4.18

1

Jul 24, 2014

The main character, Trudy, finds out that her husband has been cheating on her for their entire 20-year marriage. She then finds out that she has inherited her late aunt's house, so she moves into it to start over. Turns out that she has also inherited an assload of money, and she's got a handy and handsome next-door neighbor who remodels her house from top to bottom, makes all new furniture for her, plans the perfect birthday weekend for her, and doesn't care how fat she is. Which turns out not The main character, Trudy, finds out that her husband has been cheating on her for their entire 20-year marriage. She then finds out that she has inherited her late aunt's house, so she moves into it to start over. Turns out that she has also inherited an assload of money, and she's got a handy and handsome next-door neighbor who remodels her house from top to bottom, makes all new furniture for her, plans the perfect birthday weekend for her, and doesn't care how fat she is. Which turns out not to matter, because in spite of eating sandwiches two at a time, she miraculously loses weight and goes down entire dress sizes without even noticing! As if that we're not enough, she then has wonderfully improved relationships win her cousins and her daughter, and then her daughter ends up with a business, a house, a husband, children...

This is not a book. This is some small-town house wife's wishful thinking. And while it sounds like a lovely daydream, nothing HAPPENS. I'm shocked by all the good reviews. How anyone can relate to a character who has nothing but good fortune is beyond me. ...more

2

Jul 30, 2014

Reading this was like watching a bad Lifetime movie on TV. None of the dialogue or characters were very interesting and the only one who showed any sort of intelligence was Billy Lee. Good idea for a plot but it just fell flat, it went nowhere page after page and then in the last chapter, everything comes together quickly. I wanted to give up after the first 50 pages but I really thought it would get better. It didn't.

5

May 13, 2013

I loved this book from start to finish. Watching Trudy take charge of her life was both hilarious and touching, and every woman deserves a Billy Lee of her very own. The transformation of Aunt Gert's old house into a brand new home for Trudy neatly paralleled the changes that Trudy was making in her own life and her growing awareness of Billy Lee as something more than just a friend.

I laughed out loud when I realized that Aunt Gert had made good on her promise to hide her money under faithless I loved this book from start to finish. Watching Trudy take charge of her life was both hilarious and touching, and every woman deserves a Billy Lee of her very own. The transformation of Aunt Gert's old house into a brand new home for Trudy neatly paralleled the changes that Trudy was making in her own life and her growing awareness of Billy Lee as something more than just a friend.

I laughed out loud when I realized that Aunt Gert had made good on her promise to hide her money under faithless Lonnie's nose, and I especially enjoyed the idea that Aunt Gert had set up her will with an eye toward finally bringing Trudy and Billy Lee together. ...more

4

Sep 24, 2014

Ok. It's not Shakespeare. It won't win a Pulitzer. And, I've certainly read better. But, Ladies Room has its endearing moments and I found it to be highly entertaining and a fast read. Trudy, a middle-aged woman who has been emotionally absent for far too long, finally gets a clue when she is punched in the face with the reality that she's been living her life with a cheating husband. She's been the obedient little housewife doing the Stepford wife-thing while the world revolves without her Ok. It's not Shakespeare. It won't win a Pulitzer. And, I've certainly read better. But, Ladies Room has its endearing moments and I found it to be highly entertaining and a fast read. Trudy, a middle-aged woman who has been emotionally absent for far too long, finally gets a clue when she is punched in the face with the reality that she's been living her life with a cheating husband. She's been the obedient little housewife doing the Stepford wife-thing while the world revolves without her participation. She has endured an ungrateful and disrespectful daughter and relatives who don't give a hoot if she lives or dies. On top of that, she is watching her mother disappear into Alzheimer's disease at a nursing home, and that is a brutally-painful thing for anyone to witness. I found myself fixated with the story. Some women will be uncomfortable reading this book because Trudy is a composite of many of us American women who bury our feelings and medicate ourselves with too many tater tots from Sonic. The story is full of charm, humor and wit, but it's also loaded with emotional uncertainty and the female angst that many of us American women experience when we can't seem to keep up with that soap opera image that many of us feel we are expected to maintain. I like Trudy because she's real. She's buried her heart so deeply for so many years that she doesn't get a clue when another man finds her attractive. Positive changes develop in her life when she claims the right to be who she really wants to be instead of the Stepford wife that she was. Ladies, be warned -- there is a little bit of Trudy in all of us, and reading about her could possibly cause you to experience little twinges of emotional pain while you're laughing. Trudy's no heroine. She's a funny, lovable, messed-up gal with flaws. If you're looking for hot chick-lit and dramatic love scenes, you won't find it here. This book is just a little window that allows us to peer into the zany, screwed-up life of an average American woman. It might hit a little too close to home. ...more

4

Jul 08, 2014

SUPER quick and easy read. And after finishing Sweet Gum Tree and The Ladies' Room in just a week, I think I have a favorite genre.... Sassy Southern ladies who make it happen themselves!

1

May 18, 2018

The Ladies Room is very short and light but it took me forever to finish. Reason being - the book was a bunch of stupid bs and I hated the heroine.

Trudy spends the whole book blaming her lack of education, career, interests and ability to stand up for herself on her husband, society's expectations, the weather... I wanted to slap her and scream THIS IS YOUR LIFE!! YOU'RE THE ONE LIVING IT!!! So how come everyone except you is responsible for how it turned out?

Trudy also loves to go on and on The Ladies Room is very short and light but it took me forever to finish. Reason being - the book was a bunch of stupid bs and I hated the heroine.

Trudy spends the whole book blaming her lack of education, career, interests and ability to stand up for herself on her husband, society's expectations, the weather... I wanted to slap her and scream THIS IS YOUR LIFE!! YOU'RE THE ONE LIVING IT!!! So how come everyone except you is responsible for how it turned out?

Trudy also loves to go on and on about how she's fat and ugly and old to anyone who would listen. She keeps whining and fishing for compliments so blatantly and pitifully it was painful to read. Of course, people listening to her felt bad and had to convince her she's ok. So when a neighbor Trudy's literally just met tells her that "her ass isn't fat" it makes her day. Oh wow Trudy, by all means, take a poll around the whole town...

The side characters were all flat and unbelievable. They were either super-rude and confrontational for no reason, or over-the-top serving Trudy like she's their master for no reason.

The hero, Billy Lee, was a strange and unrealistic mix:
- goes around spewing faux-wisdom quotes like he's Oprah
- remembers the color of crayons Trudy used as a kid 35 years ago to draw pictures (why would ANYONE, especially anyone other than Trudy, remember that?)
- buys her things and cooks for Trudy, while simply being her contractor
- makes amazing furniture for a living in a small town, but no one knows about it. Word didn't get around? How does he get business?
- owns a Cadillac and a Harley, and no one knows about it. I mean, they made a point about EVERYONE discussing Trudy's new clothes for a month because it's a small town but somehow Billy Lee is invisible?
- he's this super-nice guy who's always dreamed of having a family, but he's never dated anyone (at forty!), never had friends. The only person he's talked with for the past 20 years was an 80-year old lady next door, with whom he dined every day, went to church, etc. Hm, I'd say if a young man has no interest in anyone in the world except 1 random granny, chances are he's pretty weird.

Trudy was supposedly funny and smart, but the author was telling rather than showing.

Plot summary: Trudy inherits a lot of money and tells everyone to fuck off. Sure, now she doesn't need to act nice because she doesn't earn enough to even rent herself an apartment. She can quit her job and get a divorce. And what would she have done without the unbelievably convenient gigantic inheritance that dropped in her lap for no reason?

The cheating ex-husband was another unbelievable character. So he's handsome, rich, has cheated on Trudy from day 1, never loved her, never even liked her, has always called her fat, never helped, bossed her around... Hm. Why did he marry her again? Because there are exactly zero reasons! She was poor, uneducated and had a lower standing in society. If he didn't even like her, he had absolutely nothing to gain from this marriage. Being rich and hot he could have his pick and marry at least a person he would have liked for a few years at least...

So, yeah. I'm done with this book. Yay. ...more

5

Feb 10, 2018

This book wasn't at all what I thought it was going to be based on the first line of the summary. "Secrets told in the church ladies' room... It's so much better!

