Mum's Big Break

Louise Emma Clarke

Apr 2020 · Head of Zeus Ltd

About this ebook

Life in the spotlight was never going to be easy...

Jess's life was turned upside down when her blog went viral. Now, with hundreds of thousands of followers, Jess is now navigating the trials and tribulations of a world online.

Being a mummy blogger was originally an escape, but now it seems to be turning into a career. And after one wrong post on her social media channels, Jess discovers that life in the spotlight isn't always peachy.

With a new baby on the way, the possibility of starring in a reality TV show and a husband who's struggling with his wife's new-found fame, Jess has a lot going on.

Jess needs to decide whether this is everything she wanted it to be or whether this is all a bit too much for her? Can Jess persevere against the haters, rise up above the pettiness and find the perfect balance of life in the real world and life online?

Perfect for fans of Suzy K Quinn, Fiona Gibson and Gill Simms.

Ratings and reviews

A delightful tale - and perfect for anyone who wants to turn their blog into a business. Jess is a mummy blogger; having shared her experiences on the internet she has built up quite the following, but with success comes pitfalls - and the realisation that for all the supporters cheering you on there is always someone just as happy to do you down. As she progresses towards opportunity to turn her blogging into a career, Jess has to consider not only herself but her daughter, her husband and the new baby she carries. Reading the author's bio, I suspect there is more than a little truth in this book - well, don't they say to write about what you know? Louise Emma Clarke writes in an easy, flowing manner which is both easy to read and entertaining. With a cast of realistic characters and plenty going on, this is a very pleasant read indeed. A good second novel and one I enjoyed. I love the bright cover! Definitely worth all four stars.

The first I’ve read from this author – the premise is simple. Jess started a “Mommy Blog” that went viral, and now with a toddler, pregnant with her second child and some strife at home as the obligations for the now successful blog overwhelm. I believe that this is a second in the series – but not having read the first the problems were clearly laid out and easy to understand. It was the choices and the reliance (or perhaps even over-reliance) on feedback and the pressures of ‘always being on” for each post that struck a chord. Each chapter starts with ‘entries’ from simple facts and figures, to appointments and times pre-scheduled, and even including letters to the as-yet unborn daughter. But not everyone is welcoming the changes. Jess’ husband isn’t all-in on the blog- and now with the option of spinning everything into a reality show – he’s understandably concerned, particularly when Jess is having a ‘bad’ day, and things are just overwhelming. From the competition with another Mommy Blogger, to support from a solid group of friends, it is up to Jess to realign her priorities, decide what is most important, and, above all, find her happiness and peace in what is soon to be a trying and stressful time with two little ones at home. There were moments when this story moved forward quickly and enjoyably – but it also hung in places without a solid ‘background’ on events that would be familiar to readers of the first book. Nothing truly surprising to those of us who do blog regularly – there were snippets of the very real competition and keyboard warriors who couldn’t say something nice if they tried, and the worry about numbers, views, etc.. But there was also a ton of heart and at the core a very likable character in Jess, trying to power through the endless reruns of Peppa Pig, tantrums, feeling overwhelmed and overtired, and the never-ending carousel of obligations that one has to a successful blog. Add family pressures and the little voice in the head that adds more stress – the only relief is the support system that she’s developed, and relies on consistently. A quick and easy read that is most probably best picked up after reading the first from this author. I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

About the author

Louise's blog, Mum of Boys and Mabel has over 100k followers. Having moved to Dubai with her family she's now back in the UK and is enjoying writing. From Mum with Love was her debut novel.