I’ve loved all of the previous books in the ‘Why Mummy’ series by Gill Sims – and thought the one out in 2020 was the final one in the series, so I was DELIGHTED to hear there was a new one. So delighted I was even prepared to part with my own hard cash to buy it for my Kindle!

Here’s the blurb:

“Mummy has always loved Christmas. Sure, the kids turn into demons, the dinner gets burnt to a crisp and Aunt Louisa’s general staggering inappropriateness sends Mummy reaching for the nearest maximum-strength festive tipple, but nevertheless, for her, Christmas is always special.
This year, she wants nothing more than to perfectly fig up the pudding and sit by the fire reading aloud from A Christmas Carol to a rapt, rosy-cheeked audience. But, just like all Mummy’s best-laid plans, this year’s Festive Vision is in danger of being totally derailed by her chaotic family. There’s not much chance of any action under the mistletoe, and the kids are just not playing ball.
Can Mummy find her silver lining after all and bring the whole family together for one moment of harmony, so they can finally proclaim ‘Verily You Are the Queen of Christmas’? Or should she get stuck into the festive spirits and just let it all go?”

The book follows on a couple of years after the last one – and thus is again in sync with my own family! The eldest daughter being at Uni and younger son on his year out (although ours is working as a labourer for our family construction business rather than swanning about foreign parts – for the moment anyway!) Ellen (aka Mummy) is looking forward to a perfect Christmas with Jane and Peter back under her roof – but her plans start falling apart. And there starts reminiscing about Christmasses past.

The supporting cast for these flashbacks have mostly already featured in the previous books – so there are clever references and plot points that super fans will recognise (whilst technically the book would stand alone, I really think having read the rest of the series would be an advantage.)

As with the previous books – there were elements that were laugh out loud funny – and the characterisation of family life is so very, very true.

I have to confess (and I’ll whisper this, as I feel like I’m being unfaithful to a series I love) but I did occasionally get a bit bored – specifically the Christmas at Louisa’s.

Overall though, another great, fun, funny, read – and a perfect Christmas gift for the harassed Mums in your life!