Stepping Up: From the Sunday Times bestselling author of THE UNMUMSY MUM

Stepping Up is a heart-warming and humorous novel about a woman who is forced to become a guardian to her teenage niece and toddler nephew after an unspeakable tragedy. With the help of her best friend and neighbor, Beth is determined to step up and be the parent she never knew she could be. The novel explores themes of family, grief, and changing expectations, and is filled with warmth, humor, and heart. Readers have praised it for its emotional depth, humor, and relatable characters, and it has become a best-seller.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 17 March 2022
Publisher: Transworld Publishers Ltd

The Instant Sunday Times Bestseller!


Sarah's remarkable work seamlessly blends her trademark comedy with profound and authentic emotion, resulting in a truly captivating novel. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it!


Giovanna Fletcher's Praise:


"A glorious novel about family, grief, changing expectations, and, ultimately, love." - Giovanna Fletcher, The Sun




Beth has a history of quitting jobs and relationships, and she still sleeps in her childhood bedroom. Despite her attempts to grow up, she has struggled to maintain long-term commitments. However, everything changes when an unspeakable tragedy strikes, leaving Beth as the guardian of her teenage niece and toddler nephew. Suddenly, she finds herself immersed in an unfamiliar world of bedtime stories, parents' evenings, and cuddly elephants. Having never been responsible for anyone or anything, Beth questions her ability to fulfill this new role. With the support of her best friend, Jory, and her kind-hearted neighbor, Albert, Beth is determined to overcome her doubts and step up.




"Stepping Up" is a captivating tale that delves into the depths of resilience and uncovers hidden magic within everyday life. It explores the concept of digging deep to uncover strength we never knew we possessed and finding wonder in things that were always present. Isabelle Broom, the author of "A Year and a Day," praises the novel as a "heart-blasting triumph." Cathy Bramley, the author of "The Lemon Tree Cafe," expresses her love for the book, describing it as "funny, tender, and beautifully observed." Gillian McAllister, the author of "That Night," praises STEPPI as a "moving and beautifully-told tale of parenthood, but not as you know it." Readers have embraced STEPPI, leaving heartfelt reviews and expressing their admiration for the novel's wit, tenderness, and authentic portrayal of human emotions.

Weight: 546g
Dimension: 163 x 241 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787633070