Stepping Up

Beth would be the first to admit her life isn't ideal: early thirties, single, living at home, a string of abandoned jobs behind her. But it's hers, and it's comfortable. And it's completely uprooted when, following a tragic accident, Beth finds herself the guardian of her sister's children. Emmy might have thought Beth was up to the task of looking after a teenager and a toddler, but Beth, and her mum, aren't so sure. Will this be another things she quits, or can she step up and take care of those she loves?

I've been a fan of Sarah Turner and her Unmumsy Mum blog since I had my first daughter, and as soon as Stepping Up was announced I knew I needed to read it.

Despite the subject being very different to her blog posts, Stepping Up still has Turner's warm, funny style, offering a realistic depiction of bringing up children.

Secrets, problems with communication, and struggling to properly empathise with others all cause plenty of drama over the course of this story and I found it hard to put down.

I'd expected to laugh, a lot, what I hadn't expected was how emotional this book would be! Stepping Up is a thoughtful and sensitive exploration of grief and loss. And it's definitely going to encourage me to have that difficult discussion about wills that I've been putting off.

I loved Beth and was rooting for her from the very beginning. Albert, Emmy's elderly neighbour, was another highlight, and was a delight every time he appeared on the page with his shouty text messages and gentle encouragement.

This book really was a joy to read and I'll be recommending it to everyone I know.

I was provided with an advanced copy for review on NetGalley.