Bottom Line
by Kimberly Stuart
Published by Nav Press (June release)
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Reviewed by Laura V. Hilton
Heidi Elliott is now a stay-at-home mom, mostly content in her world of cartoons, fairy princesses and toys. When her husband's business has some financial problems, she is quick to offer to go back to work, but Jake encourages her to just take it a little easier on the spending. Heidi tries to do that, but when a water-line turns into a geyser, she decides to take a job in a pyramid scheme selling "Christian" lingerie.
Soon Heidi discovers that this "work-at-home" business is not all it's cracked up to be. It works for her new friend Kylie, because Kylie has a full-time nanny--but what is Heidi supposed to do with her own almost four-year-old when she tries to sort through orders and turns to find her daughter modeling a pair of sunshine yellow thongs.
Still, Heidi wants to be able to afford to have a plumber come out--and she and Jake are looking to increase their family. Will she be able to make a decision between living comfortably and still being a mom?
Bottom Line is the sequel to Balancing Act, although it easily stands alone. I enjoyed reconnecting with Heidi and watching Nora change from a sweet chubby infant to a precocious four-year-old. I understand Heidi's struggle between wanting to be a good full-time mom, to wanting to get away from her child for some period of time, to how can I help support this family.
Bottom Line is filled with realistic characters, some of whom are even loveable. There isn't much of a faith message in Bottom Line, but the reader still sees Heidi grow as a person. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
Armchair Interviews says: A reader's guide, a recipe, and a guide to being a princess is included at the end of the book.
Author's Web site: http://www.kimberlystuart.com