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Nothing Like a Good Book…To Spark a Argument With Your Husband

April 16, 2017 By Kathy Radigan

I have a guilty pleasure that I don’t often confess to: I love reading romance novels. My favorites are by Danielle Steel.

They’re extra heavy on the fluff, but some days I need an escape. Nothing does it like losing myself in one of Ms. Steel’s books.

They’re an effortless read, and I can polish one off in about an hour if I get that much time to myself as a busy mom to three. If not, they can take me about a day to read between juggling kids, house, and work. 

My husband is well aware of my deep affection for these books. In fact no holiday is complete, from our anniversary to Super Bowl Sunday, without a gift of one.

Joe was feeling pretty proud of himself when he was at the library a few weeks ago and came across a sale of old books just before my birthday. He bought four Danielle Steel novels for a dollar apiece. He thought he scored a real bargain.That was until he was getting ready for work the other day.

It was still pitch black outside as I started to open my very sleepy eyes. The clock said 5:00 am. I was a little surprised to see Joe dressed and putting on his tie at that early hour.

“Do you have another trade show today?”

“Yes. Well it’s the same one from yesterday. It’s going on for two days.”

“How was it yesterday?”

“It was a bunch of bankers and lawyers. It was really exciting.”

We laughed and I started to drift off to sleep when I remembered something.

‘You know that’s how it starts.”

“How what starts?” Joe was in a hurry to catch his train.

“Well first it’s the early morning meetings. Of course I don’t think anything of it because you’ve always worked hard. I’m already accustomed to you going in early and coming home late, so I would never suspect anything. Why would I? I’ve trusted you all these years. Then one day, after the dinner party that I’ve worked all week on in order to help your career, you tell me you’re no longer in love with me, and that you’re leaving me for a younger woman after 25 years of marriage.”

“Which Danielle Steel book did you just finish?”

“Dating Game. Paris’s husband leaves her for a much younger woman. Now her kids are all grown, and she has nothing. She is 46 and alone. All alone.”

“I hate when that happens.”

“Hey, you bought me the book. Were you trying to tell me something?”

“No. Have you read all of four of them?”

“Yes.”

“How long did it take you?”

“A week.”

“ I shouldn’t have let you overdose on that much drama.”

‘I noticed you changed the subject,” I say, laughing. “That’s very clever.”

Joe comes over to the bed, kisses my head, and tells me that he loves me and promises to never leave me for a another woman. Especially after I give a dinner party.

I start to fall asleep again, glad I married a guy who can still make me laugh after 20 something years of marriage.

Then I wake up again and remember he also gave me Gone Girl.

 

This piece was first published on the Dishwasher, November, 2014, under the title, Too Much of a Good Thing. It has been slightly edited.

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Filed Under: Beyond Mom Tagged With: beyond mom, marriage, Romance Novels

Comments

  1. Janine Huldie says

    April 16, 2017 at 8:23 pm

    As an avid reader, I couldn’t have loved this more! But just glad Kevin didn’t buy me Gone Girl. Just saying 😉
    Janine Huldie recently posted…Heluva Good! Easter Ham-wich The Perfect Easter RecipeMy Profile

  2. Andrea Brovetto says

    April 16, 2017 at 11:10 pm

    Funny Post! Glad you enjoy reading!
    Love you! Mom

  3. Laura Kent says

    April 17, 2017 at 9:20 am

    Great story! Love Danielle Stelle

    Laura Kent

  4. Mandy Farmer says

    April 17, 2017 at 9:35 am

    My husband can always tell when I’ve overdone the Nora Roberts. So funny.
    Mandy Farmer recently posted…What About Me?; The Story Behind Our Autism Sibling BookMy Profile

    • Kathy Radigan says

      April 17, 2017 at 10:13 am

      They really can be addicting!!! I’ve read a few Nora Roberts and they are very fun too!!! Thanks!

  5. Lisa Weinsteini says

    April 17, 2017 at 4:07 pm

    Joe is a good guy!

  6. Kelly Guinn says

    April 18, 2017 at 8:41 am

    He take a page from my dad’s playbook and focus less on the books and more on the “bookmarks” – aka, cash. 🙂

  7. Shannon Day says

    April 18, 2017 at 9:06 am

    Lol. I love it. I have to admit, I have never read a Danielle Steele and perhaps now is the time to try one out. I have been reading too many suspense/thriller type novels lately and am ready for some fluff.
    Shannon Day recently posted…Daily Affirmations for the Person Who Needs to Say More “Fuck Its”…My Profile

    • Kathy Radigan says

      April 18, 2017 at 12:12 pm

      Well they are the easiest things to read!!! If you just need a little fluff they are perfect. I too love suspense novels too, but I use the Danielle Steel whenever I need a quick escape. Thanks!

  8. Kristi Campbell says

    April 21, 2017 at 8:34 pm

    Funny! Saw a post of yours on FB and was like “I haven’t talked to Kathy in FOREVER” and came over. You – as always – did not disappoint. I used to devour every Danielle Steele novel – I haven’t read one in way too long. I need to. They’re such great, easy, 4-in-a-week reads! I hope you’re doing well!

  9. Odor coyote says

    April 22, 2017 at 6:34 am

    Hello old friend~ It has been a while, forgive me please for dropping off the planet and out of your world. Life has promoted me to guardian angel status apparently, and I have been watching over one battered soul after another. While I catch my breath I wanted to say how incredibly impressed and proud I am of how far you have come since the days on Momster where it all began years ago. You are brilliant and a inspiration to many. God bless you on your success and hope you have a wonderful summer~ Jodi

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Much thanks to Joseph Radigan, who besides being a great husband and father, also uses his talents to gently and ever so tactfully edit my blog. Joe is a business editor at Thomson Reuters in NY.
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