Ten Kids, Two Lovebirds, and a Singing Mermaid

by Cathy Lamb

From the bestselling author of Julia’s Chocolates and Henry’s Sisters, comes a humorous, hopeful novel about two broken families. Set in Huntington Beach, California in 1979, the O’Briens and Rossis become next door neighbors and life is never the same again.

July 2019

Jesse O’Brien receives the phone call she never wanted and never expected. Her frightened sister, Joyce, tells her, “She’s missing.”

June 1979

On the day Jesse’s mother’s marriage fell apart, her face was slathered in snow-white cold cream, everything but her mouth and small circles around her eyes covered. She wore a plastic cap to dye a few gray hairs snaking through her thick brown waves and a pink polyester housedress.

Annie O’Brien, usually calm and cheerful, is livid as her husband tells her he’s leaving her and their five children for a woman who looks like Barbie.

Stunned, Jesse follows her furious parents outside as her father loads his suitcases into his Alfa Romeo and her mother loads a pie into her hand and heaves it at her father then waters his face with a hose.

When the dust settles, the Alfa Romeo roaring down the street, the cold cream now mixed with cherry pie filling, the shattered O’Brien family meets the Rossi family who have just moved in next Tommy, a Vietnam vet who looks like a motorcycle gang leader; his sister, Liliana, who believes she’s a mermaid; and Tommy’s five kids. They are mildly surprised at the family drama, but eager to get to know their exciting new neighbors.

Five kids plus five kids equals ten, and the adventures begin with an ending no one saw coming.

Inspired by Cathy Lamb’s childhood, Ten Kids, Two Lovebirds, and a Singing Mermaid is a funny, sweet story about life changing pies and Slip ‘N Slides, swearing parrots and sunny days, and mending aching hearts…together.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Chick Lit, Fiction, Family

354 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 30, 2024

Reviews

[Susan Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazingly wonderful

I’ve waited five long years for Cathy Lamb to publish a new book, and this amazingly wonderful book was worth the wait! This is a heartwarming, poignant story about family. The characters each had their own distinct personality, finely drawn people with idiosyncrasies and uniqueness. I loved the nostalgic feel of the book—Southern California in 1979 is a time and place I remember well!

[Beth Moran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth the wait!

I have loved all of Cathy Lamb's books and this is no exception. Heartwarming, fun, moving and full of joy. I'm already looking forward to the next one.

[SueK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cathy Lamb’s books are among my all-time favorites for her quirky and human characters, as well as her great story concepts. Set primarily in 1979, this story features two families who end up as next door neighbors. Ten children, much of their time spent outdoors over a summer “the way things were.”

The entire book was a lovely, heart-felt and comedic read. I especially loved the reflection on things as they were then - drinking from outdoor hoses, dangerous playground equipment that would never be allowed now, and women’s roles. This book was just what I needed right now.

The cover/title says Book 1. This makes me very happy.

[Kathleen Basi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful girl-power book with humor and a truly boo-hiss-worthy villain you don't have to try to sympathize with. A perfect beach read.

[Jody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ten Kids, Two Lovebirds, and a Singing Mermaid (The Deauville Street Families, Book One) by Cathy Lamb was absolutely fantastic. I LOVED this book, from its fun title, to its beautiful cover, to its amazing characters. In July 2019, Jesse O’Brien is contacted by her sister, Joyce, and told “she’s missing”. The story then flashes back to the summer of 1979 on Deauville Drive, Huntington Beach, California. Narrated by Jesse, it is the story of the O’Briens and the Rossis. Annie O’Brien, matriarch of the O’Brien family is informed by her husband (while wearing a plastic cap dyeing gray hairs and cold cream on her face) that he is leaving her and their five children for his secretary. The whole incident was witnessed by the new neighbors, the Rossi family, Tommy, his sister Liliana, who believes she’s a mermaid, and his five children. The summer adventures begin at that point. I laughed out loud and cried along with the characters. Wonderfully nostalgic with all the references to 1979. A great story that I did not want to see end. The ending was perfect.

[Rosemary Dreyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I usually love Cathy Lamb’s novels. She’s witty and has a charming rhythm to her writing. But this book fell flat. The story began in 1979 but really felt like it was in the 1950s or 1960s. The attitudes about “proper wives” and divorce felt too old to be appropriate in an era post “women’s lib.” What I liked: the blossoming of Annie; the developing spark between Annie and Tommy; Jesse’s observations; all the familiar games we used to play in childhood. What I didn’t like: the ridiculousness of Joe, his affair, and the positive overreaction of men (the boss, the judge); how the dad completely disappears from the ending. Overall, it was just an okay novel. But I would recommend Cathy Lamb’s other books, especially Julia’s Chocolates.

[Diana Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely a joy to read. Funny, witty, sad...all the feelings in this one book. Can't wait for more.

[Felicia Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet and heart warming story of family, love, divorce, and starting over.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a satisfying book

[Sharlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Ten Kids, Two Lovebirds and a Singing Mermaid," authored by Cathy Lamb and set in 1979 in Huntington Beach, California, narrates the compelling story of two adjacent families, the O'Briens and the Rossis. These families unite in the face of personal challenges. The narrative is triggered by a troubling phone call received by Jesse O'Brien in 2019, propelling the reader back to the pivotal summer of '79 that saw her family's life profoundly altered. The book intricately interlaces events from the past and present, shedding light on the intricate nature of familial relationships and the restorative role of communal bonds.

The novel is noted for its engaging quality, eliciting both humor and pathos from its readers. It appeals to those who value intricate tales of familial bonds and the serendipitous discovery of happiness in the least expected places. This book is particularly recommended for individuals seeking an uplifting story that candidly addresses life's inherent disorder.

To summarize, Cathy Lamb's most recent literary contribution is a noteworthy expansion of her body of work, offering an entertaining and heartening experience through its blend of wit and poignant storytelling.

[Phyllis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was intrigued by this title. It was either going to be a good book, or silly and trite. The description convinced me to give it a try, and I’m glad I took a chance on this warm-hearted dual timeline family story.

Inspired by the author’s childhood, the story takes place mostly in 1979, in Huntington Beach, California. Two families live next door to each other, each with five children and a single parent. Romance ensues.

It’s a story of hope, family, and starting over. The characters are quirky yet honest and support each other in ways that feel like a fairy tale. This is a comfort read, with no actual surprises, but sometimes that’s just what we need during the chaos of the real world.

[Kathleen Freeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me nostalgic for my childhood, one of playing outside all day with the neighbourhood kids, playing in a playground and drinking from the hose when you were thirsty. While this book deals with serious issues it was done in Cathy Lamb's way of people saying and doing crazy things. Overall I enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading what this author writes next.

[Marji · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5⭐️ I was gifted this book…wonderful. I am not a fast reader at all but I finished it in 2 days. Well written, interesting characters, just overall an excellent read. A must add to your list.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet book, but so wholesome it was ridiculous. Pollyanna would have rolled her eyes.

[Ruthanne Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful in a hard way.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story, both heartwarming and funny!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's fun to root against a villain and Joe O'Brien was a real awful man. Leaving his wife and five kids and all his interactions with him family had me wishing her would get his comeuppance. This book was great and being alive during the time period that book took place made it also nostalgic. I loved the O'Brien kids and the Rossi kids and their friendship and adventures.

[Sharon Studdert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cathy Lamb has done it again. This is now my new favorite book of hers.
Ten Kids, Two Lovebirds and a Singing Mermaid transported me back in time when kids were kids. The kids did their chores, yes they had chores, and went outside as soon as they could to play with the all the neighborhood kids. There were two rules, stay in the neighborhood and be home at dinner time.
I think we have all known an Annie O'Brien or been Annie O'Brien. Annie was a rather sophisticated woman who used proper grammar and dressed appropriately, so her husband Joe would approve. Annie taught her five children to be independent by growing all their own fruits and vegetables and making delicious homecooked meals. She had been married quite a few years when her husband told her he was leaving because he had met a better looking younger woman. As he is trying to drive off in his Alfa Romeo and leaving Annie with the old broken down car, there is a scene involving one of Annie's delicious fruit pies and a hose you cannot miss! Annie is left with five kids, no money, a mortgage and no job. The only job she has ever had was a waitress in college so she decides to look for a waitress job. The oldest child is left in charge of her siblings. Fortunately, a new family with five kids has moved in next door. Tommy, the dad, is a tattooed Viet Nam Vet who is actually a famous creator of fabulous tables and his sister, Liliane, has a golden voice and feels as though she is a mermaid. The two of them keep an eye on these ten rambunctious kids while Annie is at work. As time goes on, Tommy and Annie become friends as both recover from past experiences and heartache.
Joe takes the kids to his new girlfriend's house telling them what a great time they will have. It does not quite go as planned since the kids are quite vocal how they feel about his girlfriend whom they call Barbie. It's obvious Barbie does not know what to do and starts taking her stress out on Joe. Joe is determined not to pay child support so he is suing Annie for custody. Annie is terrified she may lose her kids and arrives in court looking lovely with her daughters who do not mince words. Once again humor and honesty prevail!
Little did Annie know that her delicious pies would make life much easier for her and the kids. This story is chalked full of humor while depicting what can happen to a family of divorce.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

We've had a five year wait for a new Cathy Lamb book and she has given her readers a wonderful gift with her new novel. It is emotional and funny with some of the quirkiest characters that I've read in a long time. I enjoyed it so much that I was up way past my bedtime to finish it - something that rarely happens.

