SECRET CONFESSIONS OF THE APPLEWOOD PTA

Author: Ellen Meister ISBN: 0060824816 8/2007 CONTEMPORARY Publisher: AVON A

When a Hollywood location scout comes to Applewood, Long Island, and announces that the local elementary school might make the perfect backdrop for an upcoming George Clooney movie, the PTA's decorum crumbles like a cookie from last week's bake sale. Enter Maddie, Ruth, and Lisa, three women who become the glue that holds the project together, forging a bond of friendship stronger than anyone could imagine. And not a moment too soon, as marriage woes, old flames, and scandalously embarrassing family members threaten to tear each of them apart. Is their powerful alliance strong enough to overcome the obstacles to getting the movie made in their town? And will their friendship be enough to mend their hearts and homes? Join them as they reach for the stars . . . and try to pull off a Hollywood ending of their own.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

SECRET CONFESSIONS OF THE APPLEWOOD PTA is a warm, witty look at life, love and friendship in the suburbs of Long Island. Three women, each unique yet determined to succeed when a Hollywood scout comes to their town, find that there's more to life than being in a movie with George Clooney. They find, too, that sometimes the most handsome leading men are the ones in their own lives.

I have to admit that while this book made me laugh, it made me cry, too. I was completely surprised by what at first seems to be a tryst in the making, but turns out to be something drastically different. I was shocked, and that is a good thing. There's nothing predictable about this book. I read it rabidly, wondering which character would either be divulging or indulging next. It is, I think, a close approximation in a lot of respects to the true-life exploits of suburban housewives.

Between the flurry of carpools, laundry and hair appointments, there is much joy and sorrow. Sometimes, there's a special bond that women build as well, a friendship like the one highlighted in this book. Ellen Meister has written a touching debut novel. I look forward to reading more from this talented author.

Kay James