The Ex-Wife's Survival Guide    by Debby Holt Order:  USA  Can Downtown Press, 2006 (2006) Paperback Read an Excerpt     Reviewed by Kim Atchue-Cusella Freelance artist Sarah Stagg's husband Andrew decides to leave her for a younger woman, Hyacinth, with whom he had starred in the local drama club. Sarah's embarrassment becomes even stronger when the drama club gives her the starring role in their play while Andrew and Hyacinth are on break from their acting. Sarah's sons are mortified that their father has left their mother and promptly decide that she needs a pet to take care of her while they are backpacking in India. They bring her a dog, one who is only nice when he feels like it. The dog seems to have taken a liking to one man in particular - Sarah's leading man, Martin, in the drama club play. Sarah can't decide whether she wants to fight to get Andrew back or move on to a new love. The humiliation that Andrew subjected her to has left her with a bitter taste. But all seems to be looking up when she encounters a former crush and decides to head to Majorca to spend time with him. Though Martin and Andrew have both expressed their disapproval, Sarah decides that her life is her own and goes on with her plan. The Ex-Wife's Survival Guide is a delightful story. The characters are developed with charm that reels in readers from the beginning, making them anxious to see if Sarah will find happiness amongst the shattered pieces of her former life. Debby Holt has created a winner in this story (with a humorous twist) of the reality of divorce and healing. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Contemporary books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews