Stepmoms' Club - How to Be a Stepmom Without Losing Your Money, Your Mind & Your Marriage

I received a DIGITAL Advance Reader Copy of this book from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. From the publisher – Over 15 years ago Kendall Rose became a stepmom. It wasn’t until she met three other stepmoms that she finally felt like she wasn’t alone. Together they formed The Stepmom’s Club where they talked about issues that only a stepmom could understand: controlling/ crazy ex-wives, huge child support payments, schedule breakdowns, clothes that are bought and never returned, lack of acknowledgment by step-kids on Mother’s Day, and passive husbands who let it all happen. Together, Kendall and her fellow moms accumulated years of advice for common and consistent problems that only a stepmom faces. The Stepmom’s Club offers support, courage, and advice for anyone who is navigating this delicate minefield of stepfamily dynamics.

THIS IS WHY I HAD TO READ THIS BOOK AND REVIEW IT. – it is complicated. I am a newlywed (firsts marriage for me, age 50, almost one year now – we met three years ago.) married to a widower whose wife died 28 years ago. My DH promised her that he would always take care of her son (so said man-child is the stepson of my husband which makes me a step-step-mom). Man-child moved to Tahiti after three years on DH’s sofa and when he came back from paradise, said man-child was only going to couch-surf for 6 months tops according to hubs. Five years later he is still on the sofa – hubs won’t kick him out due to the promise he made man-child’s mother on her deathbed. I spend 95% of my time taking care of my elderly parent’s staying at their home (Central Air!! Free laundry !!!!) as I cannot even sit on my own MF sofa. We do not charge him rent as he went back to school (auto-mechanic apprenticeship – tools are $50K+) and if he incurs more debt he will never move out…he has to buy milk, fruit, bread and toilet paper. I want him the F out of my living room but promises are promises, even on deathbeds almost 30 years ago regarding a now 46-year-old man-child who owns two sports cars, one Jeep, a drone and $10K+ of man-child toys.

So --- this book applied to me and it didn’t. I realize now that I am more than likely to never be rid of him due to the guilt factor but the hints given may keep me sane. I am going to recommend it to every other “step-monster” (man-child’s words, not mine) I meet ... this is sane, solid advice for any stepmom out there!! Five stars – it should be required reading.