SUSAN WAGGONER

Better Than Chocolate (2005)

Food writer Annie Wilkins' life changes overnight when her research scientist husband Tom invents a fat-free, calorie-free chocolate. With his company deciding to use the couple as the product's spokespeople, Annie has to live up to the right image by losing weight and moving into a dream house. But fame always has a price - and Annie's already run up too much on her credit cards.

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SASHA WAGSTAFF

Wicked Games (2010)

Judd Harrington has returned from America to ruin a long-time rival, recording company chief Lochlin Maguire. Moving into a manor house across the valley, he starts a recording company and one of his first ploys is to steal Lochlin's clients, including his yet-unsigned daughter Iris, an amazingly beautiful and talented singer. Iris takes up his offer of training with a top singing teacher in LA, unaware Judd's also lined up his racing driver son, Ace, to break her heart. Meanwhile as he appoints his mistress Darcy to toy with Shay, the Maguire heir-apparent, his own chip-off-the-old-block Sebastian is too busy having an affair to keep his mind on the job and an old fling comes back to haunt him. This is an absolutely riveting bonkbuster of a story that would have been even better without some of the ridiculous and totally implausible plot developments. But if you're after a truly vile villain and feuding families from the Shakespearean/Dynasty mould - this is particularly wicked.

Changing Grooms (2009)

TV journalist Tessa heads to Appleton Manor in the Cotswolds to film a documentary about the wedding of Oscar-winning movie star Clemmie and her actor fiance Rufus. Rufus used to play rugby with Will Forbes-Henry, who has returned to England to rescue his family's fortune by turning the manor into a hotel. Will is wary of Tessa and has a number of burdens on his broad shoulders - his parents Jack and Caro continue to have an open marriage, his fiancee is stuck in France, his artist brother Tristan still hasn't got over a past love and his aunt Henny and cousins Milly and David have moved in after his uncle's death. It is certainly no surprise who's going to end up with whom - perhaps best suited to those who like racy rural romps in the vein of Jilly Cooper.

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LOU WAKEFIELD

Sleeping Partners (2004)

Pauline Watkins decides her routine life needs some excitement - her sex life with husband Mick certainly does. She hopes a change of scenery will do the trick, so puts her council estate semi in Leicester, England, into a house swap scheme on the internet. In Australia, Lorna Mackenzie wants to get her cheating spouse Greg away from his lover. Her mum wanting to attend a family wedding in Leicester offers the perfect excuse. Soon the Watkins and their rebellious teenager Gemma move into their palatial Melbourne abode, with use of the BMW and yacht thrown in. And Lorna, Greg and June move into the Watkins' crowded house.

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FIONA WALKER

Four Play (2007)

Recently dumped Dilly Gently gets lured into joining the band Entwined with Magnus who appears to be her soulmate. Fellow band mate and new best friend Nell falls for Magnus, and Dilly steps aside. Nell tries to return the favour and encourages Dilly to get together with the fourth member of the band, Nell's twin brother Flipper. Talk about entwined! All four band members struggle with overcoming their past and falling in love. This is the third in the Lode Chronicles series, set against a backdrop of idyllic Cotswolds villages and the hunting scene. It can be quite confusing at first to follow all the characters as they all have eccentric names and nicknames. The storyline is also not particularly gripping and is in places quite bizarre. The only saving grace is that it seems well written in its prose. Fans of Fiona Walker have admitted this is nowhere near her best. (AB)

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WENDY WALKER

Social Lives (2009)

A glimpse into the lives of the rich and privileged, this book follows the women of different suburban families. Roslyn Barlow is the queen bee of the town however her carefully manipulated social plans all come undone when her teenage daughter Caitlin gets caught with a boy doing unspeakable things. Roslyn's husband is a rich entrepreneur who is suffering a mid-life crisis and soon finds himself in the arms of Jacks Halstead, a suburban socialite and his wife's best friend. However Jacks has a master plan to get her husband out of the financial hole he's dug them into. The young Sarah Livingston is new in town and is struggling with finding her feet in a place that's all about cocktail parties and country clubs. This is an easy read that offers you a sneak peek into the lives of the people we often envy and reinforces that money doesn't always buy happiness. (GF)

Four Wives (2008)

This is the cleverly written story of four women who live in the picture-perfect estate of Hunting Ridge and examines the consequences of their choices to be stay-at-home mothers. The four are brought together to plan a charity gala. But of course where there are affluent suburban wives there must also be discontent. Perfectly made-up Janie may have a body which belies the fact that she's had four children but will a steaming affair be her undoing? Sleep-deprived mother Love, who is married to a doctor, receives a letter from her estranged famous father, which dredges up a secret from the past - and brings with it a whole new level of pain. Gayle is from a moneyed family and is heavily influential in the community. But she is hiding a secret about her husband and only gets herself through the day with the help of an array of prescription pills. Marie is a lawyer whose husband Anthony is addicted to golf. As she works on a puzzling custody case, she is drawn to her young intern Randy.

