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A Woman Lost #3

A Family Woman

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Lizzie’s about to expand her family. But can she reconcile with the one she already has?
Lizzie is terrified about becoming a parent. But when she and her pregnant wife find out that they’re having twins, her anxiety reaches a whole new level.
With two babies on the way, Lizzie attempts to patch things up with her estranged father and brother. To her surprise, Lizzie’s father has his own plans to grow the family tree.
When Lizzie’s brother reacts strongly to their father’s secrets, Lizzie wonders if they’ll ever come together as a unified family. How can she possibly survive parenthood when her own family is about to fall apart?

A Family Woman is the smart and funny third installment in A Woman Lost, a series of contemporary lesbian romances. If you like fully-formed characters, complicated family dynamics, and well-crafted prose, then you’ll love T.B. Markinson’s heartwarming series.

252 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 13, 2017

109 people are currently reading
168 people want to read

About the author

T.B. Markinson

70 books1,152 followers
T. B. Markinson is an American writer, living in England. When she isn't writing, she’s traveling the world, watching sports on the telly, visiting pubs in England, or taking the dog for a walk. Not necessarily in that order.

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5 stars
306 (62%)
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130 (26%)
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42 (8%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
Profile Image for Diane Wallace.
1,453 reviews167 followers
October 15, 2023
**'For every story that a writer tells, they make the literary world over according to their own specifications -- so keep on telling your stories..!

Nice read!
Another enjoyable storyline in 'A Woman Lost' series. A recommended book and series!
Profile Image for Ted.
560 reviews89 followers
December 15, 2017
This is the fourth (sorta 3rd) book in 'A Woman Lost' series. There was a book zero added after book 2, And in my opinion this is the best one in the series. Lizzie is still clueless and adorable.Sarah carries for the couple and this leads to the premise of the book. Family. And Lizzie and Sarah's family grows a lot. Great characters, excellent plot and pacing. You could probably get away with reading it as a stand alone, but I would council reading the entire series. Loved it.
Profile Image for Loek Krancher.
1,042 reviews66 followers
April 23, 2018
Outstanding!

What a great series! Lizzie, one of the main characters, is a woman with many flaws. She is clueless, hardheaded and a history geek, I really like her clumsy approach to every situation. An excellent series with great heart-to-heart moments, complex family ties, humor, a relationship with ups and downs and friends who are very straightforward. There is an awesome variety of characters. I can highly recommend this series.
Profile Image for XR.
1,980 reviews106 followers
September 24, 2020
Oh wow... Maddie sure gets herself in a few pickles! I hope she finds happeiness - with Gabe hehe.

I can't wait until the twins are older and we really see who they take after. A little Lizzie would be hilarious but a more socially aware one to school his/her momma.

This is such a sweet series. I love it.
Profile Image for Kris K.
50 reviews18 followers
December 17, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I love how we have been able to witness Lizzie and Sarah’s growth, personally and as a couple. And it’s something we get to see in this book, as well as more of Lizzie’s quirks. There’s nothing like the birth of a baby or two to encourage a family reunion.

This one is also narrated by Stephany Murphy and she once again did a fantastic job.
Profile Image for Eel.
50 reviews
January 26, 2018
As with a previous book in this series, it took me a while to read this one. I set it aside 3 times before finally finishing.

Once again, it was Lizzy who had me dragging my feet. It is odd that this was the case as I really like Lizzy. Her bumbling ineptitude and social awkwardness strike a chord with me. Hmm...perhaps it hits too close to home?

All that being said, I did enjoy the book. I love the dynamics between Lizzy and Sarah. It was heartening to see a gradual change, though by no means complete, come over a supporting character...seems like an oxymoron to call them that. And, in the end, I was (am) proud of Lizzy for her personal growth.

Add this to your TBR list. In fact, add the entire series: A Clueless Woman, A Woman Lost, A Woman Ignored, A Family Woman.
Profile Image for Les Rêveur.
461 reviews149 followers
May 14, 2018
Ok I retract! This was my favourite in the series…  one word: TWINS!!! Lizzie and Sarah are expecting twins and after a brief melt down, Lizzie is on track to being an amazing supportive wife to Sarah who is carrying.  I was bowled over with Lizzie’s progression. She tries ever so hard and even when the stumbling blocks happen in her awkward and socially inept world, she manages through it with a lot more poise than ever before.

I think Sarah’s growth was more noticeable in this book due to the moments she was more understanding and supportive of Lizzie in her ‘moments’. I really can’t wait to see what T.B. Markinson has planned next for this unlikely pair but I am anticipating something pretty amazing, especially as I just learned there will be at least two more books in the series.

5 stars
523 reviews53 followers
March 24, 2023
I love Sara, Lizzy and their extended family. Lovely, warm and funny book.
Profile Image for Alex Lfr.
252 reviews5 followers
August 23, 2020
Omg the series just gets better and better. How can I love everything about it? I laughed, I smiled, I wanted to punch someone (mostly Peter and Maddie but Lizzie has her moments). Talking about the devil, is it wrong if I want Maddie and Peter to be together again? I know he is an idiot but the way those two look at each other....
What a great job TB Markinson does writing about these characters, about difficult topics and lighter ones, drawing a huge smile on my face with Sarah and Lizzie interactions. And Tie-Fannie..... just a mastermind can come up with this bunch of crazies.
Profile Image for Kaye.
4,346 reviews71 followers
August 19, 2022
I really enjoyed this book in the A Woman Lost series. It starts with Lizzie and Sarah learning they are expecting twins. Lizzie is just as bumbling as always but now she is focused on supporting Sarah. Her character has had real growth. Sarah has always been the stronger more secure person but she shines in her support back to Lizzie. There is humor and heartfelt warmth. Best friend Maddie is a bit lost in this book and making some odd choices.
Profile Image for Karen.
887 reviews10 followers
December 10, 2017
This novel focuses on Lizzie’s expanding family. She and Sarah discover they’re having twins which throws them both off balance. There is also the expanding of Lizzie’s birth family through various life events. I think we go through at least a year from about 8 months before the birth to the twins’ first Christmas. It all works well; time is delineated by how many months Sarah’s been pregnant in the first half of the novel.

It’s a touching yet humorous novel. Lizzie learns to cope better with her brother and his wife, her father, and various additions to their social circle. Sarah is definitely her rock as Lizzie deals with these changes. I enjoyed reading it and getting a view of the couple coping with two little babies and the ensuing sleeplessness as well as their interactions with everyone, including each other. Their love for each other shows despite their family concerns and provides the foundation for everything else. Although Lizzie is still shy and reticent, you can see her growth as she accepts new family and friends and copes with everything that comes her way. Thinking of the blurb, I don’t know how unified the entire family is but Lizzie is willing to accept the changes.

This was an entertaining read. It’s been awhile since I read the previous books in the series and now I feel like I need to reread them just to see Lizzie’s progression. If you enjoy the series, you'll like this addition.
Profile Image for Michelle  Schuler.
923 reviews12 followers
February 25, 2021
Lizzie and Sarah

In book 3 by T.B. Markinson the family continues to grow. Lizzie is bombarded with changes. I enjoy her character's naivete. Sarah is the best partner for her and grounds Lizzie. Also Maddie is refreshing. Seeing each of the characters grow is refreshing and the bond of love strengthening.
Profile Image for Carol Hutchinson.
1,124 reviews72 followers
May 27, 2020
Brilliantly funny as always, gotta love Lizzie.

Lizzie is going to be a mom! Sarah finds she is pregnant with not one, but two babies, and amongst the drama of the pregnancy, Lizzie and Sarah are also still dealing with all the drama that is already Lizzie’s family. Lizzie, is typical Lizzie and freaking out about being a good parent and making sure the babies have a good life. In a bid to make sure that the babies have the family they deserve, like Lizzie always wanted, she attempts to put things right with her father and brother, and gets more than she bargained for, and family starts to take on a whole new meaning.

It was great to be back with Lizzie and Sarah as they embarked on the next step of their relationship and building a family. As the third instalment of the A Woman Lost series, this adventure for Lizzie bought new problems to be overcome or solved, and we all know how well Lizzie copes! You could read this standalone, but I would definitely recommend reading it as part of the series if you want to gain the whole Lizzie experience. However, T.B. Markinson does a great job with this series in making sure each part is a snapshot, with enough background information, for you to enjoy even if you have no previous experience of Lizzie.

