Changes

[[Category:New Reviews|Women's Fiction]]==Women's Fiction==__NOTOC__{{newreviewFrontpage|authorisbn=Claire Peate1471180158|title=Guerrillas in Our Midst|rating=4|genre=Women's Fiction|summary=The book opens in south-east London. It's a rather gritty urban place but friends Edda and Beth love it. And we soon get the low-down on a hush-hush project by some of the locals. They call themselves, rather grandly I thought, a guerrilla gardening society - but what the devil does it all mean? Edda and Beth stumble into the situation simply by listening to their gut instinct and doing what they feel is right for their neighbourhood. Basically, an eyesore of a skip (full, smelly) has been abandoned near Edda's house. No one wants to deal with it and take it away so the two girls come up with the idea of 'beautifying' it, if you like. Tipping in a whacking great load of topsoil and then planting it up with flowers etc. But all of this is done under cover of darkness. And Peate (what an appropriate name) gives us all the silly, giggly, half-drunken details of the girls' adventure. They've had plenty of adventurous times in the past (which we hear about later) and this lark is just another one to add to the list. They manage to keep it a secret. Difficult, they manage it - just.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1906784256</amazonuk>}} {{newreviewMaybe Tomorrow|author=Katie Fforde|title=Summer of LovePenny Parkes

|genre=Women's General Fiction|summary=Sian Bishop is Jamie Matson works in an upper-class grocery store, for a single mum man who makes her living by restoring and painting furniture. She hopes that by moving to the country she will be able to provide her five year old son Rory 's a control freak with a good life away from all the hustle and bustle subtlety of Londona half brick. Although she is happy on her own Jamie's son, Bo, she knows that her good friend Richard is looking for something 'has his problems'. He's asthmatic and the more and would love to marry her and to provide a home for herself and Rory. Howeveryou read, although she recognises the more you'll suspect that he is a good dependable man, he does not excite her, unlike Rory's father who on the autistic spectrum. Sometimes Jamie needs to take time off at short notice - she had only 's a brief fling with many years beforefrequent flier in the local A&E and sometimes Bo's not fit enough to go to school. Should she settle for security Missed shifts or the need to be away on time to pick Bo up from school are occasions when Jamie can be controlled and put in the wrong. It was going to come to a quiet life or should she hold out for something more exciting? That is the dilemma that Sian struggles with throughout this storyhead.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1846056500</amazonuk>

 {{newreviewFrontpage|author=Audrey WillsherLauren Bravo|title=The House of HopePreloved|rating=3.54

|summary=It was November 1946 when Marianne made Gwen is pressing her way to Hope Grange. She was taking the job of middle-aged bosom on a maid in the house owned by Hugo Lacey, but she hadn't even arrived before she wondered if she'd made big number that starts with a mistake. The villagers were unwelcoming four and finding he house wasnends with an oh-my-God-I't easy, particularly as she didn't like to ask the German Prisoner of War she met – he was one of the ones who had m-nearly-forty. Having been responsible for made unexpectedly redundant - any HR officer worth their salt would argue the death toss - Gwen finds herself having a bit of her beloved Nan two years before in a V2 attackmid-life crisis. When she did find the house she encountered a difficult child, his very difficult grandmother Catharsis is key and Gwen has decided now is the realisation that they and the house were on their uppers.time to take back her life'|amazonukisbn=<amazonuk>0709092016</amazonuk>1398510629

{{newreview|author=M C Beaton|title=Travelling Matchmaker: Belinda Goes to Bath|rating=3Then Richard left them.5|genre=Women's Fiction|summary=Miss Hannah Pym was a housekeeper until recently but has now received a legacy which lifts her out of the servant classes and enables her to fulfil her long-held wish to travel. It might be winter but Miss Pym is taking the stagecoach to The Bath (as the upper classes call the city) just for the adventure. The company in the stage is joined by an obviously well-bred young woman, Miss Belinda Earle who, accompanied by her companion, is being sent in disgrace to stay with her aunt.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1849014809</amazonuk>

