Table for Seven - Whitney Gaskell (2013)

Table for Seven follows a group of friends who begin a monthly "dinner club" after they attend a smashing New Year's Eve dinner party thrown by Fran and Will. Each month a different guest hosts and you get to follow their monthly menus and conversations. The dinner guests are all in different places in their lives which keeps the book interesting. There's the ideal couple Fran and Will, who are dealing with their "perfect" marriage turning out to be less than great. Audrey is a young widow who is lonely but scared to re-enter the dating pool. Mark and Jamie are in the throes of dealing with making a blended family work between their two children and Mark's daughter from his first marriage. Leland, a wise 75-year-old widower, imparts great wisdom to the table, while Cooper is a sexy bachelor who is considering settling down for the first time. I think some characters got too much focus, and others weren't nearly as fleshed out. But overall, this was a very interesting read - I found myself laughing, crying, and always hungry! (AV)

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Tainted - Brooke Morgan (2009)

Englishman Jack Dane came into the life of Cape Codder Holly Barrett and her five-year-old daughter, Katy, like a breath of fresh air. He was handsome and charming and immediately took to Katy as if she were his own daughter. Holly is swept off her feet as their whirlwind romance progresses to marriage. But is Jack all that he seems? Sometimes, it seems like he is hiding something. Holly's grandfather, Henry, is suspicious enough of Jack to take matters into his own hands - a mistake everyone will regret for the rest of their lives. When Holly begins to realise what Jack really is, she must find the inner strength to save the ones she loves. Undeniably creepy, yet compelling, this novel examines the depths people will go to have everyone perceive them as someone they aren't. It is suspenseful and heartbreaking at times, and is sure to prove a story that will stick with you for years to come. (AS)

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Take a Chance - Sarah Webb (2005)

When Gemma Redden, the Agnetha of Abba tribute band AbbaFab, breaks her ankle on stage, she turns to younger sister Mia to step into the white thigh-high boots. But Mia, whose older sister Wendy (aka Frida) became her guardian when their mother died, lacks confidence in her ability to perform. Things come to a head when Wendy has a terrible accident - threatening to blow apart the band and the sisters' bond. It didn't take much to guess the family secret.

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Take a Look at Me Now - Miranda Dickinson (2013)

When Nell Sullivan's on-off boyfriend calls her into his office in the planning department where they both work, Nell is sure he's about to suggest they make a fresh go of things. But instead he breaks the news that she is being made redundant. Without a job or a boyfriend, Nell decides she needs to get away and settles on San Francisco where her cousin Lizzie lives. And the city offers Nell some amazing experiences that encourage her to follow her dreams. But before long she has to return home to London and try to make her dreams a reality. I enjoyed the escapist feel of this novel and could really feel the spirit of San Francisco and Nell's excitement. I thought the story developed well and I liked the fact that we see Nell back home in England after her San Francisco visit and thought this final section really helped the story progress. There were some great characters in the novel too. Aside from Nell who is a likeable protagonist, Max is the perfect hero with the right amount of charm and self-consciousness, whilst best friend Vicky and the charismatic Mr and Mrs Alfaro are wonderful creations. Although there were moments of predictability, these were matched by some nice surprises and the warmth and heart of this story shines through. (JC)

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Take a Chance on Me - Jill Mansell (2010)

Jill Mansell is one of those authors you never have to take a chance on. This, her 21st novel, proves again that she always delivers easy-to-devour stories with engaging characters. For sisters Cleo and Abbie, the men in their lives both have secrets that are going to turn everything on its head. Cleo thinks she may have found The One in her new boyfriend Will but then why does she still let her teenage tormentor, Johnny LaVenture, get to her so much? And her sister Abbie makes a shocking discovery when she delves around in husband Tom's sock drawer - one that leaves her very much on the outer in her own home. This also has a strong supporting cast of characters, including a chubby radio DJ called Ash who finds he gets incredibly tongue-tied around the girl of his dreams, and Georgia, the girl who's going to iron her way to fortunes.

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Take It Like a Mom - Stephanie Stiles (2011)

Lawyer Annie has been out of the workforce since having her son, Robby, three years ago. This story follows her through the ups and downs of motherhood - such as finding out number two is unexpectedly on its way just as husband Alex is having problems at work. From run-ins with over-zealous parents in the schoolyard and trying to hide from her mother's critical gaze, Annie believes her frenetic life is playing out just like a sitcom - if only she could wiggle her nose and work some magic like Samantha from Bewitched. It took me a little time to get into the author's cutting humour but it's well worth sticking around for this welcome addition to mom lit.

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Take Mum Out - Fiona Gibson (2014)

Alice is a single mom with two teenage boys who are a handful. She has steered clear of the drama of dating because her life is so busy with raising the boys, running her home-based meringue business and a full-time job at the kids' school. Her three girlfriends decide to change Alice's pathetic love life and decide to take matters into their own hands, and so begins the adventure! This book was laugh-out-loud funny. The story will be relatable to many of us in some way, the reality of being a mum, for the full-time working mum and for the single parents out there. The quest to find true love in spite of the odds is alive in all of us, as well as finding that someone who will accept and love us for who we are. It's a great story with an unexpected ending that will appeal to many. (KARM)

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Taking Charge - Mandy Baggot (2012)

Robyn Matthers is back in America after spending nine years in the UK. She flies back to meet her ill father, to deal with his punk girlfriend, to restore their roadhouse to its former glory and to take the charge of a community ice-hockey team. She not only meets charming Cole Ryan, a former ice-hockey player who could be a new member of her team much to the dismay of other members, she also unexpectedly bumps into the man who was the reason why she left America in the first place. Things take a turn for the worse when she is forced to leave her aunt's house because of her cunning twin sisters and has left no place to go but Cole's. Is it possible that she could fall in love with him in just three days while her ex-boyfriend Brad wants nothing from her but a second chance? This book is fast and bubbly. A perfect read for those who believe that love can happen when you least expect it. (SS)

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Tales From a Hen Weekend - Olivia Ryan (2007)

Katie is engaged to Matt and about to set off on her hen weekend to Dublin. She's not happy about her fiance taking off to Prague with the boys for 10 days but it seems what he's up to is the least of her worries. With alcohol loosening lips, her mum, sister and close friends start revealing some big secrets. As a treasure hunt introduces the bride-to-be to Harry - as in find a gorgeous man - it seems Katie's keeping the biggest secret of them all. Fasten your veil, raise your glass and expect the unexpected - this page-turner is a real gift.

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Tales From a Honeymoon Hotel - Olivia Ryan (2009)

Three couples meet up in Croatia on their honeymoons. Childhood sweethearts Gemma and Andy seem the perfect couple but one of the other island visitors seems to know Andy far too well. Older couple Ruby and Harold are hoping for a fresh start after some pretty troubled times but Harold just can't seem to work up the energy to enjoy his honeymoon. And Jo and Mark have just married because she is pregnant. But Jo can't seem to stand his fussing - especially as he's not even the father. Told from the viewpoints of the three women, this is the last book in the Tales From trilogy and like the earlier books, there are lots of plot twists and character secrets to keep you in suspense. I really wish there were more to come!

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Tales From a Wedding Day - Olivia Ryan (2008)

It's Samantha's wedding day and as her best friend and chief bridesmaid, Allie is ready to leap into action whenever and wherever trouble looms. And Samantha's madcap family is unlikely not to get into trouble. The bride is scared about settling down; her spoilt younger sister Chloe is bringing an uninvited guest; her grandfather doesn't know what day it is; and her young nephew Troy can't help misbehaving. And it seems Sam has also invited their treacherous ex-friend Julia to the wedding while her brother David seems to have his eye on Abbie. With the story set over the course of the big day, this is another delightful tale from Ryan, one of chick lit's most recent great finds.

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Tales from my Hard Drive - Megan Karasch (2010)

Melissa, a 40-year-old writer, has just found her husband Brett in a compromising position with another woman. She decides to leave him a note with divorce papers and hop on the first plane out of Los Angeles headed towards New York City. She ends up staying with an old friend, Wendy, who's married with three kids, and finds a job as a writer for trendsetter.com. Wendy encourages her to try internet dating and after her first "date" with a man who thinks it is funny to slam his head into his cappuccino just to get a reaction out of her, she decides to write to the New York Beacon newspaper chronicling her dating fiascos. Even though she thought she had "The One" before will Melissa be able to find her true love? This is a hilarious tale about internet dating and how absurd men can be on first dates! I look forward to more from this author. (CG)

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Tales From the Yoga Studio - Rain Mitchell (2010)

Yoga instructor Lee has a strained relationship with her husband Alan. Alan is also co-owner of their yoga studio - Edendale Yoga - located in the hipster town Silver Lake, which makes things even more complicated. Katherine, a masseuse at Edendale Yoga, has a colourful history but is now looking for a steady relationship to match her new lifestyle. While Imani, a famous actress, is having troubles letting go of her own heartbreaking past. Stephanie - a screenwriter and quite the firecracker - is looking to unwind, while talented dancer Graciela is looking to mend a questionable injury. Rain Mitchell has a talent of bringing the characters together while also giving the reader a glimpse of what's going on "behind the scenes" in their lives as well. The book starts quick and interesting but somewhere in the middle gets tedious. While I enjoyed the ending, it took too long to get there. (AV)

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Tales of a Drama Queen - Lee Nichols (2004)

Life would be perfect for Elle Medina and her attorney fiancé Louis, if he hadn't married someone else on a business trip to Iowa. So Elle moves to Santa Barbara to be with her best friend Maya and her boyfriend, Perfect Brad, to start again. She just needs to find a job, an apartment and a new boyfriend - and avoid a credit card collection agent. But this proves rather challenging as she finds it hard to hold down a job and the only man she meets has awful red hair.

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Talking to Addison - Jenny Colgan (2001)

Holly Livingston is a "freelance florist" (which is her flowery way of saying that she is in-between jobs). Being a general under-achieving "free-spirit", she is always stuck sharing a flat with the most outlandish people. But the need to escape the nightmare of flat-hopping pushes Holly to the verge of desperation and even the coffin-sized box room in a flat shared by her old college friends Josh and Kate seems palatial to her. Josh is a legal assistant who is perpetually confused as his sexual orientations always keeps changing. Kate (who never misses a chance to wind up Holly) is an uptight, uber-successful workaholic, who has a knack for getting into relationships with married men. However, it's their fourth lodger - the gorgeous ("Johnny Depp in geek form"), mysterious Addison who has Holly reeling. But for the elusive Addison, life revolves around computers, Star Trek and his overweight internet girl friend Claudia who lives 4000 miles away. The story encompasses Holly's quest to hook up with Addison who doesn't even remotely reciprocate her feelings. With her trademark humour, quirky gags and sarcastic observations, the author has whipped out a light-hearted and amusing story about the complexities of romance. (PD)

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Talk Show - A. O'Connor (2011)

The Joshua Green Show, a Jeremy Kyle-type of controversial talk show, is getting top ratings for television station RTV. Joshua portrays himself as a moral family man, and he and wife Soraya live in luxury with their two toddlers and Joshua's son, Lee. Kim Davenport is the show's producer, a ruthless businesswoman who will do anything to get the show to the top of the ratings. And Brooke Radcliffe is a lowly, underappreciated researcher, whose lack of self-esteem leads her to having an affair with the boss. Guy Burton is the new director of programs at RTV. A mysterious man who rarely reveals anything about himself, he becomes entangled in all their lives, becoming a friend to Joshua and Soraya, and showing a romantic interest in Brooke. But Kim isn't convinced he is genuine. When rumours emerge of poor treatment of guests on the show, a hate campaign begins that threatens all of their careers and personal lives. But who is behind the campaign, and can it be stopped before Joshua's career and life with Soraya is torn apart? This was a riveting read that really gave an insight into the cut-throat world of television. With twists and turns throughout, this terrific page-turner was difficult to put down as I never knew what to expect next. The relationships between the characters were very well thought out and portrayed excellently. (LO)

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Talk to Me - Jules Wake (2014)

Just when Olivia thinks it might finally be the moment she gets together with her best friend, Daniel, somehow he ends up with Emily, her monstrous flatmate, and Olivia's resigned to the fact that he's just not interested in her. On the advice of her family she agrees to go speed-dating and at the last minute Emily deigns to join her. But whilst Olivia strikes up only an amicable rapport with football-obsessed Ned, Emily manages to win the misplaced affections of Peter whose interest becomes increasingly intense. With an uber-vindictive flatmate and a crazed stalker, this is far from your average love-of-your-life novel. Don't be deceived by the girly pink cover and the nondescript title. I loved Jules Wake's writing style which showed a really natural wit that had me sniggering throughout and an extremely obvious talent that made reading a comforting experience. The novelty of the storyline is great and in Emily, Wake creates a superb love-to-hate enemy. Olivia is an absolute trooper but at times you just wish she'd unleash. As for Daniel, he's a worthy hero if a bit gullible and naive. At some points in the novel, he's absent for lengthy periods and it would have been nice for him to be a more consistent presence, whilst the subplot with Ned was a bit of a non-starter which had the potential for more. It was also something of a surprise that the stalker plot revolved around Emily rather than Olivia although as they're flatmates this didn't really make much difference. Unconventional and slightly darker, although far from the domestic-type thriller, Talk to Me shakes up straightforward romance and chick lit whilst keeping the sentiment intact. An impressive debut. (JC)

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Tangled Lives - Hilary Boyd (2012)

At age 18, Annie Delancey gave up a son for adoption. Thirty-five years later, she is happily married to Richard, with whom she has three grown-up children, Ed, Marsha and Lucy, and has never heard of the child she gave away. Then one morning she receives a letter from Kent Social Services advising her that her son, Daniel Gray, would like to meet her. The letter stirs old memories of her baby son and the incredible love she had felt for him in the short time they shared before his adoption, and Annie is eager to meet Daniel. After a successful first meeting the two continue to build a relationship, but as they grow closer and Annie takes an increasing joy and interest in Daniel, her family struggles to accept the new relationship and cracks begin appearing in her family unit. As Daniel is brought deeper into Annie's family, it seems that Annie is about to lose either her family or her long-lost son. This is a serious and mature read that puts the spotlight on the issues of family acceptance and loyalty. Although some elements of the plot felt a bit undeveloped, the main premise of the story - the impact of Daniel's arrival on the dynamics of the Delancey family - was engaging and interesting. (JC)

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Tangled Up in You - Rachel Gibson (2007)

Maddie Jones is a true crimes writer. Her current research is into a case of a married man who has an affair with a young waitress. When his wife finds out he is going to leave her and their two small children, she goes crazy and kills her husband and his mistress and then turns the gun on herself. Maddie's mother was the waitress. Maddie moves to the small town where she was orphaned years ago to uncover the truth. Her research takes her to Mick Hennessy, the son of the man who her mother was having an affair with. Maddie keeps her true identity a secret as she gets to know Mick. As Maddie and Mick spend more time together and start to fall for each other, Maddie knows she will lose Mick when he finds out the truth. (AO)

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Tan Lines - J.J. Salem (2008)

New York Post's Page Six is running items about a grisly murder, a premature birth and a public meltdown. Each headline applies to three friends who signed up for a summer-share lease in the Hamptons. There's Liza, a feminist media commentator who is stuck in an unfulfilling marriage; Kellyanne, an actress-model whose biggest role to date is mistress to a demanding developer; and Billie, an indie rock singer who's hell-bent on self-destruction. Despite the book's premise resting on who is going to suffer which fate, there was very little suspenseful build-up to the actual murder. If you don't like raunchy reads, you'll probably find this more painful than a dose of sunburn.

