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Devilish Divas #1
To Hell in a Coach Bag
Four Midwest Lunch Ladies Find Adventure On The Road in TO HELL IN A COACH BAG
A wacky widow, a wild divorcee, a frustrated wife and their mid-life hormonal boss are the "lunch ladies." On a quest to find solace from life's disappointments and recapture their youthful spirit, Dani, Sam, Alex and Max set out on a cross-country road trip.
As their sisterhood brings adventure and opens the door to new relationships, happiness could be just around the bend, or they may be heading to Hell in a Coach bag.
THE DEVILISH DIVAS SERIES, in order
To Hell in a Coach Bag
Damned if I Do
The Devil You Know
Satan, Line One
A wacky widow, a wild divorcee, a frustrated wife and their mid-life hormonal boss are the "lunch ladies." On a quest to find solace from life's disappointments and recapture their youthful spirit, Dani, Sam, Alex and Max set out on a cross-country road trip.
As their sisterhood brings adventure and opens the door to new relationships, happiness could be just around the bend, or they may be heading to Hell in a Coach bag.
THE DEVILISH DIVAS SERIES, in order
To Hell in a Coach Bag
Damned if I Do
The Devil You Know
Satan, Line One
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 26, 2017
311 people are currently reading
492 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Schiller
44 books183 followersI was born in Overland Park, KS, in the heart of Tornado Alley, and my life has been a bit twisted since. Actually, it’s not all that twisted, but I’ve always wanted to use that line. I grew up in St. Louis, MO, went to school at the University of Missouri-Columbia, and moved to Bloomington, IL, fresh out of college, after my husband got a job at State Farm’s corporate headquarters. I’ve worked as a high school/junior college teacher, personnel recruiter, office manager of a jewelry store, and, for the past ten years, as a lunch lady. I like to karaoke and attend rock concerts. I am actively involved at church and spend too much time on Facebook. I am the mother of a eighteen-year-old, and sixteen-year-old triplets, and have been married to my husband, Don, for over twenty-four years.
I have been a writer all my life. My first book, which was co-written with Mary Ellen Murphey in second grade, was titled The Black Cat, and was written on blue hotel stationary, hole-punched, and bound by white yarn. I believe it is currently out of circulation.
When I turned forty, I had an epiphany of sorts. I realized those bigwig publishing houses in New York were now probably run by people younger than me, so I shouldn’t be intimidated by them. At about the same time I was watching one of those award shows, and Jaclyn Smith got up to give a post-humorous award to Aaron Spelling. She credited him for encouraging her to go into acting, saying something brilliant like, “Reach for your dreams.” Nothing new. Almost even seems a little Jiminy Cricketish. But, for some reason, it struck me that night. When Aaron Spelling was thirteen, he was probably just like any other acned thirteen-year-old. But he worked to achieve his dreams, and became a household name. So, I began to write. Once I finished my first book, I wasn’t able to stop. I would rather write than do just about anything else. After all, you get to make people (characters) do what you want and design your own happy endings. What power! What a privilege.
I have been a writer all my life. My first book, which was co-written with Mary Ellen Murphey in second grade, was titled The Black Cat, and was written on blue hotel stationary, hole-punched, and bound by white yarn. I believe it is currently out of circulation.
When I turned forty, I had an epiphany of sorts. I realized those bigwig publishing houses in New York were now probably run by people younger than me, so I shouldn’t be intimidated by them. At about the same time I was watching one of those award shows, and Jaclyn Smith got up to give a post-humorous award to Aaron Spelling. She credited him for encouraging her to go into acting, saying something brilliant like, “Reach for your dreams.” Nothing new. Almost even seems a little Jiminy Cricketish. But, for some reason, it struck me that night. When Aaron Spelling was thirteen, he was probably just like any other acned thirteen-year-old. But he worked to achieve his dreams, and became a household name. So, I began to write. Once I finished my first book, I wasn’t able to stop. I would rather write than do just about anything else. After all, you get to make people (characters) do what you want and design your own happy endings. What power! What a privilege.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 19, 2017
We all have bad things that happen in our lives, right? We also have friends to help us through both the good and the bad. Meet four friends who find the perfect balance of support and swift kicks in the backside when each one needs it in M.J. Schiller’s TO HELL IN A COACH BAG.
Sam is the wildchild, once burned but still plays with fire. Dani has lived through a person’s worst nightmare, becoming a widow and she continues to struggle with the loss and moving on. Maxine is their boss and their “den mother.” Alexis gives great attitude with her support. Together, they are a quartet of mirth, madness and mayhem as this time out, it is Dani who needs them the most, with Sam a close second as they take a heartbreaking roadtrip to Denver, for Dani’s father’s funeral.