{{newreviewFrontpage|author=Jane MooreHadeer Elsbai|title=Love is on the AirThe Daughters of Izdihar

|genre=Women's FictionFantasy|summary=Drawing inspiration from Egypt, ''The Daughters of Izdihar'Love is on the Air' is all about trying to find explores the perfect relationship. Cam knows that things are lives of two women who could not right with her boyfriend Dean but after six years togetherbe more different, she is afraid to do anything about it. They are behaving like an old married couple yet find themselves fighting for the rights of women and they are not even marriedweavers – those with magical abilities - in a society pitted against them. ThereforeNehal, when she goes on holiday with friends Saira born into the upper class, wishes to attend the Weaving Academy to learn to control her abilities and Ellathen join the military, but instead she is somewhat vulnerable and so it is no surprise that she is attracted to fun loving single dad Tomforced into an arranged marriage with Nico. After Giorgina on the other hand did not have a few drinks one thing leads privileged upbringing like Nehal and feels great pressure to another but provide for her family and maintain their reputation, whilst secretly attending meetings of the next day Cam is racked with guiltDaughters of Izdihar – a group campaigning for women's rights. She resolves Giorgina also happens to forget about Tom and to make more effort be in her relationship love with Nico. What follows is a story of an unjust society, filled with Deanhypocrisy and cruelty, from which blossoms a group of admirable women fighting for their rights and overcoming their personal obstacles.|amazonukisbn=<amazonuk>0099505533</amazonuk>0356520471

 {{newreviewFrontpage|authorisbn=Janet MullanyB0B575J99N|title=Mr Bishop and Beneath the ActressPorticoes|author=Brooke Adams

|summary=StraitElizabeth Miller was thirty-laced Harry Bishop has just started his new job as steward four and a teacher at a prestigious girl's school in Lord ShadYork. It was ''comfortable's ramshackle household when he is sent off to London to sort out Shad's errant relation Charlie and his debtsbut she longed for something more in life. Here he meets actress Sophie Wallace, CharlieShe'd ''still not found the right vocation nor met the right man''s mistress, who and now finds herself set adrift from her protector with only was the time to make a change. She needed challenges. There was a little trepidation when she applied for the professoressa job in Bologna. After a few dresses telephone interview, she was offered the position and a rather ostentatious bed to it wasn't long before she was exploring the beautiful city. There were some natural doubts before her namefirst class but it went surprisingly well. |amazonuk=<amazonuk>0755347811</amazonuk>

 {{newreviewFrontpage|authorisbn=Felicity Everett0241542405|title=The Story of UsMeredith Alone|author=Claire Alexander|rating=4.5|genre=Women's General Fiction|summary=Back When we first meet Meredith Maggs it's Wednesday 14 November 2018 and she's not left her home for 1,214 days. She'd ''like'' to: in 1982 there were five girls sharing a house in Brightonfact, she so nearly does. Their course works takes second place Her outdoor clothes are on and she's even considered which shoes to demoswear if she's going to catch her train. Then, parties and no-strings sex for Stellashe can't. She simply can't force herself to leave the safety of her home. She's fortunate that she has a good friend, BridgetSadie, Vinniewho visits regularly with her two children, Maxine James and Nell but itMatilda. Sadie's against the background a cardiac nurse and full of Greenham Common sound common sense. In fact it was Sadie who gave Meredith her cat, Fred. Groceries are online deliveries and the minersthere's also an internet-based support group where you' strike that the girls realise that life is not quite ll find Meredith as straight forward as they imaginedJIGSAWGIRL, so you can guess what she does in her spare time. They will forge friendships in Albacore Street which might occasionally be stretched to the limit, but they'll never be completely forgottenThen Tom McDermott arrives. Having met them back in the eighties we meet them again two decades later when theyHe're struggling to cope s from Holding Hands, a charity which supports people with all that life throws at themproblems such as Meredith's.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0099553694</amazonuk>

 {{newreviewFrontpage|authorisbn=Jessica Ruston0008441618|title=To Touch the StarsOther Parents|author=Sarah Stovell|rating=45

|summary=CavalleyJo Fairburn knew that she was under intense pressure as the new head of West Burntridge First School: if she didn's creates the most luxurious hats t live up to her retired predecessor there could well be a house price slump in the world along with a host that part of other items without which the rich cannot survivetown. At The school had an active Parent Teacher Association and the company's head is Violet Cavalley, now celebrating her sixtieth birthday with her family about herfunds which they raised were a considerable benefit to the school. She looks as There was one difficulty, though she could go on forever- they were ''devastatingly shockable'', but Violet and one or with two others know differentlymembers, in particular, causing problems for the head. There are a few other people who know that Violet isn't who she says she is Laura Spence and that he background wouldnKate Monroe objected to Jo't stand a lot of close examination. From s restrictions on the villa toys children could bring in Capri, to the London homes of the family and the private jet, it's all good living, on Toy Day but there are plenty of secrets which are going to be airedthat was just a warm-up act for their real gripe: LGBTQ education.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0755370325</amazonuk>

