You may remember last year I reviewed Survival of the Ginnest for a lovely Twitter friend Aimee Horton. Well, I’m excited to say that Aimee has been beavering away and has now written a full length novel featuring the same character, the inimitable Dottie (who quite frankly I really do think would be one of my besties if she actually were…well…real!)
Anyway, Aimee sent me a manuscript of Mothers Ruined a couple of weeks ago for review and I have to say I was quickly hooked, as I had been with the first Dottie story. This book continues her story – she’s moved to a new area and is on maternity leave after baby #3 makes a surprise appearance three weeks early and isn’t quite what they were preparing for.
As I’m on maternity leave at the moment, the story line really grabbed me – the trials of trying to make new “mum” friends whilst trying to make time to shower every day, keep the kids presentable (and not green…), find topics of conversation with other mums who you don’t know from Adam (or Eve I guess!) and such like.
The main plot line in the novel starts when Dottie starts overhearing the goings on in her neighbours’ houses through her baby monitor. I’ve always puzzled about whether this could actually happen. Luckily we live next door to a retired couple who I don’t think would own such a thing so I think we’re pretty safe! Anyway, I love the way this story line develops and how Dottie uses the conversations she’s overhearing to make new friends in her neighbourhood. She also uncovers the secrets of the street, which eventually get exposed rather publicly – I particularly loved the comeuppance at the end for an especially nosy neighbour!
Aimee has paid much attention to the reader journey in this book, and I really like the touches like the naming of the chapters which I always thinks shows skill and commitment on the part of the author – so much more involved than just numbering them! We also have regular insights into Dottie’s deepest thoughts, these are presented like asides spoken directly to the reader Miranda-style. Of these I especially chuckled at “I spend my entire life rotating crap throughout this house” (I feel like this most of the time!)
So yet again I’d highly recommend a read to all fellow mums, and I think anyone who likes the sound of a Cecilia Ahern style, fun and enjoyable read. I’m left hoping that Aimee continues to write as I for one will be waiting with baited breath to see what comes next!
Mothers Ruined by Aimee Horton published this weekend and is available for download on Amazon for the fab introductory price of £1.82.
If you love it, and want to know the backstory to Dottie, do check out Survival of the Ginnest. This is also available for download on Amazon for just 77p.
Aimee Horton blogs at <em>Pass the Gin</em> (which in itself is a fab read, I’d recommend a follow!)
Note- I was sent a manuscript for review and have received no payment for this post. All comments are my own.
Letters to Elliot (& Alexander too!) 
I haven’t had chance to getting round to reading Aimee’s books yet but they are on my list! I’ve heard very good things about them and Aimee is lovely 🙂 x
Aww! *blushes*
This sounds exactly my type of read. Thanks for sharing and well done to Aimee 🙂
Thank you so much!
Thank for the tip off, I always love a good read and well done to Aimee, I shall keep a look out for this book.
Thank you very much! I hope you enjoy it if you download it! x
This sounds like a great book. You got me hooked just thinking about hearing conversations through the baby monitor! I love the idea that this then opens up new friends in the neighbourhood! Brilliant!
ahh thank you! I hope if you download it makes you smile! x
I love the cover design! And I’m a fan of chapters that are labeled too- it hints at what the chapter is about.
Ahh thank you! My friend did the design she is SUPER clever!
Sounds like a good read to me! Will put on my to read list x
Thank you! I hope you enjoy it! x
I quite agree with you about naming chapters than just numbering them. Sounds like a delightful read.
ahh thank you! I hope if you get chance to download it it meets your expectations!
I always like to discover new books! We don’t have a kindle so can’t buy them from Amazon – can I get them for our Nook do you know?
I think it will be available on other devices but you’d need to check with Aimee – (@AimeeHorton on twitter) – will comment back here if I find out when!
Hi Rollercoaster Mum – I am hoping it will be on Nook soon – it sometimes takes up to 10days so I’ve followed you on twitter and will let you know! (My husband is waiting for the nook too!) x
This sounds like a great book! I’ll add it to my reading list 🙂
Thank you! x
I love the sound of this book, perfect for the reading on the Kindle while waiting for my eldest to come out of school
Oooh! I hope if you do download it you like it! x
It sounds like this is a great novel. thank you for your lovely review.
🙂 I hope the novel does the review justice! x
I definitely need to be reading more – sounds a good read
Yay! Thank you! x