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[[Category:New Reviews|Women's Fiction]]==Women's Fiction==__NOTOC__{{newreviewFrontpage|authorisbn=Freya North1471180158|title=Chances|rating=4|genre=Women's Fiction|summary=Sharing a business with ex-lover, Tim, is a disaster for Vita. How can she possibly move on when he's popping into their souvenir shop every day? Though she shed the two-timing love rat from her bed over 12 months before, his presence casts dark shadows on her days. But ridding him from her life isn't a likely option and escaping into her precious classic fiction is sometimes the only way she can ignore her troubled thoughts. She cannot afford to buy his share of the business and she isn't prepared to risk losing 'That Shop' with its delightful trinkets and resident shoplifter!|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0007326661</amazonuk>}} {{newreviewMaybe Tomorrow|author=Jo Verity|title=Not Funny Not CleverPenny Parkes

|genre=Women's General Fiction|summary=Elizabeth was rather looking forward to her trip to Cardiff. She and Diane hadn't got together Jamie Matson works in an upper-class grocery store, for a really good chat for man who's a long time and control freak with Laurence being away on a cookery course in France it seemed like all the ideal opportunity to take advantage subtlety of Dianea half brick. Jamie's invitationson, Bo, 'has his problems'. She had visions of girly chats – if He's asthmatic and the more you read, the more you can still have girly chats at nearly fifty'll suspect that he's on the autistic spectrum. But her plans were going Sometimes Jamie needs to be disrupted. Her son blessed her with his partnertake time off at short notice - she's teenage son 'for a few days frequent flier in an emergencythe local A&E and sometimes Bo' s not fit enough to go to school. Missed shifts or the need to be away on time to pick Bo up from school are occasions when Jamie can be controlled and she had no option but to take Jordan put in – and then the wrong. It was going to take him come to Cardiff with hera head.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1906784248</amazonuk>

 {{newreviewFrontpage|author=Mary MaloneLauren Bravo|title=Love is the ReasonPreloved

|summary=Lucy Ardle was driving home, wondering what sort of Gwen is pressing her middle-aged bosom on a big number that starts with a mood her husband would be in. When shefour and ends with an oh-my-God-I'd left earlier, words had been spokenm-nearly-forty. She was nearly home when she was overtaken by Having been made unexpectedly redundant - any HR officer worth their salt would argue the fire engine: the house was in flames and it was touch and go as to whether or not Danny would make ittoss - Gwen finds herself having a bit of a mid-life crisis. Thankfully Lucy's friend, Carol Black had seen the flames Catharsis is key and called Gwen has decided now is the fire brigade or the outcome would have been much worse.time to take back her life'|amazonukisbn=<amazonuk>1842234161</amazonuk>1398510629

{{newreview|author=Clodagh Murphy|title=Girl in a Spin|rating=4|genre=Women's Fiction|summary=Jenny Hannigan might look like the original good-time party girl but all she really wants out of life is a settled home and family – mainly because that's what she's never had. So when she begins a relationship with Richard Allam she dares to hope that the dreams might be coming true. Richard is young, good-looking and leader of Her Majesty's opposition. He has high hopes of becoming Prime Minister after the next election. Jenny isn't exactly the ideal mate for someone who expects to be the next Prime Minister and as Then Richard has only recently separated from his wife Jenny is going to take some selling to the country. Enter publicist Dev Tennant whose job is to make the country fall in love with Jenny.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1444705148</amazonuk>}} {{newreview|author=Fern Britton|title=New Beginnings|rating=3.5|genre=Women's Fiction|summary=Christie Lynch is a widowed mother with a couple of children and she's been keeping the proverbial wolf from the door by doing some journalism – but then she gets the lucky break of an appearance on daytime television. She's spotted by Julia Keen, ''the'' most successful agent and it seems that the sky's the limit. It's not long before Christie has a high-profile presenting job. The public loves her. The camera loves her. What's not to like?|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0007362692</amazonuk>}} {{newreview|author=Amanda Brookfield|title=Before I Knew You|rating=4|genre=Women's Fiction|summary=Two couples agree to swap homes for the summer, urged on by a mutual friend. Sophie and Andrew are teachers who live in London, rather jaded with life and each other, but hoping for a break. Their two teenage daughters are on a music tour, but hope to join them for the last week.  William and Beth are a newly married couple, who live in a gorgeous home in Connecticut in the USA. William is rather older than Beth; he's a Brit who has three teenage sons living with their mother in London, not far from Sophie and Andrew's home. William wants to spend time with his sons in the summer, and Beth hopes to get to know left them better.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0141039949</amazonuk>

{{newreviewFrontpage|author=Fanny BlakeHadeer Elsbai|title=What Women WantThe Daughters of Izdihar

|genre=Women's FictionFantasy|summary=I'll be honest: I had my doubts about this book. Fanny Blake is a well-known journalist and she's also written for programmes such as ''LocationDrawing inspiration from Egypt, Location, Location'' and The Daughters of Izdihar''A Place in the Sun''. I wasn't entirely certain how this would fit with a book about explores the lives of three middle-aged two women who are dealing could not be more different, yet find themselves fighting for the rights of women and weavers – those with change magical abilities - in their lives – a society pitted against them. Nehal, born into the upper class, wishes to attend the Weaving Academy to learn to control her abilities and they're then join the military, but instead she is forced into an arranged marriage with Nico. Giorgina on the other hand did not moving house. I sat down to have a quick look privileged upbringing like Nehal and feels great pressure to see if it was going provide for her family and maintain their reputation, whilst secretly attending meetings of the Daughters of Izdihar – a group campaigning for women's rights. Giorgina also happens to be worth reviewing…in love with Nico. What follows is a story of an unjust society, filled with hypocrisy and cruelty, from which blossoms a group of admirable women fighting for their rights and overcoming their personal obstacles.|amazonukisbn=<amazonuk>0007359098</amazonuk>0356520471

 {{newreviewFrontpage|authorisbn=Sophie PageB0B575J99N|title=To Marry A PrinceBeneath the Porticoes|author=Brooke Adams

|summary=Bella Greenwood has just been away on Elizabeth Miller was thirty-four and a teacher at a tropical island doing an eco-job prestigious girl's school in York. It was ''comfortable'' but she longed for something more in life. She'd ''still not found the right vocation nor met the right man'' and now was the time to make a man she though she rather fanciedchange. She returned home when she realised that she needed challenges. There was being taken for a mug and little trepidation when it came down to it she didn't really fancy applied for the man that much eitherprofessoressa job in Bologna. Getting back into After a telephone interview, she was offered the swing of things is a little difficult though – he mother position and step-father have a full house and canit wasn't take her inlong before she was exploring the beautiful city. Her father is up a mountain somewhere and she's just thankful that There were some natural doubts before her friend Lottie is prepared to take her in at short notice – and to take her to a posh partyfirst class but it went surprisingly well.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0099560453</amazonuk>

 {{newreviewFrontpage|authorisbn=M C Beaton0241542405|title=The Travelling Matchmaker: Emily Goes to ExeterMeredith Alone|author=Claire Alexander|rating=34.5|genre=Historical General Fiction|summary=Emily Goes 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 fact, she so nearly does. Her outdoor clothes are on and she's even considered which shoes to Exeter is by way of wear if she'Being the First Volume of the Travelling Matchmakers going to catch her train. Then, she can' as the subheading has it on the frontispiece: the beginning of a new series obviouslyt.  If like me you have come She simply can't force herself to Beaton by way of Hamish Macbeth this might seem like something leave the safety of a diversionher home. A little research shows you She's fortunate that in fact Marion Chesneyshe has a good friend, Sadie, who writes under visits regularly with her two children, James and Matilda. Sadie's a number cardiac nurse and full of pseudonyms (including Beaton) has a prolific work-ratesound common sense. Having produced upwards of 130 books since starting writing full time in the 1980sIn fact it was Sadie who gave Meredith her cat, focussing on crime Fred. Groceries are online deliveries and historical romancethere's also an internet-based support group where you'll find Meredith as JIGSAWGIRL, there so you can be few avenues down guess what she does in her spare time. Then Tom McDermott arrives. He's from Holding Hands, a charity which she has yet to wandersupports people with problems such as Meredith's.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1849014795</amazonuk>

