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Forest River PTA Moms #4
Mom Rules
Donna Warren is not who everyone thinks she is….
It's no secret - to survive in a superficial town like Forest River, New York, where perfection is a requirement –a mom must follow the rules.
For the past five years, Donna has worked hard to exceed social expectations. She held the prestigious role of PTA treasurer, and her best friend, Jackie, is the most powerful woman at the elementary school.
But in a town where most mothers earn their black belt in backstabbing before their offspring enter pre-k, something was bound to go wrong…
And it did. Now, her former bestie has become her mortal enemy and destroyed Donna's reputation. Eagar to believe the rampant rumors, half the elementary school mommies think Donna is a drama queen and the rest believe she is a vindictive witch.
As she and her children's social standing dangles on thin ice, Donna is willing to try anything to fix her mistake. Unfortunately, all her efforts backfire, and she makes everything worse. Just when Donna is about to give up, she receives some shocking news. Forced to face the most difficult situation of her life, will she finally become the woman she wants to be?
It's no secret - to survive in a superficial town like Forest River, New York, where perfection is a requirement –a mom must follow the rules.
For the past five years, Donna has worked hard to exceed social expectations. She held the prestigious role of PTA treasurer, and her best friend, Jackie, is the most powerful woman at the elementary school.
But in a town where most mothers earn their black belt in backstabbing before their offspring enter pre-k, something was bound to go wrong…
And it did. Now, her former bestie has become her mortal enemy and destroyed Donna's reputation. Eagar to believe the rampant rumors, half the elementary school mommies think Donna is a drama queen and the rest believe she is a vindictive witch.
As she and her children's social standing dangles on thin ice, Donna is willing to try anything to fix her mistake. Unfortunately, all her efforts backfire, and she makes everything worse. Just when Donna is about to give up, she receives some shocking news. Forced to face the most difficult situation of her life, will she finally become the woman she wants to be?
- GenresChick Lit
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 14, 2021
42 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
Hilary Grossman
21 books341 followersHilary Grossman is a recovering corporate executive. She spends her mornings and weekends hanging out with her "characters." She has an unhealthy addiction to denim and high heel shoes. She’s been known to walk into walls and fall up stairs. She only eats spicy foods and is obsessed with her cat, Lucy. She loves to find humor in everyday life. She likens life to a game of dodge ball - she tries to keep many balls in the air before they smack her in the face. She lives on the beach in Long Island.
To find out more of what Hilary is up to check out her Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/HilaryGrossm...
To find out more of what Hilary is up to check out her Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/HilaryGrossm...
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 17, 2021
This is such a wonderful series because each book features a different mom of the PTA and you see another side to a story in the previous books. I think that is what makes these books fantastic because you can hate a character in one book, but then you read her story and you realize that maybe everything isn't as cracked up as it was in the previous book.
This book features Donna, Jackie's cohort on the PTA. They have been the best of buddies for many years and then a misunderstanding tears them apart. I have to admit, that I didn't remember why there was the tension but it all came rushing back. Donna has a good heart and only wants the best for her children, perhaps too much so that she acts like a friend vs a parent. Perhaps that is how she finds herself in these predicaments because she isn't cutthroat like some of the other moms. A simple misunderstanding and Jackie's refusal to hear the truth cause a rift that is not easily mended. But Donna's life is not perfect and her relationship with her husband is on shaky ground and neither can be held blameless.
There are so many facets to this book and these women of Forest River. They can be petty yet caring, stab you in the back but come to your aid when you need a friend. It is a very dysfunctional relationship these women have with each other. But I suppose it might be similar to what we see in our own lives. That is one of the best things, despite the town and privilege some of these women have, they are very real and the reader might be able to relate to one of them.
While you don't have to have read any of the previous books to enjoy this one, I think you would really enjoy the series if you read them all and in order. You will root for the various women and at the same time want to smack them silly for their antics.
