Friday, December 7, 2012

Book Review: Totlandia (The Onesies, Book Two)

By Melissa Amster

Bundle up in your coat and boots (and designer scarves, of course) because winter has come to Pacific Heights. The weather may be a perfect 70 degrees, but the chill in the air is unmistakable. Especially since there's still a mom (and tot) to eliminate from The Pacific Heights Moms & Tots Club "Onesies" division....

Josie Brown keeps us riveted to the stories of Ally, Jade (along with Brady), Jillian and Lorna in Totlandia: The Onesies (book two).

In this second book of the Totlandia series, five mommies are just one misstep away from entry into the elite Pacific Heights Moms & Tots Club. Everyone has a scandalous secret to hide, but who will be the next to fall?

As the club's founder, Bettina, ratchets up the stress level with a series of holiday-themed challenges, the cracks begin to show. Jade's past catches up to her in the most unlikely of settings. Jillian's struggles to make ends meet are complicated by Bettina's demands. Ally's work and home lives collide, threatening to expose all of her secrets. And Lorna's already fraying family ties are torn to shreds by a series of devastating events.

With just four spots remaining, will the five remaining ladies turn cutthroat? Or will their newfound friendships be strong enough to help them band together?
(Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

I like how some loose ends from book one were tied up in book two, while still leaving enough suspense to carry us into book three. While some parts seemed a bit exaggerated, I enjoyed being "sucked in" to the drama and couldn't tear my eyes away. Josie is telling me that book three won't be out until around Valentine's Day, but I have no idea how I'll make it until then. Everything I said I loved about book one (see review) still applies to book two. If it's even possible for Bettina to be more awful than she was in book one, the proof is in the (Christmas) pudding! Josie makes it easy for readers to completely hate Bettina and want to see her taken down a few pegs.

I was watching a recent episode of 90210 where Naomi was trying to be part of an exclusive West Beverly alumni women's club and there were all these hoops to jump through. The woman running the program, played by Denise Richards, was totally like Bettina...all stuck up and judgmental. It brought up a similar point to one that was brought up in Totlandia...is it really worth potentially ruining ones' life, just to be part of an exclusive club? In any case, it's still entertaining to see the lengths these women will go to in order to secure their membership...especially when their deepest secrets start bubbling to the surface.

Bravo to Josie, once again! (And hurry up Valentine's Day!)

Thanks to Coliloquy for the e-book in exchange for an honest review.

More by Josie Brown:



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