 {{newreviewFrontpage|authorisbn=Sylvia Broady0008441618|title=The Yearning HeartOther Parents|author=Sarah Stovell|rating=35

|summary=It is 1941 so when an unmarried Frances Bewholme becomes pregnant Jo Fairburn knew that she was under intense pressure as the new head of West Burntridge First School: if she is shunned by didn't live up to her family retired predecessor there could well be a house price slump in that part of the town. The school had an active Parent Teacher Association and sent the funds which they raised were a considerable benefit to an isolated farm to live and workthe school. To add to her shame and disgrace Fran There was one difficulty, though - they were ''devastatingly shockable's unborn baby is not just any man's; it is her brother-, with two members, in-lawparticular, causing problems for the head. Laura Spence and Kate Monroe objected to Jo's. Victor Renton, home restrictions on leave from the war takes advantage of Fran one night when she comes home, upset and heartbrokentoys children could bring in on Toy Day but that was just a warm-up act for their real gripe: LGBTQ education.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0709092113</amazonuk>

 {{newreviewFrontpage|author=Claire PeateGiovanna Fletcher|title=Guerrillas in Our MidstWalking on Sunshine

|summary=The book opens in south-east London. ItMike'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 themselveswife, rather grandly I thoughtPia, 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 who he was with for their neighbourhood. Basicallyseventeen years, an eyesore of a skip (full, smelly) has been abandoned near Edda's housedied. No one wants to deal And whilst he is dealing with it and take it away his grief, so the two girls come up with the idea of 'beautifying' itare their best friends, if you like. Tipping in a whacking great load of topsoil Vicky and then planting it up with flowers etcZaza. But Pia left them all of this is done under cover of darkness. And Peate (what an appropriate name) gives us all the sillysome 'rules' to follow, giggly, half-drunken details of the girls' adventureknowing that she was dying and that they would need help to carry on living. They've had plenty Whilst some of adventurous times in the past (which we hear about later) and this lark is just rules are around practicalities such as clearing out her wardrobe, another one that Mike discovers one day encourages him to add take one of their trips away, and Vicky and Zaza, struggling with their grief and their own life troubles, decide to the list. They manage to keep it a secret. Difficultdrop everything in their own lives, they manage it - justand go along with him.|amazonukisbn=<amazonuk>1906784256</amazonuk>140593560X

 {{newreviewFrontpage|authorisbn=Katie FfordeB09FS89KX9|title=Summer of Love|rating=4.5|genre=Women's Fiction|summary=Sian Bishop is a single mum 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 with a good life away from the hustle and bustle of London. Although she is happy on her own, she knows that her good friend Richard is looking for something more and would love to marry her and to provide a home for herself and Rory. However, although she recognises that he is a good dependable man, he does not excite her, unlike Rory's father who she had only a brief fling with many years before. Should she settle for security and a quiet life or should she hold out for something more exciting? That is the dilemma that Sian struggles with throughout this story.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1846056500</amazonuk>}} {{newreviewFall On Me|author=Audrey Willsher|title=The House of HopePenelope Potts

|summary=It Life should have been good for Hollie: She was November 1946 when Marianne made just going into the final year of her way to Hope Grangeveterinary degree and - three years later - was still working at BB's diner. She Bob - the owner - regarded her fondly: he was taking the job of a maid good boss. Hollie had moved in the house owned by Hugo Laceywith her boyfriend, but she hadn't even arrived before she wondered if she'd made a mistake. The villagers were unwelcoming Marcus: her mother thought he was great and finding he house was doing well in his career. Hollie wasn't easy, particularly as she didn't like quite so certain though: Marcus wanted to ask the German Prisoner control her and most of War she met – all he was one of the ones who had been responsible for wanted her to leave her job at the death of her beloved Nan two years before in a V2 attackdiner. When she did find Then there was the house she encountered a difficult childfact that he would be violent, his very difficult grandmother both to her and the realisation that they and the house were on their uppersto other people.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0709092016</amazonuk>

 {{newreviewFrontpage|authorisbn=M C Beaton0008421714|title=Travelling Matchmaker: Belinda Goes to BathMrs March|author=Virginia Feito|rating=34.5|genre=Women's Literary Fiction|summary=Miss Hannah Pym was a housekeeper until recently The problem began just after the publication of George March's most successful novel to date. Everyone but has now received a legacy which lifts Mrs March (we know her out of first name only on the servant classes and enables her last page) seemed to fulfil her long-held wish to traveleither be reading it or had already done so. It might be winter but Miss Pym is taking Every day Mrs March went to the stagecoach local patisserie to The Bath (buy olive bread but on that particular morning, Patricia asked, as she was wrapping the upper classes call bread, ''but isn't this the city) just for first time he's based a character on you?'' She mentioned that Johanna, the adventureprincipal character had 'her mannerisms''. The company in Perhaps this would not have mattered, except for the stage fact that Johanna is joined by an obviously wellthe whore of Nantes -bred young woman''a weak, Miss Belinda Earle whoplain, detestable, pathetic, accompanied by her companionunloved, is being sent in disgrace to stay with her auntunloveable wretch.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1849014809</amazonuk>''

