Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
Chick-lit has another entry with Sarah Strohmeyer's "The Cinderella Pact." Three overweight friends decide to change their lives after experiencing obesity discrimination from a poorly mannered restaurant manager. Nola Devlin, the narrator, has more on her mind than her abs, though. No one at the magazine where she is an editor is aware of her double identity as Belinda Apple, a thin and hip jet-setter who pens a tart advice column.
The magazine owner learns Belinda's credentials are fraudulent, and he sets out to uncover the truth. Nola struggles with her lies, her frumpy clothes, and the possibility of a lawsuit while her friends, Deb and Nancy, fight their own life-changing battles.
Readers who enjoy edgy chick-lit of the Bridget Jones variety will find Strohmeyer's latest to their liking. The book is a hoot if you're in the mood for a laugh. Fans of her Bubbles series also won't be disappointed.
Readers who prefer sympathetic narrators, though, might want to look elsewhere. Nola's deceptions and lies will turn off those who like a little morality in their happy-ever-after.
ANITA J. FIREBAUGH is a frumpy freelance editor and writer who found that diet advice in fiction books is, well, fictional.
THE CINDERELLA PACT By Sarah Strohmeyer. Penguin. 300 pages. $24.95.
(C) 2006 Roanoke Times & World News. via ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved
