Tales from the Crib

I was highly anticipating this new book and was definitely not disappointed! My only problem with Jennifer's book was that I couldn't put it down until I was finished. (my boss didn't like that much, and my son had to make his own lunch for two days, although my husband probably appreciated the quiet time!)Anyway, reading her new book made me laugh out loud (much like her main character), cry (because in a lot of ways I could relate), and smile because reading it was like hearing a story your best friend would tell you. It's got a lot of depth when it comes to the people who surround Lucy (main character), and gives me a lot of room to relate as I have a wide variety of friends as well as some eccentric family members. All in all I would recommend this book to any female across the nation! Now... how long till the next one!? ;)

When Lucy Klein found out that she was pregnant, she couldn't wait to share the news with her husband, Jack. Lucy fixed his favorite dinner, poured him a glass of his favorite wine, and . . . Jack announced that he wanted a divorce. When Jack learned about the baby, he suggested co-parenting. They would stay married, in name only, and live together, separate bedrooms, to raise their child. Each would be free to see other people. Jack thought his idea was perfect, after all they would each have a live-in babysitter. Lucy thought the idea was nuts but agreed to give it a try. As strange as it sounds, co-parenting may not even make the top 10 list of weird events in Lucy's life for this year. Jennifer Coburn's TALES FROM THE CRIB had me howling with laughter from start to finish. Packed with eccentric characters hardly a page flies by without bringing a grin to the reader's face. Ms Coburn has taken everyday events and added her own skewed twist to them, leaving this reviewer's ribs aching from laughter. Lucy is a realistic, flawed character who is just trying to figure out what the heck has happened to her life. Nothing has turned out as she thought it would but that does not stop her from trying to be true to herself as well as being a good mother to her son. The emotions that Lucy feels throughout this story add another degree of warmth and realism to her character. This is the sort of heroine the reader can appreciate. Secondary characters are numerous and lead the reader to wonder how Lucy has maintained her sanity. Two of the most notable would have to be: Anjoli, her mother, who directs off Broadway gay theater, and Kimmy, her cousin, who marries herself. The real story lies not in the most humorous aspects but in the self-discovery of the main character. Not only does Lucy find and make peace with herself but, she and Jack rediscover each other. The beauty of their relationship lies not only in their reunion but, in the fact that after 14 years of marriage they uncover new aspects of the others character. TALES FROM THE CRIB is a not to be missed book and this reviewer will be searching the bookshelves for more wonderful stories by Jennifer Coburn. This is one tale that more then earns Romance Junkies 5 blue ribbon rating. Belle Rouge bellerouge at romancejunkies dot com

Lucy Klein has a big announcement to make. She's pregnant. Before she can get out these joyous words, her husband drops a bomb on her - he wants a divorce. After much negotiation, the two decide to live together as friends and co-parents. The relationship between the estranged husband and wife was rife with humor, what really appealed to me most was the relationship between Lucy and her mother, Anjolie. This mom was a narcissistic, pain-in-the-butt, but always comes through with the love. She has an affair with her grandson's pediatrician, helps cousin Kimmy escape from her ill-fated wedding, takes a shiva cruise (great idea!) with Aunt Bernice, and visits Lucy and Jack frequently to "help" them with the baby. She was an absolute scream and anyone with a mother who's even a little self-absorbed will be able to relate to the new age, sex kitten granny. (She's like Samantha Jones in 30 years.) The relationship was hysterical, but also went layers deeper, offering a more meaningful look at their earlier years and how Anjolie's actions affected Lucy. There are a great number of other fun characters, but Anjolie is really the one who stole my heart. This book was funny and charming. Right up there with Coburn's first "chick-lit" novels, this "mommy-lit" book is terrific.

I could not put this book down, I started reading it on my lunch break and was five minutes late getting back to work, I burnt dinner and stayed up waaaay past my bedtime. I had to find out what would happen between Lucy and Jack. This is by far the best book by Jennifer Coburn. The story was well written and all the characters seemed true to life. Even her over the top mother!! If you enjoy this book try Wonderboy by Fiona Gibson. Happy Reading!!!!

I've enjoyed all of Jennifer Coburn's books because they are a nice blend of humor and poignancy, but Tales From the Crib is by far my favorite. The story begins as Lucy Klein is about to tell her husband Jack that she is pregnant. Before she can make her announcement, though, he tells her the marriage is over. They don't hate each other, and they both really want to be full-time parents to this baby so they decide to live together as friends and "co-parents." Well, don't try this one at home kids `cause the arrangement is wrought with mishaps, misunderstandings and misadventure. A hysterically funny look at marriage and parenthood! I really enjoyed the relationship between Jack and Lucy, but the character who really made this book the gem that is, was Lucy's mother, Angelique. She's a new age, adulteress who's completely self-absorbed. Thankfully, she is also completely absorbing because one never grows tired of reading about her utterly selfish, shameful shenanigans. Of course, I loved the two aunts from Lawn Giland, the friend who produces "Real Confessions" reality show and cousin Kimmy who marries herself after jilting her groom at the altar of St Patrick's cathedral. This book is like a Seinfeld episode with an emotional one-two punch that leaves readers really caring about these folks. This book should be on every baby shower registry and on every mother's nightstand.