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Tap & Gown - Diana Peterfreund (2009)

In the fourth and final Secret Society Girls novel, Amy is not looking forward to her fast-approaching graduation. Not knowing where her future is headed, trying to get some quality time with her boyfriend, and trying to pick the junior who will take her place at Rose & Grave is taking its toll on Amy's studies. Little does she know what's about to happen, a terrifying initiation accident, a job offer her boyfriend can't refuse, and an argument with her roommate make this book the most interesting and satisfying of them all. I love a good ending that ties up all the loose bits, and I got it with this book. (AV)

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Tears of a Class Clown - Sara Faith Alterman (2006)

Nina Kurtz is a bartender at a comedy club but her dream is to be up on stage performing a stand-up act. She's got the quick wit and hilarious lines just keep tripping off her tongue but she just can't overcome her stage fright. Nina's love life has similar woes - all the boys love a funny girl but only as a friend. So when she gets an invitation to her 10-year high school reunion, she wonders whether this is the perfect time to find out what she did right with her former boyfriend, Jacob.

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Tease - Immodesty Blaize (2009)

This debut novel from a well-known British burlesque dancer follows in the traditions of a Jackie Collins bonkbuster. It is about - you guessed it - a burlesque dancer named Tiger Starr who is at the top of her game. She has adoring fans around the world, beautiful outfits, money to burn and countless sexual encounters. However in her shadowy, cut-throat world, she has created a number of enemies. Someone is stalking Tiger and leaving threatening letters about exposing her past life before she became a star. As her whole facade starts crumbling, Tiger is offered her dream of starring in a Vegas show. Can she put aside her fears to present the show she has waited for her whole life or will she lose everything she has worked for? A sexy and intriguing novel, you won't find out who is out to get Tiger until the last chapter. (PP)

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Techbitch ??? Lucy Sykes and Jo Piazza (2015)

Glossy magazine editor-in-chief Imogen returns to work after a bout of breast cancer to find her former assistant, Eve, is now in charge of a digital-only magazine. The Harvard-educated business student has hired a bunch of young, tech-savvy staffers and turned the office into a virtual sweatshop, where pulling all-nighters and losing weight for their boss??? wedding are mandatory. As Eve???s tactics alienate the fashion designers who feature in their pages, Imogen has to decide whether it???s time to get out of the game or figure out how to play by the new rules. This is like a Devil Wears Prada, except the devil this time is the narcissist young assistant. At times Imogen turns to an online forum called Techbitch, where women vent about their young upstarts, and it would have been good to have seen this play more of a role in the story. Written by a duo who know the fashion and media worlds well, this is a thoroughly entertaining read which sounds a warning about the march of the know-it-all Millennials.

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Tell Me Everything - Sarah Salway (2006)

Life changed for Molly Drayton the day she confided in her biology teacher about her father's behaviour, embellishing the truth. That's when she started realising the power of her stories, and began making up events that didn't exist in her mundane life. Throughout this entire story, it's hard to grasp what's true and what's not, because everything seems to be concocted by Molly. Following her father's disappearance and her mother wanting nothing to do with her, Molly soon meets Mr Roberts who offers her a place to stay in exchange for her help at his shop. As the story develops, more new characters come into the picture. Molly starts to develop a friendship with a woman named Miranda, who works at a nearby salon, and gets to know Liz, a librarian who offers her recommendations for romance novels. Portrayed as another mysterious character, her boyfriend Tim is said to be working as a secret agent and meets her regularly at the same bench in the park. Molly continues to tell tall tales about herself and her past to the people around her, but it is all just an act to shield her vulnerable side. This is an intriguing tale of how a woman becomes so lost in her own world of deceit. But I wished the ending offered a better closure to Molly's stories. (XT)

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Tell Me Something - Adele Parks (2008)

All Elizabeth ever wanted in life was an Italian husband and lots of bambinos. She has found her man, Roberto, but after six years of marriage she is still desperately trying to fall pregnant. When Roberto loses his job in London, they head to Italy to help out his family business. Elizabeth is hoping the change of scenery will boost her chances of conceiving. But her dreams about an idyllic Italian lifestyle are shattered by the mother-in-law from hell. And with Roberto's ex living nearby, and Elizabeth's growing friendship with American teacher Chuck, their marriage is placed under even more strain.

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Temptation - Olivia Darling (2010)

Three women from different stages and circumstances of life are about to find their lives collide when they each realise they are determined to get what they deserve. Temptation is written like an opera and is centred around the opera world. Singers Cosima and husband/ex-husband Nolan are back on tour together and stalked by crazed fanatics. Juliet attends the opera to get closer to her married boss whom she has been having an affair with for the past five years. Then there's Mercy, a cleaner who dreams of becoming an opera star. When the men in these three women's lives betray them, it's time to stop giving in to their whims and time for them to give into their own temptations and have some fun. These women's temptations lead them through a journey of love, affairs, jealousy, passion and death threats - and proves that hell has no fury like a woman scorned. (PP)

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Tempting Fate - Jane Green (2013)

Gabby is a forty-something mother to Olivia and Alannah and is happily married to doctor Elliott. Life as she knows it is good. Except for her desperate yearning for another child; a yearning her husband doesn't share. On a girl's night out, Gabby meets young, successful and handsome Matt at a sleazy singles' bar. Clear in the knowledge that she loves her husband, Gabby still cannot stop obsessing about the adorable Matt. Her obsession takes control of her, that is, until she makes a mistake that may destroy her idyllic life. Are some mistakes too great to overcome? Jane Green delivers heartbreak and happiness but this book is not her best. (LF)

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Temptation Island - Victoria Fox (2012)

The subtitle for this book, Sexy, Sensational, Sinfully Good, pretty much sums it up. The story is told primarily from three points of view: Lori, a beautiful Spanish girl trapped in a Cinderella nightmare; Aurora, a spoilt, utterly ignored teenage daughter of two successful country singers; and Stevie, a London native who moves to New York to start over. For all of the glamorous locations and people, the guts of the story is focused on a very seedy, dark underbelly of Hollywood, and each of the three women comes to this unsavoury element through different paths. Lori, in trying to escape the evil stepmother and stepsisters, is rescued by the mysterious and attractive JB Moreau, whom we are told repeatedly is Up to No Good. Yet he seems to treat Lori extremely well, appearing as her knight in shining armour. She becomes a top model and moves to Los Angeles. Aurora, a hot mess if ever there was, meets Pascale, a French bundle of complexities and curiosity, at boarding school; Pascale's uncle is JB Moreau. And Stevie becomes a movie star and meets Xander, an actor-director who gets very skittish anytime JB Moreau's name comes up. Moreau is the magnet that draws the three women - amongst other people - to the island of Cacatra. Something very nefarious is afoot on Cacatra, and our three heroines become involved in it. The plot is convoluted - there are a LOT of characters and subplots - yet this is an edge-of-your-seat pageturner. Victoria Fox knows how to create characters who draw us in, and she can tell a story. She writes some decent sex scenes, too. Another thing the author does well is create some ambiguity with her characters. JB Moreau is a bad guy. He does very bad things and he poses a threat to everyone in his orbit. Yet ... he helps Lori, and cares about her. And he rescues another character. In fact, the theme of rescuing and saving is bigger than any temptation. That Stevie is stronger than she realises does not surprise us, because she left a terrible situation in London to try to save herself. Aurora, too, must save herself, because her parents certainly aren't interested. Temptation Island might be better titled Deception Island, because nothing is as it appears. But whatever its name, this is a fun book that you will not want to put down. (AP)

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Temptation Street - Shari Low (2010)

Beauty salon owner Suze thinks her husband Karl is having an affair, so she hires a honeytrapper to test him out. But her suspicions end up hurting her friend Mel, who is married to Karl's brother Joe and works in the lingerie shop next door. Meanwhile Suze finds out the real reason Karl has been stressed and withdrawn. This is an absorbing tale of mistrust, mistaken identity, mischief and misfortune - with a spiteful mother-in-law and lots of humour thrown in for good measure.

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Ten Beach Road - Wendy Wax (2011)

In a Madoff-like Ponzi scheme, Madeline, Avery and Nicole lose everything they and their families have ever worked for when their financial manager, Malcolm, disappears with all of their money. What remains is a one-third ownership in a run-down mansion in Florida, currently only fit for rodents and birds. In an effort to rebuild their nest eggs and their lives, the three women unite to restore the house to its former grandeur, planning to sell the house and split the money three ways. Unfortunately, things are not so cut and dry. Madeline is dealing with myriad family issues, Avery is shocked when her designer-to-the-stars mother, who left the family years ago, shows up in Florida offering her design services, and Nicole is harbouring a huge secret she's terrified will come to light. All of this, in addition to an egotistical contractor who is making their lives miserable, leaves them wondering whether they will ever finish the renovation and get their lives back on track. I love stories where strong, determined women band together to preserve family life and values. Ten Beach Road has that in spades. Bravo to Wendy Wax for continuing to highlight women of character in her books. (LEK)

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Ten Big Ones - Janet Evanovich (2004)

There is an impending marriage, apartment seeking and of course mischief in the 10th Stephanie Plum novel. Stephanie's sister, Valerie, is getting hitched to Albert, the father of her baby. During a bond pick-up our two favourite gals, Lula and Stephanie, re-connect with Sally Sweet - the transvestite from the early books. He is now working during the day as a school bus driver and because he is such a fashionista, Sally takes on the role as Valerie's wedding planner. And of course what's a Stephanie Plum novel without a bit of car blowing up, trouble and the chemistry between Stephanie, Morelli and Ranger. In Ten Big Ones, Stephanie and Lula stumble into the middle of a gang war and Stephanie is able to identify the leader, Red Devil. Now hot on her tail is a contract killer known as The Junkman. Can Morelli keep Stephanie safe? What happens when Stephanie has enough and finds herself staying at one of Ranger's apartments? Will this along with the new car that Stephanie has to borrow from Ranger plunge her even deeper into his debt? And what will happen when Lula and Stephanie take matters into their own hands and end up kidnapping the Red Devil? Will they find themselves out of a job and their employer Vinnie having to bail them out? This is another awesome instalment in the series and the one major thing I love about these books is the chemistry between Joe Morelli and Stephanie/ Ranger and Stephanie and of course the zany friendship between Lula and Stephanie and the characters they meet. The biggest question that remains in Ten Big Ones though is whether Stephanie is pregnant and if so is it Ranger's or Morelli's bun in the oven? (PP)

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Ten Girls to Watch - Charity Shumway (2012)

Dawn hasn't made much progress during her first year out of college. She has broken up with her boyfriend, pretzel heir Robert, and makes her money writing lawn care advice. Then Dawn gets an opportunity to research the past winners from Charm magazine's annual Ten Girls to Watch contest for its 50th anniversary. She spends her days scanning through archives in a warehouse, well away from the magazine's gleaming offices, but as she interviews the women, including her own college thesis advisor, Dawn finds she has much to learn from their words of wisdom and life lessons. This is an inspiring, well-written story from one author to watch.

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10 Reasons Not to Fall in Love - Linda Green (2009)

Jo Gilroy doesn't want a man in her life, apart from her son Alfie. She had her heart broken when Alfie's father, Richard, left them on his son's first birthday. Now Jo is returning to work part-time as a reporter at a Manchester TV station and Richard is not only her new boss but he's dating the gorgeous weather girl, Tricia. Believing Jo no longer has her career at the top of her priorities, Richard keeps assigning her to the And Finally stories, those light, fluffy ones at the end of the news. Then Jo and Alfie meet Dan the balloon man at a kids' Christmas function - and maybe he is just the kind of guy who can break through her objections to falling in love again. In fact, Dan's back story of his distressing home life, told through flashbacks, is one of the highlights.

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Ten Steps to Happiness - Daisy Waugh (2003)

In this sequel to The New You Survival Kit, PR agent Jo Smiley leaves London to live in her husband Charlie's draughty manor house. In the middle of nowhere, Fiddleford makes the ideal refuge for paparazzi-battered guests such as overweight actress Messy Monroe and charismatic politician Maurice Morrison. And the income will help prevent the house from crumbling around them. But first they have to get past the public health inspector.

