Karen Lateiner is inviting you to a Zoom meeting of the APW Book Club. (Link to follow)

Topic: Widowhood: The Next Chapter – I’m Still Here – Now What? By Bobbie Bennett
Date: Saturday, February 28 at
Time: 10 am AZ time
ZOOM: Link to follow

ABOUT THE BOOK: (Available on Amazon)

From rural Illinois farm roots to Phoenix community theater and TV commercials, Bobbie Bennett has collected three marriage certificates, two death certificates, and one divorce decree—a paper trail that taught her more about resilience than any self-help book. Her writing earned first place in Arizona and second place nationally from the National Federation of Press Women in 2024. Bobbie transforms life’s unexpected plot twists into unforgettable stories. Her philosophy? “If you can’t be a good example, at least be a colorful one.” Fair warning: keep spare underwear handy. Her tales of marriage, mayhem, and moving forward will leave you laughing until it hurts.

Summary

This heartfelt and candid memoir serves as an essential guide for anyone navigating life after loss. It recounts one woman’s journey through three marriages, two funerals, and one divorce, while offering valuable insights and practical wisdom for others on similar paths.

The personal narrative begins in the shadowy world of organized crime, where the author’s first husband, Tony, brought a sense of danger into Bobbie’s life. Dinner guests had to check their firearms at the door. She recalls one night, while Tony was away on business, a violent storm masked the gunshot that killed his prized quarter horse in the stable. At dawn, the terrified ranch hand delivered the devastating news. By morning, the front page featured a photo of Tony’s prized quarter horse, shot between the eyes in its stall.

A few years after losing her first husband, we’ll explore Bobbie’s brilliant decision to fall head over heels for Danny, a man ten years younger than her. Although he was often carded when they went out, Danny brought many years of fun and adventure into Bobbie’s life. Danny’s wandering eye eventually strained on their marriage, and they each went their separate ways.

The core of the story centers on Clayton, the author’s third husband and true soulmate. He’s a methodical engineer who fell in love with a free-spirited former go-go dancer and entertainer. They say opposites attract, and their relationship was living proof. While he kept busy recalibrating his 3D milling machine, she was rehearsing her lines for an upcoming stage role or television commercial.

What makes this book unique is its collection of shared wisdom. Fellow widows and widowers share their personal journeys, offering diverse perspectives on how to navigate grief and discover new paths. The self-help sections provide clear and useful advice addressing important questions, such as:

• To Date or Not to Date: Navigating relationships after loss
• Eliminating Skeletons: Cleaning out the closet
• Taking Care of Business: Managing legal and practical matters during bereavement.

This all-in-one guide, blending heartbreak and humor, shows that every ending can lead to a new beginning. It provides both emotional support and practical advice for anyone looking to write their next chapter after widowhood.

This book would make an excellent gift for someone you know who is navigating their personal journey of starting over.

I’m sure you will enjoy this great read. See you Feb. 28th
Karen