Claire Casey’s Had Enough by Liz Alterman is a sharp and witty novel that follows one woman's breaking point. Claire is stuck in a life that no longer brings her joy. Her husband is inattentive and irresponsible, her two children constantly test her patience, and she feels completely drained by the daily grind. The story takes place over the course of a single day, which is a unique and effective storytelling choice. Instead of feeling repetitive or slow, the plot moves quickly and keeps the reader engaged.

What makes this novel stand out is Claire herself. She is funny, flawed, and deeply human. Her thoughts and actions feel honest, and her frustrations are both relatable and often darkly amusing. Her unexpected reunion with an old flame from twenty years ago adds another layer of complexity to her day, pushing her to question where her life has gone and what she really wants.

Although the book had many strong moments and clever humor, I personally found it hard to relate to Claire’s situation. As someone in their twenties without children or a marriage to manage, I am likely not the intended audience. That said, I truly appreciated the honesty of the novel. Life does not always go as planned, and Alterman is unafraid to explore that truth with both heart and humor.

Overall, while not entirely for me, Claire Casey’s Had Enough is a well-written and engaging story that will likely resonate with readers who see themselves in Claire’s shoes.

"IT'S A LOT" is a comment I frequently hear from my millennial sons.

And that is the best phrase to describe this book.

It was not only "A LOT," it was waaay TOO MUCH.

Too much complaining from a frazzled and unappreciated forty-something mom of three.

Quite frankly, listening to this mom's nonstop complaints was exhausting and not the reading experience I was seeking.

The publisher's blurb positioned this as a "hilarious, heart-warming mom-com, perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella."

The author's humor escaped me.

In addition, I failed to see the similarities between this author and Sophie Kinsella.

I listened to the audiobook read by Stephanie Rose.

The narration was good but not great.

I was not the right reader for this book, and I encourage you to read the other positive reviews.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

When Claire’s husband can’t manage with their children whilst she is away on a business trip from her getting calls asking where things are because dad is having a snooze to him then forgetting to collect her from the airport she finally decides she has simply had enough.

Claire reflects on her life as mum in this slightly dual timeline of her former self at 16 with dreams and aspirations of what her life might look like. All that begins really because of contact with a former boyfriend who she finds herself interacting with via text and emails that begin getting a little flirty leading Claire to wonder if the life she is living is enough is it all she wants and needs!

It’s a typical rom-com or as the synopsis stated a mom-com with lighthearted humour an easy listen with likeable characters. This was well narrated and overall an enjoyable entertaining listen.

With gratitude to NetGalley & Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to listen to this ELC in return for an honest review. 🙏🏽🎧❤️📚

As a midlife mom juggling kids, career, carpool chaos, and the mysterious vanishing of left socks (seriously, where do they go?), Claire Casey’s Had Enough felt like reading a slightly more dramatic version of my own Tuesday. It’s witty, raw, and peppered with enough “OMG, yes!” moments that I found myself laughing out loud in the school pickup line—getting a few looks from other moms in the process.
Claire, the frazzled forty-something protagonist, is so many of us: overextended, underappreciated, and drowning in a life she barely recognizes anymore. Between her three kids (four, if you count her well-meaning but completely clueless husband), an uninspiring job, and an airport pickup fail that could’ve happened to any of us, she finally reaches her breaking point. Sound familiar? Yeah, it did to me, too.
The book is told over the course of a single day—which makes it both a quick, bingeable read and an emotional rollercoaster. From snapping at her husband (been there), to reuniting with an old flame (not yet, but hey, never say never), to rediscovering her spark, Claire’s journey feels painfully real and wildly entertaining.
There are truly funny moments here—some had me clutching my coffee in giggle fits—and the author absolutely nails the chaos of modern motherhood. The dialogue is sharp, the inner monologue is painfully accurate (especially the mental to-do list that never ends), and Claire’s story will resonate with any woman who's ever muttered, “If one more person calls my name…”
That said, the 3.5-star rating comes from a few bumps. At times, the book leans a little too heavily into cliché territory, and while Claire’s rediscovery of self is empowering, her emotional pendulum can swing so fast it’s hard to keep up. I also found myself wanting more resolution by the end—some threads felt rushed or conveniently tied up. I’m undecided on how I feel about the full day
Still, for moms in the thick of it, Claire Casey’s Had Enough is a comforting, comical mirror. It won’t change your life, but it’ll make you laugh, and maybe—just maybe—remind you to chase a little more of who you are, beyond the laundry and lunches.