 {{newreviewFrontpage|author=Jane LoveringGiovanna Fletcher|title=Please Don't Stop the MusicWalking on Sunshine

|summary=Jemima Hutton makes jewelled belt buckles and sheMike's determined to make a success of the business – and to keep a dark secret which she's shared wife, Pia, who he was with no onefor seventeen years, has died. She's camping out in her friend's spare room And whilst he is dealing with his grief, so are their best friends, Vicky and another friend is allowing her workshop spaceZaza. It is But Pia left them all some 'rules'just'' working until the woman to follow, knowing that she supplies exclusively decides was dying and that she's not going they would need help to stock her any morecarry on living. Jemima is down to walking Whilst some of the streets of York looking for someone who will stock rules are around practicalities such as clearing out her buckles. She's all but given up when she meets Ben who says wardrobe, another one that he'll stock the buckles in his guitar shop. But Ben has secrets too – Mike discovers one day encourages him to take one of their trips away, and Vicky and he's determined thatZaza, come what maystruggling with their grief and their own life troubles, he's not going decide to share themdrop everything in their own lives, and go along with him.|amazonukisbn=<amazonuk>1906931275</amazonuk>140593560X

 {{newreviewFrontpage|authorisbn=Jennifer BohnetB09FS89KX9|title=Rendezvous in Cannes|rating=3|genre=Women's Fiction|summary=It's the beginning of the Cannes Film Festival and for two women life is going to change completely in the coming weeks. Anna Carson has found the love that she thought would always elude her and can't quite believe her happiness. Daisy, here to cover the Festival as a journalist is coming to terms with being single. It's time for her to make some decisions, but what will she decide? The hurly-burly of the Festival is not the most peaceful time to make big decisions.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0709091400</amazonuk>}} {{newreviewFall On Me|author=Marian Keyes|title=The Brightest Star in the SkyPenelope Potts

|summary=Marian Keyes can usually be relied upon Life should have been good for a funny, moving story full Hollie: She was just going into the final year of lifeher veterinary degree and - three years later -like, likeable characterswas still working at BB's diner. I Bob - the owner - regarded her fondly: he was eager to read a good boss. Hollie had moved in with her latest novelboyfriend, although somewhat daunted by the 600 odd pages! Marcus: her mother thought he was great and he was doing well in his career. Here she takes us Hollie wasn't quite so certain though: Marcus wanted to control her and most of all he wanted her to an old, multi-storey house in Dublin that is leave her job at the home of a variety of different charactersdiner. An unknownThen there was the fact that he would be violent, magical narrator takes us through the house as we meet each tenant both to her and discover what's happening in their livesto other people.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>014102867X</amazonuk>

 {{newreviewFrontpage|authorisbn=Allison Pearson0008421714|title=I Think I Love YouMrs March|author=Virginia Feito|rating=34.5|genre=Women's Literary Fiction|summary=ItThe problem began just after the publication of George March's most successful novel to date. Everyone but Mrs March (we know her first name only on the 70slast page) seemed to either be reading it or had already done so. Every day Mrs March went to the local patisserie to buy olive bread but on that particular morning, and 13 year old Petra is in lovePatricia asked, and not with a silly boy at schoolas she was wrapping the bread, ''but with isn't this the first time he's based a man. Hecharacter on you?''s not from Wales like she is She mentioned that Johanna, or even from Britain. Hethe principal character had 'her mannerisms''s much more mysterious and alluring. He comes from across Perhaps this would not have mattered, except for the pond and his name fact that Johanna is David Cassidy. the whore of Nantes - ''Thea weak, plain, detestable, pathetic, unloved, unloveable wretch.'' David Cassidy.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>009946859X</amazonuk>

 {{newreviewFrontpage|authorisbn=Lesley Pearse1473685745|title=BelleUnbreak Your Heart|author=Katie Marsh

