When I started reading this book, I had no idea that there were other books in the series. It doesn't really matter, this book reads just fine as a standalone.

Beth and Will find themselves accidentally pregnant and when baby Joe is born, their lives are turned upside down. New parenthood is always difficult, and even though my youngest is now 25, I haven't forgotten this feeling!!  Joe is a particularly handsome baby and that leads to a bit of baby modelling work, with some of those scenarios being hilarious. 

The author clearly has a good idea of what it is like to be breastfeeding and to not have your pre-baby body just zing back immediately after birth etc. I was quite sad what happened with Will and Beth's relationship and I would have felt like whacking him over the head for his selfish behaviour!

Anyway, this is an enjoyable book and I feel like I need to go and read the other books by this author now.

4.5 stars from me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.

👪Little Joe the internet and video phenom was the best part👶!

4.5🌟stars
I would not call this book or any others in this series a laughter-filled story but it did have its moments.  For me, those were mostly provided by the author's inward monologue for Baby Joe, Beth and Will's little man whose birth and subsequent care brings trying times.  The exhaustion, stress and distancing a first child brings to this couple is realistic and, at times, heartbreaking.  But there are plenty of embarrassing, quirky and off situations so the story maintains a good pace and the feeling that another bobble to shake up their lives is just around the corner.

Beth is one warm and generous woman and even though I've never been through the experience I really felt for her all the way.  Her strong family support and the fans and friends she attracts along the way made it all bearable but Will?  I am still not in his corner!

Calm, Buddha-like Baby Joe was my favorite character and, if the series continues, I hope to read a lot more about this lone boy growing up in a sea of close aunties and girl cousins☺.

The ending really wraps up superbly their year of joys and trials, making a warm, contented sigh SO not out of place.

Thanks to publishers Bookouture and NetGalley for providing a complimentary advance copy of the book;  this is my voluntary and honest review.

“THEY HAVE FUCKING LEBKUCHEN!”
The above four words comprise, quite possibly, my most favourite line from the thirty-four (and a half) books I read during 2020.
It may not be the most erudite or insightful sentence but, when I read it, I smiled broadly. For I knew exactly how the character responsible for this exclamation felt. I mean, come on, who doesn’t get excited when spiced baked goods are on offer? Especially at this time of year (I read this book at the beginning of December) when the weather is miserable and we are eager for cheer and for reassurance, for the good humour provided by good friends and loved ones, and for the comfort and familiarity that comes with the approaching festivities.
In the ten months since I read the excellent and very funny “Has Anyone Seen My Sex Life?”, Kristen Bailey’s writing has provided me with a little of that Lebkuchen comfort and joy. Her books are sweet, a little spicy, very delicious, extremely moreish, humorous, and joyful and they are an absolute treat whatever the season.
The author breathes life and warmth into her characters, even those who initially appear to be unlikeable. She creates a world that is fun and which is rewarding to spend time in. Her books helped make my 2020 a little more pleasant and bearable.
Ms. Bailey, it may be fair to say, is my booky lebkuchen.
It doesn’t seem so very long ago – as recently as May, in fact – that I was imploring her to write “book three very soon, please.” Happily, she has obliged and the third tale in The Callaghan Sisters series will be on the shelves early in 2021.
Even more happily, for me anyway, I’ve been lucky to have the opportunity of reading this latest book ahead of its release date. Thank you to the publishers for that privilege.
So, to the book.
This one- the third in the series – tells the tale of Beth Callaghan and opens with Beth about to deliver her first child. Some of the details were a little alarming for this reader – forgive me, I’m a bloke and, despite being a father myself, some things are best left unknown! Alarming but very funny nonetheless.
I’ll try not to spoil the story for anyone but new parents Beth and her boyfriend Will find that parenthood can be challenging, exhausting, and, often, overwhelming. They soon find their relationship tested. Thankfully for Beth, the remaining Callaghan sisters are on hand to offer help and advice irrespective if said advice has been requested or not.
I particularly liked how the author titled each chapter after specific songs – Beth and Will are keen music lovers and “gig-goers”. However, I am quite alarmed that, despite being “into music” myself, that I did not know all of the tracks mentioned. Thankfully I recognised all the band names. Well, all bar one. Bugger! I’m getting old.
This is another appetising slice of Callaghan sisters goodness and it was an absolute joy to be reunited with the five of them. As I mentioned in my earlier review of “Can I Give My Husband Back?” (book two in the series) I’ve grown rather fond of all the Callaghan girls but Lucy “Luce Cannon” is my favourite. Even though I am pretty sure she would break me in every conceivable way were we ever to meet.
I do have one cause for concern, however. With three books done and only five Callaghan sisters, I am already approaching the end of their saga. And that is a little saddening.
Anyway, in case you are wondering which Callaghan sister spoke so highly about Lebkuchen…well, just take a guess.

