Marian Keyes is a familiar name to most chic lit fans.  My love affair with her books began in my early twenties when I picked up what looked like a fun read, Sushi for Beginners.  What can I say, I was hooked.  I quickly read every title I could find of hers, following the wedding of Lucy Sullivan (Lucy Sullivan is Getting Married)  and going on holiday with Rachel (Rachel’s Holiday).  But somehow I missed Watermelon, or perhaps passed it by, since I was a single gal back then with little interest in any sort of mom lit.  As luck would have it, I stumbled upon Watermelon in the early months of this pregnancy, and was so excited to have a new Marian Keyes’ book to fall in love with.

Actually not new at all, Watermelon is Marian Keyes’ first novel.  In it, we meet the lovable Claire, who gets left by her unfaithful husband on the day she gives birth to their first child.  Shocked and heartbroken, Claire uproots from her London apartment and returns home to Dublin, to move in with her parents along with her newborn daughter.  It’s a roller coaster of a story as we watch her transform from a struggling, borderline alcoholic, single mom to a thriving woman and mother.

I loved this book.  It is not only entertaining, but empowering, both as a woman and as a mother.  And while it’s tough to pick a favorite from Marian Keyes, Watermelon definitely tops my list.

This is an especially fun read for expecting and new moms.  Pick up your copy today at amazon.com and save 20%.