Who knew that such a sad journey could turn into a truly romantic escapade, because life is for the living and sometimes losing someone opens our eyes to the life and love that surrounds us.
Sometimes fate steps in just when you need it most and surely that is what happened when Dani ran into a band roadie she met once before and couldn’t stop thinking of. Turns out Tucker never forgot her either, and he is so much more than just a roadie, who just happens to be in Denver at the same time?!? If Dani can get past her past, he is there for her, but the loss of the love of her life is a continually nightmare that she can’t let go of.
Kyle has it bad for Sam, ever since they met in a bar and they have stayed in long distance contact. Sam has been burned before and her heart has the scars to prove it, but when Kyle shows up it looks like things are going just fine, until Sam runs like a bat outta heck at the first sign of love.
Two crazy-messed up women who want what their hearts won’t let them have, two men willing to take a chance, but not at the risk of having their hearts carved out. Stalemate or just a bump on the road to love? Whatever it is, both Alexis and Maxine may discover that what they have is well worth hanging on to, warts and all, if it isn’t too late, that is.
Settle in for the fun, the laughs, the emotional turmoil and a ride through the tunnel of love as it hits the white water rapids and careens toward the mile high waterfall of love. Who will take the plunge and who will capsize? M.J. Schiller takes us on a rollercoaster of life, love, loss and learning to love again, even if it is by taking babysteps.
Fabulous writing, fabulous characters, fabulous friendships and one very expensive purse that must have cupid hiding inside….
I received this copy from M.J. Schiller in exchange for my honest review.
Series: The Devilish Divas Series - Book 1
Publisher: ePublishing Works! (March 26, 2017)
Publication Date: March 26, 2017
Genre: Women's Fiction | Humor
Print Length: 248 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Sam is the wildchild, once burned but still plays with fire. Dani has lived through a person’s worst nightmare, becoming a widow and she continues to struggle with the loss and moving on. Maxine is their boss and their “den mother.” Alexis gives great attitude with her support. Together, they are a quartet of mirth, madness and mayhem as this time out, it is Dani who needs them the most, with Sam a close second as they take a heartbreaking roadtrip to Denver, for Dani’s father’s funeral.
Who knew that such a sad journey could turn into a truly romantic escapade, because life is for the living and sometimes losing someone opens our eyes to the life and love that surrounds us.
Sometimes fate steps in just when you need it most and surely that is what happened when Dani ran into a band roadie she met once before and couldn’t stop thinking of. Turns out Tucker never forgot her either, and he is so much more than just a roadie, who just happens to be in Denver at the same time?!? If Dani can get past her past, he is there for her, but the loss of the love of her life is a continually nightmare that she can’t let go of.
Kyle has it bad for Sam, ever since they met in a bar and they have stayed in long distance contact. Sam has been burned before and her heart has the scars to prove it, but when Kyle shows up it looks like things are going just fine, until Sam runs like a bat outta heck at the first sign of love.
Two crazy-messed up women who want what their hearts won’t let them have, two men willing to take a chance, but not at the risk of having their hearts carved out. Stalemate or just a bump on the road to love? Whatever it is, both Alexis and Maxine may discover that what they have is well worth hanging on to, warts and all, if it isn’t too late, that is.
Settle in for the fun, the laughs, the emotional turmoil and a ride through the tunnel of love as it hits the white water rapids and careens toward the mile high waterfall of love. Who will take the plunge and who will capsize? M.J. Schiller takes us on a rollercoaster of life, love, loss and learning to love again, even if it is by taking babysteps.
Fabulous writing, fabulous characters, fabulous friendships and one very expensive purse that must have cupid hiding inside….
I received this copy from M.J. Schiller in exchange for my honest review.
Series: The Devilish Divas Series - Book 1
Publisher: ePublishing Works! (March 26, 2017)
Publication Date: March 26, 2017
Genre: Women's Fiction | Humor
Print Length: 248 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
June 5, 2017
Chick lit is not my usual genre but I liked the sound of four lunch ladies on a road trip and I found the book immensely enjoyable. So enjoyable I finished it in a couple of days.
I received a copy of this book from e-book discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
I received a copy of this book from e-book discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
September 28, 2017
Everyone has, met or are searching for their soul mate. M.J. Schiller focuses on the fears, lost and heartache we all enthrall to conquer love.