** if you listen to audiobook, note there are a few F bombs (loved this!) and a few adult moments (but definitely could have had more**

This was brilliant! I had so much fun listening to this book! @lizalterman is a genius - here we have a day in the life of a midlife crisis 40 year old mom and everything that goes along with it, and let me tell you, she nailed it! Absolute perfection and also a sombering look at harsh reality. As a mom and as a woman, nobody ever tells you life and motherhood is hard, and it's a thankless job, and it's never ending. I think this made the book even funnier because I could envision myself in a couple of these scenarios. I celebrated all the wins with Claire as she is navigating through this day from hell. @stephrosevoice was the perfect narrator for this. I loved listening to her, and her subtle usage of tone and volume in the right place was incredible, I could feel the hysteria in her voice at some stage and the utter annoyance in others. If you are feeling burnt out, fed up, and tired and want to give in, listen to this ladies! I have a pep in my step i didn't yesterday, and this book is giving me a new lease on life! Brilliant writing, Liz. I can't thank you enough!

Thank you to @netgalley and @dreamscape_media for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Claire Casey's Had Enough by Liz Alterman is a relatable, witty look into the chaotic life of a working mother of three in her 40s whose marriage has gone stale. Quietly separated from her husband, Claire reconnects with an old boyfriend and plans to meet him for drinks, hoping to rekindle a spark that's long been missing.

Set over the course of one frenzied day, the story follows Claire as she juggles career demands, kid drama, and household responsibilities—all while trying to sneak away for her potential fling. It’s a humorous and heartfelt portrayal of a woman torn between the comfort of a long-term relationship and the thrill of something new.

As a mom, I found many moments deeply relatable, though the fast-paced timeline felt unrealistic—some crises were resolved far too quickly. Still, this is an enjoyable read for anyone who loves family drama, realistic emotions, and a touch of humor. A great pick for readers who understand the beautiful chaos of motherhood.

Thanks to NetGalley, Dreamscape Audio, and Liz Alterman for allowing me access to this ALC.

I absolutely loved this book. It felt like Liz Alterman peeked into my past and captured emotions I didn’t even realize I still carried. Claire Casey’s Had Enough is for the moms who are exhausted yet keep showing up. For the women who feel invisible but know that if they stopped holding it all together, it would all fall apart. For those who quietly wish they were still loved the way they used to be—before life got so heavy.

Alterman writes with humor, heart, and painful honesty. Stephanie Rose’s narration brought it all to life. Her voice added warmth and personality to Claire’s story, making it even more relatable and raw. This book reminded me that I’m not alone—and sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.

I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the ARC.

As a working mom of three in my forties, I found this book so relatable. I’m grateful not every part hit home, though! haha.

I listened to the audiobook on a road trip, and it kept me entertained. I gasped several times and laughed out loud! I highly recommend giving it a listen. The book is narrated by Liz Alterman. She did a fantastic job.

Publication date- June 03 2025
#ClaireCaseysHadEnough #NetGalley

Some what realistic protrayal of life. Married with a husband that seems to do nothing around the house and demanding children with school and health issues, Claire has had enough. Claire and Paul are the parents of 3 boys. Paul works in IT and Claire at 46 writes online as an Influencer for a company that discusses and compares numerous products and items that relate to children. Claire is always trying to meet her deadlines. This story is Claire’s second “coming of age” tale. Just when she felt that her life was crashing down all around her, she had the temptation of a reconnect with her ex from her college years. Funny and relatable, this story was an easy read and a refreshing breath of fresh air. I enjoyed how it was paced and found myself nodding my head along to parts of the frustration Claire was feeling. Explains many things that makes a marriage as well as what might pull one away. This one will have you nodding and laughing at the same time. Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and Liz Alterman for the opportunity.

