The Playground

by Michelle Lee

2020 Kindle Book Review Winner - Literary Fiction What do cocaine and baby formula have in common? They're both white, powdery substances. They both require careful production and packaging. And they both can be transported in diaper bags to their consumers. At least, that's how it works in The Playground. The Playground follows Anna Reed, a loving wife, textbook mother of three, and local business owner in a quaint Philadelphia suburb. Anna finds herself diving over a moral line that ultimately creates a network of moms who mule cocaine in the guise of baby formula and make their transfers in diaper bags. Though Anna's intentions to alleviate her family's financial crisis and help other mothers do the same make drug trafficking seem like a reasonable fix, her past catches up. Then, Anna is forced to face physical and moral dilemmas in a world she knows is wrong, but despite herself, sometimes feels right. This debut novel is the first in a series of "Secret Lives of Moms" that offers readers a relatable and poignant perspective on what it means to be a woman, a wife, and a mother in ways that maximize womanhood. Anna develops a multimillion-dollar underworld operation by leveraging the mundane about motherhood—the ever-present diaper bag, gossipy playdates and coffee klatches, and long afternoons at the playground.

330 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 6, 2020

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Considering I’m not much of a fiction reader, I was shocked at how captivated I was by The Playground. Michelle Lee (a fellow Doylestown, PA resident) is such a skilled writer, that I literally finished the book in nearly one sitting, only pausing to sleep. I really cannot wait to pick up her next release and wish it was available now to roll right into. I loved her writing style, including her character development and her ability to generate suspense that kept me eagerly turning the pages for more. Thank you, Michelle, for renewing my interest in some great fiction! Everyone should give this book a read!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in record time! Kept it in my handbag to read while waiting for kids at school or practice. Was nice to see a female playing the "typical male" role and be the support for her family during tough times. Can't wait for the next book!

[Erika Bock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book!

I honestly had a hard time putting it down. I simply cannot wait for the next book in the new series "The Clinic" Thank you Michelle for the spectacular read!

[Jessica Steinberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining. Good beach read. Sort of like reading a dan brown book in terms of writing style.