The only story I don't think we have heard is Mia's and I can only imagine what that might be like.
We give this book 5 paws up.
This book features Donna, Jackie's cohort on the PTA. They have been the best of buddies for many years and then a misunderstanding tears them apart. I have to admit, that I didn't remember why there was the tension but it all came rushing back. Donna has a good heart and only wants the best for her children, perhaps too much so that she acts like a friend vs a parent. Perhaps that is how she finds herself in these predicaments because she isn't cutthroat like some of the other moms. A simple misunderstanding and Jackie's refusal to hear the truth cause a rift that is not easily mended. But Donna's life is not perfect and her relationship with her husband is on shaky ground and neither can be held blameless.
There are so many facets to this book and these women of Forest River. They can be petty yet caring, stab you in the back but come to your aid when you need a friend. It is a very dysfunctional relationship these women have with each other. But I suppose it might be similar to what we see in our own lives. That is one of the best things, despite the town and privilege some of these women have, they are very real and the reader might be able to relate to one of them.
While you don't have to have read any of the previous books to enjoy this one, I think you would really enjoy the series if you read them all and in order. You will root for the various women and at the same time want to smack them silly for their antics.
The only story I don't think we have heard is Mia's and I can only imagine what that might be like.
We give this book 5 paws up.
July 6, 2021
Mom Rules is a great addition to this series. It digs into Donna's life a little more than previous books have done and gives a long look at the question of what would you do to make your child's life a little easier. What would you do to make your child's school life a little happier?
That's where Donna finds herself and what ultimately leads to the drama that unfolds in mom Rules. The books in this series take some of the every day annoyances and petty politics that all parents deal with in some way or another and puts them under a microscope.
We see the "fun mom" who never wants to say no and who wants to outdo every other mom. There's the "I'll do anything to be the boss mom", "the spoiled mom", and so on and so forth. I found the characters - most of which the reader meets earlier in this series - interesting and at times felt very bad for them. I was glad to reacquaint myself with the ladies of the PTA and I think you will also.
If you haven't already started reading this series, now is the time to do so. Pick up a book by Hilary Grossman and lose yourself for a few hours in a small community where everyone knows everyone else. I promise it will be a great visit!
Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me to read an ARC of Mom Rules. All thoughts in this review are my own.
That's where Donna finds herself and what ultimately leads to the drama that unfolds in mom Rules. The books in this series take some of the every day annoyances and petty politics that all parents deal with in some way or another and puts them under a microscope.
We see the "fun mom" who never wants to say no and who wants to outdo every other mom. There's the "I'll do anything to be the boss mom", "the spoiled mom", and so on and so forth. I found the characters - most of which the reader meets earlier in this series - interesting and at times felt very bad for them. I was glad to reacquaint myself with the ladies of the PTA and I think you will also.
If you haven't already started reading this series, now is the time to do so. Pick up a book by Hilary Grossman and lose yourself for a few hours in a small community where everyone knows everyone else. I promise it will be a great visit!
Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me to read an ARC of Mom Rules. All thoughts in this review are my own.
July 14, 2021
If you have read the first three Forest River books, you know Donna Warren is the worst. Yet, MOM RULES, is told from Donna’s POV and we see her life all in a different light. You can't understand someone until you've walked a mile in their shoes...and that’s this story. She’s not perfect, doesn’t always make the right choices, but her heart is usually in the right place as she raises her kids, works on her marriage, fights the Forest River PTA, and finds herself. Easy to recommend this funny and poignant story. Each story can standalone but you’ll want to read all the moms’ POVs.
August 2, 2021
A worthy addition to this inspired series!
Donna Warren has worked hard to do all the right things for her family; as treasurer to the PTA she is the chairwoman’s right-hand woman and best friend. In a town like Forest River, these things matter. So when Jackie turns against her and stabs her in the back, it affects both Donna and her family while the other parents are quick to take sides. When she tries to fix things she ends up making them worse and just aa she is about to call it a day, revelations come to the fore. The question is, how will Donna handle things from here on in? Will she be revealed as the strong woman she thinks she is?
