Mothers and daughters alike will never look at each other in quite the same way after reading this book—a brilliantly funny observation of contemporary family life. 

Lizzie — exasperated Mother of Cassie, Connor and Stepdaughter Maisy — is the frustrated voice of reason to her daughters’ teenage angst. She gets by with good friends, cheap wine and talking to herself—out loud.

16-year-old Cassie—the Facebook-Tweeting, Selfie-Taking, Music and Mobile Phone obsessed teen—hates everything about her life. She longs for the perfect world of Chelsea Divine, her ‘undivorced’ parents—and Joe, of course.

However, the discovery of a terrible betrayal and a brutal attack throws the whole household into disarray. Lizzie and Cassie are forced to reassess the important things in life as they embark upon separate journeys of self-discovery—accepting some less than flattering home truths along the way.

Although tragic at times this is a delightfully funny exploration of domestic love, hate, strength and ultimately friendship.

A poignant, heartfelt look at that complex and diverse relationship between a mother and daughter set amongst the thorny realities of today’s divided and extended families.

—

Published: 20 May 2021 (e-book); 25 May 2021 (paperback)
Pages: 368
Publisher: Bloodhound Books
ISBN: 9781913942823 (paperback)
ASIN: B095KD9D72 (e-book)

—

Readers’ Recommendations

“What made this story so special for me was how the author had created an addictive read from what is essentially an everyday life for many families. She has accurately captured the emotions and struggles and managed to blend in a certain amount of humour.

I absolutely loved this book from the very start to the last pages, I didn’t want to leave and was gutted when I finished the book. It had me grinning one moment, frowning the next and at one point absolutely crying ugly. This is a story that I would absolutely highly recommend to readers of women’s fiction, contemporary and literary fiction with a focus on family life.” – Me & My Books

“183 Times a Year is a story about an ordinary family and their everyday issues. Full of emotion, humour, hope and sadness. The author does an amazing job of writing between mother and daughter. I thought her use of language was brilliant, and I could really hear the daughter’s voice – although I wanted to shake the tantrums from her!

I felt quite a few emotions while reading 183 Times a Year, some I didn’t expect, and I’m very glad I read it. I highly recommend it to readers who enjoy contemporary fiction.” – Tara Lyons, author

“Wonderfully crafted debut novel of family life
The trials and tribulations of family life are all captured beautifully within the pages of 183 Times a Year the debut novel by Eva Jordan. Look closely at the title and you may wonder what lies beneath the title of the book, apparently, it is the number of times a teenage girl will argue with her mother. Now I don’t know if this is a scientifically proven fact but I am sure there are mums out there who will actually think it could well be higher than 183 times a year.

Jordan has written the perfect plot for what at first comes across as a dysfunctional family unit with Lizzie’s first husband, not in the slightest bit interested in her new husband’s family. There is contained in the story some incredible wit and humour but most of all it is poignant. Each character has been carefully written into the story that reads like the perfect west end stage play as we the reader are invited into the family and watch every drama being played out. The mother/daughter relationship is one that will I am sure will resonate across the country as Cassie throws her toys out of the pram at every turn.

183 Times a Year is an emotional roller-coaster of a ride that details family life contained within 368 pages and is a beautifully written debut novel from Eva Jordan that should appeal to men, not just women. There are some very emotive comments contained within the story many will ring true for every reader. A highly enjoyable read.” – John Fish

“Over before I was ready to let it go, this wonderfully poignant debut novel by Eva Jordan celebrates all things good (and bad) about family life. I warmed quickly to the very life-like characters and fell in love with this devoted, loyal, argumentative and at times dysfunctional family. Undoubtedly a book for mothers, daughters, sisters and best friends who have been there, done that and got the T-shirt; it really held my interest and enthusiasm right to the last page.

If 183 Times A Year doesn’t make you cry, smile, laugh or think of your own children or have you remembering your own troublesome teenage years, then I will be very surprised. A lovely, beautifully presented book.” – Jane E. James, author

—

More reviews on the Reviews Page
183 Times A Year on GoodReads

Buy 183 Times A Year
Amazon
Waterstones 
Barnes&Noble