The Single Girl's Guide to Marrying a Man - and His Ex-Wife

Everyone in a blended family can benefit from this insightful yet fun-to-read book! As the old saying goes, "Knowledge is power," and just by having the information in this book, many blended families can side-step a lot of unnecessary pain, misunderstandings and mistakes and instead, build a happy, successful, well-adjusted family.

Before I continue on with the review, I do want to take a moment to agree with another reviewer who said that the material in this book could provide great material for a touching, funny and insightful TV sit-com or a movie!

Now back to my review... Though there are all sorts of wonderful tips and insights to be gained from the book, I'd like to meniton just a couple. The first is that Sally wisely stresses the importance of couples discussing EXPECTATIONS concerning discipline and other issues BEFORE they come up...and preferably even before a couple even marries...so they can go on to present a united front to the children and others. And really, a huge benefit to the book is that most women (and men, too) who have never had children (as in "being around kids 24/7...") have NO idea what it is like. So just reading the book gives both the uninitiated stepmother and her groom a chance to develop REALISTIC expectations for everyone concerned.

Here is a great excerpt from her chapter entitled, "Finding Your Inner Disciplinarian": ..."You'll need to decide on a discipline style that is acceptable to both of you. Will you be strict no-nonsense parents or will you be more relaxed and flexible? ...Whatever you decide, the two of you will be well-served to discuss your philosophies on discipline long before you butt heads over how to handle a temper-tantrum-throwing child, a pot-smoking twelve-year old, or a sexually active teen."

Another important point that Sally makes is that a wise stepmother can have a huge positive effect on the emotional and character development of her stepchild/children. Sally discusses in her book how she worked hard to instill good manners in her stepsons. Here is another great excerpt where she states: "I have a great book I highly recommend called "365 Days of Manners Kids Should Know." I like to read it aloud to my stepsons at the dinner table now and then. I randomly pick a rule out of the book and read to them as if they were my attentive students in a classroom. My lessons are always met with rolling eyes and "Oh, brother--not manners again." The boys like to get my goat by egregiously talking with their mouths full or using thier fingers to eat pasta. But when we are at a restaurant or at a friend's house for dinner I am proud to see that our boys are extremely well behaved. It is not uncommon for one of them to flatter the hostess with something akin to, "Jan, this chicken is so good. I think it is the best chicken I've ever had!" Often we get a phone call the following day from our hostess commenting on the boys'good manners. I like to believe that in some ways I'm partially responsible for that."

Well, there you have it. This was a long review but I hope you'll get the book and benefit from all it has to offer.

This book can be difficult to read because it pulls no punches. It doesn't spare your feelings or sugar-coat how difficult the role of stepmom is. That is why I love it. It made me feel like a superwoman for taking this on, affirmed my feeling that wow, it was *really* hard, and reminded me that I am not alone. Being a stepmom is amazing and wonderful, of course, but it has challenges and pitfalls unlike any other role, and frankly, most people dismiss that fact by saying "Well, that's what you chose when you got involved with a divorced guy." Yeah? Well, I still need to vent, just like biological moms, so give me some support, sista! This book is where I found a lot of solace. I could have done without the ten zillion Carrie Bradshaw-esque asides, but that's a minor quibble; the meat of the book will really fill that gaping maw in your emotional stepmommy tummmy.

I had never really understood the complexity of what was involved when two families blend together until I read this book. While it was written for single women, this book is helpful for any member of a blended family. Both step moms and step dads, single or previously married, need to deal with the emotional ups and downs of dealing with an ex and bonding with and caring for someone else's children. The chapters on celebrating holidays and on working out budgets that include child custody and alimony expenses are particularly helpful.

I bought it for my brother, the father of two grown children, who is remarrying and will "inherit" two adolescent stepchildren, but after reading myself, I also found it helpful for gaining insight into the challenges faced by my brother and all of the other members of the families involved.

This is an enjoyable read, combining wit, intelligence and lots of helpful information for anyone who is considering adopting the off-spring and ex of the love of their life.

This book was an extraordinarily refreshing take on the world of step-motherhood. Other books I looked at were very self-centered and depressing, addressing issues of "how do I get my needs met?" and "what if I don't love his kids?" Basically they viewed the kids as an obstacle, which I find horrifying! I am in a serious relationship with a wonderful man with two sons, 7 and 12, and I have never had children myself. I love his kids and want nothing but the best for them.

