Divorce Books

Cassidy Carter doesn't mind that she's still twelve, but her cousin, Rikki, can't wait to grow older.

Now that Cassidy's mother has gone to Africa to fulfill a lifelong dream, and Cassidy has moved in with her father, she's spending more time than ever with Rikki while her dad works. Rikki and her older sister, Mary, put in a lot of effort to sneak around their strict parents, who won't let them see boys or eat junk food. Cassidy always goes along with their plans, even though she doesn't care much for boys yet and she's getting a little bit tired of Rikki's attitude.

But now, Rikki tells Cassidy a secret that Cassidy's father has been keeping from her, and Cassidy can't believe her father would do that. What right does he have to send her to a private school when she's so excited to be going to school with Rikki and the rest of their friends?

Cassidy decides that if her father can keep things from her, then she's going to return the favor and sneak around him a bit. When a new girl, Golden, moves in next door, Cassidy decides that it's time to stand up to her cousin, and speak out for herself, but how far will she have to go?

While this story held a nice message of self-reliance and standing up to peer pressure, I felt that a few of the situations backfired in sending that message. We also have a few mentions of "doing `the grown up,'" and a particular one near the end of the book just seemed to come out of nowhere. That surprised me, and took away some of my enjoyment in the story's resolution.

Otherwise, I think LITTLE DIVAS serves its purpose in giving young girls a realistic look at situations in which they can protect themselves from overbearing peers.

Reviewed by: Allison Fraclose

Well, I actually had the pleasure of meeting this author this past year at the Baltimore Book Festival. I had my daughter and my niece with me and Ms. Boles just came over to us with a color flier and started chatting about her upcoming first book for young teens (my daughter is 13 and my niece is 12). We loved and I couldn't help but remember the title and I could really appreciate what Ms. Boles had to say about wanting to write a book that the young girls could enjoy. The last thing she said to us was that if we enjoy it to please post a review on Amazon. So, I have never done so until today and I'm glad that my first review is for such a memorable book, Little Divas.

I read Little Divas first even though and even because I am an adult. I found it to be a candid, funny, honest, and gripping story. You can't help but get into the characters and care about them and I think it also does what Ms. Boles precautioned me about and that is that it doesn't talk down to the kids. I think I enjoyed the aspect that it is a no holds barred examination into three little girls trying to deal with the changes of getting older. I liked the preachers daughter the best but all three girls are memorable.

I think Ms. Boles is really on to something for our girls and I am proud to share my recommendation. It is nostaglia for adults too in that it will remind you of the growing pains of being a teen. After reading the last page I can only hope that there is more to come of Cassidy, Rikki, and Golden. My daughter agrees.

Little Divas by Philana Marie Boles is a fascinating story about three little girls that are going from sixth grade to what seems like adulthood.......

Rikki, Cassidy and Golden are best friends that are going through the age of 12 at different stages.

Rikki is the "preachers kid" and she is the sweetest most mild mannered little child that her parents would ever want to meet. But outside of her parents, she is a sneaky little smart mouthed girl who is boy crazy.

Cassidy is a little miss goody two shoes, parents are divorced, and her mom lives in Africa so she is living with her dad, and having major issues with the way that her cousin Rikki treats her.

Golden is the little girl that just moved into Cassidy's neighborhood. Golden's parents are divorced and she is having difficulty dealing with the situation, but uses it to her advantage because she gets away with plenty of attitude.

I will just say that Ms. Boles has hit her mark in portraying the average 12/13 year old girl. The story is diverse enough to identify that girls at any age are on different levels, depending on the situation and their maturity levels. When reading the story it took me back to some of the things that I used to do when I was that age and first discovering boys. All I can say is that I am glad that my mom didn't read this book.

Ms. Boles does an outstanding job at keeping this book at an age appropriate level, yet still making it interesting enough for older readers as well.

Reviewed By: Eleanor S. Shields, Black Butterfly Review

I am writing to say that I am divorced woman and that this book has helped me and my ex-husband deal with our seperation and helped us to better parent our children in seperate homes. It is a excellent book with loads of useful parenting techniques in this difficult situation. Not written for just the live-away dad, but for the ENTIRE family. EXCELLENT

As part of my job as a phone counselor, I often speak to fathers struggling to stay connected with their children after a divorce. I am glad to have this book to recommend. The author has a practical approach to good fathering. His suggestions are direct and reasonable. The book is of great value to parents(mothers as well as fathers) who are not living with their children. It is also a "how-to" manual that can be used by any man who wants to be a better father. The author's emphasis is always on what will best serve the needs of the children involved. I highly recommend the book to counselors who work with parents and, especially, to any father who wants to learn how to excel in his most important role.

