The Misadventures of a Playground Mother

Christie Barlow

Absolutely blew me away! It is funny, jaw-droppingly shocking in parts and also had me in floods of tears. I would give a 100 stars if I could as this book is that outstanding… A truly wonderful book that I was very sad to finish.’ By the Letter Book Reviews

New term. New dramas. New friendships. And that’s just the parents…


After a year of country living, Rachel Young is finally getting into the swing of things. Her four kids are happy and content at the village school, and she’s managed to navigate the choppy (shark-infested) waters of the playground mafia.

Or… so she thought.

When playground mum Penelope Kensington moves herself and her kids into Rachel’s home, after discovering husband Rupert has been having an affair, Rachel knows she must ask them politely to leave. The problem is, Penelope never takes no for an answer.

As Rachel tries to deal with Penelope, she also meets new school mum Melanie. Melanie is a breath of fresh air, but her arrival sends ripples of gossip through the playground. Melanie has a few secrets in her closet, and it seems she’s not the only one…

Hilarious and entertaining, with characters you won’t forget in a hurry, fans of Fiona Gibson, Kerry Fisher and Tracy Bloom will love this book.

I loved this book… I was so indignant for her I found myself telling my husband what Penelope was up to next.’ Bookworms and Shutterbugs

Full of drama, laughter from the beginning until the last page, twist, turns and the occasional bombshell. I knew I would like it but as I read on I began to love it and before I knew it I’d finished and believe me you go on an emotional roller coaster… I highly, highly recommend that you read this book as it is a fun, emotional, easy and light-hearted read… outstanding.Laura H Book Blog

Gives "mommy wars" a whole new meaning. The author perfectly describes the world of girl speak and frenemies… the ending left me wanting more.’ Kristi Reads

Fiendishly funny.Books for Avid Readers

‘Wow this is even better than the first one… a laugh a minute riot that is simply superb… This book was an absolute delight to read… turned me into a complete Christie Barlow convert.’ Rachel’s Random Reads

‘This is a funny, enjoyable book. It’s very well written which makes it an easy read. I loved it.’ Janni B’s Books

‘A book which echoes the reality of the playground and vamps it up, making for a thoroughly enjoyable read.That Thing She Reads

Read what everyone is saying about Christie’s bestselling novel A Year in the Life of a Playground Mother:


A hilarious observation of playground politics. As funny as it is true…’ Sue Watson

Well-observed, highly-relatable and wickedly-funny.’ Cathy Bramley

‘A hilarious account, cleverly witty all the way through, a very entertaining read.Kim the Book Worm

Full of laughs and hilarious one-liners.JB Johnston Book Tours

A hilarious entertaining read.Chicklit Chickadees Book Tour

‘What a tonic, this book should be available on prescription! Witty and incisive.‘ Matt Franks – comedian

The writing flowed beautifully and guided me from one situation to another seamlessly.’ Angela Marsons

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