Initially, I had a hard time relating to the character or the plot. But I found that as you peeled back the tough exterior of the protagonist, you will find someone who was deeply wounded and struggling to understand her complicated relationship with her mother. Keep reading; the characters and plot become more real, interesting and with many unexpected twists.

I found this book both comical and thought provoking. I have been challenged with much in my life time (and always the victor) and have learned to laugh in the face of adversity and smile in the face of sorrow. It brought a smile to my face to watch the main character (Mattie) take her lumps in stride. In my personal opinion, everyone in this story was scarred, scared and scandalous and age held no privilege or immunity. It seemed everyone was holding secrets or held a blind eye to what was right in front of them. There were times I wanted to reach through the pulpy page and just slap the crap out of some characters and then there were moments I just wanted to hug Mattie and tell her to just cry it out.

The story encompasses Mattie, whose life has been adrift and afloat since the death of her mother -- a mother she soon discovers she didn't really know or understand. The mother spent much of her life running from her past and hiding her future in a bottle. Stepfather Queeg was the one redeeming, quality character who seemed to have a minute grasp on reality and the anchor to whom Mattie gravitated. Between the pages of this book, friends are made, lovers are lost, fate plays its hand and cards are tossed. Thirty and pregnant, Mattie is given another chance in this ride we call life. Does she take what she's learned and plot a new course? Or walk in the familiar footsteps of those before her? It makes no difference whether it is smooth sailing or a crash landing -- sometimes you just have to land the plane first before you can figure out where you are really headed.

While I would not say that this book was a favorite, I did like DeCarlo's writing. Her main character Mattie is just not very likable. The best of the story unfolds in the final chapters. Although the ending redeemed the book to some degree, I still find it difficult to recommend it.