I Guess I'm Not The Problem...: A Stepmom's Naive Optimism and Survival in a Toxic Family

By Racheli Sarah Doves

Racheli isn't expecting to fall in love again later in life, but a chance encounter with a colleague transitions from a happenstance meeting at a local diner to a wedding proposal. Racheli is determined to make a successful blended family with her new love, John, but that means she has to take on the role of stepmother. They both have grown children from previous relationships, so everything should go smoothly. Right?

Wrong . . .

From fairy tales to Disney movies, the stepmother has always been portrayed as a villain, but clearly that isn't always the case. John's family, affectionately known as Team Toxic, take on a personal mission to destroy their dad's relationship with Racheli and make a mockery of her in the process. Rejection, humiliation, and smear campaigns are awaiting her as she tries to navigate unchartered waters of ingratiating herself to the manipulative stepchildren. Despite all their efforts, Racheli and John struggle to maintain their relationship under the strain of lies and deceit. Is their love strong enough to reach their happily ever after?

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1038347580
• ISBN13: 9781038347589
• Release Date: October 2025
• Publisher: FriesenPress
• Length: 126 Pages
• Weight: 0.72 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.0" x 9.0"