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A Mother's Story: A powerful and emotional story of motherhood from multimillion copy bestseller Amanda Prowse Kindle Edition

4.3 out of 5 stars 7,622 ratings

From the multimillion copy bestseller Amanda Prowse, the queen of heartbreak fiction.

***


I deserve all this because I did the worst thing a woman can do. The very worst.

Jessica's wedding was like a fairytale. Her dress strewn with crystals. Her dad made a tearful speech. Her husband Matthew declared himself the luckiest man alive.

But when their
beautiful baby girl is born, Jessica is gripped by panic. She can't tell anyone how she feels. Even when her life starts to spiral out of control...

This is her story.
A mother's story.

***

Reviews for Amanda Prowse:

'Prowse handles her explosive subject with delicate skill...
Deeply moving and inspiring' DAILY MAIL.

'Powerful and
emotional family drama that packs a real punch' HEAT.

'A
gut wrenching and absolutely brilliant read' IRISH SUN.

'Captivating,
heartbreaking, superbly written' CLOSER.

'Very
uplifting and positive, but you may still need a box (or two) of tissues' HELLO.

'An
emotional, unputdownable read' RED.

'Prowse writes gritty, contemporary stories but always with an
uplifting message of hope' SUNDAY INDEPENDENT.

From the Publisher

the queen of family drama - daily mail

poppy day

what have i done

clover's child

will you remember me

perfect daughter

three and a half heartbeats

my husband's wife

another love

prowse writes gritty contemporary stories - sunday independent

Product description

Review

Amanda Prowse is the author of several novels including the number 1 bestsellers What Have I Done?, Perfect Daughter and My Husband's Wife. Her books have sold millions of copies worldwide, and she is published in dozens of languages.

Described by reviewers as 'the queen of family drama', Amanda's characters and stories are often inspired by real life issues. The research for her books has led to partnerships with ITV and Femail among others.

Amanda lives in Bristol with her husband and two sons. As her many twitter followers know, she almost never switches off. But when she does, she can be found drinking tea in her favourite armchair, scribbling ideas for her next book.

About the Author

Amanda Prowse likens her own life story to those she writes about in her books. After self-publishing her debut novel Poppy Day in 2011, she has gone on to author twenty-five novels, including the number 1 bestsellers, Perfect Daughter and What Have I Done, six novellas and a memoir. Her books have been translated into a dozen languages and she regularly tops book charts all over the world. Remaining true to her ethos, Amanda writes stories of ordinary women and their families who find their strength, courage and love tested in ways they never imagined. The most prolific female contemporary fiction writer in the UK, with a legion of loyal readers, she goes from strength to strength. Being crowned 'queen of domestic drama' by the Daily Mail was one of her finest moments. Amanda is a regular contributor on TV and radio but her first love is, and will always be, writing. You can find her online at www.amandaprowse.com, on Twitter or Instagram @MrsAmandaProwse, and on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/amandaprowsenogreaterlove

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00NLGBKTK
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Head of Zeus
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ 12 Feb. 2015
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.1 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 369 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1781856574
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 7,622 ratings

About the author

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Amanda Prowse
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Amanda Prowse is an International Bestselling author whose thirty-two novels, two non-fiction titles, compilation of novellas and ten novellas have been published in dozens of languages around the world. Published by Lake Union, Amanda is the most prolific writer of bestselling contemporary fiction in the UK today; her titles also consistently score the highest online review approval ratings across several genres. Her books, including the chart-topping No.1 titles 'What Have I Done?', 'Perfect Daughter', 'My Husband's Wife', 'The Girl in the Corner' and ‘The Things I Know’ have sold millions of copies across the globe.

Described by the Daily Mail as ‘The queen of family drama’ Amanda’s novel, 'A Mother's Story' won the coveted Sainsbury's eBook of the year Award and she has had two books selected as World Book Night titles; 'Perfect Daughter' in 2016 and 'The Boy Between' in 2022.

Amanda is a huge supporter of libraries and having become a proud ambassador for The Reading Agency, works tirelessly to promote reading, especially in disadvantaged areas. Amanda's ambition is to create stories that keep people from turning the bedside lamp off at night, great characters that ensure you take every step with them and tales that fill your head so you can't possibly read another book until the memory fades...

Praise for Amanda Prowse:

'A powerful and emotional work of fiction' - Piers Morgan

'Deeply moving and emotional, Amanda Prowse handles her explosive subjects with delicate skill' - Daily Mail

'Uplifting and positive, but you will still need a box of tissues' - Hello!

'A gut-wrenching and absolutely brilliant read' - The Irish Sun

'You'll fall in love with this...' - Cosmopolitan

'Deeply moving and eye opening. Powerful and emotional drama that packs a real punch.' - Heat

'Magical' - Now magazine

List of Books in Order

Novels

1. Poppy Day

2. What Have I Done?

3. Clover’s Child

4. A Little Love

5. Will You Remember Me?

6. Christmas for One

7. A Mother’s Story

8. Perfect Daughter

9. The Second Chance Café (was 'The Christmas Café')

10. Three and a Half Heartbeats

11. Another Love

12. My Husband’s Wife

13. I Won’t be Home for Christmas

14. The Food of Love

15. The Idea of You

16. The Art of Hiding

17. Anna

18. Theo

19. How to Fall in Love Again (Kitty's Story)

20. The Coordinates of Loss

21. The Girl in the Corner

22. The Things I Know

23. The Light in the Hallway

24. The Day She Came Back.

25. An Ordinary Life

26. Waiting to Begin

27. To Love and Be Loved

28. Picking Up the Pieces

29. All Good Things

30. Swimming to Lundy (Published 6 August 2024)

31. This One Life (Published 7 January 2025)

Novels Coming Soon or Scheduled for Publication

32. Ever After (Due August 2025)

33. Little Doves (Due January 2025)

Non-Fiction

The Boy Between (non-fiction)

Women Like Us (autobiography)

Novellas

The Game

Something Quite Beautiful

A Christmas Wish

The Ten Pound Ticket

Imogen's Baby

Miss Potterton's Birthday Tea

Mr Portobello's Morning Paper

Note: A collection of these seven novellas are also available in a single volume entitled 'Something Quite Beautiful'

Novellas (Part of ‘The Wishing Tree’ Collaboration Series

I Wish…

A Whole Heap of Wishes

A Wish for Forgiveness

Notes on Books.

All books are standalone stories but some do share characters and for these, For the small number that are actually series linked, it is suggested that they are read in this order:

'Clover's Child' is the prequel to 'Poppy Day' and 'Will You Remember Me?' is the sequel to 'Poppy Day'

'A Little Love' should be read before 'Christmas for One'

'Anna', 'Theo' and 'How to Fall in Love Again - Kitty's Story' are best read in that order

Amanda welcomes queries from any readers on her books like where they should start reading or which book they might like next. Please get in touch on any social media channel.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
7,622 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book compelling and well-written, with a gripping story that builds steadily. They appreciate how it tells the story of post-natal depression in a heart-rending way, and one customer notes how the author writes with understanding of women's emotions. The book receives positive feedback for its believable characters and well-researched content, with one customer mentioning how it keeps readers hooked throughout.

375 customers mention ‘Readability’364 positive11 negative

Customers find the book compelling and well written, with one customer describing it as a powerful read.

"A fantastic book could not put it down o my God no words can be said about this story every mother should read post natal depression and a lovely..." Read more

"...I think the structure works well, with first person and third person narrators...." Read more

"...A great and emotional read from start to finish" Read more

"...leaves you guessing right up until the end makes this book a real page turner as you feel so involved with the characters and their stories and just..." Read more

228 customers mention ‘Story quality’199 positive29 negative

Customers praise the book's gripping and insightful narrative that builds steadily throughout, describing it as a brilliant and well-written story.

"...this story every mother should read post natal depression and a lovely end" Read more

"Such a sad but very real story, and told from Jess perspective is insightful. A great and emotional read from start to finish" Read more

"...It did end relatively happily but was not 'twee'. I would definitely recommend this book. I suspect that women will like this book more than men." Read more

"...The double storyline, one relating the development of Jess and Matthew's relationship before and after the birth of their daughter, and the other..." Read more

187 customers mention ‘Heartbreaking story’141 positive46 negative

Customers describe this book as a heartbreaking story about postnatal depression, with several mentioning it made them cry.

"...So thought provoking and sad as she struggles to try and hide her struggles...." Read more

"...-natal depression (PND) shows such a depth of understanding, giving an honest insight into how this illness feels for the mother whilst also..." Read more

"...On the positive side, this book highlights postnatal depression, which is obviously a good thing given the prevalence of the illness, and if it..." Read more

"...The description of the depression was certainly harrowing but I kept thinking that in this day and age surely no one would be so ignorant of what..." Read more

159 customers mention ‘Writing quality’150 positive9 negative

Customers praise the book's writing quality, describing it as beautifully and sensitively written with compassion, making it an easy and heartwarming read.

