriter but is suddenly tasked with pitching for a book about motherhood, and she's stuck. How honest can she be? Real motherhood is not picture perfect, nor is her child. I enjoyed the novel's honesty about all sorts of topics relevant to moms of young kids - relationships, mom guilt, Facebook groups and shaming, Instagram perfection, snacks, technology, losing touch with pre-kid friends, interference from grandparents, school issues, and more. In addition to Saoirse's family and her best friend, there are lots of other interesting characters in the book who help her recognize and realize parts of herself and her true feelings.
The book was funny and honest, and it was an enjoyable read. I would have rated it higher except for the last chapter. If there is a sequel coming, the ending makes a bit more sense, but if this book will live as a standalone, the ending I felt unraveled quite a bit.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The trials and tribulations of being a parent are shared honestly in this hilarious story. It tells the story of Saoirse and David, from when they met to the present day through a series of flashbacks. Saoirse has been working as a ghost writer but her agent has asked her to pitch to write a book about the truth about motherhood. Their precocious daughter, Anna, is now four years old and knows just how to get her own way! Dare Saoirse really write the truth?

Get ready for meeting some other mums to be in the antenatal classes, the 'perfect' mums who seem to have such idyllic lives with their little darlings - until you accidentally learn what their husbands reveal about their offspring! The questions the Mum's ask on Facebook and the 'perfect' advice provided by some who seek to impress contrasting with the honest, down to earth. replies from others.

There are some brilliant characters superbly portrayed and the relationship between Saoirse and those around her is central to the story. The strain of being a new parent puts a strain on the relationship between Saoirse and David - as neither really know what they're doing and lack of sleep is really problematic. It shows the value of supportive friends, avoiding those aspiring to prove themselves and communicating hopes and fears. This is certainly not parenthood looked at through rose coloured glasses, but it is a fun read and a spotlight on the realities compared to the ideals of parenthood and relationships.

I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest review after choosing to read it and finding it to be a fun look at life!

This was such a different book filled with giggles and an honest view of the demands of parenting. It was so much more than this, too. There are fantastic characters, friendships and relationships and there are plenty of challenges for them to face along the way..

I loved that this wasn't a book trying to convince us that motherhood is easy and picture perfect. It shows with brutal honesty how lonely it can be after having a child and the importance of having a good support network of friends and family. It also showed the "perfect" mums in group chats, who seem to be able to do everything right with their child and spend their time making unwanted suggestions to other new parents. Despite their ability to look perfect, there are cracks in everyone.

This was a brilliant book, which managed to combine the pressure on parents in society along with the competitive nature of social media driven mums. It showed that children can impact marriages in ways the parents never thought it would. Nobody ever has life completely together and everyone in this story is flawed in some way.

The only flaw I had with the book was that the protagonist felt a little bit flat and one-dimensional. She seemed to only care about herself and her child throughout the book and didn't stop for a second to think of other people's feelings. If she spoke to people and thought outside of her self, she would have sorted her problems much sooner.

A refreshing read with a valuable message as well as lots of laughs. I hope to read more by Emma Murray in the future.

Time Out provides a glimpse at those not-so-sunny days of motherhood and a group of social-media driven "perfect mums" who provide snap judgements of other mothers. Saoirse is navigating life as a ghost-writer, mom to precocious 4-year old Anna and wife to David, a man with a penchant for extreme organization. When presented with an opportunity to write a book about motherhood with her name on it and not as a ghostwriter Saoirse is hesitant to illustrate how she really feels about motherhood and her experiences but a need to improve finances motivates her to pitch the story.

It presents an honest look at how motherhood is not perfect or easy and shows cracks beneath people's carefully crafted facades. What would have made a stronger story is more likeable characters that are not as shallow and one dimensional but the slight twist or unexpected event in the last part of the story made for an interesting and deeper read.

Thanks to the publisher, writer and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

A huge thank you to NetGalley for an advanced ebook of Time Out. I enjoyed reading this one. I related so much to the feelings of being lonely and isolated at the beginning of motherhood and how social media became my social escape when I was home all day with my sons. Everyone wants to seem perfect. But sometimes the ones that seem to have it all together are the ones having the hardest time. You have to learn who your people are that can love and support you. But this book is all about learning to accept help from those around you. And knowing that you have to be open and honest to them as well. Drinks and cussing can always make you feel better too. Fingers crossed for a sequel. I’d love to see where they go next.

What a wonderfully honest book about motherhood and the stresses and strains it has on a relationship Time Out was to read. Saoirse has been a ghostwriter and is suddenly asked to pitch for a book about motherhood, this means she will finally get to put her name on the cover of a book. The catch is that it needs o be an honest look at motherhood.

Saoirse often looks at Facebook posts from other mums about how well their children are behaving, how the meals are always cooked from scratch and how they often appear to look down on any parent who deigns to give their child a sweet, white bread sandwich or a processed meal.