 {{newreviewFrontpage|authorisbn=Jane Moore1473685745|title=Love is on the AirUnbreak Your Heart|author=Katie Marsh

|summary=When Beth Carlyle and Simon Withers first met they were on opposite ends of an angry exchange - well, Simon was angry and Beth was doing her best to apologise for having knocked Simon'Love is on the Airs son, Jake, off his bike. He wasn' is all about trying to find the perfect relationshipt hurt but Jake has history. Cam knows He has HLHS - that things 's Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome for those of you who are not right ''au fait'' with her boyfriend Dean but after six years togetheryour medical acronyms. When he was born, she is afraid to do anything about it. They are behaving like an old married couple the left side of his heart hadn't developed properly and they are not even married. Therefore, he needed open-heart surgery when she goes on holiday with friends Saira and Ella, she is somewhat vulnerable and so it is no surprise that she is attracted to fun loving single dad Tom. After he was a few drinks one thing leads to another but the next day Cam is racked with guiltdays old. She resolves So, Simon has every right to forget about Tom and to make more effort in her relationship with Deanbe over-protective particularly when someone isn't looking where they're driving.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0099505533</amazonuk>}} {{newreviewFrontpage|author=Janet MullanyC J Carey|title=Mr Bishop and the ActressWidowland

|genre=Women's General Fiction|summary=Strait-laced Harry Bishop has just started his new job as steward in Lord ShadIt's April 1953, and Adolf Hitler's ramshackle household when he is sent off 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 sort out Shad's errant relation Charlie and the throne of Edward VIII with his debtswife, Queen Wallis. Here he meets actress Sophie WallaceFor yes, CharlieBritain caved in the lead-up to the World War Two that certainly didn's mistresst happen as we know it, who and we are now finds herself set adrift a protectorate – well, we share enough of the same blood as the Germanic peoples on ''the mainland''. But this is most certainly a different Britain, for Nazi-styled phrenology, and ideas of female purpose, has put all of that gender into a caste system, ranging from her protector high-brow office bigwigs to the drudges, and beyond those, right on down to the childless, the husbandless and the widows. Female literacy is actively discouraged. And in this puritanical existence, our heroine, Rose Ransom, is employed with only a few dresses the task of bowdlerising classical literature to take all encouragement for female emancipation out of it – after all, not every book can be banned, and not every story excised immediately from British civilisation, and so they just get a rather ostentatious bed hefty tweak towards the party line before they're stamped ready for reprint. That is her job, at least, until the first emerging signs of female protest come to her namelight, with their potential to spoil Hitler's visit. |amazonukisbn=<amazonuk>0755347811</amazonuk>152941198X

 {{newreviewFrontpage|author=Felicity EverettRuth Hogan|title=The Story of UsMadame Burova|rating=4.5|genre=Women's General Fiction|summary=Back This book lets us discover several people in 1982 there were five girls sharing a house different stages of life in Brightonthe early 1970s, all vaguely connected. Their course works takes second place So we have a bullied half-cast boy (as he would have been called then), a girl in a humdrum job wanting to demosbecome a singer, parties and no-strings sex for Stellachiefly, Imelda, Bridgetthe third generation of Madame Burova, Vinnie''Tarot-Reader, Maxine Palmist and Nell but itClairvoyant'', to use her family's against sea-front booth. The singer, the background of Greenham Common scryer and the minerssufferer' strike that s mother will all become staff at a revamped holiday camp, but just before then we see Imelda fly solo for the first time in the girls realise that life is not quite as straight forward as they imaginedfamily stall. They We also see her on her last day, fifty years later, in possession of a pair of letters that will forge friendships in Albacore Street which might occasionally be stretched to the limit, but they'll never be completely forgottenchange everything for a woman called Billie. Having met them back in Just who is she, and who delivered the eighties we meet them again two decades later when they're struggling secrets about her to Imelda, and why did it have to cope with remain a secret all that life throws at them.this time?|amazonukisbn=<amazonuk>0099553694</amazonuk>152937331X