This book was fine. I did like the sister dynamics, how they tell each other everything. There are 4 sisters so everything was chaotic at times, but i loved it. I also loved the relationship with Paddy, her neighbor, it was so cute and awesome. 
At first, all the internal monologues of the main character made me laugh and happy, but as the story went on I felt they were very long and sometimes made no sense. Some of the relationships with other characters were so frustrating to read. 
What made me the most upset was the relationship with her significant other, mostly how the guy acted. There was so much miscommunication and no communication at all. I hated that. The whole problem could've been avoided it they just sat down and talked.

I didn't realize this was part of a series but it reads like a standalone. And it's hilarious! 
Beth and long-term boyfriend Will are navigating the trials of pregnancy and new parenthood after a drunk night and a missed pill. Beth shares some of the more humiliating and awkward situations during childbirth. Then once baby Joe is born it becomes more like the movie Look Who's Talking as she shares what she thinks baby Joe is thinking.  But the less sleep Beth gets and the more hours Will puts in at his stressful job,  the farther they get apart. The awkwardness of her new body shape leaves her self-concious. When Will leaves them,  saying he needs a break,  things get a little darker but still with humorous moments. 
This was a quick read.  I found myself laughing out loud so many times! What a great and truthful picture of motherhood. 
Thank you to Kristen Bailey and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The views and opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

I found this book to have humorous moments and I could relate to Beth and the no sleeping! My first child had colic and my husband was military and gone the first five months of his life. The book was written more about being alone and raising a child as a single woman. I didn’t find this to be that comical  and the drinking episodes was actually not that funny either.

I think the author lost the entertainment story somewhere when Will and Beth got pregnant. I think the storyline could have been a great read if it was a serious issue and expressive. I would hav loved to seen it play out more. However, there are going to be others who will find this slapstick hilarious, but it’s to each ones taste. I have read this other before and I know she writes great comedy, but  this would definitely have been a wonderful dramatic book! Just sayin😁

I adore this author! I absolutely knew that this would be the escapist read that would be needed after a manic crazy week at work. It definitely hasn't disappointed. I haven't been able to put this one down. 
I love how Kristen's books are sweary, rude and honest. I am always guaranteed to be belly laughing from Kristen's books. The writing style is absolutely brilliant, you feel as though you are there with the characters. 
I have loved revisiting the sisters. They are characters that we have come to love throughout previous books and this is a welcome return. These should and would be an amazing TV Series. They are just truly brilliant. 
I have been so excited by this hilarious instalment and found this completely relatable. I adore this author and this might be my favourite read yet. I am so excited to see what else Kristen has in store for us.

Kristen Bailey strikes again! This is the third in a series of Callaghan sisters books and Did My Love Life Shrink in the Wash hits the spot yet again - the perfect mix of hilarity and heartwarming fiction! You don't need to read them in order, but you won't be disappointed if you do! 

Many reviews reference this as a chick-lit novel, but I'm a thirty year old man and I enjoyed this novel immensely - I'm sure if you've ever been in a serious relationship you will too. 

Will it make you laugh till your cheeks hurt? Definitely. I was crying laughing at the opening (partly because my partner is about to give birth for the second time and it brought back a flood of funny memories) as the story is so humble. The characters are so real you start to see them as actual people - that's part of the magic in Bailey's writing. 

Lets me honest, who can honestly say they're ready for a tiny human to come into their world and turn it upside down? Beth (the protagonist) isn't that's for sure, but you root for her to succeed. She's caring and loving and despite the fact that life throws a lot of shit her way (sleep deprivation, cheating partner to name just a few problems) she keeps you in high spirits by finding the funny in every situation. 

I highly recommend the whole series of Kristen Bailey books as each one has always made me laugh and lifted my spirits by the end.  

Thank you to Bookouture for allowing me to read an advance reader copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.

Did My Love Life Shrink in the Wash? by Kristen Bailey will make you laugh out loud and have you nodding in resigned recognition at this fresh and cheeky take on modern relationships and motherhood.

Beth is a first time mother to infant Joe, and mothers everywhere will relate to her humorous and spot on takes of the trials and tribulations that accompany this particular stage of life, while at the same time putting unforseen strain on even the most solid of relationships, specifically with regard to intimacy.  Fans of Ms Bailey will lap this one up.  3.5 stars

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC.

I fell in love with this author's writing and characters in 'Can I Give My Husband Back?' and was so glad to see that 'Did My Love Life Shrink in the Wash' continues with the Callaghan sisters. This time it's Beth's story.

Beth comes across as a sweet and quirky Mom struggling to keep it together with a new baby. If having an unexpected baby wasn't enough for her to handle, her partner, Will, does a runner. How does she cope with him not around? Then baby Joe is scouted to be a model for a young rapper and life takes a turn. Once again, the loving band of sisters close rank to protect Beth. 

In addition to the family, there's  a lovely cast of characters in Beth's friends and new acquaintances! 

Kristen Bailey surely knows how to make one laugh and cry and remember her characters long after reading her books!

I haven’t read a novel by this author before but a quick Google search made clear that she is clearly a celebrated author and very few have anything bad to say about her. I would agree, a witty write I enjoyed dipping in and out of this book but it wasn’t worth making a cup of tea and investing a significant amount of time to reading. It wasn’t quite what I was expecting any maybe I’m not the target demographic but I still think I should have enjoyed it more than I did!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of Did My Love Life Shrink in the Wash?

