3 minute read
Defining Me
from September 2023
by societylife
Isabelle, the main character of LM Berthiaume’s novel “Defining Me,” seems to have the perfect life including delightful children Mila and Jake and a gorgeous home in San Francisco. Her hot, but often distracted, husband Chris works for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and travels regularly. Isabelle doesn’t know much about what he does, but she is wrapped up in her own business, a travel company for which she regularly visits the world’s most fascinating destinations. While traveling she sometimes runs into her first love Alex Hastings. He still makes her heart beat faster, but she tries to discourage him and stay true to her marriage.
Then the COVID pandemic hits. Isabelle’s business takes a dive, of course, because no one can travel, including her. Her life is reduced to refereeing fights between the kids, supervising virtual school and having outdoor, six-feetdistant tell-alls with her neighborhood friends. Soon she is awash in alcohol, unable to tell whether it’s a day the kids need to be online for school or the weekend. As tensions build between Isabelle and Chris, they agree to “take a break.” She decides to take Mila and Jake to visit her mom in Texas. Isabelle grew up in the Dallas area. Luckily mom has a home to accommodate all of them, a nice cool swimming pool and is thrilled to spend time with her grandchildren. Isabelle enjoys reconnecting with high school friends. She starts to get her drinking under control. Jackson, her mom’s hired man, feeds her healthy food and she starts to recover. There are hints about Jackson and mom’s relationship, but nothing is ever confirmed.
Then Alex starts showing up, trying to win Isabelle back. And Chris also arrives unannounced. Tensions increase and Isabelle swings back and forth, trying to figure out who she really is and where her loyalties lie. This struggle takes up most of the book. When the crisis occurs, it’s a big one. Secrets about Isabelle’s late dad as well as a relationship between Chris and Alex are revealed. Violence enters the picture. Isabelle finds herself in places she never expected to be. Will Isabelle find the courage to choose her true love? Will she come to understand who loves her and who doesn’t? Will she discover who she is and what she really wants? The final few pages reveal her answers.
Some things to be aware of: This story includes gallons and gallons of alcohol for adults as well as teenagers. Teenage sex also plays a part. Beware of four letter words that regularly pepper the dialogue.
Fragile Hearts, New Starts... A "The-One-That-Got-Away" Love Story with a Twist!
This book was recognized as a winner in the 2023 Beach Book Festival with an Honorable Mention in Romance
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: LM Berthiaume is a former commercial real estate executive who embraced the opportunity to follow her literary dreams. Her first novel, “Defining Me,” came to fruition after years of wishing and months of encouragement from friends. Now, after hours and hours of typing, editing, retyping, and editing some more, she is proud to say that her dream has come true. Mrs. Berthiaume grew up in Southlake, Texas. She is a wife, boy mom, cat mom, sister, daughter, and friend. You can purchase “Defining Me” on Amazon and from other booksellers.
PHOTOGRAPHY ................. Lorraine Haan-Stewart
PICTURED ................ JAMES LANDSCAPING, INC. (standing left right) Jane Weil, Eva Lau, Dyan Brown, Denise Taylor, and Shannon Jeffrey Adam. (seated
Rhonda James and Priscilla French.
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