Click Here To Purchase The Smart One and the Pretty One

Author: Claire Lazebnik

Publisher: Hachette Book Group (5 Spot)

ISBN-13: 978-0446582063

You quickly realize as you read that there are two sides to this novel. First the rather flippant part about the life and loves of the sisters Lauren and Ava. Lauren returned to Los Angeles and the family home to reveal to Ava, now a solicitor that she is deeply in debt. Lauren is happy-go-lucky while Ava is more steady and thoughtful and definitely not as fashion conscious as her sister. Also she hasn’t had a boy friend in years.

Meanwhile in the midst of all their e-mails discussing whether or not Lauren should come back home, their father sends them a message completely out of the blue, telling them their mother Nancy has cancer. This is the flip side of the tale. 

Nancy makes light of the hospital visits for chemo treatment and Lauren steps in as the daughter to take charge and drive her mother there each week.

When the sisters were young their mother drew up a contract betrothing Ava to their friend’s son. This cute son was called Russell and was the same age as Ava and both families hoped they would be married one day. 

Lauren discovered this forgotten contract and decided to follow it up and track Russell down. How do you think Ava felt when he turned up on the doorstep?

Meanwhile Lauren met a young man whilst at the hospital with her mother and eventually they became more then friends - the outcome however is not the one you’d expect as Lauren persists in inventing excuses to bring her sister and Russell together.  

The sisters are so alike superficially but as the story progresses you discover more and more of their differences. There is always the problem of Lauren’s debt and not taking money seriously enough and her addiction to clothes while Ava is all for plain comfort dressing.

Lauren brings about many changes for Ava when…. well read this for yourself.

This novel is frothy with a modern edge but yet has the depth, which explores the bond between the sisters. If you have a sister you will understand. A convincing theme with many twists and turns, full of wit and showing human nature at its best.

I absolutely loved this book and am sure other readers will have as much pleasure too.

Click Here To Purchase The Smart One and the Pretty One

The above review was contributed by: Jessica Roberts:  Jessica is a book reviewer for a local newspaper and has reviewed for a national women's magazine too. She has had various articles published in magazines and has now completed her novel. Jessica currently lives in West Yorkshire and enjoys walking in the dales and woodlands as part of her hobby as well as, of course, reviewing books. To read more of Jessica's reviews  CLICK HERE