Sandwiched

What's a fortyish woman to do if

Her free-spirited elderly mom's movingin, her previously do-gooder teenage daughter's sneaking out, her prize-winning stud bulldog can't get it on and her soon-to-be ex-husband can't get his mind off girls half his age?

A. have nervous breakdown
B. run away
C. eat massive quantities of ice cream
D. see a counselor

CiCi Dupree chooses. She doesn't have time for a breakdown, can't afford to run away and she is a counselor.

Until she fears her daughter-and even her widowed mother-are repeating her mistakes. CiCi realizes she has to do something, because after all, her family ties might be a bit frayed, but they still could bind nonetheless…

Jennifer Archer has survived maneuvering through life in seven states, raising two teenage boys and, this year, her very first hot flash-all without serious medication.