THE HOPELESS ROMANTIC'S HANDBOOK

Author: Gemma Townley ISBN: 034548004X 4/2007 CHICK LIT Publisher: BALLANTINE

Knight wanted. Must have shiny armor and own horse, preferably white. When it comes to romance, are magic, fireworks, and a dashing knight in shining Armani really too much to ask? Apparently so, since Kate Hetherington has yet to find an appropriate mate in all of London. Her lifelong friends (and confirmed pragmatists) Sally and Tom tease her endlessly about her hopeless romanticism. But Kate knows that she’s right to want her own fairy tale. After stumbling upon an old tome titled The Hopeless Romantic’s Handbook, Kate decides to give its advice a whirl. Incredibly, the book lives up to its money-back guarantee, because before Kate can say “Cinderella” she meets Joe Rogers, a drop-dead-gorgeous American actor. Frankly, he’s perfect—and Kate thinks she might have finally found The One. He certainly has the muscles required to sweep her off her feet. But Sal and Tom are less thrilled with Kate’s dreamboat. Are they just jealous, or do they know something about love that isn’t in Kate’s handbook? Kate’s pretty sure that finding true love isn’t supposed to alienate you from your friends, but what she doesn’t know is that her real knight is still waiting for her—and he’s closer than she ever imagined.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

I was not quite sure what I would think of this book after reading the synopsis and the title... as looks can be extremely deceiving. The story is of Kate, who has had enough teasing from her friends, Sally and Tom, about her lack of success in the dating area of her life. As a last resort, she buys an old book titled, The Hopeless Romantic's Handbook from Ebay. After the book arrives, Kate begins to take its advice seriously and to heart. Suddenly she meets an American author who she believes is the one—his name is Joe, he's drop dead gorgeous and has the physique to sweep her off her feet. However, Tom and Sally smell a skunk and do not hesitate to let Kate know. Thinking they are jealous of her newfound relationship, Kate is crushed when she not only loses her new boyfriend to her arch enemy, Penny, but also loses her job.

That's when Kate discovers that her Knight in Shining armor may be a little closer than originally thought. Dr. Tom has his medical degree, and while he might not have a horse, he has a love as deep for Kate as that he believes she has for him. After mishaps, broken hearts, and the true support of the best of friends, this book builds on those relationships . Each of these characters comes with a little insecurity and a little baggage that, together, they can come out as lovers rather than friends. Kate eventually finds that with Tom.

Gemma Townley does a phenomenal job exploring these characters. She gives them the strength to fight for what they so desperately want. The end of the book left me wanting more—it was an absolute read that I will be passing on to friends. My hat's off to you. Ms. Townley. I believe with your wit and humor, that you have penned an extraordinary novel that everyone will enjoy.

Kym Oetting