Thrilled to have Marilyn Simon Rothstein back on the Spotlight to talk about her latest novel, Who Loves You Best
Welcome back, Marilyn! How would you describe Who Loves You Best?
“You’ll laugh, smile, and cry right along with Jodi Wexler as she navigates the joys and challenges of being a 60-something wife, mother, and grandmother on the brink of a major life change.”—Paulette Kennedy, author, The Devil and Mrs. Davenport.
Who Loves You Best is about Jodi Wexler, a woman with a podiatric practice in Florida and a husband who has just been fired who wishes she could spend more time with her granddaughter. At long last, her daughter Lisa invites her to the Berkshires to babysit. But– be careful what you wish for! Jodi finds her daughter’s marriage in shambles, and two other grannies already on the job. As a result, Jodi takes stock of her own life, what she really needs, and discovers new truths about herself. It’s a story for anyone entering a new stage of life.
What inspired the idea for this book?
I was inspired by my relationship with my daughters–both young mothers–and the feelings I have had as my family grows and changes.
What’s your favorite part about writing/being an author?
The answer is writing. Before I was published, I had no idea about all the hats an author must wear, such as writer, editor, proofreader, marketer, promoter, speaker. Although I’ve been told I should become a standup comedian, I don’t enjoy standing up. I’m happiest writing.
What advice would you give writers starting out?
Write. And keep on going. Also, find your community by joining a writer’s group or workshop.
How has your real life informed your book?
I do all the research for my books right where I live. My books draw on real life, not necessarily my own. My idea of research is going to lunch with my daughters. Or, walking around the reservoir with a friend. Or, listening in intensely while at Starbucks. Don’t reveal your problems while sitting with a latte at the table next to me.
What’s the last book you read? What did you think about it?
I read Every Precious and Fragile Thing by Barbara Davis. I loved this book so much I’d marry it. International best-selling author Barbara Davis outdoes herself with a moving, time-skipping, life and death mother-daughter powerhouse that will steep in your mind long after you read it.
Also, I recommend the hilarious and shocking Swanna in Love by Jennifer Belle, bestselling author of Going Down and High Maintenance. I read the entire novel about a fourteen-year-old girl and an illicit romance in the summer of 1982, in an evening. Small wonder it received a starred review from Kirkus.
Are you doing any live events?
Yes! And if you live nearby, I hope you’ll be there. For starters, I’ll be at t East Meadow Public Library on Long Island, NY, on October 17th with the fabulous Renee Weiss Weingarten, founder of Renee’s Reading Club, a Facebook group with 57,000 members. On October 22, I’ll be partying with Kristan Higgins (Pack Up the Moon) and Maddie Dawson (Let’s Pretend This Will Work) at the Avon Free Public Library in my hometown of Avon, Connecticut. All are welcome. Please check the library sites for more information.
Where can readers find you?
Right now, in a small café in a tiny town in Maine. But more frequently:
Website: www. MarilynSimonRothstein.com
Quarterly Newsletter: Marilyn’s Musings:
https://forms.wix.com/r/7160693702321504580
Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=552642036
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/marilynsimonrothstein
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marilynsimonrothstein/
Book Bub Author Profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/marilyn-simon-rothstein
Goodreads Author Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15251227.Marilyn_Simon_Rothstein
Book Links:
US Amazon Store:
Who Loves You Best: https://www.amazon.com/Who-Loves-You-Best-Novel-ebook/dp/B0CW1FVBBK/
Crazy to Leave You: https://www.amazon.com/Crazy-Leave-Marilyn-Simon-Rothstein-ebook/dp/B09HXG2RRL/
Thank you, Marilyn! Who Loves You Best is out now.
Who Loves You Best
A woman drops everything to spend more time with her grandchild, only to discover new truths about herself. A humorous, heartfelt, feel-good novel from the author of Crazy to Leave You.
For Jodi Wexler, a Florida doctor with a flourishing practice, only one thing’s missing: the chance to spend more time getting to know her eight-year-old granddaughter, Macallan.
When Jodi’s restauranteur daughter asks her to watch Macallan in the Berkshires while she takes care of some business out of town, Jodi can’t say yes fast enough. Neither Jodi’s podiatric patients nor her just-fired, suddenly retired husband can keep her away. But when Jodi arrives, she discovers she’s not the only grandma at Lisa’s house. Lisa’s mother-in-law, Di–a hard-nosed real estate agent–has moved into the house. What’s more, there’s Grannie Annie, the twenty-seven-year-old girlfriend of Lisa’s oddball father-in-law. They’re not the only surprises. Lisa’s marriage is faltering even as her new restaurant is taking off.
As the competition for Macallan’s attention among the three “grandmas” increases, Lisa drops a bomb about her life that changes everything. Under pressure, and determined to help her daughter, Jodi must choose her next step. Her decision surprises everyone–Jodi, most of all.
Author bio:
Marilyn Simon Rothstein is the author of Who Loves You Best, Crazy to Leave You, Husbands and Other Sharp Objects, and Lift and Separate.
She grew up in New York City, earned a degree in journalism from New York University, began her writing career at Seventeen magazine, married a man she met in an elevator, and owned an advertising agency for twenty-five years.
She lives in Connecticut with her husband and other sharp objects. She’d tell you about her two fabulous daughters and three wonderful grandchildren–but she doubts you have that kind of time.
To stay connected with Marilyn, follow her on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marilynsimonrothstein) and Instagram (@marilynsimonrothstein). For more information about the author and her books, visit her website at www.marilynsimonrothstein.com.