I have to admit, I wasn’t fond of poor Peg at the beginning of this novel—too whiny, too self-involved, too crazy-making. So many early scenes had her doing outrageous things that bordered on the slapstick—equally horrifying and hilarious. Which, of course, only added to the enjoyment of the novel. I had to keep tuning pages just to see what this train-wreck of a woman would do next.

Peg’s problem (which she was quick to remind God in her conversations with him) is menopause. Why in the world would he inflict this on half the human race? She exhibits the worst of the symptoms: unbearable hot flashes that occurred at the worst times; crippling brain fog that stymies her; uncontrollable bouts of rage; and deep cravings for sugar and alcohol to self-medicate.

Peg’s other problems: a deadbeat, cheating husband; unsympathetic adult children who want nothing to do with her; and a jealous, scheming co-worker who steals her best client and is also bedding her husband! Who wouldn’t be crazy with all this to deal with?

Despite all the craziness going on, this novel throws light on serious issues, and gives us a character we want to shake and hug at the same time. As the novel develops, Peg grows more self-aware, takes more responsibility for her actions, and comes to realize that her crazy life, while bad enough, doesn’t compare with the lives other women, through no fault of their own, have to deal with– issues much worse than hers: abuse, homelessness, poverty, etc.

By the end of the book, Peg has turned a whole basket of lemons into lemonade. Highly recommended for those who enjoy humorous books and for those who are dealing with their own raging hormones and crave the company of a fellow wayfarer.

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Born in Athens, Greece as an Air Force brat, Teri M Brown came into this world with an imagination full of stories to tell. She now calls the North Carolina coast home, and the peaceful nature of the sea has been a great source of inspiration for her creativity. Not letting 2020 get the best of her, Teri chose to go on an adventure that changed her outlook on life .She and her husband, Bruce, rode a tandem bicycle across the United States from Astoria, Oregon to Washington DC, successfully raising money for Toys for Tots. She learned she is stronger than she realized and capable of anything she sets her mind to. Teri is a wife, mother, grandmother, and author who loves word games, reading, bumming on the beach, taking photos, singing in the shower, hunting for bargains, ballroom dancing, playing bridge, and mentoring others.

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MY BOOKS