The Matchbreaker - Chris Manby 2007 ****1/2

A lot of people found Chris Manby's main character Lindsay infuriating in this. And I must say I was amazed at how arrogant and self-centred she was. However, I have to say that I did warm towards her about half way through. Lindsay has always been a daddy's girl, even to the extent of sabotaging all of her father's relationships, and when he becomes engaged to his latest 'squeeze' Karen, she is determined to ruin that as well.

Deciding to take her future mother-in-law to Ibiza for her hen weekend, Lindsay plans to give her a send off she will never forget.

One of my favourite things about chick lit is when the author is describing London. I like taking a virtual trip along Oxford Street or Hyde Park with the character and this is what happened here.

Worth a read.

Started 16th January

Finished 20th January

I've Got Your Number - Sophie Kinsella - 2012 *****

I love Sophie Kinsella. She's such an easy, relatable author and I was enthralled by this novel.
Poppy loses her engagement ring soon before she is due to marry her partner Magnus. Her phone is then stolen and by chance she finds a replacement in a bin. The trouble is, this phone is still very much in use and Poppy finds out that it belongs to a businessman named Sam's ex PA. She doesn't see why she should give it up, besides, she needs a phone in case anyone tracks down her ring, and Sam desperately needs the phone back to access his emails and contacts. The only thing they can do is meet and try to come to some sort of arrangement. (I don't know why this initially reminded me so much of 'Pillow Talk' with Doris Day, but it did.)
As you can imagine, all sorts of things happen, but the ending was (of course) exactly what I wanted.

Started 8th June
Finished 20th June

Twenties Girl - Sophie Kinsella 2009 ****1/2

After an embarrassing year of not having picked up a book I delved into this on a friend's recommendation and am delighted to report that my reading mojo is back with force. Sophie Kinsella is always fun, and always one of those reassuring authors that you know is going to make you laugh, regardless of what else is going on in your life. 'Twenties Girl' really nailed it for me, partly because it was hilarious and heartfelt, but also because one of it's main characters was from the flapper age which is my favourite decade. An award-winning combination in my opinion. Lara attends her great aunt Sadie's funeral, and almost immediately begins to think she is going mad, for Sadie has started appearing to Lara and Lara alone, in her former 1920s flapper body, as a rather disgruntled ghost. She has one last wish before she can 'move on', and that is to find her favourite dragonfly necklace which she became separated from during her life. It is up to Lara to track it down, without making a fool of herself, and that is easier said than done when you are the only one able to see your new companion.
Very funny, and very gentle. I love these sorts of books, almost like comfort food, you can pick them out at times of need and they will instantly rejuvenate you.

Started 20th April
Finished 5th May

Working in London Through the Eyes of Chick Lit

I'm all of a sudden having a bit of a craving for reading chick lit. Christmas has just been and we all had a lovely time, and my step-sister got some fun looking chick lit as a pressie which she was thrilled about. I've always been into chick lit, mostly because I have always had a dream of living in London (although I despise the pollution, the people, the noise and the heat) and reading many of these types of books is brilliant, because it transports you to somewhere (normally London) walks you down the streets, takes you into the cafes and restaurants, and gives you the feeling of being there. Although London is busy and totally overcrowded it makes you feel totally calm reading about it in a novel. I also love the fact that if the heroine works in London i.e. an office or a quirky little business you get an insight of what goes on in there (I have always wanted to do the 9-5 in a London office, preferably in the West End and walk along the Thames at night) It sounds silly when I write it down, but reading these books is ideal for someone who wants to imagine they are living in the capital without actually having to live there. You simply live there through the pages of the book instead. I have felt that ever since I read my first Sophie Kinsella.
2012 is chick lit year.