I just finished Little Lady, Big Apple, by Hester Browne last night, and loved it.

This is the second novel in the three part Little Lady Agency series.   The first book is called The Little Lady Agency, and was my first exposure to Hester Browne’s work.

Browne has the ability to create characters that you are consistently rooting for throughout the story.  Melissa Romney-Jones is the main character in this series and is a relatable, funny, trustworthy person that you can easily imagine having as a good friend.

She is real.  She is kind.  She is a master at the subject of proper etiquette.  And, she enjoys helping people deal with the little struggles of their lives.  She is there for you.

Her agency helps clients with all sorts of life issues.  Picking presents out for an anniversary.  Choosing the right wardrobe for their lifestyle.  Finding the right toothbrush and whitening gel for their dental needs.  Relationship advice.  Advice on how to deal with the press for her more “in the spotlight” type clients.  In a nutshell, her clients are all men who are a bit lost, and need the helpful guidance of a fashionable, smart, quick witted woman to help them through their trials and tribulations.

This particular book takes Melissa to New York City, where her boyfriend, Jonathan, has recently moved due to a promotion at his real estate company.  Melissa agrees to take a one month vacation in the Big Apple to be near him, and the fun begins.

Because Melissa likes fixing people’s lives, she tends to get caught up in some pretty hilarious situations and adventures that we, as the readers, are lucky enough to witness and enjoy.

I LOVE the ending.  I’m such a sucker for good endings, and this one does not disappoint.

I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series, The Little Lady Agency and the Prince.

If you enjoy chick lit, I recommend this series.  Super fun and entertaining.

Just finished my first Jill Mansell book, An Offer you can’t Refuse, and LOVED it.

I think I have found a new author to add to my favorite’s list in the Chick Lit genre.

This story is about Lola, a 17 year old, who is offered 10K from her boyfriend’s icy Mother to break up with her son, Dougie.  Lola is crazy about Dougie as is Dougie about Lola.

A very strong reason emerges for Lola to accept this money in order to take care of an unexpected emergency.  The heartbreak involved with breaking up with Dougie is severe, but she pushes through.

Fast forward ten years later when Lola and Dougie meet again in a very unusual circumstance.

The book’s focus is on the broken hearts of Lola and Dougie and trying to understand what happened 10 years ago.  You understand the confusion and hurt the two of them must work through and really grow to like each character separately as individuals.

Of course, since you like both characters, you naturally want the two to reconcile and get back together.  So, I found myself rooting for them as a couple throughout the book.

I really loved the secondary characters in this book as well including Sally, Dougie’s brother, Gabe, Lola’s neighbor, and Blythe, Lola’s Mother.  Stories about these characters are well developed and engaging as well.

I was gripped throughout the book , and just love Mansell’s writing style.

Although there are a few very welcome predictable parts, there are plenty of zingers throughout this story, which make it a pageturner.

You simply will not be able to put this book down until you find out what happens to Lola and Dougie.

With all of the twists and turns to this story, the likable characters, and the comical tone throughout, this really is a very enjoyable read.

Can’t wait to read another one from Mansell.