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The Kitchen Shrink
Alternate Cover Edition for B004MMEA0I.
If your life is a mess, your house could probably use a makeover, too. Welcome to the behind-the-scenes world of reality TV in The Kitchen Shrink . . . an unexpected love story.
With tenderness, humor, drama, and the simplicity of real life, this original, endearing story reaches into the heart of friendship and relationships.
Unable to squirm out of this "it will be fun" opportunity, Lisby Shaw tries to juggle her upstairs-behind-the-scenes-life with her downstairs-in-front-of-the-camera persona, where everything she says and does can and will be used against her. She cannot believe what a freak show her life has become. At least no one knows about her crush on Sam, Sam, the Cameraman...
Lisby tries to find her way as the TV cameras capture her every move, zooming in on drama with her kids, her ex, her mom and her best friend. Stay tuned for Lisby's extreme close-up as she becomes a jilted laughingstock on national TV. All is lost...or is it?
The Kitchen Shrink was a finalist in the San Diego Book Awards.
Dee DeTarsio is a Winner of The 2013 San Diego Book Awards, Romance category, for Haole Wood, as well as a 2013 Next Generation Indie Awards Finalist.
If your life is a mess, your house could probably use a makeover, too. Welcome to the behind-the-scenes world of reality TV in The Kitchen Shrink . . . an unexpected love story.
With tenderness, humor, drama, and the simplicity of real life, this original, endearing story reaches into the heart of friendship and relationships.
Unable to squirm out of this "it will be fun" opportunity, Lisby Shaw tries to juggle her upstairs-behind-the-scenes-life with her downstairs-in-front-of-the-camera persona, where everything she says and does can and will be used against her. She cannot believe what a freak show her life has become. At least no one knows about her crush on Sam, Sam, the Cameraman...
Lisby tries to find her way as the TV cameras capture her every move, zooming in on drama with her kids, her ex, her mom and her best friend. Stay tuned for Lisby's extreme close-up as she becomes a jilted laughingstock on national TV. All is lost...or is it?
The Kitchen Shrink was a finalist in the San Diego Book Awards.
Dee DeTarsio is a Winner of The 2013 San Diego Book Awards, Romance category, for Haole Wood, as well as a 2013 Next Generation Indie Awards Finalist.
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 6, 2011
24 people are currently reading
265 people want to read
About the author
Dee DeTarsio
10 books106 followersDEE DeTARSIO is an award-winning writer living in southern California. After growing up in Ennui, Ohio, and graduating from The Ohio State University she vowed never to be cold again and ended up in Tucson, Arizona, producing the news for the CBS affiliate, oddly enough called KOLD-TV. She moved to San Diego where she worked in the SeaWorld entertainment department as a producer/writer. (Penguins are mean!) She then became a producer/writer for the NBC affiliate.
ALL MY RESTLESS LIFE TO LIVE (Winner, 2014 National Indie Excellence Awards), HAOLE WOOD (Winner, San Diego Book Awards, and Finalist in Next Generation Indie Book Awards), THE SCENT OF JADE, THE KITCHEN SHRINK (both finalists in The San Diego Book and Writing Awards), 'TIL SOMEBODY LOVES YOU, and ROS, (Kindle Bestsellers). Her holiday novel, GINGER KRINKLES won the 2015 New Apple Book Award, as well as the New Apple Book Award for Best Cover.
www.DeeDeTarsio.com
DeeDeTarsio@gmail.com
ALL MY RESTLESS LIFE TO LIVE (Winner, 2014 National Indie Excellence Awards), HAOLE WOOD (Winner, San Diego Book Awards, and Finalist in Next Generation Indie Book Awards), THE SCENT OF JADE, THE KITCHEN SHRINK (both finalists in The San Diego Book and Writing Awards), 'TIL SOMEBODY LOVES YOU, and ROS, (Kindle Bestsellers). Her holiday novel, GINGER KRINKLES won the 2015 New Apple Book Award, as well as the New Apple Book Award for Best Cover.
www.DeeDeTarsio.com
DeeDeTarsio@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 11, 2011
I was excited when Dee DeTarsio asked me to review her second novel, The Kitchen Shrink, after I had such a fun read with her debut The Scent of Jade. I gladly dove in to this contemporary, laugh out loud novel about the evils of reality TV, the stress of Do It Yourself (DIY) projects, and the struggle of finding oneself after a divorce. And did I mention this was all going to be a on a reality show? The heroine, Lisby Shaw, gets suckered in to appearing on “The Kitchen Shrink,” a new reality show that focuses on giving your kitchen a makeover while trying to also change your life. Lisby needs help in both areas- not only is her kitchen an outdated underwhelming mess, but her life has turned upside down since her divorce, and her kids are slipping further from her grasp. She dives headfirst into the reality world, letting the cameras invade her home and once private life.
I really had a good time reading The Kitchen Shrink. It was funny and current, with snappy dialogue and unique characters. Lisby was really sweet and likeable, and readers are meeting her at such a vulnerable stage in her life that you can’t not root for her to win. The characters that come with the reality show are all a hoot, and the men that Lisby tries to hook up with make for some great scenarios. I liked the relationship between Lisby and her BFF, and what strains their friendship half way through turned out to be pretty funny as well. The ending left me a little like “what happens next” and I like the endings to be a little more tidy, but overall I enjoyed this book and look forward to more from Dee DeTarsio. I would recommend The Kitchen Shrink to chick lit fans, and be ready to wonder how your life would change if you went on a reality show!
I really had a good time reading The Kitchen Shrink. It was funny and current, with snappy dialogue and unique characters. Lisby was really sweet and likeable, and readers are meeting her at such a vulnerable stage in her life that you can’t not root for her to win. The characters that come with the reality show are all a hoot, and the men that Lisby tries to hook up with make for some great scenarios. I liked the relationship between Lisby and her BFF, and what strains their friendship half way through turned out to be pretty funny as well. The ending left me a little like “what happens next” and I like the endings to be a little more tidy, but overall I enjoyed this book and look forward to more from Dee DeTarsio. I would recommend The Kitchen Shrink to chick lit fans, and be ready to wonder how your life would change if you went on a reality show!
February 23, 2020
(4.5 Stars)
I'm not a fan of romance, but in The Kitchen Shrink the romance is very subtle and low-key, and that is what I enjoyed most about this book. The writing is very good and the characters are all well-developed. This was a fun read that I couldn't put down and had to finish in one day.
I'm not a fan of romance, but in The Kitchen Shrink the romance is very subtle and low-key, and that is what I enjoyed most about this book. The writing is very good and the characters are all well-developed. This was a fun read that I couldn't put down and had to finish in one day.
June 15, 2012
This review first appear on Miss Fifi Flowers's Blog Reading is Fashionable.
If your get up and go, has got up and gone, what could be better than a home makeover? I mean really, that could be just the pick-me-up for you or me or really anyone. Who wouldn't like to get their living space freshened up, especially for free? In Dee DeTarsio’s novel, THE KITCHEN SHRINK, the only catch is, you’ll have to get it done in front of a television audience.
Lisby is as quirky as her name. Her best friend, Daria helps get her cast for the debut of the new TV reality show, THE KITCHEN SHRINK. It’s the television show that’s going to deliver the ultimate life and home makeover to one lucky winner! Unable to get out of this “it will be so-much fun” opportunity Lisby tries to juggle her upstairs-behind-the-scenes-life with her downstairs-in-front-of-the-camera persona, where everything she says and does can and will be taped and used against her on the program.
Elgin, the show’s Diva-Designer is determined to make Lisby’s life a living hell in order to get “good TV” out of her performance for the producers. Whether that means barging into her bedroom while she’s half-dressed or having a screaming match in the middle of Home Depot with the cameras rolling, everything is up for grabs. Lisby tries to be a good mom to her two uncooperative teenagers at the beginning, but soon realizes behaving nice is boring, and acting dull will get her kicked off the show! For that, she can just say goodbye to the makeover and any chance at winning the extra 50-grand!
