Keyes' Brightest?

Marian Keyes has been one of my favorite authors since one of her early books, Last Chance Saloon, caught my attention over a decade ago. Its plot consists of Tara, Fintan and Katherine, friends since the days of "legwarmers, pink stretch jeans and Duran Duran." Sure, it, like most of Keyes' novels, had it's serious moments, like dead-end relationships, broken hearts, characters' negative self esteem in regards to their bodies, drug addiction, and later on physical abuse, and tragic death, but it also had lots of laugh out loud funny scenes, witty and a bit over the top, that tended to overshadow the 'tragedy' of everyday life.

In her latest release, The Brightest Star in the Sky, Keyes' introduces an unseen, unnamed, 'magical' character who is able to infiltrate the daily lives of the numerous residents of 66 Star Street, Dublin, a la her fellow Irish author, Cecelia Ahern. Almost a dozen main characters and even more secondary ones flit through the narrative. My personal favorite, although I am reluctant to admit it, is the tiny but tough (okay, bitchy) Lydia, who mysteriously moves from a comfortable flat with her best friend into a cramped apartment with two Polish male students who cringe in fear from her. There is also Katie, a 40 year old 'babysitter' to artistes, who is on the rebound from her workaholic boyfriend Conall with the young and sexy Fionn; Matt and Maeve, a young couple whose early married life was horrifically marred seemingly beyond repair, and Jemima, Fionn's foster mother, a holder of great wisdom surrounded by despair and confusion, round out the residents.

While I did enjoy The Brightest Star in the Sky, and how the characters' lives would intertwine, I did however find that there was a bit too much going on, a few too many characters, to have this book replace Keyes' others as my favorites. And the magical element didn't quite do it for me. Now, to qualify my statement, I'm not saying this is a bad book: Keyes' style has grown to be more than light-hearted 'chick-lit,' her characters more developed, her situations less wacky. It is, in my opinion a good book, but lacks the levity of her previous writings. If you are considering embarking on a relationship with Keyes, I strongly recommend her earlier titles if you're looking for laughs, then grow with her into her later fiction.

Ghosts and giggles

Sophie Kinsella's Twenties Girl Sadie Lancaster is spirited, courageous, slim, stylish, and beautiful. She's also dead. But she's not ready to let go of this world yet, even though she had 105 years in it. That's because she can't rest without her precious dragonfly necklace, a symbol of the happiest years of her life, those of her twenties. Sadie therefore enlists the aid of her great-niece, Lara Lington, who has failed in romance, business, and truthfulness with her family. Lara is the only one who can see and (creatively) communicate with Sadie, and together, they take on Lara's Uncle Bill to get the necklace back.

At first, Sadie and Lara clash. Sadie is a stiff upper lip, get on with it and have fun, personality type (she describes the Second World War as "cold and dreary and one's friends got killed, and I'd rather not think about it"), while Lara is one who likes to get in touch with one's feelings and over-analyse. Along the way, Sadie influences Lara to unwind, and even gets her to agree to asking Ed, an attractive stranger with whom Sadie wants to dance, on a date. However, while her mantra for living may be admirable, Sadie's taste in clothing and make-up are not quite in agreement with either Lara or Ed.

There were many instances in Twenties Girl that had me laughing out loud, and even a couple that got me teary. By the end, I was reluctant to let Sadie and Lara go; I had enjoyed hanging out with them. It's not often you find a feel-good ghost story, but this is one of them.

A great afternoon escape

Mags Grimsdale is a 40-something ex-Goth (okay, not entirely ex) married for over twenty years to Bill, a former Punk and the love of her life. Together, they have raised four straight laced children. Mags' boss, Julie Sultana, is her exact opposite, a cool blonde, play-the-field wedding planner who has little faith in happily-ever-after. While Julie juggles her time between her devoted fiance and her secret young lover, Mags must organise the upcoming wedding of a famous rock star, complete with bats, vampire attire, a haunted house wedding cake, and skull-patterned tuxedo. Plus take care of her depressed oldest son, his anorexia suffering girlfriend, her father's funeral (complete with bizarre relatives), her daughter's emigration to Australia, and potential financial disaster.

Sharon Owens' Revenge of the Wedding Planner is a light, entertaining story with fun and frustrating characters, quick moving scenes, lots of turmoil, and a woman trying to make keep her head amongst the chaos. It's a great read for one sitting, so try it for a late summer lollygag in the garden, or save it for a chilly autumn evening, or a snowy winter afternoon. It will lighten up your day regardless (mostly because you will be thankful you are not Mags Grimsdale!)

A rather charming read...

Penny Nichols (yes, she is aware of the absurdity of her name) is coasting through life: her research job for historical accuracy in made-for-TV films pays the bills, but it's not entirely fulfilling; she's had serious romantic relationships (with her boss, none the less!) but never been really in love; she's been to exciting international locales, but has been too busy working to really enjoy them. But that all changes with one phone call...

Penny's mum informs her that Penny must represent the family in London at the reading of the last will and testament of Great Aunt Penelope, who is represented by Penny's dashing cousin Jeremy. It is revealed that in addition to Aunt P's London apartment, Penny shares inheritance of a French Villa with Jeremy and their dastardly older cousin, Rollo. However, Rollo is not overly fond of the results, and intends to get all of Penelope's French property, by any means. Rollo's actions set into play a whirlwind of activity through three countries, as well as helps Penny makes personal discoveries of her great aunt, that turns Penelope from a lonely, drab old spinster to a woman who loved and lost, and then found a treasure greater than any material item.

C.A. Belmond's A Rather Lovely Inheritance is an entertaining combination of romance, laughs, history, exciting locations, and a mysterious twist. Most of the characters are light and enjoyable (I particularly enjoy Penny's fun-loving parents; what other kind of people would name their child Penny Nichols?), balanced by the greedy Rollo and his ancient mum. Yes, it's rather predictable, and has a happy ending, but it makes you feel warm and fuzzy and comfortable, like having your favourite cup of tea overlooking the Thames.

Funny Stuff

Janet Evanovich has one of the funniest book series in print. Her Stephanie Plum books start with One For the Dough and continue to the latest book; Fearless Fourteen. These books are light and funny, full of bizarre characters and zany situations. The books follow Stephanie Plum, a not so talented bounty hunter, and her attempts to apprehend fugitives.

If you have read and like Janet Evanovich's books you may also want to try: Jennifer Crusie - Faking It, Agnes and the Hitman, Katie MacAlister - A Hard Day's Knight, The Corset Diaries, Sandra Hill - Pink Jinx, Red Hot Cajun, and Carl Hiaasen - Skinny Dip, Lucky You.

Posted by Narelle