I have followed this series from the very start and been entertained and, at times, appalled, by the actions of the PTA and parents in general. Thank goodness my kids are grown up! Hilary Grossman has developed an amazing cast of character who, after three books, had gelled together and now, with the fourth, she has thrown a firework into the midst. Here in the UK, our PTA’s raise a token amount to support the kids at school but in Forest River they take it to the extreme but it does make for some very funny moments. This novel concentrates more on the pettiness of some women and, sadly, quite often reflects real life. The author hasn’t shied away from this and is to be applauded for doing so. A grand read and one I’m happy to recommend. 4.5*.
Donna Warren has worked hard to do all the right things for her family; as treasurer to the PTA she is the chairwoman’s right-hand woman and best friend. In a town like Forest River, these things matter. So when Jackie turns against her and stabs her in the back, it affects both Donna and her family while the other parents are quick to take sides. When she tries to fix things she ends up making them worse and just aa she is about to call it a day, revelations come to the fore. The question is, how will Donna handle things from here on in? Will she be revealed as the strong woman she thinks she is?
I have followed this series from the very start and been entertained and, at times, appalled, by the actions of the PTA and parents in general. Thank goodness my kids are grown up! Hilary Grossman has developed an amazing cast of character who, after three books, had gelled together and now, with the fourth, she has thrown a firework into the midst. Here in the UK, our PTA’s raise a token amount to support the kids at school but in Forest River they take it to the extreme but it does make for some very funny moments. This novel concentrates more on the pettiness of some women and, sadly, quite often reflects real life. The author hasn’t shied away from this and is to be applauded for doing so. A grand read and one I’m happy to recommend. 4.5*.
July 15, 2021
Full review on Books are my life, link on my profile if you're interested.
In this story it is pretty easy to relate to the main character, in this case Donna, if you (the reader) had similar experiences and out grew them or just left them in the past. Donna is being manipulated by “friends” and horribly misunderstood, that is quite frustrating and annoying. I think Donna is a part of every human being, my reason being that I think we all have been manipulated and/or misunderstood at least once in our lives. The character Donna is a overall passive character, helpful, generous and in general a loveable character, she’s the type of person we need in our lives. This reminds me while I was reading Jackie and Claire’s story I always thought there was more to this story, an outer picture to the one we are seeing play out in front of us, back to the story, Donna falls in a bottomless, soundless and colorless ocean from all the betrayals, then she proceeds to enact actions that she most likely regretted.
Mom Rules (the newest addition) is the 4th book to this series. The first book by Hilary Grossman of this series is “Go, on girl” the book was originally published on 15th August 2018 “Go, on girl” revolves around the character Sydney Clayton and his day-to-day life. The second addition to the series is “Mom Genes” this book talks about the character known as Claire, this story was originally released on March 7th 2020 and finally the third addition to this series is called “Mom Boss” which first aired October 12th 2020, this addition revolves around the character Jackie and her personal and work life.
When I first heard that there will be a 4th addition to this series, known as “Mom Rules”, I had myself wondering how this book would be any interesting since I already know how the story goes from all the other books, but I decided to give it a read and I’m glad I did so, this book is my personal favorite from the series. Donna’s perspective is certainly an interesting one, the plot of the story really got me immersed into the book, maybe because I relate to the main character, but never the less the book exceeded my expectations.
In this story it is pretty easy to relate to the main character, in this case Donna, if you (the reader) had similar experiences and out grew them or just left them in the past. Donna is being manipulated by “friends” and horribly misunderstood, that is quite frustrating and annoying. I think Donna is a part of every human being, my reason being that I think we all have been manipulated and/or misunderstood at least once in our lives. The character Donna is a overall passive character, helpful, generous and in general a loveable character, she’s the type of person we need in our lives. This reminds me while I was reading Jackie and Claire’s story I always thought there was more to this story, an outer picture to the one we are seeing play out in front of us, back to the story, Donna falls in a bottomless, soundless and colorless ocean from all the betrayals, then she proceeds to enact actions that she most likely regretted.
