NEW RELEASE
Another Piece of My Heart - Jane Green (2012)
aka The Patchwork Marriage
The premise of this book may sound like a familiar story about stepmoms but it is a deep and well-written piece of work which subtly explores the inherent complexities and insecurities found within a stepfamily arrangement. Andi meets Ethan through an online dating site. They eventually marry, and she becomes the stepmom of his two daughters. The younger one, Sophia, now 13, is amiable and relaxed with the new adjustments to the household. However her 17-year-old sister, Emily, holds a grudge towards Andi. Emily's relationship with her alcoholic mother is also fractured, and she is finding adolescence tough, which explains why Andi has become the scapegoat for the teen's pent-up bitterness and snarky comments. Ethan, sandwiched between both parties, becomes overwhelmed as he juggles his parenting responsibilities and marriage. Amidst all this complex family ties lies the central plot of Andi's struggle to have her own child. With brilliant characterisations and great family drama, this is the kind of story that leaves you thinking. (XT)
Jane Green's 2012 release continues the recent habit of publishing under two different titles for the US and UK markets. It will be known as Another Piece of My Heart in the US and The Patchwork Marriage in the UK. The summary says: "When Andi married Ethan she not only got the man she loves but also a ready-made family in his two daughters, Emily and Sophia. Unable to have a child of her own, Andi saw this as a precious gift - her chance to be a mother. If only it were that simple. For this blended family is not a happy family, and the reason lies with Emily. Her vicious anger and fierce resentment towards her stepmother leaves Andi feeling hated in her own home. Her tears, tantrums and expertise in the art of emotional blackmail have Ethan steeped in guilt. With each drama Emily is driving Andi and Ethan further apart. Torn between his troubled teenaged daughter and his beloved wife, Ethan's desperate to fix this rift before he loses Andi for ever. He just doesn't know how. With tensions high and everyone at breaking point, Emily comes home with some shocking news. Is this the final crack that will shatter this family for good or can they find a way to mend their broken hearts?"