Trudy is attending the funeral of her great-aunt, Gert, when she realizes that she can't wait for the service to conclude to visit the ladies room. Hilarity ensues as she tries to squeeze her "fat rear end" (her words, not mine) past all the somber people in the pew. Once there, she desperately fumbles with her control top panty hose This book wasn't at all what I thought it was going to be based on the first line of the summary. "Secrets told in the church ladies' room... It's so much better!

Trudy is attending the funeral of her great-aunt, Gert, when she realizes that she can't wait for the service to conclude to visit the ladies room. Hilarity ensues as she tries to squeeze her "fat rear end" (her words, not mine) past all the somber people in the pew. Once there, she desperately fumbles with her control top panty hose and puts her thumb through the material she thought they used for space rockets, causing a runner that went down to her knee. (Been there, done that, back when women still wore hose. ????) Before she has a chance to leave, her obnoxious cousins come in and start gossiping about her cheating husband.



This is the catalyst for ending her 20-year marriage. Trudy decides to take charge of her life and not care any longer what people think of her. From here on out, the story is slightly ridiculous (in a good way) because everything goes Trudy's way, beginning with her inheriting Gert's house (so she immediately has a place to go when she leaves her husband). Sure, she gets mean comments from her small town "friends", her husband is a complete jackass, and her daughter is a spoiled, entitled brat. But she has Billy Lee, the nerd next door to Gert, whom she has known her entire life.



Pleasant surprise after pleasant surprise unfolds for Trudy as she and Billy Lee work to remodel Gert's (her) house and, in the process, her attitude on life and love gets a remodel, too. ❤️

...more

2

Jan 08, 2017

Okay, I did not like this book at all. I thought I would - but yeah, I didn't.

I kind of wish I never saw this book on my kindle but then again I'm also kind of glad that I got it out of my system and off my TBR.

The Ladies Room is about Trudy and her god awful family and two-timing cheating bastard of a husband. Trudy somehow gets extremely lucky and get's her dead aunt's house and a large sum of money. Then everything magically gets better for her?!?! I'm sorry BUT WHAT?!

First, she meets her Okay, I did not like this book at all. I thought I would - but yeah, I didn't.

I kind of wish I never saw this book on my kindle but then again I'm also kind of glad that I got it out of my system and off my TBR.

The Ladies Room is about Trudy and her god awful family and two-timing cheating bastard of a husband. Trudy somehow gets extremely lucky and get's her dead aunt's house and a large sum of money. Then everything magically gets better for her?!?! I'm sorry BUT WHAT?!

First, she meets her handsome neighbor who does everything for her and doesn't care about her weight? Okay, cool - good for him and her. Love is love and has nothing to do with what size that person is. Then she magically forms better relationships with her god awful cousins and her daughter.

Other than that I was extremely bored. I didn't like the narrator either. This book did nothing for me. ...more

5

Jul 17, 2019

Okay I know this is not literary excellence but I love the way this author writes feel good story’s that have wit that makes me laugh. Her writing reminds me a little bit of Molly Harper whom I also enjoy very much. This is a come back strong book that has a good story and some feisty characters. Another book she wrote that I liked very much is The Sometimes Sisters. Fun books with a fast pace and a little pick me up humor.

4

Apr 13, 2016

I'll be honest this book was pretty fluffy, but that's alright.

I loved how the M.C. finally stood up for herself and that was giving me life.



It was freaking refreshing, because this wasn't the kind of cheating that COULD be forgivable.

There is a Happy Ending, and it's cute. Look @ me being sentimental. lol

Was it a perfect book? No. But it was perfect read for me right now. So YMMV. In certain moods I would probably not like this, but I'm feeling this right now.

2

Dec 30, 2012

Call this a "life's too short" DNF. I was mighty tempted to stick it out just for the sake of sticking it out, but I wasn't enjoying it at all, and why am I going to read something that I'm dragging through? I selected this book on a whim as my December '12 Kindle Library selection because I was almost the end of the month, and it had a synopsis that sounded like a relaxing, fluffy romance.

If I had bothered to read a sample, I would have never selected it. Trudy is supposed to be 40, but she's Call this a "life's too short" DNF. I was mighty tempted to stick it out just for the sake of sticking it out, but I wasn't enjoying it at all, and why am I going to read something that I'm dragging through? I selected this book on a whim as my December '12 Kindle Library selection because I was almost the end of the month, and it had a synopsis that sounded like a relaxing, fluffy romance.

If I had bothered to read a sample, I would have never selected it. Trudy is supposed to be 40, but she's definitely from mom's generation, and yet there's no indication that the book is set in 1996. Anyway, as such, I had trouble relating to her, and I found her cutesy inner monologue obnoxious and flat rather than funny and endearing.

Bonus, see my recent review of Sugar Nation? When Trudy celebrates her new found freedom with a Sonic-sized coney meal and a quart of soda, I was practically shuddering in revulsion. Like, wow, cool, and I hope you enjoy when your pancreas quits and you go blind. The way this woman swills sweet tea is awe-inspiring.

Add to all this joy, the most lackluster, milquetoast love interest ever, and there was nothing keeping me with this book that wasn't sheer stubbornness. Yes, I could skim the rest, but why bother? It's not like I was reading this for it's mind-blowing plot twists (unless Trudy really does get diagnosed with diabetes at 70%. Someone please tell me this happens, and then Billy Lee holds her hand and and tells her she's still beautiful with the missing foot).

I finally quit at 40% when her daughter dropped by to berate her for not staying with her cheating father. Blech.

Edit: Gave in and skimmed it. I made the right decision. There is a "twist" at about 80%, but seriously, y'all, whatever. ...more

4

Nov 09, 2014

This is what a Feminist looks like

This line constantly comes to mind while reading The Ladies' Room . Although it may not be true and applicable to all female characters but it is fitting for Trudy (the female lead). To know what to expect, read the synopsis. But please do not expect a whirlwind romance out of this. The romance slant is just icing on the cake.

I like how this book depicts and reflects a lot of things in life:

1. Going to church doesn't automatically reserve you a seat in This is what a Feminist looks like

This line constantly comes to mind while reading The Ladies' Room . Although it may not be true and applicable to all female characters but it is fitting for Trudy (the female lead). To know what to expect, read the synopsis. But please do not expect a whirlwind romance out of this. The romance slant is just icing on the cake.

I like how this book depicts and reflects a lot of things in life:

1. Going to church doesn't automatically reserve you a seat in heaven beside St. Peter and the angels. You are not what you preach but what you do. - The part where Trudy walked out of her old church and decided to go to the other church where she was readily accepted and welcomed definitely speaks volumes.

2. When you grow old and become wiser, home is not just a geographical location, family is not just about bloodline and friendship is not just about the length of time.

3. "Regrets are a waste of time, they are the past crippling you in the present." - I've fallen in love with this line since I first heard it from the movie, Under the Tuscan Sun . 20 years of marriage devoid of love, respect, trust, and honesty is, undeniably, a shame. But then again, so what if you've realized it 20 years later? The crux of it all is not just finding about all the deceits and betrayals but doing something about it. Fiction or not, good things really do happen at a time you need it most and good people are put in your way to help you. When Trudy decided to take control of her own life and move on, help came in different forms.

4. Honest is always better than nice.

5. People keep appearances but there are those who are worth shedding your layers off. Be the oddball as long as you're comfortable with your skin and you do not step on other people's toes. Those who really care will go out of their way to know you. Having a few good and real friends is better than having hundreds and thousands of friendship for convenience.

6. Once a mother, always a mother.

7. Make your passion and happiness your profession. - Do not spend your entire life doing what you hate just because you have to or you are expected to. Live your own life. Set your own expectations. Set your own goals. You may get undecided and confused right in the middle of your journey but have faith in your self and in your possibilities. Young or old, as long as you are still strong and able, nothing is too late.

I can go on and on. But these will suffice.

This is witty, funny, and empowering especially for women. The ladies' room is where it all began. Recommended! ...more

5

Oct 19, 2014

This book is so funny, and a nice cozy read. A good strong woman, a philandering husband, busybodies, and a story that will will make you smile. Loved it!

From Amazon:
Secrets told in the church ladies' room are supposed to stay in the ladies' room. But that doesn't mean that what Trudy overhears there during her great-aunt Gertrude's funeral won't change the rest of her life.

Trudy has a daughter in the middle of a major rebellion, a two-timing husband who has been cheating for their entire This book is so funny, and a nice cozy read. A good strong woman, a philandering husband, busybodies, and a story that will will make you smile. Loved it!

From Amazon:
Secrets told in the church ladies' room are supposed to stay in the ladies' room. But that doesn't mean that what Trudy overhears there during her great-aunt Gertrude's funeral won't change the rest of her life.

Trudy has a daughter in the middle of a major rebellion, a two-timing husband who has been cheating for their entire married life, and a mother with Alzheimer's residing in the local nursing home. She doesn't really need a crumbling old house about to fall into nothing but a pile of memories and broken knickknacks.

Billy Lee Tucker, resident oddball in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, lived next door to Gert, and in her will she leaves him the funds to help Trudy remodel the old house. That's fine with Billy Lee, because he's been in love with Trudy since before they started school. And just spending time with her is something he'd never ever allowed himself to dream about.

A beautiful home rises up from the old house on Broadway, and right along with it rises up a relationship. But is Trudy too scarred from what she heard in the ladies' room to see a lovely future with Billy Lee? ...more

5

Sep 20, 2014

Amazing!

This book was an incredible read from the very first page. It's a love story, but really, so much more. It's about love lost and true love found. It's about family and friends. It's about accepting ourselves for who we are. The characters are well developed and I loved them all. The story flows smoothly throughout the entire book. I highly recommend you read this book. I absolutely loved it!! I can't wait to read more books from this author. AMAZING!!!

3

Jul 18, 2014

If you want reality, this book is not for you. If you like reading romantic fantasy, then it is for you. Trudy turns into a sassy, rebellious lady when she overhears her cousins talking about her cheating husband at her Aunt Gert's funeral, in.....of all places, The Ladies Room! Trudy was married two decades but did not know her husband had been unfaithful to her from the beginning of their marriage. I did finish the book, it was funny in parts & it had a happy ending. I think many women If you want reality, this book is not for you. If you like reading romantic fantasy, then it is for you. Trudy turns into a sassy, rebellious lady when she overhears her cousins talking about her cheating husband at her Aunt Gert's funeral, in.....of all places, The Ladies Room! Trudy was married two decades but did not know her husband had been unfaithful to her from the beginning of their marriage. I did finish the book, it was funny in parts & it had a happy ending. I think many women would love the happy ending if they had been subjected to 20 yrs. of infidelity, but the truth is I have never seen it (the revamping of a totally new life) happen so easily or quickly as it did in this book. But it is fiction, it was free on my Kindle, was well written and a quick read so I gave it 3 stars. ...more

4

Jan 30, 2018

I loved this book from beginning to end. Trudy is a hoot and I loved cheering her on (she's so sassy!)

Nothing groundbreaking here, it's a story you know: Newly divorced woman going through the stages of grief, figuring out who she is, falling in love again unexpectedly, and building a life bigger than she ever imagined (but absolutely deserves).

One word summarizes this novel: Sweet. This story is SO SWEET and in all the right ways. It's like sweet tea or peach cobbler. You just eat it up!

If I loved this book from beginning to end. Trudy is a hoot and I loved cheering her on (she's so sassy!)

Nothing groundbreaking here, it's a story you know: Newly divorced woman going through the stages of grief, figuring out who she is, falling in love again unexpectedly, and building a life bigger than she ever imagined (but absolutely deserves).

One word summarizes this novel: Sweet. This story is SO SWEET and in all the right ways. It's like sweet tea or peach cobbler. You just eat it up!

If you like steamy, sexy romances, this book isn't for you. It's entirely sweet with zero steam (absolutely no sex scenes, barely kissing) which I loved. Their romance evolved naturally and felt both real and honest.

