Blog Tour: A SUMMER AFFAIR by Elin Hilderbrand

Wednesday, July 02, 2008 by Bethany

I'm going on vacation in 1 day. One, bloody more set of 24 hours that constitute a day. Which means I'll have not one more ounce of work to think about for 13 days. And that seems blissful. Especially if I would have had A SUMMER AFFAIR to read while I was ON vacation, as it is perfect for one of those times you just want to be whisked away into someone else's existence for a few hours. Or days. I mean, look at that cover? Does that not just scream flip flops and Capri pants while basking in the sun?

The book's premise is one I could relate to--a woman, a mom to four, wife to one is a people-pleaser. Claire Danner Crispin's also an artist. Well, ex-artist, after she decided to give up her glass-blowing of art pieces when her son was born premature. And of course she runs a household on Nantucket. But the story really begins a few years earlier...

Claire went out with her girlfriends for a night of drinks. Martinis, beer, wine be had a few jumped in a camp and another didn't listen to the rest and jumped in her car. And wham... and accident. Daphne does recover. But not completely to the "way she was," and Claire is ridden with guilt. Heavy guilt. Her reasoning? She bought the last round of drinks and she invited the woman for God-sakes!

The guilt doesn't stop there... there's her son's early birth due to her hot shop/glass blowing activities. Then there are the 800 odd things she's asked to do, and compulsively volunteers to do. Including this co-chairing the Summer Gala thing for the Nantucket Children's Benefit. Which, since Lock Dixon asked her (hint: Daphne's husband. The woman who was in the accident), how could she say no?

It's get even more complicated... she gets asked create an auction piece for the event, the fact that her best friend is also her sister in law, or that she knows the hottest rock star on the planet (Max West) and they expect her to get him to come and play at the Gala. For Free. He was her old boyfriend, it isn't impossible--right? Oh and her sister and brother-in-law own a catering business that could be up for the Gala, that Jason, her husband, has a high libido (yhen again what nan doesn't?)--oh and one other tiny thing, she ends up in an extra-marital affair.

You can imagine how messy this gets for Claire right? Very. Messy. So much so I found myself shaking my head and wondering what else might get screwed up in the process. And that is part of the "fun" part of the book. You get to read. Gasp. Make snarky comments. Judge. And hell, you're in your own home and no one is the wiser. In the end, you might even get to see how the hell this all turns out for Claire.

Elin Hilderbrand (author extraordinaire) does a great job of giving you a sense of community in the book (Nantucket's not that big) and the very fact that it is a small town. One that has only a handful of people (as compared to say Chicago or New York) and they all intertwine. Some more literally, as in family lines, more than others, who say work together professionally. Or say, socially.

After getting sucked into Claire's life and emotions for the first portion of the book, I felt a bit cheated when the point of view changed and I was in someone else's head. In fact, I was sad. I wanted Claire back! But then I turned a few more pages. Read some more. Got sucked in again, And learned more about Siobhan. And then Gavin. Lock. Jason. Oh hell, the whole lot of characters. It gave the book more depth. More complication. And that is what makes this book a good summer read.

The story takes you outside yourself--even back into your childhood thinking about your first love. You imagine yourself in the predicaments. The friendships. The families. And suddenly you are at the end of the book! It's a solid tale with twists, a few heart-aching moments, truthfulness, and some depth. It's great to get lost in, especially when on vacation. But you might just find yourself wanting to keep tagging along with this crew for another installment. You meet a lot of characters and there isn't one that you don't find out a hidden truth.


* This post brought to you by the lovely ladies at MotherTalk. Yep, I get books to read, reviews to write, and an occassional gift certificate for my time.

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5:21 AM | | 0 comments

MORE THAN IT HURTS YOU by Darin Strauss

Tuesday, June 24, 2008 by Bethany

The story starts simple enough--a man, Josh Goldin, an TV airtime salesman, that works for Sparkplug, a television company. Walking around with the new person on the block. Smiling. Working his magic. Being the co-worker he always knew he could be, and then the call comes. His son is in the hospital.

The 8-month-old vomited. But it wasn't just normal vomit there was blood in it, then he coded. Then he was all right. And then there were the doctors. Did Dori, Josh's wife remember to tell the attending ER doctor about the blood? What about the tests they did or did not do? And this is only where the story begins.

And it of course gets more complicated. There is the head of the Pediatrician unit at the hospital, Dr Darlene Stokes, who wonders about this family. Particularly the mother. And then there's Dr Stokes' mother, Alice. Her ex-con father Intelligent Mohammad (or Charles Stokes). Her now dead husband... her own son James.

But those are only the characters and the basic situations. What makes MORE THAN IT HURTS YOU one of the best reads I've had recently is the layering of information. The minute you think you "know" a character, it all changes. I was flip flopping from tender moments of intimacy with knowing what motivated a character (or so I thought), to gut wrenching scenes that had me gasping for breath. Who knew you could read along with the story and suddenly have everything you knew ripped from you?

It's a page-turner in and of itself since, once in the flow of the story, there is a need to keep reading. To find out what you didn't know three pages before. To find out what is going to happen to the characters that your suddenly caring about.

Of course, as with the real world, the book is also wrought with personalities, race, religion, morals, justice, and plain old life circumstance. But what makes it worth the read, is how these all play off one another. Does the book go "over the top" for the sake of fiction? Not really. It gives you a peak into each players head and gives you the reasons and motivations behind their actions--sometimes with disturbing effects.

It's truly a wonderfully crafted tale. There are twists, turns, suspicions, and a whole lot of good story telling. I am still breathless and caught up in what transpires. It's a book that will have to be read more than once to catch all the nuances the author, Darin Strauss, intended.

Oh and did I sound like I was gushing? Well, I am. The book took me by surprise and I love that. I'd read the blurbs, signed up to review and added it to the pile. But when I started reading? Well it became the book I didn't expect, but in a good way. Completely captivating and compelling read. Even though, there was more then once, I was a bit afraid what might be on the next page--or what dear character might throw me for a loop next. Trust me on this one, completely worth the read. Just get ready for a few surprises.

* This post brought to you by the lovely ladies at MotherTalk. Love that I get a chance to read and relate to these authors and their work. It truly is a labor of love.

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4:36 AM | | 1 comments

Blog Tour: THE STAY-AT-HOME SURVIVAL GUIDE by Melissa Stanton

Wednesday, June 11, 2008 by Bethany

I'm a mom that has always worked once she had children. My son was 6-weeks-old when I went back to work. And I was fortunate, I was a consultant and worked completely from home. That is until 3 months later I had to work on site 10 hours a day all summer long. And then of course, I went back to working from home MOST days of the week, back to a full time in office gig.

With my daughter, I did take the full maternity leave that I could afford--16 weeks. We even pulled my son out of pre-school during that time too. To save money, to save my time from shuffling him to and from school, and--if I am honest--to see if I could do the stay-at-home thing. And you know what? I could.

The reality is, when my son was born, it freaked me out to consider staying home. I'd spent a long time in college, a lot of money on a degree, and a lot of time building a budding career. I couldn't stand to think of leaving that for mommyhood. So, I didn't. I jumped back into work. I stressed, I managed, and I breastfed the kid til he was almost two--all with a headset attached to my ear for numerous conference calls, more than a few overnight stays on client sites, and survived it all.

With my daughter, and my son now older, wiser, and looking a bit too grown up... I had a different perspective. One of a mom considering staying at home. Or wanting to stay at home to enjoy these "fleeting" moments with my kids. And hell, we can't have more if I am working my tail off! But...

So, I am going out on a limb here, I am scared to try it. For a few reasons. Financial is numero uno. How can one afford to live on one salary? Seriously, you give me ways to do this (we already live by a budget), and I might just have to give my notice tomorrow! Secondly, it's my sanity. I know how it is to stay at home with children. I've lived through it twice now. And am still living with an expressive 9-month-old who only likes to be held when I am around and a kindergartener come Fall. There is a helluvalot more running aroudn now! And a lot less of mom to pull into directions.

Enter THE STAY-AT-HOME SURVIVAL GUIDE Field-tested strategies for staying smart, sane, and connected while caring for your kids by Melissa Stanton. I seriously cannot gush enough about this book. It's not a tell-all guide for leaving work and becoming a stay at home mom. Really. We all live different lives, who knows what you need to do to take the leap. But it does share what other moms did. What Melissa, the author herself, did. What you could do. And by all means, what you might do.

But what the book does best is just share with you that--guess what--staying home as a mom is a full time gig. One that isn't always pretty. Sometimes sucks. But in the end, can be survivable and fun. Is this some earth-shattering new news? Hell no! We all love our kids. When they aren't screaming, having tantrums, and are acting like angels for the 2 seconds a day that make them utterly adorable we could just eat them up.

This book gives you the reality, shares other mom realities, and offers that shoulder (of many) that you can turn to, to know what to expect when staying at home, and how to make the best of it. LOVE the extras in and about the chapters (Who Cares for Katie Couric's Kids? cracked me up. The title tells all--celebrities are given gold stars for being moms. But, um, do they do it all on their own?). And as much as the book says it is for stay-at-home moms, there is a ton of info that is JUST as valauble to a working mom. Especially one who works from home part of the time. But even if you don't... who doesn't need a little guidance (or a few girlfriends) to tell you that you aren't alone when you forgot diapers at home, spend more time in your car carting around kids to games and doctor appointments than you have for yourself in the last 10 years, and that your feeling along in this parenting thing. Really alone.

The books weaving of expert advice, or articles on parenting/women/working/SAHM/WAHM/whatever label you want to put here, and personal adcedotes, along with the whole "girlfriend" tone of the book is wonderful. Delightful even. It's not preachy. It just tells facts. Relatable, REAL life experiences... that as I said, make it a worth while read no matter what you circumstance. But even moreso if you want to, have considered, ARE, or once was a stay at home mom doing THAT juggling dance (because, come on, being a SAHM does mean you are multitasking to the 9th degree... laundry, cleaning, feeding, napping, bathing, dressing, hygene, appointments, games, school, crafts, cooking).

Which brings me back to my point... I asked to review this book because I'd love more than anything to land on the other side of the fence. Chuck the paying corporate day job to stay home with my kids. My stress level would be reduced to only times of tantrums and sickness (instead of worrying myself to the point of sickness when I left the baby at the sitter when she wasn't exactly better). I wouldn't have to juggle a crying baby and whining 5 year old while on a conference call and leading a high-profile project (because when you add that to the SAHM list above, it is almost heart-attack stressful). And maybe once a year, just once, I could relax and enjoy being "just a mom." Because quite frankly, there are days it would be nice. This book makes me wonder if I should just take the plunge.


* This post brought to you by the lovely ladies at MotherTalk. Love that I get a chance to read and relate to these authors and their work. It truly is a labor of love.

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7:47 AM | | 2 comments

BLOG TOUR: The Working Woman's Pregnancy Book

Thursday, May 15, 2008 by Bethany

Just as recently as 8 months ago, I had baby number 2. And yes, just like the first, I worked all the way up to my delivery date. In fact I went into labor WHILE working. Though it was a "work at home" day. Was I crazy? Did I do what I should? Did I over-extend myself? I have personal responses to all of those... sometimes, sure, and I don't think so. But it helps to have a professional opinion to way in on the situation--THE WORKING WOMAN'S PREGNANCY BOOK is just that.

I was especially fond of the parts of the book that talked about working and being pregnant. The looks. The perceptions of being a woman and pregnant in a male-dominated working environment. And the stretching exercises that might have helped my back with this last baby (really, where was this book then?) Really, when you are as huge as a whale and want nothing more than to go home and crawl into a bed (and then inevitably lie awake), you wonder why the hell you work. Sadly, that even continues after the little one is born. The whole grass is greener ideal comes into play--always.

