HYSTERICAL BLONDENESS

Author: Suzanne Macpherson ISBN: 0060775009 9/2006 CONTEMPORARY Publisher: AVON

Patricia Stillwell went to sleep a brunette and woke up a blonde! That experimental weigh-loss program she went on had an unexpected—but not completely unwelcome—side effect. Suddenly, the men are taking notice, Patti's taking leave of her senses... and she's having the time of her life! First, there's Brett Nordquist—he's rich and handsome but what can Patti truly expect from a man who's so obviously a player? Next, there's Paul Costello—one blazing moment of passion makes her wonder what she's been missing. What will happen when Patti morphs back into her former dark-haired self? And does Paul have to start looking so dangerously delicious? With more choices than there are shades of Miss Clairol, Patti makes her decision—but is it the right one?

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Patricia has always had a bit of a grudge against blondes. However, when she accidentally goes from dowdy brunette to blonde bombshell overnight she's not adverse to using her new looks to get what she wants. What she wants is Brett, the rich and handsome playboy she secretly loves. Brett, it seems, has a thing for blondes and Patricia is determined that he should now have a thing for her. Brett is not the only one who finds himself interested in Patricia. As her pursuit of Brett begins to show signs of promise, her longtime friend Paul realizes that he's about to lose the woman he never knew he loved.

Macpherson has created a host of quirky characters you can't help but love. Patricia can't seem to see how much she's changing to win the man of her dreams. Paul can't seem to work up the nerve to tell Patricia how he feels. And then there's Patricia's best friend, Pinky, who seems to be the only person to see everything that's going on and knows exactly what to do. You want to cheer them on one moment, and shake some sense into them the next.

Macpherson's writing had me laughing, shaking my head in frustration and leaning in to hear those words of true love. This is a lighthearted feel-good story, and at the same time, insightful. Maybe how the other half lives is not all it's cracked up to be, and maybe true love isn't just around the corner but right beside you instead. This is a true romance through and through. With HYSTERICAL BLONDENESS, Macpherson has delivered a modern day fairy tale with a modern day happy ending.

Amanda Rutherford