Maureen English/Mary Amesbury

Maureen English grew up in Chicago with a single mother during a decade when single mothers were looked down on, were uncommon, and unwelcome. Maureen felt as though she was an obstacle in her mother's life, keeping her mother from finding the happiness she might have otherwise known. Maureen believes the best thing she can do for her mother is to grow up and live the life her mother would never experience. Maureen wants to get married, have children, and enjoy the joys of a normal life. After college, Maureen takes a job writing for a New York magazine. On her very first day, Maureen meets Harrold English, a charming, talented writer also working for the magazine. Maureen and Harrold hit it off immediately and begin a whirlwind romance.

Maureen adores Harrold and is willing to do just about anything for him. Maureen does not...