The reviews on all of the "creepy things she put up with" almost kept me from buying this book. I tend to be an eternal optimist and hate to read about people's "woe is me" tales. However, this book has nothing of the victim mentality. Some may mistake "understanding" for being a victim, which she urges continually. She basically says, be calm, bite your tongue before you say something you will regret, understand the situation, THEN set boundaries if necessary. She takes the approach that your significant other is good at heart (otherwise why would you have fallen in love?) and that you are in it together as a team. I think her advice can carry over into any relationship, kids or no kids.

She never turns herself into a doormat or says it is ok for his kids to disrespect you. In the example where her stepson intentionally trips her (cited in many of the reviews) she does not accept or condone the behavior of the father or the child. They talked about the incident alone between them (husband and wife), NOT in front of the kids, and they later addressed the inappropriateness of the child's behavior in a calm and rational manner--very sound advice. Just because she doesn't make a scene right then and there doesn't mean she is not setting appropriate boundaries.

The only other thing that almost kept me from buying this book is that the author is not "an expert," and being a scientist I don't generally like "fluff." I want the hard facts from someone who can give good and accurate advice. However, I found that she has something more valuable: an LE degree (a.k.a. Life Experience). There is some "fluff" in the form of humor (which I LOVED, laughing out loud more than once, and think is totally necessary) but the underlying truths are there. She makes a lot of good points and addresses issues truthfully and rationally with class and poise. Thanks for such a positive spirit!

... and THEN read Wednesday Martin's "Stepmonster" -- contrary to what the title suggests, this is professional advice from a professional woman and there is far more real support and you can try this at home advice in Stepmonster, and lots of good, fun, funny and sometimes sad anecdotes in both. I would definitely read this but wouldn't stop there. I think Ms. Martin's correct that some of the books trivialize the very real marginalization of the step-mother and denial doesn't help the new instant mom to identify, monitor, manage and talk productively about what is happening and what she's feeling, so ... read The Single Girl's Guide and share it with somebody you can talk to. Make it part of a trilogy by adding Izzy Rose's "The Package Deal" ... these three books work well together. It's all about balance.

I highly recommend this book! I originally purchased it for my sister who is a party to a bad divorce. (really bad) After finishing the book, I immediately bought four more copies for other friends in similar situations and this in itself is as positive a review as any author could wish for.

When affairs of the heart leave your emotions shattered, your bank account drained, your physical well being challenged, and your mental state so fragile that some days you don't want to get out of bed (according to my sister) on those days you still have to deal with your own children's requests as well as the interaction of the "other family", the step family.

Simply put, life goes on.

The book is a humorous, well thought out, road map for getting your life back on track. It provides step by step check lists and action plans and since the author is so honest in sharing her own step mom situations, any person connected to a divorce can now visualize for themselves a practical model for heading to a better life.

Originally written for the woman with no children who inherits kids through marriage, this book deserves a broader audience of everyone and anyone who has to deal with someone connected to divorce. Read the book and at a minimum find yourself in one of the situations.

This book addresses many of the issues faced by women who marry men with children, such as kids, exes, money, and inlaws. It is not a "single girl's guide" - it is designed for new stepmoms. For that reason, it may be useful for the new stepmom who has little clue what to expect. The book is humorous and focuses on being optimistic and upbeat, and could be a supplement to other step-parenting books.

However, the book made me sad, both for the author and for other women who have suffered some of the situations described in this book. The author uses a lot of humor to tell stories (and there are lots of stores, especially her own stories) and illustrate her point, but her humor is a thin disguise for some of the more painful things she experienced. For example, she describes an incident where her stepson tripped her on purpose, causing her to fall flat on her face in public, and then she watched her husband comfort the child after she barked at him for tripping her! She talks about being excluded from the world of biological mothers because she's not a "real" mom. She then advises the reader that stepmothers will always come in second place after the kids, and to accept it! This sort of advice is patently wrong and encourages stepmothers to to settle for crap instead of what they deserve. I'm with "E. Miller" - her book is filled with creepy and disturbing things.

As a stepmother, I acknowlege some of the difficulties the author discusses - money issues, weird ex-wives, disciplining the kids - they come with the territory. However, I STRONGLY disagree with her about taking second place to his children - it is not acceptable for a man to treat his wife like she is less important than his kids, or allow his children to treat her disrespectfully. My husband has never treated me that way.

Because the author is not an expert (beyond her personal experiences), the book is heavy on humor and stories and lighter on advice and insight. I've seen better books on stepmotherhood.

