by Julia London

Berkley Sensation, August, 2003.
Paperback, 400 pages.
ISBN: 0425191230
Subgenre: Contemporary

Bestselling author Julia London takes Shakespeare's King Lear for her inspiration in this funny, entertaining and very moving new contemporary romance. When billionaire Aaron Lear learns that he is dying of cancer, he takes a look at his life and the way he's raised his three daughters -- and he's not happy with what he sees. His eldest daughter, Robin Lear, has worked in his company for years, but doesn't understand what the heck she is doing. She spends all her time jetting to Europe, shopping or spending money. So Aaron deals Robin a terrible blow: he demotes her to the bottom of the company so she can learn the business from the ground up. What's worse: she has to report to her ex-boyfriend, who will now be her boss, and the guy she hired to restore her new home, Jake Manning, turns out to be both handsome and extremely irritating. Robin has a lot of growing up to do, and not a lot of time to do it in.

Julia London is probably most familiar to readers for her bestselling historical romances. With Material Girl, she effortlessly moves into mainstream contemporaries. Robin, the spoiled rich girl who gets a taste of how the rest of the world lives, is skillfully drawn -- she's an appealing character. Jake Manning, the contractor who steals her heart away, is a real doll -- he's sure to steal your heart away too. This is a moving, heartfelt and funny story that is sure to bring a smile to your face.

Material Girl is available for purchase on Amazon.com

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This review was published in the September-October, 2003 of The Internet Writing Journal.

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