Flirting with Forty

May 22, 2006
In Porter's second dip into the chick lit pool (after The Frog Prince
), Seattle single mom Jackie Laurens begins wondering how important happiness is: divorced with two kids and a thriving decorating business, she assumes she's happy, but can't help feeling like something's missing. When her married friend, Anne, arranges for the two of them to indulge in a Hawaiian getaway in honor of Jackie's 40th birthday, Jackie agrees. Anne backs out at the last second, but Jackie decides to suffer through the vacation solo. Hawaii is gorgeous, but the hotel pool deck groans under the weight of middle-aged men whose coarse chutzpah is only overshadowed by their flabby bellies. Just before she resigns herself to the depressing prospects, she meets Kai, a sexy, tan and much younger surfing instructor. Life doesn't get better, only more complicated as Jackie tries to balance the sultry, sweaty joys of Hawaii and Kai with the obligations of motherhood. Porter's romance roots show in the gratuitous sex scenes and in how easily tears flow from Jackie's eyes, but this book fits the bill as a calorie-free accompaniment for a poolside daiquiri.

Starred review from June 15, 2006
Jackie never imagined turning 40 would be like this -a divorced, single mother working what seems like 'round-the-clock hours, desperate for a break. She also never dreamed of meeting a guy like Kai while on vacation in Hawaii. This young, handsome surf instructor touches her heart, causing unexpected ripples in Jackie's life in Seattle. Jackie's torn between two worlds, until a crushing accident forces her to choose. Porter's ("The Frog Prince" ) introspective look at postdivorce life is balanced by bittersweet humor. Despite a somewhat predictable plot, Porter's thoughtful prose and strong characters make for an entertaining and thought-provoking summer read. Strongly recommended.

Copyright 2006 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2006
Divorced with two kids, Jackie Laurens is facing her fortieth birthday, and she is depressed. Hr friend Anne decides that they should go to Hawaii to celebrate but backs out once they're at the airport. So, Jackie goes solo. She has never done anything like this before and is full of trepidation. The trip turns into a series of firsts, including surfing lessons and sex with Kai, her young, hunky instructor. Jackie realizes it's a cliche, but she can't stop thinking of Kai after she gets home. Over the next few months, she makes several return trips to the island. Even though her friends are no longer supportive of her, Jackie can't let go of Kai--until her daughter is hospitalized while Jackie is away. Riddled with guilt, she breaks off the relationship, but what she thinks is the end is only the beginning of her issues with Kai. Readers of a certain age will find much to empathize with in this amusing, poignant, and compelling story.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2006, American Library Association.)