TO CATCH A HUSBAND

Author: Lindsay Graves ISBN: 0345485483 9/2006 CONTEMPORARY Publisher: BALLANTINE

In the exclusive southern California community of Colina Linda, money means everything. But snagging a man who has money means even more. When billionaire David Clemente files for divorce, his newly single status is the gossip among the ladies-who-lunch. Hot on the chase are four of the town’s most eligible ex-wives: peppy Lally Chandler, a former Bond girl and the queen bee of local society, with three celebrity ex-husbands in her wake; Jessica DiSantini, a lapsed lawyer and mother of two with a nice settlement from her cheating spouse and his precious collection of Cabernet to numb the pain; Caitlin Latch, a desperate-to-fit-in single mom with a body that makes Barbie look like Ken; and locally born and bred Janey Martinez, a dowdy duckling with an extensive pack of socially prominent relations. Doing whatever it takes to catch the eligible David’s attention and eliminate the competition, each woman is determined to be the first–and the last–to date Mr. (Luxury) Dreamboat. Which of the four ex-wives will find true love? The answer is revealed in this hilariously funny, sarcastically witty, and deliciously catty novel about the never-ending pursuit of happiness. Translation: an even bigger bank account.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

What happens when four ex-wives clamor to win the attention and the possible last name of the newest mega-rich divorcee, David Clemente? You'll find out inside the pages of Lindsay Graves extremely satirical TO CATCH A HUSBAND.

At times it reads like an episode of Desperate Housewives where the women, on the verge of sheer desperation, are armed only with their brand-named attire and classy coiffures to win the man of their dreams (or their pocket books).

Lally, Jessica, Caitlin and Janey are pulling out all the punches to be the next Mrs. Clemente. But that's not all—aside from the women there are ex-husbands, children and a house intruder to contend with as well. Their lives are not as perfect on the inside as they appear to be on the outside, and seeing how they cope with their less-than-perfect lives brings a sense of realism to the story. Believe it or not, it actually makes these crazy women very likable, in their own way.

TO CATCH A HUSBAND is filled with Graves' witty sense of humor and all around skillful writing. It's easy to be drawn into the world of high fashion and sharp claws that she created. It's a very entertaining read and I would recommend picking up a copy for your self.

Julie Kornhausl