It's 1979 and Annie's husband has just told her that he's leaving her and their five children to move in with his secretary - a woman who looks like Barbie. After a huge confrontation that involves a pie in the face of the father and a water hose stuck into the window of his Alfa Romeo, he leaves his stricken children and angry wife behind. It turns out that not only did he leave but he withdrew all of the money from his account and she had to go from being a stay at home mom to a working mom very quickly to pay the bills. As the dust settles, they realize that a new family has moved in next door and witnessed the entire confrontation. The Rossi family is made up of a dad who is a Vietnam vet, five children and his dad's sister who is happy but mentally challenged and believes that she is a mermaid. The mother of the family had died recently in a car accident. So now there are ten children, all of them missing one parent. But they are kids and play is important so they join together and play in the woods, make up games and have fantastic summer days together. Their play reminded me of being part of a gang of neighborhood kids - our only rules were to be home when the street lights came on and to be home for dinner (for us that was when the porch light was turned on). Like the kids in the book, we spent our days unsupervised but knowing that all of the mothers in the neighborhood were keeping an eye on us.


This book is an emotional look at the break up of a family because of the selfishness of one of the parents. It is full of kids and fun and will make you laugh out loud. This is the first book in the Deauville Street Families series and I can't wait to read more about this family as well as other families on their street.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, just Wow!

Having read several reviews, I ordered Cathy Lamb’s new book. It begins in 1979 with Annie O’Brien’s husband telling her he was leaving her and their five children to start a new life with his secretary. That same day the O’Brien family meets the Rossi family who have just moved in next door. Tommy, his sister Liliana (the singing mermaid) and his five children see the drama playing out next door but step in to be part of the O’Brien family story.

This book resonated with me because in many ways it was so like my childhood. With no technology kids were outside and playing unsupervised all day, knowing to come home for meals or when the streetlights came on. It was nothing to spend time with a pack of kids drinking out of the garden hose, exploring places close by, swimming and playing board games. The book also reminds us of the status of married women at that time.

Annie O’Brien pulls herself together and moves forward from this unexpected change in her life. She cares for her five children and makes friends with the Rossi family. She goes to work as a waitress and then starts a business, Annie’s Delicious Pies.

I read this book late into the night cheering on the O’Brien family (Annie and the kids), hating the selfish O’Brien father. Tommy Rossi looked like a member of a motorcycle gang but was a man of honor who served his country in Vietnam, cared for his children and sister, and came to love Annie.

I highly recommend this book. It is an exploration into the strength of the human spirit, the meaning of family and the joy of home.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious And Heartwarming. This is one of those tales that is very adult, yet told primarily through the eyes of children. Thus, when certain things happen - always behind closed doors, in these cases - the actual manner of storytelling gets particularly creative, no matter what adult situation the "certain things" may be. And yet we get a complete tale of wonder and heartache and healing into something even better than before, told with a skill and care that shows true talent and empathy.

In a way, yes, this is reminiscent of The Brady Bunch in that two families each with several kids ultimately come together. But the actual manner this is done in and the actual story told to get us to that point, even from its earliest stages, is also dramatically different than that old show - and yet, this tale does take place in a somewhat idealized late 1970s California, one where cheating, abuse, the Vietnam War, and drug abuse happen, but one where the Vietnam protests, gas crises, and other larger issues largely have not.

Truly an excellent tale with a rare twist in storytelling mechanism, and for that alone this is easily worth reading.

Very much recommended.

[Vicki Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't imagine what kind of person found this book "rather boring". I found it warm, witty, funny, sad and uplifting. The characters are people we "average" people can relate to, not spiffed up, out in the ozone people in absurd situations.

The characters were so real to me, that I found myself cheering for Annie and her 5 kids.
Annie is left by her husband with 5 kids and no money and after the shock of that wears off (being left for a "Barbie doll" LOL) Annie picks herself up and takes care of her family. There is a family next door, the Rossi's who also have 5 children and thus the kids equal the 10 kids in the title.

The singing Mermaid Liliana, is a bit "off" but in a good way, she's kind, funny and the voice of an angel.

A good uplifting read and I'm so glad Ms. Lamb is making this Deauville Street Families a series.

Well done Ms. Lamb and thank you for a wonderful story!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Cathy Lamb, how I love your books. This was my first CL book in some time. I initially read her book list and then was unaware that not one, but 2 new books had come out and were available only on Amazon. I bought both and chose to read Ten Kids first. I may be biased because she is one of my favorite authors, but let me say this - CL has not lost her touch at all. Ten Kids was CL all the way. You're laughing, you're crying, you're laughing again, you're crying again. Her books are a JOURNEY with a capital J.
Cathy, your books are a true gift and I hope you never stop writing. Thank you for sharing your gift. Books are a balm to the soul, and Ten Kids is a perfect example of that. Beautiful story and as usual, you're not afraid to dive deep into tough issues. I'm ready for your next book!

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful read. The title rightly tells the reader who this book involves. Cathy Lamb has a unique voice and it comes the fore in this book. The narrator is an eleven year old - Jesse. Jesse is one of the five children belonging to Annie. Does Annie have a husband? Not anymore, because he walked out. It was quite dramatic! Over the fence is another family - new to the area. Five kids and Tommy and the mermaid Liliana -Tommy's sister, they lost their mother in an accident. It's summer and the kids all get together and have a great time.
Time: We begin and end with 2019 but quickly go back to 1979 where all the action takes place. Jesse works as a narrator because the kids ( all ten) are excellent eavesdroppers.
Full of warmth and fun - oh and a talking parrot. And you wouldn't want to be on the wrong side of right in this book, because you are dealt with!

[Sharon Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ten Kids, Two Lovebirds, and a Singing Mermaid is one of the most charming books I have read in years. I quickly and easily identified with most of the characters, liked them all very much, and empathized with them. The book grabbed me within just a few pages and wouldn't let go of me. I couldn't put it down and read it in one day. Another of the many things I liked about this book was how deeply nostalgic it was for me. I grew up in Southern California in the 70s and could relate to all of it: the physical environment of the gardens, the orchards, the salty ocean breeze; the prevailing, but rapidly changing culture of the times, the art deco of the furnishings, all of it. I loved the mermaid and cried with the family and friends at the end. Terrific read.

[Nancy Beshears · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cathy Lamb has done it again. Her books make me laugh and cry, cheer and swear. Ten Kids, Two Lovebirds and a Singing Mermaid is no different. Joe O'Brien left his wife and five kids for a Barbie. It was the best thing that could have happened to them. Well, that and meeting the new family next door, Tommy Rossi, his five kids, and a singing mermaid. Both families have been broken, in different ways, but they help heal each other with games of kick the can, a mega Slip 'N Slide, handmade flower wreaths, music, and pies. Lots of pies.
It is a beautiful, sweet story inspired by Cathy's own childhood in Huntington Beach, CA.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, How I loved this book!
It put me right back to my own childhood days in the 70's.
A time when the women's place was in the home and the "Obey" in the marriage vows were followed by the women, but not necessarily men.
Lots went on during these times and life though simpler, was not easy.
This story is about ten children- two families who live next door and become best friends as they learn to navigate challenges in their world when a parent is no longer present.
There is laughter, love, fear, intense dislike, in this wonderful novel and it is one I will long remember!
Well done!

[Jeremy Hauss · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first chapter, I was cheering for Jesse and her mother. It was hard to put the book down because I so enjoyed watching this family from a far – their flaws and idiosyncracies, their successes and missteps, and their joy and sadness. It all felt so genuine! I found that the little details Cathy Lamb included about childhood as well as the time period brought me back to my own childhood. I was thoroughly entertained and would recommend this to anyone wanting to read the story of how a mother in 1979 found strength within herself.

[Laura Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title did pique my interest and I’m so happy a friend picked this for our book club selection. I was so swept up by this family , I couldn’t put it down !!! So many great moments and characters and I did much laughing: The parrot had me roaring, the situation when the main character approached her husband’s work, the table scene. Just perfection. I grew to love almost all of the characters, and truly feel the ups and downs along side them. I will 100% seek out more by this author - including what seems to be a sequel to this one !!

[Laura Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sparkling characters, humor, clever plot. The main character is 11, bright and adorable, as are her 4 siblings. I lived in Southern California for 30 years, so I loved revisiting the area, back when it was Eden. So cleverly written - from a child’s perspective, but with commentary about the times back when June Cleaver was the ideal, and men ruled the roost.

A wonderful, refreshing book, written by a master storyteller.