I'd classify this novel as Christian-romance (if that is a genre). There's no hot sex as I mentioned, the whole book is PG, and pretty conservative (as most books in the Midwest or 'South' are). There isn't a lot of Christianity in the book, more like Trudy is a woman of faith and makes cute religious quips about God striking her down in church for wearing a red dress. I'm not Christian and found this aspect adorable, but did think "I'd recommend this to my Christian friends!"

The book, however, also has a feminist edge and liberal air to it, calling into question some of the stereotypes placed on women, particularly in religious and/or conservative areas, and what older generations of women had to put up with and how they hope their daughters and granddaughters won't.

Bottom line: If you like realistic romance, sweet stories without steamy sex and/or Southern novels, I think you'll really like this book. I also think the narrator helped a lot. I'm definitely going to read more by this author and narrator! ...more

5

Jan 14, 2017

Title: The Ladies' Room
Author: Carolyn Brown
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"The Ladies' Room" by Carolyn Brown

My Thoughts...

This was quite a interesting read of a women taking charge of her life after finding out her husband of 20 years has been nothing more than a cheat! What a way to find out about this out after being overheard at a funeral [in the ladies room] and Trudy decides to make some changes in her life...by starting all over. This story will Title: The Ladies' Room
Author: Carolyn Brown
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"The Ladies' Room" by Carolyn Brown

My Thoughts...

This was quite a interesting read of a women taking charge of her life after finding out her husband of 20 years has been nothing more than a cheat! What a way to find out about this out after being overheard at a funeral [in the ladies room] and Trudy decides to make some changes in her life...by starting all over. This story will have some very interesting characters...from 'aunt Gert, wayward child[Crystal],a mom [with Alzheimer's] a philanderer husband [Drew],two obnoxious relatives [Marty & Betsy] and a true friend [Billy Lee'] that were all unique in one way or another. Be sure that there will be a lots of 'sadness, joy, pain pleasure, laughter, timidity and courage' before this story is over giving the reader one heck of a read when it's all said and done in this heartwarming story that was without any violence or explicit sex. I loved how this story 'revolves around Trudy finding her self respect in sticking with tough decisions. From what Truly will hear in the ladies' room will she be able to see a future with Billy Lee[the neighbor]? Oh yes, the plot is somewhat predictable but it's still a good read. Will Trudy and Billy finally get their HEA? Well, to get all of the answers to these questions you will have to pick up this good read to see.
...more

5

Jun 11, 2019

A fun story of what happens when a cheated-on woman decides to take charge of her life. In a funny, but also emotional scene, Trudy is at her Aunt Gert's funeral when a trip to the ladies' room results in an unexpected revelation. Any woman can empathize with Trudy's trials involving pantyhose and bathrooms, which made the first part of the scene pretty darn funny. Laughter turns to tears though, when Trudy overhears her gossipy cousins talking about her husband's frequent infidelities. It seems A fun story of what happens when a cheated-on woman decides to take charge of her life. In a funny, but also emotional scene, Trudy is at her Aunt Gert's funeral when a trip to the ladies' room results in an unexpected revelation. Any woman can empathize with Trudy's trials involving pantyhose and bathrooms, which made the first part of the scene pretty darn funny. Laughter turns to tears though, when Trudy overhears her gossipy cousins talking about her husband's frequent infidelities. It seems that everyone in town except Trudy knew about them, and no one bothered to tell her. When the reading of her aunt's will provides Trudy with a slightly rundown house, and the funds to do something about it, she wastes no time dumping Drew for a new start.

I liked Trudy a lot. She's almost forty years old, not in the best of shape, but accepts herself the way she is. After twenty years of Drew putting her down and stifling her personality, she's ready to break out, and she does so with great enthusiasm. I loved watching her do her makeover, from hair to clothes, to please herself and to hell with anyone else's opinion. I laughed out loud when she stood up to her blustering bully of a husband, especially when he came to take back her car. I liked how she stood up to the people who had hurt her or made her mad, but she also didn't hold a grudge for long (except for Drew). Her determination to restore Gert's house to its former glory was great. I loved the parallels between the house and Trudy herself, as the true beauty of each were revealed. A big part of those transformations was Billy Lee.

Billy Lee was Gert's next door neighbor and a childhood friend of Trudy's. He's very laid back and friendly, and most of the town thinks he's weird and a bit slow. He'd had a close relationship with Gert, who left him the money to fix up the house if that's what Trudy wanted to do. As the book went on, it became clear that there was more to Billy than anyone suspected, even Trudy. He has a kind and compassionate heart, which is especially evident in his dealings with Trudy's mother.

I loved seeing the relationship between Trudy and Billy blossom right along with the house. It starts slowly as a friendship that deepens as time goes on. I loved their insistence on honesty with each other, believing that burying issues would only lead to resentment - as Trudy well knew from her marriage. I loved watching how Billy's belief in her abilities and support of her actions gave Trudy new confidence in herself. It was easy to see how much he cared for her in the things he did, from the "Gone With the Wind" trip to the motorcycle rides to the furniture he made for her. I thought he had the patience of a saint as he waited for her to feel the same way. I loved how Trudy stood up for Billy to the people who talked badly about him. As their friendship grew, Trudy realized that she had also been one of those who underestimated him before she got to know him, and knew she'd never look at him the same way again. She didn't realize how her feelings for him had changed until a New Year's kiss opened her eyes. It was fun to see her frustration as she wanted more and Billy went back to normal. The tension built to a sweet ending as they finally came together the way they were meant to be. I loved the epilogue, especially the surprises that it revealed.

The secondary characters were terrific. Trudy's mother was a sweetheart, and I ached for her and for Trudy as they dealt with her Alzheimer's. Her good days did a great job of showing the loving relationship that they had. There were some lovely scenes with her and Trudy. I also loved seeing her with Billy, especially the scenes at Thanksgiving and Christmas. I didn't like Trudy's cousins at all during the first parts of the book, especially with the way that they treated her. But Trudy's changes helped motivate some changes in them, and by the end they redeemed themselves quite nicely. Trudy's daughter, Crystal, started as a whiny, spoiled brat. I definitely didn't like the way that she talked to Trudy, especially when it came to Drew. I cheered when Trudy laid down the law to her, firmly but kindly. The changes in her by the end were very impressive, thanks to Trudy and Billy's compassion and support. Drew, on the other hand, was a complete ass from start to finish. He deserved everything he got. ...more

4

Apr 22, 2018

This is my first book by Carolyn Brown and it won't be the last. I really liked it. There were some laugh out loud moments for me. It is a book of self-discovery just when you think your world has ended. A re-evaluation of life. It went along at the perfect pace. And, the romance was adorable. It was a thoroughly enjoyable read.

3

Jan 26, 2019

A perfect fun, light read I needed at this time in my life! I recommend it!

3

Mar 29, 2019

You keep waiting for something bad to happen to Trudy the main character but it never does. If you want to smile and be happy and believe that everything in the world has a happy ending, even if it is for a moment, then this is the book for you.

5

Aug 12, 2018

Five stars: A fun, satisfying read with a heroine who changes her life and gets payback and a new start.

Trudy knows everyone will talk about her if she gets up during her Aunt Gert’s funeral, but her bladder is about to burst. While in the ladies’ room, she punches a hole in her nylons as she tries to wiggle them over her plump behind. Just fantastic. While Trudy tries to figure out what to do next, she hears her two cousins come in. Not only do they smoke in the ladies’ room, but they do it Five stars: A fun, satisfying read with a heroine who changes her life and gets payback and a new start.

Trudy knows everyone will talk about her if she gets up during her Aunt Gert’s funeral, but her bladder is about to burst. While in the ladies’ room, she punches a hole in her nylons as she tries to wiggle them over her plump behind. Just fantastic. While Trudy tries to figure out what to do next, she hears her two cousins come in. Not only do they smoke in the ladies’ room, but they do it while dishing out some very unkindly things about Trudy and Aunt Gert. Trudy is stunned to learn that her husband of twenty years has cheated on her multiple times, and it seems everyone in town knows it but her. After what she overhears in the restroom, Trudy is determined to not let others push her around ever again, but will she have the courage to hold her resolve?
What I Liked:
*Ahhh.... a book by Carolyn Brown is just what I need when I am desperate for a pick me up. I don’t know why it took me so long to get to The Ladies’ Room, but I am glad I did. This book has a determined heroine, a kindly neighbor, new beginnings, romance, friendship and forgiveness. I loved it.
*Trudy is such a fun main character. I loved that she starts the book as a plump, naive housewife, but then she transforms. By the end, she is a confident, self sufficient, competent woman who has learned a thing or two about life, love, friendship and forgiveness. It was a joy to see Trudy’s journey unfurl.
*Billy Lee, Trudy’s charming neighbor, remains an enigma through most of the book. He has the reputation as the town oddball, but there is so much more to Billy than meets the eye. He is talented, kind and compassionate, the kind of friend and neighbor I would want living next door. Loved him!
*The romance is sweet and subtle. It takes its long, sweet time to show, but it is so worth the wait. The relationship starts out slow and steady and then a solid friendship forms that is just waiting to burst into something more. It was hard to be patient for it, but it paid off in the end.
*At first, it seems that Trudy is going to turn her back on everyone who is being mean to her and talking about her, but then she surprised me. I loved how she forgave those who were unkind, and she took them back with open arms. Kindness and forgiveness go along way.
*I liked that this book wasn’t your typical romance. Instead it is more a focus on one woman’s journey to reinvent herself. It was an uplifting and fun read.
*The ending is sweet and satisfying with all kinds of goodness. I loved that I got an epilogue down the road that caught me up with all the characters. It was the cherry on top, even though I still wanted more.
And The Not So Much:
*I wished that there was more of Aunt Gert’s story. She seemed like a formidable woman in her own way, and I would certainly like to know more about how she handled her troubling marital situation
*I have to admit that even though I loved the romance, I wanted more of it.
The Ladies’ Room was a wonderful pick me up read. I loved that this was all about Trudy’s journey to change her life. So many uplifting scenes in this one. It is packed full of life, love, friendship, forgiveness with a touch of romance. Don’t miss it!

I purchased a copy of this book. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.

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5

Mar 08, 2015

I really liked this book. I downloaded it as part of my Kindle Unlimited subscription. I didn't expect much as most of the KU books I have already ready read turned out to be duds. I was pleasantly surprised. I was hooked after the first chapter. The author did a fantastic job of keeping me engaged with the entire story. There wasn't a lot of big climaxes and surprises but rather a steady flow of daily events. It reminds me of "Seinfeld". It's a story about nothing and yet everything.

During her I really liked this book. I downloaded it as part of my Kindle Unlimited subscription. I didn't expect much as most of the KU books I have already ready read turned out to be duds. I was pleasantly surprised. I was hooked after the first chapter. The author did a fantastic job of keeping me engaged with the entire story. There wasn't a lot of big climaxes and surprises but rather a steady flow of daily events. It reminds me of "Seinfeld". It's a story about nothing and yet everything.

During her aunts funeral, Trudy finds out that her husband has been cheating on her for 20 years and that everyone in her small town knows about it. Her deceased aunt left Trudy her old house which needs a lot of work and remodeling. The aunt's eccentric neighbor assists Trudy with remodeling the house as well as Trudy's entire life which sets the pace for the rest of the book.

The story incorporated a bevy of secondary characters who were relevant to the story but never overshadowed Trudy and Bille Lee (the neighbor). The story never had an unrealistic moment which made it relatable while slowly building the suspense. The only negative thing that comes to mind is that the ending seemed rushed. Even with the epilogue, I would have preferred a little more meat added to the last chapter. Also, I would have liked Billie Lee to have revealed more of his family history. He never mentioned his past which made everything feel a bit one sided.

But overall, I am very pleased with this book. It is a wonderfully written, second chance at love book written for wise readers. ...more

4

Dec 19, 2014

Great read

Recommended for all the romanticized divorcee s. How life would be Grande if you inherited money from the passing of your great aunt right when you find out your husband is cheating in you. Love how she gets back at him.

0

Dec 05, 2014

Predictable & Quick

The Ladies Room is a quick, predictable, happily ever after book. Fun little read for the times when you know you just want a sure thing happy ending. Not something I would have purchased, but as a free read it was worth it.