|summary=Belle's story begins in London in 1910. She is fifteen years old When Beth Carlyle and lives Simon Withers first met they were on opposite ends of an innocent life in angry exchange - well, Simon was angry and Beth was doing her motherbest to apologise for having knocked Simon's brothelson, Jake, with no understanding of what really takes place thereoff his bike. Her mother He wasn't hurt but Jake has encouraged her to read and write, wanting her kept away from the harsh realities of the brothel and the rough streets of London that surround herhistory. But BelleHe has HLHS - that's innocence is shattered when she witnesses the murder Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome for those of one of the brothelyou who are not 's most popular girls, and is subsequently grabbed from the street and trafficked to Paris as a prostitute. |amazonuk=<amazonuk>0718157028</amazonuk>}} {{newreview|author=Jan Jones|title=The Kydd Inheritance|rating=3.5|genre=Women's Fiction|summary=Nellau fait's Kydd's father died in a hunting accident and her brother, Kit with your medical acronyms. When he was uncontactableborn, seemingly lost, on his way back from India. This the left her uncle, Jasper Kydd in charge side of the family estate his heart hadn't developed properly and he appeared to be doing all in his power to wreck Kydd Court and make Nell's life needed open-heart surgery when he was a miseryfew days old. Her mother coped with it all by retreating into her own worldSo, where she couldn't be reached either. When an unwelcome offer of marriage is forced upon her, Nell knows that she Simon has every right to take action and that's be over-protective particularly when the very unsettling Captain Hugo Derringer arrives. Hesomeone isn's an old friend of Kittt looking where they's, but what exactly is he doing in the area and can Nell trust him?|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0709091710</amazonuk>re driving.}} {{newreviewFrontpage|author=Allegra GoodmanC J Carey|title=The Cookbook CollectorWidowland

|summary=It's April 1953, and Adolf Hitler's schedule includes going to Moscow to attend the state funeral of Joseph Stalin then within weeks coming to London, parading around a bit, and watching over the sanctioned return to the throne of Edward VIII with his wife, Queen Wallis. For yes, Britain caved in the lead-up to the World War Two that certainly didn'The Cookbook Collectort happen as we know it, and we are now a protectorate – well, we share enough of the same blood as the Germanic peoples on ''the mainland'' is all about emotions. Concentrating on twoBut this is most certainly a different Britain, for Nazi-styled phrenology, youngand ideas of female purpose, American women who are vastly different in many areas has put all of their lives that gender into a caste system, ranging from high-brow office bigwigs to the drudges, and also beyond those, right on their outlook on lifedown to the childless, the husbandless and the widows. Female literacy is actively discouraged. And in this puritanical existence, our heroine, Rose Ransom, Goodman digs deeper is employed with the task of bowdlerising classical literature to find take all encouragement for female emancipation out what makes them tick - what makes them of it – after all, not every book can be banned, and not every story excised immediately from British civilisation, and so they just get up in a hefty tweak towards the party line before they're stamped ready for reprint. That is her job, at least, until the morningfirst emerging signs of female protest come to light, with their potential to spoil Hitler's visit.|amazonukisbn=<amazonuk>1848875398</amazonuk>152941198X

 {{newreviewFrontpage|author=Lulu TaylorRuth Hogan|title=Beautiful CreaturesMadame Burova|rating=4.5|genre=Women's General Fiction|summary=Everyone has heard This book lets us discover several people in different stages of life in the Beaufort twins Octavia and Floraearly 1970s, but few all vaguely connected. So we have a bullied half-cast boy (as he would have ever seen thembeen called then), a girl in a humdrum job wanting to become a singer, and on chiefly, Imelda, the night third generation of their twentyMadame Burova, ''Tarot-Reader, Palmist and Clairvoyant'', to use her family's sea-first birthday party front booth. The singer, the scryer and the girls are finally launched into society amongst sufferer's mother will all become staff at a crowd anxious to revamped holiday camp, but just before then we see Imelda fly solo for the first time in the two girls who are about to inherit a vast fortunefamily stall. Octavia and Flora have been kept out We also see her on her last day, fifty years later, in possession of a pair of the public eye letters that will change everything for their entire young lives by their aunt Frances after their father died and their mother seemingly abandoned thema woman called Billie. Now that Just who is she, and who delivered the girls secrets about her to Imelda, and why did it have come of age Frances has no choice but to hand over the girls' vast inheritance from their father and take remain a step back from running their lives.secret all this time?|amazonukisbn=<amazonuk>0099550458</amazonuk>152937331X

 {{newreviewFrontpage|author=Rekha WaheedJennifer Saint |title=My Bollywood WeddingAriadne |rating=34.5|genre=Women's Fiction|summary=Maya Malik set her heart on This re-telling of the myth of Ariadne and the Minotaur is interesting and unusual. Jennifer Saint presents the story in a big, glamorous wedding way that is sympathetic to Jhanghir Khan its origins but organising it was difficult as the groom-also appealing to-be was working as a doctor in New York and Maya was arranging the wedding in Londonmodern audience. MayaSaint's family are rich, but Jhanghir's family are – seriously so – and this narrative is only part told predominantly through the viewpoint of Ariadne, spanning from her childhood to her death, allowing the tensions which looked reader to be on track to derail the wedding. There's really connect with Ariadne as a sister-character in-law who's determined to take over all the arrangements – without disguising her dislike of Maya – and a George-Clooney-lookalike cousin whom Maya finds far too attractive for her own good. And Jhanghir? Well, he's right rather than just a man. He's busy and he's not that good at communicatingprop in the heroics of Theseus. Is there any wonder that Maya begins to wonder if she's doing the right thing?|amazonukisbn=<amazonuk>0755356144</amazonuk>1472273869

 {{newreviewFrontpage|author=Margaret LeroyLucy Holland|title=The River HouseSistersong|rating=3.5|genre=Women's Literary Fiction|summary=Ginnie Holmes Sistersong is part of a child-psychologistgenre I particularly enjoy, working to help children the modern retelling of folk and young people damaged by what they have experienced or what they have seenfairy tales. She is also the mother of two typicalThese stories, happy teenage daughters – one just about to leave for university the othermost of us, trying hard not to work for her GCSE'sare a cornerstone of childhood and I relish seeing them retold with fresh eyes and a fresh perspective. Her If handled well these retellings give new life is outwardly as near perfect as it getsand new meaning to stories that are now becoming increasingly narrow and outdated, fleshing out characters, examining relationships and re-evaluating the role of women. Her husband Sistersong is a successful academic. She has perfect example of a solid circle of friends old and new. The cottage by modern retelling done well, the river might be whimsical rather than elegant plot is handled with care, keeping its archaic historical feel but it suits her allowing the characters to come to life, to feel real and human, most importantly they feel relatable in a modern world whilst still feeling appropriate for the right light pre-Saxon age they live in. This is a masterpiece of storytelling and the right company it is charmingI was captivated from beginning to end. |amazonukisbn=<amazonuk>0778304094</amazonuk>1529039037

 {{newreviewFrontpage|authorisbn=Julie HighmoreB08NF79QXT|title=The BirthdayCherry Blossom Boutique|author=Brooke Adams|rating=43

|summary=4 November 2008: ThatThirty-one-year old Liberty Rossini has had her shop, the Cherry Blossom Boutique, for just six months when she's nominated for - and wins - the date of Retail Best Newcomer Award. She's delighted and the US presidential election, and Frantwo people she's 60th birthday. Fran is nervous about brought with her milestone birthday – she doesnto the event couldn't feel that oldbe more pleased. She Sonja, her mother, is worried about an ex-model and Brazilian: you can see where Liberty got her looks from. Jessica's thirty-four and Liberty's best friend: they've known each other since university and Liberty adores Jessica's husband, DuncanCharles and their four-year-old daughter, who has become rather down and forgetfulAva. As Life would be perfect for Liberty if it turns out though, her planned party will be less a celebration than the catalyst wasn't for the revelation of one thing: she misses having a lifetime of secretsman in her life.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0755343042</amazonuk>

 {{newreviewFrontpage|authorisbn=Kate LaceB08GFSK2WZ|title=A Class Act|rating=3.5|genre=Women's Fiction|summary=Tilly de Liege (that's pronounced 'de Lee', by the way) met Ainsley Driver quite by accident and they just seemed to get on with each other really well. Both were about to do A levels and were hoping to go on to university, but there was a snag. Tilly was from the wrong side of the tracks. She wasn't in the least bit worried about the fact that Ainsley lived in a council house on quite the worst estate in town but when he found out that she lived in the local manor house and went to a private school something snapped. It didn't seem to be about money – as the de Lieges really didn't have any - more about the fact that she hadn't said.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0755347943</amazonuk>}} {{newreviewThe Karma Trap|author=Sarah Monk|title=Taking the LeadLisette Boyd

|summary=Theodora English had left her home in London to move to a tiny Cornish village with her boyfriend MichaelGeorge Jackson is thirty-three years old, only for him absolutely gorgeous to dump her soon afterwardslook at - and single. YouShe'd expect s not had sex for eight months and she's stuck in the karma trap: an awful lot of bad luck is being visited on her to head straight back to London, but you'd be wrongand she has a real talent for attracting drama. She buys Her life's chaotic: she dealt with the leak from the shower by putting something down at the bottom of the cottage next door, moves in and starts getting stairs to know absorb the locals.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0755345142</amazonuk>}} {{newreview|author=Christina Courtenay|title=Trade Winds|rating=3.5|genre=Historical Fiction|summary=It is 1731 and Killian Kinross, disgraced heir to water - then the estate is making his way as best he can shower fell through the gambling dens of Edinburghroof whilst she was in it and left her, trading on his skillstark naked, ability to hold his drink and staring at the smiling fickle fortunes of lady luckpervy postman. The Lady is smiling at She only has to take her mother's dog out for a walk for her to end up with dog poo spattered across her face - and a photo being taken by someone who shares it around the moment, although she hasn't always done sooffice.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1906931232</amazonuk>

 {{newreviewFrontpage|authorisbn=Ali McNamaraB08CHJLNBS|title=From Notting Hill with Love... Actually|rating=3.5|genre=Women's Fiction|summary=Scarlett loves the movies; in fact that you could easily say that she is obsessed with them, much to the exasperation of her father, her fiancé David and her friends. She can't help dreaming and wishing that her life was more like the films that she loves. So, when the opportunity arises to house sit for a month in Notting Hill (the setting of her favourite film), she grabs it. It's a chance to prove to all those sceptics that life can be like the movies and also for her to examine her feelings about her forthcoming marriage to David.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0751544957</amazonuk>}} {{newreview|author=Lucinda Riley|title=Hothouse Flower|rating=4|genre=Women's Fiction|summary=In the London Season of 1939 Olivia met the Honourable Harry Crawford, heir to the Wharton country estate in Norfolk and he seemed like the perfect catch. It looked even better when his mother invited her to spend the summer at the estate and before long they were married. There were problems even before Harry went to fight in the Far East, but Olivia was determined that the marriage would work.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0141049375</amazonuk>}} {{newreviewCapturing Emilia|author=Lucy Dawson|title=The One That Got Away|rating=4|genre=Women's Fiction|summary=Lucy Dawson's latest novel is a cut above run-of-the-mill chick-lit pap. Molly Greene is happily married to Dan, and they live a normal twenty-first century life in a small town. She is a successful salesperson for a medical supplier. The couple struggle with the bills and hope to buy their own place. She spends time with two old girlfriends whose situations are different from hers, but who know our heroine inside out and will always be there for her for long, boozy heart-to-hearts. So far, so predictable. |amazonuk=<amazonuk>0751542520</amazonuk>}} {{newreview|author=Christine Stovell|title=Turning the Tide|rating=4|genre=Women's Fiction|summary=We're in the seaside location of Spitmarsh. It's seen better days, frankly. And that's putting it mildly. It has ' ... a local economy so depressed it was almost suicidal'. Ms Harry Watling loves her town in spite of the negative vibes. She wouldn't change a thing. You can tell that she's an optimist because even although she's having difficulty keeping her business afloat, she's still happy with her lot. She's not afraid of hard work and seems to work almost round the clock and in all weathers to carry out her boat-building and repairs business. But it's a constant battle.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1906931259</amazonuk>}} {{newreview|author=Bernadette Strachan|title=Why DO We Have to Live with Men?|rating=3.5|genre=Women's Fiction|summary=Cat and her friends often meet up for a drink and a chat, and regularly fantasise about giving up on men, sharing a house and looking after each other. Then one night Germaine calls their bluff – she’s found a house, and wants to know who is going to join her in it. Initially, the answer is no one. Shortly afterwards, though, Cat’s life as she has known it falls apart, as her landlord gives her notice to leave her flat and she loses her job. There is nothing now to keep her in London and moving into Germaine’s commune doesn’t seem like such a mad option.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0751542296</amazonuk>}} {{newreview|author=Sarah Dunn|title=Secrets to HappinessBrooke Adams

|summary=Holly Frick is 35, single and living in New York City. She still thinks sheHe's in love with her ex husbandCharles Devereaux, her career as a TV writer is on a steady downward spiral thirty-eight and she's had limited success as a novelistpartner at Wickham Jones, the Mayfair letting agents. She may be having amazing no strings sex with toy boy Lucas, but Holly is unfulfilled and unhappy. Plus, she's surrounded by equally dysfunctional friendsEmilia, including best friend Amanda, who has no qualms embarking on an extramarital affairtwenty-nine, librarian and writing partner Leonard, who is more than happy to self-medicate and find his thrills through archivist in the Internetheritage library next door. Plus Spence, the ex before the ex husband Emilia has resurfaced in Hollyread [[The Secret by Rhonda Byrne|The Secret]] but she's life and thanks to his moved on from new girlfriend Cathleenage books like that, Holly finds herself reliving their relationship as Cathleen interrogates her which leave you dependent on Spencesomeone else's pastphilosophies, to something a little deeper. Charles is more of a [[Personal by Lee Child|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0751538302</amazonuk>}} {{newreview|author=Miranda Dickinson|title=Welcome to My World|rating=4|genre=WomenJack Reacher]] man himself, but, above all, he's Fiction|summary=Light, romantic fiction (or shocked that dreadful phrase but which is aptEmilia reads ''The Guardian''. They're obviously not at all compatible, chick-lit) is so why can Charles not, I have to say, my preferred genre. get this woman out of his mind? I wouldnShe't buy s not his usual type at all: it from a bookshop nor borrow it from the local library's obvious to his friends. ButAnd given that Emilia regularly feels repulsed by Charles's superficiality, having said all thatwhy does she feel drawn to him? The relationship's obviously a non-starter, would you believe the coincidence that chatting with two female friends recently (fortysomething and fiftysomething) they both told me that they wouldnisn't read anything else. So, it just goes to show, horses for courses and all that.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1847561667</amazonuk>?

 {{newreviewFrontpage|author=Pamela EvansHelly Acton|title=Harvest NightsThe Shelf|rating=3.54|genre=Historical Women's Fiction|summary=It is 1920 and London is struggling to deal with the consequences of the Great War. Unemployment is high and money is scarce. Clara Tripp, a former Land Girl has been forced to return to the city to work as a waitressWhen we meet Amy, leaving behind the countryside which she loves so much. When Charlie Fenner, an acquaintance from Clara's Land Army days, comes in to the teashop where she works, Clara a relationship with Jamie. You can't help but feel overjoyed. He offers her temporary work really call it a partnership, because things tend to get done on his parentsterms, but she' orchard in Kent and s sticking around because she hopes she gladly acceptscan change him. Yet a serious accident forces Clara to stay longer than expected and it is then that she makes a shocking discovery which threatens to destroy the Fenner familyAh, yes. Back in London Clara struggles with her confused emotions and the looming prospect of Haven't we all been there? Things are looking up when he tells her marriage to local boy Arnold. When devastating news comes from Kent, Clara realises she can no longer keep her discovery pack for a secretsurprise trip. But coming face-Could this be it? Is he ''finally'' going to-face with Charlie again means Clara must acknowledge her buried feelings get down on one knee? Was the work (and make a decision between doing the right thing and following her heart.wait) worth it?|amazonukisbn=<amazonuk>0755345452</amazonuk>1838770879

{{newreview|author=Sue Moorcroft|title=Want to Know a Secret?|rating=4|genre=WomenWhen Mike Parker's Fiction|summary=When you get girlfriend comes into school with a couple of policemen in your kitchen telling you that your husband has been badly injured in a helicopter crash you can be forgiven for being upsetblack eye, claiming he gave it to her, her whole world is tipped upside down. On the other hand, if your family Her relationship has just ended and now she's the sort talk of income which means that your husband the school. Mike was the most popular boy in school who was as likely to be always so in a spaceship as a helicopter then it's quite permissible to say love with her, everyone knew that the policemen have come to the wrong place , so why did he do what he did? Some people believe her and some don't, but one thing is for sure, this is what Diane Jenner did. Unfortunately it also means that when they prove that it was your husband youisn've got quite a big adjustment t going to makeblow over any time soon.|amazonukisbn=<amazonuk>1906931267</amazonuk>0349003297

 {{newreviewFrontpage|author=Amy SilverKatie Fforde|title=All I Want For ChristmasA Springtime Affair|rating=4.5|genre=Women's Fiction|summary=In Amy Silver's 'All I Want for Christmas', the reader meets three very different women. Bea, who runs the local delicatessen, The Honey Pot, is facing Christmas alone with her young son Luca but is determined ve wanted to make it as good as she possibly can. Olivia has somewhat rashly offered to host all of her fiancé's family from Ireland read author Katie Fforde for ages and it looks like it will be chaotic. On the other handthis was pretty much exactly what I was expecting - a warm, Chloe will be celebrating alonecosy read focused on romance, as her boyfriend will be sitting down to Christmas dinner with his wife family and familyfriendships. Although on This provided two romances for the surfaceprice of one, but it was actually the three women appear to have little in common, family element as Christmas approaches they start opposed to form a bond the romance that is likely to last well beyond the festive seasonI really enjoyed.|amazonukisbn=<amazonuk>0099553228</amazonuk>1780897561

 {{newreview|author=Sue Moorcroft|title=All That Mullarkey|rating=4|genre=Women's Fiction|summary=Cleo and Gav seemed to have the perfect marriage. Neither of them wanted children and their lives seemed to be full of fun, enjoyment and love. But sometimes all is not as it seems as Cleo discovered the night that she'd made up her mind to go to a reunion and Gav said that she shouldn't go. She set off, but wondered if it really was worth causing so much heartache when she wasn't all that keen on going and turned back. When she got home she found that the writing was on the wall for their marriage – quite literally. It said, in marker pen on the bedroom wall 'This Marriage is Over' and Gav had gone.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1906931240</amazonuk>}} {{newreview|author=Julie Cohen|title=Getting Away With It|rating=5|genre=Women's Fiction|summary=Julie Cohen's latest book is a different creature to her previous novels. It's not just that it's longer, although the length allows for more characterisation and trickier, complex plots than her ''Little Black Dress'' books, but it also feels different in style. There's the same quirky side that Julie writes so well - the heroine this time is a stunt woman, some bizarre ice cream flavours and there's some interesting crop-circle action! But the book feels more serious - more grown up somehow - yet just as readable and compelling as her previous stories have been.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>075535060X</amazonuk>}} {{newreviewFrontpage|authorisbn=Cathleen SchineB07W4MNBSG|title=The Three Weissmanns of Westport|rating=3.5|genre=General Fiction|summary=The novel begins with Joseph Weissmann, or Josie as he is known, deciding at the age of 78 that he no longer wants to be married to Betty after 48 years together. In an attempt to save Betty's feelings he cites irreconcilable differences, but the truth is he has fallen head over heels in love. Betty is devastated, her life in tatters, with even the beautiful Central Park apartment she adores soon lost to her.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1849015716</amazonuk>}} {{newreview|author=Sharon Owens|title=A Winter's Wedding|rating=4|genre=Women's Fiction|summary=Decluttering: it's a great thing to do, you know. Be Careful Who You clear space and you give yourself emotional energy when you get rid of things which you don't need. Take stuff to a charity shop and it's an all-round winner for everyone. That's what Emily did when she began to clear out her flat. Her friend Augusta had given her quite a few gadgets which she knew that she would never use. And it was at the charity shop that she met Dylan. His sister ran a charity which rescued horses and Dylan was helping out between jobs. Now, there's something which you need to know about Dylan. He's perfect. He's thoughtful, considerate, loyal and honest. Yes – he's ''that'' perfect.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0141028580</amazonuk>}} {{newreviewMarry|author=Brooke Morgan|title=TrappedLizzy Mumfrey

|summary=Ellie Walters is 36, divorced and keen It was coming up to start a new life away from her cheating Halloween in 1987 and control-freak ex-husband. Fulfilling a lifegroup of sixth-long dream, she decides to take her 15-year-old son, Tim, to live with her in the small town of Bourneform schoolgirls wondered what they would be doing when they were fifty. As she soon becomes good friends with her next-door neighbour When you're only seventeen that seems positively ancient, Louisa Amory, Ellie finally feels she is making a but Liz was convinced that ''your entire life of her owndepends on who you marry''. She begins to feel a sense The only eligible boys were the Young Farmers and the idea of freedom and independence but for how long? When strange events start occurring Ellie is forced to face some painful and guilty memories connected to living in a tragic accident nineteen years ago; memories which she would rather forget. It is clear that someone has discovered her well-kept secret farmhouse and is reluctant to let her forget about it. As having a campaign couple of terror against Ellie unfolds she must come children called Will and Olly appealed to terms with what happened all those years ago Charlotte, or perhaps William and try to discover Oliver if you were Elizabeth who her tormentor is. Vulnerable and afraid, she relies on Louisa's friendship was determined to help her through marry the ordealrather superior Patrick Shepley-Botham. However, when a misunderstanding causes a rift between Ellie and Louisa's son, Joe, The place to start their search was obviously the womenYoung Farmers's friendship is threatenedHalloween disco that weekend. Alone and afraid, she suddenly finds herself trapped There was just one problem - there were too many Elizabeths in a nightmare from which she must do all she can to escapethe class.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0099536285</amazonuk>

{{newreview|author=Beth Pattillo|title=Jane Austen Ruined My Life|rating=3.5|genre=Women's FictionMove on to [[Features|summary=I blame Bridget Jones. Jane Austen's six novels have inspired a huge number of novels about the romantic dilemmas facing bright, educated middle class women. Does adding literary references to chicklit somehow make for better novels? I don't think so, but I do find these books fun, escapist reading, and the title of this one was irresistible.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0857210106</amazonuk>}}latest features]]