Hanoi Jane - Elke Ray (2011)

Jane Moxley is convinced that Wyatt is the right man for her. When his company relocates him to Hanoi in Vietnam, Jane leaves behind her job, friends and family in New York and follows him, hoping to start a new chapter in her life with the man she loves. However, weeks before their wedding, he dumps her for another woman - a sexy and confident NGO director called Lindy. Determined to win her man back, she ropes in her best friend Sigrid to get back at the woman who ruined her happy ending. With every step they take to learning more about Lindy, they discover a big secret lurking behind her pretty face. This is a perfect getaway read for those who love a fine mix of mystery and chick lit. (XT)

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Happily Ever After? - Benison Anne O'Reilly (2010)

Often the fairytale ends when the heroine marries her prince and lives happily ever after. In this case, the real story begins after Ellie marries her handsome prince, airline pilot Tony. On route several years later to join him in a new life in Hong Kong, Ellie is recalling how their marriage has diverted so far from their intended happily-ever-after destination. As she deals with a disapproving mother-in-law, an often absent, ambitious husband and an attractive new manager at her pharmaceutical marketing firm, Ellie soon becomes aware her marriage is in real danger of crash landing. Fasten your seatbelts for a humorous journey through some turbulent family issues - this is a very promising debut.

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Happily Ever After - Elizabeth Maxwell (2014)

Romance writer Sadie looks like your average middle-aged mum. Unfortunately the romance in her life took a serious nosedive, when her husband Roger realised he preferred men, and she had to advertise for a regular Friday morning hook-up guy. At night, while her daughter sleeps, Sadie pens erotic fiction under her secret identity KT Briggs. She is midway through her latest novel when its lust-filled hero, Aidan, appears - in the flesh - in her local Target store. Now she has to help him and his object of desire, Lily, get back to their world. The concept of a writer finding her fictional hero has come to life offered so much potential. With some of KT Briggs' raunchy storytelling woven in, this book worked best when the author played up on these erotic fiction conventions, like having Aidan unable to stop himself from trying to seduce her. But it sharply loses track as the mystery elements of how the characters came to life is explained. With witches and sinister plots thrown in, it all becomes a bit too fantastical and odd for my tastes.

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Happily Ever After - Harriet Evans (2012)

After watching her parents' horrible marriage and bitter divorce, Elle Bee does not believe in fairytale endings. At age 22, Elle moves to London to work in a publishing house. As she works her way up the career ladder, she transitions from a naive girl wearing too short skirts to a career woman on the fast track to the top. As her career starts to thrive, her love life struggles to keep up. Her affair with her boss, Rory, results in her realising how much she still needs to learn. Ten years go by and Elle Bee is at the top of her career living in New York and engaged to a well-known author. A trip back to England might be the last chance Elle has to defy her beliefs and get her happily ever after. This novel is a wonderful realistic portrayal about the ups and downs of a woman balancing her career, her family and the many wrong men she encounters and the one right man who always appears at the wrong time. (AO)

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Happily Ever Madder - Stephanie McAfee (2012)

Ace Jones is back in this sequel to Diary of a Mad Fat Girl. She has moved to Pelican Cove, Florida, with her fiance, Mason, and has realised her dream of opening her own art gallery. Between Mason working around the clock at his law firm, however, and certain women in the community making her life miserable, Ace begins to wonder if this is what happily ever after is supposed to look like. While not as strong of a story as the first novel, it is nice to have Ace Jones back and up to her old tricks with her sassy gal-pals, new and old, and her lovable chiweenie, Buster Loo. All in all a good read with a wonderful main character. (LEK)

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Happiness for Beginners - Katherine Center (2015)

Divorcee Helen is ready to bounce back after an awful period in her life and is heading off to Wyoming to test herself on a three-week wilderness survival course. Not that she knows much about hiking or camping or the wilderness for that matter - but she is hoping it will be a life-changing, spiritual journey. Much to her dismay, though, her younger brother's friend, medical student Jake, has not only signed up, he's finally admitted to having a big crush on her. Helen is determined to ignore Jake but it's awfully hard, as he soon becomes the star of the trekkers. Despite there being no chance in the world I'd sign up for a similar back-to-nature trek, this story really blew me away. It's a compelling read with a profound message, a heroine who knows she needs to change, and a sweet romance. And I was eternally grateful that I could immerse myself in Helen's journey from the comfort of my own bed.

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Happiness is a Four-Letter Word - Cynthia Jele (2010)

This story focuses on four South African women living in Johannesburg. Nandi is about to marry her dream man Thomas, but her ex Chris has just returned to town - and Nandi desperately wants to see him so he can explain why he dumped her. Zaza, the trophy wife of a property developer, is scared her husband will find out about her affair and end her pampered existence. The only thing that could make Tumi's marriage happier would be being blessed with a child. But one day a stranger comes to her door with upsetting news about her husband. And for Princess, she spends her days fighting injustice and her nights waiting for her artist boyfriend Leo to come home. This book touches on the sorts of issues and emotions that will resonate with women, no matter where you live. Jele has won several awards for her debut novel, including Best First Book category (Africa region) in the 2011 Commonwealth Writers' Prize.

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Happiness Sold Separately - Libby Street (2005)

Life in New York City isn't as wonderful as Ryan Hadley imagined. Despite her dreams of owning an accomplished web-design company, she ends up getting a monotonous data entry job. When her gorgeous colleague Will clinches a record deal for his band, and her two best friends Audrey and Veronica get promoted, Ryan starts to feel left behind. She soon finds herself coming up with a plan for her future, and even though not all her schemes are feasible, well, at least it's a start. But what she didn't count on was the reappearance of her college ex-boyfriend and first love, Charlie, who seems to have a successful career in LA. This is a truly inspirational and hilarious read. You will love Ryan, and cheer her on as she endeavours to follow her plans to be the someone she wants to be, and find the courage to fight for the man she loves. (XT)

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Happy Endings - Trisha Ashley (2008)

Romantic novelist Tina has published several books but makes her real money from critiquing others' manuscripts. With her ex husband Tim the Suit taking over the list at her publisher, Salubrious Press, Tina is threatened with being dropped if her latest erotic gardening story Dark, Passionate Earth doesn't sell well. Meanwhile she is seeing her occasional lover, former Russian ballet dancer Sergei, who is plagued by rumours that he's actually gay. This is a short novel - less than 200 pages in my edition. Read it for the hilarious letters to and from aspiring authors.

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Happy Birthday - Christina Jones (2008)

Phoebe has just been jilted at the altar by her long-time love Ben. The marriage-that-never-happened leaves her gloomy and feeling hopeless about love - plus she's left with a flat she can't afford by herself. To make things worse, she has to put up with her irritatingly attractive neighbour, Rocky, who has just got out of the prison and wants to be left alone after a nasty break-up with his sizzling hot girlfriend. In order to keep paying the rent and fill her lonely evenings, Phoebe takes on hairdressing at the nearby old-peoples home Twilights, which is run by some awful owners. She befriends Essie who has been left in the home by her greedy children. She discovers that Essie shares her love for tarot-reading, astrology and lots of other '-ologies'. Essie passes on her very secret Happy Birthday magic to Phoebe - a secret which can make couples fall in love and stick together for eternity. This book is the fabulous blend of young and old characters and revisits some characters from previous books. (SS)

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Happy Ever After? - Patricia Scanlan (2009)

This follows the lives of eight main characters and asks if they can all have the "happy ever after" referenced in the title. Debbie and Bryan are newlyweds, just back from honeymoon and in serious debt after their wedding. Debbie's stepmother, Aimee, has just discovered she's pregnant, and is looking on the situation as nothing but a serious inconvenience. Her husband and Debbie's dad, Barry, is horrified when he finds out that Aimee is considering an abortion - can he talk her out of it? As Barry and Aimee grow apart, Barry finds he can't stop feeling more and more attracted to his ex-wife Connie, who is everything Aimee is not. But Connie has her sights set on a handsome man she's met through her new job. Meanwhile, both Aimee and Barry are oblivious to the secret their daughter Melissa is carrying - a secret that could seriously jeopardise her health. Debbie's boss, Judith, has just been in a serious car accident. When she and Debbie have a huge row, it forces Judith to re-evaluate how she treats people. With the help of her mother, Lily, Judith comes to realise she's been given a second chance at life - but will she take it? This book follows on from Scanlan's previous book, Forgive and Forget. Despite not having read the earlier title I found it easy to slip into this book. However, while it was an enjoyable read, I did find that there were just too many characters. A lot of the plots had very open endings, which leads me to think there'll be a third book in this series - and while it was refreshing on the one hand to not have everything conveniently rounded off at the end of a book, I could see this potentially being frustrating for a lot of readers who want to read this as a stand-alone book. (SBB)

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Handbags and Gladrags - Maggie Alderson (2004)

Magazine fashion stylist Emily Pointer has a rule about fashion: never wear anything older than six months . . . unless it's so old you can pass it off as vintage. From Milan to London, Paris to New York, Emily tries to keep her affair with Australian photographer Miles a secret - especially from her husband. But she starts to discover that even the designer clothes in her closet won't contain the skeletons lurking inside.

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Handle with Care - Jodi Picoult (2009)

This tells the story of Willow who is born with a severe form of brittle bone disease. If she slips, she can spend months in hospital, as her body is so frail. Willow's mother, Charlotte, faces financial difficulties in caring for her daughter. Special equipment and care all cost money, which she does not have. When at hospital one day, Charlotte is told by the doctors that she could sue her doctor for not informing her about Willow's medical condition during pregnancy and giving Charlotte the choice to have an abortion. Charlotte learns that the amount she could be awarded by the court would be able to set Willow up for life. However, the doctor that dealt with Charlotte throughout her pregnancy is her best friend. Charlotte faces a tough decision - does she put the life of her daughter or the childhood friendship that she values so much first. If Charlotte is to take to the stand in court and sue her best friend, she is also admitting to the world that she would have aborted her child if she had been given this option. Picoult really gets to the heart of the drama in this courtroom and family tale. (SG)

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Hand Me Down - Michelle Holman (2011)

Twenty-six years ago, two girls were born in the small town of Pisa - not Pisa, Italy but Pisa, Otago in New Zealand. Home of the best cherries you have ever seen. One was a brunette, olive-skinned girl and the other blonde with blue eyes. Hand Me Down starts the day these two babies go home with the wrong set of parents. April Ritchie was a princess in her daddy's eyes and could do no wrong. Her family were wealthy and important - they owned the biggest house in Pisa. But when she is 17, her charmed life comes crashing down as rumours spread that she isn't the biological daughter of Heather and Grant Ritchie. Furious with rage, she is kicked out of home and leaves Pisa, vowing to never return. But first she makes a quick detour to the hospital and steals two medical records - her own and those of Nola Gutsell. Nine years later, April is flat-broke and making her living as a kissing telegram girl singing "happy birthday" to horny guys. When a job comes up, it takes April back to her hometown. Can she prove to them she has changed - that she's not the same person who left nine years ago? Once again, Michelle Holman has written a superb story that will have us in laughter in parts and tears in others as the cracks between April's tough exterior start showing and her true colours revealed. (PP)

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Hand-Me-Down - Lee Nichols (2006)

Anne Olsen has an intense phobia about anything that is second-hand. As the third sister behind beautiful Charlotte (a famous swimsuit model) and brainy Emily (an acclaimed feminist writer), Anne had enough of hand-me-downs during her childhood. Growing up in her sisters' shadows, she admits to being an underachiever who has drifted from job to job (she says like the Bronte sisters, the authors the girls were named after, she is Anne the unknown one). Then Charlotte's ex high school boyfriend, Ian Dunne - now an antiques shop owner - comes back on the scene, and despite having a boyfriend, Anne discovers she still has a big crush on him. Could she ever end up with a hand-me-down man?

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Hanging by a Thread - Karen Templeton (2004)

Ellie works as an assistant to Manhattan designer Nicole Katz, whose claim to fame is knocking off other designers. Sure Ellie would like to pursue her own creative ambitions but she's a single mum with a five-year-old daughter living in New Jersey. But just as she is offered a great job opportunity, her life is turned upside down. And the boy-next-door, Luke, seems no longer so happily settled with her best friend Tina.