 {{newreviewFrontpage|author=Jessica RustonJennifer Saint |title=To Touch the StarsAriadne |rating=4.5 |genre=Women's Fiction|summary=Cavalley's creates the most luxurious hats in This re-telling of the world along with a host myth of other items without which Ariadne and the rich cannot surviveMinotaur is interesting and unusual. At Jennifer Saint presents the companystory in a way that is sympathetic to its origins but also appealing to a modern audience. Saint's head narrative is Violet Cavalleytold predominantly through the viewpoint of Ariadne, now celebrating spanning from her childhood to her sixtieth birthday death, allowing the reader to really connect with her family about her. She looks Ariadne as though she could go on forever, but Violet and one or two others know differently. There are a few other people who know that Violet isn't who she says she is and that he background wouldn't stand character in her own right rather than just a lot of close examination. From the villa prop in Capri, to the London homes of the family and the private jet, it's all good living, but there are plenty heroics of secrets which are going to be airedTheseus.|amazonukisbn=<amazonuk>0755370325</amazonuk>1472273869

 {{newreviewFrontpage|author=Jane LoveringLucy Holland|title=Please Don't Stop the MusicSistersong|rating=45|genre=Women's Literary Fiction|summary=Jemima Hutton makes jewelled belt buckles Sistersong is part of a genre I particularly enjoy, the modern retelling of folk and she's determined to make fairy tales. These stories, for most of us, are a success cornerstone of the business – childhood and I relish seeing them retold with fresh eyes and to keep a dark secret which she's shared with no onefresh perspective. She's camping If handled well these retellings give new life and new meaning to stories that are now becoming increasingly narrow and outdated, fleshing out in her friend's spare room characters, examining relationships and another friend re-evaluating the role of women. Sistersong is a perfect example of a modern retelling done well, the plot is handled with care, keeping its archaic historical feel but allowing her workshop space. It is ''just'' working until the woman she supplies exclusively decides that she's not going characters to come to stock her any more. Jemima is down life, to walking the streets of York looking feel real and human, most importantly they feel relatable in a modern world whilst still feeling appropriate for someone who will stock her buckles. She's all but given up when she meets Ben who says that he'll stock the buckles pre-Saxon age they live in his guitar shop. But Ben has secrets too – This is a masterpiece of storytelling and he's determined that, come what may, he's not going I was captivated from beginning to share themend.|amazonukisbn=<amazonuk>1906931275</amazonuk>1529039037

 {{newreviewFrontpage|authorisbn=Jennifer BohnetB08NF79QXT|title=Rendezvous in CannesCherry Blossom Boutique|author=Brooke Adams

|summary=ItThirty-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 beginning of Retail Best Newcomer Award. She's delighted and the Cannes Film Festival and for two women life is going people she's brought with her to change completely in the coming weeksevent couldn't be more pleased. Anna Carson has found the love that she thought would always elude Sonja, her mother, is an ex-model and Brazilian: you can't quite believe see where Liberty got her happinesslooks from. DaisyJessica's thirty-four and Liberty's best friend: they've known each other since university and Liberty adores Jessica's husband, Charles and their four-year-old daughter, here to cover the Festival as a journalist is coming to terms with being singleAva. ItLife would be perfect for Liberty if it wasn's time t for one thing: she misses having a man in 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 decisionslife.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0709091400</amazonuk>

 {{newreviewFrontpage|authorisbn=Marian KeyesB08GFSK2WZ|title=The Brightest Star in the Sky|rating=3.5|genre=Women's Fiction|summary=Marian Keyes can usually be relied upon for a funny, moving story full of life-like, likeable characters. I was eager to read her latest novel, although somewhat daunted by the 600 odd pages! Here she takes us to an old, multi-storey house in Dublin that is the home of a variety of different characters. An unknown, magical narrator takes us through the house as we meet each tenant and discover what's happening in their lives.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>014102867X</amazonuk>}} {{newreviewKarma Trap|author=Allison Pearson|title=I Think I Love You|rating=3.5|genre=Women's Fiction|summary=It's the 70s, and 13 year old Petra is in love, and not with a silly boy at school, but with a man. He's not from Wales like she is, or even from Britain. He's much more mysterious and alluring. He comes from across the pond and his name is David Cassidy. ''The'' David Cassidy.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>009946859X</amazonuk>}} {{newreview|author=Lesley Pearse|title=BelleLisette Boyd