It’s not easy, but Lisby manages to give us a peek into the vulnerability of what some moms, especially the mom of two teens, go through without disintegrating into mushiness. In fact Lisby’s sense of humor and sarcasm, are perfect for some truly heartbreaking issues, like sex and drugs. Lisby's personal motto: if you don't laugh, you'll cry, is a reassuring wake-up call for women watching everywhere.
Hopefully, the show doesn't find out about her fling with that hunky carpenter. Or that she and her friend, Daria smoked the pot she found in her daughter's bedroom. Lisby cannot believe how out of control her life has become. At least no one knows about her crush on Sam, Sam the Cameraman… except the entire crew…and viewing audience!
Lisby tries to find a way to get her life and house back in order as the TV cameras capture every moment of disorder, zooming in and out on the drama with her kids, ex-husband, mom and her best friend co-starring. Stay tuned for Lisby’s extreme close-up as she becomes a jilted laughingstock on national TV. All is lost - or is it?
THE KITCHEN SHRINK is well-written, fast-paced and entertaining. I found myself laughing out loud, but there were tender moments, too! This is not a heavy book, it’s chick-lit wrapped up in humor. Dee DeTarsio’s background as a TV writer comes through when spinning a delightful tale readers soon won’t forget.
Dee DeTarsio is the author of two other e-books: The Secret of Jade and ‘Til Somebody Loves You. Sit back with a glass of wine, enjoy THE KITCHEN SHRINK and tell me what you think … Miss Cindy writeoncindy@yahoo.com
If your get up and go, has got up and gone, what could be better than a home makeover? I mean really, that could be just the pick-me-up for you or me or really anyone. Who wouldn't like to get their living space freshened up, especially for free? In Dee DeTarsio’s novel, THE KITCHEN SHRINK, the only catch is, you’ll have to get it done in front of a television audience.
Lisby is as quirky as her name. Her best friend, Daria helps get her cast for the debut of the new TV reality show, THE KITCHEN SHRINK. It’s the television show that’s going to deliver the ultimate life and home makeover to one lucky winner! Unable to get out of this “it will be so-much fun” opportunity Lisby tries to juggle her upstairs-behind-the-scenes-life with her downstairs-in-front-of-the-camera persona, where everything she says and does can and will be taped and used against her on the program.
Elgin, the show’s Diva-Designer is determined to make Lisby’s life a living hell in order to get “good TV” out of her performance for the producers. Whether that means barging into her bedroom while she’s half-dressed or having a screaming match in the middle of Home Depot with the cameras rolling, everything is up for grabs. Lisby tries to be a good mom to her two uncooperative teenagers at the beginning, but soon realizes behaving nice is boring, and acting dull will get her kicked off the show! For that, she can just say goodbye to the makeover and any chance at winning the extra 50-grand!
It’s not easy, but Lisby manages to give us a peek into the vulnerability of what some moms, especially the mom of two teens, go through without disintegrating into mushiness. In fact Lisby’s sense of humor and sarcasm, are perfect for some truly heartbreaking issues, like sex and drugs. Lisby's personal motto: if you don't laugh, you'll cry, is a reassuring wake-up call for women watching everywhere.
Hopefully, the show doesn't find out about her fling with that hunky carpenter. Or that she and her friend, Daria smoked the pot she found in her daughter's bedroom. Lisby cannot believe how out of control her life has become. At least no one knows about her crush on Sam, Sam the Cameraman… except the entire crew…and viewing audience!
Lisby tries to find a way to get her life and house back in order as the TV cameras capture every moment of disorder, zooming in and out on the drama with her kids, ex-husband, mom and her best friend co-starring. Stay tuned for Lisby’s extreme close-up as she becomes a jilted laughingstock on national TV. All is lost - or is it?
THE KITCHEN SHRINK is well-written, fast-paced and entertaining. I found myself laughing out loud, but there were tender moments, too! This is not a heavy book, it’s chick-lit wrapped up in humor. Dee DeTarsio’s background as a TV writer comes through when spinning a delightful tale readers soon won’t forget.
