The Package Deal by Stepmom, Izzy Rose

One of my favorite stepmom bloggers is Izzy Rose over at Stepmother’s Milk. She is also the author of my new must read called The Package Deal: My (not so) glamorous Transition from Single Gal to Instant Mom. In it, Izzy delivers a story and message with the right amount sass and comedic flair that really helps you forget your struggles as a stepmom, or at least view them differently. The Package Deal is not only something that all stepmoms can relate to, but it will have you literally “cracking up” as well. Below is an excerpt from the book.

The L Word

I knew how to love, but I didn’t know what that maternal type of love felt like. I imagined that it must be similar to how I felt about my own mother, my father, Gram. I gave my love to them freely, without thinking about it. And I never ran out. I always had more.

When Hank and I first got together, I guessed there were many who assumed – or, like Hank hoped – that I’d instantly fall in love with his boys, too. But that wasn’t the case. I was charmed by the boys right away, and most days, even now, living with them, I was tickled by the things they said and did. But that didn’t mean that was going to be first in line to donate a kidney. I know this sounds pretty awful, but let’s be honest – how many stepmoms love their stepkids at “hello”?

The truth was, I just didn’t feel that way about The Tall One and The Young One yet, and I had to wonder, would I ever? I cared for them a great deal. I was very fond of them, but did I love them?

I’ve long felt that society expects women to feel exaggerated sweetness for anything with a heartbeat, especially c hildren. Like we were all born with an indiscriminate gushing gene. How did this rumor get started? Children may be easier to love than, say, your office cube-mates, but it’s not instant. I’ve always been quick to point out the obvious – children are just small people, and people aren’t always easy to love.

From beginning to end, The Package Deal offers practical advice that is universal to both stepmoms and even moms; such as learning to surrender your expecations, the importance of alone time with your spouse and creating boundaries. It is a book that every new stepmom must add to her list of “must haves.”

BFSO loves the Package Deal and we KNOW that you’ll love it, too, so much so, that we are giving away a copy to the first reader who responds to this question; Should you invite the ex-wife to your wedding??? Find out what Izzy did in her new book, The Package Deal; My (not so) Glamorous Transition from Single Gal to Instant Mom. You can answer the question in the comment section below or simply email your response to info@blendedfamilysoapopera.com.