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Hard Eight - Janet Evanovich (2002)

It seems that there is a new type of bail bonds in New Jersey - Custody Bonds - and Evelyn is in violation of hers. She and her young daughter Annie disappear. It should be an easy task to track her down but Evelyn's estranged husband Steven Soder has several business acquaintances who aren't very friendly with Stephanie, such as Abruzzi, who we met in Book #1 as Benito Ramirez's agent. Bounty hunter Jeanne is also after Evelyn - and she is also Ranger's ex-girlfriend. Can Stephanie find Evelyn before the bad people reach her? Of course, this wouldn't be a Stephanie Plum novel without Stephanie finding herself in the midst of trouble which this time involves snakes and spiders, finding a dead body in her lounge, gaining another new partner-in-crime in lawyer Albert Kloughn and of course the relationship triangle between Ranger, Stephanie and Joe Morelli. Readers will enjoy Hard Eight as we finally get some Ranger and Stephanie action. (PP)

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Hasta La Vista Lola! - Misa Ramirez (2010)

In this second book of the Lola Cruz Mysteries, Lola (Dolores) Cruz is still going against the wishes of her Mexican parents who want her to be a nun, not a private investigator. Heading out on assignment she follows a woman to yoga class before capturing her on camera in a back alley trying out some interesting Kama Sutra moves with a lover. Back at the office, who should walk in but Jack, her hunky newspaper columnist friend who she wishes would take their relationship further. Just as things are looking promising on the romance front, she gets a hysterical phone call from her mother - Lola has just showed up on the news . . . dead. Being written off as dead puts a huge dent in Lola's social life, so she springs into action to not only solve who the real victim was but convince people she's not a ghost but truly alive and kicking. The story mixes elements of mystery, chick lit and romance, making this an enjoyable, laugh-out-loud read. (PP)

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Heart Like Mine - Amy Hatvany (2013)

Grace has never wanted children but she is happy living with restaurateur Victor, who has shared custody of his two children. But just as Victor proposes and they prepare to tell the children that Grace will be a permanent fixture in their lives, his ex-wife Kelli dies suddenly. Can Grace handle being more than the occasional stepmom and how does she deal with teenager Ava, who certainly doesn't want her father's girlfriend stepping into her beloved mother's shoes? Told from the viewpoints of Grace, Ava and Kelli, this is an emotional story of blended families, grief and secrets. Ava's story is particularly moving, as she relates having to care for her emotionally troubled mother, and finds out there is more to her mother's past than she expected.

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Have Glass Slippers, Will Travel - Lisa Cach (2005)

Unemployed tech writer Katy Orville decides to pursue her dream of finding her Prince Charming by flying to London. At a society wedding, the American bumps into a dark, handsome farmer by the name of William Eland, who is actually a duke in disguise. However Katy only has eyes for his cousin, Trevor, also known as Lord Stanley, a charming yet philandering man. But when a series of events precede her dates with Trevor, and Will becomes the one who always seem to be around and protecting her, Katy starts to realise that she has been looking for love in all the wrong places. Will she get the fairytale ending she dreams of? (XT)

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Having It And Eating It - Sabine Durrant (2003)

Claire Masterson had the best life - she was gorgeous, had charming actor parents and was the first at anything and everything Maggie Owen dreamt to be. Twenty years have passed, and Maggie is now leading a busy but dreary life taking care of her two sons, toddler Fergus and baby Dan, along with her workaholic partner Jake, who works as an advertising executive. When she bumps into Claire on the streets again, Maggie finds that she hasn't changed at all - still as attractive and leading a glamorous life in New York and having multiple flings with married men. After a party at Claire's house, Maggie's suspicions are aroused when Jake appears to get more than friendly with Claire. This book deals with infidelity in a somehow different way but as the plot moves on, it gets fairly predictable. (XT)

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Head Over Heels - Rain Mitchell (2012)

This sequel to Tales From the Yoga Studio returns to the five women who have one thing in common - meeting at a yoga studio. Lee is a yoga teacher at Edendale, a studio she started with her husband Alan. But now they are getting divorced and Lee is having a tough time raising her twin boys as well as dealing with Kyra Monroe who tried to embarrass her on national television a few years back and now is enjoying the status of being Alan's girlfriend. Lee has to choose whether she wants to be a part of a hot-shot yoga festival or stay back with a man she has just started dating. Katherine is a masseur at Edendale and when she is asked to leave her rented flat, her boyfriend offers to move in together. Graciela is a back-up dancer in Beyonce's dance group. She has a boyfriend who is violent and tries to control her life but unexpectedly she crosses path with Jacob Lander who plays for the Yankees and now it's time to make a decision. Actress Imani is trying to make her Hollywood comeback after the birth of her son, while screenwriter Stephanie is going through a rough phase of a very different relationship. This book about friendship, love, relationships and yoga is a must-read for every woman. (SS)

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Heart of Glass - L.A. Dale (2010)

This starts off in the year 1987 with Bella being a career girl and a flirt with the guys. Her life has been one helluva journey and she definitely has been through her fair share of problems to get to where she is. However, just as Bella thought she was done with all the cards fate could deal her, she is confronted with a blast from her past. We are then transported back to 1979 - Bella is a shy, naive 15-year-old with a crush on 18-year-old footballer Ben. What follows is an interesting love story, with a soundtrack to Bella's life featuring hits from U2 and Blondie. Is Bella finally ready to move on and forget about Ben or is that first love chemistry at its strongest? Heart of Glass shows how no matter what happens, all our hearts are fragile and that the slightest thing could break us. But all it takes to put it back together again is one person, your everlasting soulmate. A story of music, love, relationships and friendships at its best and worst. (PP)

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Heart of the Matter - Emily Giffin (2010)

Tessa is used to having her family time with husband Nick interrupted by his work as a paediatric plastic surgeon. One night, at their anniversary dinner, Nick is called away to treat a boy, Charlie, who's been scarred in an accident. Over time, as Nick becomes closer to Charlie's mother, single lawyer Valerie, Tessa can sense her husband withdrawing from her. I have to admit my heart skipped a beat when Tessa's brother made an appearance. Unexpectedly it was Dex (from Something Borrowed/Something Blue), giving us an insight into how the result of a devastating affair plays out years later. But apart from the welcome blast from the past and some heart-warming moments between Valerie and her son, this tale about will-they-or-won't-they infidelity could have really been titled Something Old cos we've read it all before. On paper, there was nothing wrong with the story, told in alternating chapters from both women's perspectives. It was well-written, moving in parts, and you didn't know for sure how it would all end. But the heart of the matter was the story and its characters just didn't captivate. I guess I was expecting Something Special - and was disappointed not to have got it.

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Heaven Can Wait - Cally Taylor (2009)

Lucy Brown is the happiest she's ever been. She's about to marry the man of her dreams - kind, handsome, witty Dan - and everything she's always wanted is finally within her reach. But the night before her wedding Lucy has a fatal accident. She is offered a choice: accept a lifetime's separation from her soul mate to go to heaven or stay with Dan forever - and become a ghost. For Lucy, there is only one option - she will not leave Dan. But it turns out things aren't quite as easy as that. If Lucy wants to become a ghost she has to find true love for a complete stranger. And when she discovers that her so-called best friend Anna is determined to make a move on the heartbroken, vulnerable Dan, the pressure really is on. This is without a doubt one of the best chick lit books I've ever read. The plot is unique, it's warm-hearted and fun and the story flows along at a really good pace. I was hooked from the outset and quite literally raced through it. To me this book is pretty much perfect and in all honesty I can't actually find fault with it. In fact the only thing I didn't like about it was the fact that it had to end. This is a very strong debut and one that I highly, highly recommend. (KC)

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Heaven Scent - Sasha Wagstaff (2011)

When Cat Hayes marries a penniless waiter in France on a whim, she doesn't expect him to die within weeks or find out that he is the heir to a multi-million-dollar perfume empire. However, she soon finds out the truth about her late husband, Oliver, when she is asked to come to the family home to settle some unresolved business. At first, Cat doesn't realise that Oliver was a member of the Ducasse family. She just assumes he is very rich, even though he told her otherwise. But soon she finds out that the entire family is worried about her taking over Oliver's stake in the business and mistrust her for marrying a complete stranger while on vacation. Some members of the family, such as Oliver's grandmother Delphine, will resort to nasty measures to ensure that the inheritance Oliver had is not taken away by some flimsy English girl. As the months go on and Cat finds herself still staying at the Ducasse chateau because her passport has gone missing, she finds that the family need her help more than she realised. For one thing, Oliver's uncle is drowning in grief over his late wife and as a result is abandoning his three children, Xavier, Seraphina and Max. Xavier is also hiding a sorrowful secret that has kept him from living out his passion for creating amazing scents. But, getting the notorious playboy to open to her is an almost impossible task. Can Cat enter a family she doesn't even know and change them all profoundly during the process? It seems as though she is exactly what this family needs, yet none of them want to see her obvious worth. Filled with intriguing characters who almost sizzle with myriad emotions, this novel is one of the best I've read in a while. Cat and the Ducasse family are written with such complexity and warmth that you can't help falling in love with all of them, despite their faults. This is sure to help you forget your everyday worries while you get lost in its wonderful pages. (AS)

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Hedge Fund Wives - Tatiana Boncompagni (2009)

When John and Marcy Emerson move from Chicago to New York for John's job, she is hoping this will be a fresh start for them. Surprisingly despite the bad economic times for other hedge funds and financial conglomerates, her husband has done wonders with his financial portfolio. Although Marcy agreed to quit her job and dedicate her life to being a hedge fund wife, she never thought that would entail endless parties and shopping, one-upmanship and never seeing her husband. She becomes great friends with Gigi Cohen who shows her the ropes of fitting in with the other wives. But things start to unravel for Marcy as she begins to realise things are not what they appear to be. This is an entertaining, easy read that will appeal to those seeking an insider's view into that Upper East Side wealthy set. (CG)

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Heiresses - Lulu Taylor (2008)

The Trevellyan sisters have it all - success, money and any material object they want. But Jemima also has a boring marriage so in her quest to relieve the tedium she starts up random affairs with other men. Tara has made a life and a living of her own, and now she's looking to make a name for herself away from her family. Poppy who has lived beyond her means all her life wants no part of the Trevellyan money or fame. When their mother dies and leaves them the family business, the sisters have no choice but to band together. Their mother's will says they have one year to turn the family perfume business around or she will give the business to the one person all three sisters hate. A great escapist read for a debut novel and I cannot wait for more of her books. (CG)

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Helen of Pasadena - Lian Dolan (2010)

What do you do when your husband dies suddenly and you find that the life you thought you were living isn't in fact the life you should have been living? This is what happens to Helen Fairchild of Pasadena when her husband Merritt dies through an accident just after he has confessed to an affair and stated his intention to leave Helen for the other woman. Suddenly gone is the marriage to a supposed pillar of the local community, gone also is a life of volunteering on all the fashionable committees as Helen is left with huge debt and no money to provide for her son's private education. Given that Merritt's family is old-school Pasadena this shouldn't be a problem but it is. Helen fortunately manages to secure herself employment as a research assistant for an archaeologist who is rather attractive and this easy-to-read novel unfolds from there, full of humour and insight on re-inventing oneself. (LM)

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Hello From the Gillespies - Monica McInerney (2014)

With the Gillespies all planning to be together on their outback station in South Australia this Christmas, Angela is writing her annual letter, filling everyone in on what the family has been up to over the past year. But finding it impossible to give a positive spin this year, Angela vents with a more truthful version. About how she and husband Nick have grown apart, especially with him using every spare minute to research his Irish ancestors and making major decisions about the property without consulting her. About how she often escapes by fantasising about another life back in her English homeland, with a previous boyfriend, Will, and a successful daughter. Meanwhile her own three daughters are all out of work. Genevieve has lost her job as a hairdresser in the New York film and TV industry, while her twin Victoria, a Sydney-based radio producer, has taken the fall for her announcer's on-air rant. Youngest daughter Lindy has returned from Melbourne, in debt and planning to make her fortune through cushions. And 10-year-old son Ig - her surprise arrival during her 40s - has run away from boarding school yet again, and is still chatting away constantly to his imaginary friend. When Angela's tell-it-like-it-is Christmas letter accidentally wings its way out to the world, she frets about what people will think of them. But soon it is the least of her family's worries. This is among my favourite reads of the year - the characters are so quirky and richly drawn while the vivid outback setting is captivating. It's a storyline that keeps intensifying at every page turn. Just as you think nothing could get worse, another problem is thrown at the family. How their love triumphs will warm your heart and make you wish you were joining the Gillespies for Christmas lunch.

