TITLES J

Titles - A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T The The U V W X Y Z

Jack with a Twist - Brenda Janowitz (2008)

In this sequel to Scot on the Rocks, Brooke is back, and newly engaged to fellow attorney Jack. If planning their wedding wasn't enough, Brooke also gets to lead her first court case, representing her wedding dress designer - and the opposing lawyer is none other than her fianc�. And the experienced litigator certainly isn't planning on going easy on her. Read it to experience the nightmare of keeping the two sets of parents happy (hers a kosher butcher and Jewish housewife and his a judge and vegetarian socialite). As much as I realised how much I'd missed Brooke once I started reading (oh please, you know you did too), this needed more of a twist to make it better than the original.


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Jam Tomorrow - Lorraine Jenkin (2014)

Joss is managing the family farm with father Mick after her husband racked up enormous debt and left her to clean up the mess. Struggling to make ends meet, they come up with the idea of hosting farm stays including hikes in the local hills. The first group of tourists arrive to discover that the farm's goats might have goat pox and everyone is quarantined. What follows is the mad-cap adventure of persons thrown together through circumstance. It doesn't always run to plan with each guest having their own agenda for their seclusion on the farm. Meanwhile Joss battles her own demons and in amongst all the chaos tries to survive the journey. (LF)


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Jane Austen Ruined My Life - Beth Pattillo (2009)

When Emma Grant loses her husband to her teaching assistant and her career to the scandal that follows, she does what any betrayed woman would do - she hops on the first plane to London to prove that all of the happy endings Jane Austen wrote about were complete and utter nonsense. Armed with the promise of a stack of long-lost Jane Austen letters, Emma sets off on a series of secret tasks from a peculiar old woman named Mrs Parrot. From London to Bath to Lyme Regis, Emma visits the locations of Jane Austen's England. Along the way, she meets up with her old friend, Adam, and begins to realise that there may just be something to those happy endings after all. This is a fun, fast read, combining fact and fiction to help the Austen enthusiast gain a little more insight into the life of one of the most beloved authors of all time. (LEK)


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Jemima J - Jane Green (1999)

Jemima Jones is an overweight reporter on a local English newspaper. In lust with her charming but out-of-her-league colleague Ben and mistreated by her social-climbing flatmates, Jemima escapes to the internet where she reinvents herself as the sexy and thin JJ. She gets involved in a long-distance romance with LA gym owner Brad and sends him an altered photo of herself. But when he decides he wants to meet her in person, Jemima has to start exercising and dieting so she can look like the woman he expects.


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Jeneration X - Jen Lancaster (2012)

Jen Lancaster is back with another hilarious account of her life and this time she's decided it's time to grow up. In the latest instalment of life with Jen, our reluctant adult tackles the world of volunteering, estate planning, and home buying (and subsequently hosting her first Thanksgiving), all with the help (and grounding) of her level-headed husband, Fletch. Some of these grown-up activities stick, while others are relegated to the "I see no reason to do that again" pile. However, each provides a valuable Adult Life Lesson that Jen is all too happy to pass along to her loyal readers. As with her previous memoirs, Jeneration X will have you laughing out loud and shaking your head at Jen's crazy antics. We've come to expect a certain level of bitter, crazy, and skewed logic from her and Jeneration X does not disappoint. A fun and quick, yet satisfying read. (LEK)


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Jennifer Johnson is Sick of Being Single - Heather McElhatton (2009)

Like the title says, Jennifer Johnson is sick of being single. At 31, she is about to be bridesmaid for her younger sister Hailey and her former boyfriend David has just sent her an invitation for his Valentine's Day wedding. So Jennifer submits her online dating profile and begins a series of dates. But she really has her eye on Bradford Keller, the heir to the Minnesota department store where she works in the marketing department. Is he the answer to her prayers? Read this dark comedy for the self-deprecating heroine but be prepared for the not-so-conclusive ending.