But that's it. The book goes into details for EVERYTHING pregnancy. The embryo sizes, planning for pregnancy, breastfeeding or not, and everything. This is all good for first time moms. I would have loved this before my son was born. This last time around? I could have used the cliff notes of my favorite chapters:

- Pregnancy's Effects on Work, and Work's Effects on Pregnancy (the Efficiency section was gloriously true!)
- You and Your Baby-to-Be (this is where those exercises were illustrated)
- Communication at Work (Changes section... and yes people talk about you when you are pregnant, no matter how family friendly and Maternity Leave. You never feel like you have enough time).
- Getting Bigger, The Last Few Weeks section (I was a whale, I was uncomfortable, I was a bear, I wanted nothing more than to go into labor)

I loved the quotes from real women throughout... sometimes I would have rather read those than the text. But, hey, I've been through the pregnancy thing at work two times now. I just want to know how other's had it.

But it's a great resource. I'd highly recommend it for all those mom's that are starting out. It can be the only book that they buy!

Here's where to get more info:

- Marjorie Greenfield, M.D.-- Author Website
- Publisher Website
- Buy the book from Amazon

Oh and as always, thanks to the gals at MotherTalk for the opportunity to read the book!

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8:58 AM | | 0 comments

Choose your own adventure- GRETA style!

Thursday, May 01, 2008 by Bethany

LIFE OF GRETA, Chapter 4: A Clue, Now What? is up at Hybrid Mom. Yep, pimpin' the serial fiction column again.

This week it's fun and easy. All you do is read and CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE! Remember those fun books from when we were young. Reading of the clues, adventure, and the mishaps--and at the end you get 3 choices (go downtown to try to solve the clue? Go and talk to Grandma to figure out what Johnny was really doing on Saturday? Or just decide to investigate yourself at the library). Yes, YOU get to decide what Greta does next! Please, go check it out.

And don't fret if you haven't read thus far, read from the beginning here.

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7:55 AM | | 0 comments

Penguin's Six Stories. Six Authors. Six Weeks.

Friday, April 25, 2008 by Bethany

This is the coolest thing I've seen in a while. Six DIGITAL stories. Love the folks at Penguin UK.



Here's the skinny, click on one of the images to the left (or atop). Then when you get there, pick your story.

Each one pays homage to a classic--but don't let that discourage you. Definitely contemporary writing. And definitely a whole lot of fun. Think a story with pictures, with maps, with clicks to find more... it's a Choose Your Own Adventure via computer! Fabulous! I am dying for more than six!

And I must admit I'm "reading" a few again. The first time around I was so giddy, the pictures were there as a backdrop while I read. The second reads, I'm finding the "extras," looking for the hidden meanings. And just generally loving this medium even more. Please Penguin, do this some more!

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7:05 PM | | 1 comments

Paperback releases and GRETA

Tuesday, April 22, 2008 by Bethany

So, two things today that I need to mention:


I reviewed Allison Winn Scotch's book THE DEPARTMENT OF LOST AND FOUND way back when (here in case you want to read it again). It's a great book. And she's a wonderful person. If you didn't want to shell out the cash for the hardcover, her book came out this week in paperback. Go buy yourself a copy! Oh and don't freak out, they did indeed change the cover for paperback!







Secondly, I'm pimping my own writing this week. Again.

LIFE OF GRETA, Chapter 3 (Adventure Here I Come!) is up at Hybrid Mom. Help an as-yet unpublished author get some attention, will ya! All it takes is your time to read the latest--and comment. Hell, if you comment this week, I'll mold a character after you! Come on... I know you want to. Join the fun here! (oh and don't fret if you haven't read thus far, read from the beginning here).

Was that enough promotion for you? I'm all about writing, helping authors, and well, showing off my own work. Work with me!

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7:08 PM | | 1 comments

THE CURE FOR MODERN LIFE by Lisa Tucker

Wednesday, April 09, 2008 by Bethany

I fell in love, immediately with the characters in THE CURE FOR MODERN LIFE. Which, is what I very much expected from Lisa Tucker. I loved the characters in ONCE UPON A DAY.

To say I was smitten with Matthew Connelly, not completely accurate. It took me at least three chapters to begin to sort him out (how couldn't it when the first line is, " Was Matthew Connelly a bad man?"). But then again, he's a man. And that figuring out thing? Well, it made him that much more intriguing. And fun to read about. Which, Lisa did flawlessly. But don't let me get too hung up on Matthew. There's more characters to swoon over.

There's Danny and Isabelle... the homeless children that, by chance, get thrown into Matthew's life. And suddenly make him question how he's lived his life and what's right. The knight trying to save his sister... and mother. So naive and unobstructed with the material things in life (except an iPod of course!). It is sweet. Innocent. And touching.

Of course, I can't forget Amelia--Matthew's once lover and now arch enemy. That whole dynamic--and Amelia's thoughts on the ethical and human parts of life? Had me riveted. She's complicated, dynamic, emotional... so real. The old college friend, Ben--super-genius scientist. Who's complicated in his own right. Sure, Matthew describes him as shy and introverted (scared to ask Amelia out)... but soon you find out, maybe he's not as shy as anticipated. Maybe driven in the world of science--but not scared of the world.

All of these characters that I love so much entwine, twist, turn, and then question every decision they've made (and might make) into this wonderful story. Another that I will be keeping up on my shelf. I just couldn't put the book down for a WHOLE NIGHT. I kept putting myself in the shoes of the characters... what would I do? How would I react? Would I challenge Matthew? or Ben? Or Amelia? Would I kick out Danny and Isabelle? The book was addicting. As were the characters.

Here's the back jacket blurb to get you started:
Matthew and Amelia were once in love and planning to raise a family together, but a decade later, they have become professional enemies.

To Amelia, who has dedicated her life to medical ethics, Matthew's job as a high-powered pharmaceutical executive has turned him into a heartless person who doesn't care about anything but money. Now they're kept in balance only by Matthew's best and oldest friend, Ben, a rising science superstar -- and Amelia's new boyfriend.

