Book Excerpt...
Chapter Twenty-One

"Stress Relief Tip: Watsu water massage takes the weight off your body. With gentle twists and pulls the pressures of a stressful life disappear."
-Water for Healthy Living

April and Glee engineer an intervention. They hijack me for a day at the spa. They claim it’s to relieve terminal crabbiness, but I know it’s their way of telling me I’m not making enough time for them.
 
April’s horn toots early. She waits in the car while Glee comes in juggling an armload of books.
 
“Jean, you have to read more about your condition.”
 
“What condition?” I race around looking for my tote, fill my politically-incorrect water bottle, let out Amber for a last pee and tie a gauzy scarf around my neck. I leave my planner behind. I’m flying solo with the trēo.
 
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What people are saying about Stressed in Scottsdale

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Multitasking Jean Rubin is stressed in Scottsdale: endless errands, caring for an elderly mother, helping with her kid's fertility problems and her husband's political campaign. Marcia Fine, the writer behind Jean Rubin, swears she is less stressed. And why should she be? Stressed in Scottsdale is the third book in her Jean Rubin series. No stress, right? Marcia handed me a copy of her book at the workshop, and it's had me laughing for the last two weeks. - Matt Dewald, Director, Erma Bombeck Humor Conference, University of Dayton

Marcia, LOVED, LOVED, LOVED, your book. Sorry, I didn't read it sooner but, I was stressed in Buckeye. I traded you your book for a "bling" piece of tableware at the Borgata. I think I got the best of the trade.  Your writing is charming and funny. You have a wonderful way with words!! I would call it a personality of words. I can hardly wait for your next publication--it should be worth a salad set!! Good Luck and I hope our paths cross again. I am sending your book to my friend in Scottsdale and telling her to have all her friends buy it. - Susan K. Waters

Multi-tasking JEAN RUBIN races to accomplish endless errands, care for an elderly mother forced to move to assisted living, help with her kid’s fertility problems, manage a job and fight roof rats while her anxiety level climbs to unmanageable proportions. She employs a variety of soothing techniques from daily stress tips to meditation, affirmations, deep breathing and a self-help group. Nothing seems to work.  Jean’s keen observant eye of the modes and mores of an upscale community enhance a fast-paced life, rife with satirical situations including an Asian nail salon, the most expensive gourmet food store in town and mammogram hell. - USA Book News

"Do you need to de-stress your life? Then pick up a copy of Fine’s book and escape from the chaotic pace of life with fits of laughter. Fine has taken the life of one stressed out, over committed woman and made her into someone we can all relate to and learn from. You will see parts of yourself and friends in the lead character, Jean Rubin as she faces some of life’s challenges with grace and humor."  4.5 out of five stars. - Ember in Wrilogonzia

"Beginning this book I had a little bit of problems with it holding my attention, but wait, that soon was halted as I was plunged into the hectic and all too familiar life of, Jean Rubin. As I followed the happenings I actually at times felt she had been spying on my life and taking notes. Here is a woman who really wants to get it all together, she longs for less stress and more relaxation. Will she ever achieve her goal?  As the story rolls on and we meet her husband, mom, kids, grandkids, co-workers and friends we fully understand why she breaks down, now the problem, how to bring her back up. I found her husband endearing, although not really having a clue, her mom, well let's just say she was a mom, and her children are like so many thinking mom can do it all. You have to laugh, don't you? And of course we cannot leave out her zany friends, who although have Jean's welfare at heart, do not always take the time to stop and think. Crazy!  I loved some of the antics of her friends trying to help Jean out of her slump and help her to relax. My favorite part of the entire book is when her friends take her to loosen up and she has to do motions with her body that she doesn't do in the privacy of her own home. I laughed out loud, somehow remembering my own self in similar situations.  Listen, if you are stressed, and who isn't, this book is for you. You will, relate, have pity, get mad, and maybe be glad you are who you are instead of being Jean. I do promise you some laugh out loud moments in this read, and isn't that what life is all about.  Very enjoyable!"  - Shirley Johnson/Senior Reviewer, MidWest Book Review

"“A Split Your Pants, Laugh Aloud Hit” - Okay listen up folks, when reading “Stressed in Scottsdale” make sure your bladder is empty because due to excessive laughter you are likely to pee your pants! Jean Rubin, portrayed as the witty protagonist in “Stressed in Scottsdale” made her début in Marcia Fine’s satire series beginning with “Gossip.com followed by “Boomerang.” Fans of the award-winning author can take delight in knowing Jean Rubin is back in all her glory in this latest installment, as Fine continues to create a chaotic and comical ambiance for her readers’ enjoyment." - Barbara Watkins, Bookpleasures.com  Read the Full Review
 
"OMG! I seriously thought I would pee my pants when reading this book. It is so funny, and the author hits the nail on the head with every chapter. You will find yourself nodding your head in aggreement with her tales of caos. She uses witty humor with politics, relationships and just about everything else you can think of that can cause stress in your life. She knows when to throw in the laugh out loud humor and keep you interested in finishing it all in one sitting. You will relate to alot of the story and find yourself remembering some of the sassy comments for future use!" - Amy J, My Overstuffed Bookshelf 
Read the Full Review