|summary=Belle's story begins in London in 1910George Jackson is thirty-three years old, absolutely gorgeous to look at - and single. She is fifteen years old 's not had sex for eight months and lives an innocent life in her mothershe's brothel, with no understanding stuck in the karma trap: an awful lot of what really takes place therebad luck is being visited on her and she has a real talent for attracting drama. Her mother has encouraged her to read and write, wanting her kept away life's chaotic: she dealt with the leak from the harsh realities shower by putting something down at the bottom of the brothel stairs to absorb the water - then the shower fell through the roof whilst she was in it and left her, stark naked, staring at the rough streets of London that surround herpervy postman. But BelleShe only has to take her mother's innocence is shattered when she witnesses the murder of one of the brothel's most popular girls, dog out for a walk for her to end up with dog poo spattered across her face - and is subsequently grabbed from a photo being taken by someone who shares it around the street and trafficked to Paris as a prostituteoffice. |amazonuk=<amazonuk>0718157028</amazonuk>

 {{newreviewFrontpage|authorisbn=Jan JonesB08CHJLNBS|title=The Kydd InheritanceCapturing Emilia|author=Brooke Adams|rating=3.5

|summary=NellHe's KyddCharles Devereaux, thirty-eight and a partner at Wickham Jones, the Mayfair letting agents. She's father died in a hunting accident and her brotherEmilia, Kit was uncontactable, seemingly losttwenty-nine, librarian and archivist in the heritage library next door. Emilia has read [[The Secret by Rhonda Byrne|The Secret]] but she's moved on his way back from India. This left her unclenew age books like that, Jasper Kydd in charge of the family estate and he appeared to be doing all in his power to wreck Kydd Court and make Nellwhich leave you dependent on someone else's life philosophies, to something a miserylittle deeper. Her mother coped with it Charles is more of a [[Personal by Lee Child|Jack Reacher]] man himself, but, above all by retreating into her own world, where she couldnhe's shocked that Emilia reads ''The Guardian''t be reached either. When an unwelcome offer They're obviously not at all compatible, so why can Charles not get this woman out of marriage is forced upon her, Nell knows that she has to take action and thathis mind? She's not his usual type at all: it's when the very unsettling Captain Hugo Derringer arrivesobvious to his friends. HeAnd given that Emilia regularly feels repulsed by Charles's an old friend of Kittsuperficiality, why does she feel drawn to him? The relationship'sobviously a non-starter, but what exactly is he doing in the area and can Nell trust himisn't it?|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0709091710</amazonuk>

 {{newreviewFrontpage|author=Allegra GoodmanHelly Acton|title=The Cookbook CollectorShelf|rating=4|genre=General Women's Fiction|summary=When we meet Amy, she's in a relationship with Jamie. You can'The Cookbook Collectort really call it a partnership, because things tend to get done on his terms, but she's sticking around because she hopes she can change him. Ah, yes. Haven' is t we all about emotionsbeen there? Things are looking up when he tells her to pack for a surprise trip. Concentrating Could this be it? Is he ''finally'' going to get down on two, young, American women who are vastly different in many areas of their lives one knee? Was the work (and also on their outlook on life, Goodman digs deeper to find out what makes them tick - what makes them get up in the morning.wait) worth it?|amazonukisbn=<amazonuk>1848875398</amazonuk>1838770879

{{newreview|author=Lulu Taylor|title=Beautiful Creatures|rating=4|genre=WomenWhen Mike Parker's Fiction|summary=Everyone has heard of the Beaufort twins Octavia and Floragirlfriend comes into school with a black eye, but few have ever seen themclaiming he gave it to her, her whole world is tipped upside down. Her relationship has just ended and on now she's the night talk of their twenty-first birthday party the girls are finally launched into society amongst a crowd anxious to see school. Mike was the two girls most popular boy in school who are about to inherit a vast fortune. Octavia was always so in love with her, everyone knew that, so why did he do what he did? Some people believe her and Flora have been kept out of the public eye some don't, but one thing is for their entire young lives by their aunt Frances after their father died and their mother seemingly abandoned them. Now that the girls have come of age Frances has no choice but sure, this isn't going to hand blow over the girls' vast inheritance from their father and take a step back from running their livesany time soon.|amazonukisbn=<amazonuk>0099550458</amazonuk>0349003297