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Ten Years On - Alice Peterson (2012)

As they welcome in the New Year, Becca, Olly and Joe - students, flatmates and friends - contemplate, with the buoyant optimism and confident bravado of youth, what they will be doing in ten years time. The main story opens ten years on, with Becca and Olly now happily married in London, but with Joe conspicuously absent from their lives. When Becca's world suddenly comes crashing down, she returns to her childhood home to seek support from her parents, and finds herself meeting Joe again for the first time in ten years. They begin to rebuild the friendship that they once held so dear, but there are still a lot of unresolved issues between the pair which threaten to break them up again. This is a wonderfully written story that tugs at the heartstrings - a beautiful portrayal of love, loss and friendship. (JC)

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Thanks for Nothing, Nick Maxwell - Debbie Carbin (2008)

Twenty-five-year-old Rachel has an affair with a work colleague, Nick, without knowing that he's only 19 years old and still lives with his mum. She later discovers she's pregnant. And the first person she tells is a stranger whose mobile phone she found. Hector turns out to be the brother-in-law of her best friend and becomes an important stabiliser in her life as she decides whether she's ready to bring a baby into the world. Rachel starts out as a self-centred, vain and shallow character, but she'll definitely grow on you as one of chick lit's favourite heroines. It has also been written in a first-person conversational style with a quirky way of switching to scenes involving others. A top debut.

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Thanks for the Memories - Cecelia Ahern (2008)

Joyce Conway is given a blood transfusion after falling down some stairs and losing her unborn child. Justin Hitchcock is in Dublin to give an art lecture when he is persuaded to give blood. When Joyce finds she now knows all about architecture, can speak several languages and has memories that aren't her own, she begins to wonder about the person who helped save her life. Will they ever meet? There's no big twists but it's an enjoyable read. And Joyce's dad, Henry, is such a character (just loved the airport scenes) you'll be wanting to get along to his Monday Club.

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Thank You For Flying Air Zoe - Erik Atwell (2011)

Zoe Tisdale has a great life. She has a steady job, an apartment near the beach, and a loving boyfriend. But after a brush with death she reassesses her entire life. Instead of the stable life she has built, she wants to accomplish a dream, to leave her job selling butter and become the rock star she was once so close to being. All she has to do is convince her fellow ex-members of the "on the cusp of glory" high school band the Flip-Flops. However, all the band members have moved on in one way or another. Her best friend and lead guitarist is engaged, their bassist is a millionaire socialite, and the lead singer is living in a tree. Can Zoe convince them to give their epic band one more shot? In a slightly offbeat, coming-of-age novel Erik Atwell addresses the question: are we ever too old to accomplish our dreams? (SN)

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That Day in June - Martina Reilly (2015)

Sandy is a runaway who lives on the streets of High Hills. Max is a PR executive who buys her a coffee every day. When Max doesn't show up for a few days, Sandy begins to worry about him, and decides to find him and make sure he is OK. When she does, she discovers that his life isn't as good as she expected it was, that in fact Max is currently in a psychiatric hospital. Their friendship begins to blossom as Sandy helps Max through the toughest time of his life, but Sandy's past continues to haunt her. This novel delved into the realities of life as a runaway, living on the streets wondering where your next meal will come from. But mostly this is a story about hope, and how just one individual can change the course of another's life. I really liked Sandy, despite her rather eccentric upbringing she had a good heart and I thought her friendship with Max had an authentic feel to it, it was plausible enough that I could really believe that he would open his house and his life to her as he did. I liked how they were beneficial to each other, despite being relative strangers in the beginning. The plot could possibly have had a few more twists, it could have been livened up a little, but overall a very enjoyable read. (LO)

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That Gallagher Girl - Kate Thompson (2011)

In this third book in the series based in Lissamore, Cat is the daughter of famous artist Hugo Gallagher. She is a talented artist herself but a bit of a drifter, never staying in the one place for too long. Her travels take her to Coral Mansion which has been bought by movie star Shane Byrne, for Rio Kinsella, the mother of his son, Finn. As the story progresses the lives of Cat and Rio intertwine but they never manage to meet each other. Although the story became more interesting as the book progressed, I found it difficult to keep track of the story as there are so many different characters. (BS)

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That Loving Feeling - Carole Matthews (2009)

Librarian Juliet has been married to Rick for nearly 25 years but now they seem to have drifted apart. They thought at this stage of their life they would have more time together but their two grown-up children, Tom and Chloe, are still loafing around at home and her mother, Rita, has left her husband and moved in. So when Steven, the man who left Juliet at the altar all those years ago, turns up out of the blue, she is tempted to secretly see him. This is a great story about what happens when a couple from the sandwich generation loses that loving feeling. You'll certainly be getting that giggly feeling from all the hilarious predicaments Rick inadvertently gets himself into. This is one of my favourite Carole Matthews' books to date.

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That Slippery Slope - Kate Langdon (2004)

Twenty-nine-year-old (begrudgingly almost 30) Helen McGregor is unlucky in love and her career, and she's the world's worst dog-sitter (but it wasn't her fault, really). Helen and her friend, Sara, slide from one hilarious situation to another in their search of love, weight loss and the dream job. Helen goes from mishap to mishap without even trying. She smokes, she drinks and she swears - and she's a completely realistic and loveable character in the spirit of Bridget Jones. With fabulous characters, settings and writing, this makes the reader feel like they're joining Helen in each of her incredibly funny adventures. Just have some tissues ready for tears of laughter. (AT)

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Then Came You - Jennifer Weiner (2011)

This story explores the theme of surrogacy and is told from the perspectives of four different women. Julia, a recent graduate of Princeton University, sells her eggs to a fertility clinic. Annie, a mother of two boys, becomes a surrogate to help out with some of the bills but it ends up causing trouble for her marriage. India and her new wealthy husband, Marcus, have been unsuccessful in conceiving a baby. So India turns to surrogacy to help her get the baby she has always wanted and selects Annie as the woman to carry her child. Marcus' daughter Bettina is not a fan of her father's new wife and seeks to destroy the relationship. A single event brings them all together. What will happen when all the players get together for the first time? This is another well-written, often heart-wrenching story from Jennifer Weiner, and I found myself turning the pages quickly to find out what would happen next. (JG)

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There Goes the Bride - Holly McQueen (2011)

Polly Atkins was getting married to a wonderful man who adored her and wanted to settle down to buy a house and start a family. But then Polly calls off the wedding weeks before it's due to happen. This sudden change of heart forces Polly's sister, Bella, and Polly's best friend, Grace, to get involved and try to fix things. After all, Polly and Dev are perfect for each other ... if only they can make Polly see that before it's too late. Trying to find out why Polly called off the wedding is harder than the two girls think, as Polly is not forthcoming with information and Dev has no idea at all what happened. While Bella is dealing with a boyfriend who is worthless, and Grace is dealing with a husband who treats her like nothing more than a servant, figuring out Polly's life seems so much easier than dealing with their own. But, as with most things in life, their problems can't be ignored forever. Maybe at the end of it all, all three girls will finally find out what it is that really makes them happy- and what it is that doesn't. Though this novel is not as light and fluffy as McQueen's previous novels, it takes a good look at married life, and marriage in general, with just enough humour and heart to make it unputdownable. (AS)

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There's More to Life than Cupcakes - Poppy Dolan (2013)

Ellie's 31st birthday brings home to her the fact that everyone is expecting her to announce she's got a bun in the oven. She's happily married to the lovely Pete, is working as an ad rep at a foodie magazine, and has a passion for baking. But having a baby is such a big step - one that Ellie really doesn't know if she's ready for yet. So she goes out into the field, gathering information from friends, throwing herself into some childcare situations and blogging about her indecisiveness. Meanwhile, friend Lydia talks her into signing up for a baking class, so she can size up cute classmate Joe for her. But Ellie will have to be careful that their simmering flirtation doesn't lead to her being burnt. Although I couldn't relate to Ellie's drawn-out baby deliberations (or love of baking for that matter!), many readers no doubt will. But I did enjoy how Ellie progressed throughout to take on more creative work. The story, created with dollops of humour and a pinch of sentimentality, is just like a cupcake - light, fluffy and sweet. It will be scoffed down by anyone with a taste for chick lit.

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These Girls - Sarah Pekkanen (2012)

Cate is the new features editor at Gloss magazine, and wants to ensure her first issue goes off without a hitch. She hires star writer Trey to do the cover story but is reluctant to get personally close to him as her flatmate Renee has always had a thing for him. Renee is busy vying for the beauty editor's position at the magazine. But the Kansas-raised girl doesn't fit the mould of a thin magazine staffer. After someone makes a few snide comments about her weight, she turns to diet pills for a quick fix. Meanwhile Trey's sister, Abby, a nanny, comes to stay in their New York apartment. She is shattered after having to leave her beloved charge, Annabelle, in Washington DC. Will she open up to the girls about what made her leave? This book explores female friendship - but in women who have not known each other that long. While not as strong as her first two books, it is still an enjoyable read that many women will relate to. Just not sure about the ending.

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These Things Hidden - Heather Gudenkauf (2011)

Allison Glenn was the golden girl of her family. In an instant everything changes when as a teenager she is sent to prison for killing her newborn baby. Her parents, unaware that Allison was even pregnant, turn their back on their daughter. Five years later, Allison is released from jail and moves back to her small town to start a new life. She reaches out to her younger sister Brynn, however, Brynn has spent the last five years trying to escape all the secrets and tragedy from that fateful night years ago. Claire Kerby, a bookstore owner, who is unaware of Allison's past, hires her. Claire and her husband struggled for years to have a child and were finally blessed years ago with their adopted son Joshua. Charm Tulia is a young woman from a troubled family who lives with her dying stepfather. This novel is written in the alternating viewpoints of Allison, Brynn, Claire and Charm. The author writes a suspenseful novel that ties all of these women together through a shocking secret. (AO)

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Thick and Thin - Sarah Harte (2013)

How would you cope if a lifelong friendship fell apart? Marianne Dillon and Clare McMahon are about to find out. The pair meet in college and although they are wildly different - Marianne is outgoing and spirited, while Clare is the shy, retiring type - they become firm friends. Over the course of twenty-five years, they share the good times and the bad ones - and unfortunately, there are plenty of bad ones. But after all the years of consistently being there for each other, a life-altering crisis hits their friendship and a crack that was there all along tears them apart. Can they get their relationship back - is that ever possible after such a chasm has occurred? Thick and Thin is Harte's second book. I wouldn't normally use the word 'delightful' to describe a book, but this book to me was exactly that. The author has a lovely turn of phrase and a writing style that's gripping in a very subtle manner. The characters in Thick and Thin were compelling and believable, and I found myself really caring about what happened to them. My only complaint was that although the book was consistently strong throughout up to the end with no dips in the pace, I thought it limped to a conclusion rather than going out with the bang it deserved. Overall though, I thoroughly enjoyed it and will absolutely be seeking out this author's first book! (SBB)

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Thinking of You - Jill Mansell (2007)

Gina Holland's nest is empty after her daughter Jem heads off to university. At only 38, she realises she'll have to kick-start a whole new life - and find a new man. But the first man she thinks is showing interest in her actually accuses her of shoplifting. Then she advertises for a lodger and believes she'll be sharing her home with the charismatic Perry. Instead the room's for his reclusive sister, Laurel, who is still obsessed about an ex-boyfriend. Even on the work front, Ginny finds she's left a disastrous first impression with new boss Finn. And just as she is getting to know him, someone from his past turns up on the doorstep.

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Things I Want My Daughters To Know - Elizabeth Noble (2008)

After their mother Barbara dies of cancer, four sisters struggle to cope with their grief and to ensure their future happiness. Each sister has a wildly different personality and has their own set of problems. The story is punctuated with letters from Barbara that she wrote before she died and her diary. By shedding light on her own life of her successes and mistakes, Barbara helps her daughters to get on with their lives and tackle their problems. To say this book is a bit of a tearjerker is an understatement but the tears are well worth it. It is a beautifully heartwarming story of the bond between mothers and daughters. Make sure you have some tissues handy! (AB)

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Things I Want You to Know - Martina Reilly (2014)

Nick left his wife and children after a tragic accident tore his life apart. He had always intended to return once he had his life back on track, but now his wife Kate has died from cancer, and he has to raise his children alone. However, Kate has left him a book of things that she wanted him to know, including five dates that she has set up for him, to help him move forward with his life. This is such a tearjerker. Nick is a lovely guy, and he has had such a difficult past, you can't help but want him to succeed now as he struggles to adjust to life as a single dad. I was invested in his story, and I loved how Kate helped him through his difficulties from beyond the grave and pointed him in the direction he needed to go. A very well-written story with an interesting plot, it was poignant, touching and inspiring. (LO)

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Things I Wish I'd Known - Linda Green (2010)

When Claire stumbles across a list she made when she was 15 about her future dream life, she realises how far she has diverted from her teen vision. Instead of being a partner of a big city law firm, her clients tend to be small-time crooks. She's also still not particularly well-endowed, she hasn't spoken to her best friend Frankie for years and instead of being married to her pin-up idol, league footballer Andy, and living in a thatched cottage in the countryside, she's already been divorced and is now reluctantly considering buying a new home with her lawyer boyfriend Mark. Told in alternating chapters between the present and the mid-80s, Claire discovers she has to face up to her past before she can move ahead with her future. The story was totally different to what I expected but in a good way and I think it is best enjoyed if you don't know too much about the plot going in. It's a touching story with a clever mix of light and dark moments. And if, like Claire, you were a teen in the 80s, you'll certainly enjoy all the in-jokes about that decade's pop culture.

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Things to Make and Mend - Ruth Thomas (2007)

As teenagers, Sally Tuttle and Rowena Cresswell were inseparable until a life-changing incident destroyed their friendship. Now in their early 40s, Sally is a single mother who still lives in East Grinstead and works at an alterations shop. She wins an embroidery prize and is invited to speak at a conference in Edinburgh. Rowena is now a translator and is in Edinburgh to see her son Joe before he leaves for a new job in America. Memories of their teenage lives are woven into their current story as the pair head towards their predictable reunion. Although I was expecting the needlework part of the story to bore me, I thought the friends-torn-asunder-but-reunited-years-later storyline would keep me going. Apart from the unexpected twist about the blouson, this was one of the most disappointing reads I've had all year.

