Melissa Senate

My bedside reading pile is getting way too high. What I need to do is return (unread) all the "Your First Grader" books to the library (I live to research everything that I'm involved in, unfortunately). Next up then (after I finish Nice To Come Home To, which is adorable (that word really seems to fit), I'm going to start THE PROFESSOR'S WIVES CLUB by the very nice, lovely (she has that gorgeous-straight-blond-shiny hair I've always coveted) and talented author Joanne Rendell. I love books about female friendship, especially women who find friendship, true friendship, in unexpected and unlikely alliances. 

In her new novel THE PROFESSORS’ WIVES’ CLUB (NAL/Penguin; 2nd September 2008), NYU faculty wife Joanne Rendell tells of four professors’ wives who risk everything to save a beloved faculty garden. With its iron gate and high fence laced with honeysuckle, Manhattan University’s garden offers faculty wives Mary, Sofia, Ashleigh, and Hannah a much needed refuge. Each of them carries a scandalous secret that could upset their lives, destroy their families, and rock the prestigious university to its very core.
When a ruthless Dean tries to demolish the garden, the four women are thrown together in a fight which enrages and unites them. The wives are an indomitable force. While doing battle with the ambitious dean, they expose the dark underbelly of academia – and find the courage to stand up for their own dreams, passions, and lives.

Praise for THE PROFESSORS’ WIVES’ CLUB
"As an NYU alum, I enjoyed the behind-the-scenes escapades at the fictional Manhattan U. in THE PROFESSORS’ WIVES’ CLUB. Joanne Rendell has created a quick, fun read about a wonderful group of friends." –Kate Jacobs, NYT’s bestselling author of THE FRIDAY NIGHT KNITTING CLUB

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Joanne Rendell was born and raised in the UK. After completing her PhD in English Literature, she moved to the States to be with her husband, a professor at NYU. She now lives in a student dorm in New York City with her family. The Professors’ Wives’ Club is her first novel. Joanne’s second novel will be released by NAL/Penguin next summer (’09).

Enjoy!