JOSHILYN JACKSON

Between, Georgia (2006)

The novel is like a reinvention of the Shakespearean feud between the Montagues and Capulets - in this case, it's between the Fretts and the Crabtrees, two families living in Between, Georgia. Though both have long regarded each other with bitterness, due to their stark differences in lifestyle and beliefs, they have kept their hatred for the other party well hidden. However, the birth of Nonny Frett, child of Hazel Crabtree but later adopted by Stacia Frett, becomes the igniting factor of their ongoing feud. Thirty years have passed, and Nonny, now working as a translator in Athens, Georgia, is stuck in a relationship rut. She still finds herself deciding whether to divorce Jonno, or move into a relationship with her all-time best friend Henry Crabtree, despite the raging fires between both families. This is a long story but it's an enjoyable and gratifying read. (XT)

Gods In Alabama (2005)

Arlene Fleet made a pact with God before leaving her hometown, Possett, Alabama. Now, 12 years later, Arlene resides in Chicago with her African-American boyfriend, Burr, and has kept to her promises faithfully. However, when Burr asks to see her family or threatens to end the relationship, Arlene has no choice but to go back to her hometown, to confront her past and fears. Even though the plot was interesting, with a moderate blend of chick lit and crime, some may find it a confusing read due to the constant change in timeline, between present and past. (XT)

Also by author:

The Girl Who Stopped Swimming

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MICHELLE JACKSON

One Kiss in Havana (2010)

This explores the themes of sibling rivalry, family feuds and finding hope and redemption in adverse circumstances. Emma, Louise and Sophie are sisters who share a lot more than family problems. When Emma surprisingly receives two tickets to Cuba in the post from her late husband Paul, she decides to take Sophie along in his place - completely oblivious to the fact that Paul and Sophie were lovers, and the holiday was always intended for the pair of them! Hard-necked troublemaker Sophie has no qualms about going on holiday with the sister she's betrayed, but feels bitter about Emma being able to grieve openly for her lost love while she has to keep her feelings hidden. Meanwhile, Louise is stuck at home in a marriage rut. When a random encounter with her former lover Jack reawakens her old feelings for him, she's left more confused about her marriage than ever - particularly when Jack seems interested in meeting her. Back in Cuba, Emma feels alive again for the first time since Paul's death when she meets Felipe, a Che Guevara lookalike, while Sophie spends her time with Greg, a Canadian art dealer. But will One Kiss in Havana lead to a lot more, and could the holiday be the beginning of a life-changing experience for everyone? The descriptions of Cuba are so skilfully woven into this book that not only will you feel as if you're there but you'll absorb a lot of information about Cuba and its way of life while enjoying the story. It is a perfect holiday read, and if you're not on holidays, you'll want to be after reading it. (SBB)

Also by author:

Three Nights in New York; Two Days in Biarritz

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NETA JACKSON

Who Do I Talk To? (2009)

Gabrielle Fairbanks knew that after the phone call she had left at her husband's work, she would have pushed his buttons. But she didn't realise exactly how upset her husband was with her. Coming home, she is faced with the reality of becoming homeless as her husband has changed the locks on their house, cancelled her credit cards and up and left with her two sons. Now Gabrielle, her elderly mother and their dog Dandy are living in Manna House - a homeless shelter where Gabrielle has worked for the past two months. Can Gabrielle regain her confidence and with the assistance of her boss Mabel and Legal Aid lawyer Lee get back what she has lost? Another book in the Yada Yada House of Hope series, this is a story about the value of friendship and family. In the last place she ever imagined she'd be, Gabby will discover what she's made of. (PP)

Also by author:

Who Do I Lean On?; Where Do I Go?; The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Decked Out; The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Rolling; The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Caught; The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Tough; The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Real; The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Down; The Yada Yada Prayer Group

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KATE JACOBS

Knit the Season (2009)

This third instalment of The Friday Night Knitting Club takes us back to Walker and Daughter for the holidays. College-age Dakota Walker is struggling to find her way in the world. Torn between her blossoming career as a pastry chef and the future of the Upper West Side knitting store started by her mother, Georgia, Dakota struggles with having the life she wants while still remaining true to her mother's dream. Hoping to land an internship in the kitchen of the "V" hotel during the holidays, Dakota is stunned when her father, James, tells her he's planned for the whole family to spend Christmas in Scotland with her great-grandmother. As much as she wants to be with family for the holidays, she doesn't want to miss the opportunity for the internship, which would give her great career experience. At the same time, her head is also spinning with the news that her father has a new girlfriend and Peri, the knitting store manager, may be leaving Walker and Daughter for a new career. Dakota realises what it means to be a grown-up and has to make choices that will shape her future. This is a delightfully warm tale of family ties, the strength of friendships, and making tough life choices, and will no doubt put you in the holiday spirit. (LEK)

Comfort Food (2008)

Gus Simpson's Cooking Channel TV show is losing its spark, so she is paired with an ambitious, younger co-host - former Miss Spain, Carmen Vega - for a live cooking show. Their tension leads to on-air chaos as Gus' adult daughters, reclusive neighbour and others join the Eat, Drink and Be team. This has all the right ingredients for a nourishing read as Gus deals with getting older, sharing the limelight, letting go of her daughters and recovering from loss.

The Friday Night Knitting Club (2007)

A club develops at Georgia Walker's yarn shop, as some of her regulars gather on Friday nights to knit and chat. They include Anita, who helps Georgia run the shop and look after her daughter Dakota; Peri, a pre-law student turned handbag designer; Darwin, a grad student in women's studies; and Lucie, a soon-to-be single mother who begins filming a video on knitting and the club. Georgia's world is rocked when first Dakota's father James returns into their lives, wanting to get to know his teen daughter; and then her former best friend Cat (now a rich but unhappy Park Avenue wife) hires her to make some clothes. But as it turns out, it is at this time of her life that Georgia needs her friends the most.

Also by author:

Knit Two

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MELISSA JACOBS

Love, Life and Linguine (2006)

Mimi Louis is a restaurant consultant who has opened several restaurants in Philadelphia and recently turned her nobody chef boyfriend into a celebrity chef. However, when she finds out that her beloved boyfriend, Nick, is not the man she thought he was, she returns home to Jersey to stay with her mum and throw herself into rescuing her late father's cafe. Two men emerge as love interests, as her diva (err libido) talks to her about which man is worth "boinking". Mimi's diva is not the only thing speaking to her throughout the story, as she has constant conversations with Olga, her suitcase, and Sally, her father's Mustang that she now drives. While Mimi seems to have a lot of chatter going on in her head, the book lacks some excitement and strong connection with the characters. There is also a lack of food chatter overall, making the title a bit misleading. It should be called, Love, Life and Listening to Your Diva. (CC)

Also by author:

Lexi James and the Council of Girlfriends

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JADE JAEGER

All That Shimmers (2009)

When Jade's husband Mark cheats on her again, this time she changes the locks on their luxurious Sydney home. Mark is a brash hotel entrepreneur who loves the lavish lifestyle and his sports cars - and it seems his freedom and other women. Jade, who has spent the past decade becoming an Affluent Suburban Housewife (ASH), realises she's sold herself out for a Fendi bag and a Hermes bracelet. The background story to this titillating, no-holds-barred memoir, which played out in the Australian gossip and business pages, is that Mark took up with a well-known socialite (best known for being a bridesmaid at Crown Prince Frederik and Mary's wedding in Denmark) and his Pubboy empire collapsed. For Jade, even before the money runs out, her dream life is tarnished, especially as her two children get split up. She is not a sympathetic character though, from the start when she was more concerned that Mark didn't leave with her Louis Vuitton bags through to her recovery in Bali - did she deserve to be relaxing in a tropical paradise without facing up to the bankruptcy at home? If you can't get enough of Real Housewives or need a reminder that greed isn't good, then you'll relish this racy narrative.

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ERICA JAMES

The Queen of New Beginnings (2010)

Screenwriter Clayton Miller is hiding out in a remote country house after committing a rather public fall from grace. Voiceover artist Alice used to live at Cuckoo House - not that she wants anyone to know that - and returns to her childhood home as a cleaner. After a less-than-stellar beginning, Clayton and Alice hit it off and eventually reveal their secrets to each other, explaining what caused Alice's family life to disintegrate and why Clayton has become such a reviled figure. In this case, Erica James is the queen of intriguing beginnings - and you'll enjoy the characters' journey out of isolation - starting with Clayton's obituary-writing funk and Alice's Latvian pretence - to a happier ending.

It's The Little Things (2008)

It's been several years since Dan and Sally, and their friend Chloe, survived the Boxing Day tsunami. Dan and Sally now have a little boy, Marcus, conceived in the disaster's aftermath - Dan is a stay-at-home dad while Sally is rarely home as she spends long hours working as a divorce lawyer. Chloe, who followed her father's footsteps into his medical practice, is single - after her long-term boyfriend dumped her when they returned from their life-changing experience in Phuket. When she meets Seth, everyone including Chloe is hoping he may be The One. But there's something Seth hasn't been upfront about. And Sally is going to get caught up in an act of deception.

Also by author:

Promises, Promises; Tell It to the Skies; Gardens of Delight; Love and Devotion; Paradise House; Hidden Talents; Precious Time; The Holiday; Act of Faith; A Sense of Belonging; Airs and Graces; Time for a Change; A Breath of Fresh Air

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JULIE JAMES

Something about You (2010)

Assistant US Attorney Cameron Lynde is a key witness in a high-profile murder investigation and Special Agent Jack Pallas is assigned to the case. Jack and Cameron worked on another case three years ago and Jack still blames Cameron for nearly ruining his career. Jack and Cameron may have a history of animosity towards each other, however, as the investigation proceeds, they can't fight the sexual chemistry between them. This fantastic novel does not disappoint - the dialogue is witty and the characters well developed. (AO)

Practice Makes Perfect (2009)

J.D. Jameson is a conservative Harvard-educated law associate who grew up in a privileged wealthy family. Payton Kendall is a liberal feminist raised by a hippy single mum. J.D. and Payton have been in constant competition since they started working at their law firm eight years ago. As two smart hard-working attorneys, they were under the impression that they would both be made partner. But due to a change in their firm's policy, only one of them will get the promotion. The competition increases when Payton and J.D. are asked to join forces on a major case. As they spend more time together, they realise that they have a strong mutual attraction to each other. The dialogue between the characters is witty and sharp and the author does a great job allowing the reader to feel the sexual tension between the main characters. You will not be able to put this book down. (AO)

Just the Sexiest Man Alive (2008)

Taylor Donovan is a confident no-nonsense attorney on track to become partner at her law firm. Her newest assignment is to coach Jason Andrews, Hollywood's sexiest heart-throb, for his new role in a legal thriller movie. And Taylor is determined not to fall for Jason's charming ways. This debut novel is exceptionally well written and a fun read. (AO)

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BRENDA JANOWITZ

Jack with a Twist (2008)

In this sequel to Scot on the Rocks, Brooke is back, and newly engaged to fellow attorney Jack. If planning their wedding wasn't enough, Brooke also gets to lead her first court case, representing her wedding dress designer - and the opposing lawyer is none other than her fiancé. And the experienced litigator certainly isn't planning on going easy on her. Read it to experience the nightmare of keeping the two sets of parents happy (hers a kosher butcher and Jewish housewife and his a judge and vegetarian socialite). As much as I realised how much I'd missed Brooke once I started reading (oh please, you know you did too), this needed more of a twist to make it better than the original.

Scot on the Rocks (2007)

Manhattan attorney Brooke Miller has no qualms about attending her ex-boyfriend's wedding to a Hollywood actress. After all she'll be with her Scottish boyfriend Douglas, who'll probably have put a ring on her own finger by then. But when Douglas breaks up with her, she desperately needs someone else to fill his kilt on the day. With best friend Vanessa and colleague Jack in tow, Brooke heads off to LA, determined to survive the wedding with her dignity ever-- intact. After all, they've crammed up on Scottish facts, her bikini line is waxed and she's got a shiny (but fake) sparkler on her ring finger. But will lost luggage, a high school nemesis and a rogue Australian accent be her undoing? Brooke is an engaging character who'll keep you smiling as she lurches from mishap to mishap.

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LOLA JAYE

By The Time You Read This (2008)

When Lois is only a little girl, her dad Kevin finds out he is dying and begins writing her a manual. His sister gives it to Lois when she is 12 - on the day her mother is getting remarried. The manual has advice about everything from handling high school, dating, job interviews, moving out of home and turning 30. As Lois grows up and throws herself into her work, she finds it difficult to sustain relationships with men, her mother and stepfather, even her new baby sister. And despite her feelings for the boy next door, it seems no one else measures up to her father, the only man she's ever loved. A coming-of-age story well worth your time.

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LORRAINE JENKIN

Cold Enough to Freeze Cows (2010)

Iestyn Bevan doesn't have a lot of luck with the ladies, instead he pines after fellow farmer Menna Edwards. Menna seems more interested in her rugby shirts and rams. Iestyn enlists the advice of Johnny 'Brechden' - the local stud - and his brother's girlfriend, the lovely Sima, life coach extraordinaire. Then there is Louisa whose family are all hiding behind their own secrets. As the village characters' stories weave together, they come to a head on the night of the Annual Sheep Breeders Dinner, where their lives change forever. Like a Welsh Love Actually, this is a nice ensemble chick lit book. It transports you well and truly to the farmyard. The only problem is that just as a story for a particular character gets really good, it then switches to another character's point of view and you get sucked into their story instead. (AB)

Chocolate Mousse and Two Spoons (2008)

When waitress/artist Lettie finally leaves her abusive boyfriend, she is encouraged to cast her net beyond Lyme Regis and place a personal ad in the newspaper. Her most promising response comes from Welsh forester Dougie and soon she's off to his village. This sweet romantic story is flavoured with an unexpectedly strong cast of characters including the obese Eve who dotes on drunkard Peter; a charming couple known as the Worm Gatherers and perpetual student Rizzo who has his eye on the luscious Lisa. It was a case of expecting light, fluffy chocolate mousse and getting so much more.

Also by author:

Eating Blackbirds

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MELANIE M. JESCHKE

Jillian Dare (2009)

Jillian Virginia Dare grew up as an orphan passed from foster home to foster home. At 20, she is offered a once-in-a-lifetime chance to leave her small town of Shenandoah Valley and become a nanny on a big plantation in Virginia. There she is put in charge of caring for baby Cadence Remington. She bumps into her boss, Ethan, while out jogging and feels the attraction even though they don't know who the other is. Jillian starts to receive threatening emails from someone only known as CC. Shrugging it off, Jillian thinks it's just someone playing a prank until all these people start appearing in her life with the initials CC - from Corinna Cooke the maid to Calvin Cole the lawyer and Crystal Carter, Ethan's ex-wife and the leading lady in the Broadway show The Woman in White. Can Jillian move from her nanny role to win the hand of this wealthy movie producer? This is a contemporary take on Jane Eyre. (PP)

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LISA JEWELL

After the Party (2010)

This sequel picks up 12 years after the 'happily ever after', which saw two 20-something flatmates finally get together. Now as 30-something parents, Jem and Ralph have recently separated, sharing custody of their two young children. As the story moves back a year, to before the separation, it is revealed that Ralph is still painting artworks, while Jem is just returning to part-time work as an entertainment agent. Ralph, finding it hard to deal with the domestic drudgery or bond with his baby son Blake, takes off to the US to visit his former flatmate Smith. There he connects with someone who leads him down a path he's sure Jem won't approve of. Meanwhile a resentful Jem befriends single dad Joel while wondering where that fun-loving, spirited girl Ralph fell in love with has gone. Jewell nails this believable evolution of her characters, with a heart-wrenching examination of how a couple can get lost amid family life and the passing of years.

The Truth About Melody Browne (2009)

When Melody was nine, she was rescued from a burning house. But along with her possessions, the fire also wiped out her memories. Now decades later, the single mum is out on her first date in years. After fainting while taking part in a hypnotist show, she finds that many locked-away memories of her childhood are coming back to her in flashes. Melody slowly pieces together her past, realising her childhood was nothing like she thought it was. A real page-turner from a great storyteller - you'll want to finish it in one go.

Vince and Joy (2005)

Vince and Joy meet at a caravan park during their late teens but had to part abruptly. Over the ensuing years their paths nearly cross several times as each settles for the wrong people. Is their destiny so strong that it will pull them back together again - despite numerous missteps? This reminds me a lot of Cecelia Ahern's Where Rainbows End but the unique element is that these two romantic leads are hardly together throughout the book.

One-Hit Wonder (2001)

Bee Bearhorn had a number one hit single in 1985 - and was destined to become Britain's answer to Madonna. But instead she becomes a one-hit wonder. When she dies alone in a London flat 15 years later, it's up to her timid, gangly half-sister Ana to collect her belongings. Leaving their agoraphobic mother in Devon, Ana tracks down Bee's closest friends (and the only ones at the funeral) - the exotic singer Lol and long-time driver Flint - and they set out to uncover what happened to Bee. Why did she have a secret country cottage, who is Zander and where is her missing cat? Ana's journey of self-discovery as she finds out how Bee's glamorous life fell apart is told by the interweaving of past and present events. Well worth a read.

Ralph's Party (1999)

When Jem moves into a flat with the smooth Smith and his best friend Ralph, she is convinced one of the guys is her destiny since she's been having a dream about this flat since she was a teenager. Although Ralph, an artist, already has a girlfriend, he soon falls head over heels for Jem. But Jem has started dating Smith. Meanwhile Smith has spent years pining after the haughty Cheri who lives on the top floor of the apartment. But Cheri has been having an affair with neighbour Karl, who lives with Siobhan. And so the tangled web of relations begins. And it all comes to a head when Ralph throws a party. A great romantic comedy that will pull you in as soon as you read about the interconnected characters - and it's certainly not just for girls.

Also by author:

31 Dream Street; A Friend of the Family; Thirtynothing

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CATHERINE JINKS

Spinning Around (2004)

Mother-of-two Helen's life is sent into a spin when a friend tells her she saw her husband, Matt, looking too cosy at a lunch with The Girl with Purple Hair. Rather than confront Matt directly, Helen starts checking their phone accounts, rifling through his drawers and employing a private detective.

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MILLY JOHNSON

A Summer Fling (2010)

Colleagues Grace, Anna, Dawn and Raychel may work together in the same department but they hardly know anything about each other's lives. Then their new boss Christie arrives in a brightly coloured suit, determined to forge a friendship with them. Fifty-something Grace is trapped in a marriage with Gordon - she fell in love with his kids, rather than him - and the last thing she wants to do is retire with him and head off in a caravan. Thirty-something Dawn is about to get married herself - to the rough Calum who comes with the big raucous family that Dawn doesn't have herself. Anna is about to turn 40 and her boyfriend has just left her for a much younger woman. She's let herself go but can she be saved by a strange man at the train station? And for twenty-something Raychel, she may be happily nesting with husband Ben but what secrets from her past have meant she pushes everyone else away? This story returns to Barnsley and we were promised a cameo from the Yorkshire Pudding Club women. (I missed it and had to flick back through the book to find Elizabeth, Helen and Janey.) It has a cast of well-drawn characters all ranged along the scale from good to evil and a storyline which combines romantic comedy with darker themes.