That balance begins to crumble one night when, coming home to his upscale Philadelphia loft, Matthew finds himself on a desolate bridge face-to-face with a boy screaming for help. Homeless for most of his life, ten-year-old Danny is as streetwise as he is world-weary, and his desperation to save his three-year-old sister means he will do whatever it takes to get Matthew's help. What follows is an escalating game of one-upmanship between Matthew, Amelia, and Danny, as all three players struggle to defend what is most important to them -- and are ultimately forced to reconsider what they truly want.

The Cure for Modern Life is about what it means in the twenty-first century to be responsible, to care about otherpeople, and to do the right thing.
But don't take my word for it, check out the book for yourself! While your waiting, check out the other stuff online:

- Lisa Tucker's Website
- Chapter One Excerpt
- Reviews
- Buy the book from Amazon now

Again, this post is brought to you by the lovely ladies at MotherTalk! Keep the great books coming...

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12:00 PM | | 0 comments

Only Child by Deborah Siegel & Daphne Uviller

Tuesday, April 08, 2008 by Bethany

I'm married to an Only. To which, I am not. I have one sister a couple years younger. One who, we don't always see eye-to-eye (toy-to-toy, life chance-to-life-chance) but, we are nonetheless sisters to the core. Mess with her, you mess with me (yes, that's the Big Sister/Brother Mantra. And it still stands today). Sibling life, after being married for over 9 years to an Only, I realize is different. At least to one that is an Only.

Early on, when my husband was only a boyfriend, we did the obligatory holiday visit to the families. We started at my parent's home. Hugs, kisses, presents, tree-decorating, food, and of course, the annual sisterly fight. That particularly year, it only took about 5 hours.

My sister was still in high school. I'd come home from college with my boyfriend and, for once, was ready for a little family time. It didn't bother me to chit chat with mom and dad in front of the illuminated fire place and reminisce, discuss politics, and even come to terms with my last term's grades. I was, what-can-I-call-it, being treated almost like an adult. And with a man at my side, I almost felt like one. At least until my sister decided she was bored. Friends started calling non-stop and she expected to be able to take the car for a night on the town. On Christmas Eve.

Initially, whether I was showing off for this boyfriend or to my parents my new found grown-upedness, I kept my trap shut. I think I even offered a thin smile to what-would-become-my-future-husband and tried to let it roll off my shoulders. My sister, barely sixteen, kept badgering my parent's authority. Chiming in to say how "she never gets to do anything," and about how "unfair it was that they were keeping her home." She even went so far as to say that they were "ruining her life." Remembering my year at 16, the feelings were normal. Ones I likely shared too. Not in that way of course. I was the eldest. Surely, I didn't storm off in tantrums and slam doors. But then of course, my sister, master of pushing my buttons (as all siblings are), did the abdominal--she pulled the sister card. "You would have let Beth do it!" she screamed from the top of the stairs.

Whether this was a dig at my parent's parenting ability or at at myself didn't matter, my blood immediately boiled. I digressed into behaving like a ten-year-old and stomped upstairs to have an "adult" word with my sister. Why didn't she want to spend time with me (it wasn't every weekend I was home from college)? Did she not want to meet my boyfriend? Be with mom and dad?

The fight, accusing, combative, combustive--all sisterly, all sibling related. Even the jab at my adolescent rights (and no, my parents wouldn't have let me take the car to visit friends on Christmas Eve. This was notoriously a "family night"). Nothing really out of the ordinary. Except maybe that I had a boyfriend sitting downstairs, foolishly grinning and trying to get along with my parents without my presence at his side.

But for my eventual husband? This "argument?" The futility of it all. Unreasonable explosiveness. The very fact that it turned into a sister fight over nothing--appalled him! How could I? She was my sister! I had a sister, one that albeit immature sometimes (at least at 16), but a sibling nonetheless... why fight? He obviously was oblivious. I reasoned my actions to him--showed the bones of contention, why her jab had wounded my feelings, why if my parents DID let her take the car it would dishonor me... and well, it all fell on deaf ears. He was still laughing at my pointed list of reasons why I was mad. All he could understand was that she was my sister. Period. Who cares if she left to visit friends? We'd visited over dinner. After dinner. Tomorrow... and of course, put in those terms. He was (probably) right. At least in that moment.

The thing is--by experiencing that moment then, and reliving it now--I can see, how as an only child, the moment was funny. If not excruciatingly embarrassing for him. He didn't get it. The fighting. And the fact that she's my sister, getting on each other's nerves is part of the big picture. Part of being siblings. Part of who we are and our relationship.

That is where I missed the point. He didn't know. As an Only--it was him and his parents. And that relationship would require an entire post itself to dissect. It was tumultuous in good times. Being a girlfriend (and now wife) of an only son had a mountain of expectations to complicate matters. Family names had to be taken into consideration. What about future children. What about holidays--we have no other children to make them special. The need and wants for their son's (full) attention. Being on-call for parents when they need them... the list was endless. And here I'd thought this one-ness might make it less complicated.

ONLY CHILD dissects the Only mystery. It's full of insight and honesty for all the nuances of what being an Only means--whether that is content, lonely, jealous, insightful, always feeling on the outside. Each essay gave me a little ity bit more insight into my husband's brain. His hard-wired one-ness. It's complicated! I had no idea that the idea of turning to a someone special instead of one's parents for advice was so life changing (Laundry Distance by Lynn Harris). Or the burdens of losing a parent (we all know that is hard, really hard)--can be especially burdening on a single-child (Dodging Laurie by Daphne Uviller). Sure this seems obviouss, but THINK about it some more. Only child, only responsiblity (and unfortunatley, this year, The Husband has had first hand experience at this). Or the fact that no matter what you do as an only child--you're it. The everything--and mostly high expectations follow (You're It by Betty Rollin).

All of this is nothing new--if I thought about it enough. But coming from the writings of other Onlies? Well it gives me more of a perspective of what it might have been like growing up like my husband. Or why, when we decided to have children--it was always children, not a child. His deepest want was admitted, he always wanted a sibling.