This book is both hilarious and comforting. As a stepmom of 2 boys for two and a half years, I usually feel like I've learned all those hard lessons that Sally describes, and yet her book gave me a sense of comfort ... and it made me howl with laughter. All the other stepmom books I read gave advice that was obvious to the point of stupidity. Moreover, most of them assumed that stepmothers don't actually do much parenting because they might see their kids every other weekend or in the summer. As a stepmom who has her stepkids more than half the time AND has an ex-wife very much in her life, this warm, caring and outrageously funny tome made me feel like I was not alone and, frankly, doing a pretty good job at it. Simply giving a name to things like the "evil twin" and speaking out loud those vicious fantasies about the ex made the incredibly hard job of stepparenting seem funny and doable rather than overwhelming. Thanks Sally!

This is the best book I read about getting married with step children.Sally knows what she is talking about when it comes to getting married to a guy with kids. The possibilities of what to expect...reading this will prepare you for what you are about to embark on. The information that I read will come in useful when I get married. If you know someone that is about to get married to a divorcé with kids please, I can't stress enough to buy this book for them. They will thank you!

Luckily for me, many of my girlfriends - all at the same time! - ended up dating and eventually moving in with separated or divorced dads. What sold me on this book's quality is that whenever I hit a section that didn't apply as much to me (and come on, most self help books are not going to apply every single page of the way), it usually completely applied to one of my friends' experiences.

If you don't have a solid group of stepmom friends to share/suss out/get reality checks from, this book becomes even more important: in validating some of the crazy stuff going on in your head, in warning you about trouble areas that may occur later, and in helping you deal with the panoply of new things thrown at you as you learn to become a stepmom.

I went out and bought a copy for each one of my stepmom friends. It's that good.

I enjoyed reading this book and reading parts of it aloud to my boyfriend who has 100% custoday of his 3 children (11, 9, and 7 years old.) It added an extra perspective for him to hear other than my same comments/complaints. Some of the stories the author told could have been about me and my interactions with my boyfriend and his children. The book made me feel like I wasn't crazy for having the frustrated feelings I had been going through - which lowered my stress level. Now a couple of months later - I think back to the book and remind myself not to take myself so seriously, kids are kids, I need to have fun, enjoy our life and be thankful for the small things - The oldest asking for help with decimals because her dad can't explain it right, impromptu hugs from the middle, and construction paper books written by the youngest about what she loves to do with me - cook dinner, rollerblade, read in bed... The book was enjoyable and helpful.

I received this book as an engagement gift, and I re-read it every year or so. The author is honest and good humored. What I liked about it was that it gave me some solace that every step-mom goes through common experiences, and it gave some great insight on boundaries, and some of the dynamics that come with a blended family.

I highly recommend this book!

This books describes my life so perfectly. I got it as a gift from my friend and now I wish that I had read it BEFORE I got married. It would have prepared me for the step mom road ahead. I have two wonderful step sons and a very loving husband, and an ever present birth-mother. This book really hits the nail in the head about what to look forward to in a mixed family marriage and also has really sound advice on how to deal with different situations within this type of relationship. I am happy that I now own a copy of this book. Reading this book has given me a different perspective on my relationship with my family. Through this book, I have learned to think through my situations and my emotions and to deal with some of the problems that arise in my dealings with my family more maturely. Especially since I now know that most of what I feel as a step mom is normal.A definate MUST read for all step moms, step moms to be and for any divorced man with children looking to marry again.

I highly recommend this book to women who are new step-moms, or are on their way to becoming a step-mom. I had a hard time finding information about step-parenting that spoke to my situation specifically-I was 32 when I married my husband, had never been married before and had no children of my own. I struggled with the changes in my life, and it was frustrating when I couldn't find information that was helpful to me. Sally Bjornsen's insights into being a step-parent are extremely helpful, and come from the heart. I have found myself re-reading chapters, or the "Sassy Stepmother Straightscoop" tips at the end of each segment. Now that I have two years of step-motherhood under my belt, I know that I have come along a long way since the early days of my relationship with my husband, his kids, and yes, the ex-wife, too. This book reminds you that this experience is a "personal journey" and while some of your feelings and behaviors don't always make you feel very good, there is a reason for and a purpose behind your feelings! Be aware of this so you can grow and move forward in your experience. The author has included a great resource guide at the end of the book - many helpful websites and books. I would also recommend that the husband/father read this book as well-it's a great way to open the door to having those important discussions!

