Hot Flashes & Cold Lemonade by Susan Flett Swiderski
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wisdom, Tears and Laughter. Pull up a chair!
I encountered this book the first time I read something by Susan Flett Swiderski (who is a very active and enjoyable blogger, among other things). She had a picture of a glass of lemonade with a twist of lemon, with the words ‘Hot flashes & Cold Lemonade’ on it. The photo itself was enjoyable. When I learned that it was actually a book cover, I had to pick up a copy. Being a cautious sort, I checked inside, skipped around the previews, and bought a copy.
The story starts out with a bang. Pearl is driving through her childhood neighborhood, remembering the happy moments, savoring the memories – and suddenly sees her father driving off with a woman who is not her mother. At her childhood home her mother has a couple pithy things to say about her husband and the situation. Reality – the existence of inconvenience, unhappiness and even tragedy – comes crashing down into Pearl’s consciousness. And the story unfolds.
This book is a little like sitting down with someone you enjoy, who can tell a good story and somehow make a laundry list enjoyable. That is not to say that this book is a laugh-fest. it isn’t. It touches a great many serious issues like adultery, aging, disillusionment, but it does so with a smile.
Wisdom and laughter are almost inseparable. Tears are not always tragic. And, sometimes, listening to someone telling a wise, deep story through laughter can stay with you longer than anything you have read to date.
Hot Flashes & Cold Lemonade is skillfully written. The narrative, while very enjoyable, allows the story to move on even as it collects little items to salt in among your consciousness.
I really enjoyed this book and would suggest it to anyone. I hope more are in the works.
…and don’t forget to read the postscript.
View all my reviews
Tag Archives: Review
Sweet Glory by Lisa Potocar

Years ago, while reading about the American Civil War, I came across an item that I found very interesting even for that heartbreaking, fascinating time. I retired soldier, living on a government pension and in a home for retired veterans, had been discovered to be a woman rather than a man. This soldier had fought during the war, had suffered all the privations that were experienced by soldiers in that time, and had been mustered out at the end with an honorable discharge.
Sydney’s Song – Now available!
I am delighted to announce the debut of a wonderful book that will have you smiling, weeping – and then smiling widely through your tears.
The book?
Sydney’s Song by Ia Uaro
It is wonderfully written, will hold your interest – a true joy to read.
Watch the trailer, below, enjoy the images and the story – and then consider reading it. You won’t regret it.
…and while you’re at it, visit her wonderful website at
http://www.sydneyssong.net/
And her Author’s page (this one is Amazon’s):
http://www.amazon.com/Ia-Uaro/e/B009ELCYKU/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1348706542&sr=8-1