Favorite Quotes:

Another wave of pain strikes me and I bellow out some feral crescendo through the ward. Wolves in London Zoo howl back in reply.

Midhusband Joe continues to talk from in between my arched legs. His face and the giant lamp down there are slightly disconcerting, like he’s mining for something.

And who calls a baby Leonard? That’s just cruel… And he wasn’t good-looking. Face like a cabbage. She’s just inviting that kid to be beaten up when he’s older.

‘Do the stretch marks ever fade?’ I ask. ‘Mine are dark red, I look like a tiger.’ ‘Own them. They’re your new warrior stripes.

Swimming?’ ‘Then I’d have to do my bikini line.’ ‘No, you don’t. I swim at the lido near Emma’s and there’s a lady who goes out with full pits and fanny. It sprouts out like alfalfa.’

‘Sean also looks like the sort of man who wears bad shorts in summer. Am I right?’ ‘Cargo, knee-length. Sometimes the ones with the zips so he can add some length if the weather gets cooler.’ ‘If you married that, I’d voice my objections at your wedding, just so you know.’


My Review:

Maternity, birth, and baby issues aren’t my jam and topics I typically avoid in my book selections. But I couldn’t seem to pass this one up as I had read and delighted in the previous books in this series. Needless to say, I have few regrets after diving into this riotously amusing tale and am just as enamored with this author’s clever wit and irreverent humor as I was before. I cackled and giggle-snorted at the outrageous scenarios and sharp visuals her wily and cunning selections of words conjured in my cranium. My face is actually a bit tired from smirking. As there are five oddly captivating and quirky sisters in this family, I will be eagerly awaiting the next sister’s odyssey.

And, score! I have two new additions to my Brit Words and Phrases list with norks – which are a woman’s breasts; and gubbins – which is a multitasker of a word as it has several meanings which include scraps, useless bits and pieces, gadgetry, and a foolish person. For most women of my age, norks are generally gubbins.

I found the beginning of this book very slow. Not much was happening, and I understand it was a family drama of sorts, but I wasn’t sure how it was going to go for me.

I found myself reading along and getting very into the book. I was laughing with Beth, and I found myself crying with her too. I really felt for her and everything she was going through and I found I couldn’t put the book down. The struggles of becoming and new parent, and dealing with life and love and making ends meet. It was so real and so raw. I really did find myself enjoying the story.

I love the Callaghan’s.

This is my first book from Kristen Bailey. I didnt realise it was a series but I understood everything that was going on so it doesn't matter if you read the other two.

This series is about the callahan sisters. This particular novel is about Beth and her long term boyfriend Will who after a drunken night and a missed pill becomes pregnant.

This book is hilarious, quirky and fun. The awkward moments shenshares about parenthood are what some parents in real life must feel.

Highly recommend this story.

This is book 3 in the series but the first book I have read by Kristen Bailey. I am hooked! I loved this book. It can easily be used as a stand alone. I am looking forward to reading more in this series. Kristen writes from the heart. The lighthearted warmth of this novel along with humour grabbed me right from the start. Topics of motherhood, relationships, body imagine makes it feel so real and relatable. I have two kids and felt like I went back in time to my first born. I could totally relate with Beth on so many levels. She is a great character and I felt for her all the way through this book. The ups and downs of motherhood, a rocky relationship as Will is just "so stressed & really scared" that his first reaction is to run. All the sisters are so likeable and shows great family dynamics. This series is a lot of fun. I really felt like I was reading a book by Sophie Kinsella. I give this book a 5 stars.

Funny, lighthearted read which had me laughing out loud with the honesty and chaos of childbirth while also caring for kids and having a marriage. I adored the relationship she had with her husband and with her best friend Paddy. A really fun read that was a nice escape from the mostly suspense/thriller I read.

Having really enjoyed Has Anyone Seen My Sex Life and Can I Give My Husband Back, I knew I just had to get this book too. I love the Callaghan sisters, brilliantly true to life characters. I really enjoyed Beth's story, but also how each installment has funny references to the other books.
Reading these books is like checking in with a friend, whom you love dearly but don't get to see often, you just pick up where you left off.
At one stage I realised I was crying (happy tears) and I had to flip back a page to see what prompted the sudden outburst!!
I especially enjoyed the first few paragraphs, and I laughed out loud so many times.
The only downside is now I have to wait for the author to write the next book.

Yet another five star novel by the incredible @kristenbaileywrites

The one thing I love most about Bailey’s writing style is how REAL everything is. Within this novel, she explores pregnancy, motherhood, family life, relationships, body image with such a refreshing air of realness which you don’t often find in fiction.
Add in an abundance of laugh out loud humour, and characters which are incredibly likeable, and yet again she is on to a winner here!

I absolutely loved this book. Beth asks questions which I imagine (though I am not a mother) many mothers have wondered when things got tough - “it’s normal to wish your baby came with a snooze button, right?” being just one of them!

This novel is lighthearted and warm, though it tackles some challenging topics really well. You find yourself really routing for Beth and Will.

What I really loved whilst reading this novel, is how Bailey explores how motherhood changes women. From the body changes, to the way women almost mourn the life they used to have, with less responsibility. And I think Bailey really challenges societal views on these topics, and makes you feel that it is okay to have the wobbly bits, the sad days, the sleep deprivation, to have no clue what you are doing sometimes. And despite the perfect images you see in the media, this side of motherhood is real. And the ‘perfect parent’ does not really exist, but as long as you try your hardest, you will be enough 💜

This was the first time I read any of the books in this series by Kristen Bailey and it won't be the last. I absolutely loved this book I have never felt so many emotions at once.

In this book (no.3 in the series) Beth and Will have baby Joe. This is a riveting story about the struggles of parenthood, love and family. Both Beth and Will are overwhelmed and neither one is talking to the other, leading to some negative consequences. Meanwhile baby Joe finds himself a modelling gig which brings up insecurities of present and the past for Beth.

This book is written so well, I really loved that not only do we get Beth's inner dialogue but we also get baby Joe's some of the things Joe is supposed to be thinking are hilarious. I honestly haven't laughed out loud at a book in such a long time (probably because I read psychological mostly). I loved the way not only did we hear Beth's responses to questions we often hear before what she actually wanted to say. It's harrowing really showing the side to new parenthood which is often glossed over to paint a picture of happiness. The book really opens the gate to discussing how it isn't all smiles and nappies but so much more.

I loved all the relationship dynamics esp between Beth and Yasmin, an unlikely pair brought together again after hating each other in school. It's fascinating to see how they are both misunderstood in their own ways and how in a way thar brings them together.

The relationship between the sisters is great Beth, Lucy, Meg, Grace and Emma. The family is so close nic and it is shown by how they support Beth through motherhood and Will.

I would totally recommend this book to anyone who likes reading. It's an easy read and so enjoyable. I laughed, cried, gasped and felt all the feels. I really enjoyed this rom com. I am more than happy to give this book 5 stars 🌟. I will now work my way through book 1 and 2 I cannot wait I'm so excited!


Thank you to netgalley, the publishers and K. Bailey for the advanced digital copy in exchange for my fair and honest opinion.

From the minute I was able to read this I dived straight in as I had read the authors previous books and absolutely fell in love with them, so I was extremely excited to read this.
This book features the characters which we have gotten to know and love and by this book I felt I knew each of them so well, I wish I’d friends like this bunch of sisters. They are all different but equally unique. So for this book its mainly Beth’s story, and honestly my heart went out to her. She’s just had a baby an her boyfriend who should be there supporting her is spending less and less time with her and the baby, my heart was aching for her, I just wanted Will to step up and be there for her its a scary enough time having a baby but feeling lonely - oh my I just didn’t want Beth to feel that way.
There is so many absolutely hilarious moments in this book at times I felt like I didn’t atop laughing, it was great made it fun and easy to read.
I was gutted when I read that last chapter as I didn’t want this book to end it was that good! I am counting the days until the next book in this series. I’d say this is author is fast becoming one of my favourites.

With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the digital arc all opinions expressed here are my own.

Did My Love Life Shrink In The Wash? By Kristen Bailey was the first book I have read by this author. It is book three in the Callaghan sisters series (there are five sisters) but easily read as a stand-alone.

This book is about Beth, her partner of eight years Will and a year in the life of their new baby Joe. This book was an easy read, but honestly not as enjoyable as I thought it would be. As a Mum of three, I should fit the intended demographic, but while I enjoyed some of the character relationships, like Paddy the elderly neighbour, I mostly just felt the book was exhausting and honestly kept getting confused with so many sisters in the picture.

Hopefully others enjoy the book more than me. 3 stars.

It’s normal to wish that your baby came with a snooze button, right?

When I got pregnant, Will and I didn’t have a clue what we were signing up for. It turns out that there’s loads we weren’t warned about:

1) In the middle of the night you’ll be begging Siri for advice on getting your baby to sleep. (In case you’re wondering, whale music doesn’t work.)

2) If you make the mistake of going to a nightclub you’ll nod off, drool, and be woken up by an angry bouncer.

3) You’ll spend more time spooning your child’s cuddly donkey than your own boyfriend.

4) Communication with your other half will be via post-it notes on the fridge, mainly telling him to buy more milk.

