My stepdaughter would deem the title of this post totally random. And it sort of is. But there is a deeper logic, sort of: these are the ladies and places I want to call to your attention — and thank.

Hey Childless Stepmoms Chat (www.csmchat.com), thank you for calling Stepmonster "our readers' new favorite book." That's nice! This website is doing something so important: providing a forum for women with stepchildren and no kids of their own. It can be a tough spot, and at Childless Stepmoms Chat, these women can sound off and find support. So check it out.

Izzy Rose's website, www.stepmothersmilk.com, is outrageous and sassy, yet supportive and stabilizing, like your favorite plunge bra. She wrote a kind and flattering review of Stepmonster. But being Izzy, she made it very funny, proclaiming that Stepmonster aided and abetted the following transformation: "I went from 'I suck' to I'm totally normal!" She suggests that every stepmother needs Stepmonster on her nightstand (I want to know what's on and in Izzy's nightstand. She is, after all, the type of woman my grandmother referred to as "a pistol"; I'm thinking there would be some cool stuff in there). She also called me smart and so on. But really I just want to share lipstick with her and have a look at her shoe collection. When you read her book, The Package Deal: My (not so) Glamorous Transition from Single Gal to Instant Mom, you'll know why. I'm going to review it in a couple of days, because two can play THIS little game, Ms. Rose! Stay tuned.

And last but not in any way, shape, or form least, Jennifer Newcomb Marine and Carol Marine are saying that No One's the Bitch. And that's saying a lot, since they're talking about each other, and one of them is The Ex and the other one is The New Wife. With two teen girls in the shared custody picture. Woah there, nellies. How did they do it? And should you try? I will have a LOT to say about this book, starting with the brilliant title, and Jennifer and Carol's remarkable and inspiring achievement, in the days to come. Meanwhile, you can join them at www.noonesthebitch.com (jeez, I have title envy just typing it...)