This review first appear on Miss Fifi Flowers's Blog Reading is Fashionable.If your get up and go, has got up and gone, what could be better than a home makeover? I mean really, that could be just the pick-me-up for you or me or really anyone. Who wouldn't like to get their living space freshened up, especially for free? In Dee DeTarsio’s novel, THE KITCHEN SHRINK, the only catch is, you’ll have to get it done in front of a television audience. Lisby is as quirky as her name. Her best friend, Daria helps get her cast for the debut of the new TV reality show, THE KITCHEN SHRINK. It’s the television show that’s going to deliver the ultimate life and home makeover to one lucky winner! Unable to get out of this “it will be so-much fun” opportunity Lisby tries to juggle her upstairs-behind-the-scenes-life with her downstairs-in-front-of-the-camera persona, where everything she says and does can and will be taped and used against her on the program. Elgin, the show’s Diva-Designer is determined to make Lisby’s life a living hell in order to get “good TV” out of her performance for the producers. Whether that means barging into her bedroom while she’s half-dressed or having a screaming match in the middle of Home Depot with the cameras rolling, everything is up for grabs. Lisby tries to be a good mom to her two uncooperative teenagers at the beginning, but soon realizes behaving nice is boring, and acting dull will get her kicked off the show! For that, she can just say goodbye to the makeover and any chance at winning the extra 50-grand!It’s not easy, but Lisby manages to give us a peek into the vulnerability of what some moms, especially the mom of two teens, go through without disintegrating into mushiness. In fact Lisby’s sense of humor and sarcasm, are perfect for some truly heartbreaking issues, like sex and drugs. Lisby's personal motto: if you don't laugh, you'll cry, is a reassuring wake-up call for women watching everywhere.Hopefully, the show doesn't find out about her fling with that hunky carpenter. Or that she and her friend, Daria smoked the pot she found in her daughter's bedroom. Lisby cannot believe how out of control her life has become. At least no one knows about her crush on Sam, Sam the Cameraman… except the entire crew…and viewing audience!Lisby tries to find a way to get her life and house back in order as the TV cameras capture every moment of disorder, zooming in and out on the drama with her kids, ex-husband, mom and her best friend co-starring. Stay tuned for Lisby’s extreme close-up as she becomes a jilted laughingstock on national TV. All is lost - or is it? THE KITCHEN SHRINK is well-written, fast-paced and entertaining. I found myself laughing out loud, but there were tender moments, too! This is not a heavy book, it’s chick-lit wrapped up in humor. Dee DeTarsio’s background as a TV writer comes through when spinning a delightful tale readers soon won’t forget.Dee DeTarsio is the author of two other e-books: The Secret of Jade and ‘Til Somebody Loves You. Sit back with a glass of wine, enjoy THE KITCHEN SHRINK and tell me what you think … Miss Cindy
[email protected] After reading The Kitchen Shrink and The Scent of Jade now, I think I can conclude that Dee is a pretty over-the-top writer. And I like it :) I enjoyed this one a little more than The Scent of Jade, but they are totally different styles of books too so it's hard to compare - and why would one want to? This one is more funny, less action but equally entertaining. I'll leave it at that. I can't wait to read more books by this author and am glad I finally found a funny author to read!! Thanks Dee! Keep up the word plays, puns and every other literary device you so desire to employ, they suit you well!
It was funny. Now every time I flush a toilet with my foot I'll think of Lisby and laugh!
—2013bredwards
Eh, not one of the best I've read, but not the worst. Okay for a free read.
—mikaelajayde
LOVED THIS BOOK!!! I laughed and cried as I read this book.
—Wolf
Didn't care for it. Just not my style
—kevinsbaby
4.5 stars! Review to come soon!
—Steven