This book has helped me understand the things I am going through, and how to cope with them. I have a hard time not living with my daughter, but this book makes it easier. It is not a quick fix it...but this book will show the ways of the "hows and whys" of what you are feeling and dealing with.

This is ine of the first really good young adult book that I have seen dealing with split families in which one parent is not straight. It shows you a really up lose look at this girls life and the extent she is willing to go to to be with her mother

This is a well written book with numerous issues. The young girl lives with her Dad but runs away with her mother and her mother's female lover. They drastically change their identities to hide. The main character has to deal with divorce, homosexuality, secrets and lies, and multi-cultural issues with new friends.

I had an extremely difficult time finding a book for a preteen reader that dealt with having a gay parent. I was delighted to finally stumble upon this one. I gave it to my partner's daughter and she loved it. It's a wonderful story which details the difficulties of a young girl living under an assumed identity in order to live with her lesbian mom and her mom's girlfriend. The three of them create a happy family but Amy struggles with hiding her true identity as well as the fact that her mom is gay. The author presents these difficult issues in a compassionate, realistic, and positive manner. I highly recommend this book.

My daughter and I listened to the audio book of Lucy Rose Big On Plans and we both loved it. Lucy Rose lives in Washington D. C. with her mother Lily, just around the corner from her Grandparents Madam and Pop. Her parents have recently separated and her father lives in Michigan. Lucy is charming and lovable as is the rest of her family. I'm especially fond of her grandparents Madam and Pop.

Lucy Rose chronicles her summer in her diary offering a word of the day (which I loved). She has to deal with a new girl at Parks and Rec. who is not so nice and she struggles to come to grips with her parents impending divorce.

I loved the smart and sensitive personality that Katy Kelly gives Lucy Rose, she's not a whiner or disrespectful like I sometimes find other characters intended for this audience (Judy Moody for example).

I really loved this story it's funny, sweet and serious as well.
We will be looking for all of Lucy Rose's adventures.

Imagine a summer full of fun filled adventures; well this is exactly what Lucy experiences as she gets ready for the fourth grade. Lucy Rose: Big on Plans is a fantastic book for a young reader. The story is told through Lucy's daily diary entries. Lucy lives in Washington D.C. with her mother. Her mother and father are getting a divorce, but Lucy does not let that fact ruin her fun over the summer. She has many activities planned such as going to Parks & Recs, keeping the squirrels away from her Madam and Pops apricot tree, and spending time with her friends. If taking a spontaneous exploration is something of interest to you then you and Lucy Rose would have a great time discovering the wonders of the Washington, DC area.

It's summertime and Lucy Rose has big plans: to make a lanyard key chain at Parks and Rec, to keep the squirrels from Madam and Pop's apricot crop, to have fun with Jonique and Melonhead, and to find a way to prevent her parents' separation from becoming a divorce. Lucy Rose chronicles her adventures with daily diary entries, including a word of the day vocabulary lesson. Written in the breezy, conversational style reminiscent of Junie B. Jones, Lucy Rose is the next logical step for 2nd or 3rd grade Junie B. fans.

As a divorce attorney and mediator, I am always looking for books to recommend to my clients. So many books for children only deal with one or two of their fears about divorce. This book is a gem because it covers many common feelings. It is also wonderful because it can be read one chapter at a time. Too many books give children too much to digest at once. This book is an exception. I have bought extra copies to give to my clients and they love the book. It is also helpful for parents as well. Highly recommended!

This is the best book I have seen for children whose parents are divorced or about to be divorced. Children need simple bright reminders that the divorce is not their fault and that their lives will return to normal. Childhood should be a time of wonder and happiness and security and this little book sends kids the message that they will continue to have all that, just in a new and different way.

However, I think the book might be even more valuable for parents. All divorcing parents want to do the best thing for their children and they could do much worse than simply following the suggestions in this little book. Every parent who reads it will benefit.

As a chid custody mediator, this is a great resource book for families facing divorce. The split in a family does not have to be on-going conflict and traumatic. This book can help parents understand ways that they can help their children adjust. It also helps children understand that what they might be feeling is "normal" when a divorce occurs. It is also a useful book for therapists and mediators working with families.

What a great new author! I was riveted to Angela's story which keeps you turning the pages to find out how she rose from the ashes of a nasty divorce to learning to enjoy life again and finding a new love. Finding peace within herself and the power to forgive is heartwarming. I think this book appeals to normal, everyday people that find themselves at the bottom of the hill and shows them they too can put one foot in front of the other to reach the top.

Readers of this book will be captivated by the simple honesty of the writing. It is apparent that the author is not just telling a story to make a buck. She takes the risk of being totally vulnerable to the reader. In essence, she opens a window to her soul as she shares the devastating physical, psychological, and financial effects of her divorce and her journey from the depths of despair to forgiveness and recovery. She inspires hope in those who are struggling with similar circumstances, not only with her heart-wrenching story but also with practical advice on how they, too, can reclaim their lives.
Angela is a powerful writer. Perhaps the skeleton of her experience isn't earth-shatteringly different from that of many others, but the way she tells her story is captivating, and the book is difficult to put down.

WOW! I usually hate to read books and this book was recommended to me by a friend to read. However, I saw it was short so I liked it already! I have recently been divorced myself and having a real tough time getting through it. From the second I opened the book I couldn't put it down! I was drawn into Angela's story instantly. Her story telling ability is incredible. I was inspired to go on with my life. I was shown that people have gone through much worse than I have and come out ahead and better than they were before. I highly recommend this book to any woman or man who is going through a tough divorce or really just needs some encouragement and inspiration from a fighter who refused to lay down, quit, and die! Great book!! A must read!

Leave it to Kenneth Hagin to provide a well-researched, authoritative answer to the question which has plagued the church for generations: "What does God say about divorce and remarriage?" This is the best piece of research, analysis, and scriptural insight on this difficult topic which I have seen, and I've seen a few.

My wife and I had been divorced and we got married in 1999. Our church refused to marry us. They have refused to ordain me or allow me to achieve any pastoral certification in the denomination. They required my wife to step down from ministry for a year. Since then, they have twice changed their "law" on the topic. I no longer try to keep up with their shifting sands.

But now, there is good news for every believer: "there is now therefore no condemnation in Christ"; especially not from your "pastoral staff" or your church. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians about the perfect "law of love" and Hagin fully describes this principle and applies it beautifully and convincingly to this topic.

Good news! The answer is liberating to evey believer who loves the Lord. Wouldn't you know? Just like Jesus!

This book goes beyond the divorce and remarriage question and tackles issues important for a healthy marriage, advice to people facing marriage, and lots of anecdotes and stories which will warm your heart and inspire you.

I heartily recommend this book to everyone seeking the Lord on these topics.

I was married for several years in an abusive relationship that I prolonged due to my mother telling me that I would "have to stay single or risk going to hell" if I went through with a divorce. I was torn...I know God promised me a family. I was so confused and distraught I contemplated suicide as a medium between the two choices: stay and suffer, or leave and be lonely. A co-worker said God told her to give me this book, even though she hadn't read it yet. It blew my mind!!! In 2004, at the age of 27 I finally went through with my divorce. It wasn't easy, but I was no longer condemened by thoughts of going to hell or having to remain single and celibate at such a young age! You can hardly find this book in the stores and I am elated to have found it on Amazon! By the way, the reason I need another copy, is because I gave it to my ex-husband in the midst of the divorce. He's gone his way, and I am happily single and living more for God today, than I ever have before! GET THIS BOOK!

I was so moved by this book during my divorce. It gave clear biblical basis for marriage, divorce and remarriage. I was able to read the book along with the "good book" and see Hagin's ideas in action. I've since gotten many more copies and give them to friends in need. It was a huge help in my healing without sugar coating any truths. I hope it will bless you as it has all of us who've read it!

I watch Mister Rogers' Neighborhood just about every day with my daughter and have come to respect Mr. Rogers. I borrowed this book from the library to see what he could teach me about children. I found this book to be full of wisdom he gained from his dedication to children. He loved what he did and you can tell that kept him always learning. The insights in this book are incredible. The book also contains sheet music of many of his songs in the back.