Dee DeTarsio is the author of two other e-books: The Secret of Jade and ‘Til Somebody Loves You. Sit back with a glass of wine, enjoy THE KITCHEN SHRINK and tell me what you think … Miss Cindy writeoncindy@yahoo.com
December 31, 2012
4.5 Stars
Lisby Shaw has left her “functioning alcoholic” husband; her two teenage children are too busy being teenagers to pay her much attention unless they have something to gain; and she has no career or hobbies to speak of. In a word, she is in a rut, but Daria, her single and spunky television producer best friend, is about to change all that when she arranges for Lisby to star in a television reality show "The Kitchen Shrink". The show is pitched as “Therapeutic Interior Design” and during the course of the show, therapy and carpentry are to go hand in hand. As Lisby makes changes in her kitchen, she will also make positive changes in her life. That is the plan, at least. Although Lisby is not entirely convinced, Daria and Lisby’s kids won’t let her say “no” and besides, she really wants a new kitchen.
This is the second book I have read by Dee Desario and I am once again impressed with her ability to draw such entertaining characters who truly come to life in the pages. I think what I enjoyed most about this book was the authenticity of the family dynamics. Lisby’s relationship with her teenage daughter and son and even her ex-husband felt so incredibly real to me and I laughed at their banter on more than one occasion. I absolutely loved Nicole and Ryan as they were quintessential teenagers. The other secondary characters from Elgin (the set designer), Sam (the camera man), and Daria (the best friend) also added humor and some entertaining confict to the story. Finally, I liked that while there was a romantic element to the book, the novel really focused on Lisby finding the spark in her own life again.
Dee Desario is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors!
Lisby Shaw has left her “functioning alcoholic” husband; her two teenage children are too busy being teenagers to pay her much attention unless they have something to gain; and she has no career or hobbies to speak of. In a word, she is in a rut, but Daria, her single and spunky television producer best friend, is about to change all that when she arranges for Lisby to star in a television reality show "The Kitchen Shrink". The show is pitched as “Therapeutic Interior Design” and during the course of the show, therapy and carpentry are to go hand in hand. As Lisby makes changes in her kitchen, she will also make positive changes in her life. That is the plan, at least. Although Lisby is not entirely convinced, Daria and Lisby’s kids won’t let her say “no” and besides, she really wants a new kitchen.
This is the second book I have read by Dee Desario and I am once again impressed with her ability to draw such entertaining characters who truly come to life in the pages. I think what I enjoyed most about this book was the authenticity of the family dynamics. Lisby’s relationship with her teenage daughter and son and even her ex-husband felt so incredibly real to me and I laughed at their banter on more than one occasion. I absolutely loved Nicole and Ryan as they were quintessential teenagers. The other secondary characters from Elgin (the set designer), Sam (the camera man), and Daria (the best friend) also added humor and some entertaining confict to the story. Finally, I liked that while there was a romantic element to the book, the novel really focused on Lisby finding the spark in her own life again.
Dee Desario is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors!
June 6, 2012
Dee DeTarsio told me all about the time she agreed to do a TV reality show called The Kitchen Shrink. This is what I thought the whole time I was reading her book. The thing is though, I've never met Dee and I'm pretty sure I've never talked to her on the phone unless she works at Verizon which I hope she doesn't because they spend a lot of time redirecting phone calls. Anyway. After every time that I remembered I didn't know Dee, my next thought was: Wow, her writing is good. She writes like she's speaking to me and only me. That's not an easy thing to do, even though ironically it's the easiest style to read.
The Kitchen Shrink was a delight. I suspect (my friend) Dee works in the TV industry because there are insights here that only those on set could know. Which makes her book that much more fun to read. This is the perfect summer read.
The Kitchen Shrink was a delight. I suspect (my friend) Dee works in the TV industry because there are insights here that only those on set could know. Which makes her book that much more fun to read. This is the perfect summer read.