Thank you NetGalley, Kristen Bailey and Bookouture for the ARC of Did My Love Life Shrink in the Wash?
This is my personal review.
This is the first book I have read by this author. 
The book was something that will absolutely be a huge hit with Mom’s all over the world. It gives a good and  at times hilarious look at what a Mother’s life is like. The thoughts and what many feel and think about having a newborn. It was a look at how a  life changes in small and huge ways and it was done with enough humor for me to make the book an OK read. 
The publication date for this book is January 11, 2021.

Just when I think Kristen couldn’t out do herself in another book, she does! I absolutely love the Callaghan sisters and there crazy lives, makes me feel abit boring which is great 🤣 the madness is also told so well by Kristens witty and hilariously funny humour which i absolutely love, you can’t beat a book that makes you laugh out loud, the dramas of everyday life told in such ways is exhilarating, from boyfriends, parents, siblings to childbirth and the things most people wouldn’t say out loud, Kristen is brilliant and I do tell her this 🤣(she probably thinks I’m mad but I believe if someone is amazing then you should bloody well tell them that 👌🏼) I’d never read a funny book before I always seemed to read thrillers, so if anything  good has come from 2020 it’s finding this fabulous author and her brilliant reads 👌🏼😝if you want a feel good laugh out loud hilarious read then look no further, the best and truest take on motherhood I’ve ever heard 🤣 I loved Beth and wills story, now I can’t wait for Lucy and graces stories 😍 out 11th of January 2021 pre order now 👌🏼 Thank you NetGalley for giving me the chance to read this

I was immediately drawn to this book by its hilarious title and cover. If you feel this vibe, you're going to totally love the book as well - it's a hilarious chick-lit novel about motherhood and marriage in the modern era.

Our protagonist Beth really has no clue about being a mother, except she is one. She does her best; she's caring, loving and sweet. But being a mom is no walk in the park, as we learn about Beth's struggles with sleep deprivation, tiredness, loss of social lifestyle and body image. And on top of that, her baby daddy and boyfriend Will cheated and suddenly walks out on her and the baby. 

In this way, this novel is raw and brutally honest about (single) parenthood, which I truly appreciated as I hope to become a mom one day. But the author manages to skillfully and delicately turn these difficult issues into a humorous story full of jokes and hilarious situations. Did I say it was hilarious? In the time I really needed to immerse myself in someone else's problems while simultaneously staying lighthearted and entertained, this book  ticked all the boxes for me.

*Thank you to the Publisher for a free advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is an amazing and honest look at motherhood as well as impacts on all aspects of a woman's life. We do lose a sense of self - which is a huge component of depression, in my opinion. 
Beth is struggling - Joe who is an amazing baby doesn't sleep. At all. On top of the after baby bulge society feels is supposed to disappear over night. Breastfeeding - constant eating, leaking from everywhere and how do you function with their size. No social interaction - utter lose of socialization, support structure. The house is a disaster - who can keep up with anything with minimal assistance from the dad? 
I felt all of these aspects of Beth's life - from my own experiences, struggles and the reality of motherhood. However, I just could not get into this book. The lengthy descriptions. Long chapters. It just didn't work for me.

What a read. I got so many laughs reading this book. There are some sad parts to it too. Having had two children I could relate to a lot of her tales regarding childbirth and the changes a new baby can bring to your life. Some very amusing characters of call ages. Great relaxing read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
Kristen Bailey is a very humorous author and I have enjoyed each of the 3 books. This one was just as good as the previous 2. I enjoy the different perspectives of each of these sisters and have no doubt the next 2 books will be on my must read list.

This book was nothing like I was expecting, so for that I cannot rate it higher. While it wasn't a bad book, it really wasn't great, either. I did finish the book, but I am not sure that I would recommend it. Thank you for the chance to read this.

We are back with the Callaghan sisters and this time it is Beth's Story.

First time mum to baby Joe, the struggles in motherhood and how to keep your relationship going with Will. 

Fun and full of Humour from the first page this had me belly laughing throughout.

A real joy to read and already looking foward to picking up the other sister's stories.

Wooohooo book 3 in this fabulous series and I loved it as much as the other 2.
The Callaghan sisters… 5 great women. They are all different, but the have one thing in common: they always have each other’s back. They stick together no matter what or where they are. 
I already had the pleasure of reading the first two books and was enjoying them thoroughly. Although they are all utterly hilarious, there are some emotional rollercoasters involved too. 
Every book puts one of the sisters in the spotlight, but because, as I said before, they are always there for each other, the whole family is always present too.  
This time it was middle sister Beth’s turn to give us in peek into her every day life and if you have children too, you will recognize yourself in some (a lot of) situations she finds herself in.
The author lights up my day with her stories. Winter, clouds, rain, fed up with 2020,… take one of this author’s books and the sun will come out. 
I am sad there are  only 5 sisters but on the other hand I am happy there are still 2 more books to come and to look forward to. 5 stars.

Thank you, Kristen Bailey and Bookouture