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Jillian Dare - Melanie M. Jeschke (2009)

Jillian Virginia Dare grew up as an orphan passed from foster home to foster home. At 20, she is offered a once-in-a-lifetime chance to leave her small town of Shenandoah Valley and become a nanny on a big plantation in Virginia. There she is put in charge of caring for baby Cadence Remington. She bumps into her boss, Ethan, while out jogging and feels the attraction even though they don't know who the other is. Jillian starts to receive threatening emails from someone only known as CC. Shrugging it off, Jillian thinks it's just someone playing a prank until all these people start appearing in her life with the initials CC - from Corinna Cooke the maid to Calvin Cole the lawyer and Crystal Carter, Ethan's ex-wife and the leading lady in the Broadway show The Woman in White. Can Jillian move from her nanny role to win the hand of this wealthy movie producer? This is a contemporary take on Jane Eyre. (PP)


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Jilted - Rachael Johns (2012)

Ellie is a TV soap star who has returned from Sydney to her hometown of Hope's Junction to look after her guardian Matilda while she recuperates from a fall. Her visit home is anything but peachy as the whole town remembers the day she stood golden boy Flynn Quartermaine up at the altar. All Ellie wants to do is look after Matilda and then return to her old life. However, it seems that Hope's Junction still plays a part in Ellie's life and that no matter what happened she never stopped loving Flynn and vice versa. Can Ellie win not only the heart of Flynn back but also the hearts of those in Hope's Junction? What will happen when tragedy strikes and it seems as if there is no one to pick up the pieces? This story will hook readers from the first as they sympathise with Ellie and feel Flynn's pain. (PP)


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Johnny Be Good - Paige Toon (2008)

Meg Stiles is on her way from London to LA, to act as British rock star Johnny Jefferson's personal assistant. Even though she prefers Kylie and had to Google her new boss, Meg finds - like the rest of the female population - she is unable to resist the gorgeous musician tatts and all (Robbie Williams, anyone?). Trouble is despite his actress girlfriend, Johnny can't resist the trappings of his sex, drugs and rock'n'roll lifestyle. As Meg hits red carpet events and band showcases courtesy of Johnny, she hangs out with his friend from home Christian, who is writing his biography. Is she going to be able to resist mixing business with pleasure? A pure escapist story for all those who have ever dreamt of a poster boy falling into their arms. For fans of Toon's first book, Lucy in the Sky, watch out for the brief mention of Lucy and Nathan (Meg's ex-boyfriend Tom is Lucy's stepbrother).


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Jumble Pie - Melanie Lynne Hauser (2007)

As the spelling bee champion for three years, the youngest editor of the Ravenwood Rooster and with top colleges offering her scholarships, Emily Meredith has always excelled in almost everything to meet her parents' expectations. For Juliet Montague, her parents' divorce was the cause of her overwhelming sense of insecurity and lack of confidence. A pie recipe brings the two girls together and they soon learn to embrace their differences and form a tight friendship. The story continues with them growing into women, and how they each take different paths. (XT)


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Jumping in Puddles - Claire Allan (2009)

Is the village of Rathinch in Donegal ready for a lone parents' support group? The village's resident old biddies may not think so but Detta O'Neill certainly does. Bringing together four lone parents from disparate backgrounds and situations, Detta is determined to make a difference and make the members of the group feel less alone. She certainly has her work cut out for her. The group comprises of Niamh Quigley, a woman whose husband has recently died; Ruth Byrne, single since her husband ran off with a younger woman; Liam Dougherty, the husband of the younger woman Ruth's ex left her for; and Ciara Boyle, a teenage mum who's keeping the identity of her child's father very much under wraps. Can Detta help the group to forge friendships, find happiness and confidence again and work through the secrets they're harbouring? And is Detta herself carrying around a secret with her? This is a heart-warming story that addresses many relatable themes and issues. Each character has a distinct presence and is totally credible. It's a lovely book to curl up with at the end of a hard day. (SBB)


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Just a Girl Standing In Front of a Boy - Lucy-Anne Holmes (2014)

Jenny Taylor is Miss I Want A Nice Sensible Love. She's experienced the traumatic fall from grace of a love betrayed and she doesn't want to go there again thank you very much. So she's been avoiding that magical, heart-stopping love ever since and has settled for practical, hardworking Matt, much to her best friend Philippa's chagrin. When she meets Joe King however, it seems that really special love has come a-knocking. But can Jenny risk humiliation and shame again and what about good old dependable Matt. Just as things are getting crazy for Jenny, her mum, with whom she has a strained relationship at best, turns up on her doorstep, having left Jenny's dad and acting all weird. Thank goodness for Philippa and her Smiling Fanny Manifesto - a list of 10 rules to brighten Jenny's day - and flatmate Al who always has her back. With its quintessentially rom-com title and stylish cover, it's clear you can expect something special from this book. It's one of those books where you think I'll just read one more page and before you know it you've finished it because you haven't been able to put it down. For me this isn't a particularly regular occurrence so Just a Girl definitely stands out. Jenny is a wonderfully quirky and adorable character and with sidekick Philippa they really do make quite the double act. Who wouldn't want to be the recipient of one of their compassionate notes, take part in Fashion Friday or go on a musketeer mission with them? And Joe King is a swoonworthy hero who restores your faith in romance. The plot is not the predictable affair it could be and there are several unexpected moments, often for the better, although one moment completely confounded me. Similarly the ending is not quite what you would anticipate yet is powerful and touching. Throughout, Holmes' writing is top quality. Smiling Fanny Manifesto rule 11: Read Just a Girl Standing in Front of a Boy - it's a perfect chick lit read. (JC)


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Just Another Manic Mum-Day - Mink Elliott (2012)

In this sequel to The Pissed Off Parents Club, Roxy is struggling to adjust to her new life in Sydney, Australia. After upping sticks from Britain with her husband Jack and their three-old-daughter Joey, things are about to become more complicated when Roxy discovers she's pregnant again. And there seems to be nowhere for a stressed-out mum to relax. Roxy - armed with her new-found friend Shoshanna - decides to set up a cafe called Just Another Manic Mum-day for new parents trying to find their feet. I'm not a mum but I laughed throughout this book and understood the worries Roxy faced every day. If you love books about groups, kids and friendships then this will tick all the boxes for you. Highly recommended - and I have to confess to loving the title. (KD)


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Just Between Us - Cathy Kelly (2003)

The Miller family appear to have it all. Parents Rose and Hugh are celebrating 40 years of marriage with their three beautiful daughters. As the celebration of the wedding anniversary nears, cracks appear, not only in their relationship but in the lives of their children - Stella, lawyer and single mother; Tara, a TV executive married to Finn; and the youngest Holly who endures a struggle for confidence and self-worth. It's a warm and tender story where we feel the triumphs of the characters and their tribulations deeply. It is these features that cause us to fall in love with all of the main characters. It is somewhat predictable however, as Cathy Kelly leaves obvious clues as to the inner struggle of each of the characters. But still, a delightful and fun read full of Irish warmth. (LF)


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Just Breathe - Susan Wiggs (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)


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Just Business - Ber Carroll (2008)

Irish Niamh Lynch is unhappily married to Chris, an ambitious lawyer. Now living in Sydney, she is a successful human resources manager that must deliver redundancy news to her colleagues. The announcement of retrenchments leads to a series of events that destabilise Niamh's existence. She continues to struggle with a dark past locked in Ireland; her marriage is crumbling; the relationship with her mother is distant and the firm she is working to protect comes under threat. Amongst all of this her fellow colleague Scott, whom she made redundant, seems to be the only one to understand and support her. Can Niamh overcome the obstacles of the past to be happy in the present? (LF)


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Just For Christmas - Scarlett Bailey (2013)

Alex Munro never thought that one day she would have to run away from the people she loved so dearly. Always a tomboy Alex is left stunned and devastated when the love of her life and her best friend, Marcus, announces his engagement out of the blue. And to add insult to injury she catches her father in bed with their widowed neighbour. When Alex accepts a job as port master in a Cornish town, she certainly did not expect to share a cold, dingy cottage with a stinky-old dog or keep bumping into the annoyingly hot boat operator Ruan. She doesn't know what is so magical about this town but one thing is for sure, this town has the power to resolve any unresolved issues in her life. This book has more twist and turns than you can ever imagine. I loved the setting - Poldore does seem like a magical place with its deliciously good weather, breathtaking lighthouse and beautiful residents. This is the perfect book to snuggle up with. (SS)


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Just Friends - Robyn Sisman (2000)

