A NIGHT OWL REVIEWS BOOK REVIEW | Reviewed by: Vee
Five women from different backgrounds and situations come together to discuss one thing, the challenges of caring for someone else’s children.
The instigator of the group, Clare, is the only one who isn’t a stepmom but is a single Mom with an MIA father and thus brings a different prospective.
While two of the characters mostly dabble with the prospect of becoming a stepmother (neither are married and the boyfriends do not have custody), Eve has taken on living with Ian, a widower with three children. With Ian refusing to change too much around the house for the sake of the kids, the deceased’s belongings are in view while her own are stuffed out of sight. Worse, Ian’s eldest hates Eve with a passion.
Then there’s Mandy who has blended families with John creating five teenagers in one home. Lastly Clare, the single Mom, is dealing with the fact her daughter’s father has decided he wants a relationship after fourteen years.
Turns out Dad, a doctor, is rich and oh so cool. Clare’s daughter loves his new, young wife and her new young siblings and practically abandons Clare at every turn.
Through their turmoil the friends give support to each other, make hard decisions and do the best they can.
I really enjoyed The Other Mother’s Club. The author did a good job of portraying women in a variety of situations while making them likable and understandable. I think she accurately showed the angst and love that goes into being a step parent.
I had a difficult time with Eve and Ian’s relationship especially the way he behaved when a crisis struck. It never felt as if Ian truly loved her.
It was hard reading about Clare’s situation since she was unappreciated in many ways. Her daughter’s affection for the man who’d abandoned her was difficult to stomach.
Still, overall, an engaging story with vibrant characters. I wish it had lasted longer.
Aug 15, 2010 | 9780061840357
5 = Rare - Top Pick | 4.5 = I Loved It - Top Pick | 4 = Good Solid Read
3.5 = Enjoyable | 3 Stars = OK - Needs a few changes | 2 Stars = It just didn't click / DNF
Book Blurb for The Other Mothers' Club
Eve has had it--she's no wicked stepmonster in the making. She absolutely adores Ian, the new man in her life, and she's more than willing to open her heart to his kids. But nothing she does is right in their eyes, and she just can't take it anymore.
At her wit's end, she decides it's time for stepmothers to stick together, so, with a little prodding from her best friend, Clare, she decides to join a support system for other women in the same boat. There's stay-at-home mom Mandy, high-achiever Mel, and even young and in love Chloe. And as cups of coffee give way to wine, and their get-togethers become a regular fixture, the women share their love, lives, ambitions, and true feelings about their new families.
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