Cover Image: Picture Perfect

Picture Perfect

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Member Reviews

I am disappointed with myself that it has taken me so long to pick up this read!

I loved Becca as a protagonist, balancing her time between work, managing household chores, and creating a happy and organised home while spending quality time with their loved ones. This story will likely resonate with parents/caregivers who face the same challenges. I wish this book were about when I was a mother to young children. I think it would have made me feel a little less lonely in the early stages of parenting.

The author's writing style is both humorous and realistic. It made the entire story an enjoyable and easy read, which I managed to finish in just two days. The book had a captivating storyline, and the author's writing style kept me engaged throughout. The humour was perfectly placed, making the book flow well and adding to the enjoyability factor.

I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fun and comical read. It would make a perfect book for some “me time!”

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I would never like to call children, little monsters, unruly or out of control, but well that is certainly the first impression you get of Olly (8) and 4 year old twins Matilda and Ben. They seem to have absolutely no respect for their mother, Becca, and on one level it's surprising to read about children that aren't perfect, that are just real - and on the other level, it really does make for a hilarious and entertaining book.

I couldn't help but smile at lots of their antics, but Becca is at the of her rope, especially when her support systems all abandon her for the school summer holidays. So she reaches out to The Toddler Tamer, to see if she can help.

And what a journey The Toddler Tamer (or Sasha as she is actually called), takes Becca and her children on. The best way to describe Sasha and her techniques is to think of Jo Frost and her Super Nanny programmes. I definitely felt that she came from that school of child behaviour management, and as a result there is a massive journey of self development for Becca, as she needs to grow in confidence as a mother.

Laurie Ellingham writes children very well, I really did grow to love all three of these children, and their family dynamics. I have a feeling that parents of young children will really be able to identify with parts of this book, and I could picture everything so clearly.

It's just an easy feel good entertaining read. I loved it.

Thank you to Orion Dash and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

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Thank you #Netgalley for the copy!

I need to go back and catch up on all of Ellingham's books. This was my first read of hers and I loved it! So many hilarious moments, tied into the affects of social media. You feel bad for her at times and can understand the judgement she puts on herself. But then at times I would get frustrated that she just gave into the kids so many times. Loved the role of the "nanny" with the simple fixes of training the mom rather than the kids. Such a fun read!

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oh my goodness, this was the best book!! it was soooo sweet and i'm so in love with it!! as always, thank you so much to netgalley for letting me read this book early! pick it up asap!!!

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A fun, light read this book felt slightly silly but in the best way. I really enjoyed myself. I great garden read in the summer.

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Picture Perfect by Laurie Ellingham is a book I can relate to. Not that I have an Instagram following, but trying to keep up the appearance of having it all together while things are not as they seem. This is a fun, easy read.

Thank you to Orion Dash and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

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I picked this from netgalley as a super burnt out, working full time, mother of twins. This story SPOKE to me. I also am clearly into my social media following, and who as a mom ISNT lying about how they're doing?

This is a very light read and I enjoyed the writing style, but I did feel like it was lacking a little bit of depth. This felt like one of those nannying TV shows in instagram/self help form, and I'm not sure that's what I came into this expecting. Don't get me wrong: my twins are BAD. I get it entirely. But there is light with kids, and I wish this focused on that a bit more, or at least showed the main character having options and opportunities. ALSO her husband just up and leaving, while plot driven, is just a bit unbelievable for me.

I enjoyed this, but I don't think I'd recommend it to many people. It wasn't the insight into parenting I was looking for.

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I thought that this was a cute read about a mom and her unruly kids.
I think I'd have gone looney bin by the time this book is over.
I enjoyed the book because it was something different and sort of funny at the same time.
I think what I enjoyed most was how imperfect these people were and chaotic their lives were sometimes.
The author has done a marvelous job with showing this and describing the events in this story to make it seem realistic.
I recommend this book. 5 stars for keeping my interest.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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This was a cute read about a mother who shows her "picture perfect" life on her Instagram (she's a interior designer), but in reality, her house and children are out of control. After a night where she has a drink too many, she realizes she has emailed a "Nanny Whisperer" to help her. After deciding she needs the help, her life of course becomes better, and she realizes that picture perfect isn't necessary, and that her family's happiness is more important than what other people think.

