The Gilded Pen

By Dan Graziano
Publisher: Avon A
ISBN: 9780060847975
Genre: Fiction
Published: July 3, 2007

Reviewed by: Amber Barth
Rating: 4/5

Who ever thought the delicious aroma of breakfast could lead to one of the most confusing, stress-filled, and life changing weeks of one’s life? Obviously not Henry. As he munched down on cinnamon French toast, comfortably enjoying his Saturday morning with his girlfriend like he has for the last 6 years, Layla gave him an ultimatum: decide if he was ready to fully commit to their relationship or watch as she left his life forever. She has given him till their friends‘ wedding–only one week away! –to decide. Once the bouquet leaves the brides’ hands he better have an answer, or it’s bye-bye.

Along the way to the ultimate decision, Henry runs the emotional gantlet while seeking advice from many an inept source. From the child-like friend Paul and to his divorce-ravaged brother Jake, to Layla’s own hippy-returned father and the 5 times married golfing buddy, John, Henry comes to terms with what’s truly important in any marital relationship.

But Layla’s not one to wait sitting around for Henry’s answer. With her two best friends Gloria and Susan as backup, Layla explores her own emotions and desires, trying to decide for her self if marriage to Henry is what she really wants, or if the hot-looking attorney Ben would be more up her isle.

With a pleasing narrative and amusing characters, Graziano has created a charming and enjoyable story with The Ultimatum. The situations are hilariously realistic, the plot both remarkably simple yet incredibly complex, and the far too soon for my tastes!

By Jo Barrett
Publisher: Avon A
ISBN: 9780061128615
Genre: Fiction
Published: March 27, 2007

Reviewed by: Amber Barth
Rating: 4/5

Claire St. John has recently been divorced from a quick-start marriage. So, like any other sensible 34 year old woman, she quits her job as a New York lawyer, returns home to her native Austin, Texas to live in her mother’s rental, and decides to become a writer. Not just any writer mind you but the author of the supreme back door pass to the woman’s bathroom. Unfortunately, the road to author-stardom isn’t all fun and games. Claire must deal with an annoying ex-boyfriend, several friends with their own romantic troubles, and the all too attractive Jake Armstrong who, if Claire isn’t careful, will throw her new life askew.

The Men’s Guide to the Women’s Bathroom by Jo Berrett is an exhilarating romp through life as we know it. We live through the emotional roller-coaster ride of getting divorced and learning to love again, all while Claire takes notes in Jamaican Me Crazy red on toilet paper about bathroom etiquette.

Barrett weaves a tremendously funny and equally enduring story that was simply a joy to read. With plenty of emotion, humor, and heart The Men’s Guide to the Women’s Bathroom will easily wiggle it’s way onto any keeper shelf.

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By Heather Cochran
Publisher: Mira
ISBN: 9780778323600
Genre: Fiction
Published: March 1, 2007

Reviewed by: Amber Barth
Rating: 4/5

Sasha Gardner works for the IRS as senior auditor, and it isn’t winning her any points with the gentlemen. Despite being vastly intelligent, moderately attractive, and friendly, Sasha can’t seem to find a man who would be willing to talk with her let alone spend a lifetime with her. After a disastrous night at the local bar where she met yet another man with an aversion to auditors, Sasha has been having a problem focusing on her work. Useless information, it seems, is more interesting. While this normally wouldn’t have been a problem as Sasha is a fan of useless information—and who isn‘t?—it’s starting to affect her work.

Unfortunately for Sasha, reflections over her love life aren’t the only things affecting her. She’s getting strange phone calls from irate gardeners in the defense of a man named Jonah Gray; a man she’s been assigned to audit. Everyone seems to be rallying for this Jonah Gray, and after some research she is as well. Lives become tangled and complex as the story continues. Sasha, almost taking on the part of a stalker, learns more of Jonah Gray as she comes to grips with her father’s illness, her half-brother‘s appearance, and her recent romantic relationship.

Cochran has done a superb job of depicting Sasha, the girl on the sidelines, as her lackluster and collected life unravels around her. Cochran’s supporting characters are well developed and compliment a brilliant storyline that, though littered with sadness, is a fun and engaging tale. A must read on any reader’s list.

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