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Things We Didn't Say - Kristina Riggle (2011)

Twenty-six-year-old Casey never thought she would be in a relationship with a man with a ready-made family. But she's living with her 35-year-old fiance Michael and his three children, Angel, Dylan and Jewel. Casey thought she could handle the complications that came with being the new woman in their lives. But there's animosity with Angel, particularly after she stumbles across Casey's diary. Then there's the crazy ex-wife Mallory, who had a drinking problem which ultimately led to the divorce. With so many secrets involving everyone, Casey has to make the decision when Dylan runs away, whether she should run away herself or stay and try to explain to Michael that the person he thought he loved was actually someone she created to escape her past mistakes. With a realistic view into life in a blended family, Riggle has a great way of showing how hard divorce is for everyone involved whether they were there from the beginning or just seeing the truth for the first time. (CG)

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Things We Never Say - Sheila O'Flanagan (2013)

This novel focuses on two separate storylines set in Ireland and California, which are eventually entwined. In Ireland, we find the Fitzpatrick family, who are devastated after the sudden death of patriarch Fred. His children Donald, Gareth and Suzanne are not necessarily devastated by the fact that their father is no longer amongst them; it is his will that has left them most distressed. The reason for this can be found on the other side of the world in San Francisco. Abbey Andersen has a good life: she loves her job as a nail technician, she has a nice apartment with her boyfriend whom she loves very much, and she has great friends to support her. However, when her boyfriend suddenly decides to leave her behind with several debts, Abbey's life suddenly doesn't seem so good anymore. When out of the blue an Irish investigator shows up to tell Abbey her family history also isn't exactly what she thinks it is, she is forced to make some decisions that will not only affect her but also those around her. Abbey is a lovely character who I found myself rooting for from the start. Numerous other diverse characters with their own individual personalities are introduced and each one adds something specific to the storyline. I felt the main part of the novel took up too many pages; the story seemed a bit slow at times, and I would have preferred fewer pages or perhaps a more extensive romantic storyline for Abbey. Overall, Things We Never Say is an intriguing and enjoyable novel all about family dynamics. (JoH)

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Thin, Rich, Pretty - Beth Harbison (2010)

Twenty years ago, there were three girls who all shared the same cabin at camp. There was Holly, the chubby one; Nicola, a tall, skinny but shy girl; and their arch-enemy Lexi Henderson. Sick of Lexi's putdowns and taunts, Nicola and Holly played a prank on her which would last for decades. Now 20 years later, Holly is co-owner of an art gallery and is pre-engaged - the ultimatum is she has to lose 20 pounds first. Nicola achieved her dream of becoming a Hollywood actress but has fallen into the ranks of plastic surgery converts and doesn't know when to stop. Lexie has gone from rich, little spoilt girl to a flat-broke grown-up and is on the hunt for extra cash. This is the story of three girls and their journey to get the one thing that they think guarantees them happiness. But they soon discover that it's not what's on the outside or in your bank account but who you are inside that brings true happiness. (PP)

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Third Time's a Charm - Virginia Smith (2010)

"You can always count on your sisters." This third book in the Christian Sister-to-Sister series focuses on the baby sister, Tori Sanderson. Tori has been given the opportunity of a lifetime in her job at an advertising firm - to become account executive at 24 would make her one of the youngest to ever be hired in that position. But there's only one position up for grabs - and she's been given a month to come up with a marketing plan for a new restaurant. It shouldn't be too hard but Tori has distractions - her sister Joan (from Stuck in The Middle) is about to get married to Ken "The Religious Nut" and Joan and Allie (from Age before Beauty) are trying to set her up with country bumpkin Ryan. When talk about fathers comes up, Tori decides to go searching for hers, which provides her with surprising results. Can Tori balance her career, family, love and of course her number one priorities - shopping and coffee - with everything happening around her? This is a heart-warming read about three sisters coming together in times of strife and happiness and providing us with the knowledge that no matter what we encounter - we can always count on our family to support us. (PP)

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Thirteen Weddings - Paige Toon (2014)

Bronte has a bit of an unfulfilled life working as a picture editor at a magazine and spending her spare time with her flatmate Bridget. With a keen eye for photography, Bronte is roped in by Rachel, a wedding photographer, when Rachel's assistant is ill. Bronte is rapidly thrown into the world of bouquets, brides and churches - her biggest fear. Trying to overcome the fear of churches and take impressive photos of wedding days turns into a more permanent hobby for Bronte and when she meets Lachie, a wedding singer, she begins to enjoy life a little more. But when an old one-night stand, Alex, turns up on the scene (who Bronte hasn't really ever got over) and begins to become a more lasting feature in her life, Bronte has to rethink everything she has ever thought about love, marriage and commitment. It was a pleasure to be back in Paige's world with her characters, her writing and her sublime plots and, I know I say this every year, but Thirteen Weddings is her best book by far - very emotional and addictive. The characters go on such a journey and interact so perfectly together that you can't help but become emotionally attached to every single one and I was hooked right from the start. This book has an almost love triangle feel to it and, much like Johnny and Christian in Johnny Be Good, you just cannot choose between either man - you want both of them to win the heart of the heroine. Alex and Lachie are polar opposites but have such a sense of needing to look after Bronte that they find it hard to accommodate each other - it becomes a bit of a testosterone-fuelled battle to see who can win the girl. Bronte was a really great protagonist and I loved her inability to make up her mind because it meant that as a reader, I also found myself unable to decide what I wanted to happen in the end. The book was perfectly paced, there was the perfect level of surprise and tension, and of course the much-needed humour and wit that Paige is known for. Flawless! (LL)

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Thirty-nothing - Lisa Jewell (2000)

Nadine Kites and Digby Ryan are best buddies and have been so from the first day of school. They are both still single and are in love with each other - but don't want to admit it. Instead they date all sorts of the wrong people, specifically those who don't threaten their friendship. Everything was going super-smooth until the day Dig turns 30. He is strolling through Primrose Hill and bumps into his ex-girlfriend Delilah after 12 years. They hit it off right away but in all the excitement Dig hasn't noticed a jealous Nadine's change of behaviour towards him. She decides to get back in touch with her ex-boyfriend Phil. If Dig can do it, then why can't she? Although it wasn't hard to guess what would happen in the end, this still doesn't distracts you from the story, which is warm, gripping and oh so romantic. (SS)

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31 Dream Street – Lisa Jewell  (2007)

Toby is given a large house by his father as a wedding present but his wife  leaves him shortly afterwards. The most logical solution is to fill No. 31 with strangers who are also alone. Responding to his ad are a group of people with different personalities, secrets and problems. But Toby remains lonely and withdrawn despite filling the house with these misfit tenants.   With the house he also inherited an old long-term resident.  After the man dies, he leaves money and a note for Toby with a message  encouraging him to change his life. With his father revealing a plan to visit him, Toby is forced to  get to know the residents and  try to grow up. He's not really a social guy but Leah, a girl who lives across the street,   is happy to help him out.  This is a gentle and dreamy story about the good in people, with a message that it is not always bad  to mess with other peoples’ lives, as long as you have good intentions. (MH)

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32AA - Michelle Cunnah (2003)

Advertising secretary Emma Taylor wants an engagement ring and a job promotion for her 30th birthday. Instead her boyfriend Adam (also her boss) announces that he's seeing another woman and that she's been passed over for the junior account manager's job. Convinced that her small breasts are somehow to blame, homeless Emma is rescued by her stepmother's brother Jack. He once made fun of her breasts at a family wedding but now seems quite enamoured with her.

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This Charming Man - Marian Keyes (2008)

When it is announced that charismatic Irish politician Paddy de Courcy is getting married, three women are particularly interested in the news. Lola is devastated, because she has been Paddy's girlfriend for 16 months and now he's marrying someone else. Heartbroken and unable to concentrate on her work as a stylist, Lola flees Dublin to a friend's country cottage. Journalist Grace is intrigued, as she's had dealings with Paddy and the bride-to-be, Alicia, before and is certainly not a fan. For one, Paddy was the first love of her twin sister, Marnie, who is now having trouble keeping her life together. With a serious underlying theme, slowly revealed secrets and characters who will draw you into their pain, could it be Keyes' best yet?

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This Child of Mine - Sinead Moriarty (2012)

Anna teaches disadvantaged children and what she wants most is to have a child of her own. Now nearly two decades later she is the devoted mother of Sophie, who is about to head off to art college. Laura is only a teenager when she discovers she's about to become a mother and she's having trouble coming to terms with missing out on what her carefree friends are up to. Now she is a talented artist and keeps a tight rein on feisty daughter Mandy. But a chance encounter opens the window on what happened when Anna and Laura's paths crossed all those years ago. This is an absolutely fabulous read. While some may nitpick about the probability of events unfolding as they do, Moriarty does offer explanations that cover all the plot developments. She also relates the stories of both mothers well, so each can be empathised with. There are also some great minor characters, such as the outspoken children at Anna's school and the all-too-honest WAG.

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This Fragile Life - Kate Hewitt (2013)

Advertising executive Martha has been trying to get pregnant for years. After her fifth round of IVF fails, she and Rob decide that's it for them. When Martha's friend, Alex, falls pregnant at 35, she realises she's so not ready to have a baby. She has no man in her life, she works part-time as a barista and her tiny walk-up apartment is no place for children. Martha asks her whether she'd consider going ahead with the pregnancy so they could adopt the baby. Alex agrees but over time starts feeling conflicted about her decision. I began this book thinking about how I've read so many books with a similar 'friend offers the ultimate gift' theme - but then a development occurs which takes this book to a whole new level. Grab the tissues because you'll need them as this highly emotionally story reaches its tragic outcome. The author handles the issues with great sensitivity and understanding.

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This is a Love Story - Jessica Thompson (2012)

When Sienna and Nick first laid eyes on each other, bonding over a squirrel on water skis, they fell in love. Only sometimes it isn't that simple; they're work colleagues (and Nick doesn't date work colleagues anymore) and Sienna has enough secrets in her home life to occupy her time without falling in love. The books tells both Nick and Sienna's story over five years as they try to fight their feelings for each other. This is a Love Story does exactly what it says on the tin. Told from both Nick and Sienna's point of view, you know the characters are made for each other and spend the book hoping they get together. This does mean at a few points in the novel you do want to bash the character's heads together in frustration! The book made me laugh out loud in places and get choked on tears the next. The novel is written with a quirky and fresh tone. It's a brilliant debut novel and is unashamed chick lit at its best. (AB)

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This Is How It Ends - Kathleen MacMahon (2012)

This tells the story of two people who collide with each other just as the whole world seems to be caught between the drama of Barack Obama's election and the catastrophic collapse of the global economy. Bruno is a middle-aged American banker who has come to Ireland as a refugee from the financial meltdown in his own country. Addie is an out-of-work Irish architect. When she meets Bruno, her life seems to be on a downward spiral. When their worlds collide, they experience a connection unlike any they've previously felt, but soon their newfound love will be tested in ways they never imagined possible. My enjoyment of the book was hampered by the fact that it became obvious quite early on just how the book would end. I hadn't expected such a level of plot predictability from a book that had promised so much in its blurb and marketing material, and kept hoping that there would be more to the tale than there was. On the back cover, we are promised a story the reader will never forget - a big claim, and one that I didn't feel the book delivered. While the love story had its touching moments towards the end, it didn't convince me overall. I certainly didn't feel the connection Addie and Bruno are supposed to be experiencing. The supporting characters - Hugh, Della, even Lola the dog - were infinitely more interesting than Addie and Bruno. However, there was much to commend in the author's writing style - her eye for detail and her creativity with images kept me reading. She definitely has a fresh writing voice, but the lack of a fresh plot and engaging main characters let her down. (SBB)

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This is How It Happened - Jo Barrett (2008)

When Madeline's boyfriend of four years, Carlton, dumps her, she gets mad, then decides to get even. Not only has he stolen away her dreams of a wedding but he has also shut her out of the company she helped create. Madeline toys with the idea of killing him via arsenic brownies and carbon monoxide poisoning. But in the end she hires a hit man to carry out her plan of attack. The story alternates between this campaign and flashbacks to their relationship, which is slowly revealed to be not as perfect as she thought. This tale of heartbreak and sweet revenge surpassed expectations.

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This Is Not A Love Song - Sarahbeth Purcell (2006)

It wasn't the first time Chase took off on a road trip in pursuit of inspiration and inner peace, but he certainly wasn't coming back this time. Overwhelmed with feelings of abandonment and hurt, his girlfriend Julia turns for comfort and support to the pile of postcards and letters written by him in the past, and also to her best friend Delia, an insecure and wounded soul beneath her attractive appearance. Written in a series of letters, each beginning with song titles, it is a story of love, hope and forgiveness. (XT)

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This Is What Happy Looks Like - Jennifer E. Smith (2013)

Ellie O'Neill is happy in her small Maine town but the thing that makes her most happy is her correspondence with a guy across the country who she first met after he sent her an email by accident. Over time, Ellie and her e-mail friend become close - so close that they tell each other things they won't tell their closest friends - but it's the allure of not knowing him that makes Ellie feel so comfortable. For Graham, it's the allure of Ellie liking him for him and not because of who he is because he's one of the most coveted guys on the planet. As an A-list Hollywood actor, Graham never gets the chance to talk with someone and know that they genuinely don't want anything from him. Until Ellie. So when he gets the chance to visit Ellie's small Maine town, he jumps at it. Meeting Ellie is all he can think about but things don't go as planned especially when Graham realises Ellie is hiding a big secret that his life in the spotlight could ruin. Will these two star-crossed lovers be able to get it together or will their worries and insecurities keep them apart forever? This is such a sweet story that will have you feeling for both Ellie and Graham because both are in a situation they would rather not be in. It's an easy and light read that you will most likely want to read in one sitting. (AS)

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This is Where We Live - Janelle Brown (2010)

LA film-maker Claudia and musician Jeremy have found her dream home with canyon views. With her film about to be released to rave reviews and his band on the brink of a recording deal, it seems their lives are about to become more settled. But as the global financial crisis bites - and their careers take several unexpected hits - their housing loan repayments double. Suddenly the couple are in danger of losing their home. As Claudia, desperate to hold on to the house, takes on a teaching job, Jeremy is wondering whatever happened to his free-spirited wife. Right from the opening sequence of an earthquake, this is a timely tale which explores how a creative couple are tested - financially, morally and emotionally - when the foundations of their lives together are rocked to the core.

