When the Shoe Fits...Essays of Love, Life, and Second Chances
Mary T. Wagner(Waterhorse Press)
August 1, 2014

I met Mary T. Wagner when we were both member's of the same popular social group. I reviewed one of her earlier works and we have become face book friends so we can stay abreast of what's happening in books and humor. When she asked me to read her new book When the Shoe Fits... Essays of Love, Life, and Second Chances and tell her what I thought, I was delighted to do so because I knew I was in for a treat. I was right, author Mary T. Wagner is back with a humorous and touching vengeance.

Former journalist and writer Mary T. Wagner is sharing with readers her favorite previous essays in this new book. Before I received my copy I wondered if she would share her lovely and loving essay about her dad. She has, and I am once more so very moved by it. In the essay Return to the Fatherland Ms. Wagner shares with the reader reminisces of her families trip to Germany, her dad's home. He had not returned in 25 years (or perhaps longer.) This essay stayed with me, I imagine it has stayed with others as well. This short piece is written with so much love, the reader can feel it; it could not have been easy to write. But she did it and repeated it. Mary T. Wagner is a true storyteller, she has a way with words, her essays stay with you.

I hear people say, "He tells it like it is." Well that's what Mary Wagner does, she tells it like it is, most often she is confessing about her own idiosyncrasies, like when she confesses's to ignoring clutter to bake cookies for her children. We learn this served two purposes, cookies for the children and some quality time for Ms. Wagner. Read as she shares how cookie baking became what she calls "Cookie Therapy" she gives almost a full page describing the 'preparation to bake' process. Read out loud, this passage pulsates with drama and emotion. The result makes you smile and you get it.

Come into Mary Wagner's world and let her take you away or bring a memory closer.

Recommended.