Ladies, Lunch, and Literacy

Jennie Nash writes beautiful stories about families and relationships that will resonate with many women. This multi-generational tale examines marriage at its most basic level and the different paths taken by three very different women from a single family.

Lily and Tom have been happily and compatibly married for 26 years. They have two sons, one married with a young daughter, and the other is single and working in the family business for Lily’s mother. Lily’s mother, Eleanor, is 75 years old and single again after three unsuccessful marriages. She is independent and happy as the head of her own business, though her friends are dying ,one by one, leaving her feeling alone and scared of what lies ahead. She is delighted when Lily and Tom decide to move to California to be close to her and to begin the second part of their lives. From this point, there is both tragedy and redemption and you will willingly be drawn in to all three stories. (But be warned: have a box of tissues nearby when you are near the end of the book.)

This is the delightful third novel from a new young talent. Claire Lazebnik will keep you entranced as she introduces you to Rickie, a 25-year-old single Mom who lives at home with her parents and deals with the challanges of six-year-old Noah who does not quite fit in at school due to food allergies and a small build. Rickie balances motherhood with still being a kid at home, a lover who won't commit, and a sister who is determined to drag her into the mainstream. It is funny. It is fun. And you will fall in love too.

If you were lucky enough to be a part of the Women in Business Conference that took place in Manhattan Beach last April, you may have been introduced to Jane Buckingham. This delightful, funny woman is also a compassionat caretaker of one of her best friends and her children. Her story made me cry while her book made me laugh. You will want to meet Jane and find out just what to do in those "sticky situations."