SLEEPING OVER

Author: Stacey Ballis ISBN: 037389516X 4/2005 CHICK LIT Publisher: RED DRESS INK

There's a difference between sleeping together and sleeping together. Can these five friends figure it out? Max has just returned form the Peace Corps and is crashing with pediatrician Harrison. Dealing with her return to Western civilization, her long-divorced parents dating again and the feelings she is trying not to develop for the dashing doctor may just drive her crazy. Then again, if he reciprocates... Robin relishes her job as executive sous-chef in a trendy restaurant almost as much as she savors her friendship with its owner, Michael. But Robin knows she wants much more. So how do you make someone who knows you so well look at you with fresh eyes? Then, artsy Lilith. When she and her boyfriend realize they've been getting more sleep than sex, they agree to "see other people", which turns into quite a nightmare. Lastly there are sisters Riv and Anne. Between them, they've got enough secrets to keep anyone awake at night.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

SLEEPING OVER will have you laughing, crying, and planning your next girls night out.

Five friends, Jess, Robin, Lilith, Beth, and Anne, share their stories in this novel about love and friendship. Each woman has her own issues, which at many times seem overwhelming (haven’t we all been there?), but they always manage to find time for one another, to laugh, share, and cry over where they are in their lives. Personally, I was able to relate to each story told by these women in one way or another.

There are several relationship issues touched upon in this novel—sleeping with younger men, sleeping with your boss, marriage, cohabitation, having children. Abortion and living with HIV are also touched upon in this remarkable novel. I could not pick a favorite character because they are all so unique and mesh so well together.

Stacey Ballis is obviously a very talented author who knows her audience and what we like. I really enjoyed the way SLEEPING OVER reads—each chapter is narrated by a different character, and their stories flow very well. This is the first novel I have read by Stacey Ballis, but I guarantee it won’t be the last!

Carrye Syma