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KATIE WALL

Katie Wall is an Australian actress.

I Say Tomato (2010)

Sunny Triggs is an Australian actress looking for her big break in Hollywood. Having left a broken relationship behind in Sydney, she spends her days chasing auditions, navigating the road system and doing yoga; her nights at bars and hanging out with friends from back home. Then she meets a potential co-star, Sam, who shows her the red carpet lifestyle. This may have a colourful cast of characters, some laughs through cross-cultural mix-ups and some tongue-in-cheek insider insights into the Hollywood scene. But if it showed up at an audition looking for a part as a "charming rom-com", I would have rejected it.

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HEATHER WARDELL

Life, Love, and a Polar Bear Tattoo (2009)

Ever since the accident, Candice and her husband, Ian, have both been living under extreme states of emotional stresses, carrying the burden of guilt and also the pain of losing the ones they love so dearly. Two years of marriage suddenly becomes a fragile state - where they can no longer find themselves talking about the simplest things, or even looking each other in the eyes. When Ian leaves for a one-month stay in Bangladesh for volunteer work, Candice tries to get her life back in order but yet another unexpected surprise awaits her. A fantastic story of love and second chances; one that got me hooked right from the beginning to the very end! (XT)

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MARSHA WARNER

Greek: Double Date (2010)

Casey agrees to go to an engineering awards dinner with her brother's geeky roommate, Dale, who couldn't get a date himself. Her only comfort lies in the fact that she has a hot date with Rob to the All Greek formal the next day. Only due to unforeseen food poisoning, the dates change and both events happen on the same night, making Casey chose between the two, or be forced to go on a double date. With Casey's ex Cappie never far from her mind either, she wonders just exactly who might capture her heart by the end of the night. Greek really is a guilty pleasure, if you like watching it on TV, then you'll probably like the book too. It's an easy read and is much like watching an episode. So much so that you get a bit disappointed at the ending, as of course, like a TV episode, it leaves it wide open for the next instalment. (AB)

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DAISY WAUGH

The Desperate Diary of a Country Housewife (2007)

This book is based on the Country Mole column that ran in Britain's Sunday Times newspaper. Freelance journalist Martha Mole longs to bring up her children in fresh air and green fields. So they sell their London home and head for a village in England's south-west. With her husband Finley still working in the city, Martha discovers that the locals aren't really all that welcoming, the Dream House needs lots of repairs, and she's got a big crush on builder Darrell. She begins writing a newspaper column about her experiences - hoping the women at the school gate don't find out. A cautionary tale for cityslickers who are dreaming of a treechange.

Ten Steps to Happiness (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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WENDY WAX

Magnolia Wednesdays - Wendy Wax (2010)

After a disastrous and humiliating expose leaves her with a bullet wound to her backside, investigative journalist Vivien Armstrong Grey finds herself at a crossroads in her life. She quits her job when she learns she is being pushed aside for a newer, younger version of herself, and soon after, at age 41, discovers she is unexpectedly pregnant. With her boyfriend, Stone, covering the war in Afghanistan, Vivien decides to head home to Atlanta, stay with her widowed sister, Melanie, and take a job reporting on life in suburbia under the pen-name Scarlett Leigh. Using her sister's life, and the friends she makes at the Magnolia Ballroom, as the basis for her column, Vivien finds she has plenty to write about: stay-at-home mums she likens to finely trained triathletes; helicopter parents guiding their children's lives right down to the smallest detail, and prom preparations that rival planning a wedding, all of which she describes with more than a hint of sarcasm. When her column begins to incite rage in the soccer mums she is writing about, and she finds herself growing closer to her sister, niece and nephew, she begins to wonder what keeping secrets will do to her new-found relationships, not to mention her relationship with Stone, whom she has yet to inform of his impending fatherhood. However, before she can figure out a delicate way to let everyone in on her secrets, things go horribly wrong and she is faced with trying to clean up a mess she had hoped to avoid. With a memorable cast of characters, a well-crafted story of friendships and family ties, and a plot twist that I certainly did not see coming, this is a fantastic read that you won't be able to put down and most certainly will not want to end. (LEK)

The Accidental Bestseller (2009)

