What happens when two mothers battle each other for a chance to claim and raise two young children? One is certainly the biological parent, but does biological equal mommy? The other has raised the children from a young age and the children already see her as a mother. Ella had settled into married life quite happily. She never suspected the birth mother would show up so unexpectedly. When Joe, Ella's husband, dies, Ella is left to uncover the many secrets on his family's side. The book takes off from the point where Ella realizes Paige is intent upon taking her children back.

This story somewhat mimics the typical Disney "evil stepmother" plotline to a point. However, there are so many layers to both Paige and Ella that plotline will be challenged. Ella seems more realistic, the safer choice while Paige is more of a wild card. The children are much too young to make a decision so it is left to the courts and the emotional dramas of the warring mothers.

A reader can look forward to mystery tinged with romance, action, intrigue, and almost a Gossip Girl type of plot. This book will be very difficult to put down. The ending, unfortunately, was a little predictable, but the book itself contained many twists and curveballs. There is a rich Italian history embedded in the novel as well, another facet to this novel that the reader will love. Overall, THE UNDERSIDE OF JOY is a book that should be placed on a to- read list.