Thoughtful, heart-wrenching, honest, and funny--these writers brought it to life for me. The life of an Only is just as complicated as those with Siblings. And now you have a little insight into why. Take a look at the author's websites, blog, interviews (all below), and more:

- Deborah Siegel's Website
- Girl With Pen - Deborha's Blog
- Interview with Deborah
- Daphne Uviller's Website
- Publisher's website
- Purchase the book from Amazon

*This post brought to you by the lovely ladies at MotherTalk. And the Publisher. Love that I get a chance to read and relate to these authors and their work. It truly is a labor of love.

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1:48 AM | | 0 comments

BOOK TOUR: NAPTIME IS THE NEW HAPPY HOUR by Stefanie Wilder-Taylor

Thursday, April 03, 2008 by Bethany

Need the honest-to-God, I'm gonna give it to you like it is, wine-drinking, exhaustion ridden truths about raising a toddler (believe me when I say I've been there)? Well, NAPTIME IS THE NEW HAPPY HOUR and OTHER WAYS TODDLERS TURN YOUR LIFE UPSIDE DOWN by Stefanie Wilder-Taylor is just your book (and then some).

This ain't no parenting advice book. Well not really anyway. Sure we get a handful of children's television show reviews, toy suggestions (or not), the holiday dos and dont's, as well as how to find a good mom friend (or playdate). But it's not all fact-bound or stuffy. It's more--how shall I put this?--candid. And freaking HILARIOUS. Stefanie takes the fun and puts it back into motherhood. Not to mention a dose of much-needed reality. All that mom-poser stuff--my kid is better than yours because we don't watch TV, never have a lick of sugar, and know seven languages by age 3--is given a much needed bitch slapping.

I don't know about you, but life on the playgroup scene hasn't been to kind to me. I tried on a few (six) when The Kidd was a baby. And then again when he turned 118-month(ish). I figure he needed a friend or two (and hell, I needed someone to talk to that wasn't providing me a paycheck or eating Cheerios off the floor). So, my misadventures in the playgroup scene began. Much like Stefanie, I met the Holier-than-Thou Moms. The ones stuffing so many activities in a day they were afraid to stay home, and Those that Like To Compare Milestone Notes. It was awful. So much so, I just gave up and went back to working from home countless hours a week and sat The Kiddo behind me to watch hours of television.

Stefanie's experiences in NAPTIME don't end with playgroups though. She runs the gamut with the reality checks, sarcastic toddler humor, and I'm Gonna Die moments. These are a few of my favorites in the book:

- Suburban Boredom (let me fess up... Stefanie and I, different backgrounds. But that doesn't mean that this essay didn't have me crying in I-can-relate tears.)
- Supermom or Superlair?
- Playdates: and Other Potentially Irritating Ways to Spend an Afternoon
- Television: It's Not Just For When You Are In the Shower
- Food: It's Not What's For Dinner
- A Little Help, Please?
- It's All About Date Night: And Other Urban Legends
- Going for Broke--Or a Second Baby

Okay, really I liked them all. Making this list was like cutting off an arm.

I've never had so much fun reading a parenting book before. And I've read plenty. This one was poignant, hysterical, and one I'm adding to my list of Read This Before Kids pile for baby showers gifts. Mostly because, I want new mothers to see the funny in the chaos of what life becomes.

Ready for more Stefanie? I sure am! You can find more info here:
- Baby on Bored (Stefanie's blog)
- Two interviews by Mommy Bloggers (here and here)
- Buy the book on Amazon

Seriously, if you are ready for more laughs, her blog is the first stop.

*This post brought to you by the lovely ladies at Mothertalk. Gotta love 'em!

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2:08 AM | | 0 comments

BOOK REVIEW: THE BABY LOTTERY by Kathryn Trueblood

Sunday, March 30, 2008 by Bethany

Simple put, this book ain't for sissies. It tackles all the hard stuff--abortion, alcoholism, life, death, infertility, friendships, single-motherhood, relationships, divorce, career. And there isn't a reprieve throughout the entire book. It's wonderfully crafted, throwing you into the lives of five women in their late thirties--all of them having known each other for years--and let's you live their lives for a moment.

From the beginning THE BABY LOTTERY by Kathryn Trueblood tackles tough issues, Nan, the OB nurse is the first of the characters we meet is in the midst of her work day. Which, for this nurse, isn't a good day. She loves her job and was made to do what she does (mom a nurse in WWII and a minister dad who ended up helping pregnant mothers in need), but has become a bit hardened with time. Why wouldn't she? She was a single young mom earlier than all her friends. Responsibility wasn't a choice, it was her only option. But... I am getting ahead of myself.

Here's the rest of the characters: Jean, the recent divorcee and a woman torn because of failed pregnancies and her inability to conceive. She's wrought between a past and her current life. And being burnt out by her previous career as a social worker. It only gets more complicated when Charlotte get's pregnant (bear with me, I'll cover Charlotte in a bit). Virginia (also a divorcee), the lecturer and now single mom of Milo. Her soon to be ex-husband tried hard (and could fix everything), but seemed to never know that there was a bank account that did run out of money. Eventually. Ginny's trying to balance now a full course load, this new single-mom thing, and of course living alone. Believe me when I say it's not all fun and games.

Tasi is the forever career woman. Has literally climbed the corporate ladder from an Admin to now a PR director of sorts. Honestly, knowing women like her in real life, she rocks! And one would think she has it all right? Well, she's not married, no kids... and she'd Vacation Dating a married man in the office. It get icky. So does the rest of Tasi's life when her mom's health gets a blow, as well as her Dad's dealing with her mom's health. And then there are her brothers, her ulcers... and you'll have to read for the whole of it.

And lastly Charlotte. It is no secret that this is the catalyst for this entire story... hell, it is on the jacket copy. Charlotte is the immature friend. You know the one--parties, naive, gets married for all the wrong reasons. Yes, that's her in a nutshell. And then she becomes pregnant. And delays the abortion til the second trimester. How's that one for a cliffhanger? Well, it's what gets all these women talking. And questioning. And wondering. And faltering.