Claire is having quite a day! Tonight is BTSN (Back to School Night) at the middle school. The Mamarama staff where she works has a Meet and Greet. The local coffee shop owner wants help objecting to a Starbucks. Oh, and an old flame has asked her to meet him for drinks. What is a mom of three boys to do?

Liz Alterman gives us a play-by-play of the day showing us glimpses of Claire's past relationship with husband Paul and the one who got away. Paul and Claire are currently separated -- the opening scene shows us the straw that broke the camel's back. Alterman shows us the good and the bad in their marriage adding to the tension of Should She? or Shouldn't She?

I am not a fan of indifelity in my novels. This was much more than that. Claire is at a crossroads. It's almost a 'sliding doors' moment. Along the way there are many heartwarming and humorous situations.

If you have done the soccer mom circuit like I have, you can relate to three boys on the go. The days are long, but the years are short as they say. Claire is in the midst of a very long day with major consequences for the future.

This was an impulse pick from the Recently Added Audio Books on NetGalley. Thank you to Dreamscape Audio and NetGalley for an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review. Taking one star off for pushing the envelope in the language category.

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the audio ARC!

4 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

🎧 AUDIOBOOK REVIEW 🎧


I loved this book! The narrator was great. The audio was great. It flowed nicely and the narrator did a great job.

This story was so great. It was so relatable. Claire is literally all of us in one way or another. As a mom of 4 Claire resignated with me so much! Highly recommend.

**Review of *Claire Casey’s Had Enough* by Liz Alterman**

*Claire Casey’s Had Enough* is a well-written, emotionally grounded women’s fiction novel that explores the everyday complexities of middle-aged life. Liz Alterman does a great job capturing the messiness of parenting, the grind of work, and the unspoken weight of community obligations.

The story kicks off with a small but telling moment: Claire’s husband forgets to pick her up at the airport. It’s the final straw, and she blurts out that she’s had enough. What follows is a separation that leaves both Claire and her husband unsure if their marriage can survive. To complicate things further, an old college boyfriend reappears at a reunion, throwing Claire’s emotional state into even more turmoil.

What makes this novel resonate is how deeply relatable it is. Alterman doesn’t rely on dramatic plot twists or overblown conflict—instead, she explores the quiet discontent and small joys that make up long-term relationships. It’s a realistic, honest portrayal of love, fatigue, and the search for self amid the demands of adult life.

I was genuinely unsure how things would resolve, and I found the ending satisfying without being overly neat or predictable. This isn’t a book for every palate—it leans more into introspection than action—but for readers who appreciate character-driven stories about real life, it's definitely worth the read.

Liz Alterman’s Claire Casey’s Had Enough had it all! We learned from stories about the Maiden, Mother, and Crone, as well as both sides of stories coming to interweave into the full and hilarious (and sometimes tragic) truth.

I think that most people have felt some of Claire’s story: overworked, under-appreciated, and exhausted. Most of us have wished to go back to simpler times when our love story was our only worry. And I have often held up my story and compared it with those of all of my friends, coworkers, and neighbors, with similar results as Claire’s.

This story is Claire’s second “coming of age” tale. Just when she felt that her life was crashing down all around her, she had the temptation of a reconnect with her ex from her college years. The whole will she/won’t she was the basic overriding plot device for the entire book, and I love that she was so real with her worries, daily life craziness, becoming an accidental viral sensation, and all with a head-scratching that could only be soothed by a milkshake (because, honestly, what doesn’t a milkshake make better?).

I recommend this book to anyone who has had any kind of relationship and is at any stage of adulthood. It will remind you of things, teach you other things, and give you hope for tomorrow.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this outstanding Audio ARC!!!