Pack up the Moon - Rachael Herron (2014)

Three years ago, artist Kate had it all - a loving husband, Nolan, and child Robin, then it was all taken away from her when her son died of carbon monoxide poisoning and Nolan was sent to prison for killing their son. However, only Kate and Nolan know the real truth behind what happened and the events leading up to the incident. Two decades ago, Kate gave up a baby girl after falling pregnant to her then high-school boyfriend Nolan. Now years later, that girl Pree has found Kate and wants to re-connect with her mother as she is now pregnant and in the same boat and has always wondered if her birth parents have regrets. Has fate given both Kate and Nolan a second chance at getting to know their child? This heart-wrenching novel has lots of raw emotion, which fans of family reunion stories will enjoy. (PP)

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Pack Up the Moon - Anna McPartlin (2006)

aka Because You Are With Me

Emma thinks she has the perfect life. She loves her teaching job and she's living with the man of her dreams until one day a tragic accident turns Emma's happy world upside down. Little by little and with the help of her friends, the grief-stricken Emma picks up the pieces of her shattered world and starts to live again. This deals with tragedy and loss in a very realistic way. You really feel the pain that the character faces throughout the book and you're wanting things to be OK for her - for her to find love again. (MY)

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Pam of Babylon - Suzanne Jenkins (2011)

Pam always thought her life was great. Her husband Jack works in the city in a highly successful business with his partner Pete, while travelling out to Long Island each weekend to spend time with Pam and any relatives who happen to be staying. With two grown children off doing their own thing, Pam is able to focus on looking good and making the beach house the perfect oasis for Jack to come home to. When Jack dies of a heart attack on the train on the way home to his family, his widow Pam is left to cope with a whole pile of revelations that would leave the average person not only reeling but questioning their entire existence. Suddenly confronted with a young mistress who Pam feels an enormous affinity to, a sister who has lived with them throughout most of their married life and the discovery of a far from idyllic childhood, Pam sets off to farewell the husband she thought she knew and to build a life for herself after Jack that will continue to nurture all the people in it that Jack had cared for in his life. This is the first book in a series and each new twist left me more intrigued and wanting to read on in order to find out just what will happen to all the Smith family and their hangers-on. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. (LM)

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Pants on Fire - Maggie Alderson (2000)

Magazine editor Georgia Abbott arrives in Sydney from London to work on Glow magazine, leaving behind a philandering ex-fiance. She is introduced around town in a whirlwind of A-list parties. But her dreams of being whisked away by a Akubra-hatted man are dashed when all the blokes she meets are either gay, married, unfaithful or just plain unworthy. Or are they?

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Paper Chains - Nicola Moriarty (2013)

Hannah is working at a museum gift shop in London when she comes across the free-spirited India taming a toddler tantrum. The socially awkward Hannah is impressed by India's confidence and ability to get on with anyone. Meanwhile, India loves finding people to save - she's a "lost-soul collector". She figures Hannah is telling lies about her life, and wants to get to the truth. India has been travelling the world and has her own secret reason for constantly moving on. Trouble is she's left behind a guy in the Greek Isles that she just can't forget. Hannah and India - both Australians - become friends and gradually their secrets come out. This is a well-crafted and moving story with memorable characters. Just as you think you have sussed out the story, Moriarty drops another bombshell on you.

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Paper Swans - Jessica Thompson (2014)

Ben is a successful PR agent, living a flash lifestyle and earning big bonuses from powerful companies. But a tragedy from his past has him thinking he doesn't deserve to be happy - or find love. Effy has found her calling running a charity for Ugandan children. When Ben's firm adopts Effy's charity as their cause for the year, the pair find themselves drawn to one another. But Ben has another secret he's keeping from the strongly principled Effy - one that could tear them apart. This is a touching story that shines a spotlight on grief and guilt in an accomplished way. Although it had perhaps a bit too much retrospection at times, the characters were expertly drawn - and Ben's back story and the effect it has had on his life helps this story stand out from the pack. It's an emotional read with a sweet love story.

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Paradise - Katie Price (2010)

In this third book in the Angel series, the English glamour model is settling into life in LA with new boyfriend Ethan. But she is wondering if she's made the right choice, picking the pro baseball player over husband Cal, a former soccer player and father to her daughter Honey. For much of the next 300+ pages, Angel dithers over which man with the abs she should be with. Throw in an engagement, a surprise baby, a reality TV show, a family illness and a Single White Female situation and you've pretty much got the gist. As much as I found Price's other novels entertaining, this one is excruciating (particularly as it was so easy to visualise the characters as Katie, Alex Reid and Peter Andre). The endless love triangle musings really had me wondering if there's any more juice left to be squeezed out of this very profitable series. (For regular Price readers, watch out for a cameo appearance by Sapphire.)

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Paris Dreaming - Anita Heiss (2011)

Following on from Manhattan Dreaming, this time the focus is on Lauren's friend, Libby, who also works at the National Aboriginal Gallery in Canberra. On a self-imposed man-fast after being hurt one too many times, Libby realises she needs to push herself in her career. She comes up with a plan to second herself to a Paris museum. But will she able to resist all those charming Frenchmen in the city of love? With some forthright political messages about racial discrimination, including France's push to ban burqas, the most interesting part was Libby's dedication to her career and indigenous art. The story sometimes comes across as a travelogue - which for readers who want a taste of Paris is a plus. But for those who want a cohesive story arc, being taken through meetings and incidents that have no bearing on the main storyline can be frustrating. Disappointingly, the plot thread about Libby's support of a Roma gypsy designer called Sorina was undeveloped.

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Paris Hangover - Kirsten Lobe (2006)

Lauren Klein has the perfect life it seems. She is a successful artist, has a great, rich boyfriend, and lives an enviable and fabulous life filled with designer clothes and glamorous parties. But as her fifth anniversary with her boyfriend comes and goes she begins to realise the cracks in her life. Her boyfriend, whom she loves, refuses to have children with her even though that is the one thing in life she desperately wants. She begins to realise how heavily she is relying on him when she always planned to be an independent woman. In a crazy and flamboyant gesture, she flees her home of New York (and her show-stopping Tribeca triplex) and moves to Paris. Paris, which has always harboured her addiction, French men. When she arrives she finds herself lying to obtain lodging, a seven-floor walk-up, and attempting to restart her artistic career in a new city, while also trying to appreciate and get her fill of the French men surrounding her. This is a witty book filled with romance, designer clothing, sexy French men, broken hearts, and the struggle one must go through to discover who you really are. (SN)

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Party Games - Jo Carnegie (2013)

Former magazine editor Catherine is hiding out in the village of Beeversham after a scandal ended her career. Vanessa, one of the celebrities she burnt, has also ended up in the village, living on a massive estate while she works hard to build Brand Powell with her narcissistic actor husband, Conrad. The village is under threat from a developer who wants to build a theme park, and pillar of the community Felix is leading the campaign against it while local MP Jonty does little more than prop up a bar. Meanwhile young Fleur is trying to keep the farm afloat and look after her depressed father. And it seems her rich neighbour, Beau, has eyes on more than just her vast tracts of land. This has so many characters, it is hard to keep track of who's who. But while the pace of the story ebbed and flowed, by the time we get into the real party games it really hits its straps.

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Party Girl - Anna David (2007)

Celebrity journalist Amelia Stone is gaining a reputation on the LA party scene. A regular at star-studded events, and fuelled by cocaine and alcohol, she is fond of regaling others with her wild exploits. Like the time she ends up in bed with two groomsmen at a family wedding. Or the night a pop star invites her back to his place after an interview. But when her cocaine habit takes over, she loses her job - and possibly the one guy she's interested in, Adam. Packed off to rehab, Amelia finally sees the advantages in embracing sobriety. But once on the outside again she is offered a column writing about her wild night-time adventures. Can she stay clean as she becomes known as the media's quintessential party girl? An absorbing and poignant read about addiction from an author who's been there.

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Party Girl - Rachel Hollis (2014)

Twenty-something Texas-born-and-bred Landon Brinkley is ready to finally live her dream. While growing up in a small town, she longed for nothing more than a career as a famous event planner. By working hard, she has managed to secure a position as an intern at her idol Selah Smith's event planning agency in Los Angeles. However, as soon as she sets foot in the office, she realises the LA world of event planning is ruthless and not at all what she had expected it to be. Yet, failure is not an option. She is finally given the chance to do what she wants to do, but all of a sudden she is forced to decide whether she is willing to give up absolutely everything for this dream or not. From the first few pages it already became clear that the book has a wonderful heroine at its centre: Landon is easily loveable with her infectious enthusiasm and her determination to make her dreams come true. Yet, there is also a great mix of secondary characters from quirky Miko (Landon's colleague at work), tough Max (her roommate), and the ultimate villain in the form of Selah Smith (Landon's new boss). The combination of this wonderful cast of characters, the amazing setting (I'm sure many of us readers wonder what it would be like working at an elite event planning company) and a truly entertaining storyline had me hooked from the very first page; I didn't want to put it down, but at the same time I never wanted it to end (unfortunately, it had to). Rachel Hollis has managed to turn her own real-life experiences within the world of event planning into a big city adventure that will capture the heart of any chick lit fan. Party Girl is a deliciously entertaining, vibrant, and uplifting read and undoubtedly one of my favourite reads of 2014 so far. (JoH)

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Passion - Louise Bagshawe (2009)

Years after her parents make her annul her marriage to poor student Will, Melissa has retreated into life as an academic. Both her parents are now dead - her father recently died in an accident in Italy - while Will is now a banking billionaire and ready to marry a gorgeous doctor. But when four people are murdered, Will, a former MI6 spy, puts together the pieces and links all the deaths to Melissa's father, an Oxford professor. Believing her to be the next hit, he whisks her away just in the nick of time and they go on the run. For those who like their chick lit served with assassins, deadly chases and international conspiracy plots - and just a touch of passion.

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Passion, Betrayal and Killer Highlights - Kyra Davis (2006)

In this second book in the series, Sophie Katz just can't seem to keep out of trouble. Danger and intrigue seem to follow her wherever she goes and just a short time after her first murderous adventure wraps up, she is suddenly thrust into another one. The husband of Sophie's sister, Leah, has been unfaithful and the day he tells her he is leaving her for another, younger woman, he is mysteriously found dead in their lavish home. Immediately all signs point to Leah, she had motive and she had opportunity but Sophie sees that it's just not in her sister's nature to do something like this. Quickly, using her own money, she hires her somewhat enemy Anatoly, the Russian P.I. whose body she can't seem to keep out of her mind for too long. Unfortunately for her, he seems to hold a grudge against her. This story quickly turns out to be more complex than it seems at first as the late husband's many mistresses are revealed and the body count begins to grow. In classic Kyra Davis style Passion, Betrayal and Killer Highlights is a hilarious mystery novel which manages to balance the right amount of romance and intrigue. (SN)

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Past Secrets - Cathy Kelly (2006)

The thing about secrets is they have a tendency to come out when you least expect them. Faye, a single mother to teenager Amber, dresses conservatively, holds down a respectable job in a recruitment office but she's hiding a secret about Amber's father. Amber is studying for her final exams and everyone is expecting her to go to art college. But she has other plans in mind. Maggie discovers her boyfriend has been cheating so she moves in to look after her injured mother and learns how to make a stand. Even Christie, the friend they turn to for advice, is hiding a secret - an affair with an artist.

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Pastures New - Julia Williams (2007)

Amy still feels lost without her late husband Jamie, so she and her young son, Josh, move to the Essex countryside - a move she and Jamie had intended to make one day. Despite Josh missing his grandmother Mary, Amy soon settles into village life, working as a gardener with Saffron, tending the allotment plot left by her landlady Caroline and trying to work out if she's ready to find love again - with doctor Ben. Meanwhile, Saffron is trying to spice up her marriage to Pete, while her ex Gerry plays havoc with the kids' visitation arrangements. This is a lovely, feel-good story about moving on - perfect to while away an afternoon.

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Pear Shaped - Stella Newman (2012)

Sophie Klein starts dating James Stephens after meeting him at a bar. He's older than her, has more money and travels a lot for his business selling socks. But, their differences aside, Sophie is smitten from the beginning. James seems like the perfect man, even though her friends don't feel like he is. First off, he hangs around with men who are cheaters and secondly he is afraid to commit - something which Sophie notices down the line. His constant business trips and the fact he only calls once in a while to set up a date don't sit well with Sophie, either. Then, James starts to belittle Sophie. It starts out with small things but then it gets worse when he says he just can't get past her weight. For a man used to dating models, the average-sized Sophie (who happens to taste pudding for a living) is a little bit different - too different for James. At the end of the day, James breaks things off and Sophie goes a little crazy. It's a story that will most likely be relatable to many women but the main characters are missing something and it's hard to pinpoint what it is exactly. For a debut, however, it is a strong one that just needed to work out a few kinks in order to be great. (AS)

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Pedigree Mum - Fiona Gibson (2013)

Kerry and her family decide to give up on the London life and move to the trendy Shoreham on Sea. But the move doesn't go to plan. When her husband, Rob, makes the biggest mistake of his life, Kerry and her two kids are forced to move to their seaside cottage alone. As Kerry struggles to settle in to the town full of yummy mummies, and adjust to life as a single mum, she sees an advert for a dog in need of a rehoming and decides it's just the fresh start she needs. I really enjoyed this book, mainly because of the characters and the vivid descriptions. You spend the book rooting for Kerry as she negotiates the minefield of parental snobbery, and coping with a socially embarrassing (yet totally loveable) dog. Whilst you're hoping for a happy ending, you honestly can't guess in what guise it's going to come, as there are a fair few twists and turns along the way. Overall, an easy read, perfect for a lazy weekend. (AB)

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Perfect Alibis - Jane Wenham-Jones (2003)

Bored housewife Stephanie takes on a job at Madeleine's recruitment company. But PA actually stands for Perfect Alibis, which offers a service to unfaithful women. Even Stephanie is tempted herself when her ex, Troy, returns to town after his mother's death. The best bit: the ingenious explanations given to get the cheating women out of some very sticky situations.

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People We Love - Jenny Harper (2015)

Alexa Gordon, aka Lexie, is trying to pick up her life after the unexpected death of her beloved brother, Jamie. She's back in her hometown of Hailesbank and tries to help her family and the family business. However, what Lexie loves most is to paint; it has always been her dream to have her own show at a gallery, but due to everything that has happened, this dream remains just that - a dream. Until one day an elderly lady named Edith climbs in through the Gordon family's kitchen window. Edith is looking for something and this something helps Lexie to start a new project, a project in which she is finally able to express her passion for painting but also a project that will change both her and her family's lives. It took me a bit of time to really get into the novel, but the characters and storyline managed to draw me in after a few chapters. From there, the story is captivating and beautifully written, filled with emotion, and the characters are well-drawn and fascinating. I quickly warmed to Lexie and was really curious to see whether she would be able to get on with her life after her brother's death and which choices she would make. A big focus lies on Lexie's love life, with appearances by her exes Cameron and Patrick, and I loved the fact that the story included this romance element, but also focused on other characters and the relationships between them, such as Lexie and her best friend, Molly. This novel has some great in-depth characters at its core including Edith, and the local eccentric shop owner Pavel, who really managed to steal my heart. I want to applaud the author for coming up with this emotional and wonderful tale about healing, overcoming things and going on with your life with a smile on your face. (JoH)

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Perfect Blend - Sue Margolis (2010)

Mother of one Amy would love to be a freelance journalist but for now she's working in a coffee shop with friend Brian. The business is under threat as a Bean Machine franchise is being built down the road, with cute architect Sam involved in the project. But it seems trouble is brewing with the project, which gives Amy a chance to do some investigative reporting. As usual, Margolis milks it for laughs with a fun, frothy storyline full of addictive characters (including a shaman and a erotic poet), some steamy romance - and manboobs!

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Perfect Girl - Michele Gorman (2014)

Carol is the daughter and sister everyone would love to have. She has a high demand job in the securities industry as an analyst and her days are long and stressful. In her spare time she organises her family's lives which leaves her no time for herself. After offering to help her friend find a significant other, she simply does not have enough hours in the day left. Carol is falling apart but she wants to please everyone and cannot say no. Michele Gorman has done it again, she is a fantastic storyteller and brings her stories to life for me. I felt for Carol, trying so hard to be the dependable one and not wanting to let anyone down, but she did not realize she was letting herself down most of all. This explores a great family dynamic and when everything comes to a head, what will Carol do? It's a great read - Michele Gorman does not disappoint! (KARM)

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Perfect Image - Marisa Heath (2009)

Written by a former contestant on Britain's Next Top Model, this is a story about Brit Katrina, who is finding life tough in Paris as she tries to make it as a model. But when she is picked up in a nightclub by Hollywood heart-throb Dominic Cayley, suddenly everyone wants to book her. She is soon joining Dominic's jet-set crowd, chartering a helicopter to Monaco, cruising on luxury yachts and attending red-carpet events in LA. But it doesn't take long for her to realise that behind the perfect exterior lies a world of fakes. And while Dominic is described as "diabolically handsome", diabolical is the better description. Full of bitchy, self-absorbed people but not as good as an episode of NTM.

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Perfect is Overrated - Karen Bergreen (2012)

Kate has been suffering from post-natal depression and sometimes finds it hard even to get out of bed. When one of the bitchy mothers at her daughter Molly's exclusive New York preschool is murdered, it propels Kate, a former assistant district attorney, into action. Then when another death occurs, Kate wonders if there is a connection and starts trying to find out details off her ex Paul, the lead detective on the case. As Kate starts receiving phone hang-ups and senses she is being followed, could she be the killer's next target? This is a funny story that is part mystery, part mom lit that will keep you guessing throughout.

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Perfect Match - Jane Moore (2008)

Karen and Joe's young son Ben has a life-threatening illness, which requires him to have daily injections and blood transfusions. With no matches on the bone marrow donor list - and neither being compatible - their only hope is to have a designer baby through IVF and hope he or she will be Ben's perfect match. But tests reveal that Joe is not the father and ambitious Health Secretary Nick Bright, whose wife Stella has been trying for a baby for years, enters the picture. Perhaps not as moving a story as expected but still a worthy read about a marriage under strain amid political spin doctoring.

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Perfect Match - Jodi Picoult (2003)

Nine Frost is an assistant DA who prosecutes child molesters. On a daily basis, she gets frustrated when too many criminals slip through the system and walk free. One day when Nina comes home from work, she finds out that her son Nathaniel has been sexually abused. Nathaniel will not speak to anyone as a result. Knowing what she knows about the criminal justice system and how her son's abuser could walk free, Nina decides to take justice into her own hands. As with all Picoult's court drama novels, just when you think you have figured out what has happened, she delivers a twist. This story deals with the issue of how far a mother will go to protect her children. (SG)

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Perfect on Paper - Maria Murnane (2009)

Waverly Bryson is getting married. That is, until her fiance calls off the wedding just days before their walk down the aisle. Wondering if she will ever find true love and have the life she wants, Waverly gets back to the business of living ... and dating. With the help of her two best friends, McKenna and Andie, the perfect PR job to keep her busy, and the list of "honey notes" she writes to keep her sense of humour, she resumes her single life in San Francisco and begins to tread lightly back into the dating pool, which, as she discovers, can be downright ugly at times. This is a fun read with all of the required "chick lit" elements, including exciting jobs, celebrity friends, and unlimited expense accounts. It was refreshing to read a story that takes place in San Francisco instead of New York or London. The west coast setting definitely added a more relaxed element to the characters and the story. Waverly Bryson is an endearing everywoman who I'd like to see more of in the future. (LEK)

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Perfect Strangers - Robyn Sisman (1998)

Advertising agency graphic designer Suze is a carefree single living in London. One summer she gets the opportunity to swap offices and homes with copywriter Lloyd from New York. Lloyd arrives in the UK with his finicky girlfriend Betsy, who seeing Suze's disorganised abode becomes very worried that her plants won't survive their English house guest. Meanwhile Lloyd's unaware that a colleague back home seems to be setting him up for a fall. In this delightful romantic comedy, Suze and Lloyd join forces long-distance to win back his reputation.

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Perfect Strangers - Tasmina Perry (2012)

Sophia Ellis had a charmed life. But then her father Peter took a chance with an investment, leaving his family with nothing. With her world in disarray, Sophie gets a job as a personal trainer at a gym where she meets Lana. Lana has a beautiful home in Kensington and asks Sophie to housesit while she is away. One night Sophie and her friend Francesca go to a party dressed in Lana's clothes with an invitation in Lana's name. Sophie meets Nick, a wealthy American businessman, and is immediately infatuated with him. But after a whirlwind romance, she finds him dead in his hotel. Not knowing exactly who he is or why this has happened, she starts to realise because of her past she is now a prime suspect. Ruth Boden has been a reporter for more than 20 years and she's ready to become London bureau chief but she needs one big story. When she hears about the American's death and that the prime suspect is Sophie Ellis, she knows this is the story she needs. Can she uncover the truth before her rival does or before someone kills Sophie? This is another fantastic page-turning mystery from Tasmina Perry. (CG)

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Perfect Timing - Jill Mansell (1997)

Poppy Dunbar is out celebrating her hen's night when she meets Tom. Their instant connection makes her call off her wedding - even though she doesn't know if she'll ever see Tom again. Heading to London for a fresh start, Poppy moves in with artist Caspar and begins hunting for her real father and Tom.

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Perfect Wives - Emma Hannigan (2013)

World-famous actress Jodi Ludlum has decided to go back to her roots and moves into a small cottage in the Irish town of Bakers Valley to raise her young son, Saul. Even though this means they are far away from the always-present paparazzi, they are also far from Jodi's loving husband Darius who is also a famous actor. In the same village, Francine Hennessy is trying to live up to her reputation as the perfect wife, a great mother to her four children, and a successful businesswoman, with even time to spare to bake the most delicious treats. However, both Jodi and Francine's lives are not as perfect as they might seem on the outside and slowly things are getting out of control. It won't take long before their secrets come out, and unexpectedly the two women find each other, to help them through the difficult times ahead. Emma Hannigan is an amazing storyteller and I was swept up by the storyline and its characters from the first chapter. The novel focuses on two female protagonists who are completely different but are dealing with the same problem: trying to uphold an image as a perfect woman. I instantly liked Jodi while it took me a bit longer to warm to Francine, who comes across as a bit shallow at the start, but this quickly changed as the reader got to know more about her life and feelings. The book deals with a really relevant issue, namely how women are expected to be perfect wives and mothers and how they try to uphold this image in the public eye. The book was well-paced, the chapters were not too short and not too long, just right. Overall, Perfect Wives is a heart-warming, delightful read and I already can't wait to pick up Emma's next release. (JoH)

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Personal Assets - Kelsey Browning (2013)

During their school years, Allie was Miss Popular and the rich spoilt princess who Cameron and his brother were never good enough for. When school finished, they all went their separate ways but now have found themselves back in the Texan town after life chucked obstacles in their path and forced them both to re-evaluate their life plans. Allie is back to work as a sex therapist. Cameron, who had all the makings of a professional softball player until an accident, is planning on re-opening an automotive business. When the pair of them crash into each other for the first time in years, the passion sparks. Allie is challenged to explore her sexual fantasies as her own advice is thrown back into her face by her patients. What will happen when Allie chooses Cameron for her project? Will this pair's no-strings fling turn into a serious relationship? (PP)

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Personally, I Blame My Fairy Godmother - Claudia Carroll (2010)

Jessie Woods believes in fairytales. She believes in happily-ever-afters and glass slippers - that is until her own-happily-ever-after falls apart. Jessie, having worked her way up at Channel Six, has got her own hit show called Jessie Would. So what if she has mountains of debt from spending more than she makes? So what if her gorgeous sports car has been repossessed? She still has her beautiful mansion (which she is renting and is a little too pink for her liking) and she also has a gorgeous, rich boyfriend called Sam. What else could a girl want? Well, Jessie is about to find out life isn't all warm and fuzzy when she is suddenly sacked from her cushy job after accepting a new car live on air. After becoming a tabloid magnet with loads of bad press, her darling Sam wants nothing to do with her. Neither do her so-called friends. Down and out, with no money and no home, Jessie is forced to do the unthinkable: move back home with her stepmum and awful step-sisters, Maggie and Sharon. She hasn't spoken to them in years, ever since her dad died, but with nowhere else to go, TV's former golden girl must go back to her roots. At first, Jessie is reluctant to leave the house for fear someone may notice her and alert the press. Her step-sisters just sit around watching TV all day and night and they have no social life at all and soon Jessie is joining them on the couch for hours on end. Changes are in store though when Maggie and Jessie finally break the ice and develop a friendship. When Jessie's old friend, Steve, re-emerges and offers to take a chance on Jessie when no one else will, she jumps at the opportunity to earn some money again. But things aren't always what they seem and some friends are really Jessie's biggest enemies. For this girl, the fairytale ending is the beginning of a life that is better and more fulfilling than she could have ever expected. Hilarious and heart-warming, Jessie is a character you won't soon forget. (AS)

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Persuading Annie - Melissa Nathan (2001)

In this reworking of Jane Austen's Persuasion, Annie Markham's family PR company is in trouble - and has been forced to bring in consultants to save the business - and protect the family fortunes. The head consultant is Jake, the college boyfriend Annie was once going to elope with. As company chief executive Edward romances her, Annie realises she's never gotten over Jake.

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Persuade Me - Juliet Archer (2011)

Anna Elliot has never got over her first love Rick Wentworth, the man who her family made her give up as he wasn't good enough for her. Rick moved to Australia where he became a successful researcher, documentary star and author of Sex in the Sea and looked as if he got over Anna. When Rick goes to the UK on a book tour, and the two past lovers cross paths, will they be able to persuade one another to forget the past and create a future together? This is a retelling of the Jane Austen novel Persuasion in a contemporary setting. It works really well as it brings all the quirky and loveable supporting characters of an Austen novel into a modern chick lit story. Persuade Me doesn't feel like it is a retelling of a story, none of the storylines are clumsy or felt like they'd been shoe-horned in. It was a really enjoyable read; it had all the warmth of an Austen novel with the easiness-to-read of chick lit which is a winning combination in my book! (AB)

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Petite Anglaise - Catherine Sanderson (2008)

Catherine Sanderson loved France so much that when she had finished her education, she moved to Paris where she found herself a Frenchman ('Mr Frog') and later had a child with him called 'Tadpole'. Catherine decides during a bored moment at work one day to spice things up so she creates her own blog and suddenly Petite Anglaise was born. Can Catherine balance her home life with the secret life she is living through her blog? Petite Anglaise is a true story of how a mum found love and romance in Paris by becoming the girl she'd always wanted to be. Catherine's passion for Paris is clear as she writes about the streets and sights of the beautiful city, but her descriptions of everything else in her life are slightly lacking. (LL)

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Piece of Work - Laura Zigman (2006)

Julia Einstein may have to answer to a demanding, insatiably needy person, but her three-year-old son is still the best boss she's ever had. But when her husband Peter is laid off, she has to return to the world of celebrity PR - and this time she only manages to get work at a B-grade agency, which specialises in has-been comebacks. With Peter fitting into her role at home so much better than she did, Julia knows that she has to make the perfume launch of former screen diva Mary Ford a success, even though the perfume - and the client - stink.

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Pieces of Happily Ever After - Irene Zutell (2009)

After six years of marriage, Alice soon discovers that the "happily ever after" of fairytales was in reality a string of heartaches and lies. Her attorney husband, Alex, has just left her for his trophy client, Rose Maris, a big sensation in the entertainment industry. As if this wasn't enough to shatter her life, Alice still has to deal with the paparazzi on her doorstep, explain the situation to her fairytale-obsessed five-year-old daughter Gabby and take care of her Alzheimer-stricken mother who has been kicked out of the home. This is a heartfelt and beautiful story of how a woman tries to find herself amid the chaos of picking up the pieces of a broken marriage. Heartbreaking at times, I thoroughly enjoyed every little piece. (XT)

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Pieces of You - Ella Harper (2014)

Lucy Harte works as a florist and is married to the love of her life, paramedic Luke. Everyone knows Lucy and Luke are soulmates - the real deal. However, after eight years of trying to have a baby together without any luck, things aren't going so well. Lucy wants nothing more than to have a child of her own and, even after the numerous miscarriages, she secretly has high hopes for their last IVF treatment. But then, completely unexpected, Lucy's world comes crashing down and suddenly she is forced to rethink everything and make some decisions that will change her life for ever. This book was just as compelling and heartbreaking as other readers had told me it would be; what an incredible novel by Sasha Wagstaff writing under a pen-name. The story is told from three female perspectives: the main character Lucy, her sister-in-law Nell, and her mother-in-law. The characters are really well-rounded and each had their own interesting point of view to share and story to tell. The strongest aspect of this book is undoubtedly the amazing love between Lucy and Luke. It is so obvious that these two characters are meant to be together, but at the same time the book shows that even people madly in love with one another have to overcome struggles and fight for their relationship. The blurb of the book gives away a large part of the plotline, but there were still a few twists in the story I did not see coming. This novel is so well-written and emotional; I didn't want to put it down before I knew what would eventually happen to Lucy. Somehow, this book is incredibly real and my thoughts were still on the characters a couple of days after I'd finished it. Pieces of You is an incredibly compelling, powerful, heart-breaking novel. (JoH)

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Pillow Talk - Freya North (2007)

London jeweller Petra Flint bumps into her schoolgirl crush while hunting for Easter eggs in North Yorkshire. She last saw Arlo Savidge when he was on stage in a teenage rock band. Now he's a music teacher at a boys' boarding school. As Petra spends time with Arlo, they discover they share unusual night habits - she's a sleepwalker and he's an insomniac. Read this for its well-developed characters with intriguing passions and revealing pasts.

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Pictures of Lily - Paige Toon (2010)

English schoolgirl Lily arrives in Australia, as her mother pursues yet another romance. They move in with Michael, who gets Lily holiday work at the local conservation park. There she falls for sweet-hearted koala hander Ben - only problem is he's 12 years older and about to join his fiancee in England. Ten years later, when Lily's boyfriend Richard proposes, she can't help but wonder about Ben. With the story split into the two time zones, the budding romance between Lily and Ben was really sweet but the second half dragged towards its predictable conclusion. And as usual, watch out for mentions of previous Toon characters - from Lucy and Nathan, to rock star Johnny and racing car driver Luis.

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Pictures of You - Caroline Leavitt (2011)

When two cars collide on a foggy highway, April Nash is killed. And Isabelle, the driver of the other car, is left to pick up the pieces. Not only of her own life but of the lives of April's husband and son as well. As the guilt eats away at Isabelle, she becomes very involved in Charlie and Sam's lives, and ultimately she and Charlie begin to have feelings for each other. But unanswered questions begin to come between them. Where was April driving to that fateful day? Can Charlie leave the ghost of his wife to rest and forge a life with Isabelle? Or is Isabelle wasting her time, and fooling herself into believing that there is something more between them than a way for her to ease her guilt? This was a poignant and very well-written story, portraying the lives of those left behind after a tragedy. This story of love and heartache is touching and enjoyable, with some admirable and relatable characters and the right balance between the serious and the light-hearted. (LO)

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Pinch Me - Adena Halpern (2011)

Lily is a 29-year-old successful woman who has gone from one bad boyfriend to the next to please her mother and grandmother who think that love is a curse. According to them, she should not marry a man unless he is short, bald, fat and makes her miserable. Which is why, when her handsome, caring boyfriend, Gogo, asks her to marry him atop one of the most romantic locations in the world, Lily is torn. Should she listen to her family and stay away or should she follow her heart and marry the man of her dreams? Finally, she decides that she will do what she wants for once and marry him. Who cares if her family doesn't approve? She's not out to make them happy, she is out to make herself happy. So, when Lily and Gogo elope and get married, the elated bride asks her new groom to "pinch her" to make sure it's all real. However, when he does, Lily is transported back to a time when she was single and didn't even know Gogo. In fact, he has no memory of her meeting him and is now happily married to someone else. Is this why her mother and grandmother were warning her to stay clear of marrying for love only? Tired of being unhappy, Lily must somehow find a way to break the curse that has haunted the women of her family for so many years. With a spirited cast of characters and a unique storyline, this is a funny read. It has a strong-willed and colourful main character, yet it's the supporting cast of Lily's mother, Selma, and grandmother, Dolly, who steal the show. The two of them are hilarious and seem like they need their own two-woman show. (AS)

