December's Hottest Reads

Jo is starting to think that she might just be failing at life, with a huge mortgage and unfulfilling career starting to be overwhelmed by a struggling relationship with a married colleague. While her sister lives her perfect life in suburbia, Jo strives to find a more meaningful existence. However, when she meets Joe Bannister, foreign correspondent, hunk, and all-around nice guy, Jo begins to think her luck is changing. However, she’s about to find that falling in love does not equal the perfect fairy-tale.

 

This book is hilarious and well-written, with more complexities than your average chick-lit. It would make the perfect beach read, but you might not be able to put it down for a swim! Macmillan, RRP $32.99

 

Fans of TV’s Diary of a Call Girl will love the latest from Belle de Jour, who has openly described her experiences as a high-class call girl. In Playing the Game, Belle explores more of the world of call-girls, and struggles with the decision to leave her amazing life-style in search of a more legitimate existence. 

While not for the more innocent amongst us, this book is witty and eye-opening. Belle keeps you hooked with her descriptions of odd clients, her long-suffering boy-friend, and family that has little idea of her real job. Belle’s advice, reflections, and ridiculous anecdotes make for a unique book. Orion, RRP $38.99

 

Have you ever thought that’d you’d like to try an entirely different style, look, or even persona? Then this is definitely the book for you. Trinny and Susannah demonstrate 12 looks, from bombshell to androgynous and rock chick to sophisticate. In typical T&S style there’s plenty of humour and tips on hoisting it up, holding it together, and putting forward your best possible body.
 

I really liked how this book shows the complete package for each look, from who it suits to the style’s icons, including makeup and accessories as well as a range of outfits. I’ll definitely be trying out the Diva look – trés sexy! Weidenfeld & Nicolson, RRP $47.99

 

Both these books follow a simple winning formula – an attractive woman who succeeds at work but not at home, who experiences simultaneous crises in both areas. In both the women have strong ties to Ireland and Australia, and ultimately their strong characters pull them through.
 

However, chick-lit can be formulaic but still highly entertaining, which is exactly what Ber Carroll accomplishes with these two novels. Just Business and Executive Affair might be just what you need for a long car ride, or to help you digest that massive Christmas dinner. Either way, I recommend them. MacMillan, RRP $25.99.

Click here to buy Just Business and click here to buy Executive Affair!
 

As his ship tows an iceberg into Sydney harbour, Malcolm McEacharn should be feeling on top of the world. Instead he is possessed by guilt and a burning hunger to assuage the pangs of his wife’s death by proving himself to her ghost. As Ice tells his story, from humble beginnings to his rise to Lord Mayor of Melbourne, it follows a parallel journey of a desperate husband struggling to finish Malcolm’s biography, in order to return his beloved wife from her coma. 
 

A gripping novel, Ice explores the boundaries of love and life, travelling from the wilds of Yorkshire to the Antarctica and Australia. This would make a great present for anyone fascinated by a great story. Allen & Unwin, RRP $37.99