Real Time: Stories and a Reminiscence by Amit Chaudhuri

Diary of a Mad Mom-to-Be
by Laura Wolf

When last seen, Amy Thomas, the mad bride-to-be, was working her way through her 70-item to-do list, trying to keep chicken off the reception menu, and vowing never to change her name. Now Amy Thomas Stewart is a newlywed and a career woman, and becoming a mom is the last thing on her to-do list. So why is Amy obsessing about baby clothes and ogling pregnant women on the street?

Suddenly Amy realizes the inconceivable: She wants a baby-even though she's just lost her job, their apartment's way too small, and she doesn't have a clue as to her ovulation cycle. Caught up in a passion to procreate, Amy knows she has to strike while the iron is hot. And if getting pregnant is making Amy this crazy, just think what will happen when the stick turns blue?

Patty Jane's House of Curl
by Lorna Landvik

Patty Jane Dobbin should have known better than to marry a man as gorgeous as Thor Rolvaag, but she was too smitten to think twice. Yet nine months into their marriage, with a baby on the way, Thor is gone. It's a good thing Patty Jane has her irrepressible sister, Harriet, to rely on. For it's been said that a fine haircut can cure any number of ills, and before long the Minnesota sisters have opened a neighborhood beauty parlor complete with live harp music and an endless supply of delicious Norwegian baked goods. It's a wonderful, warmhearted place where you can count on good friends, lots of laughter, tears, and comfort when you need it--and the unmistakable scent of somebody getting a permanent wave. . . .

You've Got to be Kidding!
by Leena Walawalkar

A babe, a stud, a hunk and a smarty hop on board London flights to chase their dreams. A loyal wife gives company. A local naiveté joins the bandwagon.

And therefrom begins a remarkable journey of bonding, love, hatred, kicks in the butt and bolts from the blue.

Their compelling drive ? money, status, ambition
Their solid strengths ? talent, diligence, suavity
The only problems ? timing, destiny, no godfathers
The final outcome ? strange, incredible, bizarre

You?ve Got to be Kidding! is a tale of six friends, bullish on life and bearish on, well, nothing. What lies in store?