Corporate wife. Angry and lonely, in a McMansion up in Sparta. Over-achieving and neglectful husband amasses frequent business traveler miles.
She flees to Pawley’s Island, a sleepy resort off the coast of South Carolina. She becomes a live-in caretaker, finds romance, and gets a meaningful job. Husband tries to salvage his life and marriage.
You might think this is a Nicholas Sparks novel. And it well could be. But Hackettstown’s Maryann McFadden(www.maryannmcfadden.com) penned this juicy story.
McFadden, a former realtor, and youthful grandmother, self -published the book a few years back, after trying unsuccessfully to convince many literary agents to take a chance on her.
What happened? Maryann McFadden -- her name alone is fabulously author-esque -- became a genius at self-promotion. There were book signings, local cable appearances. Book clubs around the country started buzzing. Finally, a Big Time Literary Agent signed her. It’s just a matter of time before a Big Time Publisher signs on too.
Order a copy of The Richest Season on-line now, or check McFadden’s website for local stores selling it. It won’t take you long to read it; a few days at most.
You will find lots to like about Joanna, the heroine, and Grace, the ailing widow she cares for. There is the vividly painted backdrop of the ocean, Joanna’s turmoil, and a dash of lust and tears.
It’s not a brain drain, but it won’t dumb you down either. Just a nice escape. And we could all use one of those, this time of year!
Here Kitty? The coolest cats are at the Morristown Armory this weekend.
The Norwegian Forest kitties are purr-forming for judges. See this beautiful breed on parade Saturday and Sunday? not to mention you can buy nifty toys for your kitty, and catty clothing for yourself (www.catshowsnj.com/nnfcshowinfo.htm).
Here Kiddies? Get your ?rents to take you to the Kids Can Expo at the Cape May Convention Hall, Sunday all day. Nature, crafts, entertainment. (www.capemaytimes.com/cape-may/events.htm). Mom and Dad can sample a ?spirited? weekend of wine tasting (www.capemaymac.org).
For Your Vows? Lots of goodies and ideas for all you wedding planners on Sunday, as the Grand Summit Hotel hosts a big bridal show. Ditto at the Forsgate Country Club in Monroe Township (www.americanbride.com).
Wrist Watching? The Lois Hill trunk show at Nordstrom(www.nordstrom.com) in Menlo Park?snap up one of her snazzy signature wire-weave bangles or hammered silver bracelets.
Sherry Baby? Frankie Valli is still at it, and the real Jersey Boy, with his current Four Seasons, is at the Borgata tomorrow night in Atlantic City (www.theborgata.com).
Stay? In AC to see the Classic Car Show all weekend at the Convention Center. So many amazing wheels, they spill over into the Borgata Ballroom (www.acclassiccars.com).
Keep It Coming? With the King of The Blues, B.B. King, at NJPAC in Newark, tonight, (www.njpac.org). The Thrill Is Gone?not! He?s just warming up, at age 81!
You indulge in a pedi, mani and blow-out. Revive the art of lunching, for no reason, other than to “do” lunch.
May we suggest Café Panache(www.cafepanachenj.com) in Ramsey. Atmosphere: French; but it’s cozy, not intimidating. Food: Fabulous fish. Fresh salmon, grilled scallops, lightly oiled, perfectly prepared-- best we’ve had recently on this side of the G-W. Wine: BYOB. Wear: Anything Chanel!
Feel like rolling the dice? Dine at Buddakan(www.buddakanac.com) at Caesar’s Pier. Atmosphere: Movie set. Food: Asian fusion. Meant to be shared. Great appetizers and bento box. Wine (or Beer): No shortage. Wear: Derek Lam.
Make the move to Mama Tucci(www.mamatucci.com) -- formerly in Madison, now upstairs, in the new shopping mecca, the Livingston Town Center. Atmosphere: Upscale traditional Italian. Food: Pasta, combo’ed with chicken, shrimp, or veal. Wine: BYOB. Wear: Bottega Veneta.
Let the afternoon drift by at Mediterra, (www.terramomo.com) on Palmer Square in Princeton. Atmosphere: Spacious Mediterranean. Wine: By the barrel. Food: Tapas, country salads, Spanglish. Wear: Carolina Herrera.
