Happily Ever Madder by Stephanie McAfee

 
Title: Happily Ever Madder: Misadventures of a Mad Fat Girl
 
Author: Stephanie McAfee

Publisher: NAL Publishing

Published Date: November 6, 2012 

Buy on Amazon: Paperback / Kindle 

Author Website: http://stephanie-mcafee.com/

Synopsis from Back Cover:

Ace has left the tiny Mississippi town of Bugtussle for the palm fronds and mojitos of Pelican Cove, Florida. She’s finally opening her long-dreamed-of art gallery, is kick-starting a life with her fiancé, Mason, and has vowed to leave her straight-talking, sassy ways behind her. From now on, she’s going to be as sweet as sugar. Unfortunately, something comes along to sour her plans.

That something is Mrs. Lenore Kennashaw and her coterie of crones. They’re a bunch of snippy, snarky, and just plain mean ’ol ladies who aren’t quite as smart or rich as they’d like to think they are. But that doesn’t stop them from treating everyone else like second-class citizens. And when Ace inadvertently takes some of the steam from Mrs. Kennashaw’s stride, she becomes their number one enemy. But with the support of a new group of fabulous friends, as well as her friends from Bugtussle—and her always-faithful chiweenie Buster Loo—Ace will find a way to make it, even if she has to throw some weight around…

My Thoughts:

Stephanie McAfee's, Happily Ever Madder: Misadventures of a Mad Fat Girl is one of the funniest stories that I can remember reading.  At one point my three year old daughter asked me what was so funny and all I could do was smile because I wasn't about to explain it to her.  I recommend McAfee's book to the women out there who like to read about realistic ladies, true friendships, and the crazy dating scene.  Happily Ever Madder is an awesome chick lit novel that has it all:  laughter (TON's of it), romance, flings, true love, friendship, crazy women, and a witty storyline that will stay with you long after you put the book up on your shelf.  

Happily Ever Madder is the sequel to McAfee's equally hilarious first book, Diary of a Mad Fat Girl.  I do recommend reading Diary of a Mad Fat Girl before reading Happily Ever Madder.  This is not because you would be lost if you didn't read the first book, because you wouldn't be.  It is for the mere fact that you won't want to miss the shenanigans in Diary of a Mad Fat Girl.  I just can't sing the praises of McAfee's books enough!  Stephanie McAfee has a writing style that I adore.  In fact, her style reminds me a bit of Jennifer Weiner's.  I read both books in 2 days.  TWO DAYS!  While I am sad that I am done with McAfee's novels, I believe my husband is happy to have me back!
 
Graciela 'Ace' Jones, the main character in Stephanie McAfee's two HILARIOUS books, Diary of a Mad Fat Girl and the sequel Happily Ever Madder, is my current favorite literary character.  Have you ever 'met' a character that you wished were real?  Ace is this character for me!  She is funny, sarcastic, witty, wonderfully Southern, and an awesome and extremely loyal friend.  Need someone to lay out your abusive husband flat on his back?  Ace can do that!  Need a friend to help you stake out and spy on your boyfriend?  Call Ace!  Ace is the kind of woman that I would love to have as my best friend.  As I found myself reading about Ace and her 'Girls Nights In' I wished that I was there participating!  

Ace is a high school Art Teacher from Mississippi that left her home, friends, and job to move to Florida with her fiancé, Mason (for a second time.)  After her tumultuous relationship with Mason seems to be improving, Ace sees her dream of opening up an Art Studio become a reality when Mason purchases a building for her.  However, nothing involving Ace can ever be easy, and soon her perfect life starts unraveling.  Will Ace be able to keep her short fuse under check and ride out the storm, or will her true nature win out and destroy everything in her path?

Stephanie McAfee struck gold when writing about Ace and her friends in Diary of a Mad Fat Girl and Happily Ever Madder.  If you are looking for a laugh out loud funny read, PLEASE do yourself a favor and read these two books!  I am crossing my eyes, fingers, and toes that there will be a third book in this fantastic chick lit series.  I am not done reading about Ace just yet! 

Stephanie McAfee

NAL Publishing has provided me with a complimentary copy of the book, Happily Ever Madder, for the purpose of review.