Review: My Nest Isn't Empty, It Just Has More Closet Space & Giveaway

Summary: Critics and readers loved Lisa Scottoline’s first collection of true-life stories, which only encouraged her—now she’s back with these all-new, exciting adventures. She’s farther down the road now, and the scenery has changed—ex-husbands Thing One and Thing Two are in her rear-view mirror, daughter Francesca has moved into an apartment, and Lisa’s finding the silver lining in her empty nest, which has lots more room for her shoes. And some things have stayed the same—Mother Mary is still the feistiest octogenarian on the planet, who won’t part with her recipe for tomato sauce or her thirty-year old bra.

In this book Lisa and Francesca spill all their family secrets—which sound a lot like yours, if you understand that three generations of women is the formula for spontaneous combustion.

Inspired by her weekly column entitled, “Chick Wit” for The Philadelphia Inquirer, this is a book you’ll have to put down—just to stop laughing. -- St. Martin's Press

I don't often read books that are a collection of essays, but when I heard that there was a new one inspired by best-selling writer Lisa Scottoline's Philadelphia Inquirer column "Chick Wit," I had a feeling that I might like it. I have always been a fan of Ms. Scottoline's and I heard some pretty good things about her first essay collection book WHY MY THIRD HUSBAND WILL BE A DOG. I'm so happy to say that I really enjoyed her second essay collection MY NEST ISN'T EMPTY, IT JUST HAS MORE CLOSET SPACE: THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF AN ORDINARY WOMAN. Of course, now I have to go back and read her first!

In MY NEST ISN'T EMPTY, Ms. Scottoline and her daughter Francesca Scottoline Serritella write some very entertaining essays about a wide variety of girly topics. They cover everything from dating the second (or third) time around, to empty nest syndrome, to dieting, to working from home, to family recipes, to separation anxiety. I found most of the essays to be very funny (and sometimes hilarious), but I admit that I was caught off guard by just how many of these stories managed to touch me. But then, I'm just a sucker for books that pay tribute to the women and their relationships.

I admit that these essay collection type books are hit and miss with me. Of course, there were some essays that I appreciated more than others; but overall, I enjoyed each and every one that appeared in MY NEST ISN'T EMPTY. I already knew that I appreciated Ms. Scottoline's writing and humor, but I was pleasantly surprised by just how talented (and funny) her daughter Francesca is. I have a feeling that Ms. Serritella is going to be a writer with a very bright future!

It's difficult for me to pick out a favorite essay or even two from this terrific book. While I did find myself cracking up over Francesca's attempts to get her mom ready for a blind date and the stories about Mother Mary, Ms. Scottoline's 80-something year old mother, I think I most enjoyed those stories that warmed my heart -- and there were quite a few. This book genuinely reflected a family's love for each other -- quirks and all; and I have to believe that these essays will resonate with woman of all ages.

Thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy of this book.

Giveaway alert: I truly enjoyed MY NEST ISN'T EMPTY, IT JUST HAS MORE CLOSET SPACE and I think it would make a fantastic gift for a very special woman in your life -- including you! I have a copy of MY NEST ISN'T EMPTY to share with one lucky reader. To enter, just fill out the form below before December 6th at 11:59 p.m ET. I will randomly select and notify the winner the following day. This contest is open to those of you with U.S. addresses. Good luck!