"Stressed in Scottsdale" is a comedy about one woman's life spiraling out of control into a stress-infused free fall. Poor Jean tries to take care of everyone elses needs in between doctors appointments and her husbands new political campaign for a greener Arizona. Her balancing juggle act may never end even when she has a mini stroke.  It made me laugh from start to finish. You can easily relate to Jean if you are in college or post-college. I see my stress through her and think "thank god that's not me!" Jean is relateable as opposed to her kooky friends and children. But they make life all the more interesting. I really enjoyed the flow of the book but I thought the ending was rather abrupt it seemed unfinished. Yes, the day is saved time to relax but there's got to be something else just around the corner that could have been alluded to! The authors sarcasm was refreshing it's nice to hear a woman author who's not afraid to put it out there. I really enjoyed the little stress tips at the beginning of each chapter (they were so amusing)... - Rheanna, Try Reading My Mind  Read the Full Review
 
Laughter is the Best Stressbuster
Face it — we live in a world that’s only getting crazier. Every minute brings another text, another task, another spam email advertising cheap pharmaceuticals…keeping up with it all could drive a person to distraction. Not to mention the things our politicians get past us when we’re not paying attention — whose idea was smog anyway, and who decided it was good idea to bomb the moon? All of it could give a person a heart condition — or worse. 
Read the Full Review

 
Stressed in Scottsdale, award-winning author Marcia Fine’s satire will have you laughing, crying and kvetching with leading character Jean Rubin about the manic 24/7 lives so many of us are living.  Think Nora Ephron’s humorous writing style and add to it the wonderful character of Jean Rubin and her take on serious issues such as the environment, political corruption, mammograms, IVF and jobless kids, all with a biting sense-of-humor.
Jill, Frugal Plus  Read the Full Review

"Just read Gossip.com and Boomerang and started Stressed in Scottsdale – Marcia you are amazing, I couldn’t put them down, please keep on writing, you are a funny, thoughtful, talented, amazing addition to our world and I am honored to call you my friend!"  E. Lynn Lanoue

"A few chapters into Marcia Fine's novel "Paper Children", and you will feel like a part of her family; halfway through the book you'll be glad you aren't. By the end, you'll have a compassionate understanding of the ordeals of Jews who escaped Europe before World War II...
 
...Fine's evocative metaphors and 360-degree descriptions allow the reader to see, smell, hear and feel each scene just as the main character does. Every page is filled with vivid descriptions of the setting and those involved, as well as historical references. Fine has clearly done her homework related to events surrounding World War II and succeeding decades, but certain parts of Mimi's story do feel over-researched as she and her mother's habits tend to reflect the commercialized vision of the 1960s.

Overall, Fine is an excellent writer, and "Paper Children" is a must-read, especially for those interested in the Holocaust and its aftermath."  - Jenna Lee Dillon, Trends Magazine  Read the Full Review 
 
"“Stressed in Scottsdale?” Surely that’s an oxymoron. However, by setting her novel in the sunny, chic and relaxing resort of Scottsdale, Arizona, award-winning author Marcia Fine meticulously sets up the tensions facing Jean--a middle-aged, over-committed writer who is pulled in too many directions by her semi-retired husband, her recently widowed mother, her daughter and grandchildren, as well as her bevy of best friends. Quite by accident, she finds herself entangled in the socio-political conflict between the Green Party’s candidate and a land developer, who has not only razed archaelogical sites for his proposed resort, but is married to Jean‘s arch-enemy. Readers will find that Ms. Fine’s razor-sharp humor, keen eye for details, and inclusion of relevant themes create a very enjoyable read." Deborah Hilcove

“Once again Marcia Fine presents a breezy slice of life through Jean Rubin. As Rubin navigates her life while tending to the needs of her demanding family, life in upscale Scottsdale reveals its own obstacles. She learns how to achieve serenity with major shifts in attitude and firm choices." Gail Fisher, columnist & author

“Stress Tip: When it’s 108 degrees, and your grandchildren have stopped listening to you, and your mother wants to wear all of her costume jewelry at the same time, and you can’t seem to get rid of that nagging knot in between your shoulder and neck, it’s time to read Stressed in Scottsdale! Marcia’s book sheds light on all of those zany Scottsdale characters that make up this great desert landscape called Arizona.”  Tania Katan, author of My One Night Stand With Cancer

“I can totally relate. Endless schedules, too many emails, work needing revisions and a husband who means well as he signs you up as his do-good-side-kick! I was sucked in from the first paragraph. Fine’s tongue-in-cheek observations resonate... thoughts you want to say, but never dare! A fun, sassy read.”  Tamara Gold, The Red Lipstick Reporter

"With the absurdity of desert living set in her literary crosshairs, Fine once again skewers some of Scottsdale's finest while her protagonist, Jean, tries to find sanity in a world where it rains dirt and blind sheep fall off mountains.  Modern living isn't for sissies and Fine addresses the deeper issues of the environment and political corruption as she couches them in laugh-out-loud lines. Wickedly funny!"  Jessica Leigh, Editor, skirt!

"Marcia's books often make me laugh out loud. Her ability to capture the universal humor in us all makes this book a fun and joyful ride. I saw myself in this book... and everyone else I know!"  Susan Brooks, Entrepreneur, author, speaker

"Who needs Valium, when you can just read Stressed in Scottsdale and feel good? Definitely, a fun read." Shawn Pelofsky, Stand-up Comedienne/Chelsea Lately

 

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