Author: Carol E. Wyer

Publisher: FeedARead.com

Published: 2011-06-01

Total Pages: 408

ISBN-13: 9781908481818

Amanda Wilson can't decide between murder, insanity and another glass of red wine. Facing 50 and all that it entails is problematic enough. What's the point in minking your eyes, when your husband would rather watch 'Russia Today' than admire you, strutting in front of the television in only thigh boots and a thong? Her son has managed to perform yet another magical disappearing act. Could he actually be buried under the mountain of festering washing which is strewn on his bedroom floor? He'll certainly be buried somewhere when she next gets her hands on him. At least her mother knows how to enjoy herself. She's partying her twilight years away in Cyprus. Queen of the Twister mat, she now has a toy boy in tow. She really shouldn't have pressed that send button. The past always catches up with you sooner or later. Still, her colourful past is a welcome relief to her monochrome present; especially when it comes in the shape of provocative Todd Bradshaw, her first true love. Soon Mandy has a difficult decision to make; one that will require more than a few glasses of Chianti.This witty novel tells the tale of Amanda Wilson who is rapidly approaching 50 and her husband Phil as they struggle with enforced early retirement in a rural village in Staffordshire. Alas, the road to getting older appears to be bumpier and more slippery for the couple - literally and figuratively as they deal not only with each other's company but also with elderly neighbours, a college-dropout son, a party animal for a mother, Amanda's ex-boyfriend and moles in the garden. Amanda's story is presented through her blog posts. As Amanda shares her woes and joys on the blogosphere, she amasses an eclectic bunch of loyal followers who become her virtual friends and who add witty comments at the end of each post. All of the characters in this book are realistically portrayed. The situations they get themselves into are so normal (for want of a better word) - even the outrageous ones. Yet there are unexpected twists and turns as well that could either make you holler with delight or become teary eyed. There are lessons to be learned here too, whether you are in your teens or beyond.The biggest one for me is realizing that more often than not, those things which we wish for are already within our grasp. They may not come beautifully gift wrapped or perfectly packaged but it is how we perceive and handle them that makes all the difference. This book is wickedly funny, thoroughly enjoyable and wonderfully written. Author Carol E. Wyer has certainly gifted us with one of the best books this year. Review by AoBibliophile www.aobibliosphere.blogspot.com