I’ve recently been chatting with the wonderful Susan Mallery, author of the recently released Already Home, on Twitter and when I discovered she’d be interested in writing a guest post for us I couldn’t resist! Take a look at what Susan has to say about the topic I suggested and then head to your local bookstore and pick up her recent release, I’m positive you’ll love it!

Chick Lit Reviews: Susan, ALREADY HOME is the third book you’ve written that would be categorized as women’s fiction, rather than a romance novel. Tell us a little bit about the transition from being a romance author to being a women’s fiction author.

I’m not transitioning away from romance altogether. Let’s call it a transition from romance to romance-plus. I absolutely love writing and reading romance. There is nothing more thrilling to me than the first kiss, unless maybe it’s the moment a heroine is hit with the knowledge that she’s in love with this person who drives her completely crazy.

There are people who say that romance novels are unrealistic, and I suppose that’s true, but romances certainly aren’t as unrealistic as thrillers. In real life, people fall in love every day, but how many serial killers are actually out there stalking victims? Romance novels capture the courtship period of what will become a lifelong relationship. Love exists, and it can last forever! It’s a beautiful thing, and I will continue writing romances proudly. Later this year, I’ll release the next three romances in my Fool’s Gold series.

But happily, with ALREADY HOME and my other women’s fiction books, I’ve been given the opportunity to explore some of the other relationships that impact women’s lives. The relationship with oneself (SUNSET BAY), female friendship (THE BEST OF FRIENDS), and now arguably the most complicated relationship of them all – the mother/daughter relationship.

In ALREADY HOME, a recent divorce has left Jenna feeling bruised and unsure of herself. Back in her hometown after more than 10 years, she has launched herself into a new career by opening a retail kitchen store. Her life is complicated enough without the unannounced arrival of her birth mother, who is strangely insistent on being a part of her life. Serenity gave Jenna up for adoption over 30 years ago, and never came looking for her. Why now? Jenna has to decide whether to allow this woman into her heart. If she does, will she still have room for the mother who raised her?

Mother’s Day is coming on May 8. Have you bought your mother a gift yet? If so, what did you get? (Don’t answer if you mom reads this blog!) What was the most successful gift you ever gave your mother?

Susan Mallery has entertained millions of readers with her witty and emotional stories of women and the relationships that move them. In her latest novel, ALREADY HOME, Jenna Stevens, still reeling from a recent divorce, is unpleasantly surprised by the arrival of her birth parents, who seem to want her to feel a family bond immediately. She was perfectly happy with the loving, traditional parents who raised her. Can she learn to love a second mother without damaging her relationship with the woman who raised her? Join Susan’s Members Only area at www.susanmallery.com for exclusive sneak peeks, short stories, and more.

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