Got a favorite lunch of leisure place in your town? E-mail us at
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with suggestions. If we don’t answer right away-- we might be out to lunch.
Baby is wearing green! It’s not just the spinach on his onesie. Baby is eco-savvy, in organic clothing, diapers with a ca-conscience!
Visit Mama Commune Boutique, (www.mommacommune.com/boutique) in East Brunswick, where the motto is “It’s never too soon to be earth- friendly or stylish.”
Bundle your bundle of joy into organic Happy Heinys diaper covers with hemp diaper stuffins, or colorful Fuzzi Bunz, Rumsters, and Swaddlebees.
Then, make a health food fashion statement in Green Babies(www.greenbabies.com)Wear Your Veggies rompers and tee shirts. You can snap them up at Whole Foods Markets (www.wholefoods.com).
Or outfit baby from tippy toe to top of the head with the no-pesticide pastels of Under The Nile(www.underthenile.com) baby clothing.
At Babycatcher Boutique(www.babycatcher.com) in Boonton, Judith Hagan, a certified nurse-midwife, stocks the Under The Nile line. She also helps new moms with breastfeeding, and ideas for natural cures to what ails.
Are the organic clothes just a little softer, or is it our imagination? Bottom line ? the nice texture and cool designs help you cope with the added laundering of cloth diapering. And, you and baby are helping clean up the environment, one load at a time.
Mary -- during a prior corporate life -- often found herself stuck on a long airport line. So this Jersey gal used her time wisely, and polled other female travelers to get their take on the perfect bag.
The results? It would carry a laptop, organize all personal things in a logical way, have a sense of style. And, did we mention it needs to hold a sippy cup and diapers?
Most importantly, the women said, the perfect carry-on would combine business with pleasure and reduce travel time by eliminating the wait at baggage claim.
Mary kept polling women, and began imagining the design. She quit her job, and raised money to start a company making these fashionable uber-organizers.
Pick out any bag you like on Mary’s website and scroll down to look at the features. We challenge you to find a bag with more pockets, zippers, hiding places, and carefully thought about add-ons, like matching holders for personal items, power cords and phones.
We especially like the new Soft Tote, in tan and leather for the spring.
So, shelve your Tumi and buy a Coakley. Help a fellow female entrepreneur? and if you have other suggestions for a bag, let Mary know. Bet she creates a design that matches your idea!
Everything Old Is? We found Mom’s LBD from the ’60s in the closet last week. Basic black, with a simple, chic halter collar -- purchased quickly, she remembers, in a Paris hotel shop for an evening cocktail party.
This vintage hand-me-down bears the label Piernany. It fit! And no one gave it a second look during a recent dress-up evening out.
How cool is it to wear your mother’s dress? You don’t have to pretend you are a grown up anymore!
Besides, all fashion now is vintage. Look at the designer dresses for spring, then check out similar fashions at www.dandelionvintage.com, run by New Jersey’s reigning vintage queen, Carol, from Ocean View. There is an amazing collection of dresses; day and evening, from the forties, fifties, and sixties -- most under $50.
“I've been buying, wearing and hoarding vintage clothing for over 20 years,” she e-mailed us.
Remember when only the quirkiest kids wore vintage clothes? The ones that always rocked to their own beat? Quirky is the new chic.
“My target customer is someone who wants to buy vintage pieces to work into her everyday wardrobe,” Carol wrote. “Customers who want stand-out pieces that no one else will have.” That covers everyone we know!
You can read more about Carol and her style-isms on her blog at dvintage.blogspot.com
We’re taking Mom’s black dress to the cleaners. Gotta be ready for the next grown up party.
Baby is wearing green! It’s not just the spinach on his onesie. Baby is eco-savvy, in organic clothing, diapers with a ca-conscience!
Working women: if you travel for business, you need one of Mary Repke’s bags 
Everything Old Is? We found Mom’s LBD from the ’60s in the closet last week. Basic black, with a simple, chic halter collar -- purchased quickly, she remembers, in a Paris hotel shop for an evening cocktail party.
