I Should Be So Lucky - Judy Astley (2012)

Viola's unlucky in love. One husband left her for another man, and the second, Rhys, died in a car accident. Viola fled to live in her mother's annexe after Rhys' death. Now Viola's ready to go back to her own house, but her family don't think she's ready to leave. When she meets a guerilla gardener at the dead of night, is she just tempting fate? Or can Viola be third time lucky in love? The beauty of this book is that you feel that you instantly know Viola, and that you're part of the family. The story itself is highly readable, and I genuinely wanted to know what was going to happen. A few parts of the plot were quite predictable, but at the same time I wanted to know how the secrets were going to tumble out. All in all, a good book if you're looking for an easy read with warm characters. (AB)

The Look of Love (2011)

Freelance journalist Bella's latest romance has just turned sour and her ex-husband James is back in town, looking to sell the family home. When Bella's writing group gets the chance to be involved in a makeover TV program called Fashion Victims, she also offers up her house for the shoot, hoping it will waylay James' realty plans. As Bella tries to ensure the wacky stylist Daisy doesn't actually turn them into fashion victims, she finds herself falling for the producer, Saul. This book also offers up a multi-generational element, with side stories focusing on Bella's teenage daughter Molly, who's having boyfriend troubles, and her life-embracing mother Shirley, who's found herself a new partner. Just don't expect much emphasis on the makeovers or the behind-the-scene reality TV stuff.

Other People's Husbands (2008)

Sara is 25 years younger than her husband Conrad, a renowned painter. Now that he's turning 70, Conrad has decided this is a good time for him to bow out before he gets too old and decrepit. So he hangs up his brushes; puts away his passport; and starts planning his exit strategy. Meanwhile Sara, who teaches art at a nearby college, has had lots of close friendships with other people's husbands but never has her heart been drawn to any other man. But when she meets Ben, a journalist much closer to her age, she can't help but feel an intense attraction.

All Inclusive (2005)

It's November so Beth and Ned are heading back to the Caribbean island, St George, for their annual holiday. Each year they head to the same luxury resort and hang out with the same couples. But this year the holidaying crowd is going to be a bit different. Cynthia and Bradley aren't coming - instead they have a family wedding to attend. This fact delights Ned because he doesn't want his fling with Cyn to become public knowledge. Meanwhile, Beth and Ned's 16-year-old daughter Delilah, who has been recovering from glandular fever, is reluctantly coming along for some R&R in the sun. But she soon perks up when she spots the gorgeous yoga teacher, Sam. And the glamorous Gina has come with a guest, her mother Dolly, who claims to be on her last legs. This is just the sort of lightweight, entertaining read to pack for your own holiday.

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