"A beautifully written portrayal of a woman struggling with severe post natal depression...." Read more

"...A great and emotional read from start to finish" Read more

"...The absolute horror of post natal depression is also beautifully written but harrowing to read...." Read more

"...The quality of the writing is good; I especially appreciated the descriptions of Jess' descent into depression and the way the writer so accurately..." Read more

54 customers mention ‘Insight’50 positive4 negative

Customers find the book insightful and well-researched, appreciating its thoughtful approach to the subject matter.

"...A moving, involving and informative novel." Read more

"...Superbly written with just the right amount of detail and compassion, this is a highly recommended read." Read more

"...It was an incredibly lonely time and this book has helped, more than anything else I've tried, me to accept that I was ill and I wasn't the only one..." Read more

"This is a well researched book covering the difficult subject of post natal depression (PND)...." Read more

33 customers mention ‘Pacing’29 positive4 negative

Customers find the pacing of the book moving and engaging, with several noting they were totally hooked from start to finish.

"...A moving, involving and informative novel." Read more

"...ever seen Jessica's bad place from a distance and not ever visited, it resonates ! I couldn't put this down and read it in one day...." Read more

"Great story, although it felt uncomfortable at times. The build up was good but once the climax was reached everything seemed rushed after...." Read more

"...I liked the way the chapters were past and present with a little twist at the end. A good read." Read more

32 customers mention ‘Character development’32 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, finding them believable, with one customer particularly noting how the main character Jessica feels very real.

"...Her sensitive portrayal of a normal, everyday family torn apart by post-natal depression (PND) shows such a depth of understanding, giving an..." Read more

"...The absolute joy meeting the 2 main characters, and becoming totally absorbed in their relationship, to the absolute horror of post natal depression..." Read more

"...I thought the writer had such empathy with the main character and there were a couple of unexpected twists...." Read more

"...And of course, not forgetting Lily, who was a cute little character." Read more

27 customers mention ‘Believable’23 positive4 negative

Customers find the book believable and honest, with one mentioning how the true life experiences make it authentic.

"...This book is a very honest account of how some women do feel after having a baby and I would recommend it to anyone...." Read more

"...about mental health and creates such rounded characters making them seem so real...." Read more

"...exploring a harrowing storyline and making the whole thing feel quite believable...." Read more

"This book has good detail and understanding of post natal depression and the the trauma women go through with this condition...." Read more

Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 April 2025
    Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
    A fantastic book could not put it down o my God no words can be said about this story every mother should read post natal depression and a lovely end
  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 19 February 2016
    Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
    Jessica has it all – gorgeous husband, beautiful house, no money worries. What should have been a high point in her life – the birth of a beautiful child – starts a downward spiral that leads to horrific consequences.

    The subject of post-natal depression is very personal to me. I have suffered myself and for a few years I volunteered for an organisation that helps mothers who feel isolated and depressed after the birth of a baby. A friend who also used to work for that organisation recommended this book to me, and I have to admit I was afraid to read it. Afraid of being taken back to those dark days. But then I felt cowardly and thought I ought to try, and if it got too difficult I’d have to stop reading.

    I couldn’t stop reading. I had to find out exactly what Jessica has done, and how she goes from a warm-hearted young woman to the depths of despair.

    I think the structure works well, with first person and third person narrators. However, the pre-baby scenes are written in a style that some may find too fluffy and light. As a result they may, like me, find zany, sweet Jessica difficult to relate to, which rather undermines the later post-baby scenes.

    I’m pleased this author has chosen to write about an illness that affects so many women, and if it encourages more openness about post-natal depression then that’s a worthy thing for fiction to do.
    4 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 13 February 2025
    Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
    A beautifully written portrayal of a woman struggling with severe post natal depression.
    So thought provoking and sad as she struggles to try and hide her struggles.
    You feel as the reader that you are going through the nightmare with her.
    For anyone who does not understand mental health struggles this book is a must.
  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 1 December 2024
    Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
    Such a sad but very real story, and told from Jess perspective is insightful. A great and emotional read from start to finish
  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 13 March 2015
    Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
    I certainly can't agree that this is Amanda Prowse's best work. The first part of the book, dealing with the early days of the relationship between Jess and Matt, and the back story, read like some saccharin sweet piece of romantic fiction from the 50's, with all the references to how lucky Jess was to have this wonderful husband, and how she loved keeping the beautiful house for him, even giving up her job! The description of the depression was certainly harrowing but I kept thinking that in this day and age surely no one would be so ignorant of what was wrong or how severe the illness was. And the ending , which came at 64% on the Kindle seemed highly unlikely too, though I can't say any more as I don't want to give it away.
    I was really annoyed that the rest of the book, which I had assumed would be what I'd paid for, turned out to be a preview of "Poppy Day' which was published in 2012 and so therefore has probably been read by most readers of this book! Sent back for a refund.
    6 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 January 2016
    Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
    Amanda Prowse should be commended for how she tackles what is still such a taboo subject in this book. Her sensitive portrayal of a normal, everyday family torn apart by post-natal depression (PND) shows such a depth of understanding, giving an honest insight into how this illness feels for the mother whilst also acknowledging the devastating impact on everyone close to the person suffering from PND.

    The story of Jessica and Matthew pulls you in from the start as they are such a likeable couple, and I particularly liked the juxtaposition of their story alternating with entries from Jessica's diary during her road to recovery. The way Amanda leaves you guessing right up until the end makes this book a real page turner as you feel so involved with the characters and their stories and just want to know exactly what happened. The only slight downside was what seemed like a rather abrupt ending, which left me feeling like I wanted just a little more.

    You can't help but be moved by this story, but also shocked at the realisation that PND is still destroying lives because people don't feel they can ask for help even in this day and age. If reading this book raises awareness and opens peoples' eyes to the reality of this tragic illness, then that can only be a good thing. I would definitely recommend reading it.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 October 2015
    Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
    Where do I start to tell you why I loved this book so much?

    The absolute joy meeting the 2 main characters, and becoming totally absorbed in their relationship, to the absolute horror of post natal depression, and it's consequences. You will be totally captivated.

    There is such light and shade in this book. The courtship, marriage, the wonderful friendship between Matthew and Jess is beautifully written. The absolute horror of post natal depression is also beautifully written but harrowing to read. I have no idea if the writer herself ever suffered from pnd but either way you are left with a sense of relief that you, as a mother, didn't.

    I was thoroughly gripped from the first word to the last. So much so that I have just finished reading it and it is 4:45
    am. I just could not go to sleep without getting to the end. Each time I promised myself one last chapter I just couldn't do it.

    I can promise you this is one of those books you will keep and read again. I will do just that. 100% recommend you do the same.

    Enjoy.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Simon Lambert
    5.0 out of 5 stars Challenging but rewarding.
    Reviewed in France on 22 March 2016
    Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
    At the end of the text, the reader is asked if they have enjoyed the book. I'm not sure that enjoyed is the right word. That is not to say that it is not a good book. It is an excellent book, well constructed and thoroughly researched. I was fully aware of post natal depression but not of the extent of the dark depths to which it can take the sufferer. I was horrified but couldn't put the book down. Not only did it give an insight into a very frightening syndrome, it also offered hope by challenging preconceptions of who might provide support to a sufferer. Not for the faint hearted but highly recommended.
  • Chris Morrison
    5.0 out of 5 stars Emotional
    Reviewed in Australia on 22 March 2023
    Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
    Another great read by Amanda Prowse.
    "A Mother's Story" is an emotional insight into an all too familiar scenario.
    How often have we read in the media, an account of similar happenings, and our thoughts immediately are anger that any mother could inflict harm onto their innocent offspring/s?
    As a society we can do better by becoming more aware of the early warning signs of postnatal depression and take steps to hopefully avert any possible harrowing, heartbreaking, outcomes.
    Thankyou Amanda Prowse for this beautifully told fictional story, raising awareness of the dangers of ignoring the red flags raised by mother's suffering from postnatal depression.
  • tngirl2
    5.0 out of 5 stars Not an easy read, but an important one.
    Reviewed in the United States on 10 September 2020
    Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
    This is an important story to read. Postpartum depression is very real and the author does an amazing job telling the story. In the beginning the reader doesn’t totally know what is happening, I love that the back story is told slowly. I love how real the story. This is not an easy read, but it is wonderful.
  • Linda Mclean
    5.0 out of 5 stars this was absolutely a fantastic novel I suffered this depression but in a less ...
    Reviewed in Canada on 11 September 2017
    Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
    this was absolutely a fantastic novel I suffered this depression but in a less severe way. it sure does answer a lot of questions that i thought was just me . i regret not enjoying my little ones like so many people do. now i know why
  • ramendra singh
    4.0 out of 5 stars An emotional story filled with delusion and ennui
    Reviewed in India on 29 April 2025
    Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
    Starts on a romantic note but creeps into delusion. Struggle of a woman who desperately tries to cope with her life after becoming a mother and fails desperately. A supportive husband keeps the life going but that's not enough.

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