The book is honest. Open. In a Tell It Like It Is sorta writing style. Each woman has a different perspective. Different opinion. And let me be the first to tell you they clash. This is a hot topic, why wouldn't it mimic real life?

Kathryn doesn't back down one bit from the heart of the matter on all accounts. Even including the pasts of every character, down the the truth of it all--they've shared one common element. Abortion. And now it's finding its way back into their lives again. Riveting commentary. Heartbreaking choices. And real life women adorn the pages of the book. And keep you reading until the end.

Want to learn more about THE BABY LOTTERY or Kathryn? It's easy, check these places out online:
- Kathryn Trueblood's Web Page
- An Excerpt from the book
- Interview with Kathryn
- Buy the book here

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8:41 PM | | 0 comments

THE LIAR'S DIARY by Patry Francis

Tuesday, February 26, 2008 by Bethany

Remember Patry Francis and my plea for you to go buy her first book? As I stated, I joined the 300+ bloggers (and more now) to help a fellow writer--one who's book debuted just recently, but also a woman who's been suddenly diagnosed with cancer and is under going treatment. Right when her book is being released.

Well, I finally got her book in my hands, THE LIAR'S DIARY. If the large dark rings under my eyes prove anything today, is that the book did not disappoint. Not in a million years. It was heart-wrenching, real, frightening--and an all very well written thriller that will keep you page turning (like I did) until you find yourself at the end. An end that will have your swirling and whirling (again, like me).

I can't give away too many details. For one there are just too many and I won't give the book (and author) justice. And secondly, I just want to let the story unfold for you--the way it should. It's a thriller! I can't give a thing away. I just can't!

BUT, I do want to say this, the characters in this book, well, are to die for. Very real, riveting, and keep you guessing. I guess you could say they are very human, very real, and complicated. As each of us should be (don't you think?). Read and watch as the story unfolds. It will take you to dark places inside each of us. And into the hearts and minds into a cast of characters that will have you thinking about them--even after you put the book down 12 hours earlier.

It's a little like being thrown into suburbia, into a woman's life, into her families life, into her communities life, and learning about it all. How precarious it all is. Especially when something dreadful goes really (really) wrong. It's got all the pieces of a great literary read. Throw in the suspense. The sticky parts. And all the love that goes along with families, friends, and life. That's THE LIAR'S DIARY. Fabulous read to get lost in--make it your bathtub read this weekend. Trust me, you won't be able to put it down (might consider getting out of the bath and moving to your bed so you don't shrivel up into nothing). Oh, and you'll want to hug all that are near and dear to you when it's over.

Here's some more links to take a look at before you book arrives:

- Patry Francis' Website
- Patry's Blog
- Litparks' interview with Patry
- Algonkian Writer Conference's interview
- Patry's Publishers Marketplace Blog Home (writerly and authorly type advise)

Again, if sly, thrilling, suspense is your thing, get this book. It's really good.

This post was brought to you (again) by the lovely ladies at MotherTalk. I love them. So will you. Stop by to read what others have to say about this book, and many others they help promote. The author's will love you.

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12:13 AM | | 0 comments

THE SKY ISN'T VISIBLE FROM HERE by Felicia Sullivan

Wednesday, February 20, 2008 by Bethany

If asked to describe this book in 3 words, I'd have to pick breath-taking, touching, and heart-wrenching.

I wish I could say it is in one of those Happy Ever After Ways, and it is--sorta--but instead it is more of a I Can't Get Over That Felicia Survived It Way. And by It I mean a childhood wrought with hardship, little money, a mother obsessed with drugs, alcohol, herself, and men that were no good. And an adulthood that managed to get her "out" of one lifestyle and into another one. One that was full of more money but just as much alcohol and unfortunately just as much cocaine. Only good point, Felicia got out of it. She found a way to push herself past her mother and let go.

Sorry, if I gave the ending away, but seriously, she wrote the book. She'd have to NOT be high. Right? (And Felicia, this is meant as sarcasm. Really. you go girl, because after what you went through, well, no one can play victim anymore. You just go out there and keep writing. Knock 'em dead. Kinky hair and all. Hell, you should see how stringy mine is!)

THE SKY ISN'T VISIBLE FROM HERE is wrought with childhood stories of the haunting kind. For me, an ordinary girl from the Midwest with a "normal" mom, it is almost unfathomable that a child could grow up and out of this environment. I'm not that naive to know that it doesn't happen though. I'm just again happy my life was pretty normal.

The most touching portion of the whole book is Felicia's love for her mother. Still. Even though she hasn't heard from her since the night of her college graduation and the fact that she has indeed let her go. Forever. In fact, the entire book revolves around how she is trying to "shed" this love. Her mother haunts her dreams, her decisions, and even her adulthood. That is, until she finally (finally) decides to let go. Let her mother be who she is, without trying to hide it from the rest of the world. And, by doing that, be who she is without her mother. It's breath-taking and honest. A path not many of us would want to take--breaking ties with a parent. And standing firm on it. But it's one Felicia took full heartedly.

Really, I just wanted to cheer as I neared the end of this book. And cry at the same time. Felicia was honest, open, and earth-shatteringly real throughout the book. She told the world about the worst moments of her life (and likely the most embarrassing). But yet when I read the book, I wasn't thinking it was embarrassing for Felicia, it was for her mother. She had a good thing going for her--a really good thing--and look at where "Lisa" is now?

I can't think of any better cause to go out and get this book other than to support a woman who has done it all by herself. She's come from out from under one of the biggest struggles of her life and made it out on top. Without the parental validation we all crave. And without a mother. So go buy her book.

Here's the official blurb:

Felicia Sullivan’s volatile, beautiful, deceitful, drug-addicted mother disappeared on the night Sullivan graduated from college, and has not been seen or heard from in the ten years since. Sullivan, who grew up on the tough streets of Brooklyn in the 1980s, now looks back on her childhood—lived among drug dealers, users, and substitute fathers. Sullivan became her mother’s keeper, taking her to the hospital when she overdosed, withstanding her narcissistic rages, succumbing to the abuse or indifference of so-called stepfathers, and always wondering why her mother would never reveal the truth about the father she’d never met.

