Rating: 
Summary: I am normal!
Review: I read this 'self-help' book as something of a last resort. I am a stepmother of two young boys on an every other weekend basis and have been finding it unbelievably hard. The most helpful thing about this book is that it really is down to earth and honest - and refreshingly un-p.c. It explained a lot of the feelings I have been experiencing over the last year or so and by making me realise that I am not alone, and that my feelings, however negative or ugly, are 'normal' in that they are experienced by lots and lots of other women in my position, helped me immeasurably. A previous reviewer commented that it was too negative, but I think that it depends what stage you are at and how hard you are finding everything. I read another book straight afterwards which, while also helpful, was too upbeat for me, had too much emphasis on the children and on how I should be behaving, which only adds to the sense of guilt and failure that I have. 'Stepmotherhood' really uplifted me and made me feel a lot better about myself - now perhaps I can build on that and be ready for the do-gooders in a little while. I have persuaded my partner to read it too! Thankyou Cherie!
Rating:
Summary: This book is fantastic!
Review: I really enjoyed this book. The author focused on the realities of becoming a step-mother (instant motherhood). She examined dealing with an evil ex-wife and exposed new step-mother fantasies. She is direct to the point, honest and understanding. I reccomend this book to any step-mom.
Rating: 
Summary: Not so good for custodial stepmoms but
Review: I would have to say, overall this book has some great info. Some of the context applied to stepmoms having full custody but not much. Which is my main dissappointment in several books. Some of the ideas, though, generally touch on the stepmoms feelings and frustrations and that I could relate. Just wish it helped more for stpmoms that have the kids full time.
Rating:
Summary: Not the best book in its category
Review: I'm going to be moving in with my boyfriend and his young son in a few weeks, and I ordered "Stepmotherhood" and "The Enlightened Stepmother: Revolutionizing the Role" to give me a little preparation for what I should expect. I found that "The Enlightened Stepmother..." gave a much more thorough discussion on the difficulties of stepparenting as well as giving creative and helpful tips on getting through the hard times, whereas this book emphasized the negative aspects of the situation you might be facing. "Stepmotherhood" gave very few suggestions of how to deal with individual problems that might come up, and didn't seem to have been researched half as thoroughly as "The Enlightened Stepmother..." whose authors interviewed hundreds of stepmothers from all walks of life for help with their material, in addition to being stepmothers themselves. If you're looking for one book to both support you in the hard times and give you directions to the good times, I'd thoroughly recommend "The Enlightened Stepmother: Revolutionizing the Role," but I'm going to return this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Stepmotherhood is a process that doesn't end but evolves.
Review: It's been close to fifteen years since I wrote Stepmotherhood, yet the subject seems no less relevant to women who assume this role in family life today. I still maintain that stepmotherhood is a more emotionally gripping dilemma for new stepmothers than any other subgoup, but I am preparing to expand a new edition to include the experiences of a good many stepmothers who have moved through the early stages of stepmotherhood and are now stepmothers to adult children. What we find is that many of the same issues are played out in different arenas, but that the longer we've been in our stepfamilies the better we're able to handle some of the problems. I hope these expereinces will be heartening to newer stepmothers who feel swamped by their problems but can look ahead to better times.
Rating:
Summary: Essential book for first time stepmoms!
Review: My husband and I read this book together and discussed along the way. It has helped me out immensley and has given my husband an appreciation for how difficult being a stepmom can be. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who feels "less than perfect" in their new role!
Rating: 
Summary: Not what I expected
Review: My husband lovingly selected this book for me as I started on my Stepmother-hood journey with him last year. The How to Survive teaser on the cover would lead one to expect some practical advice. Unfortnately all it offered me was many varied examples of other people's situation without any direction on how 'not to let this happen to you'. I found myself disappointed at not being able to relate to the examples set fourth, and was further confused at the general message (or advice) for each chapter. I was finally able to use my yellow highlighter at the last few pages when she discussed how a stepmother may make specific contributions simply by her presence. ("a career woman may offer a useful contrast to the nonworking mother, an artist can open up a new world for a child" etc.)
Rating:
Summary: Stepmotherhood: How to Survive Without Feeling Frustrated, L
Review: My live-in boyfriend's son was coming to stay with us for the summer so I ordered this book to help me prepare for his arrival. Bad idea!!! after reading this book I was so scared. This book has a very pessimistic view of how things will be. It goes over all the fears you may already have and makes you feel a lot worse. Luckily I have a very understanding man who helped me prepare myself and made it a smooth transition for all of us. I know there are many negative aspects with step families, but this book tells you all the bad and doesn't focus on the good, let alone help you deal with the problems. For your own sanity,...read with caution!!
Rating: 
Summary: Thoughtful and easy to read.
Review: The author did a nice job of telling summarizing being a stepmother. As a new stepmother of 3 young children, it was nice to know that my feelings were very common among others. There are areas where I wish she had gone into more depth, but she did a nice job of covering a variety of topics. If I ever have a friend who becomes a stepmother I will recommend this book to her!
Rating:
Summary: Very straight-forward and down-to-earth!!!!
Review: This book draws a true picture of what being a stepmother is really all about. No false hope is involved. I believe this book has given me a base to start with in my new venture as a stepmother. I now realize you don't have to love your stepchild to be a wonderful stepmother.
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