Thank you Netgalley and Orion Dash for the ARC!

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This has been a delightful escape to a wonderful setting. I have definitely been transported by this one.

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I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. I was excited about this book. I have read a few books that have the same sort of story plot and even though I am not a parent I still enjoy them. I just didn't click with this book. I feel like the story was written in a hurry and the scenes were just all unrealistic, as in the kids were so horrible and disturbing the things they did that to me they were possessed by demons. Lol I didn't like the main character she was annoying and constantly feeling sorry for herself. She is a stay at home mom. Yeah I know she has a decorating job but she has put it on the back burner due to her growing family. And she just wallows in self pity drinking and having a pity party. I just didn't like her or really any of he characters. The plot reminded me of a Super Nanny episode. Just was a blah for me.

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Thank you NetGalley and Orion Dash for the ARC!

As a mom who feels COMPLETELY out of control at times, this book hit the mark. Not even joking, this book gave me the spirit I needed to get my youngest to start sleeping in his own bed! And we were able to do that WITHOUT TEARS!! Parenting win!

A mom with a blooming design firm and the instagram page that goes with all of that is put to the test when her husband must leave all summer break for a business trip and her mom leaves for vacation. What is one to do? Email the local toddler tamer! The story follows Becca's journey through parenting and navigating her not-so-happy marriage. Picture Perfect is a fun read for any parent that feels overwhelmed at times (read: EVERY parent!).

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Poorly written and extremely difficult to become interested in. The characters were poorly developed and the storyline was flat

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A good read for mothers and family members of young children about parenting with fun aspects tied into the story.

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I found this book irritating as the main character seemed more intent on doing her job instead of dealing with her very unruly children. The little twins sliding down the bannisters left me cold as I could visualise terrible accidents. She was so weak and feeble with them that at times I just wanted to scream at her. This book didn’t sit well with me and I nearly stopped reading it. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

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This the first book I've read by Laurie Ellingham and I was super excited when it landed in my inbox!

This is a summery, easy and light read. It wasn't entirely what I was expecting - it's almost like the book version of 'Supernanny' and I think the sole focus on the behaviour of the children slightly put me. I was hoping for more detail in other areas of Becca's life, though of course I understand that the focus being mainly on the children emphasizes how much Becca's life is 'ruled' by her kids throughout. Maybe, it just wasn't relatable for me as a nonparent. It's a slow mover and I did find myself struggling to keep going at points.

I enjoyed the writing style and it is very well written.

Overall, definitely worth a read.

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I was intrigued by this book cover and description because as a busy mom of three I can relate with any stressed-out mom! Becca is at her wits end with three children who are disrespectful and she struggles to control them. Worsening the situation was the kid's father is always working so Becca is left with trying to balance her interior design business and the full load of household management and disciplining the children. While we've all been there, screaming at our kids, I felt slightly irritated in Becca's lack of consistency with her children as she was more obsessed with curating content for her millions of Instagram followers. Having Saffron (the Toddler Tamer) enter the picture to provide assistance was a fun plot line and I want her to come help me! Overall, I think any busy mom will appreciate this quick hilarious summer read.

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Aww i really enjoyed reading this book. Anyone with children, 2 or more should definitely read this! Beccas children are bad as hell and she struggles with trying to control them. When she takes them out in public, they act a fool and when they are at home they dont listen to anything she says! Becca lets them do whatever they want and doesnt give any consequences so its her fault. I felt for her though because having a child that doesnt listen is rough! You can be a great parent but if they dont listen, they just dont listen! Especially parenting children with behavioral issues and not having the other parent to help; it sucks! The kids dad is always working and Becca has to do EVERYTHING!

I didnt like her husband but as the story progressed I understood why he was the way he was. Becca was selfish as hell in this book and she wanted to paint a picture of her life being so perfect on social media and it wasnt. This is a prime example of not believing everything you see on social media. Becca would post a photo of her family on social media and 5 mins before posting it, she was just screaming at the kids and arguing with her husband and he wasn’t coming home at night. 😭 Saffron was the bomb. Just imagine someone coming into your home to help you with parenting and your kids listen to them instead of you 👀🤔 I absolutely loved this story

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