Book ~ "Sima's Undergarments for Women" (2010) Ilana Stanger-Ross

From Penguin ~ There are some life-long quests that all women have in common ... meaningful work, true love and a bra that doesn't leave red marks on your skin. Stanger-Ross has created a secret underground New York sisterhood where women of every shape and creed can come to share their milestones, laughter, loves, and losses against a backdrop of discount lingerie.

In the comfort of her Brooklyn basement bra shop, Sima Goldner teaches other women to appreciate their bodies but feels betrayed by her own. Shamed by her infertility and a secret from her youth, she has given up on happiness and surrendered to a bitter marriage. But then Timna, a young Israeli with enviable cleavage, becomes the shop seamstress. As the two serve the colorful customers of the orthodox Jewish neighborhood, Sima finds herself awakened to adventure and romance. Years after giving up on their marriage, Sima and her husband, Lev, must decide if what they have is worth saving.

Sima doesn't have much of a life other than serving her customers (she can tell you want your bra size is just by looking at you!), yelling at her retirement husband and hanging out occasionally with her childhood pal, Connie.

Alas, it is her own fault.

She carries the bitterness of not being able to have children and has let it control her live.

There is a saying that applies here ... people come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.

Timna definitely enters Sima's life for a reason and gives her something/someone to care about (too much at times).

I must admit that I found the first couple of chapters hard to get into, mainly because there are a lot of Jewish references that I didn't understand (I'm not Jewish). But I'm glad I stuck with it. Sima doesn't come across as a very nice person but I was cheering for her.

In addition, though the book is set in New York, Nova Scotia (the province where I was born) plays a special part in this book. Yay!

I received a copy of this ebook at no charge in exchange for my honest review.