Having beaten my head against the wall for the last two years after moving in with my boyfriend now husband I'm now willing to see how my constantly harping about the ever present ex has damaged our relationship.

This book chronicles my experience as a stepmom with great detail. How is that possible? Well I think the lesson the book helps us girls realize is that anyone in our position goes through about the same thing. We're not alone and we're not mean for thinking bad thoughts.
I've asked my husband to read the book. Just as I find it difficult to understand why he does what he does, he finds it hard, if not impossible, to understand why I take exception to the ever present ex. His thoughts are pretty much spelled out in this book too. He wonders what all the fuss is about.
Like I said above, it makes you want to beat your head against the wall trying to figure his way of thinking. My interpretation of the book is that if you want to stay with your man, be as happy as possbile, and get along with everyone, you have to accept they were a family long before you came along and always will be to some extent. We still have boundary issues we need to resolve with the ex (she'd sleep between us if she could) but overall she could make my life a hell of a lot worse as I could her. But in the end, no one wins.
Some women are lucky (sort of) and never have to deal with an ex. Those of us that do deserve a medal. Why do men feel they owe the ex? Why do they still do favors? Why do they talk to her at all????
Answer - its for the kids. Even if the ex benefits, it's for the kids.
I used to think that if I waited all this time to find the guy I'd actually want to marry (I'm 45) then he'd better be all mine. I've done everything right. Went to a great school, passed the CPA exam, make well into the 6 figures and now I have a great guy with an ex who just wants someone else to take care of her, even if he's married to someone else... How can I possibly accept that? How can I ever understand how she influences my life almost on a daily basis when she's done nothing with her life other than have two kids? Answer is in the book and amounts to this...It doesn't matter who you are or who she is. The situation is what it is so get with the program.
I disagree somewhat with some of the other reviewers who think the author gives away way too much of what she should get. It's impossible in a stepfamily to get what you need unless your husband is a widower. If the ex is in the picture, then you'd better get used to it. Good or bad.
So if you're wondering where to turn and can't imagine going on the way you are and your husband/partner is no help, then take solace from this book and know you're not alone and step outside yourself, your needs and accept the situation the way it is (barring anything egregious) and remember who he comes home to at night. Even my grandfather and brother agree with this statement. If he comes home to you at night, then be glad and stop bitching. For men its very simple. If he wanted to be with his ex he would, but he's with you so give it a rest.
The book is humorous but doesn't at all take the issues lightly. This is not written by a bitter divorced late in life lesbian who's given up on men. It's written by a woman who wants to get the word out that we're not alone and things do get better.
And she's absolutely spot on when she says the only way to gain status in your husbands life is to have a child. The Mommy club is an exclusive one. I've lived outside of it for too long to believe otherwise. I'm too old to want to have kids so I've lost my opportunity to be a part of the club. But please don't take her reference about having a baby as being manipulative or wrong. Its the truth. The ex will always claim a better standing in his life as the mother of his kids until you have one or more of your own together. Period. Wish I still had a chance at that.
Good luck girls.

With so many overly maudlin books on step-parenting, I was attracted to this book because it seemed to be a lighter take on a sensitive topic - navigating stepmotherhood. And I'm so glad I picked it up! A fun yet quick read, it's a great pick-me-up that shows the light at the end of the tunnel and has fun while doing so.

I disagree with some of other reviewers - I did not find the tone creepy nor the author a "victim." It seems to me that Bjornsen is being refreshingly honest in stating that if you marry a man with young children, you need to understand that you, as the adult, will need to work with your new husband to fit into the family unit.

This book would make a perfect wedding shower gift for any girlfriend getting married to a man with kids - I've already given it to a friend of mine and she loved it too!

I was once engaged to a wonderful divorced man with a child, until I panicked and called it off. I picked up this book as well as a few others, half out of curiosity for the path I did not take. This one rang true more so than others, which seemed to focus more on women who had been married before. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. So I was perfectly normal to panic - being a stepmother is indeed a major undertaking. But perhaps with a sense of humor, I could have done it? Wonder what would have happened if I had read this book when I was engaged. Perhaps I would have been married by now.

Bjornsen's book is subtitled "Becoming a Stepmother with Humor and Grace" and that says it perfectly. The book is not only hilarious but it's written from the point of view of someone who has truly achieved "grace" in her life as a stepmother.