Ashamed of her past, Sullivan invented a persona to show the world. Yet despite her Ivy League education and numerous accomplishments, she, like her mother, eventually succumbed to alcohol and drug abuse. She wrote The Sky Isn’t Visible from Here, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, when she realized it was time to kill her own creation.


And if that isn't enough, read the first chapter here (it is a PDF that will download).

Other places to visit online to learn about Felicia and this book are here:

- Felicia's Web Site and blog
- Guest blog post on Girl's Gone Child (this was so touching, it it TOTALLY worth the read)
- Interviews: Literary Rejections on Display, Interview in the Gothamist, Biography on Identity Theory, and Interview on Cruelest Month
- Buy the book at Amazon

This post brought to you by the lovely ladies at MotherTalk. THE place for books, reviews, and all things motherly.

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12:12 AM | | 1 comments

Book Review: THE DEPARTMENT OF LOST AND FOUND by Allison Winn Scotch

Monday, February 11, 2008 by Bethany


Cancer sucks. No matter what the form--colon, lung, prostate--it is a definite buzz kill in any conversation. And completely a downer when "it happens" to someone you love. Which is exactly what happened to Allison Winn Scotch, the author of THE DEPARTMENT OF LOST AND FOUND.

Although the book is far from autobiographical or memoir, it is in honor of a close friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer. And the book itself? Completely compassionate, honest, raw--and well, a real look at what it would be like to be young and diagnosed with the big C.

The book follows Natalie Miller from the day her very normal (if not hectic) life as a top political aide for a New York senator and girlfriend of a gorgeous boyfriend gets turned around. The boyfriend dumps her, the doctor finds cancer, the job she'd given her life too suddenly takes a turn for the worse, and she finds herself addicted to the Price is Right on her couch in her darkened apartment.

But don't think this book is a downer. Far from it. Natalie is a fighter. And one determined to figure out where it all went wrong. She fights back from the stares at work when she does venture in to help the "good" senator out and back into her past when she looks at her last 5 boyfriends. For old times sake. And sanity sake. Natalie's personality alone makes this book. She's headstrong. Vivacious. And plain determined to beat the cancer right out of her. Even if she is in a bit of a depression (I mean, who wouldn't be).

We get a dose of the real Natalie by way of her diary at the beginning of each chapter. And those entries and full of honesty, fear, and courage. Outwardly she puts on a face--but the truth behind that face is a wonderfully afraid person doing the best they can.

The book is full of jovial fun, as well as every day nonsense that keeps you laughing, even in the face of cancer. And having Natalie go down the path of past loves of her life? Well, makes you love her even more. Don't be afraid of the heavy subject matter here, Allison does a wonderful thing as an author, you laugh through a bit of tears, but come out the other end smiling. Beautifully written and a wonderful tribute to a friend.

Here's the official blurb for the book from Allison's web site:
It didn’t start out as the worst day of Natalie Miller’s life. At thirty, she is moving up the political ladder, driven by raw ambition and ruthless determination. As the top aide to New York’s powerful female senator, she works hard, stays late, and enjoys every bit of it, even if the bills she’s pushing through do little to improve the lives of the senator’s constituents. And if her boyfriend isn’t the sexiest guy alive, at least he’s a warm body to come home to.

Then he announces he’s leaving. But that news is barely a blip compared to what Natalie’s doctor tells her: She has breast cancer. And she can’t cure it by merely being headstrong. Now the life Natalie must change is her own.

All her energy, what little of it she has left, must go into saving herself from a merciless disease. So when she’s not lying on the sofa recovering from her treatments and indulging in a curious addiction to The Price Is Right, she realizes it’s time to take a hard look at her choices. She begins by tracking down the five loves-of-her-life to assess what went wrong. Along the way, she questions her relationships with her friends, her parents, her colleagues, the one who got away, and, most important, with herself: Why is she so busy moving through life that she never stops to embrace it?

As Natalie sleuths out the answers to these questions, her journey of self-discovery takes her down new paths and to unexplored places. And she learns that sometimes when life is at its most unexpected, it’s not what you lose that makes you who you are . . . it’s what you find.

And don't forget to check out this online fun:

- Allison Winn Scotch's Official Website
- Allison's Blog (lots of info for freelance and novel writers there!)
- An Interview with Allison
- Writers Unboxed Allison shares the limelight with a handful of other authors on this blog)
- Buy the book from Amazon

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9:15 PM | | 0 comments

In Support of Patry Francis and THE LIAR'S DIARY

Tuesday, January 29, 2008 by Bethany

Today is the release date for the trade paperback edition of Patry Francis' debut novel The Liar's Diary. And this is an extraordinary thing--see Patry, is dealing with cancer. An aggressive form of cancer. And treatment is her primary concern (as it should be). But, in this business of writing and publishing, it also means that is time away from making her dream (her book) come true--marketing, more marketing, and again marketing the book to the bone.

So, like the 300+ other bloggers (a lot writers like me), I am asking you to check out her book. It sounds damn good. Really. See for yourself:
What would you do if your best friend was murdered—and your teenaged son was accused of the crime? How far would you go to protect him? How many lies would you tell? Would you dare to admit the darkest truths—even to yourself?

Jeanne Cross is an ordinary suburban wife and mother with a seemingly "perfect" life when Ali Mather arrives on the scene, breaking all the rules and breaking hearts. Almost against her will, Jeanne is drawn to this powerfully seductive woman, a fascination that soon begins to infect Jeanne's husband as well as their teenaged son, Jamie.

Though their friendship seems unlikely and even dangerous to their mutual acquaintances, Ali and Jeanne are connected by deep emotional needs, vulnerabilities and long-held secrets that Ali has been privately recording in her diary.

The diary also holds the key to something darker. Though she can't prove it, Ali is convinced someone has been entering her house when she is not at home-and not with the usual intentions. What this burglar wants is nothing less than a piece of Ali's soul.

