Heart of the Matter (2010)

Tessa is used to having her family time with husband Nick interrupted by his work as a paediatric plastic surgeon. One night, at their anniversary dinner, Nick is called away to treat a boy, Charlie, who's been scarred in an accident. Over time, as Nick becomes closer to Charlie's mother, single lawyer Valerie, Tessa can sense her husband withdrawing from her. I have to admit my heart skipped a beat when Tessa's brother made an appearance. Unexpectedly it was Dex (from Something Borrowed/Something Blue), giving us an insight into how the result of a devastating affair plays out years later. But apart from the welcome blast from the past and some heart-warming moments between Valerie and her son, this tale about will-they-or-won't-they infidelity could have really been titled Something Old cos we've read it all before. On paper, there was nothing wrong with the story, told in alternating chapters from both women's perspectives. It was well-written, moving in parts, and you didn't know for sure how it would all end. But the heart of the matter was the story and its characters just didn't captivate. I guess I was expecting Something Special - and was disappointed not to have got it.

Love the One You're With (2008)

Ellen is still in her first year of marriage to lawyer Andy when she bumps into her ex-boyfriend Leo on a busy New York street. It's the first time she's seen him since he left her heartbroken without explanation. And despite her best intentions that it's safer to keep Leo out of her life, he sets her up with a photographer's assignment of a lifetime - shooting a magazine cover of superstar Drake Watters in LA. As Ellen becomes increasingly preoccupied with the one that got away, she wonders whether she is meant to settle for a privileged yet suburban life in Atlanta with Andy, her best friend's brother.

Baby Proof (2006)

What happens when he wants a baby but she doesn't . . . Claudia Parr and her husband Ben agreed to be childfree. But then Ben changes his mind and moves out. As her sisters and best friend face challenges which show how motherhood affects relationships, Claudia must decide what she wants most in life.

Something Blue (2005)

In the sequel to Something Borrowed, Darcy Rhone's charmed life is shattered after she loses her fiancé, Dex, to her ex-best friend. Unwilling to be alone, she moves in with Dex's best friend Marcus but they soon break up. Darcy, who then discovers she's pregnant, heads to London to stay with a school friend, Ethan, while she tries to put her life back together.

Something Borrowed (2004)

Attorney Rachel White has always been the consummate good girl - until her 30th birthday. After too many drinks, she ends up in bed with her best friend's fiancé, Dex. They then continue their secret relationship as his wedding to Darcy approaches. What best friend would ever do that? But there's always two sides to every story: Rachel has always lived in the shadow of her often selfish best friend. Darcy has effortlessly breezed through life getting exactly what she wants, while Rachel's just had to watch from the sidelines. Rachel needs to decide what is more important - friendship or true love. Giffin writes from both friends' perspectives - Rachel then Darcy's - in a book that tops the favourites list for many chicklit readers.

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