Bjornsen's message that "it's not all about you" is truly wise. Very very grown-up. And she manages to impart this (for some, hard-to-hear) message in a super funny and engaging way. I read this book all in one sitting---it was just so quick and light and charming. You felt you were chatting with a good friend over a double non-fat lattè!

Lots of great advice throughout. The chapter about money was brilliant, definitely must reading for any woman considering marriage to a man with children.

I loved all the case histories from other stepmothers who had been there, and I loved the many stories about Bjornsen's own family. My only complaint is that there was no photo of Bjornsen, her husband, and kids in the back of the book. After passing a few enjoyable hours in their company, I would have loved a picture.

The message I heard repeatedly from this book is that as a stepmother, you will always have to adapt to your husband's family. There are no expectations that your husband, his ex-wife, and his kids meet you, the stepmother, in the middle somewhere. It tends to preserve the idea that stepmoms are second class citizens, and that they'll just have to adapt to their husband's self-centered family and ex-wife. If your husband really loves you, he should be willing to sit down with you before the wedding and discuss ways of how his family and ex-wife can meet you in the middle, and how he will make a commitment to make space for you in the family. It's also wise to read a couple of personal financial planning books together BEFORE the wedding if finances are messy. There were no ideas in the book on how to change the negative stereotype of stepmoms, because as long as stepmoms have no expectations for their husbands' families, they will often be greeted with disrespectful behavior, and they will continue to be looked down upon. In my opinion, when you date or marry a parent with kids, try not to get wrapped up in family status struggles or Bjornsen's term "blood status" on page 209 & 210. If you live a positive, interesting life and expose your husband and his kids to positive, interesting activities and ideas, you will gain the kind of respect that talented school teachers often get. Throw the term "stepmom" out and reinvent yourself as a positive, healthy role model that encourages your husband's kids to become interesting people. If you find yourself fighting about how the holidays will unfold, create new traditions and holidays and rise above the arguments over who gets the kids on Dec. 25th, etc. These days, most families don't celebrate holidays on their actual dates anyway because it's hard enough to get everyone together due to work schedules. Finally, this book makes it sound like as a stepmom, you have no family of your own and you only have your husband's family. Most stepmoms do have parents, siblings, nieces and nephews, kids of their own, so I encourage stepmoms to strengthen those family ties so that they're not so emotionally dependent on their husband's family. This book will speak to the woman who sees herself as not being worthy enough to be met in the middle.

Although I'm not getting married, I'm very involved with my boyfriend and his five year old son. Recently, we started talking about moving in together and I started to panic. I've had a lot of experience with children, but the territory of co-parenting was new. I realized I had different ideas of parenting and many insecurities about the overall "situation". Questions, feelings, observations, things I had let go of were all issues now. Angry outbursts and frustrated remarks made our relationship go from blissful to sour. It finally came to the point where we both turned to each other and said, "I've never done this before!" When I opened the book and started reading, it felt good that I wasn't going crazy and that I wasn't alone. I told him that I want him to read the book so he could see my perspective--and why it's the 'tiny' things that are a big deal. It also gives me insight to what he's going through. Glad to find this gem.

Very well written and humorous for this type of book. There are a lot of practical tips that do work. (Although the advice about going ahead and having another child even if your new husband doesn't want any may be going a bit far.) It is especially appropos for single women who are marrying men with children (as the title suggests), but even people who have been married and have their own kids can benefit. A quick read.

So, I'm not the only one having these experiences! It's nice to know there are others out there who have some of these same feelings. Sally's book had me laughing hysterically at some of the things she'd been through, and many of her tips are useful. It's a fresh look at step-motherhood from a hip, sassy author who seems to take her life and role as step-mother and mother in stride. If you're looking for a step-parenting psychology 101 textbook, this may not be the book for you. But if you want a fun, humorous look at what's in store on your new journey with your step-family, sit back, relax and enjoy.

Other books I've read are dreary and serious. Thank goodness for Sally! She's fun and friendly and always upbeat, with plenty of practical tips and confidence boosters. Most important, she tells it like it is: Being a stepmom doesn't have to be a wicked job! It's about time someone came along to add a bit of humor and spice to the category. Her book is the first gift on my list for every new stepmom friend.

i highly recommend this book to any single woman who is considering a lifestyle change into a family! this book has been perfect! i bought it and read it but also refer back to it at least once a week! sally has done an amazing task of pulling her life into the book and sharing it with us single women. deciding whether to take the leap was not easy for me but since reading the book i know that my anxiety is "normal" and if she lived through her transformation; so can i! this book is very well written-sally will make you laugh out loud!