February 19, 2012
After reading The Kitchen Shrink and The Scent of Jade now, I think I can conclude that Dee is a pretty over-the-top writer. And I like it :) I enjoyed this one a little more than The Scent of Jade, but they are totally different styles of books too so it's hard to compare - and why would one want to? This one is more funny, less action but equally entertaining. I'll leave it at that. I can't wait to read more books by this author and am glad I finally found a funny author to read!! Thanks Dee! Keep up the word plays, puns and every other literary device you so desire to employ, they suit you well!
March 22, 2012
Ha! This is my new FAVORITE book! It was amazing! It is such a hysterical, feel good read. The characters are so believable I found I was realting them to my friends! Don't worry, no names... At least not right now! Everyone should read this book! I am going to read it again and again and again. Thank you Miss DeTarsio! You are a wonderful writer!
August 11, 2012
This is the first book of Dee's that I read. What a Dee-light-full story. The characters were quirky and the language was sassy and I enjoyed every minute I spent reading it. This book gave me the incentive to go buy more of her books. She better get busy because I am reading another of hers right now and when that is done I will be craving more.
December 30, 2011
LOVED THIS BOOK!!! I laughed and cried as I read this book.
September 2, 2016
good, fun, light read-a perfect book to read on a catamaran in the Caribbean!
April 5, 2012
Loved it. Would love a follow up :)
September 10, 2011
This review originally appeared on Feeding My Book Addiction: http://feedingmybookaddiction.blogspo...
Sometimes, a woman just wants to curl up on the couch in some comfy clothes and read a fun book that will distract her from what's on her mind. Dee DeTarsio's The Kitchen Shrink is just the book for days like that.
DeTarsio's sophomore novel is a smart and hilarious exploration of what it means to be a middle aged divorcée trying to come to terms with and move on after her divorce while raising two teenagers all under the glaring lights and cameras of a reality television show. At the urging of her best friend, the novel's protagonist, Lisby, signs up as a contestant on a reality show called The Kitchen Shrink. The premise is, "If your life is a mess, your house could probably use a makeover, too." And Lisby's life sure is a mess.
She's trying to figure out how to move on after her divorce. The thought of dating again is frightening because she's been out of the dating arena for so long. She's trying to figure out how to be a parent to her two teenagers without pushing them away, which she has a habit of doing - not on purpose, but because she hasn't figured out how to relate to her children as young adults. And, of course, Lisby is still trying to figure out her own tenuous relationship with her mother.
Then, the crew of The Kitchen Shrink takes over Lisby's life. Every aspect of it is under scrutiny - her body, kitchen, bedroom, wardrobe, social life, love life, parenting skills, and even how she interacts with her ex-husband. All of the embarrassing details and milestones of Lisby's transformation are captured by Sam, the cameraman. He's a hunky, rugged man with a compassionate side and he clicks with Lisby. Too bad Lisby thinks he's dating her best friend, Daria. (I envisioned Daria to look exactly like the Daria of MTV cartoon fame. It made her character even more entertaining to me.)
The most compelling parts of this book for me were the parts that made me laugh out loud. These were little tidbits of Lisby that jumped off the page because they are so realistic. Just how realistic, you ask? They were so realistic that I had done them myself. And I know a lot of women who have too. I won't give away any of these laugh out loud moments of truth because I don't want to ruin them for you if you decide to read this book.
And I hope you do decide to read this book. I'll warn you that it's not an earth shattering book that will change your life forever, but it will entertain you for a few hours and help you escape the monotony and stress of your own life. Close the shades one weekend afternoon. Curl up on the couch in comfy clothes and a cup of tea and read this book. It's the perfect chick flick cheese read for a fall afternoon.
Sometimes, a woman just wants to curl up on the couch in some comfy clothes and read a fun book that will distract her from what's on her mind. Dee DeTarsio's The Kitchen Shrink is just the book for days like that.
DeTarsio's sophomore novel is a smart and hilarious exploration of what it means to be a middle aged divorcée trying to come to terms with and move on after her divorce while raising two teenagers all under the glaring lights and cameras of a reality television show. At the urging of her best friend, the novel's protagonist, Lisby, signs up as a contestant on a reality show called The Kitchen Shrink. The premise is, "If your life is a mess, your house could probably use a makeover, too." And Lisby's life sure is a mess.