A Spring Affair (2009)

Over the years Lou Winter has become a downtrodden wife - always on hand to whip up a bacon breakfast for her husband Phil and organise his business accounts. She won't stand up to her bullying boss nor stop her mum making negative comments. One day an article about clutter-cleaning inspires Lou to spring-clean her house - and as she clears the decks she rediscovers her moxie. Tom, the nice guy who delivers the skips to cart away her rubbish, reminds her of what she's missing in her marriage, and she reconnects with her best friend Deb. You'll be cheering on Lou as she learns to stand up to her man - and hopefully kick him to the kerb (with the rest of the trash).

The Birds and the Bees (2008)

Romance writer Stevie Honeywell is counting down to her wedding, when fiancé Matthew goes away on a business trip. Then Adam MacLean, a big, loud, red-haired Scot, turns up on her doorstep, with evidence that his love Jo and Matthew have actually gone away together to Majorca. Stevie, who's heard all about Adam's abuse from Jo, can now see why her friend could no longer stay with this psycho, while Adam takes one look at the flour-splattered wreck of a woman and can understand why any man would leave her for his lovely Jo. But together they team up to wage some psychological warfare on the new couple. Single mum Stevie decides to let Matthew go without a fuss and she pretends to date Adam to drive them both wild with jealousy. So like the Scottish jig The Birds and the Bees, they all swap partners. And it's a dance where all four will discover that love can either sting you or be oh so sweet.

The Yorkshire Pudding Club (2007)

When three Yorkshire friends picnic on top of an ancient fertility symbol, who would have imagined that within months all three would be pregnant. For Helen, the pregnancy is a dream come true, if only her marriage with controlling Simon wasn't crumbling before her eyes. For career-minded Janey who's up for a promotion, it's a nightmare as she never wanted kids but husband George is ecstatic. And then there's Elizabeth, who loses her job after letting her hormones take over and telling the boss to stick his job. Amid the determined return of a man she once pushed away, she fears that she will never love the child she is carrying.

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RACHEL JOHNSON

Notting Hell (2006)

Mimi and Clare live on the communal garden in Notting Hill where it is very much a case of the haves and have-yachts. While Mimi's interest is piqued by the neighbourhood's new billionaire, Clare is keeping an eye of some illicit going-ons, of the adultery and construction kind. Each is striving to be the best Notting Hill mummy - Mimi just needs the six-figure income; Clare the baby.

Also by author:

Shire Hell; The Mummy Diaries

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VANESSA JOHNSON

Lush (2010)

As the cliche goes, Lydia Kyriacos has it all - the gorgeous, stylish flat situated in Notting Hill Gate (like the movie), a long-term banker boyfriend called Marcus, a great job as an account director at an advertising firm and awesome friends who really know how to party. But her perfect life is about to start crumbling. On the night of their fifth anniversary, Lydia arrives home to find a note from Marcus saying he's leaving her. Also her company is making people redundant due to the recession and if Lydia doesn't pull up her socks then she's top on their list. If that wasn't stressful enough, she has bouquets of flowers coming out of ears, her friend is in love with a Swedish children's entertainer whose band is the equivalent to The Wiggles and her competition is trying to stop her from succeeding on the account that could save her career and boost her rep. To top it off Lydia realises that "yes, I'm an alcoholic". Can she stop drinking and turn her life around for the better or is it too late? This shows readers that no matter how hard or terrible life can become, there is always an open window of opportunity where you can see the light and come out of the experience for the better. An excellent read of love, holiday flings and those surprises round every corner. (PP)

Second Opinion

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BELINDA JONES

Living La Vida Loca (2010)

Best friends Carmen and Beth are at a crossroads in their lives. The gorgeous Beth has been trying to get the lead in dance shows but always gets passed over and can only manage to get dodgy jobs in places she'd rather not be. The under-confident Carmen has a comfortable career as a costume designer but has just broken up with her abusive boyfriend Lee (again!) and really needs to break free of this unhealthy pattern. So, when the opportunity arises to try out for a reality TV show in which the leading lady (or ladies in this case) will dance their way through the troublesome tango in Argentina, the frisky flamenco in Spain and the scorching hot salsa in Cuba, the girls decide to try out. Making a few adjustments in order to land the role, the two girls find themselves whisked off on the adventure of a lifetime. Dancing their way through love, heartbreak and loads of gorgeous men, both Beth and Carmen find themselves being changed in ways they never expected. With an oppressive producer, a shy, lovelorn sound guy and a deceitful camera guy, the girls will return to London as changed women. Beth might finally lose some of her cynical attitude towards love and Carmen just may find that the true cure for heartbreak is closer than she ever thought. An essential read for those days when you need some inspiration or just want to enjoy a heart-warming story. (AS)

Out of the Blue (2008)

Cruise ship excursions organiser Selena is about to disembark for a two-month break. She's particularly looking forward to a break from the attentions of over-amorous officer Alekos. But she finds Jules, the best friend she was going to stay with, has deserted her to elope to Mauritius. On her flight to London she takes pity on Alekos who is nursing an injured hand. He convinces her to join him on the Greek island of Crete to help run his brother's watersports business. Selena is not only captivated by Greece and its mythology, but the sun and surf has her slowly thawing to her admirer.

The California Club (2003)

This is the story of four British friends and a fiancee who head to California to meet up with another friend. Lara, who has to confess that she's selling up her mother's beloved B&B, is finding it hard hiding her feelings for long-time friend Elliot. Especially since he has just got engaged to the annoying and smug Elise, who's also along for the trip. Wannabe actress Zoe has stars in her eyes and thinks heading to LA could be her big break while Sasha is adrift in the world after giving up modelling. In the US, they discover that their highly organised friend, Helen, has become a much more chilled-out surfer chick with a boyfriend and she reveals it was the California Club that changed her life. The others decide to see what the mysterious club can do for them, and have to spend a week living out their wishes. A humorous and uplifting story, perfect for your own holiday.

Also by author:

The Love Academy; Cafe Tropicana; The Paradise Room; I Love Capri; Divas Las Vegas

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CHRISTINA JONES

Love Potions (2006)

Things start going amiss in Bagley-cum-Russet when beauty therapist Sukie Ambrose finds a naked man in her bed and discovers her aromatherapy oils are jetting off on someone else's honeymoon. So she ignores the warnings of a village old-timer and uses the plants in her cottage garden to supply her massage oils. Suddenly her clients start falling in love with the most unlikely characters. But should Sukie use the potions in her own love spell or should she leave her flatmate's boyfriend well alone?

Also by author:

The Way to a Woman's Heart; Happy Birthday; Heaven Sent, Seeing Stars, Hubble Bubble, Tickled Pink

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JESSIE JONES

Pen-name of Maria Beaumont

Rubbish Boyfriends (2008)

Beauty therapist Dayna is in hospital, about to give birth. Her best friend Emily is there with her candles and whale song CDs but the father is conspicuous by his absence. And so the book journeys into Dayna's boyfriends past to determine who the father is. First up is Simon, her first love who can't stop at one woman. Then there's Chris, a serious university student who wants to be a rock star, and rough-and-tumble Archie with his own particular views of the world. Mark seems the perfect boyfriend - but there has to be a catch and then there's her boss' son Cristian, who wants to settle down. With the author's trademark humour and loads of hilarious cultural references, this is the polar opposite of rubbish. Oh - and one of the truths about one of the boyfriends turns out to rate among the funniest passages I've ever read. Sequel please.

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