Author Kendall Aims has a problem - her publisher is dropping her due to lack of sales but her editor still expects the final book of her contract. Kendall, however, has been too busy dealing with the impending demise of her marriage to write that last book. With a looming deadline, and a serious case of writer's block, Kendall retreats to her mountain home. Her three best friends, Mallory St James, Faye Truett, and Tanya Mason, whom she met 10 years earlier at a writers' conference, agree to help Kendall out by collaborating on her book about four best friends who are all writers. Using their own lives as the basis for the characters in the book, they meet the deadline believing no one will discover that what they have each written is actually more autobiographical than fiction. Thanks to ambitious editorial assistant Lacy Samuels, the book becomes an instant bestseller ... and the secrets they have kept, even from one another, are finally revealed in a very public arena. As the women return to their families to face the fallout from their deceptions, they are left to wonder how well they really know each other and what these revelations will mean to the future of their friendship. With an insider's look into the world of publishing, this is an enjoyable read that tests the limits of friendship when secrets are kept and makes you wonder how well we really know those closest to us. (LEK)

Hostile Makeover (2005)

After Shelley Schwartz's father has a heart attack, he hands his advertising company over to golden boy Ross Morgan. Shelley is annoyed she was overlooked, even though she hardly ever showed up for work. Determined to prove herself to the new boss and her father, she starts showing an interest in the business and takes on some of the company's worst clients. But she's finding Ross is more than a match for her.

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SARAH WEBB

Anything for Love (2009)

Single mum Alice gets a job as an assistant fundraiser for St Jude's hospital - thanks to some creative CV tweaking by her sister Grace. She gets to organise charity events and work alongside the handsome Jack. But the job also entails running around after the demanding chair of the Ladies' Guild, Maud Hamilton-O'Connor. Still she is willing to stick with it for a while so she can get a mortgage on a little cottage. At the moment she is living with Grace, who in turn has thrown out her husband Jason.

When the Boys are Away (2007)

Meg Miller has returned to Dublin with her two children, Dan and Lily, after becoming fed up with trailing around the globe after her partner Simon, a professional sailor. But life is far from smooth sailing at home, what with the home renovations, annoying in-laws and her own infuriating family. So Meg teams up with her neighbour Tina, whose banker husband works in London all week, and finds that sometimes life is easier without the men around. But as a secret from Simon's past is revealed, will Meg jump overboard?

Take a Chance (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.

It Had to Be You (2004)

In Burnaby village, three women are discovering that it's all fair in love, politics and business. Molly Harper is manager of Ireland's only dedicated romance bookshop, Happily Ever After. She suspects the new owner Milo Jones is up to no good but at least he has a very attractive son, Sam. Her best friend Paige Brady is a councillor who is contesting the next general election. But a newspaper smear campaign and family matters may put her out of the race. Kate Bowan is a shoe shop assistant who runs a dummy dating service at night. She gets more than she bargained for with one of her clients.

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JENNIFER WEINER

Fly Away Home (2010)

Sylvie Woodruff is the poised and gracious senator's wife, with two daughters, Diana and Lizzie. She is so gracious in fact that she still stays with her high-profile husband after he has an affair. Diana and Lizzie are no better off, with their lives also having turmoil of some sort. Physician Diana is married with a son and seems to have it all. However, when temptation arises in the form of a resident doctor, Diana can't resist. Lizzie is a recovering drug addict whose life is turned upside down when she gets pregnant. The story is told by all three women but it doesn't build each character up enough to make the reader want to know what happens to them. It falls flat in parts yet it redeems itself when the three women find solace and comfort in each other - something that was hard for them to do. It's not one of Weiner's best but it's still worth a look. (AS)

Best Friends Forever (2009)

Addie Downs and Valerie Adler were best friends but one day in high school changed their relationship forever and they stopped talking. Addie went on to become a greeting card illustrator while Valerie has become a local celebrity doing the weather for a Chicago news network. On the night of their 15th high school reunion, Valerie shows up at Addie's door, wearing a bloodstained coat and asking for help. A bitter Addie at first wants nothing to do with Valerie but finds she can't say no. She ends up being a suspect as police investigate a possible crime scene. As someone who has stayed largely hidden to society for years, this may be the chance for Addie to find her best friend again and possibly the love of her life as well. A great book defining friendships and what you would do for friends. With lots of twists and turns, I recommend reading this with your best friend.(CG)

Second Opinion

Certain Girls (2008)

Cannie Shapiro, from Weiner's 2001 book Good in Bed, is back - and in her world it's 13 years down the track. Still plus-sized and feisty, she has married her diet doctor, Peter Krushelevansky, become a best-selling novelist and is now writing science fiction under a pseudonym. Her biggest priority in life is getting ready for her daughter Joy's bat mitzvah. But the adolescent Joy is tiring of her mother's constant attention and is looking for a place in the in crowd and a closer relationship with her father Bruce. When she gets her hands on Cannie's novel Big Girls Don't Cry, a thinly disguised memoir written in anger after Bruce left, Joy wonders how much of it is true. Meanwhile Peter announces that he wants a baby - which means finding a surrogate mother. With Weiner's novels, you know you're on a certain thing - expect flawed but intriguing characters, family dramas and emotional twists. But this one is certainly not my favourite. The mother-daughter dynamics are well explored, the unexpected fate of one of the characters gives a power-punch towards the end but the surrogacy sub-plot shouldn't have been so sidelined.

Goodnight Nobody (2006)

Kate Klein is a mother of three under five and is married to political consultant Ben. They move from New York to Connecticut after she is pram-mugged. Finding it hard to fit in, Kate is invited to lunch by Kitty Cavanaugh because they share 'an acquaintance'. But when she arrives, she discovers Kitty has been stabbed to death. Despite the warnings of the police chief and her husband to leave the crime-fighting to professionals, Kate launches an investigation - delving into Kitty's double life while the kids are at nursery school.

Little Earthquakes (2004)

One of my favourite all-time books, this is the story of three women who meet up at a prenatal yoga class. There's Becky, a plump chef who's at war with her mother-in-law; Kelly, an overachieving event planner who has to return to work after her husband loses his job; and Ayinde, who's married to basketball star Richard. Ayinde goes into labour after the class, so Kelly and Becky take her to hospital. Richard arrives just in time for the birth of Julian - smelling like perfume (. . . the things that make you go hmmm!)

In Her Shoes (2002)

Sisters Rose and Maggie Feller have nothing in common apart from the same shoe size, a dead mother and a wicked stepmother Sydelle. But they have stuck together through thick and thin. But then Rose, a down-to-earth attorney, catches the wild and gorgeous Maggie with her boyfriend, colleague Jim, and throws her out of her apartment and life. Maggie, who fails an MTV screen test because of her dyslexia, takes off to Princeton University where she squats in the library. Rose quits her job, takes up dog walking and starts dating former colleague Simon. Then Maggie rediscovers her grandmother Ella, and heads to stay with her in Florida. The book was adapted into a film starring Toni Collette (Rose) and Cameron Diaz (Maggie).

Good in Bed (2001)

Plus-sized culture reporter Cannie Shapiro is horrified when her ex-boyfriend Bruce writes a magazine column on the topic of Loving a Larger Woman. Amid the humiliation, Cannie decides it's time to change some things in her life. She joins a weight-loss program, gets stuck into writing a screenplay and befriends a Hollywood actress. And just as she decides she's better off without Bruce, he brings an unexpected complication into her life.

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ARABELLA WEIR

Arabella Weir is a British comedian.

Does My Bum Look Big In This? (1997)

This is the diary of Jacqueline M. Pane, who thinks her life would be perfect if only she had a smaller bottom. She's a neurotic single 30-something conference organiser living in London who over-analyses everything that happens to her. But after a while her insecurities become wearying and unfortunately she comes across as Bridget Jones' poorer cousin.

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LAUREN WEISBERGER

Author Lauren Weisberger once worked as an assistant to legendary Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour.

Last Night at Chateau Marmont - Lauren Weisberger (2010)

Brooke Alter has been working two jobs to support herself and her husband, Julian, while he pursues a music career. It's been years and her friends and family have repeatedly told her to give up on him, but Brooke doesn't because she knows that Julian has what it takes to be a hit musician. And she's right. Julian gets a record deal with Sony and within days their lives change. Julian is whisked off to Los Angeles for meetings and Brooke gets to tag along and stay at the famed Chateau Marmont. They're soon having dinner with celebrities, attending glamorous parties and having a blast when Julian goes on tour with Maroon 5. Life has changed for the once-upon-a-time happy couple though. Their marriage is strained through Julian's constant absence and the perils of fame are getting to Brooke. Torn between her real life, which includes her responsibilities as a nutritionist, and her husband's budding music career proves difficult. But it's what she's been working for her since the beginning and it only seems right to support him now that he's attained his dream. This novel has just enough real life drama mixed with celebrity to make it interesting and fun. It takes you through the trials and tribulations of fame, while also adding in behind-the-scenes information. It's a perfect novel for the modern girl who is interested in fame and fortune but also wants to stay grounded. (AS)

Second Opinion

Chasing Harry Winston (2008)

Emmy's latest long-term relationship has just ended. Instead of Duncan popping the question, he's run off with his personal trainer. Adriana only ever has flings and doesn't have or need a job. But as she approaches 30, she's beginning to think things need to change. So Emmy and Adriana make a pact - Emmy is to sleep with a man from every continent while Adriana is looking for one man to place a diamond ring on her finger within the year. Meanwhile their friend, the slightly neurotic book editor Leigh, is about to get engaged to her boyfriend, Russell, a real catch. So why has author Jesse Chapman got her all hot under the collar? If you have been hankering after some pure chick lit (and aren't looking to scratch the surface too deep), this story about three friends trying to change their lives may be just as welcome as a four-carat diamond ring.

Everyone Worth Knowing (2005)

When Bette Robinson quits her banking job, her uncle, a social columnist, sets her up as a party planner for one of Manhattan's hottest PR firms. But Bette starts getting lots of publicity herself when she is seen out and about with one of New York's most eligible bachelors, Philip Weston. She gets quickly promoted to organising events. But is a job that pays you to party all that it's cracked up to be?

The Devil Wears Prada (2003)

The Devil Wears Prada is the quintessential boss-from-hell tale and became an international bestseller. A movie of the same name stars Anne Hathway as Andrea and Meryl Streep as Miranda. (Lauren Weisberger has a cameo appearance in the film and is briefly seen in the train scene with Miranda's twins.) Aspiring writer Andrea Sachs lands the job 'a million girls would die for' as a junior assistant to Miranda Priestley, the demanding editor-in-chief of fashion magazine Runway. Andrea's dream job is to write for The New Yorker but despite her lack of dress sense, a bout of dysentery in India and no time to eat on the job soon sees Andrea able to fit better into the magazine's world - and its designer samples. Andrea gets caught up working 14-hour days, trying to make sense of Miranda's usually unreasonable commands, from getting a yet-to-be-released Harry Potter book into the hands of her children to finding the name of a store where she once spotted a vintage dresser. Andrea barely sees boyfriend Alex or flatmate Lily but she's willing to stick at the job for a year so Miranda will recommend her for her dream job. It comes in as No. 1 on my list of Top Ten all-time favourites.

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KAREN WHEELER

Tout Sweet (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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MADELEINE WICKHAM

Also uses the pen name of Sophie Kinsella

Sleeping Arrangements (2001)

Chloe is desperate for a break and when old friend Gerard offers his Spanish villa, she thinks it'll be the perfect place for partner Philip to escape his work problems. For workaholic Hugh and high-maintenance Amanda, they need to be out of their house while it is renovated. Gerard too offers them use of his villa - for the same week. As the families - including an outrageous Australian nanny - try to settle into the villa without stepping on each other's toes, it seems Chloe and Hugh have a past history. Was it all an innocent mistake or did Gerard plan it all along? You could just see this comedy of manners being played out on the stage.

Cocktails for Three (2000)

Maggie, Roxanne and Candice are best friends who have all found success as employees of Londoner magazine. They look forward to their monthly tradition of meeting at the hip Manhattan Bar to catch up with each other's lives and gossip over cocktails. Each woman has a secret which she feels as though she cannot tell anyone. Maggie can't tell anyone how she truly feels about her recent life changes, Roxanne must keep hidden the identity of her married lover and Candice feels she must make amends for her family's shameful past. Could these secrets tear them apart? This is a great story about the strength and challenges of friendships and the power of secrets. (MF)

The Wedding Girl (1999)

Milly is about to get married to Simon, heir to a multi-million-dollar family business - and her social-climbing mother has run herself ragged organising an elaborate wedding in Bath. Only problem is just days before the nuptials, the photographer remembers Milly from a decade earlier - when he took her photo on the steps of an Oxford registry office. She had just married Allan, an American who wanted to stay in Britain with his gay lover. And it seems they never divorced nor has Milly mentioned her first marriage to her fiance. Will the wedding she really wants still go ahead? Meanwhile her career-oriented sister Isobel is keeping a secret of her own.

The Gatecrasher (1998)

Heard of Wedding Crashers? This book is the complete opposite - Fleur Daxney is a funeral crasher. Beautiful Fleur has a whole wardrobe dedicated to the colour black. Armed with a copy of The Times' obituaries and the help of her two gay friends Johnny and Felix, she gatecrashes the funerals and memorials of the rich and wealthy, preying on the rich men in their most vulnerable moment. When Fleur decides to attend the memorial service for Emily Favour, pretending to be a long-lost friend, she decides as usual to prey on the widower, Richard. However after spending a couple of weeks with him and his family, Fleur experiences something she hasn't felt before - is it love or guilt? As time wears on, Fleur is faced with the biggest decision of her life - is it her time to end her gatecrashing ways and settle down? (PP)

The Tennis Party (1995)

In this debut novel, insurance salesman Patrick has invited three couples over to his English country home for a weekend of socialising, tennis and Pimm's. What he hasn't told his wife Caroline is that he's also hoping to sign up a new client so he makes a huge bonus this year. There's art dealer Charles and his aristocratic second wife Cressida, their impoverished former neighbours Stephen and Annie; and their next-door-neighbour Don and his daughter Valerie. As Don gets competitive on the tennis court, Patrick plays underhand in his office and Cressida is served a nasty shock, a surprise guest turns up. This comes across rather like a play, and the author has obviously made use of her background as a financial journalist.

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SUSAN WIGGS

Susan Wiggs is the author of many romance and historical novels.

Lakeshore Christmas (2009)

In the latest novel in the Lakeshore Chronicles series, Maureen Davenport is a quiet librarian in the small town of Avalon. This year she is directing the annual Christmas pageant. Maureen's co-director is Eddie Haven, the famous former child star turned bad boy. Maureen and Eddie appear to be complete opposites, however, they both have had their hearts broken by others in the past. As the two spend more time together, they find themselves falling in love. The storyline is completely predictable but the characters are so heartwarming and sincere that you can't help smiling throughout the book. (AO)

Just Breathe (2008)

This is a long, yet stirring and heartfelt story about marriage. Cartoonist Sarah Moon had always stood by her husband Jack and loved him wholeheartedly; deferring her job and her desire for a child, and instead focused on nursing him when he was diagnosed with cancer. Now, with Jack fully recovered, Sarah goes for artificial insemination to fulfil her dreams of creating a family. But her world comes crashing down when she learns about Jack's infidelity; and she flees to her north Californian hometown, a place she never felt happy or like she belonged. There she meets Will Bonner, her high school obsession, and his 13-year-old stepdaughter, Aurora, and starts to rediscover herself, her past and what love is all about. (XT)

The Ocean Between Us (2004)

Grace and Steve Bennett have been married for 20 years and have raised three wonderful children. Steve is a naval officer who is deployed on an aircraft carrier for six months at a time. Grace has always embraced her role as a navy wife, however, as she approaches 40 she begins to examine her life and marriage and she realises she wants more. Just as Steve is about to be deployed, a huge secret from his past threatens to rip apart their marriage. This is an engrossing novel that realistically depicts the sacrifices a military family makes. (AO)

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ROSIE WILDE

Life's Too Short to Frost a Cupcake (2008)

Alice met boyfriend Stephen at a group for anxiety sufferers and since then they have settled into a very routine home life with a tightly controlled budget. When Alice's boss at Carmichael Music is replaced by some Americans, she is offered the chance to leave London to work out of their New York office. Only problem is her first job is convincing country musician Wyatt Brown, a reformed alcoholic, to record a new album - and that means she's headed not for the bright lights of the Big Apple but a rural town in Ohio instead. Well that is if she can force herself to face her fear of flying first. As Alice starts settling into life in Barnsley - caring for a sick cow, speaking as an English child expert to the local mothers group, dating local businessman Gerry, even entering a cupcake competition against Heidi, the glamorous rival for Wyatt's affection - she wonders whether she really wants to return home - and to Stephen. With lots of quirky characters, this is one sweet book that may prove quite addictive. And it wins extra ratings points for being that bit different.

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TARRAS WILDING

Leopard Rock (2009)

New Zealand magazine staffer Oriana "Roo" Beckett gets the chance of a lifetime when she wins a month-long trip to make a wildlife documentary in South Africa. She will be mentored by world-famous film-maker Wynand Kruger at Leopard Rock. Only problem is first she has to help her demanding boss Felice shoot a safari fashion spread on location. Despite dealing with storms, snakes and the Zulu dialect, Roo soon falls in love with much more than the mesmerising African landscape. The author obviously has a real affinity with Africa - this romance is one for nature lovers.

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JULIA WILLIAMS

Strictly Love (2008)

This is about two sets of friends who meet at ballroom dancing classes. Emily is an entertainment lawyer who feels guilty that she is not out defending a more worthy cause. Her friend Katie is feeling the strain of being the perfect mother and wife - especially with husband Charlie being away so much. Teacher Rob finds dancing is the best way to pick up women. He ropes newly single dentist Mark into coming to dancing classes with him where they pair up with Emily and Katie. Only trouble is none of them have been totally honest about their lives off the dance floor. Throw in a litigation-happy celebrity with rotten teeth and some life-changing revelations and you're in for an enjoyable read.

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POLLY WILLIAMS

How to Be Married (2010)

Polly Williams has done the yummy mummy, the bad bride and the good girl. Now it's the turn of the world?s worst wife. Sadie Drew is not particularly domesticated and she's too busy being a florist to care about her appearance. But with her husband Tom now needing a corporate wife and her mother-in-law gleefully warning that she is in danger of losing him, Sadie decides to transform herself into the perfect wife. She is assisted by a wealthy old lady called Enid who is more than willing to pass on her marital tips in exchange for company. But Sadie, a witty heroine who gets herself into all sorts of pickles, soon discovers it'll take more than just mastering trifles, matching socks and wearing lipstick.

A Good Girl Comes Undone (2008)

Annie Rafferty, deputy editor at Glo magazine, lives with her boyfriend Nick in a three-bedroom home she's just bought. But cracks begin to appear in their relationship when Nick leaves his PR job to 'find himself'. Suddenly Annie is the breadwinner just when she's fighting for survival at the office. Ambitious colleague Alexis is after her job while the new exec Don, who is looking at revamping the magazine, is definitely exerting his male presence. It's enough to get Annie reassessing her life, partner, career - and her good girl tag.

The Egg Race (2007)

Also known as A Bad Bride's Tale

Thirty-four-year-old Stevie Jonson is not sure she's doing the right thing marrying Jez. But at least it will give her a chance to have babies before it's too late. As she lurches further along a doubt-ridden path, she runs into beautiful but shallow Katy Norris, who's desperate to get her boyfriend Seb to commit. To add to her confusion, Stevie feels there's still a spark with old flame Sam even though she's set him up with her best friend.

The Rise and Fall of a Yummy Mummy (2006)

Six months after the birth of her daughter Evie, Amy Crane is still schlupping around in maternity clothes. Then she meets Alice, who introduces her to the yummy mummy brigade. Following her new friend's advice, Amy is caught up in a whirlwind of designer shoes, Botox injections and yoga classes. These new interests, including yummy yoga instructor Josh, put further pressure on her relationship with boyfriend Joe, who she suspects cheated on her during her pregnancy.

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PATRICE WILSON

Replacing Barnie (2009)

Divorce lawyer Lydia O'Reilley has had enough of failed romances and heartbreaks in her life, and has since come to the conclusion that relationships don't last. Desperate to replace her bedroom toy Barnie, she ends up having a one-night stand. And if sleeping with a supposedly married man wasn't enough to add on to her bad experiences with men, Lydia soon learns that Jed Harrison is also her client's husband. Despite her attempts to avoid Jed, she ends up meeting him frequently and discovers that she might be falling in love with him. Worse still, Lydia finds out that she's pregnant with Jed's child, but he seems apprehensive about getting into another marriage. (XT)

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JODI WING

The Art of Social War (2008)

Stacey has an upwardly mobile career working for the New York mayor. But when her fiance Jamey Makepeace is offered the opportunity to run a Hollywood studio they need to relocate to LA. The couple soon find themselves on enemy terrain as the other major players at the studio - Simon, Barb, Julia and Phil - engage in war tactics. So Stacey prepares for battle by grabbing a copy of ancient military strategist Sun Tzu's book The Art of War. Inspired by the author's own difficult transition from New York to LA, this all sounds very promising. But amid all the rivalry, espionage and social commentary about the Hollywood scene, the convoluted plot and myriad characters totally lost me. But for those who love it, a sequel (and possible movie) are in the works.

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ALLISON WINN SCOTCH

The One That I Want (2010)

Tilly Farmer has always been the glue to hold her family together. She lost her mother to cancer as a teenager and has struggled to keep her alcoholic father sober while playing mother to her two younger sisters. She now has the life she has always wanted. She is a guidance counsellor at her small town alma mater and is married to her high school sweetheart. They are trying to have a baby and she is confident then her life will be perfect. Tilly runs into an old friend who offers her a psychic reading. Soon after, Tilly starts having visions of the future that become true. Her visions show her beloved husband packing a moving truck in their driveway and her father relapsing. Suddenly, the future life that she always had so much faith in, is in jeopardy. This is a beautifully written story about the dreams of the future and the reality of what happens when those dreams are shattered. My favourite book so far this year and a definite must-read. (AO)

Time of My Life (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.

The Department of Lost & Found (2007)

Natalie Miller is a workaholic political aide to the senator of New York. One day her boyfriend discovers a lump in her breast and it turns out to be stage 3 breast cancer. Her boyfriend leaves her and her life is turned upside down. While recovering from her chemotherapy rounds, Natalie becomes addicted to The Price is Right and decides to start tracking down all her past loves and assessing what went wrong. This is a fantastic book that reads like a memoir. The author handles the topic of a young woman with cancer with humour and hope. (AO)

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LOLLY WINSTON

Good Grief (2004)

aka Sophie's Bakery for the Broken Hearted

What do you do when your husband dies three years into your happily-ever-after? If you are Sophie Stanton, you try to be the gracious young widow, carrying yourself with dignity and elegance. When that doesn't work out quite as planned, you have the requisite nervous breakdown. Once the grief subsides enough where you can get out of bed again, you take a long look at your life and begin to figure out what's next. Sophie packs up her house and her grief and heads north to Ashland, Oregon, to live with her best friend, Ruth. In the process of reinventing her life, she becomes a Big Sister to 13-year-old pyromaniac Crystal, befriends charming thespian Drew, and begins a new career in the pastry business, all of which lead to her comedic, chaotic and heartwarming path back to the rest of her life. Sophie's story is utterly delightful, heartfelt and uplifting. A true testament to what can happen when you are forced to examine what you want your life to be. (LEK)

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DEBORAH J. WOLF

With You And Without You (2006)

Life with Patrick isn't the smooth journey Allyson Houlihan had imagined. For him, she gave up her teaching career, became a stay-at-home mum to daughters Lydia and Becca, and even tolerated his kowtowing to his arrogant mum, Barbara. With Patrick's infrequent stays at home due to his job, she becomes increasingly aware of her apparent failure as a mother. With things already in a bad state, Allyson ends up having to deal with the loss of her husband and her girls' father. It was so easy to relate to this story, especially the interactions between Allyson and her two daughters, and also how she as a mother deals with her own personal frustrations, of getting old, and falling in love once again. (XT)

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ISABEL WOLFF

A Vintage Affair (2009)

After the death of her best friend, Emma, Phoebe Swift has been living life with guilt which in turn results in her breaking off her engagement with Guy and leaving her job of 12 years. Now opening a vintage dress shop, she buries herself in the world of vintage clothing, restoring them to their former glory, as she attempts to start afresh despite her own struggle with her own emotions and past. Along the way, she meets many interesting characters like Dan and Therese, each playing a role in helping her find closure. It's a wonderful book about embracing new beginnings and love, predictable at times but an overall easy read. (XT)

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LAURA WOLF

Diary of a Mad Bride (2001)

When Amy Thomas was bridesmaid for a friend, she was driven nuts by her demands and vowed she's never become a crazy, self-centred bride. So now that she is engaged herself (after Stephen proposed in a movie popcorn queue), why are her friends and work assistant cringing every time she comes near? For Amy is quickly discovering that while marriages are made in heaven, weddings are made in hell. While Stephen only as to pick out the wedding band, Amy has a list of 70 items to tick off. Will this couple ever make it to happily ever after?

Diary of a Mad Mother-to-Be (2003)

After being married to Stephen for two years, Amy Thomas Stewart decides that she wants to have a baby. With the pregnancy guide BABY HOW BABY NOW and an inaudible gynaecologist she dubs the Crotch Whisperer, Amy has to keep it together as she learns how to be a mother-to-be. She also has to keep her pregnancy a secret from her PR company while she promotes a soap actress who has written an anti-kid book.

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CAROL WOLPER

Secret Celebrity (2002)

Christine Chase, a divorced 35-year-old filmmaker, decides to do a documentary on elusive actor and musician Richard Gault, who went underground in the 1970s.

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CATHY WOODMAN

Family Matters (2006)

Mother-of-two Lisa Baker runs a cleaning business with best friend Clare. They meet Jacqui when her Jeep crashes into a car at parenting class, and she tells them that she wants to trade in her husband. But who knew that it's Lisa's husband Tony that she has her eye on?

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DEBORAH WRIGHT

The Celebrity Mother (2010)

Karina is a washed-up girl band member whose love affair with bad boy rocker Liam is all over. Hoping to catapult herself back into A-list status, Karina decides to adopt an Indian orphan (Angelina's already covered Cambodia, Ethiopia and Vietnam; and Madonna's done Africa). Travelling to Delhi with a magazine journalist to capture the moment, she becomes guardian to 10-year-old Devika. As she helps Devika settle into English life - and survive bath time - Karina finds herself back in the limelight - scoring a reality TV show, a children's book deal and playing host to the celeb yummy mummy crowd. Even Liam is back. This is a lot less frothy than you'd imagine. Told from the viewpoints of both Karina and Devika, this delves into their emotional journey as they settle into their new roles. Will make you think twice, whichever side of the fence you sit regarding celebs adopting from poorer nations.

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