The book begins with David telling Samantha that he is leaving. He doesn't love her anymore. They have a young boy, Travis. Understandably Sam is crushed and scared to face life on her own. She decides shopping will help her feel better and decides to start living more like Martha Steward. It's a funny book that goes from tears to smiles. In order to make ends meet, Sam takes in roomers. I liked all the characters especially King. Written in 2000 and an Oprah's book club selection.

I can always rely on Elizabeth Berg for a good, light, heartwarming read. Her writing flows nicely, not too complicated, but always some good messages along the way.

Loved it. Liked the character, the way she seemed to question everything and herself.

This book deserves more than three stars but not quite four. Part of three-star rating could be attributed to the audio book reader. The voice was a little whiny. I do think that Berg perfectly captured the emotions and reactions that a woman undergoes when she is abandoned by her husband, having experienced it myself. The idea of taking in roommates for extra cash is an interesting aspect to the book, and I wish Berg had stayed with it a little more, especially with the third boarder. The latter half of the book, maybe even the latter two-thirds, is better than the beginning and worth reading.