Lizzie’s family, if you have read previous books in the series you will understand! Really are a nightmare, but in this instalment I love how we got more information about them, and got a more intimate look at their relationship with Lizzie. This was especially important where her brother was concerned, and I loved that we got to see just a hint more of him freaking out, where he has always look down at Lizzie. She finally got a chance to prove what an amazing person she is in comparison, and he had to acknowledge that in some respects.

Now, I adore Lizzie! She is the most humanly, human character ever. She worries, panics, freaks out and gets herself all wound up over such trivial and small things, but who can blame her? Life is scary, right Lizzie?! I love how T.B. brings Lizzie to life though, in her reactions, interactions and thoughts. Throughout A Family Woman Lizzie is completely herself, but she is becoming a bit calmer and personally I felt she really held it together at times when she would have been falling about. Then there is Lizzie with babies, OMG!!! Cutest thing EVER!!!

This was a brilliant addition to the series, and completely added to my love for Lizzie and Sarah. I adore this series and can’t wait to read the next chapter in their lives, and see what life holds in store for Lizzie now that she’s a proper family woman! A brilliant story, lovely cute, and expertly funny as always, that will leave you laughing and all warm and fuzzy.

Profile Image for Lorraine Rusnack.
1,128 reviews32 followers
December 3, 2021
Just when you think Lizzie will panic she steps up and really embraces being a parent. She starts to reconnect with her father and learns some of his secrets. With Sarah by her side to calm her Lizzie can get through the drama that is her life. I love all of the characters. Stephanie does a great job with the story as always.
Profile Image for Tony Hisgett.
3,001 reviews36 followers
March 18, 2018
It wasn’t until the second book A Women Ignored that I finally got Lizzie. Her view on the world can be intriguing and her interactions with others can be very comical.
I normally like the parts of the story that revolve around Lizzie, but in this case I found her interaction with her birth family and associates e.g. Brother, Dad, Tie etc, and the whole story surrounding it, a little bit tedious. Part of the story was for Lizzie to reconnect with her family, but I couldn’t help thinking, why bother?

Having said all that I enjoyed the book and look forward to when Lizzie has to really interrelate with her children.
113 reviews1 follower
January 19, 2019
At this point in the series, Lizzie starts to really become endearing. The cluelessness grated me a bit in the beginning but I’m enjoying the story taking off with the supporting cast and really filling in this whole picture of Lizzie’s life with Sara and how her world is expanding.
Profile Image for S.M. Lowry.
Author 1 book7 followers
December 29, 2017
Disclaimer: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.


A Family Woman by TB Markinson is the third book in the A Woman Lost series. If you haven’t read the other two books, I recommend doing so before reading this one. You can find her books here. A Family Woman is the latest installment in the journey of love between Lizzie and Sarah. Lizzie and Sarah have just found out they are about to be parents – to twins! As Sarah’s pregnancy progresses, both women realize that family has more value to them than ever before. With this understanding of the importance of family, Lizzie and Sarah work to bring what remains of Lizzie’s family closer together. But Lizzie’s family takes an unexpected turn when her father announces his engagement to his long-term mistress. Can Lizzie and Sarah face the challenges of becoming new parents to twins while undertaking the obstacles of bringing together Lizzie’s family?

A Family Woman is a fantastic read, and so far, it’s my favorite in the series (although I have enjoyed all three). Lizzie’s family has always been complicated and difficult, but her family changes in many ways in this book, and I loved how the changes have made Lizzie (and even her brother, Peter) grow so much. I love the characters in this series because they are so real. Their flaws are abundant, and I love that although the characters do grow, they don’t lose all of their flaws and they don’t change overnight. The family dynamics are extreme, which makes for a fantastic read, but even though they are more extreme than most, they are still dynamics with which the average person can identify. I love how Markinson captured the essence of being a new parent so well, the sleepless nights, the joy of these strange little creatures, and the way that little ones bring people together, even when those people aren’t so sure they like each other. A Family Woman is a love story that shows us the struggles and joys beyond “happily ever after.” I highly recommend reading it.
Profile Image for Mari Stark.
257 reviews6 followers
May 20, 2019
This is the third instalment (without counting the prequel) of the Woman Lost series. I won’t get tired of saying how magnificent this series is and the reason why is one of my very favourites. Markinson writing is, funny, witty and simply brilliant.