This book is a fabulous resource for any woman starting the journey to becoming a stepmother. It not only gave good insight on how to handle situations that arrise but it also validated many emotions that I have experience since I started dating my wonderful boyfriend (and in turn his two great daughters, and the exwife). This book definately made me feel that I am not alone in the frustrations that come with this new chapter in my life. This is a must read for any woman diving into stepmotherhood.

I just started reading this book and already feel 100% better! I have a better understanding of my "evil twin' who emerges at the most inappropriate times when around my boyfriends' 7-y/o son; which is typically when I'm feeling alientated or left out. Go figure...this book is putting those feelings in perspective, and even though we aren't married yet, this is still a perfect book if you are in a committed relationship with a man with childen and a psycho ex-wife!

Sally and her fellow stepmoms become your girlfriends! You get every conceivable stepmom scenario, from every view point. No sugar coating here! Plus you get to read it in the privacy of your own home. Hilarious, witty, warm and smart! A quick read (couldn't put it down)!!

Sex in the City for Stepmoms. Would make an fantastic sitcom.

Hope Sally writes more! She has a wonderful writing style!

I did enjoy reading this book. The author is very well experienced as far as the step-mother part and some of her advise was very much needed, however, I was and still am looking for more information and help with the ex-wife aspect. My step-children and I get along very well and always have. If anyone has any suggestions...please let me know.

After giving the Singles Girl's Guide, to two friends who happen to be stepmothers, I read the book. I found it to be refreshingly honest, filled with "real life" examples of personal experience on raising children and making a relationship work. Although filled with humor, to me, the underlying message...this can work!! These kids are lucky to have such a savvy, sassy, loving Mom.

While I read this book, I found myself laughing out loud SO many times. This book gives great advice for stepmoms. If only it gave more info on how to deal with PEWs (psychotic ex-wife). A must read for any stepmom or stepmom to be.

I found this book to be honest and refreshing. I find tremendous value in real world experiences and quite frankly her humor is a wonderful reminder to lighten up and enjoy the process. Thank you for opening your heart and home to all of us.

This book has provided me with practical and humorous advice as I make the transition from a single gal to a step mother. It could not have come out at a better time! It is a real challenge to move into a step mother role and her advice and background has been invaluable to both myself and my fiance.

Thanks Sally !

Funny but practical advice on how to tackle your new family. The financial advice is right on and applies to all couples getting ready to take the plunge -- don't hold back asking the hard questions about money. Sally's transformation from free and single gal to happy step mom is uplifting and inspirational. Great book.

My friend enjoyed this book and thought I might as well, despite the fact I'm not a member of the step-parent club. I didn't. The author is willing to portray herself as self-absorbed and a big cry-baby who, having suffered through a rather non-existent sex life finally finds a man....but why would she want him if she is as popular and high-achieving as she claims she is? He sounds like a real loser and it's completely unclear why she would ever want him given the way he treats her....except of course that she was desperate to have sex. Yuck. I was embarrassed for the whole lot of them (especially those poor kids!) and couldn't finish reading the book.

You see, this is supposed to be written "with humor & grace"....instead it is written from a victims - a seemingly happy one - point of view. It is bizarre to read this and believe someone could find this amusing. That's the humor part that doesn't quite work. Grace? Forget about it. Whiny, childish, selfish, and pathetic are the words I would use. The only thing I can think of to explain this book is that many of the personal anecdotes to illustrate a point were fiction - if they are true, I'm horrified that anyone would allow themselves to be put through this just to land a man. And to experience these things - and then willingly expose them to the world.....is really inexplicable. I agree with another reviewer's point - that the observations and advice don't mesh with someone who is supposedly an overachieving popular person. Low self-esteem, perhaps? Whatever is truly backing these stories - fact or fiction - they are not graceful, nor humorous.

Very laughable, the things in this book. Making light of some of the tough times can be good when you are over them. It was a fun book, but as one writer wrote, being 2nd place to his kids? I don't think I agree with that. That may make you end up in regret later on. Still I love thee book as it helps you in that, hey I am not the only one going through these struggles. For some thought provoking questions and for putting thoughts and feelings into perspective, I would recommend, Step In Faith: A self exploration journal for Stepmoms. I found this to be quite helpful, provocative and something that stepmoms really need to do.