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Hello, Heartbreak - Amy Huberman (2009)

When a dolled-up Izzy heads out to her two-timing ex's regular night-time haunt, she plans to saunter nonchalantly by Cian so he'll realise just what he's missing. What she actually does is scream hysterically at him and his new girlfriend Saffron - and her meltdown is captured on mobile phone and plastered all over the internet. Taking to her flat in mortification, she barely surfaces apart from going to work at a film production company. As Izzy's friends aid her recovery from heartbreak, several love interests appear - film executive Jonathan, her loyal colleague Gavin and even the love rat returns. With a loveable heroine and some laugh-out-loud comic moments, this is a promising - but alas all too predictable - start to this Irish actress' chick lit writing career.

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He Loves Lucy - Susan Donovan (2005)

Marketing exec Lucy Cunningham has got round-the-clock access to a gorgeous personal trainer for a whole year. But first she's gotta give up chocolate before it literally kills her. She's become the guinea pig in a marketing pitch for Palm Club Gym, where trainer Theo Redmond will take her fitness-challenged, overweight body and turn it into lean machine - all in front of a Miami TV audience. And for every pound she loses, she and Theo will each earn $1000. With Lucy intending to use her payout for dropping 100 pounds to flee her psychotic boss and open the doors to her own agency, she is willing to sweat. But she never expected things to heat up between her and Theo.

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Help Wanted, Desperately - Ariel Horn (2004)

As Alexa Hoffman is finishing her final year of college, she starts applying for a job - any job. From a deodorant sniffer, voice of Meow TV, earthworm breeder and sex phone operator, Alexa is desperate to find a position that will let her move to New York to join her boyfriend Jared. And if she doesn't find something, she's booked on a flight to the Pacific island of Majuro to teach English. But she discovers that interviewing for jobs is soul-destroying (who knew you needed aligned nipples?) And all the positive fortune cookies in the world aren't going to help now. The book is based on Horn's own job hunt experiences, including winning a national contest to become the voice of a TV show for cats (unfortunately it never went beyond its pilot). She eventually got a job as a teacher and wrote this book. A very humorous read.

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Hens Reunited - Lucy Diamond (2009)

Georgia, Katie and Alice attended each other's hen's nights but now years down the track their marriages have all broken up. Georgia, who wed party boy Harry, is an ambitious newspaper gossip columnist who never wants to make that mistake again. Alice married up-and-coming actor Jake who went on to become famous for his role in a popular soap. Now, with her marriage in tatters, she is moving into a country cottage with the baby daughter Jake's never seen - and she's never going to forgive Georgia for her betrayal. Teacher Katie never wants to get married again, after husband Neil cheated on her - but her loyal boyfriend Steve may have other plans. With the story told in alternating chapters, readers will be drawn into the realistically portrayed lives of the three women. This is the author's best to date.

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Her - Laura Zigman (2002)

Freelance book editor Elise is engaged to high school teacher Donald, who she met on a plane from New York to Washington. The only baggage he has, however, is a dog, an obsession with his weight - and a former fiancee named Adrienne. When Adrienne announces she too is moving to Washington, Elise finds herself snooping through Donald's stuff to see if he still has feelings for his ex. As the gorgeous Adrienne rocks into town, ingratiating herself into their lives, Elise grows increasingly paranoid and starts stalking her nemesis. This is a funny study of what happens when irrational jealousy rears its head.

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Here Comes the Bride - Whitney Lyles (2006)

Cate Padgett is back and she is no longer a bridesmaid - she is the bride! Having fallen in love with Ethan, an old friend and caterer of the many weddings she was a bridesmaid in, it is Cate's turn to put on the white dress and walk down the aisle. But it won't be so easy. Not only does Ethan's ex-girlfriend show up, Cate's mum has her own ideas for planning the wedding and Cate is finding it hard to voice her own opinion. To add more chaos to the mix, Ethan's cousin has so many demands you would think she is the bride. All Cate wants to do is marry her one true love, but first she has to find her missing engagement ring, get through the pre-cana weekend, and find the patience to deal with the remodelling of her home. This is a sequel that does not disappoint and shows the strength of a relationship when your true love is also your best friend. (JE)

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Here Come the Girls - Milly Johnson (2011)

Four Yorkshire schoolfriends, Olive, Roz, Frankie and Ven, vow to spend their 40th year on a cruise together. Now years later, the moment has arrived. But a meal down the local Italian restaurant seems a more realistic way to celebrate Ven's milestone birthday. Olive is a house cleaner who lives at the beck and call of her slobby husband David and invalid mother-in-law Doreen. Roz is living with the lovely mechanic Manus but she just can't let her defences down after a bad experience with her ex. Not only is she pushing him away, she's no longer talking to Frankie. And Ven has lost her job and been taken to the cleaners by her husband - but she's determined to reunite her friends on a cruise. Soon the girls are walking the gangplank on to Mermaidia but it's obvious that Ven's hiding something. As the ship sets sail for Greece, new friends and loves are made, and it seems that these four women will leave the trip completely different people. For those wondering what life is like on a cruise, Johnson paints a vivid picture, from the seasickness and annoying passengers, to all the culinary delights and on-board entertainment. And a bit like that once-in-a-lifetime holiday, you just never really want it all to end.

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Here, Home, Hope - Kaira Rouda (2011)

Kelly Johnson is your classic stay-at-home mum. She has two boys and an attorney husband. The only problem is that the boys are away for the summer. Kelly misses them so much she becomes depressed and doesn't know what she will do with her time. Little did she know that her life is about to become busier. Her realtor friend, Charlotte, asks Kelly to help her stage a house for sale. Then her other friend, Kathryn, asks her to take care of her anorexic daughter. Kelly takes both challenges in stride and learns that she likes home staging and is thrilled with the chance to help her friend's daughter. These experiences make for a very eventful summer. With central themes of midlife crisis and how to deal with challenges, I found this story to be very positive and uplifting. (JG)

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Here I Go Again - Jen Lancaster (2013)

Lissy Ryder is a mean girl. In high school, she was the one you steered clear of lest she pick up on your weaknesses and make your life miserable. This behaviour carries into adulthood when, at 37, Lissy abruptly loses her job, her husband leaves her, and she finds herself back living with her parents, trying to figure out where things went so horribly wrong. While attending her 20th high school reunion, she meets up with former classmate Debbie (now known as Deva), who puts her mean-girl ways into perspective. Lissy finally begins to understand how her past behaviour has contributed to her present problems. With a bit of "new age" help from Deva, Lissy is given the opportunity to set things right in the past. She soon realises, however, that although she was able to right a few wrongs, she has also altered the lives of those she cares about, and not necessarily in a good way. Unlike her first novel, If You Were Here, Jen Lancaster's second novel takes a giant step away from her memoirs and feels more like actual fiction, rather than one of her memoirs with the names changed. The story is entertaining, humorous and well-written and the characters are perfection; those of you who grew up in the 80s will be transported back there as if it was only yesterday. Like Lissy Ryder, Jen Lancaster has gotten a fiction do-over and she's nailed it. (LEK)

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Here Kitty Kitty - Jardine Libaire (2004)

As Lee puts it, her life is a pint of raspberries - alluring and glamorous on the top but when spilled into the strainer, they bare blackened, decaying undersides. To many, she has the perfect job of managing a classy restaurant, a sugar daddy Yves who supports her financially, and lives the carefree life of partying and clubbing. In actual fact, her life has been a series of struggles and grief. Her mother's death has always been the bane of her existence, and she has stopped trying to realise her artist dreams. When she meets Kelly, who's trying to reconstruct his life after the death of his good friend, Lee starts to realise that escapism is not the solution to all her problems, and begins to piece together the broken parts in her life. A bittersweet story of a young woman's life in New York, the glitzy and the dark sides of it all; it's like taking an emotional rollercoaster. (XT)

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Here's Looking at You - Mhairi McFarlane (2013)

Far from being the best days of her life, Anna Alessi's schooldays were marred by torturous bullying and a horrific betrayal by school heartthrob James Fraser. So when she finds out about a school reunion, it's the last place she wants to go, but best friend Michelle thinks it would be the perfect opportunity for Anna to get some closure, and if James Fraser is there, well all the better. Stirred on by Michelle's advice, Anna confronts the past and comes face to face with James, but he has absolutely no recollection of her and Anna decides it's best to leave the past behind her. But when James ends up working alongside her on her dream project, there's no escape and Anna must find a way for her and James to work together. I'd heard so many great things about Mhairi's debut novel You Had Me at Hello but never got the chance to read it, so I was really excited to read this, her second novel. I have to say it's clear that Mhairi is a unique and special writer. Although her writing style took me a couple of chapters to get into, this is an absolutely memorable and extraordinary read that tackles the difficult theme of teenage bullying with heartbreaking sincerity and raw emotion, even if the ugly duckling becoming a beautiful swan story was a bit fairy tale-ish. Anna is a wonderful mixture of vulnerability and strength, and James, for all of his teenage faults, becomes an endearing hero, although I was disappointed in how he acted at one point. The rapport between Anna and James as friends is magical, with some really witty exchanges and sincere affections, and the romance is even more beautiful. But it is the moments of weakness, vulnerability and soul-baring of both Anna and James as they face up to their younger selves that is where the real heart and poignancy of this novel lies. And what heart and poignancy it is! (JC)

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Here's to Friends - Melody Carlson (2011)

In the small town of Clifden, Oregon, four girls named Linda all ended up in the same class. Deciding to go by their middle names, they formed a club named The Four Lindas. Now four decades later, the four Lindas - Amy, Janie, Marley and Caroline - are still the best of friends. In this fourth and final book of the Lindas series, we discover that no matter what happens, good friends can get you through anything - from the small things such as joining a gym to the big things like helping each other through tough circumstances. Amy has started up a B&B with Janie's help, though she soon finds herself in over her head. Janie's drug addict daughter Lisa is back home - will this be a fleeting visit or is she ready to change? Marley has found the second love of her life, art gallery owner Jack, but when a new and younger employee arrives with Jack in her sight, has she lost her chance to tell him how she feels? Caroline has inherited her late mother's half-burnt house. Can she restore it to its original glory or will unhappy memories hinder her decision? This is an enchanting read embracing the true meaning of friendship. (PP)

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Here Today, Gone to Maui - Carol Snow (2009)

Jane Shea has obsessed over planning every detail of her Hawaiian vacation. However, her schedule did not include her boyfriend Jimmy never returning from his scuba dive trip. When the police call Jane the next day, she is convinced that she will be identifying his dead body. She is shocked and confused to meet flighty Tiara, who has also reported her boyfriend missing. Ironically, Tiara's boyfriend is also named Jimmy. Coincidence turns to outrage when Jane learns that Tiara's boyfriend is also her Jimmy. The police finally find Jimmy, only for Jane to realise that it isn't really Jimmy, but rather Michael James, the man whose identity Jimmy stole. Soon Jane, Tiara and Michael find themselves in a media frenzy as they try to find out what really happened to Jimmy. This is a hysterical novel about a trip that goes from bad to horrible. (AO)

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Her Fearful Symmetry - Audrey Niffenegger (2009)

Set in and around the Highgate Cemetery, this story is about the intensity of the relationships between twins and about a ghost who won't move on. When Elspeth dies of cancer, a letter is sent to her twin Edie, who is the mother of twins Julia and Valentina. The sisters had been estranged for 20 years since Edie stole Elspeth's fiance, the twins' father. Elspeth leaves her London apartment to Julia and Valentina. The American girls have seemingly little interest in college, finding jobs or anything outside their cozy home in the suburbs of Chicago. They also have an abnormally intense attachment to one another. As they move into the apartment, they start to get to know the other residents. There is Martin, a brilliant and charming crossword puzzle setter suffering from crippling Obsessive Compulsive Disorder; Marjike, Martin's devoted but trapped wife; and Robert, Elspeth's elusive lover, a scholar of the cemetery. As the story unfolds, the girls realise that under the surface, there is a lot going on at the cemetery, including the presence of their Aunt Elspeth, who just can't make it to the other side. (PP)

