Stephanie Glassman needs her luck to change. A single mother to Jake on the verge of not being able to pay her bills, Stephanie is pleasantly surprised when she runs into an old crush- Frank Waterman-while showcasing her singing talents at a department store during Christmas time. But of course, Frank is shopping with his gorgeous fiancé, and Stephanie’s hopes of finding love seem to be dashed again. But wait! Stephanie’s two week fling from Verona, Albert, has shown up on her doorstep. Albert is Jake’s father, and though he is usually non-existent besides from occasional phone calls and short visits, he has turned a new leaf. He wants Stephanie to marry him, so the three of them can be a proper family.
At the same time, Stephanie’s hopes of becoming a jazz singer could be getting closer to a reality. She has been picked up by Ossie Da Costa, a pint sized yet powerful London agent who has offered a job that could solve her money woes for years to come-but the job is unethical. Stephanie is faced with a decision- go with her morals, or take the money.
And now Frank is back in the picture. His wedding plans are no longer after ending it with his fiancée, and he wants Stephanie. Suddenly, Stephanie is faced with too many life changing decisions that she can handle. Her career. Marrying Albert and letting her son have his father in his life. Being with Frank instead, whom she now thinks she is truly falling in love with.
Breakfast at Stephanie’s by Sue Margolis is full of wacky characters such as Stephanie’s 79 year old grandmother, who is still leading an active sex life and eager to talk about it. Stephanie’s father who is having problems with penis extensions. Stephanie’s friend Cass who seems to be somewhat of a sex addict, and Lizzie, who realizes her husband has been having an affair.
The writing is fast paced, but sometimes too fast for my fancy. Frank’s character is too small, I was left with confusion about who exactly he was, why he was no longer with his fiancée, and just how he became so infatuated with Stephanie after only a handful of meetings. Be aware of the graphic sex scenes that had me cringing in multiple spots, but just like with Margolis’ other novels, the British humor is right on in this entertaining tale.
