"A ten-step plan that’s well thought-out and experience-based. A really interesting walkthrough and a giant step in resolving this problem."
— Dr. Phil McGraw, The Dr. Phil Show
A revolutionary new approach to diffusing the traditional animosity between moms and stepmoms
Sad, but true: the divorced mom and stepmom relationship is typically one of the most contentious relationships in our modern families.
Women struggle with overlapping responsibilities and too much unwilling involvement in each other's lives.
But take it from former enemies — a mom and stepmom who learned how to work together.
You can create a brand new version of an extended family that's healthier and happier!
10 powerful chapters show you how to create
harmony and cooperation
Based on a true story.
Ex-wives and stepmothers don’t have to hate one another. They can be partners and allies, and in many cases, they can even be friends.
No One’s the Bitch shows you how.
Jennifer Newcomb Marine and Carol Marine are a mother and stepmother who once had the volatile, awkward, stressful relationship that’s so common today.
It was making them miserable. Even worse, it was making the kids miserable too. They decided there had to be a better way, so they invented one.
“A helpful, readable, and informative roadmap for navigating what is often a highly-charged, contentious relationship.”
— Wednesday Martin, Ph.D., Stepmonster
“No One’s the Bitch is a worthy, energetic workbook. Chatty and funny, it provides useful ideas and sound how-to.”
— Library Journal
What’s in the book?
Ten chapters mirror the journey of most divorced moms and stepmoms when they’re first thrown together.
The reader goes from:
disorientation and resistance
to owning their own sh*t
to imagining the possibilities of collaboration
experimenting with reaching out
troubleshooting poor results
and finally, celebrating any wins, even tiny ones.
Like Skirts at War, the tone is playful and wry and pulls the reader through the material with plenty of fun, interactive exercises and journal questions.
Reader Feedback
“Finally a book the addresses the nasty stuff head on - insecurities, jealousy, anger, resentment, loneliness and all that weird stuff in between. Really drives home how important your role is…”
“Groundbreaking. A phenomenal book that challenges blended family members to see each other as human. It is a step-by-step manual to peace.”
“It's helped me understand that it must be difficult to have a person you did not choose in your children's lives; loving them, teaching them and having new experiences with them.”
You’ll discover:
How the other woman feels – you may be shocked to find her perspective isn’t at all what you thought.
Your role in this hostile relationship – even if you think you’re not at fault.
How to create a new relationship based on cooperation and partnership – even friendship.
How both of you can hold yourselves accountable for communication and collaboration.
How to regroup after conflict and come back stronger than ever.
How to bond with the other woman – yes, even if you hated each other before.
What to do if she doesn’t want to improve the relationship or meet you halfway.
Ideas for creating a new extended family that makes everyone feel loved, supported, and cared for.
"The relationship between mother and stepmother is the one that makes or breaks the wildly extended American families of the 21st century. That's why we have to suck it up and make it work. This book is full of wisdom and practical resources to get you there.”
— Marion Winik, The Big Book of the Dead
"These straight-shooting, truth-talking, soul-baring women have their priorities right:
When mom and step-mom are on the same page everyone wins, most especially the kids!”
— Benjamin D. Garber, Ph.D., Keeping Kids Out Of The Middle
About the Authors
Divorced moms and stepmoms are typically wrestling with the same negative emotions and might even be benefitting from keeping the conflict going.
Is this really what we want to model for our children?
The answer to that question is what motivated us to change. We went from barely being able to make eye contact or conversation, to finally becoming close friends and working co-parents.
We share our journey here in the hopes of helping you avoid the countless mistakes we made along the way.
Carol Marine (right) is a successful fine artist at A Painting a Day. She's the author of the bestselling book, Daily Painting. She co-owns Daily Paintworks with her husband, David Marine and has one teenaged son, two grown stepdaughters and is a grandmother.
Jennifer Newcomb Marine (left) is the co-author of Skirts at War, with Jenna Korf and two Fail Forward Planner/Journals. She’s the mother of two daughters, stepmom to three daughters and a grandmother.