JANE FALLON

Foursome (2010)

Rebecca has always revelled in the cosy friendship formed when she and Isabel married best friends Dan and Alex. Now 20 years down the track, Alex has just left Isabel, telling Rebecca that he's always actually loved her. So as well as worrying about how her best friend is coping and making sure no one finds out about Alex's declaration, Rebecca's also stressing about how the break-up is going to wreck her tight social circle. Things get even more strained when Alex starts dating Lorna, her nightmare colleague at the talent agency, who really needs to spend less time chatting about herself and more time eating. Even though this is essentially a story about the breakdown of the bond between two couples, the rivalry between Rebecca and Lorna is far more compelling.

Got You Back (2008)

When Stephanie discovers a suspicious message on her husband James' mobile, she tracks down the female caller and finds that he has been living a double life. He spends the early part of the week living with his girlfriend Katie in a rural town while he runs his vet practice, then the rest of the week in London with Stephanie and their son Finn. Stephanie convinces a shocked Katie not to tell James what they have uncovered - instead they join forces to make his life hell first. But then one starts taking the revenge a bit too far and James' life really starts falling apart. It'll keep you reading to find out whether revenge is indeed sweet but I would have preferred a bigger showdown or twist at the end.

Getting Rid of Matthew (2007)

Helen has been having a secret affair with a married man - her former boss - for the past four years. So when Matthew finally leaves his wife, Sophie, and moves in with Helen, you think she'd be delighted. But now she's decided she doesn't want him anymore. So Helen embarks on a campaign to get rid of Matthew, including befriending his wife. One of the best releases of 2007.

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REBECCA FARNWORTH

Also the ghostwriter of Katie Price's novels.

Valentine (2009)

Valentine Fleming dreams of making it big as an actress but after years of rejections and bit parts, her hopes and self-esteem are beginning to fade. With a stroke of luck, she lands a part in a play alongside sexy leading man Jack Hart and although things don't get off to a great start between them, there's certainly an instant attraction and it's not long before the two of them are an item. However, with Valentine's ex-boyfriend still in the picture, along with a couple of stalker ex-girlfriends of Jack's who just can't seem to let go, it's a rocky road to love. Just as things start to look up in both her professional and personal life, Valentine learns a shocking secret that threatens to turn her world upside down. With a strong lead character, a supporting cast made up of quirky yet lovable characters and a fantastic plot this is a must-read. (KC)

Also by author:

A Funny Thing About Love

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LIZ FENTON & LISA STEINKE

I'll Have Who She's Having (2008)

TV producer Kate is depressed and drinking a lot after her latest boyfriend dumps her, while her younger sister Kelly is feeling the strain of being a young married mother. When Kelly meets a gorgeous guy at Starbucks, she convinces her sister to sign up together for his volleyball classes. Once Kate meets coach Tim, she decides he could well be the man of her dreams. But he is too busy making a play for Kelly. Told in alternate chapters from each sister's viewpoint (Fenton wrote the Kelly chapters, while Steinke wrote for Kate.)

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KATIE FFORDE

Wedding Season (2008)

Wedding planner Sarah gets involved in two of the biggest ceremonies of her life - her sister Lily's and celebrity Carrie's - on the same day. Lily, who's getting married before her bump shows, is looking to economise on her big day while Carrie's budget knows no limits. With dress designer Elsa and hairdresser Bron on hand to help, Sarah pulls together the weddings while pining for photographer Hugo. Sarah, like all wedding planners you read about, doesn't believe in love - in this case because a boyfriend once broke off with her sometime in her distant past. With the dialogue more painful than a pair of too-tight bridesmaid shoes (what Gen-Xer talks or flirts like these people?), I had to force myself to finish it.

Also by author:

A Perfect Proposal; Love Letters; Going Dutch; Practically Perfect; Flora's Lot; Restoring Grace; Paradise Fields; Highland Fling; Artistic Licence; Thyme Out; Life Skills; Stately Pursuits; Wild Designs; The Rose Revived; Living Dangerously

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HELEN FIELDING

Bridget Jones's Diary (1996)

One of the must-read classics of chicklit and a movie starring Renee Zellweger, Colin Firth and Hugh Grant. Singleton Bridget keeps a diary detailing her weight losses and gains, alcohol units, cigarettes and of course, her experiences with men. Her diary opens with Bridget on the way to the New Year's Day Turkey Curry Buffet, where she meets Mark Darcy, a divorced human rights lawyer. Their paths keep crossing, as she has an affair with her womanising boss Daniel Cleaver, a man Mark despises.

Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2000)

In the sequel to Bridget Jones's Diary, Bridget is back and her wilderness years are over - she's been in a relationship with Mark Darcy for a month. But trouble looms ahead for the couple, particularly in the form of Rebecca, one of Bridget's acquaintances who just can't seem to leave Mark alone. With lots of help from self-help books and her best friends, Jude, Sharon and Tom, Bridget deals with a hole in her apartment wall, a Thai holiday that turns into a nightmare and one of her friends potentially becoming a Smug Married.

Also by author:

Olivia Joules and the Overactive Imagination; Cause Celeb

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JERRAMY FINE

Someday My Prince Will Come (2008)

Jerramy Fine was raised by hippie parents in Colorado, all the time believing that she was switched at birth and actually came from an aristocratic background. Fascinated by royalty, at six she spies the Queen's first grandson Peter Phillips' name on the Windsor family tree and decides then and there that he's her future husband. She even sends a few letters to him c/o Buckingham Palace. As a young adult, she heads to a faraway kingdom (England) to study and circulate in noble circles. Most of the men she meets are appalling (I actually think she'd have done better with the likes of the Mitchell brothers from Eastenders) but Jerramy just couldn't keep away from any guy with a posh accent and floppy Hugh Grant hair. Having taught herself etiquette courtesy of Debrett's and styled herself along the lines of Grace Kelly, she is soon receiving invites to ring in the new millennium in an Indian royal palace and proposals to marry a gay aspiring politician. Along the way, she rubs shoulders with royals including Princess Anne (Peter's mother), Diana's brother Earl Spencer and Fergie. But just as it looks like Jerramy's time in England has come to a miserable end, her prince appears. It may sound a crazy thing to do but Fine's tale about searching for her Prince Charming and believing in the power of dreams is truly enchanting.

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SUZANNE FINNAMORE

The Zygote Chronicles (2002)

This is a journal of a first-time mother to her unborn child, from conception to delivery room. It's got some humorous anedotes about life for pregnant women, and even some moments of sadness and drama, but I found it just didn't deliver a story anyone outside the family would be interested in reading.

Also by author:

Split; Otherwise Engaged

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ZOE FISHMAN

Balancing Acts (2010)

For anyone who has ever struggled with the "balancing act" involved in being a woman, this is the book for you. Charlie, Sabine, Bess and Naomi, four women who meet up again at a college reunion, are characters that any woman can identify with. Charlie, once a big name on Wall Street, gave up her high-powered career to open a yoga studio. Trying to let go of a past love, Charlie centres this story through her poise, charm and genuine desire to achieve happiness through being at peace with herself. Sabine, an editor at a publishing company, spends her weekends reading through other peoples' work while contemplating her own desire to write. Her less-than-exciting love life takes a fateful turn when she has the chance to get to know her secret crush, a man she sees on the subway every morning. Bess, a journalist stuck in a job that has her commenting on celebrity gossip, struggles with following her heart and moving to LA to be with her boyfriend, Dan, and staying in New York and not abandoning everything she has worked so hard for. Naomi, a once successful photographer, now finds herself designing websites and taking care of her son, Noah. When Noah's father enters the picture after many years, Naomi has to decide if she can let go of the anger she has been holding towards him. The four women meet once a week at Charlie's yoga studio and the lessons they learn through practice brings changes to their lives outside of the studio. Prepare to set aside enough me-time as this is a real page-turner. (JE)

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ANNETTE FIX

The Break-Up Diet (2008)

According to Californian-based Annette Fix, the break-up diet 'occurs when a woman discovers she has been dumped by a man she loves more than life and chocolate'. Annette was working as a topless dancer to support her son Josh and her writing career, when her boyfriend Kevin rang to tell her their two-year relationship was over. With candour and humour, Annette details through journal entries how she loses her appetite before she dives back into the dating pool to find a man ready for happily ever after. Tongue-in-cheek recipes such as Guilt Stew, Adrift Soup and Sexual Stir-Fry are scattered throughout to add extra flavour. Annette is one tough cookie, who is willing to bare all literally as she fights to ensure life doesn't get her down. A memoir for those who've lived through the emotional turmoil of a painful break-up. My only problem with the book was a personal one - I just didn't feel any affinity or sympathy for the writer, which meant I wasn't rooting for her or felt she'd earnt a happy ending. But Fix's writing indicates she'd have a strong chick lit voice if she chose to write fiction in future.

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SARA FOSTER

Come Back to Me (2010)

Alex comes face-to-face with his disturbing past when he and his wife, Chloe, go on a restaurant date. Chloe's lawyer colleague, Mark, introduces his date Julia, but the woman abruptly leaves the table, never to return. It appears that she knows Alex but he isn't about to shed any light on their past relationship - not even to Chloe. As Chloe deals with a largely absent husband and Mark - her ex - showing renewed interest, she finds she's facing another life-changing development. This is a very promising debut, with a storyline teeming with slowly revealed secrets and unexpected turns. It's told from each character's perspective, and is set between London and Perth. Extra points to anyone guessing the final twist.

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S.J. FOSTER

Champagne & Butterflies (2009)

Kyla and Kimari Fontaine are gorgeous, privileged sisters who are finishing their final year at Penn State University. Kimari, an aspiring author and the wilder of the two, falls for Penn State football player Sean. After graduating, her dream comes true and she publishes her first novel, thrusting her into high-profile parties in New York City. However, she soon discovers that her partying ways and a questionable picture of her with an infamous playboy rapper might jeopardise her relationship. Kyla, the more reserved sister, is torn between two men. Vince is a stable medical student who adores Kyla. Troy is the two-timing ex-boyfriend who she cannot resist. After much heartache, Kyla realises who she belongs with, only to learn that it might be too late to salvage the relationship. This is a fun quick read that follow the lives of two sisters as they make the transition from the college years to adulthood. (AO)

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ZOE FOSTER

Playing the Field (2010)

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

Air Kisses (2008)

Hannah has scored the job that other girls only dream about - putting the lip glosses into the glossies. As Gloss magazine's beauty editor, she is inundated with the latest products, invited to all the glamorous launches and cosseted by shiny PR girls. But it's not all champagne and air kisses - she also needs to work hard and look good - after all how good is a beauty editor whose skin and make-up aren't perfect. When Hannah reads about her boyfriend being seen out and about with a hot weather girl, she is devastated. But with the help of her best friend Iz, Hannah throws herself into her new career and back into the dating pool. With each chapter headed with a beauty tip (who knew about cold sores and nail polish remover?), this offers an entertaining insider's view into the magazine world.

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MINA FORD

Two of a Kind (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.

Also by author:

My Fake Wedding

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JEMMA FORTE

Jemma Forte is a British TV presenter.

Me & Miss M (2009)

Fran has always dreamed of making it as an actress but apart from one very embarrassing advert, it doesn't look like she'll ever get that lucky break. So when she gets the chance to work as a personal assistant to American actress Caroline Mason while she treads the boards in London, she jumps at the opportunity. And then continues jumping at every opportunity as Caroline, who dates the sexiest actor on the planet Carson Adams, is one very demanding boss. But something is not right with the superstars' relationship and Fran's own fledgling relationship may not survive her taxing job. From the cover to the storyline, this is never going to escape comparisons with The Devil Wears Prada and although Caroline wasn't as nasty as expected and certainly no match for Miranda Priestley, this is still a highly enjoyable read that deserves a place on your must-read list. (Interestingly, there is a German version floating around retitled The Goddess Wears Gucci.) The ending leaves it open for a sequel.

SECOND OPINION

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KAREN JOY FOWLER

The Jane Austen Book Club (2004)

In California's Sacramento Valley, six people meet every month to discuss Jane Austen's novels. The book club was Jocelyn's idea and she has hand-picked its members. There's best friend Sylvia, whose husband of 32 years has just asked for a divorce; Sylvia's daughter Allegra, who's just broken up with her girlfriend. At 67, Bernadette is the oldest but she shows there's still lots of life left in the old girl. Prudie, at 28, is the youngest member and seems the most together with her French classes and lovely husband. Then there's Grigg, the only man who would seem more at home at a sci-fi gathering.

Also by author:

Wit's End

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ILANA FOX

Spotlight (2010)

American Madison Miller dreams of becoming a famous singer and she is going to do all she can to make it happen. Starting off in an exotic strip club, Madison meets Beau Silverman, Slade record manager. He offers her a sweet deal and the chance for all her dreams to come true and become "the girl in the spotlight". But after a series of events, Madison realises that being famous has its price and it is now up to her to make the decision of a lifetime - is it really worth it all to be famous? Across the Ditch in the UK is Jess Piper, in a dead-end job as an assistant fashion writer for the Daily World. Jess dreams of becoming a famous fashion designer. On a whim she jets to New York where she meets Beau, who also offers Jess the chance at her dream. But as Jess gets sucked in deeper into his world, can Jess escape before it consumes her? When Jess and Madison meet it's like looking at twins. Can these girls turned against each other by Beau instead form a bond. This is a really enjoyable story that sucks you into the world of celebrity and fame. (PP)

The Making of Mia (2007)

Ever since being a girl, all Jo has wanted is to work for a glossy magazine. Problem is she's overweight, dowdy and despite a scholarship to a private girls' boarding school, even misses out on getting into university. But Jo persists with her dream, finding another way to enter the hallowed halls of Garnet Publishing, where she encounters the cocky publisher Joshua, whose wife edits Gloss magazine. Writing under an assumed name, Jo finds her ideas are helping to boost circulation. But she realises that all the smarts in the world don't mean a thing when you don't look the part of a chic magazine editor. Follow Jo as she takes drastic measures to turn into Mia and reinfiltrate Gloss magazine. Think the Ugly Duckling turning into a swan thanks to designer clothes; Cinderella becoming the belle of the ball thanks to her plastic surgeon fairy godmother.

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JESSICA FOX

Jessica Fox is the pen name of Ruth Saberton

Eastern Promise (2009)

This is the second book in the Hen Night Prophecies. This time it's centred around Priya, whose prophecy is 'in love, mother knows best'. But for Priya, that can't possibly be right. She comes from an Indian family (it seems a lot like Jessminder's family in Bend it Like Beckham) and her mother would like nothing better than to see her settled down with a nice Indian boy - preferably one she has set her up with herself. With her sister, Neesh, getting married in Jaipur, Priya combines her bridesmaid duties with filming a documentary on an ashram that has been performing miracle cures. While her mother is trying to set her up with an Indian suitor, Priya appears to be falling under the spell of her ashram guide, Noah. But her news sense is perked when Noah keeps parts of the ashram out of bounds and the swami seems very reluctant to talk.

The One That Got Away (2009)

The first book in the Hen Night Prophecies which follows the fortunes of five women - bride Zoe and her friends Fern, Libby, Charlotte and Priya - who are each given their own puzzling prophecy by a fortune teller at a hen's night. First up is set designer Fern, who is told that she has already met The One but let him go. So she starts to track down her three boyfriends, college sweetheart Luke who is now a movie heart-throb; vet Matt who is now engaged; and Seb, the love rat who wants her back. It doesn't take a fortune teller to work out which guy she's going to end up with but this may still whet your appetite for the rest of the series.

Also by author:

Unlucky in Love; Hard to Get

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LEONIE FOX

Private Members (2007)

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

Members Only (2009)

This continues the risque shenanigans at St Benedict's when the four main characters are joined by Amber, a Bride of Wildenstein-like plastic surgery junkie who's in the midst of a nasty divorce from Egyptian art collector Daniel; and teenage hotpant-wearing golfer Taylor who's attracted fellow pro golfer Sam's still wandering eyes. Cindy is hired to redesign Amber's mansion; Laura finds she hates her newborn son Tiger; Keeley's latest footballer boyfriend is keen to try swinging; and Marianne is trying to get her hands on the local reverend.

Also by author:

Up Close and Personal

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VALERIE FRANKEL

I Take This Man (2007)

When Penny is jilted at the altar by Bram, the mother-of-the-bride immediately swoops into action. Esther finds the groom in the bridal suite, clonks him over the head with a bottle of Dom Perignon and drags his unconscious body back to an unused attic in her mansion. There she imprisons him until he pays for humiliating her daughter. By eating his way through the uneaten reception food, including 80 servings of prime rib, 70 servings of grilled salmon, 50 roast chickens and 30 pounds of shrimp cocktails. He also needs to write all the return labels for the wedding gifts and admit why he got cold feet. But with Bram's father on the hunt for the runaway groom, Esther realises that kidnapping sure isn't a piece of (wedding) cake. Especially when you throw in some suspicious injuries, a mysterious death, a predatory friend and a calculating Russian servant.

The Girlfriend Curse (2005)

Peg Silver feels cursed because within six months of splitting up with her, all her exes have gone on to marry their next girlfriend. Thinking she needs a new start, the interior landscape designer leaves behind Manhattan to settle in the green fields of Vermont. But when her new peace on the range is shattered by a plague of mice, she heads for a retreat for people with relationship issues. At first embarking on a steamy and forbidden fling with fellow inmate Ray, Peg soon feels drawn to program leader Linus, who is definitely not available.

The Not-So-Perfect Man (2004)

As far as her family are concerned, Frieda Schast has been the grieving widow for too long. Her older sister Ilene, whose marriage to Peter is suffering as his waistband expands, thinks her gorgeous and successful colleague David would be the perfect match. But Frieda can't help her attraction to the often-unemployed actor Sam Hall. Does Frieda really need the perfect man or is the not-so-perfect one just right for her?

Smart vs. Pretty (2001)

The Greenfield sisters - Frank the smart one and Amanda the pretty one - are going to have to put their differences aside to save their family coffee shop. When marketing student Clarissa walks through their door, brimming with ideas such as running a Mr Coffee of the Week competition and renaming the shop Romancing the Bean, it seems their worries are over. Or is more trouble brewing? With a dead body, grudges galore, a revolving cast of characters that are hard to keep track of, and dialogue that's weaker than a skinny decaf latte - this book was nothing like I expected. Look elsewhere if you want a good chick lit read about sibling rivalry.

Also by author:

Hex and the Single Girl; The Accidental Virgin

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ELYSE FRIEDMAN

Waking Beauty (2004)

Allison Penny is an unattractive and overlooked office cleaner, who has to deal with a flatmate from hell, an alcoholic mother and an absent father. So what happens when one day she wakes up as a gorgeous blonde? Do blondes have more fun and is life better when you're beautiful?

Also by author:

Then Again

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