Husband Hunters, by Genevieve Gannon
Harper Collins, Impulse e-book. $2.99.
Let's be upfront and say Gannon is a journalist who used to work for The Chronicle and she contacted a former colleague to see whether there was a chance that we would review her book. Now working with AAP, she somehow found the time to write a romantic comedy, based on relationship advice she received when doing a story on the man drought – that career women should be more pragmatic when it comes to finding a husband. Here, three friends – a psychologist, an ex-model and a civil engineer – join forces to find love, putting their professional skills to use. I'm glad Gannon got back in touch. Husband Hunters was a fun read, with characters that were likeable and a premise perhaps too true.
Confetti Confidential: They do, I don't, by Susan Murphy.
HarperCollins, Impulse e-book. $2.99.
Viv is a marriage celebrant whose own marriage comes to a screeching halt in the opening chapter. How is she meant to face up to the happy couples when she no longer believes in love and happiness? She decides to quit, but promises herself she will get through the 10 weddings and a funeral she already has booked. It is a light read, but Viv is worth sticking with. It was nice to read some chick lit where the character was more of a hen, with a career, children and plenty of history and experience.
Up and In, by Deborah Disney
Harper Collins, Impulse e-book. $2.99.
I love books centred around the schoolyard and all the politics, bitchiness and stories involved in any suburban group of women. Here middle-class parents Maria and Joe have sacrificed a lot to get their daughters into the best girls' school in the state, but have they bitten off more than they can chew? Saturday-morning netball becomes a soap opera and birthday parties a minefield. Although some of the mothers are almost cliches, if you don't take it all too seriously, you'll enjoy it.
Disclaimer: While we don't make it a habit to review e-books, it seems popular women's fiction is often heading straight there. Is this such a bad thing – a fun, light read for about $3? We think not.
