A Special Place for Women

Today I’m happy to tell you about a book that is released today by author Laura Hankin, A SPECIAL PLACE FOR WOMEN (Berkley Hardcover; On Sale May 11, 2021).

This is scandalous fun that can best be described as “The Wing” meets “The Illuminati” -- the story of a New York journalist who goes undercover to tease out the secrets of an elite women’s-only social club.

It’s a club like no other. Only the most important women receive an invitation. Or at least, that’s what the rumors say―no one has yet to confirm the existence of Nevertheless, New York’s most secret, female-run society that seems to have inordinate influence over the city and its biggest scandals. People in the know whisper all sorts of claims: membership dues cost $1,000 a month. The women even handpicked the city’s first female mayor. But no one knows for sure.

Jillian Beckley, a native New Yorker and recently laid-off journalist, makes it her mission to prove the existence of this top-secret club.

It’s not long before Jillian manages to find an “in” at Nevertheless―and is captivated by the billionaire “girlbosses” who mingle with the astrology-obsessed and the trendiest of New York influencers. While it’s hard to ignore the sense of confidence and belonging that Nevertheless seems to provide―for its up-and-coming young members, and for Jillian, too―Jillian can’t help but keep a watchful eye on the club’s founders, who seem to be hiding something beyond the secret of the group’s existence, and who are just a little too fond of calling themselves “witches.”

As Jillian dives deeper into the inner circles of Nevertheless, it becomes apparent that bad things happen to those who dare to question the club’s motives―and its leaders may be far more powerful, and dangerous, than she ever imagined.

Meet the Author: Laura Hankin

Laura Hankin is the author of Happy & You Know It. She has written for publications like McSweeney's and HuffPost, while her musical comedy has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and more.

She splits her time between NYC, where she has performed off-Broadway, and Washington D.C., where she once fell off a treadmill twice in one day.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Have you ever heard of any type of club like this elite women’s-only social club?

Are You Ready To Smile?

With all that is going on in our world these days, we must grab a little fun anywhere and everything we can find it. For that reason, I have a delightful video to share with you today.

If you stopped by yesterday you know I shared some information about the new release HAPPYAND YOU KNOW IT by LauraHankin. The book is a punchy, gobble-it-up-in-one-sitting novel set around a group of wealthy Manhattan mothers and their hired baby musician who unravels their outwardly perfect lives. You could call it the Nanny Diaries meets Primates of Park Avenue.

Well today I have a couple more things to share with you about the book and I hope both make you laugh or at least smile.

First, here’s a sample of the audio version of HAPPY AND YOU KNOW IT read by the author.

Now here is the video that I think will have you smiling in no time at all.

         

Thanks so much for stopping by today. If you didn’t see yesterday’s post, I hope you’ll check it out today. Did one or both clips make you at least smile? What are your thoughts on the Indoor Book Tours?

Happy and You Know It by Laura Hankin

During these difficult times it’s not easy to be happy, but if you’re like me a good book can make you smile. That’s why I’m delighted to tell you about a new release where the Nanny Diaries meets Primates of Park Avenue.

HAPPY AND YOU KNOW IT (Berkley Hardcover; May 19, 2020) by Laura Hankin is a punchy, gobble-it-up-in-one-sitting novel set around a group of wealthy Manhattan mothers and their hired baby musician who unravels their outwardly perfect lives.

The author delivers a juicy and compelling take on the culture of perfection we have created for ourselves through social media, how our high expectations affect our attitudes towards motherhood, and how filtered photos have the power to conceal some of our darkest realities. But ultimately, this dazzling novel celebrates the unlikely bonds that form and the power that is unleashed when a group of women comes together, lifting each other up in a world that is constantly pushing them down.

          Claire Martin missed her chance at stardom. She left her band, Vagabond, just as they were starting to make it big. With no royalties from the hit song she wrote and no cash flow, Claire needs to reinvent herself and earn some money to stay afloat in New York City—fast.

          Reluctantly, Claire takes a gig as a playgroup musician, serenading the privileged toddlers of Manhattan’s wealthy elite. But it’s not long before Claire is brought in as an honorary member of the playgroup by the mothers who employ her—a group of influential women obsessed with fitness, well-being, and, of course, motherhood.

There’s Whitney, group ringleader and Instagram star whose life is picture-perfect on the surface. Amara, a stay-at-home mom who is used to climbing the corporate ladder and is now rediscovering her identity. Meredith and Ellie, the inseparable dynamic mom duo, and Gwen, an old pro who never hesitates to share motherly wisdom. Claire quickly learns that playgroup is for more than just the kids—it’s time for the moms to de-stress and focus on themselves through their fancy fitness classes, vitamins, and healthy doses of gossip.

Claire begins to count on these women as friends—until she stumbles upon some of their most scandalous secrets and the extreme lengths these polished parents will go to hide their flaws.

Author Laura Hankin, photo credit Berkley 2019

Now for those who aren’t familiar with Laura, here is a bit of background on her.

Laura Hankin has written for McSweeney's and HuffPost, among other publications. The viral videos that she creates and stars in with her comedy duo, Feminarchy, have been featured in Now This, The New York Times, and Funny or Die.

She grew up in Washington, D.C., attended Princeton University, and now lives in New York City, where she has performed off-Broadway, acted onscreen and sung to far too many babies.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. I can’t help but smile thinking about all the problems that could result from this group and their activities, what about you? Do I see a hint of a smile on your face?