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This is Your Song, Lola Rose - Donna Hay (2008)

On the day she buries the man who had made her life a misery, Lola discovers he was not her father. Instead she was the result of a backstage fling between her mother and Rick Wild, who has gone on to become a rock god. Despite not exactly enjoying a joyful reunion with her long-lost dad, Lola leaves behind her policing job and England to go on tour in America with his band Poleaxe. But will she survive life on the road with an overindulged rock star, a jealous wife, a crazed fan and her half-siblings, spoilt Tiffany and resentful Jay? Unlikely to be a hit.

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This Little Mommy Stayed Home - Samantha Wilde (2009)

Joy McGuire hasn't cleaned the house, showered, or changed her sweatpants since her baby was born. And her husband, Drew, whom she always thought would be such a great hands-on dad, has been working a lot. Normally, she'd just ask her mother for help. Only, her mother seems more interested in planning her fourth wedding than seeing her new grandson. Joy's opinionated, overbearing mother-in-law is only too happy to step in. Joy is soon invited to her 10-year college reunion, and wonders what her ex-boyfriend (the one who got away) will think of her post-baby, I-now-eat-a- bag-of-M&Ms-every-day, body looks like. Despite her body image hang-ups, Joy still feels chemistry with her old flame, and wonders why they're not together. In an effort to get in shape (and to just get time out of the house), Joy takes up yoga. And finds that she is startlingly attractive to her hot, male yoga teacher as well. Things twist and turn from here, where she asks questions undoubtedly asked by every wife and mother out there: did I marry the right person? Have I lost who I am now that I have kids? And if I have, how do I get myself back? This is the funniest book I've read in a long time. Laugh-out-loud moments on almost every page. A must-read for new moms. (CK)

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This Side of Married - Rachel Pastan (2004)

The three Rubin daughters from an affluent Philadelphian family have a domineering mother, an obstetrician, whose dearest wish is to see them happily married. And just like in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, there's an unsuitable suitor in the form of cardiologist Anthony Wolf who offers his hospitality when one daughter falls ill. There's his blunt friend, journalist Simon Goldenstern who seems to be interfering in the path of true love but is in fact saving their honour. There's even a long-lost cousin, Soren Zank, from a Swedish line of the family who comes to eye up the daughters, and a father, Judge Rubin, who largely stays out of the fray. The oldest daughter - dreamy Alice - falls into a speedy engagement with Anthony; the middle daughter - sensible Isabel - has already tied the knot with lawyer Theo but their marriage is under strain because of their inability to have children. And the youngest - beautiful Tina - has been planning her wedding for years.

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This Year's Model - Carol Alt (2008)

Melody Ann Croft is your average hometown girl - very practical, with her whole life planned out ahead of her. That all changes one day when a customer at the restaurant where she is working tells her she could be a model and gives her his card along with the numbers of all the top agencies in New York. Melody is a little curious, despite thinking this man is crazy, so she calls one agency and just with the mention of this man (who happens to be a famous photographer), she gets an appointment immediately. That begins her career as MAC, the model, for Delicious Models. Her booker, Francesca, has her going on go-sees at lightning speed and she books her first job in no time. Melody plans to save her money for college so she won't need a scholarship, but making so much money so quickly with modelling is addictive and Melody starts thinking that maybe she can defer college and model for a few years instead. With the obvious perks of modelling also come the many pitfalls: lecherous men, drugs and other things Melody is not used to. After a fling with a male model named Duncan and being stabbed in the back by her so-called best friend Jade, Melody starts to wonder who she can trust, if anyone. But after booking her first cover, only a few months into her career, Melody is hooked on modelling and travelling to exotic locations. The only question is, how much of herself does she have to give up in order to succeed in the modelling business? (AS)

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Those Faraday Girls - Monica McInerney (2007)

Five sisters live with their widowed father Leo in Tasmania - hardworking Juliet, dramatic Miranda, determined Eliza, anxious Sadie and calm Clementine. Then 16-year-old Clementine falls pregnant and the sisters agree to bring up her baby, Maggie, together. Just before Maggie's sixth birthday, an unforgiveable act changes everything. Twenty years later, Maggie is living in New York, when she gets a surprise visit from Leo, who needs her help. When the Faradays gather at their Irish holiday home to celebrate Christmas in July, more family secrets are revealed.

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Three Amazing Things About You - Jill Mansell (2015)

Hallie has become a respected agony aunt on her website, dishing out honest and wise advice. But in real life, there is no agony aunt that would be able to give Hallie the answers to her own problems. Tasha's problems seem to be solved when she falls head over heels in love with Rob, but having a daredevil boyfriend comes with a whole new bag of worries. And when Flo is bequeathed a flat in a will, the deceased's granddaughter doesn't look at all kindly on her, and if she thought she'd already stirred up a hornet's nest, she's about to find out that it's only just begun. Three very different women with three very different predicaments makes for a really intriguing read. Mansell has gone beyond the normal bounds of chick lit plots with these original, convincing storylines and gives the reader something new and different. Essentially these are three independent storylines but Mansell eventually brings them together after a dramatic twist. The characters do meet unknowingly beforehand and for me this seemed too coincidental. But a minor issue in what is an extraordinary novel. There's surely only one word to sum up - Amazing! (JC)

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Three Girls and Their Brother - Theresa Rebeck (2008)

Teenage sisters Daria, Polly and Amelia Heller are the beautiful grand-daughters of an American literary critic. When famous photographer Herb Lang photographs them for New Yorker magazine, the girls are catapulted into It girl status. Amelia, only 14, is no longer able to attend high school, while oldest sister Daria is desperate to take advantage of this opportunity for fame and fortune. Under the guidance of pushy agent Collette, the girls are soon doing modelling shoots, attending star-studded events and being targeted by the paparazzi. But it is Amelia who soon becomes the focus of everyone's attention when she bites a middle-aged movie star who tries to manhandle her and lands the leading part in an off-Broadway play. With their protective brother Philip sent packing to live with their dad and their mother too busy drinking in their fame - and her alcohol, the girls have to learn to look out for each other. Each sibling takes a turn at the narration but am not convinced each voice was distinct enough.

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Three Little Words - Jessica Thompson (2013)

They are just words but they mean so much. As a dark evening draws in, the lives of three women are changed forever. The worlds they have been living in, the people they thought they knew - in an instant it all changes. But when everything seems to shatter around them, could three little words be enough to help put the pieces back together again? Three Little Words is the story of four women, whose lives have been altered by a turn of events. The story flits between the different women making it difficult at first to remember who everyone is, especially as the initial chapters jump backwards and forwards in time. However, the event at the beginning of the book hooks you in and keeps you reading and wondering just how the four women are connected. Whist I enjoyed the four stories, it was Bryony's story that I wanted to read about as I empathised the most with her. There were plot twists and turns along the way that I didn't see coming and I thought overall it was a good read. It's not a book to dip in and out of, if you can try to read it in a few sittings. (AB)

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Three Men and a Maybe - Debbie Carbin (2009)

Beth spends her days waiting for the reappearance of the unrequited love of her life, Richard - even rehearsing how she will look when he walks back into her life. Richard, the boss at her training company, is currently in Portugal, in the arms of his girlfriend. With her friend Vini pushing her to find a new man, Beth goes along to speed dating where she meets nice guy Brad. Meanwhile Beth is forming an email attachment to millionaire Rupert, the Horizon Holidays chief she is wooing for a training contract. And then there's Sean, her shifty colleague who's had his eye on her since she turned blonde and the company announced it needed some new contracts - fast. Suddenly Beth is juggling more men than she can handle. This is another hilarious novel from one of the most promising new authors. Stick with it as it becomes more of a page-turner the further you get into it. Even working out the twist before it is revealed - there are lots of clues - doesn't ruin the story. Watch out for the connections to Carbin's debut novel Thanks for Nothing, Nick Maxwell. Its heroine Rachel worked for Horizon Holidays and was the mobile phone woman Rupert's friend, Hector, is talking about.

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Three's a Crowd - Dianne Blacklock (2009)

Annie was like the Carrie of the group - the crux that brought Catherine, Lexie and Rachel together. But with her sudden passing, she not only leaves behind a shellshocked husband Tom and two teenage daughters - her circle of friends are also finding it difficult to regroup. Lawyer Catherine has worked hard her whole life and pushes her friends to strive to be their best too. But things aren't so perfect - she doesn't have a good relationship with her teenage daughter Alice and is talking about leaving her solid but boring husband Martin. Lexie, who is married to hard-working cafe owner Scott, loves being at home with the kids and doesn't know how to tell Catherine that she doesn't actually want a job. Rachel has never settled down - into a career or a relationship. Catherine thinks she needs a man in her life but Rachel can't come clean about the one man she's got her eye on. This is a captivating story about the repercussions of a central character dropping out of your life.

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Three's a Crowd - Edwina Darke (2014)

Australian Elan is an editor at a publishing company in Manhattan and is asked to take on an autobiography by actor Rox Wriothesly. Trouble is the pair of them haven't got off to the best of starts, he's notoriously difficult to track down and he's barely written a word. Meanwhile, her male best friend Luke returns from England looking to break into acting and moves in with her, just as her flatmate Lily moves out across the hall to live with her lovely boyfriend, Marcus. It's great having Luke back but he doesn't get along with Elan's lawyer boyfriend, Hunter. This debut novel was an unexpected delight. The verbal slanging matches between Elan and Rox are superb, the relationship between her and Luke is charming. Plus there's glamorous friends (perhaps a few too many as I did lose track of who was who), bitchy colleagues and Manhattan nightlife tossed in for extra flavour. Three's definitely a crowd, because all you'll want is to be by yourself to read this book. Well worth getting past the tacky cover.

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Three to Get Deadly - Janet Evanovich (1997)

Stephanie Plum seems to be one of the most notorious and infamous bounty hunters around with a knack for getting herself into trouble and sticky situations. She doesn't mean to, it's just that trouble tends to follow her very closely and as we read about her adventures we start to wonder whether her mum is right and that Stephanie should give up her bounty hunting and get a job working in a factory. When Stephanie receives her next assignment she cringes, as the FTA (failed to appear in court) is Uncle Mo, the local candy store owner in Trenton - the suburb where she grew up and her parents live. The second FTA is a teenager called Stuart who sells hot dogs. Meanwhile in matters of the heart, Stephanie's sidekick Lula has a crush on mentor Ranger, her ex-husband Dickie pays a visit and officer Joe Morelli has bought a house and seems less-like his usual self - has he gone and got himself a girlfriend? This third book in the series is filled with candy, condiments and lots of laughs. (PP)

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Three Wishes - Liane Moriarty (2003)

The birthday dinner of the Kettle triplets, Lyn, Cat and Gemma, comes to an abrupt halt when one of them throws a fork into the pregnant stomach of another. This book then recaps the sisters' tumultuous year of family secrets and betrayals, sibling rivalry and rekindled love that lead to the restaurant argument.

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Three Women - Marita Conlon-McKenna (2012)

One life-changing decision made more than 20 years ago connects three women. Erin has always known she was adopted and now on her 26th birthday, she yearns to find out all about her biological parents and why she was adopted out. She has grown up with a wonderful family - parents Nina and Tom and a brother Jack. However, she feels that her life is at a standstill and in order to move forward, she must discover her past. But, finding out who you really are can lead to dire consequences rather than happiness for all parties involved. This is an amazing family saga that you will not want to put down. (PP)

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Thursdays in the Park - Hilary Boyd (2011)

After 22 years of marriage, Jeanie's husband George suddenly ups and leaves the marital bed without explanation, moving into the spare room and ending any physical relationship between the couple. The next morning he continues as if nothing's happened and despite Jeanie's probing, he won't give her any answers. Ten years on, Jeanie finds herself trapped in a loveless marriage with a husband with whom she is becoming ever more disconnected. She finds solace in her business and the time she spends with her granddaughter on their trips to the local park and it is here that she first meets Ray, spending time with his grandson Dylan. Ray and Jeanie begin to chat and continue to develop their friendship with their Thursday trips to the park. At home, with Jeanie's 60th birthday approaching, George proposes to sell their house in London and move to the country, trying to convince Jeanie it's what she wants and that it's best for her, even convincing their daughter Chanty that it's right for them both. But Jeanie feels far from settling down into retirement and Ray is offering her the possibility to experience love again. Can she give up her loveless marriage to George for another chance at love with Ray? When George finally reveals the truth behind his estrangement from her bed, Jeanie finds herself having to rethink her options. Some of the issues in this novel are quite dark and difficult, and the book seems most suited to an older readership, but Hilary Boyd creates a poignant portrait of a stale marriage and the ties that bind couples together. (JC)

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Tiddas - Anita Heiss (2014)

Five lifelong friends meet up for book club once a month but spend more time discussing their lives and issues. TV presenter Izzy dreams of becoming the Australian Oprah but didn't count on falling pregnant. Her sister-in-law, Nadine, is a bestselling author but has trouble staying away from the bottle. Xanthe is happily married but desperate to start a family, mother of three Veronica is trying to find her place in the world after her husband left her, and funeral celebrant Ellen is getting fed up explaining that she's perfectly happy playing the field. Like all Anita Heiss books, the story touches on many issues central to Aboriginal lives - from the stolen generation and land rights to the importance of family and community. The storyline skips around between the tiddas (an Aboriginal word for sisters) without pattern so comes across as a little haphazard. I also found it difficult to relate to the characters, mainly because of the way their cultural heritage impacts so heavily on every single aspect of their lives.

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Time After Time - Sue Haasler (2002)

When Cass is invited to her 15th high school reunion, she is curious if her old boyfriend, Gideon, will show up. He has always been her dream man - with his punky looks and rebel attitude. But the 80s were a long time ago and what if the reality of seeing him again shatters her fantasies. And of course Cass has well and truly moved on - she's dating sports reporter Greg now. Meanwhile the council is threatening to cut off funding for the stately manor turned museum where Cass lives and works. This will appeal to those who remember the 80s well.

