GETTING TO HAPPY is the masterfully written sequel to Terry McMillan's highly acclaimed WAITING TO EXHALE. For readers who can recall the dilemmas of Savannah, Gloria, Bernadine, and Robin fifteen years ago, you'll be delighted to see how the ladies handle themselves as they reach their midlife crossroads. Bernadine suffers from bitterness that has led to horrible pill addiction, which she uses to distract her from pushing past the pain that resulted from the sham that was her second marriage. Savannah, who realizes a little too late that she settled for someone she wasn't really compatible with, sacrificing freedom and happiness for the title of wife, finally makes the decision to strike out on her own as a single woman at fifty-one. And Gloria, who found fairytales and kisses in the eyes and arms of her husband Marvin, is forced to deal with what she thinks she can't when a single moment changes her life forever. Robin, shop-A-holic-internet-dating-hippest-mama-in-the-world is still searching for Mr. Forever and trying to make some concrete decisions about her life and plans as well.

What's most refreshing about GETTING TO HAPPY is that it drives home the notion that life is not a fairytale. As much as readers of the first book want to imagine the ladies' happily-ever-afters, real life doesn't work that way and neither do the stories of these women. Savannah, Gloria, Bernadine, and Robin have real women problems, but like most women out there who consider themselves "real," these ladies decide to put on their big-girl panties and deal with everything life swings their way. Leaning on their children, exs, extended families, and most of all, each other, they find that if they want to— if they really want to- they can push past anything, any pain, and live. Savannah, Gloria, Bernadine, and Robin are able to find comfort, solace, and even smiles in the victory and triumph they feel when they make it through their most difficult times. These women tap into acknowledging the good parts of life. I don't know about most people, but for me, acknowledging the good parts (not just chasing dreams of "the good life") IS GETTING TO HAPPY.