Marcy Hammer’s life has been turned upside down. Her husband, the head of a global brassiere empire, didn’t think twice about leaving her after thirty-three years of marriage for a 32DD lingerie model. Now Harvey the Home-Wrecker is missing in action, but Marcy’s through thinking about what a cliché he is. What she needs now is a party-size bag of potato chips, a good support system, and a new … dress.
Striking out on her own is difficult at first, but Marcy manages to find traces of humor in her heartbreak. Even while devastated by Harvey’s departure, she still has her indomitable spirit and her self-respect. She has no intention of falling apart, either, even when her adult children drop a few bombshells of their own and she discovers a secret about her new, once-in-a-lifetime friend. Life may be full of setbacks, but by lifting herself up by her own lacy straps, Marcy just may be able to handle them all.
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Laugh out loud hilarious at some points and heartbreakingly tender at others, clever writing keeps readers fully engaged and cheering for the right outcome.
A delightful debut novel. I loved this heartbreaking yet laugh out loud funny book. It is about the main character Marcy’s husband (Harvey the Bra King) leaving her for a younger woman and Marcy finding herself after the heartbreak. Lift and Separate covers it all and is a story told with drama, emotion and humor. Author Marilyn Simon Rothstein uses a unique outlook and colorful details to enrich this moving tale of heartbreak and healing. A top of the month for me. Highly recommended.
Thoroughly enjoyable book. I was really captivated by the author’s phrases – the way the main character would comment on things was so original. I would definitely read more by this author!
When you need a break from reality! Love it!
Cheating husband, losing her mother, but still funny!
I enjoyed getting to know these characters. The pain, friendships and family drama were right on point. Glad the humor took the sting out.
After thirty-three years of marriage, Marcy Hammer’s husband, Harvey, has left her for a younger woman. The woman happens be a model who works at the lingerie corporation he owns. Marcy, who is in her mid fifties, is facing every woman’s worst nightmare.
Marcy is in a state of disbelief that her husband has left her. She is not ready to share the news with her family. She also fears idle talk and humiliation from the community she lives in. Faced with a difficult situation, Marcy struggles to figure out how to move forward in her life.
Reaching out to her children and closest friends, Marcy slowly begins to accept that her new life might not include Harvey. She is coming to the realization that rebuilding and making changes life will come with an emotional price tag. She begins to ponder broader question such as future romantic possibilities and selling the “family” home.
This book is very easy to read and provides a realistic story of a woman facing a life do-over. I enjoyed much of the sarcasm throughout the book and found Marcy’s journey well depicted. This book is about a woman’s ability to absorb a period of bad karma and with some work emerge as an improved person on the other side.
This is a debut novel by the author.
ENTERTAINING!
Lift and Separate by Marilyn Simon Rothstein is quite entertaining! This is the story of Marcy Hammer. Her husband Harvey is the head of a global lingerie empire specializing in brassieres. She’s been married to the King of Brassieres for thirty-three years, reared their three children and met his every need. Her thanks was his affair with a twenty-two year old lingerie model. How does Marcy handle this? Rothstein shows readers how in her wonderful debut novel filled realistic characters who find themselves thrown together because of life changing circumstances and develop long lasting relationships. Marcy herself embodies the true definition of “lift and separate” as she always tries her best to “lift” everyone around her to be the best they can be and to “lift” their spirits and she also learns what it means to “separate” from the only man she has ever loved, from her mother, from her children as they become adults and from her “normal”. This book will make you laugh and make you think.
I laughed and cried. enjoyed the heroine.
Fabulous book! After reading a book and struggling, since it was written for a person much younger than myself, it was a great pleasure to read this story meant for my age group. That group would be an adult that has life experiences and can see the humor in situations that are in the past, even though they were not funny when living through them. Also, it is better to look at life with humor, rather than always being negative about obstacles we face.
I love the author’s style, humor, character development and plot. I can see so much work went into this book, for it to appear effortless and seamless. One scene flows to the next so brilliantly. I was so drawn into the story and hoped all would end well for the main character, Marcy. I loved the entire plot, especially the reading about how Marcy grew in self worth and confidence as the story unfolded.
I actually read the second book first (Husbands and Other Sharp Objects), so I did have some insight into the future for this lovely lady. Each book can be read independently and be fully understood. After reading this book, I now need to read the second book again, since I will enjoy it even more.
I have been following this author for awhile now but had not read her books yet. I have enjoyed the humor in her Facebook posts and realized it was time to do just that! I found out quickly that although her humor did come through in her writing, she had so much more to offer!!
This book went straight to my core. I guess because I saw myself so much in the main character, Marcy. Not so much with her hubby issue (though there WAS a questionable time, midlife) but with her role as a mom and daughter. Even though I had a career – two actually – being a mom was always what I was and wanted to be the most. Like Marcy, when the kids went out on their own, I found myself holding on to everything as if they would be back any day. Most everything she did was for everyone else but her, her kids, her husband, her job, her friends….me, too. I also lost my mom when I was in my 50’s. You never get over losing your mom. I look up, up into the sky for her, too.
I felt such a great sense of hope as Marcy was finally able to start shedding those things that were keeping her stuck in the past – all of the unneeded food in the refrigerator, the items in the kids rooms, her house, her husband…LOL! I’m in the process of all of that (except my hubby) but it is an emotional task.
Thank you Marilyn Simon Rothstein. Through Marcy, you have helped me find the spark to continue to look forward more than backward and to feel that it IS ok to put myself first once in awhile!!!
Lift and Separate was absolutely the most hysterical, laugh out loud, funniest book I have ever read! I mean, some books say “Funny, or hysterical”, but I have never laughed out loud before while reading a book!! Move over Tina Fey and take your Bossypants with you! Because Marilyn will have you laughing so hard you’ll be peeing in your own pants!
The story is a about Marcy Hammer, whose husband left her after thirty-three years of marriage for a twenty-two year old model who works at the lingerie company he owns. With incredible wit and an amazing sense of humor, Marilyn tells a wonderful story about Marcy’s journey of betrayal, heartache, the true meaning of friendship, family bond and how to embrace life even during the most difficult times.
This was an inspiring, uplifting story of one woman’s self discovery. It was not only hilarious, but it was also very realistic and truly relatable. It gave me all the good feels that a great book does! I can’t wait to read the sequel, Husbands and Other Sharp Objects!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Marcy and how she dealt with her husband’s devastating betrayal. Her courage and humor during what was probably the worst time of her life was inspiring. I’d love to know what her next chapter brings.
I really enjoyed this book. The lead character’s statements and thoughts, even in the most trying times, were clever and witty. I’d recommend it!
Who doesn’t love a smart and funny woman?
Despite her husband’s affair, Marcy is trying to hold it all together for the sake of her kids and obviously for herself too while being determined to make it on her own, life has to go on. The humor and honesty in this book is refreshing and the strength Marcy finds to overcome the situation with her head held high is inspiring.
Loved it from the first page to the last one!
Lift and Separate has everything you need in a fantastic book. Marcy Hammer is going through some pretty dramatic life changes. But she muttles through with grace wit and charm. A must read!