Essie in Progress: A Novel [Paperback]

Marjorie Presten (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2009

A touching story about life as it should be lived The Wells family has reached a state of crisis. Essie is burning the candle at both ends as she tries to juggle her job, her motherly duties, and her impulsive husband, Jack. Meanwhile, Hamilton, the patriarch, has taken up residence in a dilapidated sailboat on Lake Lanier, trying to forget his past. The one thing that they all have in common is their search for significance. Told with a unique wit and a genuine Southern sensibility, Essie in Progress is a stirring story about realizing the life God has in store for you. (20091204)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Essie in Progress is a story of spiritual growth and restored relationships. I believe that it has something special to offer everyone." (Daysong Reflections )

"I enjoyed it a lot, and recommend it to anyone who likes humorous stories about real people living in today's world." (Virginia's Journal )

From the Back Cover

Today, Essie felt confident, in charge, in control. But all that could change so easily . . .

In a matter of seconds, two small children replaced Essie's short-lived illusion of confidence with the reality of chaos. When did happily-ever-after begin? Where was her fairy-tale rescue? There must be more to life, to motherhood, than this. All the trials, the temper tantrums, the disasters must lead to a glorious ending eventually. There simply must be more significance to the routine, the mundane, the hassles of raising children.

She ached to find it.

Can Essie continue to juggle her job, her motherly duties, her impulsive husband, and a forlorn father-in-law who has taken up residence in a dilapidated sailboat?

For every well-meaning, time-starved wife and mother, Essie in Progress is a clever foray into a life so harried and yet so familiar. Writing with a unique style and genuine Southern sensibility, author Marjorie Presten offers a stirring message about discovering and embracing life as it's meant to be lived--the life God wants for you.

"A remarkable story that validates the endless spin of a working mother, homemaker, wife, lover, and friend in today's fast-paced lifestyle. In the end, God's grace shows up right where it's needed."--Thomas D. Phillips, M.A. MFC, D.Min, President, Atlanta Care Center, Inc

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Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Kregel Publications (April 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 082543565X
• ISBN-13: 978-0825435652
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,102,896 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A FUN READ!, August 5, 2009

By 

Ingrid C. Watkins "carlea" (atlanta, ge) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Essie in Progress: A Novel (Paperback)

I enjoyed this book because the characters are so lively and full of personality. This book has the winning recipe and brought out a wide range of emotions. It was funny and sad, but very entertaining. I appreciate the author for her writing abilities. I am an avid reader and can get more than a little annoyed with typos, run-on sentences and poor grammar. You won't find any of those here, Marjorie has done a great job of telling her story, and telling it well. Can't wait to see what she does in her next novel. This one is a fun read!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A delight to read, August 4, 2009

By 

Deborah "Books, Movies and Chinese Food" (Fairfax, VA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Essie in Progress: A Novel (Paperback)

This book was quite a surprise to read. From the front cover and description, I immediately assumed this was going to be another mommy-lit book where the wife has the unruly children and the husband seems to be oblivious to his wife's struggles. Luckily though I was in for a treat as this was not the case. Yes, there is a pregnant mom trying to juggle her kids and her life but there's a twist. She's a working mom and not a SAHM . Essie is a character that you immediately like as you read about her tackling life out in the work force and how to take care of the kiddies back at home. Meanwhile she has to watch her husband face a midlife crisis as he actually goes out and buys the stereotypical Porsche. An incredibly funny scene happens when Essie comes home one day and finds her beloved SUV replaced by a hulking Hummer. The story is also about Jack's estranged father Hamilton and how his life has become unfulfilled. He's had numerous wives that have come and gone. His new catchphrase could be "I'm on a boat!" as that has become his permanent home. He has found out that his so called easy way of life has completely alienated himself from getting to know his only son's family. It's interesting how living on the boat is a metaphor for how unstable and unpredictable Ham has made his life.

The story is very entertaining and it's filled with lots of humor. There were times when I would get a bit miffed with Jack and his lack of concern for Essie's life at times. However their marriage is quite healthy and it's refreshing to see a family who actually enjoys spending time with each other. I believe this is the author's first novel and I really enjoyed reading it. It's fun, light, non preachy and teaches one what's meaningful in life. I'll be looking forward to reading the rest of Majorie's books.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Funny, Touching, Brilliant, and Entertaining!, May 11, 2009

By 

L. Hancock "Mimi" (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Essie in Progress: A Novel (Paperback)

Marjorie Presten is a fabulous wordsmith! This is one of the best books I have ever read -- totally entertaining, and with wonderful values applied to real-world situations. It has that Southern humor that makes you laugh out loud. At the same time, I could relate to the feelings this young woman has as a working mother with all the relationships and work projects she has to juggle. Her conversations with her husband, her sister and the lady with all the chihuahuas are delightful! A great wit, a sensitive story, and a fun read. Every woman needs to find herself in this fast-paced world, especially when life seems so overwhelming at times. Having children and a career are two full time jobs. I think this story would make a great movie - so many visuals. (I want Robert Duvall to play Hamilton. What a character!) I am looking forward to anything else Marjorie Presten writes. She's a winner!