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October 22, 2007
British author Beaumont’s American debut tells the story of a once successful London voiceover artist nearing the end of her 30s and possibly a divorce. Narrator Fran Clark, a 36-year-old stay-at-home mother of two, has been stuck in a rut for nearly 11 years. Her marketing genius husband Richard’s career has taken off, and though he’s spending less time at home, he wants Fran to get back into the voiceover game because he thinks it’ll make her happier. Fran, however, chickens out before every audition and soon suspects Richard’s cheating on her. Run-ins with gossipy mothers at the children’s school, missed auditions, accusations of unfit parenting by the school principal, a dangerous flirtation with alcoholism and her friends’ separate life dramas provide the obstacles to Fran’s mission of getting herself sorted out. It’s enjoyable mommy lit, aided by ample doses of British humor, breezy storytelling and an upbeat feel even in the down moments.

Starred review from March 31, 2008
Nothing could be more challenging for an audiobook reader than to take on the character of a voice-over artist. Fran Clark, a well-to-do Londoner burnt out thanks to two small children, an unfaithful husband and two unexpectedly pregnant friends, is in the grip of early onset midlife crisis and a career-ruining case of stage fright. Kate Reading's bravura performance nails down every character, including the mothers in a posh London district, a Germanic school administrator, many small children and Fran's charming but wayward husband, who is given a suave, sexy voice that ignites his thousand-watt smile. The grand finale finds Fran attempting to impress her children's friends and their parents by imitating the cast of The Simpsons
, Bette Davis and a few politicians, all in a few moments' time, during which she switches back and forth to the reactions of her audience. Reading turns this amiable novel into a tour de force performance that is funny, fast-moving and fearless. Simultaneous release with the Hyperion hardcover (Reviews, Oct. 22, 2007).