The social media brigade put additional pressure on new mums to fit in. It has turned into a competition as to who can be the best mother. Saoirse is finding the stress of her “little horror” very trying to say the least. Her marriage is stuck in a rut and she is given a reprieve with a break in Ireland to have a Time Out and concentrate on her writing.

While in Ireland it gives her the chance to look at her life, her marriage and how she feels like she is failing. She meets another Mum and they are able to let off steam. But it is the meeting with an old school friend and Saoirse’s Mum visiting that make her look at the bigger picture.

This is such a great book that does such a good job of looking at parenting in today’s society. It shines a light on the competitive nature of being seen to do the right thing. I really enjoyed how the author tackled the parenting insecurities with the stresses on a marriage and some of the inappropriate and unpredictable things that children can say or do.

A fabulous read that had me hooked and also made me feel glad that my children were born prior to the arrival of Facebook and social media. But a refreshing read and one I would definitely recommend.

I received a free electronic copy of this ARC from Netgalley, Emma Murray, and Boldwood Books. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read this novel of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work. Emma Murray writes a fast-paced first-person accounting of life in the fast lane in London, learning to set priorities and determine what is honest and real in a modern life story.

Saoirse and daughter Anna find their way through London life and Irish family in this tightly told tale. Husband and Father David is also learning to set aside some of his self-protective habits that hold his family at a distance. Time Out was a good read with lots of laughs and some very interesting folks.

A cute read which was quite realistic as I could see my sister going through the same.
A humorous take on the darnest things that kids do. The characters were full of life and humor. The story flowed smoothly; the author quite showed the life of a working mother or wanting to work mother. Managing everything was a herculean task when the main character was asked to wrote a book on motherhood, it all came out.

A quite a different read it was

A funny and realistic story that made me laugh and think.
I liked the well thought characters, the plot that flows and kept me hooked, the setting.
it's the first book I read by this author and won't surely be the last.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

I related to this on so many levels as a mother. Finally a book, albeit fiction, about the pitfalls of motherhood and not loving it every second of every day. This book was so raw and funny at the same time. It was an absolute delight to read.

The title, Time Out, seemed very promising for a mother like me so I requested it. I enjoyed the first few chapters where we're introduced to Saoirse, her husband and their daughter. I could relate to her frustrations and insecurities and I laughed at her relationship with the motherhood forum. But by the time Saoirse went away to her friend's house, thinks started to go downhill very quickly. I guess I couldn't relate to Saoirse when she wasn't at home with her family.

I received a free ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Searingly honest, brutally funny, and surprisingly sweet. I loved it.

There were some great moments in this book, and you can really hear the Irishness of some of the characters. Read it in one afternoon

As a mom of two toddler girls, as soon as I saw the book’s description I wanted more! I loved how there was so much truth in her description of modern day parenting, especially about the mom Facebook group- so true!!! I wish it showed more from the book she was trying to write, I loved her take on everything but besides that it was a really fun read!

In Time Out, we meet Saoirse, (Seer-sha not Searcy, thank you) struggling with motherhood and her career as a ghostwriter. The passive-aggressive Facebook moms aren't helping with her struggles either. They make her feel even worse about her tribulations in motherhood, with their judgement and seemingly perfect lives.
Then comes an offer to write a book on motherhood in all it's glory. Saoirse doesn't feel up to the task, but she needs the money that would come with the book deal so she begins a write up and realizes far more about her life and motherhood than she ever imagined.

I'm on the fence about Time Out. I appreciated the message about supporting other moms because we're all slogging through and unsure about what we're doing, and even the most judgmental of FB moms has struggles. On the other hand, I didn't like anyone in the book. Saoirse was one foot out the door of her marriage the whole time. Her husband was not great. Her best mom friend was a shell of a person not fleshed out past the fact that she's gorgeous, rich, has it all, and cares about none of it. And I'm still not sure if the "love interest" was Ryan Gosling or just looked like him. But, like I said, the message about motherhood was nice. I wanted to like it because of that, but it was just... meh for me.

*I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my review.

Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.
Most entertaining book of the year so far.
I can tell I'm Irish just like the main characte. I believe a few good curse words never hurt anyone and can't help but laugh when my 22 month old grand daughter says "oh shit!"
Read this book all in one day. Really recommend it.

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC copy ! I really enjoyed this story line. It was easy to read, and at times laugh out loud funny. The characters were likable, and honest. I loved this look on motherhood.

I loved the concept of a novel that revolves around motherhood. The main character obviously loved her daughter, but I appreciated how honestly it showed her struggles with motherhood. Unfortunately, that is all I liked about the book. Aside from relating to some of the main character's struggles with motherhood I found her, and the rest of the characters, quite unlikable.