Daily Mail

CHICK LIT

- SARA LAWRENCE

THE NOTE by Zoe Folbigg (Aria £7.99)

THIS novel is based on the author’s own true story of meeting a handsome stranger on a train and getting together against all the odds. In her fictionali­sed version, the life of Maya Flowers is changed for ever when she spots James boarding her usual train to London. She quickly becomes obsessed but he always has his head deep in a book.

Thanks to the interventi­on of a much older friend who is an agony aunt, Maya musters the necessary bravery to drop a note on his lap, asking him out. James declines because he is already spoken for. Maya is bereft.

But what she cannot know is that James is also trying desperatel­y to save his failing relationsh­ip, without much success. What follows is a series of ‘sliding-door moments’, lost opportunit­ies and epic misunderst­andings. Maya and James are appealing characters and I love the idea that all you really need is the courage to pursue someone.

THE CHRISTMAS SECRET by Karen Swan

(Pan £7.99) I’M A big fan of Swan’s epic, multi- layered and expertly crafted novels. She is brilliant at taking her readers deep into the worlds of her fascinatin­g characters, and in that respect this latest offering is no different.

Alex Hyde is a sharp, glamorous, no-nonsense New Yorker and a highly sought-after executive coach. She is a woman to whom captains of industry turn when they need advice, and she is used to respect.

When she is hired at vast expense to work her magic at a distillery on a remote Scottish island, however, it’s not business as usual. Chief executive Lochlan is obstructiv­e, rude and doesn’t play by any of the normal rules.

This is perfect escapism in which to lose yourself for a few blissful hours on the sofa.

THE WOMAN AT 72 DERRY LANE by Carmel Harrington

(HarperColl­ins £7.99) STeLLA GReeNe appears to have it all — a lovely house on a leafy Dublin street, a gorgeous, successful husband called Matt, a trim figure and a beautiful face.

In fact, though, she’s trapped in an abusive relationsh­ip: Matt beats her so badly and so often that she is covered in bruises underneath her designer clothes. He has totally isolated her and controls her diet, finances, what she wears and to whom she speaks.

This portrait of a woman in crisis, so terrified of what will happen next that she can’t even begin to think about leaving, is horrific in its utterly believable intensity.

When she meets her neighbour Rea, a chink of light shines on in her dark situation — but much as Rea wants to help, she has big problems of her own.

This is beautifull­y written, emotionall­y intelligen­t and moving in the extreme. I rooted for both women from the start.

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