She's trying to figure out how to move on after her divorce. The thought of dating again is frightening because she's been out of the dating arena for so long. She's trying to figure out how to be a parent to her two teenagers without pushing them away, which she has a habit of doing - not on purpose, but because she hasn't figured out how to relate to her children as young adults. And, of course, Lisby is still trying to figure out her own tenuous relationship with her mother.
Then, the crew of The Kitchen Shrink takes over Lisby's life. Every aspect of it is under scrutiny - her body, kitchen, bedroom, wardrobe, social life, love life, parenting skills, and even how she interacts with her ex-husband. All of the embarrassing details and milestones of Lisby's transformation are captured by Sam, the cameraman. He's a hunky, rugged man with a compassionate side and he clicks with Lisby. Too bad Lisby thinks he's dating her best friend, Daria. (I envisioned Daria to look exactly like the Daria of MTV cartoon fame. It made her character even more entertaining to me.)
The most compelling parts of this book for me were the parts that made me laugh out loud. These were little tidbits of Lisby that jumped off the page because they are so realistic. Just how realistic, you ask? They were so realistic that I had done them myself. And I know a lot of women who have too. I won't give away any of these laugh out loud moments of truth because I don't want to ruin them for you if you decide to read this book.
And I hope you do decide to read this book. I'll warn you that it's not an earth shattering book that will change your life forever, but it will entertain you for a few hours and help you escape the monotony and stress of your own life. Close the shades one weekend afternoon. Curl up on the couch in comfy clothes and a cup of tea and read this book. It's the perfect chick flick cheese read for a fall afternoon.
March 19, 2011
I had so much fun writing this, I had to give myself FIVE stars, count 'em, FIVE. (Bless me Father for I have sinned...It has been about a million years since my last confession, but if you're keeping track, I did say 14 Hail Mary's after posting this--is that the going rate for being obnoxious?)
May 30, 2011
I would probably give this 3.5 stars if I could--somewhere between liked and really liked. ;-) Light, fun and a quick read especially if you are a bit of a reality television junkie like me. A more complete review is coming on my blog.
July 31, 2013
Loved it! Couldn't put it down until I was done!
April 2, 2013
Lisby Shaw is a mess: she waits on her kids hand & foot, complains about her life while doing nothing to fix it and makes weirdly poor decisions for someone so uptight.
When her best friend convinces her to go on a reality show to get a new kitchen, Lisby becomes even more of a mess because she is so busy judging she hasn't time for much else.
I like the writing and it was a quick read but I just could not like the main character. She is an obnoxious helicopter parent who grated on my nerves.
When her best friend convinces her to go on a reality show to get a new kitchen, Lisby becomes even more of a mess because she is so busy judging she hasn't time for much else.
I like the writing and it was a quick read but I just could not like the main character. She is an obnoxious helicopter parent who grated on my nerves.
March 18, 2012
Not the greatest beginning. It didn't engage me. Then, the f word within the first chapter. Yep, done.
May 31, 2012
Honestly, I didn't even finish reading it... I was bored with the story line, it was a little predictable and I lost interest in it.
September 22, 2012
Yawn----
September 29, 2012
Didn't care for it. Just not my style
December 6, 2012
Eh, not one of the best I've read, but not the worst. Okay for a free read.
December 30, 2012
4.5 stars! Review to come soon!
January 21, 2013
A bit different - got it free on kindle not sure I'd have paid for it - but light and enjoyable if a bit obvious where the story was going...
April 23, 2013
Thank goodness this was free on my kindle. Totally unrealistic, and not in a fun way. Ending was lousy. Skip it.
Read
April 25, 2013Very cute book. It was a break from books I was reading. I found myself wanting to see how things turned out.
September 16, 2013
Slightly amusing but predictable. Several grammatical errors, particularly tense changes, were distracting.
January 2, 2013
Predictable chick lit.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews