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[[Category:New Reviews|Women's Fiction]]==Women's Fiction==__NOTOC__{{newreviewFrontpage|authorisbn=Clare Jacob1471180158|title=Ophelia in PiecesMaybe Tomorrow|author=Penny Parkes|rating=4.5

|summary=Barrister Ophelia Dormandy had been working hard – wellJamie Matson works in an upper-class grocery store, overworking – for a man who's a control freak with all the last six months and on the eve subtlety of her thirty-ninth birthday she decided that she would go home early and cook a decent meal for her husband and herselfhalf brick. She even decided that she would wear the red dress which Patrick liked. But when she got home Patrick and their Jamie's son, AlexBo, were eating ice creams'has his problems'. He didn't seem in s asthmatic and the more you read, the least interested in dinner and then admitted more you'll suspect that he was having an affair's on the autistic spectrum. Ophelia threw him out – Sometimes Jamie needs to take time off at short notice - she's a frequent flier in the local A&E and then began sometimes Bo's not fit enough to go to school. Missed shifts or the long haul of trying need to be a decent single parent 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 job where the hours were long and the money uncertainhead.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1907595147</amazonuk>

 {{newreviewFrontpage|author=Emily GiffinLauren Bravo|title=Something BorrowedPreloved

|summary=Rachel Miller and Darcy Rhone had been friends forever. Rachel was the older by just Gwen is pressing her middle-aged bosom on a big number that starts with a four months, but it was Darcy who sailed through life getting everything that she wanted. Rachel might have reached her teens first, got her driving licence first and then gone on to become ends with an attorney, but on the eve on Racheloh-my-God-I's thirtieth birthday Darcy is m-nearly-forty. Having been made unexpectedly redundant - any HR officer worth their salt would argue the one who is toss - Gwen finds herself having a whale bit of a time, with her glamorous PR job and ''very'' presentable fiancémid-life crisis. Rachel Catharsis is very obviously still single – key and then an ill-considered birthday fling puts everything in jeopardy and – Gwen has decided now is the time to cap it all - she begins to realise that take back her friendship with Darcy might not have been all she thought.life'|amazonukisbn=<amazonuk>0099557746</amazonuk>1398510629

 {{newreviewFrontpage|authorisbn=Farahad Zama0008506337|title=The Wedding Wallah|rating=4.5|genre=Women's Fiction|summary=Finishing 'The Wedding Wallah' is like leaving India at the end of a short holiday with myriad impressions of foreignness. I'll remember the crowds of Mumbai, the smells of cooking in small rooms, the colours and textures of saris, the dangerous forest. This may not be the greatest literature published this year – not even the finest romantic fiction – but the sheer novelty of the Indian world portrayed makes it five stars for enjoyment in my book. I imagined Farahad Zama as a female writer beavering away in rural India. Turns out I was wrong: the author is a male investment banker in London with two books previously published in this series. Oops.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0349122687</amazonuk>}} {{newreviewGarnett Girls|author=Cathy Glass|title=Run, Mummy, RunGeorgina Moore|rating=45

|summary=Aisha is a youngThe love affair between Margo Garnett and poet Richard O'Leary was all-consuming, beautiful apparently on both sides. Margo was just sixteen when they fell in love. Richard was twenty-one and successful woman who has worked hard to get where she isdescribed by Margo's mother as 'an older man'. But there is one thing missing in Her parents worried that Richard's influence would take her life: away from what they felt she could achieve - going to Oxford and having a manglittering career. Still living with In the event, they eloped and Richard took her parents at away from the age Isle of thirty Wight. Margo did go to Oxford and inexperienced when it comes went on to menbecome a well-respected journalist. The couple had three children: Rachel, Aisha wonders if she will ever find a husbandImogen and Sasha. But then she spots an ad Life was lived in the paper London and plucking up all her courage and determinationholidays were spent at Sandcove, the family home on the Isle of Wight. Even then the doubts about Richard's drinking were never far from Margo's mind: ''she decides would never be able to reply. This could be her only chance at love and she doesnleave him in charge''t want to waste it.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0007299281</amazonuk>}}

{{newreview|author=Sam Baker|title=To My Best Friends|rating=4|genre=Women's Fiction|summary=Nicci Morrison had always been the first of the four friends to do everything: fall in love, marry, have children (and twins at that) and develop a successful business. Then, at thirty six, she was the first to die – of cancer. Nicci was an organiser and she couldn't let the opportunity pass to dress her friends for her funeral and to bequeath into their care her most treasured possessions. You're probably thinking in terms of jewellery, or something similar, but Nicci Richard left her friends her garden, her three-year-old daughters and her husbandthem. I mean – just how much more difficult than that can you get?|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0007305540</amazonuk>

{{newreviewFrontpage|author=Susan WiggsHadeer Elsbai|title=Summer at Willow LakeThe Daughters of Izdihar

|genre=Women's FictionFantasy|summary=Olivia Bellamy does not seem to have a lot Drawing inspiration from Egypt, ''The Daughters of luck with men. When we meet her sheIzdihar''s just about to put her third broken engagement under her belt and head explores the lives of into two women who could not be more different, yet find themselves fighting for the wilderness rights of the Catskills women and weavers – those with Freddy. Don't get excited – he really is just magical abilities - in a friendsociety pitted against them. They're going Nehal, born into the upper class, wishes to revamp attend the family's old summer camp in readiness for her grandparents' fiftieth wedding anniversary celebrations and right now it seems like the best way Weaving Academy to forget about her love life. Things turn from bad learn to worse though when she finds herself not only stuck up a flagpole but having to be rescued by the man who was control her first boyfriend some nine years before.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0778304760</amazonuk>}} {{newreview|author=Julian Ruck|title=Ragged Cliffs|rating=3|genre=Women's Fiction|summary=Lise Jacobson was half Danish abilities and half Welsh. She lived with her parents in Denmark then join the military, but during the Second World War indulged in instead she is forced into an innocent friendship arranged marriage with one of Nico. Giorgina on the occupying German soldiers. In retribution she had her hair shorn off other hand did not have a privileged upbringing like Nehal and was raped by two masked men. After feels great pressure to provide for her father's death Lise's mother brought Lise family and Lise's sonmaintain their reputation, born as a result whilst secretly attending meetings of the rape, back to Swansea and there they did their best to make Daughters of Izdihar – a living group campaigning for themselves. It was whilst Lise was working as a chambermaid that she met William Treharne, who would change her life permanently.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1904323189</amazonuk>}} {{newreview|author=Linda Gillard|title=House of Silence|rating=4.5|genre=Womenwomen's Fiction|summary=Gwen Rowland was a sensible, cautious kind of girl, but then the only family she'd ever known were all dead from a surfeit of unprotected sex, drink and the sort of drugs that don't come rights. Giorgina also happens to be in a child-proof bottlelove with Nico. So – her relationship with an actor was What follows is a little out story of the ordinaryan unjust society, but they seemed to be friends before they were lovers. The crunch came at Christmas when Alfie said that he was spending it with his family – which would have left Gwen on her own. She did ''slightly'' twist his arm to take her filled with him hypocrisy and he was obviously reluctant to comply. When they arrived at Creake Hall, home of author Rae Holbrook and her daughters, Gwen sensed a change in Alfiecruelty, from which blossoms a lack group of warmth towards his family. Then there was the family photo which didn't fit the known facts admirable women fighting for their rights and the complication of the gardener who said little but was a very good listenerovercoming their personal obstacles.|amazonukisbn=<amazonuk>B004USSPN2</amazonuk>0356520471

 {{newreviewFrontpage|authorisbn=Freya NorthB0B575J99N|title=ChancesBeneath the Porticoes|author=Brooke Adams

|summary=Sharing Elizabeth Miller was thirty-four and a business with ex-lover, Tim, is teacher at a disaster prestigious girl's school in York. It was ''comfortable'' but she longed for Vitasomething more in life. How can she possibly move on when he She'd ''s popping into their souvenir shop every day? Though she shed still not found the right vocation nor met 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 isnright man''t a likely option and escaping into her precious classic fiction is sometimes now was the only way time to make a change. She needed challenges. There was a little trepidation when she can ignore her troubled thoughtsapplied for the professoressa job in Bologna. She cannot afford to buy his share of After a telephone interview, she was offered the business position and she isnit wasn't prepared to risk losing 'That Shop' with its delightful trinkets and resident shoplifter!|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0007326661</amazonuk>long before she was exploring the beautiful city. There were some natural doubts before her first class but it went surprisingly well.

