True Confessions of the Stratford Park PTA

True Confessions of the Stratford Park PTA
Nancy Robards Thompson

WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH, THE TOUGH…Join the PTA? Yes, according to Maggie, Barbara and Elizabeth. Because despite their differences–one is a recent widow; one is a late-in-life mother; and one is a supermom whose surprise pregnancy, she fears, will result in complications–all three women have one thing in common: their daughters. They'd do anything for them….But is anything enough?Because one girl just can't adjust, one is terrified to be alone–and one is the mystery blogger who's wreaking havoc from one end of the student body to the other. Seems as if there are a lot of secrets in this small town. And despite the gossip, not a lot of talking going on….

My Aunt Barbara maintains there are two truths about Southern belles: they survive and they endure.

She’s a Southern belle through and through—gracious, steadfast and honest. She’s ready to offer you a tall glass of sweet tea, or a piece of her mind, whichever best suits the situation.

I suppose the Villa Magnolia is a Southern belle in her own right, too, because beneath her peeling paint and red tile roof that’s mildewed green-black, she stands graceful and proud.

She is a survivor.

I could learn a thing or two from both of them.

Sarah rests her head against the passenger window as if it’s too much for her to open her eyes and take a peek at our new home.

I want to turn to her and say, “Baby girl, I know you hate me for uprooting you, but it’s going to be all right.”

It has to be all right.

Nancy Robards Thompson

Award-winning author Nancy Robards Thompson lives and writes in Florida, where she spent three years serving on the PTSA board at her daughter’s school. Along the way, she encountered a couple of “Stratford Wives” in the ranks of the general membership, but her overall PTSA experience was quite pleasant, thanks to the dedicated ladies with whom she served on the board. She holds a degree in journalism and has worked a myriad of jobs, including television-show stand-in; production and extras casting for movies; newspaper reporter; and several mind-numbing jobs in the fashion industry and public relations. Much more content to report to her muse, Nancy has found nirvana doing what she loves most—writing women’s fiction full-time. Critics have deemed her books “funny, smart and observant.” True Confessions of the Stratford Park PTA is her fourth NEXT novel.

True Confessions of the Stratford Park PTA

Nancy Robards Thompson

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

From the Author

Dear Reader,

Isn’t it interesting the different people we meet along life’s path? Those with whom we bond instantly and others who remain distant enigmas. Sure, it’s easier to feel connected to those with whom we share common interests and thoughts. But sometimes the “difficult” people teach us the most about ourselves—even though at times it seems as if they were simply put on this earth to annoy us.

That’s the case in True Confessions of the Stratford Park PTA. Three women—Maggie, Barbara and Elizabeth—forge an unlikely friendship in the midst of personal storms too dark to weather alone. In the process, the bonds of their alliance are stretched and relationships are tested, but in the end, they emerge stronger women because of it.

I hope you’ll find a piece of yourself in these three courageous women and come away knowing that through faith, love and friendship anything is possible. I love to hear from readers, so please visit me at www.nancyrobardsthompson.com and let me know what you think.

Warmly,

Nancy

This book is dedicated to my father, Jim Robards, for being the best dad a girl could wish for. Daddy, thanks for making laughter such a big a part of our lives.

Acknowledgments

I would like to thank Tammy Strickland for taking time away from her own writing and nursing career to advise me on high-risk pregnancy.

Hugs and appreciation—

To Sarah M., Sandy M., Evelyn S., Tyler J., Janet W., Cindy P., Debi W., Danella S., Donna S. and Polly R., who made my PTSA service an enjoyable experience. Ladies, it was an honor and a pleasure to serve with you. Your dedication to our school is what makes it such a wonderful place.

To Beverly Brandt for sharing the Bob joke!

To Kathy Garbera and Teresa Elliot Brown, who always know the next move when I’m stuck.

To Michael and Jennifer, who are my world.

Contents

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 16

CHAPTER 17

CHAPTER 18

CHAPTER 19