A Career Girl's Guide to Becoming a Stepmom: Expert Advice from Other Stepmoms on How to Juggle Your Job, Your Marriage, and Your New Stepkids

I researched quite a few books on this topic before making this selection - glad I chose this one. It fit me and my situation, which is probably key to whether or not you will like this book. Probably more so for the stepmom who is not going to be full time with the kids and who is going to keep her job (alternatively to becoming a stay at home mom with the kids). Provides stories of many real stepmoms - the realness made it unapologetic. Takes the "Get Real" and "Don't Take Yourself Too Seriously" approach. Covered a wide range of topics within stepmotherhood and organized well. Helpful online resource section at the end. Frank, valuable points that for me were not just common sense and turned into great thought starters. I even discussed quite a bit out loud with my partner as it has questions in each section. Definitely respect this writer - thanks for doing this research and providing this resource to us.

For any woman following a successful professional career path, while at the same time approaching the dauntingly complex web of stepmotherhood, this book provides invaluable advise and direction toward a safe, concrete plan of approach to becoming a stepmother. I found many great points in this book even though this is about the third book on stepmothering I have read, My favorite part is at the end of each chapter, she provides questions for both yourself and your partner to discuss together in regards to the topics covered in each section. This book has helped me to solidify my approach to a situation that previously I found to be expectantly negative in general, in a manner that gives me the confidence I usually only reserve for work. I now look forward to finding my place in my new family. Highly recommended!

This past fall I married a man with 2 children from a previous marriage - hence entering the world of stepmotherhood. I never ever thought I'd be here. I had spent the better majority of my life working hard to further my career and continue to find that part of my life both rewarding and very fulfilling. I knew likely I would marry - I had great interest in the companionship and lifelong partnership that would bring. But I have never had quite the same desire to be a mom, let alone a stepmom. Life has a funny way of interjecting an alternate path when you least expect it!Since I met the kids almost 4 years ago, and knowing my relationship with their father was going to be serious, I started searching for support help and doing a lot of reading. But so much out there just never felt like it fit me...negativity, horror stories, or just basic differences - like me not bringing any kids into the equation on my side. I felt like the odd man out, and often felt more alien to stepmotherhood (or the possibility of it) than before I started reading. It is an ongoing "battle" for me. There are some days where I feel very confident in my role as stepmom. There are other days (many more than I would like to admit) where I feel out of sorts and paralyzed almost by the two kids running through my house.But with this book my feelings were very different. I found myself affirming some of the lines with noticeable head nods and even outloud comments like "I'm not the only one" and "I knew it wasn't just me." It was great. It was like finding a positive, comforting and empathetic friend who spoke with candor and honesty but also with heart and passion for making stepmotherhood more welcoming, more understood, and most importantly, more valued than it often is.So many stepmoms, especially those who bring no children of their own into the relationship, struggle to find their place with the children. And also come to terms with what this change means for them - both with their husband and with their career/independent life. My big struggle continues to be how to balance my professional life - which is probably the best it's ever been right now - with a personal life that to some extent, I never imagined myself a part of. But slowly, each day gets better, a little easier, more comfortable. Thanks largely in part to a very strong, supportive husband.Ms. Fletcher's book was refreshing, positive, and very helpful. Put it at the top of your list if you are going to be involved as a stepmother, now or in the future. Few take on the topic like Jacque does.

I've found this book to be a great introduction to step parenting for someone who doesn't have kids, doesn't plan on having kids, and never planned on them in the first place. Jacquelyn incorporates anecdotal situations from a variety of step parenting families that she's interviewed which covers the spectrum of situations (on good terms with bio-mom, not on good terms with bio-mom, young kids, old kids, etc.) She uses business terminology to introduce concepts of step parenting, but you don't have to be a corporate type to understand or appreciate them. The book also includes lists and examples of things you need to talk to your partner about, and I found them to be helpful conversation starters.

I am a 33 year old career woman who will soon be marrying a 41 year old man who has a child from a previous marriage. I purchased this book as a tool to help me transition into step parenthood and to help prevent some pitfalls that others have made in the process. However, I have had a difficult time with this book. Although it might be beneficial to women who are trying to deal with frustration and disappointment about the idea of becoming step parents, it has been quite depressing to me. I was looking for an uplifting book to give me some guidance as I embark on the next part of my life's journey, but it just didn't lift me up. I think I would have been happier with a book with a Christian viewpoint. So, I'm not saying it's a bad book. It just wasn't the right book for me. I might be exactly what you're looking for.

Couldn't put it down! Other step-mom books tend to give me pits in my stomach and this one was a breath of fresh air. It kept things honest and true, but also gave me hope. I recommend for working step-moms. I would also recommend you read this book if you are a mom with a child that has a step-mom or soon to be step-mom in their life.

I ordered almost every book on the web, and my feeling was "interesting" but my problems are different, my concerns are different, my case is different.. They were either too Christian in the sense I had to count on outside force and feel helpless even more, or too much psycological approach which meant I had to become a psycologist before a stepmom.. Just added more burden and made me feel more overwhelmed and worried!I kept this book last as I was worried it's too career oriented.. Like the luxury book to have and not about essentials.. To my surprised I can't drop this book, it's for everyone, whatever job u have or don't have, it's easy to read, actually it's fun to read..u'd find urself taking notes.. I'm not doing the "homeworks" suggested..still it's precious book even when u don't do it! I want to admit, it's my first review I place on Amazon even though I buy an average of 10 books a month, it is so helpful that I wanted to share my experience, first thing I did while reading the book is looking for other books of this author!! I suggest if u didn't buy other books about stepparenting start with this one!if u have otherones, read this one!the author is positive writer but also realistic and put things in their own real place for u to learn from!Good luck!

Fantastic book! Arrived really quick too. Jacquelyn Fletcher is a great author. It’s an easy but entertaining read with all sorts of tips and hints on how to manage as a new step mum. It made me laugh in parts of how truthful she is. It is mainly aimed at women to do not have children of their own but I would recommend it to anyone who is going through the process of becoming of a step mum. Thanks again!!!

Gives a great insight into the kinds of issues, deals with those niggly concerns re finances, jealousy etc and offers practical tips and advice on how best to manage situations. The author doesn't talk down at you, rather, offers friendly advice and often uses her own personal experience aswell as those of others to show that there really are so many options but that we should strive to find a win win situation for all. A great intro into step-motherhood and a book that I consider to be one for keeps, as a reference point for those difficult moments later down the line. Highly recommended read if you are embarking on a marriage where children exist.

Great book offering compassionate and practical advice for women taking on a stepmother role without children of their own. Particularly helpful were the regular reminders of how the children in stepfamilies must be feeling and that laughter is a coping strategy!

A really good book for those of us who have been used to being independent then find themselves facing all the challenges that stepmotherhood poses