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Time of My Life - Allison Winn Scotch (2008)

Jillian is married to investment banker Henry and has a beautiful baby daughter Katie. But she can't help asking herself 'what if'? What if she never broke up with her former boyfriend Jackson? What if she hadn't ended up living this often-dreary suburban life? Then one morning, she wakes up seven years in her past, when she was still living with Jackson. This time she can choose to do things differently. What if she can help her best friend Megan conceive her much-wanted baby and avoid her fatal car crash? What if she advances further in her advertising career? What if she answers that letter from her estranged mother? And although being away from Katie is tearing her apart, the fact that she's hardly thinking about Henry must be telling her something. This will get you thinking about your own 'what ifs' and it really deserves a spot on your must-read list.

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Tiny Acts of Love - Lucy Lawrie (2014)

Cassie and Jonathan are ready for a new phase when baby Sophie arrives. They are slowly getting used to taking care of a baby, but Cassie especially finds herself dealing with all kinds of maternal anxieties. At the same time, she is trying to balance her work as a lawyer (which involves a slightly strange case at a funeral home) and being a mother (with her fellow Babycraft support group parents not making her feel any better about the way she is handling things). To make matters even more complicated, her ex-boyfriend Malkie shows up, wanting to get back together with her. Cassie is doing her very best to make everything go as smoothly as possible, but it turns out marriage and motherhood can both be quite a handful to deal with. One of the definite strengths of this novel is the group of well-written and realistic characters, particularly the heroine, Cassie, as she finds herself in situations that will be familiar and relatable to many readers. We are taken along on the emotional journey of marriage and parenthood, which includes laugh-out-loud situations and moving and emotional ones. I was curious to find out which decisions Cassie would make and what situation she would find herself in next. Tiny Acts of Love is a realistic, funny and moving novel that shows the rawness of marriage and parenthood and focuses on those moments we all have of doubting what things could have been like if we had made different decisions. A thoroughly enjoyable debut novel and I look forward to Lucy Lawrie's future work. (JoH)

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To Catch a Creeper - Ellie Campbell (2014)

Cathy has turned her life around from being a stay-at-home mother and loving wife to having her own job within the world of advertising. Luckily, Cathy's best friend, Rosa, is there to help her learn the ropes of the business. However, when Rosa has a pregnancy scare, she is forced to stay at home until the labour and Cathy is on her own to figure things out. Yet, things don't go exactly according to Cathy's plan... Meanwhile she also has other things keeping her occupied, such as the mystery of the Crouch End Creeper, a burglar who has been robbing homes in Cathy's neighbourhood. Together with her friends and the Neighbourhood Watch team, Cathy wants to catch this burglar, but with everything going on in her life, it doesn't take long before she starts losing grip on all the things she's trying to juggle... To Catch a Creeper is the sequel to Looking for La La and even though I enjoyed the first part of the series, I definitely liked this book better. The reader is invited back into Cathy's hectic life, but this time things are different because Cathy has a job. I really enjoyed this change in the story, because it shows a development in Cathy's character. There are quite a lot of characters in the book, but most of them do add something special to the story which consists of two main plotlines. I enjoyed both strands, and wouldn't have minded if the book had been a bit longer to go into more detail. This book can be read as a stand-alone, but I would personally recommend you read the first part as well, just so you are familiar with Cathy and the other characters and what happened to them before this particular story takes place. The book is quite quick-paced and a lot of things happen; your mind can't drift off for even a second, and it kept me turning the pages which resulted in me finishing the book within a relatively short amount of time. To Catch a Creeper is a light-hearted, quick, enjoyable read that will have you guessing with every page you turn. (JoH)

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Today's Special - A.M. Goldsher (2008)

Chef Anna Rowan has created a thriving and respected Chicago restaurant called TART, financed by her boyfriend Byron. But things heat up when reality-TV chef Jordan DeWitt turns up to compete against Anna for a FoodTube series. Read it for its interesting take on the restaurant world, complete with recipes and explanatory footnotes for the non-foodies. But if you have a hunger for romance, the story arc of Anna deciding between her boyfriend, a cute younger waiter and the celebrity chef really isn't that satisfying.

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To Have and to Hold - Helen Chandler (2014)

Married mother of two Ella bumps into her schoolday crush during a hens' weekend. They spend a night of passion together but Ella soon realises she doesn't want to jeopardise her marriage to Greg. But Callum wants more and makes plans to move on from his own marriage to Liz, who has little time or sympathy for their teenage daughter Phoebe. Meanwhile Ella's friend Imogen finally realises that slacker Pete, the father of her daughter Indigo, is not someone she can rely on. This story about temptation and the lure of a different existence offers an interesting, often thought-provoking, take on the challenges of relationships and family life.

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To Have and To Hold - Jane Green (2004)

aka Spellbound

Alice is a successful caterer in England who has always dreamed of living in the country and having children. She sacrifices her dream when she reconnects with her schoolgirl crush, Joe. Joe turns out to be a philandering snob who is only interested in transforming Alice into a glamorous trophy wife. After years of marriage, Alice eventually starts to question her unhappy life with her husband. When he is transferred to the US, Alice finally begins to blossom. As a Jane Green fan, I expected to love this book, however, I felt that while Green did a fantastic job developing the character of Joe, the main character Alice had little depth and was portrayed as a malleable wallflower who constantly turned a blind eye to her husband's cheating. (AO)

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To Hellas and Back - Lana Penrose (2007)

Imagine being offered the chance to move to sunny Greece with the love of your life, where you'd move into a great apartment and not need to work. Sounds like heaven? Well for Australian Lana Penrose, it was more a hell on earth. When her Greek-Australian boyfriend Dion gets the chance to run a radio station in Athens, she gives up her job as an MTV producer and leaves Sydney for a more ancient civilisation. But as Dion gets more and more caught up at work - even when the bureaucrats take the station off air - Lana is stuck at home without a working visa or an ability to speak Greek. Her days are spent trying to learn the language, ironing everything in sight, desperately seeking friends, plucking the hairs from her legs - and slowly getting sucked into a spiral of depression. Then Lana finally meets kindred spirits in her new gay pal, young New Zealander Tim, and American rocker Johnnie. But will her relationship with Dion survive the culture shock? This memoir about one woman's modern-day Greek tragedy takes a no-holds-barred approach in its display of raw emotion and self-deprecating wit.

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To Love, Honour and Betray - Kathy Lette (2008)

Lucy's husband, Jasper, has recently left her - not long after they emigrated to Australia - and she's not coping particularly well. And it seems there's more to Jasper's midlife crisis than she first thought -she needs to be careful who she trusts. Meanwhile, with her teenage daughter, Tally, blaming her for everything and youngest daughter, Ruby, throwing herself into their new beachy life, Lucy somehow finds herself training for a surf lifesaving certificate. And it seems she may be set to throw herself back into the dating pool too, with Lockie, the surf lifesaving instructor, piquing her interest and English traveller Sebastian, a certified toy boy, refusing to take no for an answer. This is a very funny story with an overly honest, self-deprecating narrator.

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Too Close for Comfort - Clare Dowling (2011)

Ali heads to Ireland with her three American children - leaving without telling her Texan husband Kyle - and expects to crash at her sister Emma's flat. But TV producer Emma is facing her own problems at the moment - including bickering co-hosts and struggling ratings on her new breakfast television show and a broken engagement to roving photographer Ryan. Their mam also has her hands full, looking after their father after multiple heart attacks. What caused the two women's relationships to break down and can this time together bring the sisters closer together again? This touching novel has plenty of humour amid some serious issues.

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Too Good To Be True - Kristan Higgins (2009)

In sixth grade, she was already dating a cute guy named Tyler, whose family owned a horse ranch. At 15, her boyfriend Jack was the son of a restaurant owner. In college, she was with romantic Frenchman Jean Phillipe. But there was one thing these guys have in common - they don't even exist! Faking a boyfriend is nothing new to Grace Emerson - she sees it as an essential survival skill. When her ex-fiance Andrew starts dating her younger, prettier sister Natalie, in order to convince her family that she's moved on and totally over him, she does what she does best - make up a boyfriend. Everyone seems to believe her - except for her new neighbour, Callahan O'Shea, who's fresh from prison. Who is he to question the existence of her boyfriend? The more Grace tries to stay away from him, the more she can't control herself from getting closer.(XT)

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To Marry a Prince - Sophie Page (2011)

When Bella Greenwood returns from living on a tropical island, it takes her time to readjust to life in a big city. To help her get reacquainted, Bella's best friend, Charlotte, takes her to the party of the year and that is where Bella's life changes forever. While laying in a heap of ivy and twigs after falling out of her chair, Bella is helped by a stranger who she feels a strong connection with. What she doesn't know is that this stranger is Prince Richard, the most eligible bachelor in England, and he also feels a connection to her. Soon, the two begin a whirlwind romance, which leads to an engagement and lots of bad press for Bella and Richard. After all, who ever thought the heir to the throne would marry a common girl like Bella? Having her every move watched and criticised is bad enough but when someone is purposely trying to sabotage her and Richard's engagement, that could be the end of the fairytale for Bella. Will she let others dictate her happiness or will she fight for what she really wants? With the royal wedding fast approaching, this is a sweet book that picks up on current events and really makes you realise what it takes for a normal girl to become a princess. Bella is an endearing character, who easily transitions from a single girl, to a girl ready to live her life in the limelight. (AS)

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To My Best Friends - Sam Baker (2011)

Fashionista Nicci is dying of cancer, and writes her three best friends a letter, each bequeathing them something precious of hers. To her business partner Jo, she asks that she care for her twin daughters. To single Mona, she leaves her husband David and to Lizzie, whose husband Nicci never approved of, she leaves her garden. The three friends are all surprised by Nicci's requests - Jo is trying to have a baby of her own and already has stepchildren; Mona is secretly seeing a married man and has never been interested in David; and Lizzie hardly has a green thumb and is already tied up with visiting her ailing mother. As the friends meet up to sort through Nicci's extensive wardrobe, her requests start to have effect on their lives in unexpected ways. This will suit if you're looking for a heart-warming novel about friendship and moving on after loss. But it was a bit too slow moving and then wrapped up too nicely for me.

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Tony Hogan Bought Me an Ice-cream Float Before He Stole My Ma - Kerry Hudson (2012)

Right from the moment Janie Ryan is born in 1980s Aberdeen, she has the odds stacked against her. After an argument with her own mother, her young mother, Iris, takes off with her, despite having nowhere else to live. And so begins Janie's journey through childhood - from living in poverty-stricken neighbourhoods, running out of money and food at the end of the week, to dealing with abusive men and drug-addicted family members. Janie finds a haven in books but will she be able to rise above her circumstances and make something of herself? The situation is bleak but the tone never is. It's a compelling, hard-hitting coming-of-age story and a highly acclaimed debut.

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To the Moon and Back - Jill Mansell (2011)

Ellie's husband, Jamie, died in a car accident - and 15 months later she's still talking to him. To get a fresh start, she moves into her film star father-in-law's spare flat in Primrose Hill and begins working for entrepreneur Zack. Zack is used to women falling for him, so why is the one woman he's interested in apparently immune to his charms? Meanwhile Ellie's bubbly neighbour, Roo, is seeing someone she shouldn't, and Ellie is thinking about dating someone she knows Jamie would approve of. Another wonderful story from Mansell, with various love story threads woven throughout. The best bit: the imaginary conversations between Ellie and her late husband are handled so beautifully that it all seems totally believable.

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To the Nines - Janet Evanovich (2004)

It seems that with the bond enforcement agency, new types of bonds are appearing - from custody bonds to visa bonds. Vinnie's client, illegal immigrant Samuel Singh, has been missing for five days. The agency has been getting a lot of press because it is the first case of its kind and now if they can't produce the client, it could turn things for the worst. Desperate to find him, Vinnie pairs up Ranger and Stephanie in the hopes that one of them will bring him back. It seems that something fishy is going on at the place where Samuel worked and the only way to get information is for Stephanie to go undercover. What happens though when Stephanie starts to attract trouble and is shot with a tranquilliser? Ranger, ever the protector, hires round-the-clock bodyguards for Stephanie but of course when you are paired with Stephanie and her sidekick Lula, anything can happen. (PP)

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Tout Sweet - Karen Wheeler (2009)

While visiting a friend in rural France, fashion and beauty journalist Karen Wheeler stumbles upon a small cottage that is for sale and in need of quite a bit of TLC. The thought of giving up her lush life in London and starting over in France is too much to pass up, so Karen buys the house on a whim after seeing it only once. She waits a year to move in, during which she has a falling-out with her only friend in France. Having no experience with house renovation, Karen stumbles through the DIY process while staying with a couple of new-found friends who own a bookshop in town (luckily, people in rural France seem very friendly and helpful). When she feels she has overstayed her welcome, she moves into a small motel until she can make at least one room in her new home inhabitable. Karen made such a big change in her life partly due to the end of her relationship with her long-time boyfriend, Eric. Now, the chances of her finding another man are slim - some of her suitors range from being married to being completely deranged. Besides the renovations (which can sometimes be quite hilarious as things inevitably go wrong) and the occasional dinner at a friend's house, Karen enjoys seeing what her village has to offer. Vividly written - so much so that you can picture yourself in Karen's shoes, standing in the market square surrounded by the loud chatter of the locals and the fragrant aroma of freshly baked bread. It is written as if it is being told to you by an old friend, and it's bursting at the seams with humour, adventure and an authentic voice in reality chick lit. A wonderful and inspiring read for anyone who craves a little change in their life but can't bring themselves to make it. After reading Karen's story you may just be brave enough to go ahead. (AS)

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Trading Up - Candace Bushnell (2005)

After her hugely popular Sex and the City, the book that turned into a much-loved TV serial, there were great expectations about this sequel to Four Blondes. But while her earlier book was often described as a social satire, here you might find that you do not enjoy following the fates and follies of the heroine Janey Wilcox, a lingerie model, anymore. In fact, Janey soon becomes insufferable, and if we plod on, we realise that Bushnell portrayed it that way to show how vacuous some lives are. Janey meets and marries the incredibly wealthy Seldon Rose. Will marriage make her a better person? There is plenty of glamour and glitz and this light read will best suit those who love to find out about the lives of the rich and the famous. (AC)

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Trashy Chic - Cathy Lubenski (2012)

Bertie Mallowan is a reporter who writes features stores for the Los Angeles newspaper. And she is dying to interview entrepreneur Robert Bellingham who owns a luxury items empire. She finally scores her interview but two days later Robert is found dead and no one knows why. Bertie's on-and-off-again boyfriend Shawn, the lead crime reporter for the newspaper, asks for her interview with Robert since it was the last one he did. Upset that she has to give him this information, she decides to research Robert Bellingham's murder and his family herself. She realises that the rich and famous have a lot of secrets that she needs to uncover and soon she may be asking herself why she even got involved. This is a good mystery with a few twists along the way. (CG)

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Tremarnock - Emma Burstall (2015)

Liz Broome moved to the small seaside village of Tremarnock to start a nice and quiet life with her daughter, Rosie. Rosie's father is too busy with other things to think of his daughter, and Liz's father appears to have his hands full with his new wife and step-daughter. It's just Liz and Rosie, but Liz does her very best to create a good life for her daughter. She works as a cleaner in the morning and as a waitress in a local restaurant in the evening. Rosie has cerebral palsy, but it's something she has learned to deal with and except for some occasional bullies at school, Rosie loves her life with her mum in Tremarnock. But trouble is just around the corner, and Liz and Rosie's lives are about to be turned upside down. Tremarnock is a promising first part of Emma Burstall's new trilogy. The book has a stunning cover which immediately made me think of a lovely quiet Cornish village, but you never know what goes on behind closed doors and that definitely counts for Tremarnock as well. The story wasn't as light-hearted as I had initially expected, but I won't go into the plotline too much because I don't want to give too much away. Liz and Rosie have a great mother-daughter relationship which plays a central role in the novel. While there are some wonderful secondary characters, such as Robert, the owner of restaurant A Winkle in Time, and Pat, Liz's helpful neighbour who babysits Rosie whenever it's necessary, I got the feeling too many inhabitants of Tremarnock were introduced. I found it tricky to remember all the names, especially since some of the characters don't really play a big part in this instalment of the series. The story became a bit slow-paced in the middle, but overall it was an entertaining and gripping read. (JoH)

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Tribute ??? Nora Roberts (2009)

Cilla McGowan is realising her dream of restoring her grandmother???s old house in Shenandoah Valley, Virginia.?? Her grandmother was the famous actress, Janet Hardy, but Cilla had never the chance to meet her because she died before she was born.?? By restoring her old house, Cilla thinks she can finally connect with her famous grandmother.?? But not everybody is happy to have a member of the Hardy family back in Shenandoah Valley.?? Strange accidents start to happen from threatening messages left on her door to her ex-husband being assaulted and sent to the hospital.?? Luckily, Cilla doesn???t have to face the dangers alone because her neighbour, Ford Sawyer, is falling in love with her and will do anything to protect her.?? This is my favourite Nora Roberts book so far.?? It is intriguing, romantic, engaging and suspenseful.?? Sometimes humorous, it is a real page-turner. (NP)

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Trick My Truck but Don't Mess with My Heart - LuAnn McLane (2008)

Candie Montgomery has left a good job in Chicago and headed back to her Kentucky hometown to help out in her family's used-car business. But as she rolls into town, she's surprised to discover that the small-town welcome she expected is sadly lacking. Her twin, Sarah, soon reveals why the townsfolk have been shunning her - they blame Candie for her sister's broken engagement to her close friend Nick. Somehow she's been exposed as the other woman despite being gone for two years. It's a shame she doesn't have her own boyfriend to help put a lid on the gossip. But then a good-looking guy in the pub, Tommy Tucker, puts his hand up for the job - and Candie seems all too willing to let him fill the vacancy. Then Candie comes up with a proposition for Nick that may just save the family business and help fix her sister's broken heart. Just the ticket for anyone seeking some light-hearted fun and romance from some sassy Southern characters. McLane says the storyline was inspired after she watched Trick My Truck on the Country Music Channel. It is the third in her series of Southern romantic comedies, which she pitched as GRITS Lit (Girls Raised in the South). 'I wanted to write novels that small-town girls could relate to as if the stories were written about their lives,' she said.

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Trouble - Kate Christensen (2009)

Psychotherapist Josie lives a comfortable life in Manhattan with her husband Anthony and adopted daughter Wendy. But when she finds herself chatting up a younger man, she's overwhelmed with relief and happiness as it suddenly dawns on her that her marriage is over. She wanted a life filled with passion and excitement, everything that Anthony failed to provide. Her college friend, Raquel, a LA rock star, has just had her heart broken by a younger man who, unknown to her, had a pregnant girlfriend, and now her reputation is on the verge of being destroyed by the negative publicity. Together, the two best friends Raquel and Josie flee to Mexico City to get away from their messed-up lives. A great story about women redefining themselves and taking risks to get the life they truly desire, as they deal with changes and choices, and remember the importance of friendship. (XT)

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True Colors - Kristin Hannah (2009)

The Grey sisters have survived tragedy together, from the loss of their mother to dealing with a bitter father. Each sister has moved on in their own way. Oldest sister Winona, the ambitious one, pursued a law degree, and is now the town lawyer. Aurora, the sensible one, has married a nice man named Richard and had a family. And Vivi Ann, the wild one, inherited their mother's love for horses and continued working on a ranch. One day the ranchhand runs off and leaves the farm in need of some help. A handsome stranger comes to town who captures Vivi Ann's heart. But then a crime is committed and family loyalty is severely tested. Who will the family believe? Whose side will they take? I always love Kristin Hannah's books - this one - spanning nearly 30 years - is darker with more psychological elements than the others. (JG)

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True Confessions - Rachel Gibson (2001)

Hope Spencer, a tabloid reporter from Los Angeles, escapes to Gospel, Idaho, for some rest and relaxation. Dylan Tabor is Gospel's sexy sheriff and the most eligible bachelor in town. As Hope spends time with Dylan and his son Adam, the sparks start to fly, however, when Hope and Dylan both learn the secrets they have kept from each other, it quickly threatens their happily ever after. While extremely predictable, this novel is still cute and humorous. (AO)

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True Love & Other Disasters - Rachel Gibson (2009)

Faith thought that her past as a former stripper and Playboy star would be left buried after her marriage to Virgil Duffy, who is 51 years her senior. (Remember the guy who was set to marry another trophy wife in Simply Irresistible?) She wanted to start life afresh, and with Virgil, the only person to understand her and treat her with respect, he gave her what she yearned for the most - security. So when he dies of a heart attack five years into their marriage, Faith is devastated. After being humiliated by Virgil's son Landon about her ugly past, he claims she has no hope of managing the professional hockey team his father left behind. But despite knowing nothing about the game, Faith decides to take on the challenge and prove him wrong. Star player Ty Savage fears Faith will ruin the reputation of his hockey team and wreck its chances of winning the Stanley Cup. But soon sparks fly between the pair and they find themselves falling in love. But when Landon threatens to spread the news of their relationship, will Faith choose to give up her true love to save the team from the negative publicity? Not one of the author's best books but it's worth reading because of its refreshing mix of characters and storyline. (XT)

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True Love (and Other Lies) - Whitney Gaskell (2004)

Travel writer Claire meets lawyer Jack on a flight from New York to London. He's heading to break up with his girlfriend; she's in town to write a travel story and catch up with her best friend Maddy. After spending time together in London, it turns out Jack isn't exactly the best guy for Claire to fall for (should be obvious to most of you why not right from the start but I won't reveal the twist just in case). Read it for loveable character Claire, the frustrated Gen-Xer who has to work for a seniors interest magazine and has always felt second-best to her glamorous best friend.

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True Love Way - Nancy Scrofano (2012)

Marlo Spencer loves everything retro. She loves curling up and watching old movies and I Love Lucy reruns. When her old high school boyfriend Josh sends her an e-mail, after 12 years of no communication, Marlo decides to go home to Napa Valley and possibly rekindle their relationship. Nik, Marlo's best male friend and the brother of her childhood friend Savannah, decides to accompany her on the trip. When Marlo and Nik arrive in Napa, old secrets end up being revealed and Marlo begins to question whether Josh is the perfect man for her. Although the storyline is predictable, this cute story is a must-read for anyone that can appreciate a great Brady Brunch or Happy Days rerun. The author is the founder of the Chick Lit Bee blog. (AO)

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Truly Madly Yours - Rachel Gibson (1999)

Delaney Shaw returns home to Truly, Idaho for the first time in years to attend the funeral of her stepfather. As a young girl, Delaney's mother married the adored mayor of Truly so Delaney grew up as the spoiled adopted daughter of the most respected man in town. Nick Allegrezza was the illegitimate son of the mayor. Nick lived his childhood rejected by his birth father and being the token bad boy of the small town. Growing up, Delaney and Nick had a strained relationship of jealousy and curiosity. One night as teenagers, Delaney and Nick's relationship turns into a night of unforgettable passion and humiliation. Fast forward many years, and Delaney finally sees Nick at her stepfather's funeral. Delaney has no plans on sticking around and rehashing the past with Nick, however, due to a stipulation in her stepfather's will, she will be staying in the small town for longer than she ever expected. Nick and Delaney do their best to avoid each other, but the past seems to keep catching up with them. I found the book to be rather predictable with lukewarm, forgettable characters. (AO)

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Tug of Love - Allie Spencer (2009)

Lucy Stephens knows that there's never a winner in divorce after watching her parents' marriage disintegrate. Now as a divorce barrister, she is battling to gain a permanent position in chambers against the slimy Hugo. Her chances are given a boost when she scores a spot on the legal team representing Prime Minister Llew Jones. But will she get blamed for the leak when salacious secrets about his impending divorce get revealed in the media? Meanwhile, Lucy's been warned that seeing her new man, Mark, may jeopardise her career while her cheating ex, Jonathan, is trying to convince her he's a changed man. For those who want a bit of law and courtroom order with their romance.

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Tulle Little, Tulle Late - Kimberly Llewellyn (2006)

Nina is caught out at the bridal shower of her competitive cousin Celie, trying on her Vera Wang wedding gown. It's the exact same dress Nina never got to wear for her aborted walk down the aisle with globe-trotting journalist Jeremiah. Thinking it's about time she gets serious about her life and her public relations career, Nina puts herself up for a promotion against the young and hungry Chad. Her test is to tame the difficult movie star, Jackleen Liquori. Just as she meets the cool motorbike-riding Dante, who helps charm the aging diva, Jeremiah crashes back into Nina's life, telling her he's in danger. Perhaps all a bit predictable on the romance front but you'll enjoy the author's signature sharp wit.

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Turning Forty - Mike Gayle (2013)

In this sequel to Turning Thirty, Matt had a plan to have his life sorted before he turned 40. He wanted to have a good job, be settled down with a wife and have money in the bank. But when his wife unexpectedly leaves him, he finds himself heading towards the big 4-0 broke, homeless and without a job. This thought-provoking story makes you question your own life and what you would change or keep the same. Matt starts working in a charity shop and I enjoyed this aspect as I volunteer in one too. I think anyone whose life changes quickly will be able to relate to this. (KD)

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Turning Thirty - Mike Gayle (2005)

This is a story that most people will be able to relate to if they are dreading any kind of milestone birthday. Matt Beckford is facing his 30th birthday alone. With him and his girlfriend, Elaine, coming to the realisation that their relationship isn't working, Matt heads home to Birmingham and moves back in with his parents. He gets back in touch with his old crowd, including Ginny, a friend he used to snog, and begins to fall for her all over again. I read this book for a second time to refresh my memory before reading the sequel, Turning Forty, and enjoyed it even more this time around. It was certainly very funny. (KD)

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Turning the Tide - Christine Stovell (2010)

Harry Watling is struggling to keep her father's boatyard business afloat in the sleepy seaside town of Little Spitmarsh. When property developer Matthew Corrigan threatens to awaken the town by building a fancy restaurant and housing complex, Harry is almost the only dissenting voice. Fearful of change and the holiday lets and yuppie clientele it would bring; Harry tries to resist what Matthew has to offer. Will Harry be able to change the minds of the colourful locals who are welcoming Matthew with open arms, or will she too join in the turning tide of Little Spitmarsh? A charming, well written romantic novel that paints such a good picture of Little Spitmarsh that you can almost smell the sea air. Be prepared for Harry as she's not your average chick lit heroine. She's rough around the edges, feisty and dressed almost permanently in dungarees. (AB)

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Turtle Reef - Jennifer Scoullar (2015)

Zoe King is a recently graduated zoologist struggling in Sydney. She hates her job in the library and has been unlucky in love. When she gets a job at a Turtle Reef Centre in Kiawa, Queensland, she takes off without looking back. She immediately falls in love with the natural beauty of the area and her job at the centre where she's finally involved in important research and conservation work. The centre's owner, Bridget, is gorgeous, talented and engaged to handsome farmer Quinn Cooper. Zoe embraces her new life but quickly discovers the centre isn't doing well and is designed to rehabilitate animals back into their natural wildlife, but that, along with important research, isn't occurring. Bridget doesn't live up to her impressive resume. Zoe also finds herself falling for the unavailable Quinn. Meanwhile he has his own issues - he's raising his brain-damaged brother and runs a cane farm. Zoe cannot ignore the anomalies nor her attraction to Quinn and undertakes her own investigations which then threaten her life and her job. The story creates evocative images of the natural wildlife and details the setting beautifully. The burgeoning romance takes second place to the deception and mystery but is all tied up nicely at the end. (LF)

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Tweethearts - Nicole Haddow (2014)