I have enjoyed every book in the series; I love how we have been able to witness Lizzie and Sarah’s growth, personally and as a couple. And it’s something we get to see in this book, as well as more of Lizzie’s quirks. There’s nothing like the birth of a baby (or two) to encourage a family reunion. But what happens with a house full of Petries?

I enjoyed this book very much, it’s the funniest so far, and of course the bit of complications, because the Petries are just like that. We got new and some unexpected confessions, a lot of changes, romance, complex family dynamics, heart-warming moments, and the characters we have known and loved so much by now. Also, as the name hints, it’s centred in family, with all the love, joys and difficulties that means to be a parent. Markinson once again did an outstanding job.

It is a very enthralling, captivating, absolutely marvelous story that I like to highly recommend

The audio book is narrated by Stephanie Murphy and she once again did a fantastic job, she transmits all the feels and emotions, capturing Markinson’s story very well.
Profile Image for Reneetc.
135 reviews9 followers
March 26, 2020
A Family Woman was an okay read for me. Nothing and no one stood out. The story continues with Lizzie growing as a new parent and strengthening her relationship with her father and other family members. The one thing that did grate my nerves in this story was the constant use of the words idiot and stupid when referring to Lizzie. I get that in the first three books of the series (A Clueless Woman, A Woman Lost, and A Woman Ignored), Lizzie had a lot of growing up to do, but man, giver her a break. I found myself respecting her father, more than Sara and Maddie. Or maybe I'm the clueless one and people do normally call family members and close friends idiots and stupid like you'd say sweetie and honey.
Profile Image for Rachel Barnard.
Author 13 books62 followers
January 10, 2018
Lizzie is back, and this time she has just a few short months until her pregnant wife gives birth to their twins. Lizzie has never had the greatest relationship with her family and would rather not see them, but Sarah has other plans. Lizzie will become a family woman.

The first half of the book – before the twins arrived – had quite a few sex scenes. They were very interesting to read because they were between two females, but there was quite a bit of it.

I loved how Lizzie and Sarah interacted with each other in their day-to-day lives. Lizzie’s devotion and love for Sarah, the mother of her unborn children, the love of her life, her partner in everything was amazing. I felt my heart patter every time Lizzie thought about Sarah before she spoke or went out of her way for Sarah. I want that deep, satisfying, unconditional level of love!

Lizzie’s relationships with her brother, her father, and her friends were so interesting to watch. The dynamics were fascinating. Especially as the subplots became more and more complex.

This book was humorous and fun, just like the first two in the series. I found the level of detail in the actual birth of the twins completely fascinating, as most movies and books gloss over birth.
Profile Image for Sam Alexander.
107 reviews
December 28, 2017
I love the previous books in this series and I received a free copy of this book from the author. I am a sucker for a good series. It is quite a while since I first read them, but I took the time to re-read the earlier stories before digging into this one. I am glad I did and I was very pleased to find I really love this one too.
Lizzie and Sarah are a wonderful couple with an interesting dynamic and this book shows both closure and new beginnings. I am delighted to see that Lizzie is still a bit clueless in the best way and I truly hope to read more of their immediate and extended family.
The writing itself is engaging, with humorous and touching moments, and very easy to read. I found myself diving straight in and getting hooked which certainly doesn't happen all the time.
Highly recommended! I do suggest reading the others in the series too, starting with book 0 which is (just) my series favourite - if not before then straight after! This series will remain on my favourites shelf.
Profile Image for S.
160 reviews1 follower
January 17, 2018
I have now read and enjoyed this entire series with Lizzie and Sarah. This book starts with Lizzie's anxiety over starting a family and repairing her current family. After Lizzie and Sarah start their family, Lizzie gets more comfortable with their decision, the couple find out they are having twins. I found this book enjoyable to read and was able to finish it in a few sittings.
I really enjoyed this book and I would recommend the is that the characters feel real. When reading you get to know them and the personalities, the habits, the struggles, the relationships, that are realistic and things that readers have gone through themselves or know of someone who has. I am a new reader to T.B. Markinson's books, and I have found that her character development, relationships, habits, and struggles draws the reader into her books and makes you want to stay.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and would suggest the entire series.
Profile Image for Aris Duarte.
288 reviews3 followers
May 6, 2018
When I finished reading the first 3 books I was ready to keeo reading about Lizzie and Sarah, but then I realize that this book was only on kindle and not paperback (I like buying the paperbacks) so I had to wait a couple of months and when I was looking for some books to buy I went to look on amazon and surprise, surprise: it was already on paperback! So I bought it right away and oh boy, my lesbian heart was bursting in joy.

