Kristen Bailey has already provided me with plenty of belly laughs thanks to her previous two novels following the lives and adventures of the Callaghan sisters. So it was with huge excitement I began reading Did My Love Life Shrink In The Wash? which this time round focuses on Beth Callaghan and her boyfriend Will Cooper who are expanding their unit of two, the opening pages detailing baby Joe’s arrival. Get ready for a healthy dose of hilarity and a slice of side splitting silliness as the Callaghan sisters explode into life once again.

The author has chosen to explore the transformative effects of motherhood with a lightheartedness that is so uplifting as well as funny. I always enjoys novels centred around the theme of motherhood whether they are gritty and realistic or as in this case more tongue in cheek. That she also tackles the issue of body image through the eyes of Beth and model Yasmin is to be commended. I think one of the hardest aspects of parenthood, aside from the sleep deprivation, loss of identity and of course all the poo, is the coming to terms with the loss of life you’ve previously enjoyed. In this case it’s the music gigs, raves, lazy brunches accompanied by hangovers that party animals Beth and Will are mourning the loss of. As they welcome Joe into the world the author acknowledges how men and women react differently to this stage in life which becomes more and more apparent as time and the storyline progresses. I loved how each chapter is headed by a song title which ties in nicely with this couple’s love of music but it is Beth and in particular Joe who are granted the spotlight. And deservedly so! As you read of the turn of events, some unexpected, in Beth and Will’s drama you’ll either have a smile on your face or be howling with laughter.

Kristen Bailey really is the queen of the sassy one liners so you can expect writing to tickle more than just your funny bone in what I would call her most bittersweet novel to date. This author finds humour in the simple everyday moments embellishing them with such positivity, so that the mundane, the more negative aspects of motherhood sparkle with warmth, hope and love. If I had to pick a scene that really stands out in terms of hilarity then it has to be Beth’s nappy changing exploits in the school toilets where she teaches but there are many more to amuse and delight the reader. Admittedly Beth’s story made me thankful the kind of days she’s experiencing are long over for me but having said that a baby is always your baby whatever their age. You don’t ever forget both the upheaval and the joy they bring! References to the muslins, a staple requirement for any new mother took me back to my own experiences of motherhood and the fact my daughter loved her muslins so much they became her comfort blankets. To this day she still has one even though she’s now an adult!! So thank you Kirsten for enabling me to reminisce slightly. I definitely had my rose tinted spectacles on at the resurgence of parenting memories as I allowed myself to become totally engrossed in the storyline, suffering a twinge of sadness that there isn’t always a happy ending in these type of scenarios yet hoping Beth and Will would adjust to their new way of life with Joe, finding their new normal. What strikes you most throughout Beth’s journey through the early days of motherhood is how close knit the Callaghan sisters are, how they all close ranks to support and protect one another, through good times and bad. All of them can be relied upon to bring their trademark warmth and humour, silliness and naughtiness to every single situation. I can’t help thinking that no day is a bad day when the Callaghan sisters are present and although I’ve said it before I’ll say it again I want to be a honorary member of this beautiful family!!!!

As with every book in this series you are guaranteed the addition of a few other colourful characters to help the sisters through their adventures, embracing the themes of friendship and love. For Beth elderly neighbour Paddy provides moral support, aside from her sisters plus her reacquaintance with the too cool for school Yasmin adds another dimension to Beth’s journey through the parenting minefield. Both are welcome additions to a storyline in which the Callaghan sisters rule the roost!

My only slight criticism is that I didn’t think the level of humour in this latest novel is on a par with the other two but it is still highly entertaining and a fantastic read. Thanks to the author’s writing abilities she managed to bring some much needed sunshine into my otherwise dull existence but it’s quite worrying how much I adore these women who are only figments of the author’s imagination!!!
The Callaghan sisters are an unforgettable bunch and it fills my heart with happiness knowing I still have the pleasure of Lucy and Gracie’s adventures to enjoy at some point in the near future. I cannot recommend this series more highly and will be bereft when I reach the last chapter in the lives of these five wonderful women . My thanks as always to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read.