Mom Rules (the newest addition) is the 4th book to this series. The first book by Hilary Grossman of this series is “Go, on girl” the book was originally published on 15th August 2018 “Go, on girl” revolves around the character Sydney Clayton and his day-to-day life. The second addition to the series is “Mom Genes” this book talks about the character known as Claire, this story was originally released on March 7th 2020 and finally the third addition to this series is called “Mom Boss” which first aired October 12th 2020, this addition revolves around the character Jackie and her personal and work life.
When I first heard that there will be a 4th addition to this series, known as “Mom Rules”, I had myself wondering how this book would be any interesting since I already know how the story goes from all the other books, but I decided to give it a read and I’m glad I did so, this book is my personal favorite from the series. Donna’s perspective is certainly an interesting one, the plot of the story really got me immersed into the book, maybe because I relate to the main character, but never the less the book exceeded my expectations.
July 14, 2021
Those feisty females from Forest River PTA have returned for another round of who wore it best, my kids better than yours and discovering what real friendship truly is. This round we see it all from Donna's point of view. After she was painted to be the bad seed for so long, Donna decides it's time for change. She takes the necessary steps to make changes within the school where her daughters attend when she learns that being popular isn't all it's cracked up to be. Donna's on a mission as well to discover what caused a very public falling out between her and her bestie, Jackie Martin, painting her as the bad seed of Forest River. A totally WTF moment happened that we can all relate to.
Her journey leads her to a self discovery of loving herself and how important honest communication is in all relationships. Being popular has its price and downfalls as we all know, what goes up, must come down. It's the getting back up and dusting herself off where she discovers life, family and self love are more important than popularity.
Hilary hit this one out of the park for me, shining light onto Donna to help us understand why she was the way she is in the early chapters around the ladies of Forest River. Making friends is hard as we get older and we learn what really matters and what we need in a friend. We find friendships in the strangest of situations and as we grow, so do those friendships if they are honest and real. I related to Donna on so many levels in MOM RULES and while I have a soft spot for each of the ladies from Forest River, I would be lying if I didn't say Donna has become my favorite!
Her journey leads her to a self discovery of loving herself and how important honest communication is in all relationships. Being popular has its price and downfalls as we all know, what goes up, must come down. It's the getting back up and dusting herself off where she discovers life, family and self love are more important than popularity.
Hilary hit this one out of the park for me, shining light onto Donna to help us understand why she was the way she is in the early chapters around the ladies of Forest River. Making friends is hard as we get older and we learn what really matters and what we need in a friend. We find friendships in the strangest of situations and as we grow, so do those friendships if they are honest and real. I related to Donna on so many levels in MOM RULES and while I have a soft spot for each of the ladies from Forest River, I would be lying if I didn't say Donna has become my favorite!
July 14, 2021
I had such fun reading the new novel from Hilary Grossman titled Mom Rules! This book is about Donna and is the fourth and probably the last in the Forest River PTA Moms Series. I enjoyed getting reacquainted with all the ladies from Forest River Elementary School. In each of the books we get to see more of one character and their viewpoint.
I really enjoyed Donna. The poor woman has one heck of a year brought on by her friends. If, you want to call them that. These women start so many rumors and gossip so much. It's fun to see what kind of crazy things they come up with. She grew and came into herself with all the trials she went through. I found myself cheering her on. I think I like and dislike all of the characters at one time or another.
This is my favorite book so far. If you're looking for a series that will make you laugh and break your heart, give this one a try. I think you just might find a good time!
Although, this may be the end of the series, a little birdie tells me there is a lot more to look forward to from Hilary Grossman. Yay!
If you haven't started the series yet, there is a box set coming out July 21, 2021 for a great price of $9.99. I think it would be cheaper than buying separately. Who doest like a good deal?
I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review. Thank you!
I really enjoyed Donna. The poor woman has one heck of a year brought on by her friends. If, you want to call them that. These women start so many rumors and gossip so much. It's fun to see what kind of crazy things they come up with. She grew and came into herself with all the trials she went through. I found myself cheering her on. I think I like and dislike all of the characters at one time or another.
This is my favorite book so far. If you're looking for a series that will make you laugh and break your heart, give this one a try. I think you just might find a good time!
Although, this may be the end of the series, a little birdie tells me there is a lot more to look forward to from Hilary Grossman. Yay!
If you haven't started the series yet, there is a box set coming out July 21, 2021 for a great price of $9.99. I think it would be cheaper than buying separately. Who doest like a good deal?
I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review. Thank you!
June 9, 2021
Secrets, scandals and lies.
What would you do to help your child have the best life possible?
In the town of Forest River, New York, gossip and rumors travel fast; especially with the PTA moms. Donna Warren is about to learn who her friends really are. For years Jackie Martin has been her sidekick, but when a rumor ends their friendship, Donna finds out just how vile Jackie really is. Now it’s time for Donna to pick up the pieces, stand up for herself and decide who she wants to be; with or without the other school moms.
I always enjoy catching back up with this series. Even though I wouldn’t personally be friends with these women, it’s fun to drop in and learn what they have been up too. The secrets and drama really pull me in. The stories feel so real.
What would you do to help your child have the best life possible?
In the town of Forest River, New York, gossip and rumors travel fast; especially with the PTA moms. Donna Warren is about to learn who her friends really are. For years Jackie Martin has been her sidekick, but when a rumor ends their friendship, Donna finds out just how vile Jackie really is. Now it’s time for Donna to pick up the pieces, stand up for herself and decide who she wants to be; with or without the other school moms.
I always enjoy catching back up with this series. Even though I wouldn’t personally be friends with these women, it’s fun to drop in and learn what they have been up too. The secrets and drama really pull me in. The stories feel so real.
June 30, 2021
Hilary Grossman and the ladies of the Forest River PTA have done it again. Mom Rules is hands down my favorite of the series. I loved Donna’s story and the complicated friendships. An absolute fabulous read that will stay with you!
August 20, 2021
I loved everything about this story from beginning to end. The sassiness, the attitude, the mom drama and the writing is superb.
I’ve loved this series! I can’t wait for the next installment.
I’ve loved this series! I can’t wait for the next installment.
July 12, 2021
This is the fourth book in this series and although its not necessary to have read the previous three, you are depriving yourself of the dramas these bored ladies create. It was great fun to read what the "crime" was that Donna Warren committed. Her story was hinted at in the first book and we got the dirt in book 4.
I enjoy this series for the "window" into the worlds of mom with way to much time on their hands who can't pass up an opportunity to gossip, gym and hold never-ending meetings and who are all trying to outdo the others.
I enjoy this series for the "window" into the worlds of mom with way to much time on their hands who can't pass up an opportunity to gossip, gym and hold never-ending meetings and who are all trying to outdo the others.
August 11, 2021
This was a great summer read. I have read the entire series and this one continued the Forest River moms' stories. I cheered Donna for taking control of.her life and family. I hope Hilary will continue the series. I can tell there are more stories to be told.
October 19, 2021
I loved this series. I am ready to read Mia’s story!
December 14, 2021
WOW. I’ve read every single book in the Forest River PTA Moms series, and it’s amazing how intricate it is. While reading about Donna’s story, I can flashback to the same scenes and scenarios, but told from another mom’s perspective in the other books! I think you have to be a really detailed writer to be able to pull that off, and Grossman does it well. What’s also great about this series, is that any reader can jump into any book in the series and not feel lost. Each book can be read together, or as a stand alone.