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Heroes Are My Weakness - Susan Elizabeth Phillips (2014)

When Annie Hewitt returns to her childhood home to collect the legacy her mother left her, she comes face to face with her past, literally, in the form of Theo Harp. Years ago Theo betrayed Annie, leaving her terrified and unable to forgive him. Now she must endure him on a daily basis while she looks for her mother's legacy and tries to decide what's next for her in life. As they begin to reconnect, and Annie begins to learn the truth about what happened when they were teenagers, she wonders if Theo is still the same dark person she remembers or if maybe he's changed - for the better. This book was very hard to read. It had a lot of moving parts which didn't seem to fit together to tell a cohesive story. It started out suggesting a dark, gothic and sinister tale, but wound up just being confusing when the author introduced too many different elements designed to change our minds about the characters. I kept reading in hopes everything would come together by the end but was disappointed when it didn't. (LEK)

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He's No Prince Charming - LuAnn McLane (2009)

Former pop princess Dakota Dunn has returned to the fishing retreat in Tennessee that she owns for an image makeover. Her agent has recommended that she transform herself from sweet girl next door to a sexy redneck country girl. The marina is run by Trace Coleman, a former bull-riding champion, whose career suddenly ended after an injury. Trace lives a quiet country life and is content being a loner. But his life is turned upside down when Dakota moves in. From the first chapter, the author does a great job describing the sexual tension between Dakota and Trace. The novel is written with a fun southern flair and is filled with lots of steamy scenes. (AO)

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He's The One - Katie Price (2013)

The story is told in two halves. In the first half, Katie introduces the reader to Liberty, a single mother to daughter Brooke. Liberty is dating Cory, the man she loves. However, when Liberty is offered the chance to work in Los Angeles as a successful actress she has to leave Cory behind. Fast forward fourteen years and we learn that life is not all that perfect in LA for Liberty. Brooke is a stroppy teenager and the man she married controls every part of her life. Deciding this life is not for her anymore, she decides to move back to England with her daughter. She begins searching for her childhood sweetheart Cory, in the hope of rekindling their relationship. But is it too late for Liberty, has he moved on? This book is a great summer read, with an engrossing storyline. The characters were all entertaining, although it was very hard to like Brooke. (SG)

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Hidden Talents - Erica James (2002)

A group of diverse people are drawn together through a creative writing group called Hidden Talents. There's group leader Dulcie, who is having an affair with a married man. Widow Beth is needing a new challenge in life as her son Nathan is finishing off school. And she may just find that through an online friendship with another aspiring author. Realtor Jack is getting over his wife leaving him for his best friend while the youngest member of the group, 17-year-old Jaz, uses her writing as a refuge from her big boisterous family. And then there's pompous Victor who is convinced he's got a bestseller on his hands. The group forge close ties as they deal with numerous trials and tribulations.

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Hidden Treasures - Fern Britton (2012)

Helen moves to a sleepy Cornish village after leaving her philandering husband Gray. She settles into a cottage once owned by an old lady and uncovers a box of items that she's eager for the local historian to shed some light on. Shame he is the obnoxious Piran, who seems to go out of his way to be rude to her. Meanwhile, vicar Simon falls for Helen and her friend Penny arrives to film a period TV drama in the village. This is a predictable romance and may appeal to readers looking for a light read with a country flavour. I found the storyline dragged on so much that I was tempted to go bury it in a box in the backyard so it would never see the light of day again.

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High Five - Janet Evanovich (2000)

Things have been very quiet in the world of bounty hunting. Stephanie is running out of money so she will take whatever case she can, including the capture of a little man called Briggs. But things take a turn for the worst when part of his bail agreement is he must stay with Stephanie - living in her one-bedroom apartment - until his court date. She also seems to be attracting the attention of a lot of men, from Alan Sempskey, the bank manager; to Mr Bunchy, the so-called bookie who has been tailing Stephanie, to Ramirez the boxer from the first book who has been released from prison on parole and wants to clear up some unfinished business. However, it seems that if Ramirez wants his way with Stephanie, he will have to line up behind Joe Morelli and Ranger. I enjoyed this novel as we have seen Stephanie flirt with Joe but now it seems that he may have some competition with Ranger, as Stephanie does some odd jobs for him to earn some extra dough. (PP)

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High Heels & Bicycle Wheels - Jane Linfoot (2014)

Bryony works as a TV production assistant, a job she's really good at and loves. When it comes to her love life, however, things aren't going that smoothly. All of her friends are getting hitched and her mother is even talking about freezing Bryony's eggs, because it might take a while before she meets her Mr Right. Then Bryony is forced to work together with famous cyclist Jackson Gale who is trying to start a TV career. Jackson is always on the look-out for a night of fun and there's something about feisty Bryony that attracts him. The chemistry between them is undeniable and it doesn't take long before they end up in bed together. But then the TV station decides Bryony and Jackson work together so well, they have to spend the entire summer making a new TV series, something which neither of them is looking forward to... For those of you who read Jane Linfoot's The Right Side of Mr Wrong, the protagonist of this novel, Bryony, will be familiar. Just like Linfoot's other stories, this one is quite a steamy read with two intriguing main characters at its core. Bryony is feisty and independent but struggling with trust issues because of her background, and Jackson is handsome but quite full of himself and dealing with his own troubles. The sexual tension between them is great and the banter definitely made for some entertaining scenes. The book also has quite an original plot and even though I am not a professional cycling fan at all, Linfoot really managed to turn this topic into something fun. I enjoyed the fact that the story is told from both female and male perspectives, so the reader gets to discover more about the characters and the reasons for their actions. I have to say I did think the story was perhaps a bit too slow-paced and the game between Bryony and Jackson took quite a long time. If the book had been shorter and the story had progressed a tad faster, I think I would have enjoyed it even more. Overall, High Heels and Bicycle Wheels is another steamy and enjoyable Jane Linfoot read; a story to pick up if you're looking for something fun, light-hearted and sexy! (JoH)

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Highland Fling - Katie Fforde (2002)

Although virtual assistant Jenny Porter never meets the people who hire her, she spends her life managing the tasks and details her clients present to her. Her latest job requires her to travel to Scotland and investigate a failing family-owned textile mill. Jenny quickly gets dragged into the drama of the Dalmain Clan, the owners of the mill. After getting close to the eccentric family, Jenny is determined to help them save the business. In the midst of all the craziness, Jenny finds herself constantly face to face with a mysterious man who brings out a different side of Jenny. Although the novel is very predictable, readers will cheer for Jenny. (AO)

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High Potential ' Ber Carroll (2007)

Katie Horgan is one of six lawyers picked for her company's High Potential path to partnership. And her hectic schedule of billing clients and working through the competitive program doesn't allow much time for a social life. But her eye is drawn to one of the other lawyers, Jim Donnelly, an Irishman who has relocated to Sydney. Katie's overseas assignment sends her to Dublin ' her parents' hometown that they seem so reluctant to return to. Katie starts working with a pro bono team at a community clinic, while trying to find out what happened to her parents' families. But then an incident occurs which just may change Katie's path for good.

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Hindsight - Sarah Belle (2013)

Juliette is a busy working mother with two boys Ethan and Cal and her husband Chris does most of the parenting. When after a party and a coffee date, Juliette overhears one of the single mum, Anja, talking about hooking up with Chris - that she's just waiting for him to leave his wife - she angrily confronts her husband and then falls asleep after copious amounts of alcohol. The next morning, Juliette awakes to find herself in the year 1961, where she is a happy stay-at-home mum with not two boys but three including an older son called Will. Her mother is alive in this alternate reality but living in a mental asylum. Can Juliette figure out what has happened and play the role of a 1960s housewife or will she forget how to act and find herself carted off to the asylum herself? And what if she makes it back to her 21st century life - will she miss the 60s and and her eldest son? Hindsight is not only a sweet contemporary romance, it's a fascinating read about someone finding themselves in the wrong era and perhaps getting a second chance at happiness with her family. (PP)

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Hippy Chick - Louise Harwood (2007)

Ibiza is a clubbers' paradise where people escape the rat-race to enjoy the surf, sand and good times. But for Honey Ballantyne, who is responsible for running her family's hotel while her hippie parents chill out, she is beginning to think she needs to escape paradise. Especially as her old friend Edouard's return from London shows her just how trapped she's become. When her father Hughie cracks his head after diving into the shallow end of the pool to impress another woman, he confusedly calls his daughter Rachel. Honey is intrigued to uncover who this mystery woman is and begins a journey that changes everything. The story often appeared disjointed, as if you'd missed reading some pages - or perhaps overindulged in some Ibiza-style partying.

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His 'N' Hers - Mike Gayle (2005)

Jim and Alison meet at university, they get together and start dating, he gives her a kitten and they all move in together. All very simple and straightforward, until they break up and have to divide their belongings between themselves, including the cat. Jim and Alison move on and make new lives for themselves, however an event throws them back together and forces them to question why they broke up in the first place and if it is too late for them to try again. The story begins in the present day, but flashes back to the past to follow the path of how they got together. I thought that the break-up itself was a little rushed and rather weak after the build-up of the relationship, but it didn't impact on my enjoyment of the story. The book is written in the style of a diary from both characters' points of view which I thought worked well. This is a sweet, heart-warming novel which will keep the reader entertained. (EH)

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His Other Life - Beth Thomas (2015)

Grace and Adam have been married for a year and are settled into their home and their lives. So when Adam goes out to get a curry and never comes home, Grace is completely bewildered. But as she starts to pick apart their relationship, she begins to see that she never really knew Adam in the first place. A thoroughly appealing plot, picking up on the current trend in women's fiction for these psychological, relationship dramas, this is a book that's very much a la mode right now. It never really quite nails its genre though, lacking the conviction and intensity of the psychological thriller and the lightness of rom-com. There is a tendency in the novel towards flippancy and playfulness, but for me this jarred with the more serious substance of the plot. Thomas creates humour easily and well, but unfortunately it doesn't mesh with the whole. When Adam disappears, Grace's reaction never feels quite right for a wife who has lost her husband, and the speed with which she gets over it similarly feels incongruous. Unfortunately, we don't see enough of their life together to hint at the flaws in Adam's behaviour and the possible instability of their relationship. An easy and accessible read, for me this is one of those books that on paper sounds wonderful but doesn't quite live up to expectations. But for those who don't like the darkness of the psychological thriller but enjoy its intrigue this may offer the perfect compromise. (JC)

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His Other Lover - Lucy Dawson (2008)

When Mia trips over her live-in boyfriend Pete's mobile on the way to the bathroom one night, she reads a text message that makes her world fall apart. The message from Liz is far too intimate to be from a work colleague. Is Pete really capable of having an affair? Mia doesn't have much time for cheaters - she no longer sees her best friend Katie because she couldn't be trusted around her boyfriends. So Mia calls in sick to work and starts on a quest to uncover the truth. With the evidence indicating that Pete is indeed having an affair with an actress called Liz, Mia decides to start playing dirty to get rid of the other lover. If she's not going to walk out, then she sure is going to fight back. A captivating debut that will have readers cheering on Mia and her underhand tactics. The only negative was an inconclusive ending which left me wondering if the last few pages were missing.

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Hissy Fit - Mary Kay Andrews (2005)

Set in Madison, Georgia, this is the story of Keeley Murdock and the surprise she experiences at the rehearsal dinner the day before her high-society wedding. It's enough to cause her to throw a huge hissy fit which has repercussions for Keeley and others present. With her reputation as an interior designer now facing ruin, she takes on a wealthy client, Will, who gives her the mammoth task of having his home ready by Christmas. This is one book that you may find hard to put down. (JG)

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Hit & Mrs - Lesley Crewe (2009)

Linda takes her friends Bette, Gemma and Augusta on a trip to New York courtesy of her philandering husband's credit card. The four Canadian women are planning on living it up at a luxury hotel and seeing the sights. But a bag mix-up at the airport embroils them in a far more sinister plot. One dead cab driver later, the women find themselves caught up in a series of kidnappings, smuggled diamonds, drug deals and home invasions. Their laugh-out-loud antics with some totally unexpected plot twists make this a definite hit - not to be missed.

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Hitched - Zoe Barnes (1998)

Gemma and Rory want a small wedding but when his mother hears of their engagement she begins hijacking the preparations. The couple decide that the only way to control their big day is to pay for it themselves. So Gemma swaps to a higher paying job and Rory puts in more hours as PA to the very attractive Lisa. But as the wedding approaches, they find themselves drifting apart.

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Holly's Inbox - Holly Denham (2007)

Holly Denham begins work as a receptionist at a London investment bank, and since she lied about her front-of-house experience, she's struggling just a bit. But luckily, the other receptionist Trish takes her under her wing and an old school 'friend' Jennie who works upstairs extends a welcoming arm. Told in email format, Holly navigates her new job and a new romance - with one of the company's vice presidents, James. Her work day is punctuated with daily emails to and from her best friends, Jason and Aisha, and her family, including her brother Charlie who's opening a nightclub, her parents who have moved to Spain and her granny who loves signing her up for online groups. But some secrets from Holly's past are about to be revealed. Be warned - this book based on the website www.hollysinbox.com is very addictive. Just don't let your boss catch you reading it.

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Holly's Inbox: Scandal in the City - Holly Denham (2008)

This equally addictive sequel to Holly's Inbox (again told through email messages) sees receptionist Holly get promoted to front-of-house manager - and she'll keep the post if she can get her team to improve its results within a month. Meanwhile, her boyfriend Toby is being a bit evasive, another colleague William is flirting via email, and when she extends the hand of friendship to catering manager Tanya, she instead creates an enemy. With more than just her career on the line, Holly again relies on the advice of her email pals, including gay best friend Jason, scatty Aisha and reliable colleague Trisha.

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Hollywood Car Wash - Lori Culwell (2007)

Midwestern U-Mich collegiate Amy Spencer auditions for an upcoming teen TV series; think: Beverly Hills 90210 back in its glory days. Throughout her catapulting rise to fame, readers get an inside peek at the cut-throat business behind a hit Hollywood drama. Her name is changed to Star and she gets criticised for everything from her weight to her clothes, her food and exercise regime (or lack thereof). Throughout Amy/Star's journey in Tinseltown, this book reveals how one girl-next-door type character survives in a world full of airbrushed photos, designer clothing (only worn once, of course!) and diet pills. Culwell's skilful writing, creative character relationships and unique situations (that could be easily mistaken for real life) entertained me more and more with every turning page. I would definitely recommend this book as a must-read to all chick lit fans. (CH)

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Hollywood Girls Club - Maggie Marr (2007)

Celeste Solange is a movie star whose film producer husband has not only taken off with a teenage actress - he's also given her the part that was meant to herald Celeste's comeback. Her powerful agent Jessica Caulfield recommends that she takes the starring role in the low-budget film being produced by their friend Lydia Albright. But although Seven Minutes Past Midnight has new writer Mary Anne Myers turning it into a killer script, the male star is in jail, the director Zymar is too busy getting high in Bali and the new studio boss is desperate for Lydia to fail.

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Hollywood is Like High School with Money - Zoey Dean (2009)

Zoey Dean, author of the A-List series and How to Teach Filthy Rich Girls (which was turned into the brilliant-but-cancelled TV show Privileged), brings us yet another great novel about the rich and famous. It follows Taylor Henning as she moves from Connecticut to LA to pursue her dream of making good movies. She starts as a second assistant at Metronome Studios where she is immediately misled, undermined and completely ignored by her catty co-workers. After a chance meeting with her boss' 16-year-old daughter Quinn - who has entitlement written all over her pretty little face - Taylor develops an idea: Quinn can help her become Metronome material. Starting with simple things such as changing the way Taylor dresses to teaching her the rules to live by (Rule #1: Fake it til you make it), Taylor begins to feel right at home and grows more confident as she amazes her co-workers with her new-found self. However, things slide downhill when Taylor hears through the rumour mill that Kylie - the first assistant and Taylor's nemesis - is getting a major promotion. She tells Quinn that she wants to take Kylie down - not really knowing what kind of devious plan a teenage mastermind can come up with. When instructed to steal Kylie's gorgeous boyfriend, Luke, Taylor is resistant at first but comes around after Quinn reminds her that Kylie would have no problem doing this to her. Everything goes according to plan until Taylor starts falling for Luke and her lies - inside and outside of work - start to mount up. It takes Taylor losing everything to find out who she really is and who she wants to be. Life has a funny way of taking you the long way around to get to the things that make you ultimately happy and Taylor finds that out in the end. Is this an escapist read? Yes. But it's a book that is worthwhile and fun. And you never know, you might just find some important lessons about being true to yourself buried within the pages. (AS)

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Hollywood Under The Covers (2010)

This tells the story of romance writer Lacy Fox and her adventures in Hollywood. Lacy is a well-established writer who is known for her character Tiger, inspired after meeting Dario at a party one night. Despite the actor's sudden rise to fame, he is the love interest that she struggles to be with throughout the novel. Her nemesis is Jake Slader, who has known Lacy from birth and is now a talent agent with many high-powered clients. Only Lacy is smart enough to turn away any of his advances. Lacy helps her friends, including singer Marcus, in their struggles in obtaining or dealing with fame. This is a real page-turner in the vein of a Judith Krantz novel, which displays the author's insider entertainment knowledge. (JG)

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Holly Would Dream - Karen Quinn (2008)

Fashion historian Holly Ross is walking to work in the rain when a luxury car splashes her. The gallant passenger stops to offer the bedraggled Holly a lift - and so, in true romantic fashion, mega-rich property mogul Denis King comes into her life. He also happens to be the latest target of her donation-seeking boss at the fashion museum. Within days, Holly finds she isn't getting her expected promotion, her actor boyfriend is arrested and her hopes of impressing Denis are dashed. So she follows Denis on board a Mediterranean cruise - to get that seven-figure donation that will win her the promotion and maybe stop his wedding to a shallow heiress. But then a trunk of Audrey Hepburn gowns goes missing, and Interpol is on Holly's trail. I only wished I had seen Hepburn's movies so I could understand all those clever references the author promised. But the snippets about fashion history were woven in beautifully and showed Holly was far from being just some silly fashionista.

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Homecoming - Cathy Kelly (2010)

Eighty-three-year old Eleanor returns to Dublin from New York after the death of her husband. She moves into Golden Square and becomes drawn into the lives of some of the residents. Actress Megan is on the run from the paparazzi after she had an affair with a co-star - a very married Hollywood legend. She moves in with her no-nonsense aunt Nora, the local chiropodist. Rae, who works in the local tearooms and volunteers with a community welfare group, is about to come face-to-face with a painful secret from her past. And just as Connie starts coming to terms with the fact that at nearly 40 she's highly likely to be single for life, her more glamorous and younger sister Nicky gets engaged and she befriends the young girl next door who has a lovely widowed father. With homespun wisdom from Eleanor's mother's recipe book used to start each chapter, this has the usual well-drawn and touching characters that Kelly fans know so well.

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Home for Christmas - Cally Taylor (2011)

Beth Prince thought she had it all. She's got a job she adores at a decades-old cinema, a wonderful but posh boyfriend and a great roommate. So, when she loses her boyfriend and then is threatened with losing her job, Beth attempts to find a way to keep going. However, Matt Jones, from the soulless chain of Apollo theatres, doesn't care who loses their jobs when his company takes over the derelict Picturebox. All he cares about is getting his psycho ex-girlfriend off his back and paying his grandfather's rent. But, things get complicated when Beth and Matt begin to fall for each other and put their mistrust in the opposite sex to the side. Will they be able to trust each other fully or will their past experiences make them lose the best thing that has ever happened? For Beth, the decision has to be made on Christmas Eve or she will be leaving England for good and moving to Australia with her mother. Will she make the right choice? This is a fabulous, laugh-out-loud book with two characters that are so relatable you'll wish they were real. You can almost feel the emotions of Beth and Matt reverberating off the pages and some of the scenes will surely have you thinking "haven't I been there myself?" (AS)

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Homeward - Melody Carlson (1997)

Homeward takes us on a journey of forgiveness, family and friendships. Twenty years ago, Meg Lancaster left her hometown of Crandal after a huge fight at her Grandpa's funeral. Now Meg is returning home from San Francisco after a broken engagement to her boss' son Jerred. The return of the prodigal daughter means she can see her dying grandmother again and catch up with her mother whom she hasn't spoken to in 20 years and her sister Erin. As past hurts and regrets resurface, it seems that the only way Meg can find true happiness is to forgive past transgressions. When Meg visits her grandmother's home, memories of the cranberry fields her Grandad used to own and the fun times start to flow back. Is Meg's calling to re-ignite the cranberry fields of Crandal? And of course, it wouldn't be a story without a bit of romance as blast-from-the-past Matthew may turn out to be Meg's Mr Right. (PP)

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Honeymoon For One - Beth Orsoff (2010)

For bride-to-be Elizabeth Mancini, she is really looking forward to is her honeymoon - one that she had spent months planning meticulously for. But when her fiance Steven dumps her the day before the wedding, Elizabeth is left flabbergasted at his abrupt decision. Deciding not to let all her hard work go to waste, she makes plans to take the trip to Belize alone - until she meets anthropologist Michael Garcia, who subsequently offers to play her new "husband" for the couples-only vacation, with no strings attached. Just as things are spicing up between Elizabeth and the scuba diving instructor Jack Traynor, a body washes up on the beach and Elizabeth becomes the prime murder suspect. This is a great combination of crime and love, bundled up with lots of humour. (XT)

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Hope in a Jar - Beth Harbison (2009)

Allie and Olivia were inseparable all through their school years, with Allie doing makeovers on Olivia almost every night. Then one nasty rumour ruined everything. Olivia and her mother moved away without as much as a goodbye or a chance to let Allie explain that she hadn't been the one to spread it. Since that day in 12th grade, Allie and Olivia have not spoken or kept up with each other's lives. Now, on the eve of their 20-year high school reunion, the women have to decide if they want to face their past. With the help of mutual best friend, Noah, Allie and Olivia are coaxed into going to the reunion and even more surprising than seeing each other is the big bombshell that Noah drops on them: He's dating Vickie Freedman, their worst enemy and a bonafied bitch. Neither of them can figure out why sweet, sensible Noah would date someone as vile as Vickie, especially Allie, who is secretly in love with Noah. When Noah announces that he's marrying Vickie, Allie - not knowing who else to turn to - calls Olivia. Allie will take any help she can get to stop Noah from this seemingly rash and life-changing (not to mention life-ruining) decision. Allie and Olivia are brought together once again, just like it was 20 years ago. The one question that remains unanswered is if they will let their past get in the way of their future. The story deepens with flashbacks to important points in Allie and Olivia's high school days. The flashbacks are so genuinely written that they only make the story more wonderful. Allie and Olivia are two girls who both need one thing in their life - hope - which they find in their friendship with each other.(AS)

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Hopelessly Devoted to Holden Finn - Tilly Tennant (2014)

Thirty-something Bonnie is a single mum to her 15-year-old daughter Paige who is obsessed with mega-popular boy band Every Which Way. However, Bonnie has a little secret of her own, namely that she herself also has a big crush on one of the singers in the band named Holden Finn. She secretly fantasises about meeting him, knowing it is just a silly crush. But then Paige unexpectedly wins a radio competition to meet Every Which Way together with her best friend, and Bonnie will be there to supervise them. Suddenly, Bonnie's fantasies of meeting Holden Finn aren't just silly fantasies anymore. Bonnie is a caring and warm person, and a single mum trying to deal with her teenage daughter Paige on her own. I think most readers will be able to relate to Bonnie in a way, because don't we all have a secret celebrity crush? Next to Bonnie, the book is filled with wonderful secondary characters such as Max, the handsome deliveryman who seems to be kind of into Bonnie; Linda, Bonnie's loud but loveable colleague; and Jeanie, Bonnie's slightly eccentric but caring mother. A great bunch of characters who I instantly warmed to and wanted to learn more about. Tilly Tennant's writing is so easy to get into; it literally felt like I was flying through the pages of the novel, but definitely in a good way. If I have to mention one point of criticism, it'd have to be the choice of title for the book. I expected the story to be all about Bonnie's infatuation with Holden Finn based on the title and the blurb, but the story was much more than just that and Holden was just one of the various aspects that is focused on. Overall, Hopelessly Devoted to Holden Finn is a light-hearted, warm and fun debut novel, and an entertaining read for chick lit fans. (JoH)

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Hopetoun Wives - Fran Cusworth (2009)

Three women move with their families to Hopetoun, a remote town in Western Australia, as a new nickel mine gets underway. Melbourne nightclub manager Jasmine has turned down her dream hotel job to go west with her husband Tom, the recruitment supervisor, but hopes the slower pace of living will enable her to fall pregnant. Corporate wife and mother Miranda has packed up her London life to follow her husband Mark, the boss of the new mine. She hopes that this new start will enable her to find something useful to do. And Brigid is fleeing the oppressive heat of the Pilbara, in WA's north, to give her kids the chance to live with their father, Jack, instead of only seeing the fly-in, fly-out worker every three weeks. She is hoping that his huge wage will tame the monster credit card debt built up by his big spending habits. The women are among about 400 new families arriving in the town, under the unwelcoming watch of the long-term locals. They take over the local cafe, naming it Boomtown Cafe and witness the effects the resources boom has on this small town - and their own relationships. This scores an extra point for bringing the story to Chicklit Club's home State.

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Hostile Makeover - Wendy Wax (2005)

After Shelley Schwartz's father has a heart attack, he hands his advertising company over to golden boy Ross Morgan. Shelley is annoyed she was overlooked, even though she hardly ever showed up for work. Determined to prove herself to the new boss and her father, she starts showing an interest in the business and takes on some of the company's worst clients. But she's finding Ross is more than a match for her.

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Hot Property - Sarah O'Brien (2003)

Realtor Ellen thought the worst aspect of her job was having to work with her smarmy ex-boyfriend Andrew. But that was until she walked into a house inspection and found a dead body stting upright on the chintzy sofa. With the police ruling it a murder, Ellen discovers potential buyers are knocking down her door, including the gorgeous and charming Tony, who knew the victim. But is he interested in her - or is something more sinister afoot? A funny read but all too predictable.

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Hot Six - Janet Evanovich (2000)

After a gruesome killing, the big bucks are on former elite soldier Ranger - Stephanie's mentor. And since he is like the bounty hunter God and Stephanie Plum knows there is no way he will turn himself in or let himself be captured, she passes this one on to Joyce, who soon finds herself tied naked to a tree. Stephanie, on the other hand, finds herself with a few easy bounties including her old school classmate Dougie "The Dealer". It seems like Joyce isn't the only one looking for Ranger as hot on the tail is Mitchell and Habib who work for the Rug King and the arms-dealing Ramos family. The big excitement point though in Hot Six is that Grandma Mazur moves out of Stephanie's parents' house and any guesses where she ends up? Plus Stephanie has adopted a troublesome dog. This is another fun and awesome instalment- with the odd car explosion or two. (PP)

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House Broken - Sonja Yoerg (2014)

This is a heartfelt debut about a woman's journey to connect with her mother, siblings, children and husband. Geneva Novak is a typical woman trying to find balance between her career as a veterinarian and family. Her world is thrown a major curveball when her mother, Helen, is injured in a car accident while driving intoxicated. Geneva's relationship with Helen has never been ideal and she is reluctant to invite her to move in to recover, but Geneva is Helen's only option. Geneva doesn't count on the impact Helen's presence will have on the rest of the household and before long, Geneva finds herself facing long-buried secrets about her family that she never expected and new problems involving her own children. I admired Geneva and her courage to persevere with so many obstacles in her path. Her determination to uncover the truth about her mother's drinking and her oldest sister Paris' 30-year estrangement with their mother made me feel a lot of empathy for her. Geneva starts looking at the parallels between the relationship she has with her mother and the one she has with her sixteen-year-old daughter, Ella, and realises she doesn't want the same patterns to repeat themselves. The plot switches smoothly between the past and the present and gives the viewpoints of Geneva, Helen and Ella. As more is revealed about Geneva's parents and the secrets that have been long buried, Geneva's belief system is shaken. When I first saw the cover of this book, I initially thought this would be a woman's hilarious journey to potty train her puppy. In fact the adorable dog on the cover is only a minor character in the story. This book covers a lot of painful and sensitive topics that took me by surprise. Kudos to the author for writing a book that addresses these topics with grace and class that drew a lot of emotions out of me. I recommend this story for the strong familial relationships and one woman's determination to shine the light of truth on the dark corners of her family's past. (SH)

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House on Plunkett Street - Lorena Bathey (2012)

Phoebe Bertram is so average and plain she's almost invisible. Her life motto could be "just enough" - complete with Mr Right-now, instead of Mr Right - Phoebe's been existing and not truly living. Suddenly her life takes a new and exciting turn after she's forced to find a new place to live, and her ideal apartment comes complete with three ghosts on a mission to help Phoebe. Only she's not aware she needs help, or how to change her life.... This well-written and heartwarming story takes Phoebe on a rollercoaster ride as her life changes from boring to spectacular. (AM)

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House Rules - Jodi Picoult (2010)

Jacob Hunt suffers from Asperger's Syndrome. He is unaware of the world around him and struggles to fit in with people. Jacob is also a very bright child and is obsessed with the forensic aspects of life such as looking for fingerprints and watching forensic programs, one which he must watch every day. His brother, Theo, becomes more and more jealous of the constant care and attention and money that is spent on Jacob and develops a habit of truancy. One day when their mother returns home, she finds that Jacob's tutor has been murdered. She must question whether she thinks her autistic son is capable of committing murder. This is a real page-turner as the reader is anxious to find out the truth. And of course there is a solid twist within the story. (SG)

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Housewife in Trouble - Alison Penton Harper (2010)

In this fifth book in the series, Helen - who had vowed to never get married again - has tied the knot with her former boss, Rick. As she goes kicking and screaming into married life, the independently wealthy Rick is talking about retiring much to her dismay. Meanwhile her sister, Julia, is not only having a hard time adjusting to first-time motherhood, she also is harbouring a huge secret. The sharp-tongued Helen may not be for every reader but she's ably supported by an amusing cast of characters including Leoni the best friend; Helga the cleaning lady; and Sally the gorgeous former neighbour.

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Housewitch - Katie Schickel (2015)

Allison may finally be accepted into the inner circle of Monrovia?s most influential women. The Glamour Girls, led by Astrid, run a soap-selling company and have their hand in everything that goes on in their town. But when Allison?s estranged mother, Wilhemena, passes away, Allison finds out that she comes from a long line of witches. She has magical powers ? if she can just remember how to harness them. And it seems the Glamour Girls are not what they seem either. The story about trying to fit into the picture-perfect wives club soon turns into a darker tale. With flashbacks to Wilhemena?s past with her two sisters, the story raises the stakes for Allison at every turn. If you are looking for a well-crafted read with magical elements, this one may well cast its spell on you.

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Housewife Up - Allison Penton Harper (2006)

In this sequel to Housewife Down, widow Helen loses her $2 million windfall to a shonky investor, so she is forced to get a job. Her new boss, Rick, is a businessman who needs help handling his personal affairs. He keeps making huge demands of her but he may just come through for her in the end.

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Houston, We Have a Problema - Gwendolyn Zepeda (2009)

Jessica has trouble deciding what path to take - so she relies on regular visits to her psychic, Madame Hortensia. Should she continue dating unreliable but passionate artist Guillermo, a fellow Mexican, or should she go out with successful professional Jonathan, a friend of her sister's husband? Should she stay in the boring insurance field, return to her artistic roots or start a business of her own? And will her parents' arguing lead to divorce and will she and sister Sabrina ever see eye to eye again? As Jessica deals with her main problem - trusting herself to make worthwhile decisions - the book also deals with racial identity and prejudice. And just when you think she's settling down at the end, there's a what-happened-there twist.

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Hover - Anne A. Wilson (2015)

Naval Academy graduate Lieutenant Sara Denning has a new assignment as a helicopter pilot for a Navy SEAL team. Sara is no stranger to being a minority. She has been assigned to short deployments as the only woman and has perfected the ability to put her head down and blend in. She had been a carefree typical girl lingering in malls and reading Vogue. But the death of her brother crushed her free spirit and forced her into a military life that he had dreamed of. Her current mission throws her into the path of confident and GQ-worthy Lieutenant Eric Marxen. Lt. Marxen treats Sara with respect and soon she finds herself letting down her walls when she is with him. This incredible debut novel is a refreshing change with a blend of action and romance. The author brilliantly details a strong woman living in a man's world. The heroine is brilliant yet terrified and insecure. The military theme is not at all intimidating for non-military types. Highly recommend to readers who like suspense and a great love story. Don't be surprised if your boyfriend/husband starts reading it after you finish it. (AO)

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How Do You Know? - Meredith Schorr (2014)

Maggie Piper only has one year left before she has to face her dreaded 40th birthday. She has a great career, friends, family, and a live-in boyfriend, Doug, but suddenly it doesn't seem to be enough. While there is nothing wrong with her relationship, Maggie is not sure it's quite right either. And so she suggests a break, which Doug decides should be a break-up. Newly single, Maggie begins a year of soul-searching and self-discovery. Maggie is a very loveable character, one who can be so confident in some aspects of her life, yet still feels the insecurities of a woman approaching 40. I appreciated that she took a chance in order to discover whether she was on the right path rather than brushing off those feelings of doubt, and her journey was filled with both anguish and laughter. Schorr also developed a great cast of supporting characters who are all at different stages in their lives, and I enjoyed reading about their own adventures as well. I think every woman will relate to Maggie and her friends, no matter her age or relationship status, and I can't wait to read the rest of the books in the Seeking Happily Ever series. (LB)

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How I Exiled My Inner Bitch - Miv Evans (2013)

To help her cope with her unhappy childhood, Dionne invented an imaginary friend, a twin named Lionne. This was necessary as a coping mechanism when her triplet sisters were cruel to her, taunted her and would not let her join in with their games. She so badly needed an ally, someone in her corner, someone to fight her battles. Years later, she falls in love with Greg and moves into his home with Lionne still ruling her and attempting to spoil things for her. It's not until Dionne meets Greg's dysfunctional daughters, Alanah and Georgia, that she identifies with their pain and finally understands that a life without Lionne seems to be the only way forward for her and her new family. This is a quirky, highly original story, full of laughs, twists and turns but also with real issues to be considered. Underlying all of this is an important message: empathy, understanding and love can heal the wounds of rejection. (JH)

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How I Learned to Love the Walrus - Beth Orsoff (2010)

You can take the girl out of Los Angeles but you can't take the Los Angeles out of the girl. Sydney Green, publicist to the movie stars and celebs of La-La Land, has just convinced her boss to send her on a month-long expedition in the Arctic to film a documentary on Saving the Walruses to improve the charitable appearance of her most prestigious client - and sometimes boy toy - hunky actor, Blake McKinley. She's also hoping the documentary will be just the thing to salvage her own career that has been teetering on the edge due to a few unfortunate incidents. So when her boss gives her project the go-ahead, Sydney doesn't bargain on everything falling apart once she arrives on location. First, group leader Jill and her crew left out a few minor details when informing Sydney about their work in Alaska; namely, that there is NO electricity on the island and therefore no satellite phone access, no charging her laptop, no blow drying her hair, no washing her laundry and no hot water. If adjusting to the archaic environment of the Arctic isn't bad enough, a jealous frenemy from high school is in the walrus volunteer group, the arrogant and pessimistic (and kind of cute) head scientist fights with Sydney at every opportunity, Jill's six-year old son keeps begging Sydney to entertain him and the writer of the documentary's script has just quit. Plus Blake's schedule just got moved up and he'll be arriving in Alaska any day now! Sydney is in for quite an adventure as she finds there's a whole lot more to her Alaskan expedition than just taking pictures of a few walruses. I wasn't sure how a chick lit story based in the Arctic would pan out but was happily reassured to find it to be more than enjoyable. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a good romantic comedy. It had creative characters with memorable personalities and non-stop action. The end was a tad abrupt but still managed to wrap up any loose ends. I will definitely be looking to read more books by Orsoff. (CH)

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How Lucky You Are - Kristyn Kusek Lewis (2012)

Waverly, Kate and Amy have been close friends for years. Though very different women who each want very different things in life, they have tried hard to maintain their friendship. Waverly owns a bakery that is not as successful as her friends may think. Kate is from a wealthy family and is married to the new golden boy about to be elected governor of Virginia. Amy is married to a doctor and has a little girl and what appears to be the perfect life she always dreamed of. The three women are all holding on to dangerous secrets that will shock the others. Waverly is in deep financial trouble and unable to deal with it. Kate's future as the the first lady of Virginia is in serious jeopardy. And Amy is keeping a secret from her two friends that is so horrifying that she is in complete denial. Each of these women need to somehow allow her friends to help rather that just keeping up appearances. As the secrets between the friends pile up, the tension builds until it all blows up in a shocking way. This is a fabulous debut novel that will have you questioning how well you really know your friends. (AR)

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How Not to be Starstruck - Portia MacIntosh (2014)

Nicole Wilde has always wanted to be famous. She is a music journalist who spends her time interviewing rock stars, partying, touring, and falling for band boys. Her best friend is Dylan King, rock star extraordinare and lead singer of The Burnouts. She writes for her own music magazine, Starstruck, and is about to go on tour with Two For the Show, whom she's been touring with before they were famous. She has a major crush on their sexy drummer, Luke. Slowly, her life starts to unravel. Some compromising pictures of her partying with rock stars are leaked to the media, and she gets a taste of fame. Fame loses it sheen, however, when she loses her boyfriend, her job and her best friend. Will Nicole be able to turn her life around, or is she destined to be labelled as a groupie forever? This was a quick, entertaining read. The characters are well written, their individual personalities shine through. Although I enjoyed parts of the book, I found the main character, Nicole Wilde, very annoying. She seemed to have good intentions but appeared very naive for someone who lived such a worldly lifestyle. She was constantly getting herself into trouble, not thinking twice about how her actions might affect the future. Dylan King was mildly annoying as well. I understand that his life is sex, drugs, and rock'n'roll, but it gave off the impression that he needed to be babysat all of the time, lest he get himself into trouble. This book just fell flat for me and the ending dragged. (CK)

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How Not To Shop - Carmen Reid (2009)

Move over Trinny and Susannah, run away Gok Wan as the Home Channel presents former personal shopper and retail worker at The Store Miss Annie Valentine. In this third book in the series, Annie has been offered the chance to work on TV as a wardrobe makeover expert to all the poor saps out there with their baggy clothes and shoddy hairstyles. Sounds glamorous? Well Annie thought so about this chance of a lifetime but it turns out that they have hired a big-wig star, the bossy Miss Marlise, to be the main talent. Annie also discovers that the pay is pitiful and that the show's budget is zip - it's style on a shoestring. Feeling pressure about the show, all Annie wants is to go home and relax in peace and quiet but things on the home front aren't looking too great. Her boyfriend Ed is left home with her two children, Owen who's gone on an eco-war and Lana, a sullen teen. And if that's not enough she gets lumbered with her friend/socialite/co-star's secret daughter, Elena, a 22-year-old Russian bombshell. Can Annie handle the pressures of the 3 Fs - fame, friends and family? (PP)

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How to Climb the Eiffel Tower - Elizabeth Hein (2014)

Lara Blaine has lived in self-imposed isolation in an attempt to hide from her past and her life very much revolves around a regimen of work and exercise. Then one day a diagnosis changes everything. She meets Jane at treatment and they form a tight bond, something the past Lara would never allow. Through the friendship Jane gives Lara the support and courage to face the demons from her past that haunt her steps. This book gives a very graphic account of cancer and the treatments that patients must endure in their fight to stay alive. Heart-wrenching in its account of the courage and fear of the sufferers, their families and friends, this is an awesome book written by a cancer survivor. (KARM)

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How to be Famous - Alison Bond (2005)

Author Alison Bond's work in the movie industry no doubt inspired this book about the cut-throat world of film and fame. Lynsey Dixon works at a top talent agency in London. After she prevents the sacking of British actress Melanie Chapman from a movie set, she is transferred to LA to help Melanie settle into a new TV show. On a bus trip across America, Lynsey meets Serena Simon, a beautiful 14-year-old runaway who has dreams of becoming a starlet.

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How to Be Married - Polly Williams (2010)

Polly Williams has done the yummy mummy, the bad bride and the good girl. Now it's the turn of the world's worst wife. Sadie Drew is not particularly domesticated and she's too busy being a florist to care about her appearance. But with her husband Tom now needing a corporate wife and her mother-in-law gleefully warning that she is in danger of losing him, Sadie decides to transform herself into the perfect wife. She is assisted by a wealthy old lady called Enid who is more than willing to pass on her marital tips in exchange for company. But Sadie, a witty heroine who gets herself into all sorts of pickles, soon discovers it'll take more than just mastering trifles, matching socks and wearing lipstick.

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How to Be Single - Liz Tuccillo (2008)

New York book publicist Julie, 38, is on a girls' night out with her four friends. Georgia's husband has just announced he's leaving her; Ruby is still depressed after the death of her cat; lawyer Alice is ready to quit her job to focus on dating; and Serena has been too busy working on herself to have a relationship. The night out inspires Julie to write a book about how women in other countries cope with being single and so she embarks on a round-the-world trip. Often joined by her friends, from Rio and Rome; Sydney and Bali; to Mumbai and Reykjavik, Julie meets up with single women. Along the way there's an affair with a married Frenchman, a session with a male prostitute, a date with a sperm donor, sex with a spiritual guy, a death and an engagement. Single or not, women will relish Julie's thought-provoking quest.

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How to Break Your Own Heart - Maggie Alderson (2008)

Amelia is married to wealthy, eccentric wine buyer Ed. He's very set in his ways and has always made it clear he's not interested in being a parent. Trouble is now Amelia finds herself wanting a baby and thinks the matter should be reopened for discussion. As her over-the-top friend Kiki sets her up with a new career as clutter-clearer to the rich and disorganised, Amelia needs to decide whether she is going to stay in her marriage or take the chance on meeting someone else. Because it's a Maggie Alderson book, of course there's a gay friend and a glamorous social scene. Plus throw in a wise old neighbour, a gorgeous gardener, an intimidating father and the return of the first boy Amelia ever kissed - and it all adds up to her best book yet.

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How To Eat A Cupcake - Meg Donohue (2012)

This revolves around the lives of two childhood best friends Annie Quintana and Julia St Clair as their paths finally cross a decade after their falling out in high school. Julia, the rich "ice princess", has become a successful career woman and is happily engaged to Wes, or so it seems. All she feels now is a sense of desperation as she attempts to takes control of her life by battling depression, which Julia tries to conceal along with secrets that would jeopardise her upcoming wedding. Annie, having inherited her mother's talent, has become a talented pastry chef at a small bakery. Her mouth-watering cupcakes creations have won favours of many customers and even her boss, and she dreams of opening her own bakery. The former friends' lives start to intertwine when they make the decision to open a cupcakery together. As they navigate through the ups and downs of their unlikely partnership, Annie and Julia are forced to stay united as a series of sabotage accidents threaten both their lives and shop. I loved Donohue's style of writing, and the blending of mystery and food into this good old-fashioned tale of friendship and love. A surprising ending with lots of amazing characters, this book certainly presents itself as a great debut. (XT)

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How To Fall In Love - Cecelia Ahern (2013)

Christine Rose is still recovering from a traumatic experience, one that may or may not have led to the end of her marriage, when she encounters Adam Basil on the edge of a bridge in Dublin getting ready to jump. Propelled into action, Christine rushes to his side and gets him to talk to her. Once she's got his attention she tells him that he should give her a chance to show him how great life can be. Hesitantly, he agrees, much to Christine's surprise. He gives her until his birthday ... which is two weeks away. Taking time off work, Christine gets every "How To" book under the sun to help her figure out what to do to make Adam want to live. From going out to eat and really "experiencing" the food to getting lost with the directions of a three-year-old, Christine slowly sees Adam come back to life. In the process, Christine has to deal with a vengeful ex-husband and Adam's ex-girlfriend who seems to think getting back together with him might be a good idea. As the two weeks come to a close, Christine must ask herself who really is saving who? This is a powerful story and a beautifully written one at that. Christine and Adam may be the main characters but the real shining stars are Christine's father and two sisters, who are hilarious and dysfunctional but so lovable at the same time. You definitely don't want to miss this story and will feel a renewed sense of love for life. (AS)

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How To Get A (Love) Life - Rosie Blake (2014)

Nicola Brown is a super-organised girl, who is also extremely conscious about what passes through her lips. Her punctuality is her forte. She's also dedicated, passionate and single. So when Nicola is dared by a colleague to go on as many dates as possible in order to find her Valentine, she hastily accepts and her quest for love begins. If it was only that easy to find true love! After going on way too many crazy, weird and disastrous dates, Nicola starts to feel that she may never find the right man but her destiny is not going to let her down - not this time. This book has some really strong characters and there's plenty of humour. I could relate to Nicola totally but sometimes she is just not herself. I love Rosie's writing but at places I felt it needed some work. Overall, it's a nice, quick read perfect for a weekend escape. (SS)

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How to Kill a Guy in 10 Days - Kayla Perrin (with Brenda Mott) 2007

Hailey McGaw arrives back in Miami after her divorce and bumps into former best friend Lexie Muller at a bookshop. The pair hit the town to celebrate, and after a night at a male strippers club, they stumble across one of the hunks - dead in the car park. Discovering that the victim, Rafael, was the boyfriend of one of their school friends, Joey who has become transsexual entertainer Josephine, they start doing some sleuthing of their own. On impulse, they also agree to buy the bookstore from Josephine's aunt Gina, who seems very keen to leave town. As the case heats up, the women discover that stumbling across a dead body is becoming a nasty habit.

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How to Knit a Heart Back Home - Rachael Herron (2011)

Lucy Harrison, a bookstore owner and volunteer firefighter, is happy with her small town life in Cypress Hollow. She spends her spare time with friends and family and enjoying her knitting hobby. When bad boy Owen Bancroft, Lucy's high school crush, returns to town, the sparks fly between them. Filled with fun characters and great dialogue, this novel will win over even non-knitters. Knitters will love the knitting references throughout the book and the sweater pattern in the back of the novel. Fans of the author's first novel, How to Knit a Love Song, will be happy to see Cade and Abigail make appearances in this novel. (AO)

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How to Knit a Love Song - Rachael Herron (2010)

aka Eliza's Gift

Abigail inherits a cottage from her beloved knitting mentor, Eliza Carpenter. Abigail, who is anxious to escape from her past, is thrilled to be moving to the country and turn the cozy cottage into a knitting store. But when she arrives at the cottage, she finds it is actually a rundown shack. And Eliza's nephew, rancher Cade, who owns all the land surrounding Abigail's new home, is furious that Abigail has inherited the cottage because he believes he is entitled to all of the land. With Abigail forced to stay with Cade until she fixes up the cottage, sparks fly but their circumstances force them to deny their attraction to one another. You don't have to be a knitter to enjoy this. (AO)

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How to Lose a Husband and Gain a Life - Bernadette Strachan (2009)

Ruby Gallagher seemed to have the perfect life, treated like a princess, until the dawn raid that saw husband Manny arrested on numerous fraud and money laundering charges. But even with his assets seized, Ruby was willing to stand by her man - until she discovers his mistress is expecting his baby. Moving into an apartment with one of his former staff members Maria, Ruby begins to realise it wasn't so much fun living in her gilded cage. Willingly taking on work as a housecleaner, she soon creates a new life, helped by Maria, her clients and her substitute parents, gay couple Tom and Kendall - and even faces up to some issues from the past. With a very endearing heroine, this is a totally enjoyable way to Lose a Day and Gain a New Favourite.

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How to Lose Weight and Alienate People - Ollie Quain (2014)

Vivian works as a hostess at a private members' club in London while auditioning for acting roles. Not that she's displaying much get-up-and-go to make it as an actress. As her boss Roger points at, at the rate she's going, her breakthrough role will be in the Driving Miss Daisy sequel. When gossip columnist Clint comes to blows with fresh-out-of-rehab actor Maximilian Fry at the club, Viv accidentally gets in the way. This leads to the movie star's management team offering her an apology as well as a proposal that may well ruin her future chances with Australian DJ Luke. Mind you, what has she got to lose? The only thing under control in Viv's life is her strict approach to food. She obsesses that if she eats, her weight will blow out again. Written with a droll tone, this story takes readers not only into the world of celebrity, but also introduces them to the serious issues of body image and eating disorders. As promised in the title, the heroine did manage to alienate me - I couldn't relate to Vivian at all - in fact her persona comes across even frostier than her skinny soul sister Posh Spice. I was also anticipating a lighter read (no pun intended!), with a bit more humour and a light-hearted tone and a lot less angst. But for those looking for a book that broaches weight issues in a darker fashion and explores how past hurts can inflict lasting damage, this may well appeal.

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How to Love - Katie Cotugno (2013)

Reena has always been in love with childhood friend Sawyer. Even while he was dating her best friend Allie. But one day Sawyer takes off, without saying goodbye. And then three years later, out of the blue, he blows back into town again. Reena is now 18 and has had to cancel her dreams of college, of becoming a travel writer, to bring up their daughter Hannah. Although she has a new boyfriend, now Sawyer is back will Reena be able to resist the lure of her first love? This enchanting debut novel is told through two timeframes - before, when Reena first gets with Sawyer and after, when he returns home. Although sometimes it felt like the story was dragging, it is still a beautifully written tale about the heartbreak of tainted love and is well worth a read even for people who don't normally seek out stories about teenagers.

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How to Make a Friend - Fleur Smithwick (2015)

With a less than demonstrative mother and two older siblings who hardly give her the time of day, Alice finds companionship and belonging with her imaginary friend Sam. He's a means to an end, a childhood defence against loneliness who disappears when Alice grows up. Or is he? After suffering a head injury in a car crash and facing crippling loneliness once again, Sam comes back into Alice's life. Whilst at first it brings some solace, soon his presence becomes overbearing and then dangerous. But how does Alice get rid of him when she doesn't know if he really exists? Fleur Smithwick's novel is an intriguing and imaginative book. The whole concept is refreshingly different and makes for a novel kind of read. At times I wondered whether the Sam plot could have been handled differently, but Smithwick does well with what is essentially a challenging narrative device. There's some great tension in here and the book has a sinister, malevolent thread that becomes quite unsettling even in the epilogue and I liked the way Sam's nature is left open. I expected more fallout from the subplot about Alice's friend Rory and felt this was somewhat idealized but thought the characterisation of Sam was perfectly pitched between innocent, caring friend and malevolent, possessive tyrant. The concept poses a lot of potential pitfalls and it does sometimes become a bit absurd but largely Smithwick does well to hold everything together and make this a solid narrative. (JC)

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How to Sleep with a Movie Star - Kristin Harmel (2006)

On the day that Mod magazine entertainment editor Claire Reilly interviews Hollywood heart-throb Cole Brannon and finds him to be a down-to-earth guy, she discovers her freeloading boyfriend cheating on her. She heads to a nearby bar to drown her sorrows where she bumps into Cole. Backstabbing colleague Sidra DeSimon then leaks a false story about Claire sleeping with the movie star, so Claire has to fight to protect her professional reputation. An enjoyable read from an American magazine writer with lots of celebrity mentions, it just would have been better if it hadn't followed the predictable, Hollywood fluff ending.

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How to Stylishly Fall From Grace - Felicia Coley (2009)

Zoe Chapman lives a life of luxury. She has a great job, a beautiful townhouse, rows of designer shoes, closets full of expensive clothes and rooms full of imported furniture. All that Zoe has missing is her prince charming. On one of Zoe's weekend Broadway getaways, she meets a charismatic man Beau, a New York City photographer. They start a long- distance relationship filled with lavish weekend visits full of restaurants, fancy hotels and grand city events. Zoe falls head over heels and thinks Beau may be the man of her dreams. She feels the next step for her to take is to move to be with Beau in New York, leaving her family, job, and fantastic townhouse behind. Will this be her fairytale ending? Felicia Coley has made Zoe one of my favourite characters - ever. She is witty, humorous and calls it like she sees it. I felt like I was catching up with one of my best friends while reading this book, at times Zoe's predicaments had my heart racing, and at times I found myself laughing out loud. I cannot wait to see what the author writes next. (AV)

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How to Teach Filthy Rich Girls - Zoey Dean (2007)

Yale graduate Megan Smith takes a job at a trashy tabloid, waiting for her big break into serious journalism. But her inability to come up with juicy story ideas for Scoop sees her fired. But her boss recommends her for another job - as tutor to two Palm Beach heiresses, the Fabulous Baker Twins - Sage and Rose. Their grandmother Laurel Limoges, a cosmetics queen, reveals the scholastically challenged girls will only receive their $84 million inheritance if they get into Duke University; Megan will get her college debts paid out if they succeed. Megan also decides to use her time in Florida to kick-start her career, by writing an expose of the shallow Palm Beach society. The twins have no intention of dragging themselves away from the pool to study and enjoy tormenting dowdy Megan until she realises that she has to transform her appearance to win them over. Meanwhile Megan finds herself thinking less about her boyfriend from home, and more about Will, the boy-next-door.

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How We Met - Katy Regan (2013)

There are some people you can't imagine life without... This novel opens with the death of Liv who, in her late twenties, seems to have everything going for her. We follow the lives of her friends as they try to come to terms with her death whilst simultaneously trying to get on with their lives which is proving to be rather difficult. Fraser, Liv's boyfriend, is in a rebound relationship and filming Tena lady adverts. Mia is a single mother debating whether to take her son's father back. Melody and Norman are a couple in trouble and Anna is living her life through a new man each week. The characters in this book are quite hard to sympathise with, meaning ultimately you don't really care what happens to them and their actions are frustrating. There are situations that should be full of emotion however that doesn't come through leaving you feeling rather cold and cheated. However the message this book carries is an important one, it teaches you life is made for living and nothing should ever get in the way of your dreams and, at the end of the day, friendship is one of the most important things in life. (LL)

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How Will I Know? - Sheila O'Flanagan (2008)

Claire met Bill, the love of her life, when she was only five years old. The two of them were virtually inseparable from then on, getting married and welcoming their daughter, Georgia, to the world. However, their fairy-tale romance was brought to a tragic end when an accident took Bill's life. It has been three years since Bill's death, and Claire is beginning to realise that it is time that she let go of the hurt and guilt that has plagued her since the day she lost her husband, if not for herself, then for her daughter. Now 15, Georgia is starting to ask questions about boys and dating, and Claire doesn't have any answers since she married her childhood sweetheart. So she decides to step out into the dating scene, trying everything from online dating to singles events like Dating in the Dark. As Claire gets to know a string of suitors, she quickly learns that not everyone is as they seem, including Nate, the gruff gardener. With an interesting cast of supporting characters, How Will I Know? is a pleasant read about coming to terms with loss and having the courage to embrace second chances. (LB)

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Humbugs and Heartstrings - Catherine Ferguson (2014)

Bobbie is working for a boss who shares much in common with Scrooge and spreads misery to all of those working for her. Bobbie's passion is glass blowing, but she has ended up in a dead-end job making ends meet, whilst she saves every penny to pay for an operation for her sick brother. Her boss, Carol, is a complete skinflint and is desperate to hide the fact that her business is not doing as well as she portrays. The problem is that these two women have a history; they used to be best friends. Along comes Charlie, who charms Bobbie with his witty banter and good looks, however he also has struck up a relationship with Carol. Could Carol's interest just be to save her failing business, or is she a real rival to Bobbie? Both women are forced to confront their past and decide if their friendship is worth saving. This is a festive read, which explores friendships, family, love and loyalty along with a spot of mince pie throwing. A fun, fizzy book which makes reference to the timeless Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol. I felt that more could have been made of those parts of the storyline, and it was also not quite Christmassy enough for me. However it was an enjoyable read with some funny moments. Worth reading whilst whiling away an afternoon with a glass of mulled wine. (EH)

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Hunger Point - Jillian Medoff (1996)

Twenty-six-year old Frannie Hunter juggles her life between working at temporary jobs, putting up with her mother's attempts to drive her out of their house and visiting her younger sister Shelly who is in hospital after a long struggle with anorexia. Frannie's mother, Marsha, has always been overly obsessed with her daughters' weight and dietary habits, controlling their calorie intake, and the type of food they have, pushing the message that they need to be thin. Already confused over her own relationship problems, Frannie also has to deal with her mother's possible affair, her dad showing little interest in caring for Shelly, her best friend Abby's relationship with a married man, and Shelly showing signs of depression after her recent suicide attempts. Soon Frannie finds herself on the verge of a breakdown as well. A painfully raw and realistic story revolving around the theme of anorexia, apparent in our culture in its over-emphasis on perfection and body image. (XT)

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Husband and Wife - Leah Stewart (2010)

Sarah Price is at a crossroads. Her husband, writer Nathan Bennett, has just confessed to having had an affair, which she is sure he has chronicled in his latest book, Infidelity. In a split second, everything Sarah knows to be true about her life falls apart and she begins second-guessing the choices she has made, everything from giving up her career as a poet to whether Nathan is in fact the man she is meant to be with. When she decides to respond to an email sent long ago by Rajiv, a friend from her past, she wonders if he was actually her destiny. Sarah takes off for Austin, with her two kids in tow, to explore the feelings she has for Rajiv and to hopefully gain some perspective about the life she was meant to live. With much introspection and great internal conflict, Sarah ponders the ultimate question, "What if?" Stewart has written a heartwarming and wise novel about the dreams we let slip away when life gets going. It will have you wondering about your own life and whether the choices you have made are indeed the right ones or perhaps just the right ones for right now. (LEK)

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Husband Hunters - Genevieve Gannon (2014)

Three single friends in their mid-30s have decided to give up on love and instead embark on finding a husband in a more business-like manner. They figure out they should approach dating as they do their career - using their heads more than their hearts - and look to recruit someone who fits their criteria as a suitable life partner. All three have been unlucky in love lately. Relationship counsellor Clementine was shocked to discover her boyfriend, Jason, was already married. Engineer Daniela is sick of being treated like one of the boys, and would love to take her friendship much further with colleague James. And model-turned-PR-guru Annabel has just got out of a toxic relationship and wants to find her Prince Charming - with the emphasis on well-mannered and charming. So any guy single, working and open to a long-term relationship is in their sights. Debut author Gannon has a pleasant, easy-to-read writing style. With plenty of humour and anecdotes from the dating trenches, she has created a light-hearted story with lots of speedbumps, leaving you to wonder if the trio will fulfil their mission.

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Husbands - Adele Parks (2005)

Bella has never told anyone about her registry wedding to Stevie, an Elvis impersonator. Not even when city trader Philip proposed to her. Nor when best friend Laura introduces Stevie as her new man and invites Laura and Philip to join them on a trip to Las Vegas for an Elvis competition. Could things get any more complicated?

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Husbands and Lies - Susy McPhee (2009)

When Fran's best friend Alison - who's dying of cancer - asks her for a favour she can hardly refuse. She wants Fran to help her husband, Adam, find a new wife and mother for their young daughter Erin. But what Fran doesn't expect when she logs on to an internet dating site is to find a photo of her own husband, Max, staring back. Unable to confront him directly, she sends him a message posing as "Sassy" and they arrange to meet. But her plan quickly goes awry. A promising debut, which would have scored higher if every plot development wasn't so predictable.

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Husband, Missing - Polly Williams (2013)

Gina always told her family and friends that when you know, you know. This was her reasoning behind marrying Rex after only knowing him for six months. Gina is as happy as she has ever been and cannot wait to spend the rest of her life with Rex. That is until she gets a phone call from Rex's brother, Jake, to say Rex has gone missing on their lads holiday abroad. Gina flies out to join her brother-in-law to search for Rex. What Gina doesn't count on is that the journey to find Rex will spark discoveries from her husband's past that leads her to question just how well she really knows him. Although the ending is predictable, it is extremely satisfying and will have you smiling from ear to ear. Polly has a beautiful, humorous touch that lights up the pages of her books and she always manages to take you on an emotional journey. Her characters are so well written and they stay with you long after you have finished reading. A fast-paced beautiful read that will leave you questioning the ones you love most. (LL)

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