What a Woman Wants

When the three Manley brothers lose a poker bet, they’re forced to work as maids for their sister’s cleaning company in this clever start to Fennell’s contemporary series. Entrepreneur Sean Manley sees an opportunity in his assignment to clean a mansion, and he makes a deal to develop the property into a landmark resort after the death of matriarch Merriweather. His plans are compromised when Merriweather makes a new will leaving the house to her estranged granddaughter, Livvy Carolla, and Livvy’s menagerie of animal rescues—on the condition that Livvy find a series of clues about her family history within two weeks. Sean helps Livvy solve the puzzle while planning to hide the last clue, but he’s torn between his desire for professional success and his feelings for the bohemian Livvy, even when he has to clean up after a loquacious parrot and a pair of randy alpacas. Fans of Fennell’s quirky style will enjoy the entertaining misadventures on the way to a too-easy resolution. Agent: Roberta Brown, Brown Literary Agency. (March)