Joy Waldrop's Home Page Awe-Struck E-Books Category:  Mainstream Publisher: Awe-Struck E-Books ISBN-10:  1928670652 Type: Fiction Pages: 427 Copyright: Feb 28 2000 Jeff's ex-wife, Blair will stop at nothing to destroy his newly formed Blended family with his second wife, Jody. Their romance is further complicated by the fact that Jeff's children are subject to many forms of abuse by Blair and her new husband. The reader is taken on a heart-breaking journey through the family legal system as Jeff and Jody use every legal maneuver possible to rescue the children. A custody battle to end all custody battles. "They're Getting Even/I'm Getting Odd," a fictitious work, is written through the eyes of a stopmother and revolves around the difficulties of finding love the second time around. Jody and Jeff, two single parents, fall in love, get married and create what is known in today's world as a "blended family." But their lives are turned upside down by Jeff's ex-wife, Blair; a woman who shows no boundaries in what she will do to end their relationship. Blair blankets the lives of Jody, Jeff and the children with chaos through creative means by expressing her anger,jealousy, cruelty and hatred in ways that hurt Jeff's new family. Jeff and Jody fight back using every legal means possible. When failed by the local police in their attempts to control Blair's harrassment, the situation is taken to the next level as a full-blown custody battle over the children is brought to the forefront. Blair's dark demeanor is highlighted by some disturbing secrets that lay within the confines of the home she proposes to provide for her children. At the same time, Jody questions her decision to have involved herself and her son in the inferno of Jeff's first marriage; one that clearly has not been settled. A mother who wants her children for all the wrong reasons and a father who genuinely cares about their well-being play hard ball with each other while their children suffer. The emotional upheaval of this novel will pierce the heart of divorced or separated couples, bringing to life who the true victims are in any custody battle; the children. Excerpt Judge Jones silently scanned the motions pertaining to our case. She looked up at Neil. “It says here that your client is planning to move to California next month, is that true?” “Yes, your Honor, and we have several items of documentation which…” The judge cut him off in mid-sentence. “I want you to know, right now that there is no way I’m sending these children to California. California simply has not happened yet! I suggest you two attorneys discuss another way of resolving this case because I will not even consider your client’s motion for custody at this time.” “Your Honor, I have many items of evidence pertaining to my client’s ex-wife’s behavior. These include a letter from a therapist and several messages left on his answering machine. I’d like the opportunity for you to hear the evidence in this case before you…” The judge was now angry and cut him off again. “I will not send these children to California. That is my position. I will hear testimony if you so chose, but I will not send the children to California. Is that clear?” “Yes your Honor,” Neil mumbled. Jones advised our attorneys to leave the courtroom so that she could attend to other matters on her docket. She wanted us to come up with a settlement proposal and return to her courtroom when one was reached. Blair and Steve left the courtroom before we did. As we filed out of the door Blair was standing in the hallway with Steve, the children, and her attorney. As we walked past her, she smiled at us. “Play the tapes! Play the tapes!” she hissed mockingly. She made no attempt to hide the vindication she felt. She was smiling as we ignored her and kept walking toward the elevator, eyes straight ahead.

From Dawn A. Long
Jody, a career woman and single mother, has fallen in love with Jeff, the single father of two children. Jeff is everything Jody could want in a man, but the complications of his children make their growing relationship difficult . . . not to mention the complications caused by Jeff's ex-wife.

Jeff's ex-wife, Blair, was impossible to live with. But when Jeff meets Jody he finds a woman who is caring, intelligent and loving enough to ride the emotional roller coaster of Jeff's life. He loves his children dearly but understands Jody's hesitations with the relationship.

Jeff and Jody are falling deeper in love daily. Can their relationship survive? Or will Jeff's ex-wife succeed once more in making his life miserable?

In THEY'RE GETTING EVEN; I'M GETTING ODD, author Joy Waldrop realistically portrays the difficulties of finding love the second time around. The book is sensitive to the issues of step-parenting and custody battles. As you read this story, you will find yourself rooting for Jeff and Jody as they fight for the best interests of the children.
-Writer's Club Romance Group



Reader Review/Barnes and Noble Open Forum
Don McGee, April 10, 2000 An embittered former spouse inflicts bratty revenge on her beleaguered ex, and the world casually dismisses it as a 'messy divorce.' Ms. Waldrop exposes the wounds suffered by all during the emotional bloodletting. Most poignantly, she portrays the scars growing in the children, as Blair wields them as weapons during the protracted divorce and custody proceedings. She wrote powerful characters that all too many of us will recognize, and they tell a compelling story that will keep you up late reading.


Reader Review/Barnes and Noble
Dee Firkus September 12, 2000, Extremely Gripping I have read a lot of books but when you sit down & read this you won't want to stop. It's a must for all men, women going thru a divorce,are divorced, ever been married or in a relationship with a man or woman who has a physco ex! Don't pass this reading up. It's happy, sad, gripping. I wanted to read it so fast to see what the Ex has up her sleeve next. It also lets you know you are not alone when it comes to a situation dealing with the devil in diguise. Don't wait!