Happiness Sold Separately

Lolly Winston
Warner Books (2006)
ISBN 0446533068
Reviewed by Rebecka Vigus for Reader Views (11/06)

Ms. Winston writes a poignantly funny novel about hormones gone wrong.  Elinor Mackey has been through it all, intrauterine insemination, in-vitro fertilization, hormone injections, a miscarriage, depression, and feelings of complete failure.  She has become estranged from her husband, Ted even though they live in the same house.

Suddenly Elinor is faced with the fact that her husband is having an affair. She knows she should be mad, however she has been mad for so long she doesn’t have a clue how to handle this.  She sets herself on a mission to win her husband back.  Her first step is to make an appointment with his female trainer, Gina, at the gym they both belong to.

The meeting goes well and Elinor invites Gina to the house to meet her husband and help clean all the unhealthy food out of their cupboards.  Imagine Gina and Ted’s surprise at being in the same place with Ted’s wife.  Elinor lets them know she is aware of the affair then promptly packs her bags and goes to a hotel.

While Elinor breaks communication with Ted and heads off to visit her ailing mother, Ted is wracked with guilt.  He dreams of Gina and knows he loves Elinor.  He cannot stand being at home alone.  On an evening out, he runs into Gina and her son Toby having dinner.  He joins them.  That leads to him tutoring Toby.

Elinor embarks on a new style by cutting her hair.  She hires a male housekeeper who develops a crush on her.  She takes to reading, writing, and having coffee under the oak tree in her front yard.  Her friend, Kat, sometimes joins her.  It is here that Elinor seems to find peace.

Ted and Elinor attempt reconciliation, but Gina’s son seems to get in the way.  Ted moves out of the house.  Then Elinor is devastated to learn that her oak tree is diseased and must come down.  While Ted is back with Gina, Elinor had a brief fling.

It is then that Elinor learns she is pregnant.  She calls Ted and asks him to join her at one of their favorite places for dinner.  Ted comes and she tells him that she is pregnant.  Once again they try to make a go of their marriage.

The trials and tribulations of this couple are so true for many couples today.  Their emotions under stress either make them closer or drive them apart.  You will want to read this book, “Happiness Sold Separately,” to find out how it works out for them.  What is the culminating act that makes the decision for them?  Will they remain together?  Do they go their separate ways?  This is one of the best novels I’ve read in a long time.  Lolly Winston knows her characters and they are unforgettable.  They have human weaknesses and reactions.  It is hard to capture emotions as well as she does.  I look forward to more from this author.

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