We all have our favorite authors. Whether it’s because of their compelling characters, interesting plots, or all-around great stories, we all have a couple of authors who can do no wrong in our eyes. For me, one of those authors is Josie Brown, whose books not only have all of the qualities listed above but also show her voice in each one- and it’s a voice that I really connect with as a reader.

I’ve been a fan of Josie’s work for awhile, starting when I received Secret Lives of Husbands and Wives {which is soon going to be a TV show!} to review. After reading that book, I went back & bought all of the books she had previously written, and I’ve read every new book since, including her newest: Totlandia!

About the book:

In "Totlandia," the salacious secrets of Desperate Housewives meet the aspirational lifestyles of Sex and the City in San Francisco’s most elite mommies group…

The Pacific Heights Moms & Tots Club is the most exclusive children’s playgroup in all of San Francisco. For the city’s ultra-competitive elite, the club’s ten annual spots are the ultimate parenting prize.

But not everyone is PHM&TC material. The club’s founder, Bettina Connaught Cross, adheres to strict membership rules: Moms only. No single parents or working mothers allowed. Membership is an arduous commitment. And there’s no room in the club for scandal, bad behavior, or imperfection…from tots or their moms.

Four of the six candidates vying for the remaining four slots have a secret that would knock them out of the running. Jade is a former stripper and porn actress, who has been absent for most of her son’s life. Jillian’s husband cleaned out their joint accounts and left her for his pregnant assistant. Ally never even had a husband—just a sperm donor—and she’s hiding a high-ranking corporate job. And Lorna fears that her son may have special needs… just the excuse her sister-in-law, Bettina, needs to deny her entry to the club.

Can these hopeful moms keep up appearances long enough to outlast the competition? Or will their chances—and their private lives—go up in flames?

This book is a bit different- it’s being released in separate books. Not only is it the first book of a series, but that book itself is being released in segments. I’ve never read a book like that before & the only thing that I will say about the format is that it’s driving me crazy waiting for Book 2!

So far, I am loving this book. There have been so many times where I nodded my head & laughed because the moms in the book reminded me of some of the ones I encountered during Shane’s first year or two- the ones who have to brag about every milestone their child hits, who have to have every hot toy, and who look down on those with different parenting styles. While I now have a group of “mommy friends” who aren’t like that at all, I definitely met my fair share of “those moms” before meeting my friends!

I love books that follow different story lines at the same time rather than just one main character. It gives different perspectives for the overall storyline and makes it much more interesting. &In this book, everyone is so different that I can’t even pick a favorite- I feel bad for Jade, who really wants to have a real family but messed that all up, and for Jillian, whose husband messed it up for her. My heart goes out to Lorna because even though Shane doesn’t have special needs, I have friends & family members who have children with them & I can’t imagine how hard it must be. &Ally is such a powerful and strong woman who just wants the best for her child.

I’ve been waiting {less than} patiently for Book 2 {Winter} and it came out YESTERDAY! &To celebrate, Josie Brown is giving away Book 1 for FREE- for two days only! You can download your free copy of Totlandia: The Onesies, Book 1 (Fall) here- but hurry, the offer is only valid today & tomorrow!

Note: I received a copy of Book 1 to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.