Jemima Starler cannot stand her job at Placenta Monthly and secretly has a popular Twitter account called Maghag which keeps everyone trying to guess her identity. Not only is her editor the boss from hell who spends her time trying to sabotage Jemima, there also seems to be a traitor amongst her so-called friends! When everything falls apart at work and Jemima accepts an offer as a publicity person for a popular reality show, new problems arise when her handsome roomie Samson is also a contestant on the show. Loved this book - modern technology meets love. Both Jemima and Samson take turns confusing each other and me too... I would recommend this book if you're looking for a light read. The characters were funny although there were some I tried to like but couldn't. Plenty of laughs, new and old friendships, and lots of love! (KARM)

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Twelve Days of Christmas - Trisha Ashley (2010)

Ever since Holly Brown lost her husband, Alan, she's been avoiding Christmas time. It's just too hard for her to celebrate when he is no longer with her. And the festive season becomes even harder for Holly to bear when she loses her gran just before the holiday. So, when the chance comes up to housesit an isolated stately home during Christmas, Holly jumps at the chance. However, there are many things about the job that Holly didn't expect. First off, the house is huge, far too big for one person to take care of alone, and there is also a horse to care for, which Holly has no experience with. But, she's not going to give up that easily. Even the homeowner, famous sculptor Jude Martland, who is difficult to deal with, can't put her off of doing the job. Things change though, when Jude is forced to return unexpectedly and some nasty blizzards set in. If Holly and Jude were looking to avoid Christmas ... they sure are in the wrong place! In this wonderfully heartfelt story, Holly and Jude are forced to come to terms with all of the pains of the past and begin a new future, whether they'll do it together or separately is entirely up to them. While reading, you may find yourself looking for a cozy blanket and a warm mug of hot chocolate so that you can let yourself be completely absorbed by this touching story. (AS)

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Twelve Rooms with a View - Theresa Rebeck (2009)

Possession is nine-tenths of the law - or is it? This story revolves around Tina, the youngest of three sisters, who is a cleaning lady and whose current address is a trailer park. Tina's mum, Olivia, has just passed away from a heart attack, and while standing around her mother's new home in the ground, Tina learns about her inheritance. She's been left a 12-room apartment overlooking Central Park. But other family members dispute her claim. So now Tina is stuck squatting in the apartment, battling against stepbrothers, sisters, lawyers and apartment residents including Frank the doorman and Len the anthropological botanist. Tina, feeling like the black sheep, does what she thinks will help her keep the apartment - befriending the members of the co-op committee. There she develops feelings for the chairman's son Vince, though her heart is also tugging in the direction of Peter, the stepbrother she has just discovered. Can Tina make up her mind about what she really wants and stop being walked over? And who will win Tina's heart - Vince the spoilt trust-fund baby or Peter the NYPD cop? This is a solid read that has you seeing stories from different occupants and shows when it comes to the crunch - money and status can play a huge role, especially in a luxury apartment building worth millions. (PP)

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Twelve Sharp - Janet Evanovich (2006)

Our favourite and fun-lovin' bounty hunter is back in action - and this time if Stephanie Plum's not careful, she might find herself shot and taken by a pair of male and female Ranger lookalikes. Vinnie's Bail Bonds is running out of bounty hunters and is losing out big time in the monetary stakes. Can Connie and Lula find some new bounty hunters and fast - ones who will fit in with their quirky team including newcomer Mervin Pickles? Trouble seems to always follow Stephanie and in Twelve Sharp it is no different as she is being stalked by somebody claming to be Ranger's wife and scarily enough she is dressed just like Ranger. Is Ranger living a double life or is something off about this newcomer Carmen Mancoso? There's also more Grandma Mazur's antics and Sally Sweet's band makes an appearance with Lula as a back-up singer/dancer. (PP)

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Twenties Girl - Sophie Kinsella (2009)

This follows the life of Lara Lington who is suddenly "haunted" by her great aunt Sadie. Sceptical at first, Lara eventually feels that Sadie is her guardian angel and helps Sadie find the one thing that she needs to rest in peace - her beautiful dragonfly necklace. In the process, Lara believes her great aunt was murdered, asks a handsome stranger on a date, and talks to Sadie (who no one else can see) so much that people start to think she has lost her mind - which is easy to believe as she hasn't been acting right since her break-up with her true love, Josh. Eventually, Lara discovers that someone in her family has been harbouring a secret that will ruin them and Lara, with the help of Sadie, decides to expose them and finally set things right. It is fun, feisty and an absolutely brilliant read. (AS)

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29 - Adena Halpern (2010)

Widow Ellie is about to blow out the candles for her 75th birthday. Still young-at-heart, she gets along better with her 25-year-old fashion designer granddaughter Lucy than her interfering 55-year-old daughter Barbara. But even with some cosmetic tinkering, Ellie can't hold back time. After wishing to be 29 again, she wakes up the next morning in a much younger body. She hits the town with Lucy - masquerading as a cousin from Chicago - while her best friend Frida and Barbara pair up to track down the missing birthday girl. A fantastic read if you want to lose your preconceptions about older women. Ellie is a wonderful feisty character who needs to face up to some of her life regrets. But it's the bumbling duo of best friend and daughter that really steal the show.

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20 Times A Lady - Karyn Bosnak (2006)

"The average person has 10.5 sexual partners in their lifetime." For Delilah Darling, she has well exceeded the numbers - almost two times as high as the national average. She decides to set things right, by imposing a limit - to sleep with only 20 males, meaning she has only got one more chance left - for her future husband. But after losing her job at Elisabeth Sterling Design and making the big mistake of sleeping with her loathsome boss Roger, Delilah has used up all her chances. Determined to get a last shot at happiness, she comes up with a plan to track down all 20 guys she has slept with, with the help of her actor neighbour Colin. A hilarious and fun read about second chances in love. Columbia has acquired the movie rights for this novel, with Mark Mylod (Entourage) directing the movie, and Anna Faris playing the role of Delilah. It has been renamed What's Your Number? (XT)

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Twin Piques - Tracie Banister (2015)

Willa is a free-spirited dog whisperer and Sloane is a straight-laced accountant. About the only things these identical twins have in common - beyond their appearance - is their not-so-good luck in men and the fact they are both extremely good at their jobs. Talking of men, Willa meets rose expert Brody while they are both waiting to do a piece on the DayBreak TV show, while Sloane has been busy dating her boss Josh on the sly. But with trouble just around the corner, can the twins help each other or will their different personalities drive them apart and end up making their situations worse? This book is the perfect read for anyone who has a close sibling relationship as they will understand the ups and downs of Willa and Sloane's sisterly bond. (PP)

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Twisted Sisters - Jen Lancaster (2014)

Successful television psychologist Reagan Bishop cannot figure out why her sister, Geri, is the family favourite. After all, Reagan is an overachieving doctor who runs marathons and eats only organic foods while Geri, a hairdresser who still lives in their parents' basement, could stand to miss a takeout meal or two. When her cable show is bought by a national network, pressures mount even further for Reagan to succeed. With the help of Deva, the show's new age guru, Reagan resorts to some rather "unorthodox" methods of generating ratings. When her methods work, and the show's ratings soar, Reagan hatches the perfect plan to show her family that Geri isn't so great after all. As you might expect, her plan backfires and she is the one who ends up learning a lesson. While her last foray into fiction (Here I Go Again) was a hit, Twisted Sisters is more of a miss. Most of the book is spent focused on whiney Reagan and her desire to be worshipped by her family. Unfortunately, she doesn't realise the issue is her, not her family, until the end of the book and by that time, it all wraps up rather hastily. The one redeeming part to the story is the reappearance of Deva, whom we first met in Here I Go Again. She is a breath of fresh air in an otherwise tedious story of an unlikable character. (LEK)

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Twitter Girl - Nic Tatano (2014)

Cassidy Shea, aka Twitter Girl, is fired from her broadcasting job after one controversial tweet too many. But she's soon snapped up to join the campaign team of presidential hopeful Will Becker as his "vice-president of snark", using Twitter to cut down his rivals with her trademark sarcasm. But it appears as if America's dreamiest catch (Will is a widower) is also looking for a First Lady as well. With the media falling head-first for Will and Cassidy's fairytale romance, an anonymous source warns her that all is not as it appears, igniting her reporter instincts. Has Cassidy been backing the wrong man all along? This has all the familiar ingredients of a Nic Tatano rom-com: Sassy redhead. Check. Who works in a media-related field. Check. Rapid-fire dialogue with plenty of sexual tension and romance complications. Check. Check. And check. This modus operandi is certainly working for Tatano and I'm nowhere near tiring of the formula yet.

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Two for Joy - Patricia Scanlan (2003)

This novel follows the life of three women from a small town in Ireland and the men that ultimately intertwine their lives. Noreen Flynn is unhappily married to a workaholic. Haunted by past secrets, she is desperate to have a baby, hoping that this will bring her and her husband closer together and give her purpose in life. Lorna Morgan is eager to leave her small town and start a glamorous life in Dublin. But her dream that her new life will be like an episode out of Sex and the City is quickly shattered. Heather Williams moves to Dublin with her cousin Lorna, however, unlike Lorna she misses her small-town life. So she moves home and questions whether an old boyfriend is the right man for her. The author does a fantastic job developing characters that a reader can relate to - you will not be able to put this book down. (AO)

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Two For Joy - Helen Chandler (2013)

Julia and Toby are best friends and see each other as nothing more. So when Toby proposes to his new girlfriend, Ruby, why does Julia feel jealous? Luckily for Julia, Ruby rejects Toby's proposal and Toby comes back into Julia's life and they confess their feelings for each other. Their blissful relationship doesn't last for long though as Ruby makes the shock announcement that she's pregnant and wants to marry Toby. Julia is devastated as Toby does the right thing and promises to look after the mother of his child. Can Julia ever accept that Toby is no longer hers? Is the saying three's a crowd really true? This was a really impressive debut. The writing keeps you on edge and has you wanting to read more and more and more! Helen is definitely an author to watch out for. (LL)

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Two Fridays in April - Roisin Meaney (2015)

It is the one-year anniversary of the death of Finn Darling, and his daughter Una's seventeenth birthday. Finn's widow, Daphne, is struggling with her grief, but tries to put on a brave face and arranges a birthday dinner for her stepdaughter Una and mother-in-law Mo. Daphne and her own mother Isobel have a strained relationship as a result of Isobel walking out years before, and Daphne is having trouble maintaining a close relationship with her stepdaughter. When Una doesn't show up for the dinner, Daphne, Mo and Isobel are thrown together in panic, but soon they begin to realise that life is still for living despite the hurt they've been through. This is a superbly written book - I loved how the story highlighted how much one man's death can affect the people left behind. The story is told from the alternating perspectives of the four ladies, and I liked how certain imagery linked all of their stories together without too much repetitive overlap. Daphne is a very likeable character, her love for Finn is evident throughout. Una is also a very admirable girl, despite her naivety at times, she inspires the others to move on from the things that are holding them back. A great read. (LO)

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Two for the Dough - Janet Evanovich (1995)

In this second book of the series, Stephanie Plum has been given a new task - to hunt down Kenny Mancuso - another cousin of the Morelli family, he is suspected of murdering a petrol station owner. While on the case, Stephanie goes along with her funeral-crashing grandma to the victim's funeral. And undertaker Spiro has an under-the-table job for Stephanie - to locate 24 caskets that have gone missing. Stephanie, always one for trouble, starts on the case and guess who shows up - officer Joe Morelli. The pair have a love/hate relationship and a chemistry that works well. As Stephanie gets closer to apprehending Kenny, will she realise she has bitten off more than she can chew when he comes after Granny Plum? (PP)

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Two of a Kind - Mina Ford (2006)

Twins Harriet and Hermione Harker haven't seen each other for 15 years - not since a tragic accident and a bitter row drove them apart. Now with Harriet's marriage ending and Hermione falling pregnant to a married man, both set out to track each other down. A real page-turner.

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Two Times Twenty - Bethan Darwin (2010)

Anna's 40th birthday is just round the corner and she decides to mark the occasion with a party for her nearest and dearest. Only in the run-up to the party she discovers her best friend on the doorstep of a man who isn't her husband, her old single school friend wants a baby by any means and her ex-husband wants her to move to the other side of the world. And as if that isn't enough to contend with there is always her three children and nightmare boss to cope with. As the story unfolds, Anna's past is revealed which gives you an insight into what's going on in the present. This is a well-written story which sucks you in straight away. (AB)

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Two to Tango - Nuala Woulfe (2010)

Mum of three Jennifer O'Malley is struggling to work out who she is. The wild days of her 20s seem far behind her as she struggles with a marriage in the doldrums, where her libido with her husband Dan is low but her erotic fantasies about other men lead her to crave the excitement of an affair. In between fretting about her frumpy looks and finding time to fit in French lessons at her daughter's snobby French school, Jennifer dreams of her husband being promoted so that they can buy an enormous trophy house - but she hadn't factored on the recession butting in and ruining her ambitions. Meanwhile, secret pole-dancing Rebecca Gleeson's life seems a world away from Jennifer's, yet she too is bored - of her beautician's career, her marriage to Mark and the sheer predictability of her country life. When Mark issues an ultimatum that will decide her future, Rebecca finds herself trying all manner of different activities in an attempt to work out what exactly it is she wants for life. When the two very different women with similar problems are forced into each other's lives, they find themselves trying everything from Latin dancing, playing rugby, attending sexy lingerie parties and even test driving toy boys in their bid to leave the past behind and start living more spontaneously. Will Jennifer and Rebecca rediscover their sense of fun, find the meaning of happiness and save their marriages? The writer's style in Two to Tango is sometimes reminiscent of the narrator in Desperate Housewives, and you can imagine seeing some of the more zany scenes in the book in that show - albeit with a distinctly Irish slant. The women's back stories are explored in an unusual, non-linear format, although the strong focus on other areas of their lives somewhat dissipates the impact of the back story revelations when they do appear in the book. While the book explores the serious themes of low libido in post-pregnancy women, redundancy, men's mid-life crises and marital difficulties, it also discusses things you might never have read about before in a chick lit book - such as grown-up women catching worms from children! And if you're looking for a book with an abundance of raunchy scenes, this is the one for you (although you may find there are a few too many if intimate scenes aren't high on your chick lit reading criteria). (SBB)

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