Friday, June 14, 2013

Guest Book Review & Giveaway: In Need of Therapy

By Marlene Engel

**Giveaway is now closed**

Miami’s South Beach is famous for its star-studded clubs and lavish beaches. Guys and girls with the perfect tan and even more perfect bodies. People with endless supplies of money driving around in the newest “It” car. But not everyone’s life is perfect. And for those people, there is Pilar Alvarez.

Pilar is a psychologist who recently opened up her own practice in South Beach. Hoping to help others with her professional advice and sympathetic ear, while dealing with her own issues isn’t going to be easy. Although Pilar comes from a wealthy Cuban family, she’s determined to make it on her own and without the financial assistance from her father. But when her monthly rent gets increased by $1000, can she do it on her own or will she be forced to ask for help?

While dealing with the everyday struggles of being a new business owner, Pilar also has to put up with her family’s constant demands. Her younger sister, Izzy, is currently unemployed, getting herself in all sorts of trouble and leaving Pilar to bail her out … literally! Then there’s Pilar’s mother who is convinced that Pilar let the perfect man walk out of her life when she broke up with her two-timing boyfriend, Victor. But that doesn’t stop her from trying to fix Pilar up with other men and attempt to get her married off before she turns the ripe old age of 30!

Although Pilar is used to giving out the advice, she’s in need of some for herself, as well. With the help of her best friend, Sara, to help her along the way and her newfound friendship with Dr. Fordham, the psychiatrist who moved into the office next do1or, Pilar’s future is looking bright. But will she find the love that she so desires and the man that her mom will be happy for her to marry? Or will Pilar be the one "in need of therapy?"  Come join Pilar, her family and friends on a hilarious adventure in love and life.

In Need of Therapy is author Tracie Banister’s sophomore novel. It is everything that I think chick lit should be. It’s a fun read about a smart, successful woman dealing with everyday struggles of juggling work, family and personal relationships while still trying to keep her sanity. It has humor thrown in and is just the perfect book to read. I really enjoyed this story and how the heroine was portrayed as a smart, strong woman. I felt I could relate to how her family was and the close bond she shared with her best friend. I would definitely recommend this book to others. With summer just around the corner, it’s the perfect book to toss into your beach bag and read by the water.

Marlene Engel is a stay at home mom who runs a home daycare. She lives in Clifton Park, New York with her husband and three year-old daughter. She also has three older boys who live away from home while attending college. She is an adoptive/foster parent and an advocate for the special needs population. In her spare time she enjoys reading and getting together with her book club.

Marlene is giving away one paperback copy of In Need of Therapy to a lucky reader in the US.

How to win: 
Since Father's Day is right around the corner, tell us about an amazing dad you know (in your family or someone else...or even a celebrity or TV character).

One entry per person.

Please include your e-mail address or another way to reach you if you win. Entries without contact information will NOT be counted.

US only. Giveaway ends June 19th at midnight EST.

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18 comments:

Mrs Mommy Booknerd said...

I have a bio dad and a step dad, both are amazing in their own ways! I have always called them Jim Dad and Dave Dad, so when I say say people say which one??? Having two dads has offered me so much. I am given support, love and help. There is a special bond between a daughter and her father!!!!

I follower here, facebook, pinterest and Twitter!

mrsmommybooknerdsbookreviews@gmail.com

TinaB said...

My dad past away last yr. I like to think that I get my love of reading from him. I remember him always reading.
Brannanflooring@aol.com

Janine said...

I wish I had known my real father when I was growing up. He was kept a secret from me by my mother. I did finally get to know him when I was in my mid 20s and he seemed like such a wonderful caring man. But, he didn't live long after that. I do have a sister from his side who I am very close to, so I have to thank him for that. I just finished reading In Need Of Therapy and loved it and would love a hard copy for my book collection.
Janine
kinini01@hotmail.com

Lisamarie said...

My dad is pretty amazing (if I say so myself) after I had my first child and contemplating where to put her as I HAD to return to work my dad who was just finishing up retraining (he'd been laid off & the company put him through school) He asked if I was putting her in daycare..I said yes.
He wouldn't have it. He said he'd watch her because he couldn't stand the thought of her being daycare. For the next 12-14 yrs he was my day care provider as well as my brothers and a few of our friends. We called it Toti's School (none of the kids could say Abuelito )

tropicalsunlover05(at) yahoo(dot)com

Jessica said...

Definitely my dad! He's the best dad in the world. I'm 24 and he still does so much for me. He's 67 but has the energy and strength of someone much younger. He's always there for me when I need him and he goes out of his way to do things for me. I love him!

Thanks!
-Jessica M
walkingcorpse11@hotmail.com

Nova said...

It would have to definitely be my Dad. He married my Mom, helped raise 7 of us kids, and loved her up til the day she passed. He still wears his wedding ring and has never been with anyone else. This year would have been their 60th Wedding Anniversary.
sparkle40175@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

An amazing Dad I know is my husband. He is the best step father my son could have ever had. He loves him unconditionally like he is his own. When he married me he also married him and never has thought of him as his step son.
Always,
Melinda

melinda.garza15@yahoo.com

Linda Kish said...

I think my neighbor is a terrific dad. He has three kids and is always involved in their lives. Even when he works the night shift, he is home to take them to school and up before they get home again.

Sara Palacios said...

I love my dad! He is so amazing and supportive! My husband will also be celebrating his second Fathers Day this weekend.

bn100 said...

David Beckham seems like a caring dad

bn100candg at hotmail dot com

rubynreba said...

My Dad was patient and kind with me. He passed away 3 years ago and I miss him so much!
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

Krystal Lynn said...

Lots of great dads out there but the first to come to mind is Misha Collins, an actor on Supernatural. I just saw the video Cooking Fast and Fresh with West on youtube where he takes his young son grocery shopping and lets him cook. It's very cute and exactly the kind parenting I think everyone should try.

miss_kris_11(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Mario Bettali comes to mind as a great dad. Not only does he have a wicked sense of humor--a necessity for any parent--but he clearly loves his kids and is proud of them. He shares freely about them on THE CHEW which gives others insight into these kids and Bettali's personal life.

Hailey Fish said...

I have one amazing father who has ALWAYS been there for me. I can't imagine life without him. No matter what, he can always help me get out of a bad mood.

fishiegirl22@yahoo.com

JROSEN60 said...

my own dad...if it was fictional id say adam braverman from parenthood...

jrosen60@gmail.com

Jocelyn said...

I just read Marlene's bio on her website and am so inspired by her story. Her novel, IN NEED OF THERAPY sounds great! I will have to review this one on my website, www.bookfinds.com!

Meg Munson said...

My Dad is an awesome Father. My dad has always been there for me over the years. My parents divorced when I was 8 and he has always made our time together very special to me. Even now we live a little over an hour apart, he always calls me on Wednesdays and Sundays nights. Even if we don't have much to say and I look forward to it:-)

Melissa said...

Thanks to everyone for participating and talking about amazing dads.

Thanks to Marlene for a great review and for sharing this book with our winner.

Random.org chose one winner from all entries with contact info (one entry per person).

Congrats to Sara Palacios!