December 20, 2018
Life is full of good, bad, ups and downs. No matter what life offers you, there is always good friends to support you, and offer you a shoulder when you are in need. Friends are all about that, simply being there for one another.
This wonderful story unwinds around four lovely lunch ladies. Namely; Dani, Sam, Alex and Max. They have gone through different life experiences on relationships and carries different ideas and opinions. Dani's father's funeral and the road trip to Denver strengthens their bonds of friendship, and paves the path to new relationships and not forgetting fresh heart-break.
The story takes you along their adventures in life and how they care and be there for one another. Few of the important things that I noted about the story, is as follows;
The plot was amazing and is filled with love, laughter and heartbreak.
I loved the characters in the story since each of them have their own story to narrate to the reader.
I felt that the book gives the reader an important message of what true friendship means. What it is like to be for someone who is in need of a shoulder to rely on. What it is really like to be truly cared for and loved for.
It is indeed filled with romance and lots of love, which is another reason for me to enjoy the book immensely.
Overall it was a such fun and enjoyable read that would definitely make you want to know more.
My Ratin
(4/5) Exceptional
This wonderful story unwinds around four lovely lunch ladies. Namely; Dani, Sam, Alex and Max. They have gone through different life experiences on relationships and carries different ideas and opinions. Dani's father's funeral and the road trip to Denver strengthens their bonds of friendship, and paves the path to new relationships and not forgetting fresh heart-break.
The story takes you along their adventures in life and how they care and be there for one another. Few of the important things that I noted about the story, is as follows;
The plot was amazing and is filled with love, laughter and heartbreak.
I loved the characters in the story since each of them have their own story to narrate to the reader.
I felt that the book gives the reader an important message of what true friendship means. What it is like to be for someone who is in need of a shoulder to rely on. What it is really like to be truly cared for and loved for.
It is indeed filled with romance and lots of love, which is another reason for me to enjoy the book immensely.
Overall it was a such fun and enjoyable read that would definitely make you want to know more.
My Ratin
(4/5) Exceptional
September 13, 2019
Better than expected
Well now, I couldn't fault this book of I tried. M. J. Schiller is a new author to me and I am quite impressed to say the least. The characters are all fantastic. The storyline is just as good and it all comes together so well to make a fantastic story. I look forward to seeing what these girls get up to next
Well now, I couldn't fault this book of I tried. M. J. Schiller is a new author to me and I am quite impressed to say the least. The characters are all fantastic. The storyline is just as good and it all comes together so well to make a fantastic story. I look forward to seeing what these girls get up to next
October 4, 2020
Quick read. Good for a day at the beach when you want an easy reading book.
September 24, 2017
Easy, silly read. Way less cheesy than a lot of the light chick lit reads that I read between heavier books.
July 6, 2019
This book details the lives of four women. Each are in a different stage of life and have romantic troubles for different reasons. They work together and though they aren't all the same age or going through the same things, they are there for each other. This book details life. It is very real and it's very easy to connect with these characters. I understood Maxine and Dani the most. Sam, well, she's a little childish for me, but I completely understand why she acts the way she does. Now, two of the four stories end in this book. So it's a partially HEA. I didn't mind that. I plan on reading the next in the series. I actually appreciated that the author didn't do the "hurry up" thing and get everybody together by the end. I can tell things are going to work out and I don't mind reading the next books to get the HEA for everyone. I enjoyed the book. Nice writing. Real characters with real problems.
October 21, 2017
If you just want to read something silly and light, I guess this could be it. There wasn't really much to it, and some of the story line was not sensible. I was disappointed that only two of the four women in this book got the limelight, and I kept forgetting who the other who were. Suddenly one would be mentioned and I'd think, "Now, who was that again?" I didn't like the ending at all, although I understand it's designed to make you read the next book. Nope. I probably won't.
January 3, 2021
Love the crazy lunch ladies!
This is To Hell In A Coach Bag, book 1 of The Devilish Divas series written by MJ Schiller. We meet an amazing group of women at different stages in their lives that all work together as school lunch ladies. In this book we focus on Dani and Sam as their lives seem to spin out of control for various reasons. I’m excited to see what happens with them as we go forward!
This is To Hell In A Coach Bag, book 1 of The Devilish Divas series written by MJ Schiller. We meet an amazing group of women at different stages in their lives that all work together as school lunch ladies. In this book we focus on Dani and Sam as their lives seem to spin out of control for various reasons. I’m excited to see what happens with them as we go forward!
January 19, 2018
Wonderful Chick-Lit Novel
I loved this story about 4 crazy women going through different stages of life and love together. The plot was more than believable. I felt like I have known the characters in real life. I will be reading Book 2 and anything else by this author. I received this book at no cost and voluntarily chose to post my review.
I loved this story about 4 crazy women going through different stages of life and love together. The plot was more than believable. I felt like I have known the characters in real life. I will be reading Book 2 and anything else by this author. I received this book at no cost and voluntarily chose to post my review.
April 19, 2019
I tried hard to like this book but I just couldn't. It felt scattered and disjointed and some of it just didn't make sense. I don't know whether it was the too many characters in the beginning of the book or what but I lost interest a few chapters in.
sadly the rest of the series failed to grab me after that and they became DNF's.
sadly the rest of the series failed to grab me after that and they became DNF's.
April 14, 2022
Every chapter from another characters' perspective left me feeling disjointed from the storyline. And the emotional scenes were flat. The wrap up at end was forced. I will not be reading anything further by this author.
July 8, 2022
Omg
I was laughing one minute and crying the next. This was the first book by M.J. Schuller I've read and plan on reading at least the rest of the Devilish Divas Series. I have to know how it all ends!
I was laughing one minute and crying the next. This was the first book by M.J. Schuller I've read and plan on reading at least the rest of the Devilish Divas Series. I have to know how it all ends!
January 13, 2024
These four lunch ladies come across as lip service Christians, all in varying stages of dysfunctional relationships / marriages. I didn't really like any of the characters, and the constantly swapping first person POV didn't make me like the side characters more.
April 15, 2025
This was my monthly bookclub book. We were looking for a light and funny read. This book did not disappoint. It’s a chick lit and the characters are relatable. I literally laughed out loud! I’m looking forward to more The Devilish Divas Series.
November 28, 2017
A cute and fun book, with a good amount of humor. Dealt with a lot of relationship dynamics including, family, friends, lovers...
February 19, 2019
Funny
A cute story of the friendship between women. Every woman should have some girlfriends that they can be spontaneous and crazy with.
A cute story of the friendship between women. Every woman should have some girlfriends that they can be spontaneous and crazy with.
April 25, 2019
Too cheesy, I tried to get through it, but couldn’t get past chapter 4. If you want to read a predictable rom-com, maybe it’s the book for you.
May 9, 2019
Was a cute read
September 9, 2019
Got bored and annoyed at the writing style, i didnt finish it! Most narrations and lines had me rolling my eyes at the back of my head. Gave it 3 stars though, as it might just be not for me.
November 1, 2019
Good Fast Read
Funny, sexy and down right fun to read. Couldn't wait to turn the page to see what the girls were up to.
Funny, sexy and down right fun to read. Couldn't wait to turn the page to see what the girls were up to.
March 8, 2020
Stopped reading at 60%. This was much less humorous than it was romance.
Read
April 9, 2023DNF
I tried a couple times to read and always thought about something I would rather read…so either bad timing or just not my style.
I tried a couple times to read and always thought about something I would rather read…so either bad timing or just not my style.
June 24, 2023
cute and relatable
This story was funny at times and serious at times. It was the perfect balance for my summer reading while on vacation.
This story was funny at times and serious at times. It was the perfect balance for my summer reading while on vacation.
September 5, 2023
DNF! About 1/4 of the way in I decided the characters weren't for me.
November 27, 2024
A cute story, but I disliked the ending.
January 24, 2018
It took me a little while to get into To Hell in a Coach Bag, as I was unable to figure out the relationship between the principal people until I was about twenty percent through the book. After that it all became clear and once I had dealt with the confusion, I really began to enjoy the story, which has distant echoes of Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood. I loved the odd friendship between Sam and Dani and their crazy antics, as well as the safety net provided by Maxine and Alexis. All four women are handling their own heartache as best they can, but Dani is the most vulnerable of them all. The road trip to Denver to attend the funeral of Dani’s father is something of a catalyst for each of the women. Kyle and Tucker enter the story as secondary characters, but I would really have liked to know that there was some hope for them in the future. I was really disappointed that both men were cut off at the knees, and that Dani woke up too late to the fact that she might have a future with Tucker. Otherwise, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the highs and lows of each of the women, as well as the humour of each escapade. I did a quick calculation of our currency against the US$, and was horrified at the cost of Sam’s coach bag! No wonder she urged Tucker to rescue it when it fell over the balcony. To Hell in a Coach Bag is well written, without grammatical and spelling errors and the story ties well together. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.
May 1, 2017
I enjoyed this chick flick about four different women, but felt two of the women were barely touched on. The ending gave closure to these two women but the two main characters needed more closure. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews