I’ve Got Your Number - Sophie Kinsella

I really enjoyed Kinsella’s latest novel, a romantic comedy with heart and fantastic characters (as always). Loveable narrator Poppy loses her engagement ring and phone at her Hen Party but, as luck would have it, finds an abandoned phone in a bin to use instead. With her wedding days away she’s determined to find the ring and get back on track, but the involvement of handsome businessman Sam, to whom the phone belongs, and his own work-related drama complicates matters. Although a little predictable, Kinsella skilfully keeps you wondering how her characters will reach their inevitable, neatly tied up endings!

Published Feb 2012, Bantam Press (Random House)

Remember Me - Sophie Kinsella

There’s something about a Sophie Kinsella novel that no other ‘chick lit’ seems able to pull off. The combination of original (yet uncomplicated) plotlines, likeable characters, real swoon-worthy men and our beleaguered heroine coming good before the (happy) ending makes for true page-turning indulgence. Remember Me steps away from the frivolous and frustrating Becky Bloomwood who made Kinsella a household name and introduces us to Lexie. A lot less vain and lot more fun, Lexie’s amnesiac struggle to remember her former, seemingly perfect life, definitely keeps the reader guessing. A fun, romantic read about work, friends, relationships… and finding yourself!

 

Published December 2008, Black Swan (Random House)

Pear Shaped - Stella Newman

Protagonist Sophie makes desserts for a living. I was immediately hooked on this smart chick lit, with its funny and career driven heroine.  However, digesting the book itself became much like devouring a chocolate sundae, starting off sweet enough with likeable girl meeting suave boy (James), but by the time I’d reached the half way mark I was flagging.  Sophie’s breakdown in light of James’ atrocious behaviour is dragged out for far too long and it’s a backward step for girl power to witness someone going off the rails this exquisitely over a man who’s a bit of a chump. 


Published January 2012, Avon (HarperCollins)