The third book in the Potluck Club series Manic Monday Inc by Melissa Storm, explores the life 
and daily struggles of Nichole who is diagnosed with OCD fairly early on after trusting her good friend Hazel’s doctor recommendation. However, the option of potential medication is not one that Nichole is interested in entertaining, believing it may alter the very fabric of who she is thus destabilising her further. Sadly for Nichole, she keeps much of her painful journey under lock and key, not even letting in her friends in to share the burden despite regarding them in the highest esteem. Her close group of friends fondly named the ‘Potluck Club’ met under duress, each supporting their parent through cancer, Nichole’s father being the only survivor of the group. For the most part though, it is evident that Nichole isn’t living her best life, or indeed, any life at all really, locked in her head, obsessing over every detail and outcome and along the way making some harsh decisions that ultimately keep everyone she loves at a strict arms length.
Throughout it was clear that the diagnosis of OCD wasn’t all that was going on for Nichole. Unfortunately, her deep seated abandonment issues and her early childhood trauma of her mother’s absence wasn’t thoroughly explored, and whilst OCD could potentially be the resultant, it appeared as though she was also expressing in ways not dissimilar to a trauma victim. As a potential and perfect romance begins to develop with good friend Bridgets’ brother Caleb, Nichole rejects the very notion of love and romance telling herself that because she and Caleb are so very different, that it simply wouldn’t work out. For the most part, I found this utterly infuriating and judgemental. And whilst I appreciated that from Nichole’s view she was likely protecting herself and didn’t feel like she deserved to be loved, it just came across as incredibly superior – in fact there were clear moments between her and Caleb wherein her reactions and responses and opinions of him were terribly insulting…and the guy was a total gem!
Thus, there were these interesting binary moments wherein the expression of OCD actually came off as incredibly limiting towards others – not just Nichole herself, and if it wasn’t for the ordinary life events that unfolded and Nichole’s very real fear that she would lose more in her life that she begins to take the necessary and difficult steps towards healing.
There were a variety of themes that will resonate with most, friendship, loyalty, trust and these were managed quite carefully given Nichole’s nature and perspective and whilst Nichole’s inner demons were explored thoroughly and admirably, there were simply too many moments that frustrated due to their inherent judgement and lack of tolerance towards others.
Summarily, those who need support and help and perhaps a space in which to understand some of the traits of OCD will find enormous comfort in exploring Nichole and her journey towards wellness. Others, who may have read the first two in the series, will no doubt love engaging with the gang of incredibly strong and resilient women once more, and for others, you will likely find elements incredibly difficult yet appreciate the happily ever after never-the-less.
Book Info:
Publication: 26th October 2021 | Kensington Publishing Corporation | The Sunday Potluck Club #3
Nichole Peterson increasingly believes in rituals, routines, and checklists–especially after almost losing her father to cancer two years ago. Now she lives in constant fear of saying the wrong thing, knowing any conversation could be their last. She met her best friends–and their cherished canine companions–at the hospital right before each lost a parent. As the only member of the Sunday Potluck Club with a surviving loved one, she has a hard time opening up to her friends about the struggles that come with remission.
When a new doctor diagnoses Nichole with obsessive-compulsive disorder, she refuses to accept it. Then a series of unexpected events further throws her carefully scheduled life off-kilter and her anxieties into overdrive. It seems the only person she can confide in is her best friend’s older brother, Caleb–her polar opposite.
A free spirit, Caleb treasures spontaneity, avoiding structure as much as possible. Yet he’s the happiest person Nichole has ever met. As they grow closer, might their unlikely alliance help Nichole rediscover the more relaxed self she can scarcely remember–and even find something extra special along the way?