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Pitch Perfect - LuAnn McLane (2012)

As the daughter of a wealthy businessman, Mia Monroe lived a life of privilege and luxury in Chicago. After an argument with her father, Mia takes off with no money and a rundown car to prove that she can make it on her own. When her jalopy breaks down in a small town in Kentucky, Mia gets a job waiting tables, keeping her wealthy background a secret from the residents. Cameron Patrick, a minor league baseball player, is determined to keep out of trouble. When Cameron rescues Mia from a drunken customer, a friendship develops between the two. As their friendship changes into romance, Mia's hidden past threatens their relationship. This is the third novel in the author's Cricket Creek series. Fans of the series will be happy to discover that characters from previous novels make appearances. (AO)

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Plain Truth - Jodi Picoult (2000)

This book is based on the Amish community and their ways of life. One morning a newborn is found within an Amish barn. An eighteen-year-old girl, Katie, who lives on the farm, is thought to have hidden her pregnancy and given birth in secret. After a ruling in court, attorney Ellie, who has been brought in to defend Katie over the baby's death, has to live with the Amish community. The two cultures clash and Ellie must find a way to get through to Katie whilst living as a plain. Not only does Ellie have the Amish life to deal with and a murder trial to defend, she finds herself falling for a man from the past. The book keeps you guessing until the last minute and Picoult certainly delivers a shock at the end. The storyline in thought-provoking and Picoult has really done herself justice with the research done on the Amish community. (SG)

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Plan B - Emily Barr (2005)

Emma reluctantly sells up her Brighton home after her partner Matt persuades her to buy a farmhouse in the south of France. She arrives to discover it's raining day and night, the roof is leaking and the heat's been shut off. As Matt continues to commute to London, she looks after their daughter Alice and oversees building work on the house. After all, it's all going to be worth it - Matt has promised to move permanently to France and marry her soon. But he is leading a double life and has another family back in England.

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Planning For Love - Christi Barth (2012)

Are you a fan of the movie The Wedding Planner with Jennifer Lopez and Matthew McConaughey? For me, that is one of my all-time favourite movies. Every time I watch it, I wonder what it would be like to be a wedding planner. This novel gives us an idea, with the story centred around wedding planner Ivy Rhodes, who whilst finalising the details for a wedding, meets an annoying but hot guy named Bennett. While Ivy is all about romance, Bennett doesn't believe in the true love fairytale that Ivy makes sure she creates for every wedding she plans. The characters start with that awkward I-hate-you-but-secretly-I-love-you feeling but as the story progresses, they openly fall head over heels for each other. But when things start to get too serious Bennett gets cold feet. Can Ivy prove to him that there really is such a thing as true love or will his jaded view stand in the way of his and Ivy's happiness? Planning For Love is the perfect read for all those women who as girls dreamed of creating the perfect wedding. (PP)

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Planning to Live - Heather Wardell (2010)

Rhiannon Taylor is regaining consciousness after being in a car wreck during a Christmas Day blizzard. Stuck in her car with her left leg trapped, and her mobile phone out of reach, she painfully waits for help to arrive. As time passes, she begins to wonder if she will be rescued. Through flashbacks, Rhiannon begins to think about the people in her life, the death of her fiance Bill, her weight issues, and a new relationship with her co-worker Andrew. This is a powerful and inspiring composition about courage and love underlining tragedy, death and pain. (XT)

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Players - Karen Swan (2010)

Harry Hunter is the new golden boy of the literary scene and an irrepressible playboy. With his books selling by the millions, the paparazzi on his tail, and a different woman every night, for Harry, the world is his oyster. Best friends Tor, Cress and Kate have stuck together through everything - marriages, raising children and high-flying careers. But it soon becomes every woman for themselves as each get involved in Harry's life. Will lust and a charming heartbreaker spell the end of years of friendship? It's like Sex and The City set in the glamorous heart of London, with a Jilly Cooper flavour. (PP)

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Playing Along - Rory Samantha Green (2012)

George Bryce is the lead singer of a successful British band, Thesis, but typical rock star he is not, more of a sensitive, old soul. And while he has the world at his feet, and opportunities to have the wild, debauched life of a celebrity, he feels something lacking in his life. Lexi Jacobs knows that feeling. She had her whole life mapped out with her high school sweetheart Andrew, but then he came out as gay and Lexi has been stuck in a sort of limbo, without any real purpose or focus. Now George and Lexi's worlds are about to collide. I didn't know anything about the author before reading this brilliant novel, but she is firmly planted on my literary radar now. Told through the interweaving voices of George and Lexi, Rory's writing style is fantastic and she wonderfully manages to evoke both characters and the short snappy dual narrative is hugely engaging. I particularly enjoyed the brief encounters between George and Lexi that precipitated their eventual meeting. It is a hugely romantic love story, with a cute lead and some rock and roll elements thrown in through the eccentric Fanny Arundel and George's bandmate Duncan. I felt some of the subplots, particularly the relationship between Polly and George could have been more developed, but this took nothing away from the main story. A highly addictive read, this book welcomes a new name to the world of chick lit. (JC)

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Playing Away - Adele Parks (2000)

When happily married Connie meets John Harding at a work conference, she can't help flirting. He's just so confident, alluring and unscrupulous - so unlike her gentle husband Luke. This tells the tale of what happens when you've found Mr Right but can't help throwing caution to the wind with another man. The 2007 novel Young Wives' Tales is its sequel.

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Playing James - Sarah Mason (2002)

Budding reporter Holly Colshannon is determined to make her mark when she's assigned to the crime round at the Bristol Gazette. Set to write a daily column about life on the beat, she is partnered with Detective James Sabine, who is certainly not keen to be shadowed by a reporter - especially one who is no stranger to the casualty department. But at least he only has to put up with her for six weeks until he marries his society bride. As the pair investigates a series of antique thefts, the bickering soon develops into a close bond. Will the loveable reporter get her man? The scenarios may not exactly mirror real life (what regional newspaper has the resources to send one reporter off like that for a month?) but the laugh-out-loud moments are certainly real enough.

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Playing for Keeps - LuAnn McLane (2011)

Former major league baseball player Noah Falcon's character has recently been killed off in a popular soap opera. Noah returns to his small hometown, Cricket Creek, Kentucky, to hone his acting skills in the town's community theatre production. Olivia Lawson tutored Noah Falcon years ago in high school. Olivia recalls how Noah snubbed her in high school when she was a geeky bookworm. She is now a respected high school teacher. When Olivia lands the lead opposite Noah, the sparks fly on and off the stage. Secondary characters Madison, the playwright, and Jason, the local handyman hired to construct the set, add heat to the pages of the book as they underline the novel's theme that opposites attract. This is the first novel in the author's Cricket Creek trilogy. As a fan of will-they-or-won't-they novels, I enjoyed this fun read. (AO)

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Playing the Field - Zoe Foster (2010)

Aspiring jewellery designer Jean is just settling into life in Sydney when she spills a drink on rugby player Josh Fox. Not being a football fan herself, she has no idea who Josh is until her sister Colette starts seeing his brother Frank. Unfortunately Josh is not a free agent - he and the chairman's daughter, Tess, are the game's dream couple. But after Josh's nasty split with Tess, Jean is straight off the benches to join the WAG ranks. As her hair becomes blonder and her clothes get tighter, Jean has to deal with all that being a WAG entails - such as Mad Monday shenanigans and jealous fans. Plus she's trying to outrun a hard-hitting rival who wants her man and WAG status back. Written by an ex WAG, this will appeal to those wanting a glimpse into that glossy inner circle. Watch out for the cameo from Hannah, the heroine of Air Kisses.

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Playing The Game - Barbara Taylor Bradford (2010)

Annette Remmington and her older husband, Marius, are both successful in their careers. Marius runs a gallery of his own and helps support Annette in her art consultancy business. When client Christopher Delaware asks her to help auction off his late uncle's art collection, Marius wants to promote her success by getting celebrity journalist Jack Chalmers to write a feature on his wife. But Annette and Jack's relationship becomes more than professional - even as he uncovers a dark secret from the past. (JG)

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Playing with Boys - Alisa Valdes Rodriguez (2004)

Alexis is a talent agent in LA trying to take Mexican music into the mainstream. She's always looking out for new talent, so when she bumps into Latina soap star Marcella she thinks she's found the next big movie star. Then she meets Olivia, a shy stay-at-home mum who's written a dynamite script about how her mother survived after her husband was gunned down in El Salvador. The three band together to try to get the movie made.

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Please Don't Stop the Music - Jane Lovering (2011)

Jemima is on the run from her past trying to make ends meet making and selling jewellery. But her endeavours look set to fail when the scary Saskia stops stocking it in her shop. After a lucky encounter, Jemima starts to supply her jewellery to a tiny music shop run by the mysterious Ben. Jemima seems to be the only person in the world who doesn't know that Ben was in the successful band Willow Down until he fled and quit. As the two of them get closer, they grow further apart too, afraid to reveal their secrets and trust each other. Written well, the diary entries from Ben so you get into his head are a nice touch. Quirky and dark in places, the secrets in this keep you gripped right from the start. (AB)

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Please Forgive Me - Melissa Hill (2009)

Leonie has just arrived in San Francisco, leaving behind her fiance Adam in Dublin. Apart from her best friend, Leonie doesn't want anyone to know where she is, especially Adam. In her new apartment she discovers a bundle of unopened letters, written to a Helena from Nathan begging her to forgive him. With forgiveness obviously on Leonie's mind, she sets out to uncover who the couple are so she can return the letters. She is aided on her quest by her neighbour Alex, a TV producer who seems to be hiding a secret from her past as well. Melissa Hill is chick lit's master of plot twists and I have to admit one of my life goals is to work out where her story is going before she reveals it to her readers. This was my seventh, unsuccessful attempt! With three story threads to resolve - Leonie's, Alex's and Helena/Nathan's - this is a real pageturner that will leave you guessing then reassessing the clues all the way through.

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Polly - Freya North (1998)

Things get pretty tangled when English Lit teacher Polly Fenton heads off on an exchange to Vermont in the US. Despite boyfriend Max proposing at the airport, Polly gets a crush on phys ed teacher Chip. His girlfriend, Jen, is Polly's replacement in England - and maybe in Max's life.

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Poor Little Bitch Girl - Jackie Collins (2009)

The bitch girl is this novel is Annabelle Maestro, the daughter of two famous movie stars. Annabelle lives in New York and runs a high-end call girl service. When Annabelle's mother is murdered, her father becomes a suspect. Denver Jones, a former high school classmate of Annabelle, is representing Annabelle's father. Denver's best friend from high school, Carolyn Henderson, is an assistant and mistress to a Senator in Washington D.C. When Carolyn announces to the married senator that she is carrying his baby, she mysteriously disappears. Denver attempts to track down Carolyn with the help of handsome and sexy Bobby Santangelo Stanislopolous. Bobby is the son of the notorious Lucky, a recurring character in Collin's novels. This novel is a fun read filled with lots of sex, lies and gorgeous people. (AO)

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Pop Tart - Julianne Kaye and Kira Coplin (2009)

Jackie O'Reilly was born into a Hollywood family, yet her parents always discouraged her from going into a Hollywood career. They'd seen it all too often - the pitfalls of fame taking down one weak celebrity at a time. But Jackie still wants to be in with the "it" crowd, go to all the hottest parties and know all the hottest people. After dropping out of college, Jackie gets a job at a make-up store in LA, while waiting for her big break. When her boss gets into a scandal and can't make one of their scheduled events, Jackie is told to go alone to represent the company. Doing the make-up of up-and-coming star Brooke Parker and a few twists of fate brings Jackie into a whole new world. Brooke wants Jackie to be her one and only make-up artist and accompany her on tour, to concerts and even to the hottest events in town. As Jackie and Brooke develop a friendship, they hop from party to party and get in more trouble for their wild antics than one could imagine. Unable to resist all the temptations of drugs, alcohol binges and all-night parties, the world of Hollywood's glitz and glamour starts to take its toll on one of the world's fastest rising pop stars and Brooke starts to unravel, with Jackie pretty close to unravelling herself. Brooke misses being able to go out without paparazzi following her every move and starts to rebel - in very dangerous ways. With no one to really look out for her - Brooke's manager sees her as a money pot more than a person - Jackie is the only one she can turn to. When Jackie loses her job for looking out for Brooke's wellbeing, she is forced to really think about where her true loyalties lie: with Brooke, whose world she has been consumed by, or with herself who she has been neglecting. This novel is about finding out who you truly are in a world where everyone is fake. It is a fun and wild ride through the rise and ultimate fall of one of the world's most famous pop stars. Kaye has been a make-up artist to the stars, while Coplin works in the LA media. (AS)

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Positively Yours - Amanda Hearty (2009)

Beth Prendergast has never had much luck in love, despite her good looks and high-flying job at Burlington Stockbrokers - that is, until Tom Maloney appears. Her boss is exactly the man Beth has wanted in her life - charming, successful, knowledgeable and proud of who she is, rather than being too concerned with their own ego like other men. However, when she discovers she's pregnant, Tom begins to avoid her, leaving her to take up the responsibility alone. For Grace Miller, ever since she agreed to marry Ethan, she decided to let go of her Irish past and embrace the American way of life. But when Ethan is asked to oversee the firm in Ireland, Grace starts to worry about being back in her hometown. Interior designer Erin Delaney is leading a happy married life with her supportive and loving husband John. All that's missing is a baby. But her desperate attempts to start a family take a toll on her work, and even her marriage. This book details the struggles each women faces in her life, especially in regards to how they deal with motherhood and the changes that accompany it. An enjoyable and light read, this serves as a great book to delight and inspire the many new mothers who are embracing pregnancy. (XT)

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Postcards from the Heart - Ella Griffin (2011)

This follows the complicated lives of four friends. From the outside, Saffy looks like she's got things sorted - glitzy job, check, an apartment on the right side of town, check, TV star boyfriend, check. But what if she wants a TV star husband? Greg, the star in question, is about to get his big break in Hollywood. Where does that leave him and Saffy? As for Greg's best friend Conor, he's no more sorted in the love department. His long-term girlfriend Jess, with whom he has two kids, won't marry him - something he desperately wants to change her mind about. He keeps his mind off his predicament by writing his novel and wondering if he will ever get anywhere with it. For these four people, happy endings are starting to drift further and further away - and the fact that everyone's keeping secrets isn't helping matters either... While I enjoyed the plot, what I really loved about the book was Ella Griffin's writing - it is sophisticated, accomplished and intrinsically witty. Her words flow wonderfully, and the humour is embedded into the tale in a really subtle manner. I initially liked the characters - even Greg (his habit of mixing up his words affords great comic effect) - then grew to care about them. For me, this book was indicative of a writer with a lot to give in the future. Roll on her next book! (SBB)

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Post Grad - Emily Cassel (2009)

Ryden Malby has just graduated college and has her life planned out - from the perfect job that she is certainly going to get to the perfect apartment that she will be moving into. But things don't go as planned for Ryden and she doesn't understand why. After getting beaten by her nemesis, Jessica, for the perfect job, Ryden goes on a string of interviews and is turned down for each one. On top of being obviously unemployable, Ryden has been forced to move back home and deal with her crazy family: her wacky, try-anything father who is always thinking up plans to start a new at-home business that never really takes him in the direction he wants; her very strange but comical little brother Hunter, who enjoys licking the heads of kids at school; her grandmother Maureen, who is obsessed with her own death; and her very patient, even-tempered mother who rounds out the nutty clan. With her hands full at home, Ryden hates the fact that her life has not turned out as planned. The only person she can turn to is childhood friend Adam, who always makes everything better. When Ryden's luck suddenly changes one morning after spending the night waiting to bail her father from jail, she realises that everything she thought she wanted may not be what she needs. Post Grad tells a great story of life after college and has many laugh-out-loud moments. This is a movie tie-in novel for the film starring Alexis Bledel (Gilmore Girls) as Ryden. (AS)

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Practice Makes Perfect - Julie James (2009)

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

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Prada and Prejudice - Katie Oliver (2014)

Natalie Dashwood has been summonsed to attend a board meeting about the financial woes of her grandfather's department store. After not getting off to the best start with Rhys Gordon - the man brought in to save the store - Natalie is called upon to help with the store's revamp. Step one is curbing her own extravagant spending. Step two is using her socialite connections to boost the star power at the store's big re-launch, including convincing her rock star ex-boyfriend Dominic to sing at the event. With the media hot on her heels over her relationship with Rhys and a creepy colleague stalking her, it's time for Natalie to prove she's more heiress than airhead. This light-hearted read is a very promising debut, with several sub-plots to keep the story kicking along.

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Prayers for the Dying - Suzanne Jenkins (2012)

This is the fourth book in the series about Jack Smith and his wife Pam and their families. Like all of the other books, it doesn't matter if you have read the books in the series or not, as they can be read individually. This book starts off with Pam being newly engaged to Jack and looking forward to the life that lies ahead of her whilst Ash, Jack's lover since their teenage years, is left devastated that Jack has chosen a woman over him. The book continues with Ashley and Jack's story from the past and Pam's story from the present where she has been left dealing with being HIV positive, a legacy she shares with others courtesy of Jack. When Marie, Pam's sister and another of Jack's AIDS victims, finds she is pregnant with her new partner Steve's child, life continues to throw a few curve balls. I have enjoyed reading all four of Suzanne Jenkins' books and would recommend them to anyone. (LM)

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Pretty in Ink - Lindsey J. Palmer (2014)

The staff at Hers magazine is shaken when their beloved editor-in-chief is replaced by the ruthless Mimi Walsh. Mimi's quest to turn the lifestyle magazine into a more celebrity-driven tabloid publication leaves the employees on edge as they question how, if at all, they fit in with this new vision. Palmer, who has extensive experience in the publishing world, brings to life a chaotic workplace full of drama and gossip, and the period of transition portrayed is quite humorous. Each chapter is told from the point of view of a different character. Unfortunately, I found that this approach did not allow me to really get to know any of the characters, and therefore I wasn't as invested in their journeys as I would have liked. Nonetheless, Pretty in Ink succeeds in giving readers the impression that they are getting an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at women's magazines. (LB)

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Pretty in Plaid - Jen Lancaster (2009)

In Pretty in Plaid: A Life, a Witch, and a Wardrobe, or, the Wonder Years Before the Condescending, Egomaniacal, Self-Centered Smart-Ass Phase, Jen Lancaster whisks us back (in a time-travelling DeLorean, perhaps?) to the defining moments in her life that made her the snarky, ambitious fashionista we have all grown to love. Whether she is scamming her way to a badge-filled Girl Scout sash, purchasing her very first designer handbag (Liz Claiborne, thank you very much), or modelling her first interview suit for Fletch ("Does Captain Stuebing know you're not on the Lido deck right now?"), we are again treated to the self-deprecating humour that is Jen's trademark. With fashion references that anyone who lived through the 80s will cringe at (can you say big hair, Gloria Vanderbilt and jelly shoes?) you will no doubtedly relate to all that Jen went through to become, well, Jen. (LEK)

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Pretty Little Mistakes - Heather McElhatton (2007)

This novel is an adult version of the popular Choose Your Own Adventure books. The author writes one or two-page stories and then the reader chooses which path they want the character to follow next. The character is always referred to as "you" and it is inevitable that even if the reader chooses a good and reasonable path the result is depressing. Everything seems to result in rape, meth addiction, killing your husband with a beef tenderloin, tripping on your high heels and fracturing your skull, or being blown up by a bomb. This do-over novel may amuse some but to me it is just morbid, violent and very disappointing. (AO)

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Pretty Shore – Carla Caruso (2014)

In this sequel to A Pretty Mess, Celeste Pretty can't wait for her holiday with her hunky boyfriend Lenny Muscat in the small beach town of Robe. However, Celeste's holiday doesn't officially start until she has finished her latest assignment, organising the house of designer Sabine, one of the Robe locals who also happens to be the mother of supermodel Romy who died recently. While Celeste's assistant, Flip, is unexpectedly distracted by bad boy Blaise, who is rumoured to have been involved in Romy's death, Celeste has her hands full not only dealing with her best friend suddenly not talking to her anymore but also the gorgeous local real estate agent, who seems to have set her sights on Lenny. This was just as thoroughly entertaining and a fun read as A Pretty Mess. I love Carla Caruso's writing style; it's well-paced, really comfortable to read, and perfect for the chick lit genre. Celeste and Flip are two great characters and I loved the fact that the author decided to focus on both women's storylines. The novel is perfect for the summer since it is set near the beach. I definitely advise readers to first pick up A Pretty Mess because I think it makes the reading experience more fun if you know the characters' background stories. Overall, Pretty Shore is a summery, entertaining read with a good dose of fun, secrets, and intrigue. (JoH)

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Priceless - Nicole Richie (2010)

Charlotte Williams has it all. She's got a rich, doting father, great friends and has just spent a year in Paris. Upon her return to her penthouse in New York, Charlotte gets back into the groove of clubbing with her friends and enjoying the good life. It's a short-lived reunion however, because Charlotte's father has pleaded guilty to a massive Wall Street fraud. Before she can blink her eyes, Charlotte's friends have abandoned her and she's lost everything she's ever known. Not knowing what else to do, Charlotte heads to New Orleans to stay with her former nanny, Millie. While New Orleans is nothing like New York, it does have its charms and Charlotte soon begins to enjoy herself. She meets new friends and even falls for Millie's handsome son, Jackson. Charlotte also discovers her singing voice, which she inherited from her late mother. This is a novel which fits well with Nicole Richie's own lifestyle: celebrities, money, drugs and other Hollywood cliches. However, it's a bit drab and boring in parts. While Charlotte has a wild streak - reminiscent of Richie's - and she is able to find her strength when faced with adversity, it's not enough to save this novel from itself. In the end, it's nothing more than another novel by another celebrity. It doesn't bring anything new to the table and certainly leaves a lot to be desired. (AS)

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Prima Donna - Karen Swan (2011)

Pia Soto is a glamorous ballerina who believes she is the best dancer in the world and she displays her arrogant attitude to anyone who meets her. She came from nothing and is very proud of the empire she has created. And usually her assistant Sophie is on hand to do everything for her. One day Pia gets into a freak accident that causes her to have to rely on a man, Will Silk, who she knows little about. Is her illustrious career about to be cut short or will this incident cause her to reassess her whole life - and attitude? Full of diva behaviour and behind-the-scene looks at the gruelling ballet world, this is perhaps "tutu" good to miss! (CG)

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Prime Time - Jane Wenham-Jones (2011)

Laura Meredith never thought she would be on television. In fact she feels too old, flabby and suffers from PMT which isn't helped by worrying about her son adjusting to life with her as a single parent after her husband, Daniel, leaves her for a younger, thinner woman. Things begin to change for Laura after her best friend, Charlotte, convinces her to go on a daytime TV show to talk about her PMT. Suddenly Laura is asked to appear on another TV show which sees her being filmed as she reinvents herself. As time passes, Laura begins to wonder if she could also make things work with a younger partner. Meanwhile her son Stanley is having difficulties at school, while Charlotte and Roger begin to have difficulties in their marriage. Can she help put all this to rights whilst continuing to hold down her regular job and complete the filming? This enjoyable, funny book keeps you wanting to read on whilst providing you with a few laughs. (LM)

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Private Lives - Tasmina Perry (2011)

Anna Kennedy loves being an attorney for a media law firm - ever since she started at Davidson Lewis law firm all she wanted was to become partner. At a party she runs into Helen Pierce, a ruthless attorney for major media law firm Donovan and Pierce, who convinces Anna to jump ship. Anna starts on a new case for Sam Charles, the heart-throb actor who is dating America's sweetheart Jessica Carr. Sam was caught in a compromising situation with someone else and Anna's task is to keep it out of the public eye. But the court gag order is lifted after someone leaks the story to the press. And Anna is certain that it was not an accident that this story got out. With her job in the balance she receives a note from a young girl stating that someone had murdered her party girl sister Amy, known for dating influential men. Anna realises she's involved in a dangerous game as she attempts to find out who leaked the Sam Charles story and uncover who killed Amy. Another great read from Tasmina Perry, this gives a great insight into the world of media law and how ruthless people can be for their clients. Perry successfully mixes the sizzling aspects of the bonkbuster genre with a mystery that keeps you guessing throughout. (CG)

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Private Members - Leonie Fox (2007)

There's never a dull moment at exclusive country club St Benedict's. Its members include light-fingered Keeley who dates an Italian footballer despite not being able to speak a word of Italian; predatory widow Marianne who's always on the lookout for a man; Laura who's married to playboy pro golfer Sam; and American Cindy, who has just moved in and is looking for friends and homes to decorate. Then there's its staff such as demanding French chef Xavier who is married to Sam's caddie Ali, pro shop staffers Jeff, Ace and Dylan who deal in more than just designer shirts, and masseuse Astrid who likes to instil discipline in her clients. When reclusive injured racing car driver Jackson who once dated Laura moves into the neighbourhood, things heat up even more. For those who like raunchy reads.

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Project Jennifer - Jill Amy Rosenblatt (2008)

For secretary Joan Benjamin, bad things not only come in threes, but also in the form of Jennifer. In just one week, she sees her ex-fiance Michael marry another woman, loses her cushy job and is forced out of her apartment. All because of women named Jennifer. For Joan, who at 30 still hasn't settled down with a man or career, it's enough to make her want to be someone else - someone called Jennifer. So she embarks on a new persona, striving to become a thinner, sexier, more composed, successful woman - just like all those perfect Jennifers with the world at their feet. But at what cost to her true self? An enjoyable debut about a grown woman still trying to find her way - before she earns herself a bad name.

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Promises, Promises - Erica James (2010)

House cleaner Maggie promises to stand up for herself more, particularly around her pushy, rude clients, slobby husband Dave and obnoxious mother-in-law Brenda. Businessman Ethan, who is married to one of Maggie's rudest clients, Francine, aims to stay away from other women. But his pledge is tested when he meets Ella, the painting specialist hired by the free-spending Francine for yet another spot of redecorating. But Ella - who has just ended a seven-year-relationship with widower Lawrence, finally driven away by his non-accepting daughter Alexis - has vowed to let her head rule over her heart for once. Read this for its characters, including the appalling Francine and her vengeful neighbour, Christine. For readers who have found James' books always offer the promise of a good read - this one won't let you down either.

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Promises to Keep - Jane Green (2010)

aka The Love Verb

This touching story is centred around two very different sisters. The vivacious Callie has a settled, happy life with her husband and two children and pursues her passion for photography. The free-spirited Steffi, a vegan chef, is just about ready to quit her latest job and boyfriend, and take up the offer to live in a country home nearer her sister. And it seems the chance to be close to family is never more timely. With Green inspired to write this book after a friend's illness, it is a tearjerker but the way she weaves the story ensues it never becomes unbearably traumatic. It's definitely her most soulful book to date.

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Prospect Park West - Amy Sohn (2009)

Brooklyn's Park Slope neighbourhood is the place to live if you are a neurotic SAHM (stay-at-home mom) continually obsessing about your child's wellbeing. From the best public education money can buy to organic baby food from the Prospect Park Food Coop, and of course, playmates with well-connected parents, Park Slope has it all ... including four dissatisfied mothers. Melora Leigh is growing increasingly frustrated with her acting career, her distant actor-writer husband, and her adopted son to the point that she does whatever she can to feel the thrill of life again. Lizzie O'Donnell, dealing with loneliness while her musician husband is on the road, finds herself continually drawn to women even though she considers herself a "hasbian" since getting married and having her son. Rebecca Rose longs for the sex life she had with her husband before having her daughter. When a flirtation with a neighbourhood dad at the Coop is taken to the next level, she must decide what she really wants out of life. Karen Bryan Shapiro is a social climber of the highest order. In an effort to obtain the perfect address so her son can attend the best school in Brooklyn, she resorts to some very unsavoury behaviour. The lives of Melora, Lizzie, Rebecca, and Karen become dizzyingly intertwined in this dishy, frank, but completely over-the-top and stereotypical look at life in Brooklyn. The book suffers from the author including too many characters who aren't developed to their potential. (LEK)

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PS I Love You - Cecelia Ahern (2004)

Holly's husband, Gerry, dies from a brain tumour, just as she is about to turn 30. Her parents pass on a parcel from him, which has 10 envelopes in it - each one listing a monthly mission for her to get her life back on track. With some help from her friends and family, Holly finds she can still laugh, sing and be brave - as the love of her life helps her learn that life goes on.

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Psych Major Syndrome - Alicia Thompson (2009)

First-year psychology student Leigh can't stop analysing everything in her life. She attends a small liberal arts college in California named Stiles where everybody knows everybody's business and everyone has a plan for the future. Leigh feels the pressure from classmates to start planning her senior thesis. If that isn't enough, Leigh is worried about her relationship with boyfriend Andrew. Why doesn't he care for her the way he used to? Why after a year of being together haven't they had sex yet? And why is Leigh having sexy dreams with Andrew's roommate, Nathan? Written with a sharp and witty tone, this is a story about letting go of your fears and following the only voice worth listening to, your heart. (MY)

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Pug Hill - Alison Pace (2006)

Pugs to Hope McNeil signify peacefulness, love, happiness - everything she desires the most in life. Due to many reasons, she can only enjoy the company of these dogs on Pug Hill. Her increased infatuation with co-worker Elliot, an erratic relationship with her squash-loving boyfriend, and a terrible fear of public speaking are the main problems in her life. When she gets a surprise call from her dad asking her to give a speech at their 40th wedding anniversary party, Hope is taken aback. Can she handle all the pressure? Will Pug Hill provide her with all the courage she needs to solve all her problems? (XT)

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Puppy Love - Frauke Scheunemann (2012)

When Hercules the Dachshund puppy gets rescued from the dog shelter by his new owner, he thinks he's struck gold. His new owner, Caroline, is just perfect, the only problem is her choice in men. Not impressed with her boyfriend, Thomas, he schemes to get rid of him and then he's shocked that it makes her miserable. In a bid to cheer her up he starts a quest to find Caroline a new mate, unfortunately it's tricky for a puppy to understand what women want. This is a really likeable, endearing book; sort of Disney meets chick lit. As a dog person I really enjoyed imagining what Hercules the dog thought about human relationships - and it made me look at my dog in a different way! (AB)

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Pursuing the Times - Lauren Baratz-Logsted (2012)

When Mercury Lauren set out to become an author, she didn't expect to be tagged as a "chick lit" author. Nor was being constantly condescended to and snubbed by almost the entire literary world plus her own family on her to-do list. But somehow her brilliant satire was branded as chick lit. Now, Mercury feels that the only way to redeem her work and raise her status to that of the "literary" elite is to have one of her books reviewed by the esteemed New York Times Book Review. Miraculously, a golden opportunity to impress the editor of NYTBR falls quite unexpectedly in Mercury's lap. But it happens so unexpectedly, that in an ultimate faux pas she not only antagonizes the editor Frank but also manages to make sure that he doesn't even consider her work. And thus begins the hunt where Mercury tries to salvage her folly and literally stalks the NYBTR editor (virtually as well as physically) to persuade him to review her work. This book is without any doubt an absolute riot right from the outset, with its equal measures of wit, sarcasm and snarkiness. This is a laugh-out-loud encore of Pride and Prejudice yet it has a unique, hilarious spin. The best part was that the reader can relate to Mercury's lone struggle - in order to be recognised and accepted by her own kin when she is herself battling with her own anxieties. There is also a delicious assortment of characters including the sardonic family, an angelic book agent and a National Book award winner who turns out to be Mercury's rival yet best friend. (PD)

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