Book Review and Giveaway: Mom Walks: Starting in 5th

By Melissa Amster

Can a mother-daughter relationship survive fifth-grade mean girl drama? Yes, if the mom's best friends have anything to say about it.
 
When Dawn learns her oldest daughter, Kayli, is put in the same class as a manipulative and cunning queen bee, she knows she must step up her mom game and fast. Feeling ill-equipped to handle the situation, Dawn turns to her two best mom friends for advice during their weekly morning walks. At first, Dawn's grateful for their suggestions. They have similar-aged kids and a much better pulse on what's going on at school. But when their well-intentioned guidance only exacerbates the situation, Dawn's desperation and frustration grow as her relationship with Kayli deteriorates. Facing irreparable damage to their mother-daughter relationship, Dawn must decide if she'll continue to follow her friends' advice or begin to trust her own gut in how to best parent Kayli. 
 
Mom Walks: Starting in 5th is the first book in a women's fiction series that follows a mom and her two best mom friends as they navigate the chaotic trenches of parenting tweens. If you enjoy light, heart-warming stories about mother-daughter relationships and friendship, this book is for you. (Courtesy of Amazon.)

When I first heard about this novel, I thought it was about a mom walking out on her kid's class to take a stand against something. Once I started it, I realized I interpreted the title all wrong! 

I really enjoyed this novel. I could definitely relate to Dawn, especially when she reflects on her childhood. I totally understand about being bullied by mean girls and the impact it can still have later in life. I also can sympathize as a parent, with having a child close in age to Kayli. I liked Dawn's friendship with Meg and Naomi and the struggles she had with Kayli seemed genuine. It made me miss what life was like before the pandemic though, like getting together with friends and all the school activities and events. It also made me think about the walks I used to take with one of my friends. Hopefully we can get back there soon enough! 

I've been recommending this novel to my friends and am glad to recommend it to our readers, as well.  I'm already looking forward to the next book in this series!

Movie (or TV series) casting ideas:

Dawn: Courtney Henggeler

Naomi: Gillian Jacobs

Meg: Nora Zehetner

Ben: Niall Matter

Elynn: Katee Sackhoff

Thanks to Rebecca Prenevost for the book in exchange for an honest review. She has one signed copy to give away!

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here. 

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Giveaway ends December 15th at midnight EST.