Morning Glory Mother

A special inscription page adorns this extended Mother's Day greeting card by Pearson (A Stranger for Christmas), underscoring the fact that this little tale is a gift meant to be given to moms everywhere. At least some moms will recognize that the message--even the most imperfect mother is perfect in her love--is shamelessly calculated to soothe and please. Alison Andrews, divorced mom of adolescents Jamie and Melissa, has had it. The last straw comes when she learns that her kids are participating in the church Mother's Day program only because it's required before they can attend a weekend at a dude ranch. Tortured by her self-deprecating comparison to her Martha Stewart-perfect neighbor (who was chosen Mother's Day Queen at the church event), Alison runs off to a local hotel to pamper and celebrate herself rather than wait in vain for signs of appreciation from her children. Her kids hunt her down and, although she adamantly resists, convince her to resolve a Mother's Day debacle at the church. The formerly sullen teens' praise for their ""angel mother"" is the stuff of self-gratifying daydreams. This bit of fluff might be more appropriate as a gift given by moms to their unappreciative offspring. (May)