 {{newreviewFrontpage|author=Rekha WaheedKatie Fforde|title=My Bollywood WeddingA Springtime Affair|rating=3.54|genre=Women's Fiction|summary=Maya Malik set her heart on a big, glamorous wedding I've wanted to Jhanghir Khan but organising it read author Katie Fforde for ages and this was pretty much exactly what I was difficult as the groom-toexpecting -be was working as a doctor in New York warm, cosy read focused on romance, family and Maya was arranging the wedding in Londonfriendships. Maya's family are richThis provided two romances for the price of one, but Jhanghir's it was actually the family are – seriously so – and this is only part of the tensions which looked to be on track to derail the wedding. There's a sister-in-law who's determined element as opposed 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 a man. He's busy and he's not romance that good at communicatingI really enjoyed. Is there any wonder that Maya begins to wonder if she's doing the right thing?|amazonukisbn=<amazonuk>0755356144</amazonuk>1780897561

 {{newreviewFrontpage|authorisbn=Margaret LeroyB07W4MNBSG|title=The River House|rating=3.5|genre=Women's Fiction|summary=Ginnie Holmes is a child-psychologist, working to help children and young people damaged by what they have experienced or what they have seen. She is also the mother of two typical, happy teenage daughters – one just about to leave for university the other, trying hard not to work for her GCSE's. Her life is outwardly as near perfect as it gets. Her husband is a successful academic. She has a solid circle of friends old and new. The cottage by the river might be whimsical rather than elegant but it suits her and in the right light and the right company it is charming. |amazonuk=<amazonuk>0778304094</amazonuk>}} {{newreviewBe Careful Who You Marry|author=Julie Highmore|title=The BirthdayLizzy Mumfrey

|genre=Women's General Fiction|summary=4 November 2008: That's the date It was coming up to Halloween in 1987 and a group of the US presidential election, and Fran's 60th birthdaysixth-form schoolgirls wondered what they would be doing when they were fifty. Fran is nervous about her milestone birthday – she doesn When you't feel re only seventeen that old. She is worried about her husbandseems positively ancient, Duncan, who has become rather down and forgetful. As it turns out though, her planned party will be less a celebration than the catalyst for the revelation of a lifetime of secrets.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0755343042</amazonuk>}} {{newreview|author=Kate Lace|title=A Class Act|rating=3.5|genre=Womenbut Liz was convinced that 's Fiction|summary=Tilly de Liege (that's pronounced your entire life depends on who you marry'de Lee', by the way) met Ainsley Driver quite by accident and they just seemed to get on with each other really well. Both The only eligible boys were about to do A levels the Young Farmers and were hoping to go on to university, but there was a snag. Tilly was from the wrong side idea of the tracks. She wasn't in the least bit worried about the fact that Ainsley lived living in a council house on quite the worst estate in town but when he found out that she lived in the local manor house farmhouse and having a couple of children called Will and went Olly appealed to a private school something snapped. It didn't seem Charlotte, or perhaps William and Oliver if you were Elizabeth who was determined to be about money – as marry the de Lieges really didn't have any rather superior Patrick Shepley- more about the fact that she hadn't said.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0755347943</amazonuk>}} {{newreview|author=Sarah Monk|title=Taking the Lead|rating=4|genre=Women's Fiction|summary=Theodora English had left her home in London to move to a tiny Cornish village with her boyfriend Michael, only for him to dump her soon afterwardsBotham. You'd expect her The place to head straight back to London, but youstart their search was obviously the Young Farmers'd be wrongHalloween disco that weekend. She buys the cottage next door, moves There was just one problem - there were too many Elizabeths in and starts getting to know 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 the estate is making his way as best he can through the gambling dens of Edinburgh, trading on his skill, ability to hold his drink and the smiling fickle fortunes of lady luck. The Lady is smiling at the moment, although she hasn't always done soclass.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1906931232</amazonuk>

{{newreview|author=Ali McNamara|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 Move on 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[[Features|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>}} {{newreview|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 Happiness|rating=3|genre=Women's Fiction|summary=Holly Frick is 35, single and living in New York City. She still thinks she's in love with her ex husband, her career as a TV writer is on a steady downward spiral and she's had limited success as a novelist. 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 friends, including best friend Amanda, who has no qualms embarking on an extramarital affair, and writing partner Leonard, who is more than happy to self-medicate and find his thrills through the Internet. Plus Spence, the ex before the ex husband has resurfaced in Holly's life and thanks to his new girlfriend Cathleen, Holly finds herself reliving their relationship as Cathleen interrogates her on Spence's past.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0751538302</amazonuk>}}features]]