Mr. Rogers' brilliant insights are so easily taken for granted, that most of us Americans don't even think twice about him. His influence is so ubiquitous that it's very easy to overlook the alternative -- the very likely possibility that we could have no models like him. His body of work is a lovely lesson in parenting, and this book is a helpful guide for new parents. After all, his example is precisely the sort of stability and consistency, patience and deep understanding, competence and reliability, which are so greatly needed in parents. Every parent wants to be effective -- Mr. Rogers shows how.

As a Clinical Psychologist working with children and families, I can give this book my heartfelt recommendation. Rarely are such complex and difficult questions answered so well without using jargon and confusing language. I frequently recommend this book to families, particularly to young parents.

When I was 7, my parents got divorced. I am now 18, and looking back I realize how confused I was about the breakup. Recently, my dad gave me an advanced copy of Mom's House, Dad's House for Kids, and asked for my opinion on the book. With the intention of only skimming a few pages, I found myself unable to put it down, and read the book in its entirety. I was amazed at the clear, simple, and compassionate way Dr. Ricci answered questions about divorce that baffled me in the past. The thing that impressed me most about Mom's House, Dad's House for Kids was the consistent positive message it conveyed. Without preaching, the book encourages children to make and fulfill positive goals, respect themselves and others, and above all come to acceptance about their parent's divorce. I know this book would have helped me in the past, and I would highly recommend it to any child going through divorce.

This book can be a young person's full-time guide not just to the logistics, emotions, and decisions that arise during parents' divorce, but also to growing up strong under any conditions. As a mother whose daughter was 9 at the time of divorce (or until she turned 18 or so - she's an adult now), I would have bought two copies - one for me and one for her - so that each of us could have it handy 24/7 and write our own marginal notes. Three copies. One for dad, too. Arguments may be commonplace during and after divorce, but no one could argue with the solid foundation and practical value of Dr. Ricci's ideas or her profound love of children and families. It should be in the waiting room of every therapist, as well.

Mom's House, Dad's House for Kids is terrific! The author knows how to speak to kids in a way that helps them understand and cope with the changes that come with separation, divorce, and remarriage. The focus is positive and proactive: things kids can do to feel better, tips on how to talk to parents about problems, strategies for addressing and resolving problems, a framework for exploring consequences when making choices, answers to kids' unasked questions, and more. There's even a section giving answers to the questions that kids hesitate to ask. The book doesn't end with the divorce, but continues with what to expect and how to cope when the family changes once again into a stepfamily. The tone, the format, and the content are super child-friendly. A must-read for kids whose parents are separating, divorcing, dating, or remarrying.

I thought that this book was extremely helpful. There were tips and encouraging words that could only be helpful to people who lived through a divorce and were having a tough time dealing with the aftermath. My wish would be that BOTH parents would read this book. It would only help the ex-couple and their children. Good Job!

As a divorced mom, single parent, mother of two --- I read a lot. This new book has already changed the way I'm parenting my boys --- who are just now emerging into their teen years. Great parenting tips! This is one of the most positive, encouraging, "real life" books I've discovered. Extremely useful for anyone who is in their first 3-5 years after a divorce. Very well done!

Barbara Sheldon, M.S.W.
Currently reading: Growing Through Divorce

I found this book while attending a divorce-recovery group at church. The authors spoke at a seminar at our church; I wasn't able to attend but my friends said it was excellent and extremely interesting.

Our group used this book as the "study book" for our group times, and what's fun is that everyone actually DID THEIR READING. I've been in a lot of groups where people kind of skim over things and skip sections, but this book reads easily and keeps you paying attention. Fun, funny, and also very real. It is obvious that these authors understand what we're going through.

I am now remarried but I still turn to this book sometimes, especially the section about parenting. This book's chapter on parenting is the best advice I've seen anywhere about how to raise your kids --- and it's hidden away here in a divorce book!! I was surprised but glad to find it.

GREAT divorce book; best one I've read (I've read 10 or 12 titles.)

Lauren Hodge
Apple Valley, California

I also highly recommend:
Happily Remarried: Making Decisions Together * Blending Families Successfully * Building a Love That Will Last