Book Review: For Love and Money

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

For Love and Money     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Leslie Glass
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Woman Main Character
Ballantine, Jan 2005, $23.95, 272 pp.

She never wanted to be the sole breadwinner in her family, but she finds herself exactly in that position. Her husband never recovered from the destruction of the World Trade center or the betrayal by a friend who sued him for something he never did. Unable to cope, he quit his job as a stockbroker and became a vegetable couch potato. Annie, a stockbroker at the same firm her spouse left, tries to make her income cover their bills as two salaries used to do while allowing her housekeeper to raise their two children.

Her boss is coming on to Annie and she is ready to succumb to his charms. As she ponders an affair, her best friend’s father accuses Annie of stealing bearer bonds from him and her housekeeper abruptly quits leaving behind two emotionally wrecked children in her wake. Annie realizes she must straighten out her own life, be strong for her daughters, and uncover what happened to the bonds while knowing she cannot truly aid her children or her husband until she helps herself.

Leslie Glass displays her wry wit and cutting edge humor in a poignant family drama with a touch of mystery that hooks readers from beginning to end. The protagonist learns that she is strong because circumstances require her to be so; fortified with moral fiber and courage Annie takes charge of her life before she ends up in the same abyss as her husband. He is an intriguing character, her opposite for when the going got tough, he quit. Readers will appreciate this strong tale with a memorable cast who laugh on the outside, but cry on the inside.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner

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