Many women reach a point when their love lives and careers begin to feel stale, and the children they have cared for over the past couple decades are now grown-up with lives of their own. Until now, most of what the literary world had to offer these women sat in the self-help section. Susanna Sheehy's debut novel, "Marking Time," was born of her desire to provide fictional reading for those in her age group addressing the specific issues this stage of life presents. Sheehy's poignant writing draws readers in to vividly experience the heartfelt joys and sorrows of Victoria's journey. "Marking Time" is a story of rejuvenation, proving that life is far from over at the age of 50.

Marking Time

Susanna Chelton Sheehy
Elden Publishing (2007)
ISBN 0978927109
Reviewed by Vicki Landes for Reader Views (3/07)


Novelist Susanna Chelton Sheehy weaves a little of her own personal interests and mid-life circumstances into the first book of her new trilogy, “The Second Half.”  “Marking Time” is the story of one woman’s journey from post-menopausal depression to rediscovering her zest for life while growing her own garden.  This road to self-discovery is paved with lessons on conquering inner fears, learning new skills, taking bold chances, making new friends, enduring family crises, finding inner strength, and falling in love all over again (with the same man!).  As her garden transforms from a wild and overgrown patch of land, so she transforms from an empty shell to a joyful and radiant essence.

Sheehy does an exquisite job bringing her characters and their situations to life.  Her heartwarming and passionate writing style pulls the reader into the pages to become a silent witness to this unfolding saga.  Not only is “Marking Time” difficult to put down, it’s emotional – you’ll laugh and cry along with the characters.  In fact, I actually found myself sad that it had ended as I’d really enjoyed getting to know her main character, Victoria, and missed her when there were no more pages to read.   

Although a work of fiction, Victoria experiences feelings that many women face during those mid-life, menopausal years so she’s easily relatable (I think there’s a bit of Victoria in every woman!).  “Marking Time” is perfect for middle-aged women as well as women feeling like they are in a rut in life.  Sheehy’s inspirational story will motivate the disheartened woman to try something new or to take a monotonous life in a different direction.  She also gives hope – the second half of your life can be even better than the first!

“Marking Time” is a beautifully-written novel about mid-life, rekindling passion, and finding your true self.  Inspirational, motivational, funny, loving, moving, and heartbreaking all at the same time, author Susanna Chelton Sheehy’s new book will touch your heart and lift your spirit with her fictional story about real life.  Hit an impasse?  Can’t shake the sadness?  Need a ‘pick me up’?  Read this book!