The Calendar Mums

A poignant and witty debut

Lauren K McKellar

$34.99

Paperback

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English

HQ
01 March 2025

A gorgeously warm, funny and heartbreaking book about what it means to be a mother.

The Hickory Creek Community Centre is a lifeline for new mums. So when a bad case of black mould threatens to end the only women's services available in their small town, a new mothers' group bands together to save it. Their plan? Create a fundraiser calendar featuring themselves ... in the nude.

As the mothers bare all, it doesn't take long for them to start baring their secrets too. Stay-at-home mum Rhea is hopeful this project will be enough to distract her from the gnawing guilt she's been feeling about her dissatisfaction with being 'just' a mum. Single mother Samantha is recovering from a heartbreaking loss and isn't sure if the anxiety she's feeling is normal or not. And everyone says new-to-town Tahlie is so lucky to have such a present and supportive partner in Hamish, the town's golden boy. So why does she feel so lonely?

As the calendar takes shape, the women begin to reclaim their identities, embrace their imperfections and forge new friendships. And perhaps the most unexpected result of all, in their bid to save the community centre, they just might also save a life ...

Perfectly balancing light and dark, this stunning debut touches on issues of identity, post-partum mental health and community, and is a reminder to mothers that they were women first, women who are strong, capable and not to be underestimated.

PRAISE

'The Calendar Mums is one of my favourite reads of the year. It's warm-hearted and wise, while also being utterly compelling and unputdownable. Lauren McKellar has written a beautiful celebration of the strength of women and the power of female friendship. This is one to read with your book clubs!' Bestselling author Rachael Johns

By: Lauren K McKellar
Imprint: HQ
Country of Publication: Australia
Dimensions: Height: 235mm, Width: 155mm, Spine: 26mm
Weight: 458g
ISBN: 9781038921932
ISBN 10: 1038921937
Pages: 432
Publication Date: 01 March 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Lauren K. McKellar is an author, mother, editor and creator of meals that her children do not eat. She lives in a beachside town north of Sydney where she spends her days working on books written by herself and other international bestselling authors. Lauren has released 19 books in the romance genre. The Calendar Mums (March 2025) is her first foray into women's fiction. Photo Credit: Jessie Walker Photography