 {{newreviewFrontpage|authorisbn=Jo Verity0241542405|title=Not Funny Not CleverMeredith Alone|author=Claire Alexander

|genre=Women's General Fiction|summary=Elizabeth was rather looking forward 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 wear if she's going to catch her trip to Cardifftrain. Then, she can't. She and Diane hadnsimply can't got together for a really good chat for a long time and with Laurence being away on a cookery course in France it seemed like force herself to leave the ideal opportunity to take advantage safety of Dianeher home. She's invitationfortunate that she has a good friend, Sadie, who visits regularly with her two children, James and Matilda. She had visions Sadie's a cardiac nurse and full of girly chats – if you can still have girly chats at nearly fiftysound common sense. But In fact it was Sadie who gave Meredith her plans were going to be disruptedcat, Fred. Her son blessed her with his partnerGroceries are online deliveries and there's teenage son 'for a few days in also an emergencyinternet-based support group where you' and ll find Meredith as JIGSAWGIRL, so you can guess what she had no option but to take Jordan does in – and then to take him to Cardiff her spare time. Then Tom McDermott arrives. He's from Holding Hands, a charity which supports people with herproblems such as Meredith's.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1906784248</amazonuk>

 {{newreviewFrontpage|authorisbn=Mary Malone0008441618|title=Love is the ReasonOther Parents|author=Sarah Stovell|rating=45

|summary=Lucy Ardle Jo Fairburn knew that she was driving home, wondering what sort under intense pressure as the new head of a mood West Burntridge First School: if she didn't live up to her husband would retired predecessor there could well be a house price slump inthat part of the town. When she'd left earlier, words The school had been spokenan active Parent Teacher Association and the funds which they raised were a considerable benefit to the school. She There was nearly home when she was overtaken by one difficulty, though - they were ''devastatingly shockable'', with two members, in particular, causing problems for the fire engine: the house was in flames head. Laura Spence and it was touch and go as Kate Monroe objected to whether or not Danny would make it. Thankfully LucyJo's friend, Carol Black had seen restrictions on the flames and called the fire brigade or the outcome would have been much worsetoys children could bring in on Toy Day but that was just a warm-up act for their real gripe: LGBTQ education.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1842234161</amazonuk>

 {{newreviewFrontpage|author=Clodagh MurphyGiovanna Fletcher|title=Girl in a SpinWalking on Sunshine

|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 thatMike's what she's never had. So when she begins a relationship wife, Pia, who he was with Richard Allam she dares to hope that the dreams might be coming truefor seventeen years, has died. Richard And whilst he is youngdealing with his grief, good-looking so are their best friends, Vicky and leader of Her MajestyZaza. But Pia left them all some 'rules's oppositionto follow, knowing that she was dying and that they would need help to carry on living. He has high hopes Whilst some 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 rules are around practicalities such as Richard has only recently separated from his wife Jenny is going clearing out her wardrobe, another one that Mike discovers one day encourages him to take some selling one of their trips away, and Vicky and Zaza, struggling with their grief and their own life troubles, decide to the country. Enter publicist Dev Tennant whose job is to make the country fall drop everything in love their own lives, and go along with Jennyhim.|amazonukisbn=<amazonuk>1444705148</amazonuk>140593560X

 {{newreviewFrontpage|authorisbn=Fern BrittonB09FS89KX9|title=New BeginningsFall On Me|author=Penelope Potts

|summary=Christie Lynch is a widowed mother with a couple of children and she's Life should have 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. good for Hollie: She's spotted by Julia Keen, ''was just going into the'' most successful agent final year of her veterinary degree and it seems that the sky- three years later - was still working at BB's the limitdiner. It's not long before Christie has Bob - the owner - regarded her fondly: he was a high-profile presenting jobgood boss. The public loves Hollie had moved in with her boyfriend, Marcus: hermother thought he was great and he was doing well in his career. The camera loves Hollie wasn't quite so certain though: Marcus wanted to control herand most of all he wanted her to leave her job at the diner. What's not Then there was the fact that he would be violent, both to her and to like?|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0007362692</amazonuk>other people.

 {{newreviewFrontpage|authorisbn=Amanda Brookfield0008421714|title=Before I Knew YouMrs March|author=Virginia Feito|rating=4.5|genre=Women's Literary Fiction|summary=Two couples agree The problem began just after the publication of George March's most successful novel to swap homes for the summer, urged on by a mutual frienddate. Sophie and Andrew are teachers who live in London, rather jaded with life and each other, Everyone but hoping for a breakMrs March (we know her first name only on the last page) seemed to either be reading it or had already done so. Their two teenage daughters are Every day Mrs March went to the local patisserie to buy olive bread but on a music tourthat particular morning, Patricia asked, but hope to join them for as she was wrapping the last week.  William and Beth are a newly married couplebread, who live in a gorgeous home in Connecticut in ''but isn't this the USA. William is rather older than Beth; first time he's based a Brit who has three teenage sons living with their mother in Londoncharacter on you?'' She mentioned that Johanna, not far from Sophie and Andrewthe principal character had 'her mannerisms''s home. William wants to spend time with his sons in Perhaps this would not have mattered, except for the fact that Johanna is the summerwhore of Nantes - ''a weak, plain, detestable, pathetic, and Beth hopes to get to know them betterunloved, unloveable wretch.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0141039949</amazonuk>''

 {{newreviewFrontpage|authorisbn=Fanny Blake1473685745|title=What Women WantUnbreak Your Heart|author=Katie Marsh

|summary=I'll be honest: I had my doubts about this book. Fanny Blake is a When Beth Carlyle and Simon Withers first met they were on opposite ends of an angry exchange - well-known journalist , Simon was angry and sheBeth was doing her best to apologise for having knocked Simon's also written for programmes such as ''Locationson, LocationJake, Locationoff his bike. He wasn't hurt but Jake has history. He has HLHS - that' and s Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome for those of you who are not ''A Place in the Sunau fait''with your medical acronyms. I wasnWhen he was born, the left side of his heart hadn't entirely certain how this would fit with developed properly and he needed open-heart surgery when he was a book about the lives of three middlefew days old. So, Simon has every right to be over-aged women who are dealing with change in their lives – and protective particularly when someone isn't looking where they're not moving housedriving. I sat down to have a quick look to see if it was going to be worth reviewing…|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0007359098</amazonuk>}} {{newreviewFrontpage|author=Sophie PageC J Carey|title=To Marry A PrinceWidowland

|genre=Women's General Fiction|summary=Bella Greenwood has just been away on 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 tropical island doing an eco-job for a man she though she rather fancied. She returned home when she realised that she was being taken for a mug bit, and when it came down watching over the sanctioned return to it she didn't really fancy the man that much eitherthrone of Edward VIII with his wife, Queen Wallis. Getting back into For yes, Britain caved in the swing of things is a little difficult though – he mother and steplead-father have a full house and canup to the World War Two that certainly didn't take her in. Her father is up happen as we know it, and we are now a mountain somewhere and she's just thankful that her friend Lottie is prepared to take her in at short notice protectorate – and to take her to a posh party.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0099560453</amazonuk>}} {{newreview|author=M C Beaton|title=The Travelling Matchmaker: Emily Goes to Exeter|rating=3|genre=Historical Fiction|summary=Emily Goes to Exeter is by way of 'Being the First Volume well, we share enough of the Travelling Matchmaker' same blood as the subheading has it Germanic peoples on ''the frontispiece: the beginning of a new series obviouslymainland''.  If like me you have come to Beaton by way of Hamish Macbeth But this might seem like something of is most certainly a diversion. A little research shows you that in fact Marion Chesneydifferent Britain, for Nazi-styled phrenology, who writes under a number and ideas of pseudonyms (including Beaton) female purpose, has put all of that gender into a prolific workcaste system, ranging from high-rate. Having produced upwards of 130 books since starting writing full time in brow office bigwigs to the 1980sdrudges, focussing on crime and historical romancebeyond those, there can be few avenues right on down which she has yet to wanderthe childless, the husbandless and the widows.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1849014795</amazonuk>}} {{newreview|author=Sylvia Broady|title=The Yearning Heart|rating=3|genre=Women's Fiction|summary=It Female literacy is 1941 so when an unmarried Frances Bewholme becomes pregnant she actively discouraged. And in this puritanical existence, our heroine, Rose Ransom, is shunned by her family and sent employed with the task of bowdlerising classical literature to an isolated farm to live take all encouragement for female emancipation out of it – after all, not every book can be banned, and work. To add to her shame not every story excised immediately from British civilisation, and disgrace Fran's unborn baby is not so they just any manget a hefty tweak towards the party line before they's; it re stamped ready for reprint. That is her brother-in-law's. Victor Rentonjob, at least, home on leave from until the war takes advantage first emerging signs of Fran one night when she comes homefemale protest come to light, upset and heartbrokenwith their potential to spoil Hitler's visit.|amazonukisbn=<amazonuk>0709092113</amazonuk>152941198X

 {{newreview|author=Claire Peate|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>}} {{newreviewFrontpage|author=Katie FfordeRuth Hogan|title=Summer of LoveMadame Burova

|genre=Women's General Fiction|summary=Sian Bishop is This book lets us discover several people in different stages of life in the early 1970s, all vaguely connected. So we have a bullied half-cast boy (as he would have been called then), a girl in a humdrum job wanting to become a single mum who makes singer, and chiefly, Imelda, the third generation of Madame Burova, ''Tarot-Reader, Palmist and Clairvoyant'', to use her living by restoring family's sea-front booth. The singer, the scryer and painting furniture. She hopes that by moving to the country she sufferer's mother will be able to provide her five year old son Rory with all become staff at a good life away from revamped holiday camp, but just before then we see Imelda fly solo for the first time in the hustle and bustle of Londonfamily stall. Although she is happy We also see her on her ownlast day, fifty years later, she knows in possession of a pair of letters that her good friend Richard is looking will change everything for something more and would love to marry her and to provide a home for herself and Rorywoman called Billie. However, although Just who is she recognises that he is a good dependable man, he does not excite and who delivered the secrets about herto Imelda, unlike Rory's father who she had only a brief fling with many years before. Should she settle for security and why did it have to remain a quiet life or should she hold out for something more excitingsecret all this time? That is the dilemma that Sian struggles with throughout this story.|amazonukisbn=<amazonuk>1846056500</amazonuk>152937331X

 {{newreviewFrontpage|author=Audrey WillsherJennifer Saint |title=The House of HopeAriadne |rating=34.5|genre=Women's Fiction|summary=It was November 1946 when Marianne made her way to Hope GrangeThis re-telling of the myth of Ariadne and the Minotaur is interesting and unusual. She was taking Jennifer Saint presents the job of story in a maid in the house owned by Hugo Lacey, way that is sympathetic to its origins but she hadn't even arrived before she wondered if she'd made also appealing to a mistakemodern audience. The villagers were unwelcoming and finding he house wasnSaint't easys narrative is told predominantly through the viewpoint of Ariadne, particularly as she didn't like spanning from her childhood to ask her death, allowing the German Prisoner of War she met – he was one of the ones who had been responsible for the death of reader to really connect with Ariadne as a character in her beloved Nan two years before own right rather than just a prop in a V2 attack. When she did find the house she encountered a difficult child, his very difficult grandmother and the realisation that they and the house were on their uppersheroics of Theseus.|amazonukisbn=<amazonuk>0709092016</amazonuk>1472273869

 {{newreviewFrontpage|author=M C BeatonLucy Holland|title=Travelling Matchmaker: Belinda Goes to BathSistersong|rating=3.5|genre=Women's Literary Fiction|summary=Miss Hannah Pym was Sistersong is part of a housekeeper until recently but has now received genre I particularly enjoy, the modern retelling of folk and fairy tales. These stories, for most of us, are a legacy which lifts her out cornerstone of the servant classes childhood and I relish seeing them retold with fresh eyes and a fresh perspective. If handled well these retellings give new life and enables her new meaning to fulfil her longstories that are now becoming increasingly narrow and outdated, fleshing out characters, examining relationships and re-held wish to travelevaluating the role of women. It might be winter Sistersong is a perfect example of a modern retelling done well, the plot is handled with care, keeping its archaic historical feel but Miss Pym is taking allowing the stagecoach characters to The Bath (as the upper classes call the city) just come to life, to feel real and human, most importantly they feel relatable in a modern world whilst still feeling appropriate for the adventurepre-Saxon age they live in. The company in the stage This is joined by an obviously well-bred young woman, Miss Belinda Earle who, accompanied by her companion, is being sent in disgrace a masterpiece of storytelling and I was captivated from beginning to stay with her auntend.|amazonukisbn=<amazonuk>1849014809</amazonuk>1529039037

 {{newreviewFrontpage|authorisbn=Jane MooreB08NF79QXT|title=Love is on the AirCherry Blossom Boutique|author=Brooke Adams|rating=43

|summary=Thirty-one-year old Liberty Rossini has had her shop, the Cherry Blossom Boutique, for just six months when she'Love is on s nominated for - and wins - the Retail Best Newcomer Award. She's delighted and the Airtwo people she' is all about trying s brought with her to find the perfect relationshipevent couldn't be more pleased. Cam knows that things are not right with Sonja, her boyfriend Dean but after six years togethermother, she is afraid to do anything about itan ex-model and Brazilian: you can see where Liberty got her looks from. They are behaving like an old married couple Jessica's thirty-four and Liberty's best friend: they are not even married. Therefore've known each other since university and Liberty adores Jessica's husband, when she goes on holiday with friends Saira Charles and Ellatheir four-year-old daughter, she is somewhat vulnerable and so Ava. Life would be perfect for Liberty if it is no surprise that wasn't for one thing: she is attracted to fun loving single dad Tom. After misses having a few drinks one thing leads to another but the next day Cam is racked with guilt. She resolves to forget about Tom and to make more effort man in her relationship with Deanlife.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0099505533</amazonuk>

 {{newreviewFrontpage|authorisbn=Janet MullanyB08GFSK2WZ|title=Mr Bishop and the Actress|rating=4|genre=Women's Fiction|summary=Strait-laced Harry Bishop has just started his new job as steward in Lord Shad's ramshackle household when he is sent off to London to sort out Shad's errant relation Charlie and his debts. Here he meets actress Sophie Wallace, Charlie's mistress, who now finds herself set adrift from her protector with only a few dresses and a rather ostentatious bed to her name. |amazonuk=<amazonuk>0755347811</amazonuk>}} {{newreviewThe Karma Trap|author=Felicity Everett|title=The Story of UsLisette Boyd

|summary=Back in 1982 there were five girls sharing a house in BrightonGeorge Jackson is thirty-three years old, absolutely gorgeous to look at - and single. Their course works takes second place to demos, parties and no-strings She's not had sex for Stella, Bridget, Vinnie, Maxine eight months and Nell but itshe's against stuck in the background karma trap: an awful lot of Greenham Common bad luck is being visited on her and she has a real talent for attracting drama. Her life's chaotic: she dealt with the leak from the shower by putting something down at the miners' strike that bottom of the girls realise that life is not quite as straight forward as they imagined. They will forge friendships in Albacore Street which might occasionally be stretched stairs to absorb the limitwater - then the shower fell through the roof whilst she was in it and left her, stark naked, but they'll never be completely forgottenstaring at the pervy postman. Having met them back in the eighties we meet them again two decades later when theyShe only has to take her mother're struggling s dog out for a walk for her to cope end up with all that life throws at themdog poo spattered across her face - and a photo being taken by someone who shares it around the office.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0099553694</amazonuk>

 {{newreview|author=Jessica Ruston|title=To Touch the Stars|rating=4|genre=Women's Fiction|summary=Cavalley's creates the most luxurious hats in the world along with a host of other items without which the rich cannot survive. At the company's head is Violet Cavalley, now celebrating her sixtieth birthday with her family about her. She looks 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 a lot of close examination. From the villa in Capri, to the London homes of the family and the private jet, it's all good living, but there are plenty of secrets which are going to be aired.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0755370325</amazonuk>}} {{newreviewFrontpage|authorisbn=Jane LoveringB08CHJLNBS|title=Please Don't Stop the Music|rating=4|genre=Women's Fiction|summary=Jemima Hutton makes jewelled belt buckles and she's determined to make a success of the business – and to keep a dark secret which she's shared with no one. She's camping out in her friend's spare room and another friend is allowing her workshop space. It is ''just'' working until the woman she supplies exclusively decides that she's not going to stock her any more. Jemima is down to walking the streets of York looking 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 in his guitar shop. But Ben has secrets too – and he's determined that, come what may, he's not going to share them.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1906931275</amazonuk>}} {{newreviewCapturing Emilia|author=Jennifer Bohnet|title=Rendezvous in CannesBrooke Adams

|summary=ItHe's Charles Devereaux, thirty-eight and a partner at Wickham Jones, the beginning of the Cannes Film Festival Mayfair letting agents. She's Emilia, twenty-nine, librarian and for two women life is going to change completely archivist in the coming weeksheritage library next door. Anna Carson Emilia has found the love read [[The Secret by Rhonda Byrne|The Secret]] but she's moved on from new age books like that she thought would always elude her and can, which leave you dependent on someone else't quite believe her happiness. Daisys philosophies, here to cover the Festival as something a journalist little deeper. Charles is coming to terms with being singlemore of a [[Personal by Lee Child|Jack Reacher]] man himself, but, above all, he's shocked that Emilia reads ''The Guardian''. ItThey's time for her to make some decisionsre obviously not at all compatible, but what will she decideso why can Charles not get this woman out of his mind? The hurly-burly of the Festival is She's not the most peaceful time his usual type at all: it's obvious to make big decisionshis friends.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0709091400</amazonuk>}} {{newreview|author=Marian Keyes|title=The Brightest Star in the Sky|rating=3.5|genre=Women And given that Emilia regularly feels repulsed by Charles's Fiction|summary=Marian Keyes can usually be relied upon for a funnysuperficiality, moving story full of life-like, likeable characters. I was eager why does she feel drawn to read her latest novel, although somewhat daunted by the 600 odd pages! him? Here she takes us to an old, multiThe relationship's obviously a non-storey house in Dublin that is the home of a variety of different characters. An unknownstarter, magical narrator takes us through the house as we meet each tenant and discover whatisn's happening in their lives.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>014102867X</amazonuk>t it?

 {{newreviewFrontpage|author=Allison PearsonHelly Acton|title=I Think I Love YouThe Shelf|rating=3.54|genre=Women's Fiction|summary=ItWhen we meet Amy, she's the 70s, and 13 year old Petra is in love, and not a relationship with Jamie. You can't really call it a silly boy at schoolpartnership, because things tend to get done on his terms, but with a man. Heshe's not from Wales like sticking around because she ishopes she can change him. Ah, or even from Britainyes. HeHaven's much more mysterious and alluring. He comes from across the pond and his name is David Cassidyt we all been there? Things are looking up when he tells her to pack for a surprise trip. Could this be it? Is he ''Thefinally'' David Cassidy.going to get down on one knee? Was the work (and the wait) worth it?|amazonukisbn=<amazonuk>009946859X</amazonuk>1838770879

{{newreview|author=Lesley Pearse|title=Belle|rating=4|genre=WomenWhen Mike Parker's Fiction|summary=Belle's story begins in London in 1910. She is fifteen years old and lives an innocent life in girlfriend comes into school with a black eye, claiming he gave it to her mother's brothel, with no understanding of what really takes place thereher whole world is tipped upside down. Her mother relationship has encouraged her to read just ended and write, wanting her kept away from now she's the harsh realities talk of the brothel and the rough streets of London that surround herschool. But Belle's innocence is shattered when she witnesses the murder of one of Mike was the brothel's most popular girlsboy in school who was always so in love with her, everyone knew that, so why did he do what he did? Some people believe her and some don't, but one thing is subsequently grabbed from the street and trafficked for sure, this isn't going to Paris as a prostituteblow over any time soon. |amazonukisbn=<amazonuk>0718157028</amazonuk>0349003297