5) Sex is something that happened in another dimension.

But even if I feel like I’m waiting for my motherhood powers to come in the post, at least I’ve got Will. Our old life – festivals, sambuca shots, an actual sex life – might be a distant memory, but we can get through anything together, can’t we?

At least that’s what I thought until, one day, Will walked out on us… If I’m on my own (apart from Siri, obviously) can I do this whole parenting thing? Or I am destined to lose my sanity one sleepless night at a time?

Another great read by Kristen Bailey.
This is the third book in the Callaghan series but you can read this book as a stand-alone. All the sisters are featured in this book but the main story is about Beth and her partner Will.
It gives you an honest and real insight into being a parent for the first time. The changes in your life, your body and your relationship.
This book is a fun read that will make you laugh out loud.

Beth and Will have been together for many years but are happy not getting married. But when Beth finds herself unexpectedly pregnant she’s shocked. When it’s time for her to give birth, she demands drugs but unfortunately, things progress fast and…well….suffice to say I laughed and laughed! Well written!

Now, Beth and Will are home with baby Joe who weighed 10 pounds at birth (ouch!). She’s nursing and is totally exhausted wondering why Joe won’t sleep because she really needs to.

Beth’s neighbor is Paddy who is a lonely widower missing his wife. He becomes a good friend to Beth keeping her spirits up and sharing many cups of tea. (I loved Paddy!)

Beth is a teacher and knows her return to work is looming. Will has just taken a new job and his new boss, Sam - as in Samantha - is making him jump through hoops and making his life miserable. This leads to a problem that tears Beth and Will apart for awhile.

Meanwhile, Joe has been “discovered” and is becoming a little star. His co-star is a woman Beth knew in school and they did not get along.

Beth has 5 sisters and her parents are incredibly loving - especially her Dad. They are the Callaghan family. Her sister, Grace, is a widow who has taken some time away to try and heal. I loved the birthday phone call to Beth from Grace. So sweet.

In a nutshell, this book covers Joe’s first year with all the trials and tribulations of raising a baby.

Very well done! I thank the author for the many belly laughs I had while reading this book. Such a treat!

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Book 3 in the Callaghan sister series but it can easily be read as a stand-alone. Well what can I say about this book apart from the fact I absolutely freaking loved it. I laughed until I had tears rolling down my face at times. . There were also some more serious moments in this book but overall a laugh out loud read.

I loved the Callaghan sisters when I met them in the first two books in this series, and they are just as boisterous and wacky in this book!

This book is amusing and light-hearted, but finds a way to cover some of life's challenges without being overbearing - challenges such as having a new born and trying to juggle life, sleep, and maintaining a relationship with your partner.

The Callaghan family is full of support for each other, and they are constantly getting themselves into hilarious situations, which have caused me to laugh out loud on numerous occasions.

This is one of those books that you will devour in a single sitting, so clear your diary, pick up a copy, and enjoy the ride!

Thank you to Bookouture for letting me take part in this tour and for my copy of this book via Netgalley. I read 2 books by Kristen last year and I absolutely loved them! I have been so excited to read this book! This is the third book about the Callaghan sisters but they can all be read as standalones. The books overlap little bit timewise but each is from a different sister's POV.

This book is about Beth. I found Beth so easy to identify with. She has a love of carbs and chocolate and hates exercise, a girl after my own heart really! Although she has a lot more patience than me. I’m not sure I would have forgiven Will for walking out. I definitely would have been there with the sisters ready to punch him in the face or chop off his balls!

This book is funny, like seriously laugh out loud funny. It’s not just a story about Beth and Will. It’s a story about unlikely friends and dealing with the hard stuff in life. It’s about learning to talk to each other and be honest about how you are feeling.

I loved this book and I CANNOT wait to read more Callaghan sister books!

First, I want to thank Kristen Bailey, Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.

Oh Kristen Bailey you had me cracking up laughing at your latest Rom Com Did My Love Life Shrink In The Wash? My love life has shrunk to non-existent due to Covid-so I could relate to the title lol! Seriously though this was one of the funniest books I have read in a very long time.

Kristen dedicates this book to one of her babies. She also finally named a character after Joe. This book is for you Joe.

The comical comic-like graphics on the book along with the title of the book piqued my interest in reading it. The graphics were a great choice for the book.

One thing Kristen did that was unique to her story was each chapter she would have a song, artist, and year it debut. Each song represented what that chapter would be about. Many of the songs that she picked I really liked too.

Speaking of music I loved how she mentioned one of my favorite boy bands Backstreet Boys. I had to smile at that one.

Right from the prologue Kristen had literally rolling on the floor laughing how she discussed in great detail all about her wild sexual adventures. Oh but then we get to find out about her long term relationship sex escapades. Those were more vivid. All the time I am reading this I am wondering when will Covid be over?!

Now keep in mind I am not a Mom therefore never gave birth before. However, Kristen gives you a very vivid and descriptive experience that Beth has of birthing her baby boy. After reading that I commend all of you ladies who go through the birthing process-it is not easy! The way Kristen wrote that scene was genius pure genius!

Oh the dialogue in the book back and forth is off the wall too funny! Sometimes Kristen shocked me with the language and scenarios.

This book is not all fun and games as there are some serious relationship moments as well. The Bonus Track was an intense in-depth letter that touched my heart.

I absolutely love this authors books. They’re laugh out loud funny and 100% relatable for many female readers. Focusing on motherhood, babies, relationships, marriage and the newborn stage. It’s an all in one with both the highs and lows… We get to experience it all with her.It’s a light hearted read, uplifting and funny in parts. I loved it all. This is life. No covering up the bads bits. It’s all there in every page. 100% honest. Even if some of us won’t admit some parts ourselves. Brilliantly written. An easy read I devoured! I just wanted to be in the book to help her. I loved her neighbour too the relationship they had is amazing, a great support to her. Will was an up and down character for me what he did was wrong, but I do believe he revived himself towards the end.I also loved the main star of the show their little baby boy who soon becomes quite famous himself! Wow. Something a little different. A famous baby. His mother soon had to get her head around it all and interact with an old high school acquaintance.A funny, light-hearted and happy ending read! Loved it. Makes you feel warm and smile. A well deserved four stars from me. Highly recommend.

I was drawn to this book purely for the title, it made me laugh. This is book 3 of The Callaghan Sisters series but can be read as a standalone.
In this book we meet Beth about to become a mother for the first time, she and her long-term boyfriend Will were quite the party-goers and hadn’t planned to have children but after one drunken night, their lives are about to change.
I found myself captured from very early on and remember feeling very much like what Beth did after having a baby. It was raw and real. It had me laughing so many times, but I also felt empathy for Beth too and wanted to cry along with her. We have all been there.
There was so much that went one in baby Joe’s first year of life.
The support she had from her family was amazing, and the friendship that blooms between her and an unlikely person was lovely.
It was written so well and like the author was living Beth’s life.
I also loved Beth’s sisters, each are different to each other but I need to get to know them more so will definitely be grabbing the first two books in the series.

I was drawn to this after hearing Kristen talk so animatedly and persuasively about her books as part of a Bookouture fiction panel that was live on social media during lockdown one. She is an author that has been on my radar for a while and my only regret is that I didn’t get round to her books sooner.

I love it when an engaging opening pulls you right into the action and drama. This book certainly did that, as we are invited to witness Beth in labour with her first child. This scenario is delivered in a touching and light hearted way, which really sets the tone for much of the book.

Throughout the first half and beyond, there are hilarious scenes and clever, laugh out loud narrative, dialogue and monologue. The observations around motherhood and being a first time parent are raw and honest just as much as they are comical. Here are some of my favourite quotes from the book:

“I know Will is drunk because he’s standing in the middle of a Tesco Metro” stroking the biscuits.”

“I start to unwrap Joe from the carrier. It’s like unwrapping a fajita, trying to make sure the contents don’t fall out on the floor.”

“Have you ever had physalis before?” Yasmin asks me. Once. I got a cream for it though, I want to say. That joke would sail over the room. 🤣

And of course, the use of the word “titgibbon” is just brilliant!

There is a brilliant chemistry and connection between the main characters, Will and Beth. It was also lovely to see the familial relationship between Beth and her sisters as you could see Beth’s down to earth, likeable, laid back character in context. Beth was definitely a girl next door and it was easy to empathise with her as a mother myself.

The second part of the book is a little more serious and definitely heart warming, as it touches on issues such as self discovery, self preservation, friendship, relationship issues and body positivity.

The ending is completely lovely, touching and heart warming and brings the book to a wonderful conclusion.

Overall this has been a hilarious, heart warming and honest book that has taken me on quite a rollercoaster. I would recommend this book to all chick lit and uplit fans, especially fans of Suzy K Quinn, Sophie Ranald and Gill Sims.

Let me preface this by saying I don't have kids so I couldn't sympathize with Beth, but I felt sorry for her. I couldn't imagine dealing with a newborn. That has to be hard. She went through the motions with her boyfriend Will and they went through a lot of changes, including baby Joe being a short -time celebrity in a music video. I thought this book was spot on from what my friends have told me. This book is part of a series, but can also be read as a stand alone. This was a light hearted LOL book.