For this go around, we get to see Donna evolve and become more than just Jackie’s sidekick. But at first, I wasn’t sure if that would be for the better, or at a detriment to Donna. Jackie has a lot of control over the school, and it seems she has a lot of clout in Forest River, too. Wherever Jackie goes, she quickly learns that it doesn’t pay to go against the grain of the PTA, particularly it’s leader.
As with the other books, my emotions were all over the place! I couldn’t help but feel incredibly frustrated by Jackie and her actions, yet I remember feeling a lot more sympathetic and understanding while reading about her background and point-of-view in Mom Boss. One of the pot stirrers in this series, Mia, appeared to be a lot more tolerable, but my feelings towards her ran hot and cold, too, depending on the scene. And through it all is Donna’s personal struggle with wanting to fit in and ensure that her daughters will find their own place at school, because it’s more than obvious that the PTA and its members, not to mention the offspring of said members, can either make you or break you. There were a lot of precarious situations and moments that got my blood boiling!
I think this might be the last book in the Forest River PTA Moms series, and while I hate to see it end, it’s been one heck of a ride! Mom Rules rounds it out nicely, a well-deserving five-star read!
For this go around, we get to see Donna evolve and become more than just Jackie’s sidekick. But at first, I wasn’t sure if that would be for the better, or at a detriment to Donna. Jackie has a lot of control over the school, and it seems she has a lot of clout in Forest River, too. Wherever Jackie goes, she quickly learns that it doesn’t pay to go against the grain of the PTA, particularly it’s leader.
As with the other books, my emotions were all over the place! I couldn’t help but feel incredibly frustrated by Jackie and her actions, yet I remember feeling a lot more sympathetic and understanding while reading about her background and point-of-view in Mom Boss. One of the pot stirrers in this series, Mia, appeared to be a lot more tolerable, but my feelings towards her ran hot and cold, too, depending on the scene. And through it all is Donna’s personal struggle with wanting to fit in and ensure that her daughters will find their own place at school, because it’s more than obvious that the PTA and its members, not to mention the offspring of said members, can either make you or break you. There were a lot of precarious situations and moments that got my blood boiling!
I think this might be the last book in the Forest River PTA Moms series, and while I hate to see it end, it’s been one heck of a ride! Mom Rules rounds it out nicely, a well-deserving five-star read!
July 20, 2021
I’m pleasantly surprised I enjoyed Donnas story after all. This series is fun! Bring on Mia and her story!
August 1, 2021
Same story, different point of view. Still nuts!
August 25, 2021
I enjoyed this one but I hope it’s the end of the series
LOL. Would be happy to read something new from this author!
LOL. Would be happy to read something new from this author!
January 23, 2022
Check out the full review at Kritters Ramblings
The fourth in a series where I highly suggest you start at book one as the characters and events build from book one to this conclusion. This book focuses on the events that took place in book two, but from Donna's point of view which was really interesting. Donna was Jackie's sidekick and in book two you see events unfold, but you don't get to hear things from her side of the fence, so I appreciated that the author gave Donna a book to give her point of view.
For me, as I stated in my review of book three in the series, this book and book two were a perfect pair and I would have had them go back to back. They seemed like a duo all on their own as the reader gets one side of the story and another between these two books. I loved how the author did this, but I would have lined up the books a little different within the series.
The fourth in a series where I highly suggest you start at book one as the characters and events build from book one to this conclusion. This book focuses on the events that took place in book two, but from Donna's point of view which was really interesting. Donna was Jackie's sidekick and in book two you see events unfold, but you don't get to hear things from her side of the fence, so I appreciated that the author gave Donna a book to give her point of view.
For me, as I stated in my review of book three in the series, this book and book two were a perfect pair and I would have had them go back to back. They seemed like a duo all on their own as the reader gets one side of the story and another between these two books. I loved how the author did this, but I would have lined up the books a little different within the series.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews