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Well, That Escalated Quickly

The hilarious and relatable new novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author of Stepping Up

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Well, That Escalated Quickly

By: Sarah Turner
Narrated by: Bea Holland
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The laugh-out-loud, heartfelt and relatable new novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Unmumsy Mum and Stepping Up. Perfect for fans of Sara Cox, Alexandra Potter and Melanie Cantor!

Meet Fran. This is her to-do list:

  • buy milk
  • get promoted
  • book dentist
  • swerve PTA meeting
  • practice gratitude
  • be a better friend
  • stop crying in Morrisons
  • rescue relationship
  • organise life
  • stop keeping secrets



Not on her to-do list? Being made redundant when she was expecting a promotion.

And when one tiny, impulsive decision leads Fran to tell a lie she can’t quite keep up with, suddenly everything starts to unravel.

But could rock bottom be a golden opportunity instead of a complete and utter disaster? With the help of her friends and family, Fran's about to blow her life wide open…and start piecing it back together. Her way.

Well, That Escalated Quickly is a hilarious, painfully relatable novel about the magic of what happens when you finally stop trying to have it all.


© Sarah Turner 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026

 Family Life Friendship Genre Fiction Women's Fiction Funny Heartfelt Witty
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Critic reviews

For any woman who has felt overwhelmed while juggling life, this is such a highly relatable book – with moments that are laugh-out loud, read-through-your-fingers cringe and also heartwarmingly poignant, Sarah's writing gets better with every book.
Well, That Escalated Quickly is the funniest book I've read in ages, but Sarah Turner has a knack of making you cry too – when you least expect it and in the best possible way. The pickle that Fran gets into felt so real I had to keep checking it wasn't my own life. Brilliant
A joyful, hilarious read to be devoured in one sitting. Sarah Turner writes modern womanhood with warmth, honesty and humour. I laughed out loud and adored every minute
I love Sarah’s books SO much, and Well, That Escalated Quickly is no exception. Funny, moving and so insightful about life, Sarah is a brilliant storyteller. I defy you not to love it.
Fab, funny, and worryingly relatable
All stars
Most relevant
A very lovely, relatable recollection of life today with heartfelt story lines, genuine people and forgiveness - a great summer listen

Relatable

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Just what you need to read if you are a busy struggling working mum at a certain age. So relatable but whimsical at the same time.

Heartwarming

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What a wonderful story. Funny, but also, kind of heartbreaking at times. "We've been sold a lie" just about summed it up for me. The very end had me in tears....not because of the outcome, but because, as mum to a now 18 year old, there are times when I miss the chaos of juggling school and a career. This book has made me clear out all the supposed "You're can have it all" self help books and made me realise this is real life, stop striving for perfection and just embrace every moment.

Funny but oh so relatable

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A pleasant story with a bit of substance. Likeable characters facing the daily problems that face today's families.

easy listening with a bit of substance

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I think this book would have been laugh out loud, but the narration for me was just off. It didn’t hit the spot and made the book boring for me.
This is a no from me unfortunately

I think this failed on narration for me

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