Blog Tour: Amy Cole Has Lost Her Mind by Elizabeth McGivern

I am thrilled to share Amy Cole Has Lost Her Mind with you. I would like to thank Rachel’s Random Resources and of course the wonderful Elizabeth McGivern for allowing me to be part of such a fantastic tour.

Synopsis

Amy Cole is a stay-at-home mum and a woman on the edge.
After a very public breakdown and failed suicide attempt, Amy finds herself trying to make it through her everyday life as a high-functioning zombie. Elle De Bruyn is a force of nature ready to shake Amy back to life whether she likes it or not.
After a fortuitous meeting, the two embark on a journey together which will change them both and help them find out exactly what they’re capable of when rock bottom is just the beginning.

Review

As one might expect from the title this book is the story of Amy Cole, married stay at home Mum of two. Life for Amy isn’t simple as she finds herself locked in a constant battle with depression and anxiety that has already seen her pushed to the brink. Despite medication her inner voice is her constant companion filling her with doubt and self-loathing that she spends her time struggling to hide from the world, including husband Ben.

Amy uses being a stay at home parent as a security blanket to keep herself safe since her breakdown, but Ben wants her to get out into the world and socialise. Despite her anxiety about meeting new people, Amy reluctantly agrees to take their son Arthur to a toddler group, soon realising she is a fish out of water amongst the other ‘perfect’ parents at Special Mum’s United in Growth- S.M.U.G for short! However, it’s here that she meets unconventional and rather zany fellow parent Elle. Despite being polar opposites the two strike up a friendship and Elle takes Amy on a journey of discovery that she didn’t ask for or even realise she needed!

The tone at the beginning of the book is rather serious as it delves into and details Amy’s breakdown and the knock-on effects that it has had on every part of her life, especially her friendships and relationships. As someone who has spent a large part of their life battling with depression and anxiety I could totally relate, especially to the description of Amy’s inner voice and the poison it spreads. From a metal health aspect this book did a superb job of highlighting the effects on those around people who struggle and how relationships are changed as a result. The tone lighters significantly with the arrival of Elle, who I must say was my favourite character – I think everyone will have met an Elle at some point in their life!

There are some heartbreakingly emotional moments which are balanced perfectly with plenty of humour and lots of laugh-out-loud moments. With fantastically written characters and an engaging storyline I couldn’t put this book down and read it in two evenings. Without giving too much away, the end was particularly satisfying leaving the door just a jar for the second novel in the series, Amy Cole Is Zen As F*ck which I can’t wait to read!

**This book deals with miscarriage, suicide and mental health.**

About The Author

Elizabeth McGivern is a former journalist turned hostage-in-her-own-home surrounded by three men and a horrible dog named Dougal.

In an effort to keep her sanity she decided to write a parenting blog after the birth of her first son so she can pinpoint the exact moment she failed as a mother.

In an unexpected turn of events, the blog helped her to find a voice and connect with parents in similar situations; namely those who were struggling with mental health issues and parenting. It was because of this encouragement – and wanting to avoid her children as much as possible – her debut novel, Amy Cole has lost her mind, was born.

Elizabeth lives in Northern Ireland although wishes she could relocate to Iceland on a daily basis.

To witness her regular failings as a parent you can find her visit her on her website Mayhem and Beyond

You can also follow Elizabeth on social media; Facebook, Twitter and Instagram