When Ali is found murdered, there are many suspects; but the evidence against Jamie Cross is overwhelming. Jeanne's personal probing leads her to the question none of us would ever want to face. What comes first: our loyalty to family—or the truth?"

Don't forgot to check out Patry's website and blog (send her some healthy vibes while you are at it). To help with it all, I'm ordering the book at Amazon right now myself.

Help me, help another writer. In this business, sometimes that is all it takes!

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5:51 PM | | 0 comments

Three Books a Month Club

Tuesday, September 25, 2007 by Bethany

Melanie Lynne Hauser, author extraordinaire (she wrote CONFESSIONS OF A SUPER MOM and SUPER MOM SAVES THE WORLD. Both fabulous reads. Please go buy them now. ), challenged us on her blog Refrigerator Door to buy three books a month. No libraries, free book pick-ups, but real, live purchases from any of your neighboring stores. And, hell, I at least buy three books a month. Call it supporting my dream job or just insanity. But either way, I figured I'd join the fun this month and share my first 3-book purchase for September and tell you why I bought them (besides the fact that I am just a book addict no matter what way you slice it).Fir

HOW TO TEACH FILTHY RICH GIRLS by Zoey Dean
First, who doesn't want to be rich? That premise alone could make me buy a book. Second the little multiple choice teaser question on the back was creative, new, and well funny. So, I figured what the hell. And then there is the whole idea of partying with rich-folk, the idea of a glimpse into the celebrity life, lots of fashion and money and snooty attitudes that will eventually have to work their asses off? Well, a hook that had me wanting to read the book.

For curious minds, here's the little ole' marketing question that was creative enough to have by buy the thing:
The story of a Yale University graduate who tutors the most hard-partying twins in Palm Beach is:

(a) a hot, sexy, laugh-out-loud romp of a read
(b) a makeover take full of fashion and fabulosity
(c) an insider's peek into the super-exclusive Palm Beach society
(d) all of the above
The official blurb:

Recent Yale graduate Megan Smith comes to Manhattan with big plans for a career in journalism and even bigger student loan debt: $75,000, to be exact. When she flails at a disastrous editorial meeting at her trashy tabloid job, Megan is called into the editor-in-chief's office certain that she's going to be fired. And she is. Sort of....

As it turns out, Megan's suddenly ex-boss is old friends with the grandmother of seventeen-year-old identical twins Rose and Sage Baker--the infamous Baker heiresses of Palm Beach, Florida, best known for their massive fortunes and their pension for drunkenly flashing the paparazzi. Their grandmother is set on the girls attending Duke University despite their combined GPA of roughly 0.2. And if Megan can tutor the girls and get them into Duke, their grandmother will pay off Megan's college loans in full.

Unfortunately for Megan, the Baker twins aren't about to bend their busy social schedules for basic algebra. And they certainly aren't thrilled to have to sit down for a study session with dowdy Megan, who quickly discovers that if she's going to get her bonus, she'll have to know her Pucci from her Prada. And if she can look the part, maybe, just maybe, she can teach them something along the way.

Number it is to be read? Likely number 5 or 6. Needless to say, there are a few ahead of it in the to-be-read pile.

SECOND CHANCE by Jane Green
First, I loved the cover. The hardcover's green, glimmery thing with white letters and a hint of pink? Loved it. Right up my alley and had my fingering the cover like a thief on diamonds. Secondly, it's Jane Green. I love Jane Green, her books, her style. And well, I want to be just like her. So, of course it makes a great book purchase choice this month! Oh and the book is about 30-somethings. Married. Some suburbanites. Some city folk. All making a go of life after a tragedy shocks them all. How do school friends reconnect after a loss? Well, we gotta read the book to find out. Again, my kinda book.

Official blurb:
Green tells the story of a group of people who haven’t seen each other since they were best friends at school. When one of them dies in a terrible tragedy, the reunited friends work through their grief together and find that each of their lives is impacted in ways they could have never foreseen. Warm, witty, and as wise as ever, this is a story of friendship, of family, and of life coming full circle.
Read order: after RICH GIRLS (for no particular reason than that it is the order I purchased them in).

AGNES & THE HITMAN by Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer
Simply put--I read DON'T LOOK DOWN the first book collaboration for the pair of authors and loved it. I knew this one would be a fun ride as well. And, well, I like Jenny. So, it gets two gold stars already. I might also admits that I am a bit of a groupie (cherry bomb is the official title) and follow the joint blog that twitters on about writing and collaboration here. Love those two. Makes for a funny dynamic in real life and a great read in their books.

Official blurb (again):
Take one food writer named Cranky Agnes, add a hitman named Shane, mix them together with a Southern mob wedding, a missing necklace, two annoyed flamingos, and a dog named Rhett and you’ve got a recipe for a sexy, hilarious novel about the disastrous side of true love…

Agnes Crandall’s life goes awry when a dognapper invades her kitchen one night, seriously hampering her attempts to put on a wedding that she’s staked her entire net worth on. Then a hero climbs through her bedroom window. His name is Shane, no last name, just Shane, and he has his own problems: he’s got a big hit scheduled, a rival trying to take him out, and an ex-mobster uncle asking him to protect some little kid named Agnes. When he finds out that Agnes isn’t so little, his uncle has forgotten to mention a missing five million bucks he might have lost in Agnes’s house, and his last hit was a miss, Shane’s life isn’t looking so good, either. Then a bunch of lowlifes come looking for the money, a string of hit men show up for Agnes, and some wedding guests gather with intent to throw more than rice. Agnes and Shane have their hands full with greed, florists, treachery, flamingos, mayhem, mothers of the bride, and—most dangerous of all—each other. Agnes and the Hitman is the perfect combination of sugar and spice, sweet and salty—a novel of delicious proportions.
Again, will likely be read after Green's book out of pure purchase order. Because, well, you have to start somewhere.

If you want to join the 3-books a month club too--join in the fun. Tell me what you bought and why... oh and stop on by Melanie's place and tell her too!

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2:45 PM | | 0 comments