Product Description

Tess Leonard thought matrimony was for life, but her husband has decided that their marriage is the relationship equivalent of a starter home: cramped, claustrophobic and something he's definitely outgrown. Now, at thirty-five, Tess is in the biggest mess of her life. Known to all her friends as 'Tip Top Tess' because of her dogged pursuit of the perfect home, the perfect marriage and the perfect career, she's now a candidate for How Clean Is Your House? And it's all because Barney has walked out. But there's a life raft on the horizon: The Divorce Survival Class. It may be uncomfortable, overcrowded and nearly sinking under the weight of excess baggage, but it's a boot-camp for the broken-hearted. Over eight weeks, Tess and her battle-weary classmates will lay bare the darkest secrets of their failed marriages - from the thrills of a threesome to the monotony of monogamy. And course leader William, an alchemist for the unloved and rejected, will turn their lives around in truly spectacular style

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #25443 in Books
• Published on: 2005-10-19
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 384 pages

Review
"A refreshing take on thirty-something angst." EVE magazine, May 05 "An upbeat, must-read tale for anyone who has been through the pain of a failed relationship. It delivers insight and humour through richly portrayed characters who present a broad spectrum of opinion on the whys and wherefores of love and marriage - from a man's and a woman's point of view. Poignant from the start, this easy read isn't always a light read." EASY LIVING, May 05 "A slick, bittersweet comedy." YOU magazine, MAIL ON SUNDAY, 10 April "Fresh, feisty and fun." COMPANY, May "An enjoyable, bittersweet read. Four stars" HEAT, 30 April "Filled with some great awe-inspiring characters, The Starter Marriage will absorb you into the depths of its pages until the bittersweet end." REAL, 29 April "A bittersweet and often funny read, with believable characters -- you won't want to put it down." THE SUNDAY POST, 3 April "This amusing tale of relationships immediately hooks you in, and will have you turning the pages well into the night with revelation after revelation keeping you on the edge of your seat... with tons of likable characters and an entertaining, easy-to-read style with the perfect blend of quirky comedy." www.thisisbristol.co.uk

Mail on Sunday, April 10, 2005
'A slick, bittersweet comedy.'

Eve, May 2005
'A refreshing take on thirtysomething angst.'

Customer Reviews

Wry and honest observations - a great read!
This book is beautifully written. However, what really did it for me was that the heroine is someone I could really identify with. There are so many witty and honest observations about the way things are, and the pain of a broken heart. I really enjoyed her last book, "Old School Ties", but I think, if anything, that this one is even better. Highly recommended, whether you're broken hearted or not!

No bitterness here!
Although you'd expect a book about divorce to be at least somewhat bitter and angry, there's none of that in this book. Though it was sad on occasion, this story is primarily optimistic and heart-warming.
If you're relationship is falling apart, if you're divorced or thinking about divorce, this is a must-read, but I'd recommend it as a fun read for just about anyone.

A great read - unputdownable!
i loved this book - right from the outset, it's funny, moving and totally engaging with a cast of perceptively drawn and vivid characters, all with their role to play in the life of tess, the heroine of the piece. anyone who has ever been in a relationship - so basically everyone - will find this book strikes chords, and the interweaving stories kept me engaged to the very last page. highly recommended