Helen of Pasadena

The Los Angeles Times–bestselling "deliciously witty romp" about a wife and mother who loses it all only to find herself—and a whole lot more (Caroline Leavitt).

Helen Fairchild is living a privileged life in a Pasadena paradise. She's married to a supposed pillar of the community. Her son is destined for the most prestigious high school. She volunteers on the most fashionable committees. Then along comes a Rose Parade float that kills her two-timing husband. In a flash, Helen is broke, booted out of her perfect home, and scrambling to salvage her enviable existence.

When archaeologist Patrick O'Neill offers her a job as his research assistant, it's the lifeline Helen needs to reinvent herself. Suddenly, there are ancient mysteries to solve! Charity events to plan! A whole new world to explore! And if Helen doesn't keep getting so distracted by her attractive boss, she might just be able to pull off this new life . . .

With its keen social observations, laugh-out-loud scenes and whip-smart dialogue, Helen of Pasadena spent more than a year on the Los Angeles Times bestseller list. It is a wise story from an author "known for her humorous take on day-to-day issues facing women everywhere" (Oprah.com).