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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
This was a speed read for me - I couldn’t put it down! It is a must read for all busy parents who think they are the only ones ‘winging it’ struck so many chords and had me in tears several times! Brilliant read!

Brilliantly written

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Another outstanding book from Sarah Turner. The story was interesting, entertaining and the narrator was perfect for it. Highly recommend the audiobook version.

What a relatable story, perfectly written!

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Sarah has such a talent for creating relatable, lovable characters. This is such a feel-good book and the perfect summer read.
Having followed Sarah for years, I loved knowing how much these characters meant to her and she really did them justice. I think every mum will relate to so much of what happens in the story, especially the pressure we put on ourselves to give 100% to every aspect of our lives, even though that's simply not possible all the time.
I absolutely loved this book and would highly recommend it.

You’ll fall in love with the characters

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Really enjoyed the story line and thought it was well crafted. Great listen, top marks for the author and narrator

Brilliant!!

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