A Piece of Normal

Dear Lily . . . At age thirty-four, Lily Brown has her life just the way she likes it. And what's not to like? She's got a great job as an advice columnist for the local newspaper, an adorable four-year-old son, and an ex-husband, Teddy, who still thinks she's wonderful. She even lives in the same beach house where she grew up, with a great view of Long Island Sound and plenty of beach roses to smell. So what if she won't let herself date anyone until she finds a new girlfriend for Teddy, who happens to still be hung up on her? So what if she hasn't changed a thing in her parents' house, even twelve years after their tragic deaths? So what if it's been ten years since she's heard from her younger sister, Dana, who stormed out of the house in a rage when she was a teenager? Lily is fine. But it's funny how life has a way of upsetting even the most perfectly laid-out plans, and when one night Lily finds herself painting ghastly orange highlights into her lovely auburn hair, even she suspects that she's been in something of a rut. And then, when her long-lost little sister shows up, bringing with her the fun and drama and hell-raising spontaneity Lily has missed, her life suddenly takes a turn for the unexpected. To Lily's chagrin, Dana's energy seems to enthrall everyone, especially Teddy. As the tension between the sisters escalates, Dana reveals decades-old family secrets that she's been burdened with all these years, and Dear Lily must heed her own advice about accepting life's messiness and chaos. With her trademark blend of sparkling wit and characters you can't forget, Sandi Kahn Shelton tells a compelling and universal story of two sisters who learn what they need to let go of, and what they have to hold on to as tightly as they can. "From the Hardcover edition."

About the Author :
Sandi Kahn Shelton is the author of "What Comes After Crazy" and a feature writer for the "New Haven Register." A former "Wit's End" columnist for "Working Mother" magazine, she is a frequent contributor to several magazines, including "Woman's Day," "Family Circle," " Redbook," and" Salon." The author of three previous books on parenting, she is a mother of three and lives in Guilford, Connecticut, with her journalist husband. "From the Hardcover edition."

Review :
Praise for sandi kahn shelton's "What Comes After Crazy" "Funny, funny, funny, from page one. You can't help but root for the lovable Maz Lombard, who's surrounded by an eccentric mother, a headstrong daughter, a deadbeat husband, and way too much whole-wheat flour. Sandi Kahn Shelton's writing sparkles with humor and insight." --Lolly Winston, author of "Good Grief" "A zany, affecting first novel. . . . Plenty of laughs here." --"People" "A skillfully constructed, economically written novel that is funny, sad, and almost painfully accurate about human failings." --"Boston Globe" "A delightful beach book. . . . Funny/sad and frantic/romantic, but with serious undertones. . . . A great read." --"Hartford Courant" "I loved "What Comes After Crazy." Smart, warm, and hilarious!" --Jennifer Crusie, author of "Bet Me" and "Faking It" "From the Hardcover edition."