The First Day of the Rest of My Life

Madeline O'Shea tells people what to do with their lives. A renowned life coach, she inspires thousands of women through her thriving practice--exuding enviable confidence along with her stylish suits and sleek hair. But her confidence, just like her fashionable demeanor, is all a front.

For decades, Madeline has lived in fear of her traumatic past becoming public. Now a reporter is reinvestigating the notorious crime that put Madeline's mother behind bars, threatening to destroy her elaborate facade. Only Madeline's sister, Annie, and their frail grandparents know about her childhood--but lately Madeline has reason to wonder if her grandparents also have a history they've been keeping from her.

As the demons of the past swirl around her, a childhood friend with a gentle heart is urging Madeline to have faith in him--and in herself. And as she allows her resistance to thaw, the pain she expects pales in comparison to the surprises headed straight to her door. With one bold, unprecedented move, Madeline O Shea may just wake up out of the sadness and guilt that have kept her sleepwalking through life for so long--and discover that the worst thing that can happen is sometimes the very thing we desperately need.

I have seen this book listed as chick lit. It is definitely not lighthearted or fluffy. It deals with a heavy subject with grace and lots of emotion. It is hard at times to read, but impossible to walk away from as you want so much for these characters.  Some may view it as over the top at times, but it did not take away from the story in my opinion.  Warning:  you may need to be alone with a few tissues to get through the last 100 pages.

Author: Cathy Lamb
Published: July 2011
Pages: 480
Genre: Women's Fiction
Source: Library
Finished: 1/23/12
3 Bears