I can't believe the evolution of Lizzie from the prequel to devoted mom and wife Lizzie! Sometimes I kind of felt Sarah and Maddie were being super hard on Lizzie. Oh and Lizzie's dad secret... it broke my heart a little to see her like that after the news.

It was a very enjoyable book, I love the series and it has a special place on my heart. Those babies are the cutest, although Ollie is a troubemaker (what she lacks on age, she gets it on attitude lol).

A must read series!
Profile Image for Pamela.
42 reviews14 followers
December 26, 2017
I have followed this series since the start and I have loved reading each book. This one focuses on Lizzie's stress and anxiety over starting a family with Sarah along with trying to fix the family she already has. Then both her and Sarah get thrown for a loop when they discover that they are expecting twins.
One of the things I really like about these books, along with the others I have read of T.B. Markinson, is that the characters feel real. When reading you get to know them and the personalities, the habits, the struggles, the relationships, everything are things that are realistic and things that readers have gone through themselves or know of someone who has.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one and would suggest this series
Profile Image for Claudia.
2,986 reviews38 followers
May 27, 2023
Lizzie was worried about being a mother of ONE baby, imagine her levels of anxiety now that they discovered they are having TWO!

I just loved how Lizzie went overboard with research regarding these babies. If it's up to her, they will be offered the most perfect and modern care :P Something that I also enjoyed was seeing Sarah have a more understanding attitude when it comes to Lizzie's shortcomings.

Their little nuclear family is growing with, until now, unknown family members, new ones and even old ones who are getting closer.

Maddie, though, is going for a very rough patch, she doesn't seem to know what she wants from life. I hope she'll find her answer soon enough.

Again, this was a funny, sweet, rewarding book in a lovely series. I really, REALLY like this series :D
Profile Image for Lisa B.
239 reviews1 follower
December 16, 2017
Including the prequel, this A Woman Lost,#3 is actually the fourth book in the series, and to get full enjoyment I highly recommend that you read them in the order they were published. By now it may be a while since you last visited the world of Sarah and Lizzie, so you may like to refresh your memory before you delve back into their not quite so straightforward life; I found it helpful. When I got my hands on this book I practically devoured it in one sitting, I couldn’t put it down. I loved it, and if you loved the rest of the series, you will too.
I was kindly given an advance copy of the book by the author.
Profile Image for JT.
465 reviews7 followers
August 27, 2020
This book was just as much fun and as emotionally charged as any of the books in this series have been. T. B. Markinson has created such an incredible wealth of characters in the Woman Lost series that there is never a dull moment. Lizzie and Sarah are priceless in their journey to parenthood and as per usual Lizzie is socially overwhelmed. It is fun to watch the characters grow and strengthen relationships and explore new ones. Stephanie Murphy once again brings the group to life with her immense talent as a narrator. I was given this audio book by the author.
63 reviews
December 20, 2020
Amazing read!

I love Lizzie and Sarah's dynamic in this book. They're so in love and they're so in tune that they know what the other is thinking from just a look. A love like theirs is one we all crave. There's quite a lot of drama in this one mainly with Lizzie's family. Still full of heart and humour though. It was nice to see walls coming down and relationships opening up. Loved it! A must read. (Warning: Reading this book may make you feel broody) In the best possible way!
45 reviews
October 1, 2023
NoComment of Nunawading (AU)

I’m almost certain there is nothing that TB Markinson could write that would not be engaging, heart-warming, acerbic at times, liberally packed to the rafters with hilarious moments and often thought provoking… A Family Woman is no exception.
Book Three in the A Woman Lost series is no exception and whilst possible to enjoy as a stand-alone novel, it is compelling as a part of this lovable array of lesbian rom-com adventures! Can’t wait for Book Four!
23 reviews
January 2, 2018
lizzie and wife sarah are expecting... a little more than they bargained for. as if the suprise of twins wasnt enough now lizzie's practicaly estranged father and brother are reaching out to her with there own drama and secrets. lizzie is a likeable character with relatable problems and feelings. the story is told from her p.o.v. she is smart and clueless, nerdy and adorable. overall very entetaining read with some surprises.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews

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