 {{newreviewFrontpage|author=Jan JonesKatie Fforde|title=The Kydd InheritanceA Springtime Affair|rating=3.54|genre=Women's Fiction|summary=NellI's Kydd's father died in a hunting accident ve wanted to read author Katie Fforde for ages and her brother, Kit this was pretty much exactly what I was uncontactable, seemingly lostexpecting - a warm, cosy read focused on his way back from India. This left her uncleromance, Jasper Kydd in charge of the family estate and he appeared to be doing all in his power to wreck Kydd Court and make Nell's life a miseryfriendships. Her mother coped with it all by retreating into her own world, where she couldn't be reached either. When an unwelcome offer This provided two romances for the price of marriage is forced upon herone, Nell knows that she has but it was actually the family element as opposed to take action and the romance that's when the very unsettling Captain Hugo Derringer arrivesI really enjoyed. He's an old friend of Kitt's, but what exactly is he doing in the area and can Nell trust him?|amazonukisbn=<amazonuk>0709091710</amazonuk>1780897561

 {{newreviewFrontpage|authorisbn=Allegra GoodmanB07W4MNBSG|title=The Cookbook CollectorBe Careful Who You Marry|author=Lizzy Mumfrey

|summary=''The Cookbook Collector'' is all about emotions. Concentrating on two, young, American women who are vastly different in many areas of their lives and also on their outlook on life, Goodman digs deeper It was coming up to find out what makes them tick - what makes them get up Halloween in the morning.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1848875398</amazonuk>}} {{newreview|author=Lulu Taylor|title=Beautiful Creatures|rating=4|genre=Women's Fiction|summary=Everyone has heard of the Beaufort twins Octavia 1987 and Flora, but few have ever seen them, and on the night a group of their twentysixth-first birthday party the girls are finally launched into society amongst a crowd anxious to see the two girls who are about to inherit a vast fortuneform schoolgirls wondered what they would be doing when they were fifty. Octavia and Flora have been kept out of the public eye for their entire young lives by their aunt Frances after their father died and their mother seemingly abandoned them. Now When you're only seventeen that the girls have come of age Frances has no choice but to hand over the girls' vast inheritance from their father and take a step back from running their lives.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0099550458</amazonuk>}} {{newreview|author=Rekha Waheed|title=My Bollywood Wedding|rating=3.5|genre=Women's Fiction|summary=Maya Malik set her heart on a bigseems positively ancient, glamorous wedding to Jhanghir Khan but organising it Liz was difficult as the groom-to-be was working as a doctor in New York and Maya was arranging the wedding in London. Mayaconvinced that 's family are rich, but Jhanghir's family are – seriously so – and this is only part of the tensions which looked to be your entire life depends on track to derail the wedding. There's a sister-in-law whoyou marry'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 a man. He's busy and he's not that good at communicating. Is there any wonder that Maya begins to wonder if she's doing The only eligible boys were the right thing?|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0755356144</amazonuk>}} {{newreview|author=Margaret Leroy|title=The River House|rating=3.5|genre=Women's Fiction|summary=Ginnie Holmes is a child-psychologist, working to help children Young Farmers and young people damaged by what they have experienced or what they have seen. She is also the mother idea 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 living in a successful academic. She has farmhouse and having a solid circle couple of friends old children called Will 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>}} {{newreview|author=Julie Highmore|title=The Birthday|rating=4|genre=Women's Fiction|summary=4 November 2008: That's the date of the US presidential electionOlly appealed to Charlotte, or perhaps William and Fran's 60th birthday. Fran is nervous about her milestone birthday – she doesn't feel that old. She is worried about her husband, Duncan, Oliver if you were Elizabeth who has become was determined to marry the 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=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 wellsuperior Patrick Shepley-Botham. Both were about The place to do A levels and were hoping to go on to university, but there was a snag. Tilly start their search was from obviously the wrong side of the tracks. She wasnYoung Farmers'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 Halloween disco that she lived in the local manor house and went to a private school something snappedweekend. It didn't seem to be about money – as the de Lieges really didn't have any There was just one problem - 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 afterwards. You'd expect her to head straight back to London, but you'd be wrong. She buys the cottage next door, moves there were too many Elizabeths in and starts getting to know the localsclass.|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 Move 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 so.|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 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]]