Have you ever been told that it is impossible for men and women to be "just friends"? After a stunningly abrupt break-up from her predictable and, quite frankly, boring boyfriend, Freya is left homeless and wondering why she ever thought that he was going to propose. Desperate to find a place to live, she is forced to move in with her womanising writer friend, Jack. Despite Freya's eccentric best friend, Cat, telling her that men and women can't simply be "just friends", she is determined to prove her wrong. However when her sister announces that she is getting married, Freya and Jack's just-friends relationship is put to the test when Freya, determined to not be made a fool of by her family, asks Jack to be her boyfriend for the occasion. However, can Jack keep his womanising ways on hold for Freya? And will Freya realise her feelings, that Cat was right all along? This is a fantastic novel that takes a traditional scenario and mixes it up with witty banter and surprising twists and turns involving lovable and irresistible characters. (GC)


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Just Like Me, Only Better - Carol Snow (2010)

Veronica's marriage is over - her husband Hank has moved in with a glossy realtor and they share custody of young son Ben. But for this struggling substitute teacher, life is about to take a more glamorous turn. Constantly mistaken for TV actress-slash-singer Haley Rush, Veronica meets up with Haley's manager Jay and scores a well-paying gig as her double. She gets hair extensions, an LA tan, access to Haley's wardrobe and a driver service - and in return she stands in for Haley - who often goes off the rails - signing autographs, walking the red carpet and getting papped with Haley's castmate and ex, Brady. As Veronica juggles being a single mum living in someone else's guesthouse with playing the fame game while keeping her identity under wraps, it seems she's finding slipping into Haley's life far too alluring - particularly that hunky Brady. Winning extra points for its ingenious scenario, this is easy-reading chick lit that will suit those who pore over celebrity magazines - or those who scorn them.


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Just Look at Me Now - Nell Dixon (2010)

Tia is beauty editor at glossy Platinum magazine. But back at high school, she was a fat girl called Barbara. No one knows about her secret past or makeover into a slim brunette, apart from her godmother Gin. But when her old nemesis Juliet and her high school crush Josh crash back into her life, will they recognise her and expose her unglamorous past? Tia certainly seems to be catching Josh's eye - much to Juliet's disgust. For those who like ugly-duckling-into-swan stories.


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Just One Of The Guys - Kristan Higgins (2008)

Thirty-one-year-old Chastity O'Neil has just moved back to her beautiful hometown in Eaton Falls, secured a job as editor of a local newspaper, and is just one single step away from her dream of getting married and settling down. Growing up in a family of four older fire-fighter brothers has made her just like one of guys - both in appearance and behaviour, which makes it a little hard for her to get back to the dating scene. All hope is not lost when Chastity catches the attention of handsome trauma surgeon Ryan Darling while attending a self-defence class with her mother. However, in spite of her new romance, her heart still longs for her first love, Trevor. This book got me laughing and crying and I was hooked until the last page. It's an extremely relaxing yet delightful read and definitely worth recommending to a friend. (XT)


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Just Say Yes - Phillipa Ashley (2008)

Lucy Gibson becomes public enemy No. 1 when she turns down the on-air proposal of her boyfriend of six months. Nick had just been announced as the winner of an Apprentice-like reality TV show called Hot Shots. Hounded by the press, Lucy heads to her friend Fiona's cottage in Cornwall where she falls for Josh. But he unfortunately has a not-very-nice girlfriend called Sara, who shares his passion for yachting. He also likes people to be upfront with him, which means there's gonna be trouble when he finds out Lucy hasn't been honest about why she is in Cornwall. So ho-hum predictable, with some confusing consistency errors and the usual cheesy dialogue, this is the third Ashley book I have tried but from now on I will Just Say No.


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Just the Sexiest Man Alive - Julie James (2008)

Taylor Donovan is a confident no-nonsense attorney on track to become partner at her law firm. Her newest assignment is to coach Jason Andrews, Hollywood's sexiest heart-throb, for his new role in a legal thriller movie. And Taylor is determined not to fall for Jason's charming ways. This debut novel is exceptionally well written and a fun read. (AO)


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Just the Three of Us - Clare Dowling (2009)

Downtrodden PR assistant Debs meets Bob at the sandwich shop. Even through he's married, they soon take to meeting for lunch in the park. Geri has been married to Bob for 17 years and between dealing with her nursing job, a teenage daughter who's taken up with the neighbourhood hellraiser and a grieving sister, she never suspects a thing until it is too late. The banter between the family members and the fact the characters are so different from the usual infidelity suspects makes this stand out from the crowd.


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