Claire is a romance author and a single mom. She has four kids ranging from a teenager to a 6 year old. She has to put up with her ex-husband who cheated on her and his new young wife (not the one he cheated with). Her mom, who's been her backbone for the past few years, decides to leave to be with her brother's family in Texas. The cute neighbor who moves in next door also happens to be Claire's son's teacher plus the worship pastor at church. Plus he seems to like Claire..a lot. Add all these in with unruly kids, carpal tunnel surgery and panic attacks, and Claire's got a lot to learn that she can't do everything all on her own.

I really enjoyed this read. It was fun hip mom lit. Almost anyone can identify also with trying to lose a couple of extra pounds, who can turn down hot fresh pizza really? Claire is a character that you both love and get frustrated with at the same time. For me when she had to deal with Rick and Darcy, especially the scenes with the counselor, you really feel for her. I mean imagine having to hear your ex husband say that he never really loved you and he only married you because it was his duty. And plus now he's started a better life with a younger prettier, perfect woman who keeps trying to be your friend when you'd really rather have nothing to do with them. So of course you side with her then. On the other hand, scenes with the way she handles her children made you want to thump Claire on the head. She thinks her kids can do no wrong even when she's presented hard core evidence such as the dirty poems. Thus she does not give them the correct punishments instead choosing to let them off easier. And then she wonders why they don't really listen or respect her? One can learn a lot from Claire and her adventures in this book. ( )

Plot Summary: What happens, When & Where, Central Characters, Major Conflicts
Clare is a single mom who can't believe all the trouble her life is bringing her. Her kids are smart-mouthed and distant, her husband seems smug in his new marriage, his new wife wants to be her best friend, Clare's doctor says she needs carpal tunnel surgery on both wrists, and her mother is moving to Texas. Clare's tendancy is to focus on her own problems and shut everyone else out, but some pointed advice from her mother makes her come up with a new game plan. Now Clare is committed to reconnecting with her kids, taking better care of herself, and reignite her relationship with God...but first she has to face a few demons from her past.

Style Characterisics: Pacing, clarity, structure, narrative devices, etc.
Clare tells the story in a very cynical angry tone, she is indeed wrapped up in herself and the story does a good job of showing how painful it is for her to change. There is also a very typical romantic element, good looking guy shows up just when she needs help. For the frivolity of the cover it went a little deeper than I expected with her family problems. Claire seemed like a very real "girl next door" character. The ex-wife seemed too good to be real.
How Good is it?
A nice read for a contemporary women, Claire is easy to relate too. ( )