The Mommy Fund

By Madeleine K. Jacob

     Kate Thompson and Dani Strauss are best friends and contemporary moms who are feeling frazzled with their busy schedules. Kate, a wife and mother, spends her days taking care of her two young boys, which is often a thankless job that leaves her wanting for more. Dani is a single, divorced mother. She practices law at a firm that claims to appreciate the importance of "quality of life" for its employees, though Dani's boss, Bryce, is constantly making her work weekends. Meanwhile, Dani is often forced to palm off her daughter on her ex-husband with his "perfect wife" for weekends so Dani can work. Therefore, both Kate and Dani are at their wit's end with their endless responsibilities. They want a break, but no such thing is on the horizon for either of them.

     One fateful day, Kate receives one million dollars, which she dubs as "The Mommy Fund." Kate and Dani head to New York City for an adventure that consists of shopping for designer clothes, spa treatments and makeovers, bar hopping with men, and related "girl power" activities. Money is no object as the duo spend, flirt, and galavant their way through the Big Apple.

    The Mommy Fund is a quick, fluffy read that is directed toward fans of chick lit. It will appeal to fellow moms who can relate to not getting any personal time to themselves. Unfortunately, The Mommy Fund lacks the character development and depth of other chick lit writers, such as Jennifer Weiner and Jane Green. A lot of the story comes off as flat and implausible, and keeping in mind that this is a fantasy tale, of sorts, is necessary to enjoy this book. That said, The Mommy Fund does have its amusing parts and frazzled, burned-out mothers may enjoy this read and wish they had their own "Mommy Fund."