The power pause How to plan a career break after kids--and come back stronger than ever

In this robust debut, Ruch, a former marketing professional and mother of two, details how women who leave the workforce to raise children can navigate the transition. Outlining steps for adjusting to living on one income, Ruch advises readers to draft a budget to determine whether such cost-cutting measures as renegotiating a mortgage or moving somewhere with a lower cost of living will be required. Other guidance focuses on psychological stressors, as when she recommends setting personal goals (e.g., "I want to work on standing up for myself") to stave off feelings of listlessness. Elsewhere, she offers tips on reentering the job market, encouraging mothers to describe during interviews how parenting has improved their skills ("I might talk about developing a clarity of communication and a deeper sense of patience"). Ruch is candid about the downsides of taking a break from paid labor, noting, "Women who have paused their careers for more than twenty-four months tend to step into salaries earning 79 cents for every dollar a man who had not paused would earn." However, her sage advice will help those who want to take the plunge. The result is a forthright take on an aspect of motherhood often overlooked by parenting guides. Agent: Kristin van Ogtrop, InkWell Management. (Jan.)