. tugs the heartstrings in a big way.”

—Booklist

“A painfully funny, utterly true story for every woman who has ever wondered what happens after the fairy tale ends. I absolutely loved this book!”

—Susan Wiggs, USA Today bestselling author

“Porter . . . has a great ear for dialogue. She offers a fresh twist on the ‘broken heart and personal renaissance’ theme of so many chick-lit novels.”

—Seattle Times

“Witty and fun.”

—San Francisco Chronicle

“Filled with vibrant, interesting characters, the world of The Frog Prince leaps off the page and keeps readers enthralled.”

—Kristin Harmel, author of How to Sleep with a Movie Star

“There’s real heart in this book . . . enjoyable reading for those wondering what comes after the happily ever after.”

—Romantic Times BOOKreviews Magazine

“A winner! It will make you stand up and cheer.”

—Anne Lum, WritersUnlimited.com

 

 

ALSO BY JANE PORTER

The Frog Prince

Flirting with Forty

 

 

Dedicated to my mother, Mary Elizabeth Lyles Higuera. Thank you for teaching me all things are possible (although it will probably take a lot of hard work).

 

Acknowledgments

Being a single mom requires courage as well as immense support, and I couldn’t do what I do, or write what I write, if it weren’t for friends and family who (try to) keep me sane: my brilliant sister Kathy Porter for knowing me since birth and still enjoying my company; Jamette Windham, who somehow manages to organize my home and my life; the gifted University of Washington graduate Lindsey Marsh, for taking such good care of my boys—and me—these past few years; the dedicated Leena Hyat of Author Sound Relations for making sure my writer life doesn’t take over my home life; and finally, the one and only, and very funny, Lorrie Hambling (who really needs to star in a book of her own), for making sure I always have somewhere to go for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter dinner . . . as well as when the power goes out.

Odd Mom Out was inspired by real women, women like Lucy Mukerjee, who was once my editor in London and now works in the movie biz in Hollywood, and Liza Elliott-Ramirez, founder and president of Expecting Models (Liza inspired me so much that I had to include her in my book). Lucy and Liza, I love seeing women take the world by storm. Brava!

To my true-blue writer friends Susanna Carr, CJ Carmichael, Barbara Dunlop, Elizabeth Boyle, and Lilian Darcy—thank you for trudging through the publishing peaks and valleys with me.

To my wonderful Bellevue friends, who nearly all juggle work and mommy hats—Joan, Lisa, Sinclair, Kristiina, Janie, Cheryl, Julie, Mary, Wendy—keep on keeping on.

To my beautiful young nieces Krysia Sikora, Maddie Porter, Betsy Porter, and Callen Porter—may you grow up to be brave, creative, and tenacious. (And never forget crazy Aunt Jane loves you.)

To young girls, young women, and old girls—don’t be afraid to go for it. Expect to get knocked down. Just make sure to get up again.

To my very own maverick, Ty Gurney, thanks for continuing the long-distance romance. It’s always interesting and it’s certainly an adventure. You’re my guy.

To my editor, Karen Kosztolnyik, and my agent, Karen Solem, thank you for helping me write the books I want and need to write. This is what I’ve always wanted to do.

And last but not least, this book is for you, my readers. Thank you for all your letters and insights and support. I want to be a better writer for you.

 

Chapter One

“Mom, can you still wear white if you’re not a virgin?”

My nine-year-old daughter, Eva, knows the perfect way to get my full attention.

I push up my sunglasses and look at her hard. This is supposed to be a special mother-daughter day. I took off work to bring her to the country club pool, but lately, being Eva’s mother is anything but relaxing. “Do you know what a virgin is?”

“Yes.” She sounds so matter-of-fact.

“How?” I demand, because I sure as hell didn’t tell her. My most gruesome memory is my mother sitting me down on my bed and explaining in horrendous detail “the story of the sperm and the ovum.” I’ve vowed to find a better way to introduce Eva to the story but haven’t found it yet. “You’ve had sex ed already at school?”

Eva sighs heavily. “No, Mom, that’s in fifth grade.