WIFE LIVING DANGEROUSLY

Author: Sara Susannah Katz ISBN: 0446612685 5/2006 CONTEMPORARY Publisher: WARNER

She went from being the good girl to the good wife and mother. Married with three kids and living in the "perfect" suburban community, Julia Flanagan plays by the rules and (almost) never lies. Sure, her life could use a little more excitement and her husband has started taking her for granted. But she never dreamed that a truthtelling game at her best friend's beach house would reveal that her buddies think she's boring. Or that she'd take on their challenge to "go forth and do something bad" in a really big way. Now Julia is stepping out, acting out—and on the verge of making out with a sexy medieval studies professor. The only question is: Just how far will she dare to go?

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

First, I will issue a warning. If you prefer your fiction to have more of the fairy tale type love, devoid of real life issues such as infidelity, then pass this one up.

That said, the author has just the right touch when delving into the issues all women deal with in the 21^st century. Julia struggles with a demanding boss, taking care of her house and three young children, all the while trying to keep the passion alive in her marriage. To make matters more complicated, she has begun a flirtation with a sexy medieval studies professor. She has some crazy friends who don't always give the right advice, but keep her sane with their love, support, and humor.

Julia must make the tough decision to stay in a marriage she fears may be too far gone to save, or split up her family to discover if there is more than just passion between herself and the professor.

Katz deftly guides us through these relationships and the fears we all face when approaching middle age with wit, humor, and compassion. The reader can't help but look at one's own life and wonder, what decision would we make in Julia's place?

Deana Monteleone