Inspired to transform yourself into a yummy mummy? Then you might want to read up on how these characters juggle kids, career and cosmetics - some failing oh-so spectacularly.

1. 1. I Don't Know How She Does It - Allison Pearson

   The classic tale of a frazzled mother who learns you can't have it all. Sometimes you just have to admit you sent shop-bought mince pies to your child's school Christmas party.

2. 2. Motherland - Maria Beaumont

   Desperate housewife lacking confidence to return to work turns to the bottle.

3. 3. The Secret Life of a Slummy Mummy - Fiona Neill

   Watch this mum make too many school runs in pyjamas, under the disapproving eye of the Alpha Mum.

4. 4. Babes in Captivity - Pamela Redmond Satran

   These four friends from a mother's group all decide to spice up their lives and work towards a goal.

5. 5. What Do You Do All Day? - Amy Scheibe

   This stay-at-home mum finds life even harder to juggle when her husband heads off to Singapore for work.

6. 6. The Rise and Fall of a Yummy Mummy - Polly Williams

   Still in maternity clothes months after the birth? Maybe you need an introduction to the yummy mummy brigade.

7. 7. Odd Mom Out - Jane Porter

   Sometimes your daughter just wants you to play nice with the other mums.

8. 8. Any Way You Want Me - Lucy Diamond

   Bored with staying at home? Why not invent a fictitious identity for yourself and make contact with a former boyfriend?

9. 9. The Manny - Holly Peterson

   Need help raising your son while researching a career-making story? Just send for a male nanny.

10. 10. Wife Living Dangerously - Debra Kent

    Sometimes it gets too much playing by the rules.