Take It Like a Mom

Stiles captures the petty and hilarious dramas that overlay stressed-out suburban lives in her debut, an ode to stay-at-home momdom. Lawyer Annie has already put her practice on ice to raise her first-born when she gets pregnant again just as hubby Alex loses his job with his law firm and their son starts preschool. The out-of-work spouse is as grumpy about his change of employment status as he is ecstatic about his expanding family, and their marriage%E2%80%94built on an insanely vast shared knowledge of TV sitcoms%E2%80%94proves both invincible and the source for some sharp, slapsticky dialogue. Fortunately, Annie also wields her razor-sharp wit against her enemies%E2%80%94nauseatingly perfect parents and their bizarre children, largely%E2%80%94and friends alike. Energized by a dubious dog-leash law victory and her husband's determination to find a law practice he actually likes, Annie%E2%80%94brassy, manic, antic%E2%80%94handily crushes her enemies, cements the love of her family, helps out a friend in need, all before bringing baby number two into the world. Stiles's message is to suck it up and get on with life, but what sticks are the laughs. (July)