Title: She’s Having Her Baby
Author: Lauren Sams
Published: Nero: Black Inc Books March 2015
Status: Read on March 11, 2015 — I own a copy
My Thoughts:
She’s Having Her Baby is a funny and bittersweet debut chick lit novel from Lauren Sams.
“This is it. She’s going to ask me to be her surrogate. No, she won’t. Surely she won’t. That only happens in Katherine Heigl movies, Jesus f** Christ, what if she asks? What am I going to say? There’s only one answer, right? Jesus f**”
Thirty something magazine editor, Georgie Henderson, has never wanted kids but her best friend, Nina Doherty, wants nothing more than to be a mother and when her latest IVF attempt fails, she asks Georgie for the ultimate favour. Reluctantly Georgie agrees to become Nina’s surrogate, willing to help Nina’s dream come true, but Georgie is wholly unprepared for what comes next…
Life doesn’t always go to plan and in She’s Having Her Baby the plot doesn’t quite develop as the reader may expect. Sharply observed, the author explores the themes of infertility, surrogacy, motherhood and friendship in a manner that is funny, poignant and compassionate.
I found Georgie to be an interesting character, she definitely has her flaws, being somewhat inflexible and self absorbed, but she is amusing, feisty and loyal in her own way. I admired Georgia for deciding to help Nina, though I think choosing not to have children for whatever reason is a perfectly valid decision, and though Georgia doesn’t cope particularly well when things don’t work out as expected, including with her relationship and career, she eventually pulls it together.
I’ve witnessed the toll infertility can take on the soul, and relationships, and I really felt for Nina, her desperation is authentic and moving. I laughed out loud at the passages describing the parenting styles of Ellie and the mothers at the playground. Those type of ‘helicopter’, holier than thou parents drove me crazy when my children were babies so I agreed . It’s not like I let mine play with knives or fed them a steady diet of McDonalds but they watched ABC Kids, ate jarred baby foods and wore disposable nappies, and let me assure you they are all bright, healthy and happy children.
The writing is of a good standard, the dialogue is natural, and humour is used to good effect, without undermining the more serious issues. The pacing works well with some surprises in the plot and a conclusion that is satisfying but not too neat.
I enjoyed She’s Having Her Baby, I found it to be both an entertaining and touching novel tackling issues relevant to the modern woman. Lauren Sams is a debut author with promise.
She’s Having Her Baby is available to purchase from
Nero Books I I Booktopia I Amazon AU I via Booko
and all good bookstores.
*****
GIVEAWAY
Courtesy of Nero Books
I have 5 print editions of
She’s Having Her Baby by Lauren Sams
to giveaway.
*Sorry, only Australian residents may enter*
Congratulations to the winners of She’s Having Her Baby:
Linda H; Jan O; Amanda N; Tash B; Kirsty A
Entries close March 22nd 2015
****
Sounds like an interesting read!
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A fun debut it seems. A helpful review thank you.
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Sounds like a good read, a topic I don’t think I have read myself in a book yet.
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Sounds like a great read.
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As someone who is just getting back in to reading for pleasure, this sounds like something I would really like to read. I’m at a similar age and hope to soon become a parent, and have always thought in the back of my mind, what if I can’t? This would be a thought provoking ready for me, and I would probably learn a few things as well.
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Sounds like a book with a few tears, some laughs and a moving story line
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Yes, please!
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Would love to read
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The ‘chick flick’ pre movie, … a NOVEL idea!
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I was just looking at this in a bookstore the other day! I’d love a chance to read it, fingers crossed 🙂
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Sounds like an intriguing chick lit contribution.
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I’m not sure this is a book I would choose to read, but your review is written superbly…and makes me interested. Thanks for sharing.
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Thank you
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