cover image The Perfectly True Tales of a Perfect Size 12

The Perfectly True Tales of a Perfect Size 12

Robin Gold, . . Plume, $13 (260pp) ISBN 978-0-452-28812-6

Gold takes chick lit office politics along on a country weekend in this affable debut about a size-12, 33-year-old aspiring Martha Stewart. After her boss announces her impending retirement, Delilah White finds herself in the running to become executive producer at Domestic Bliss , a TV show that's filmed in New York City but aims the catchphrase "Now that's bliss" at middle-aged, middle American women. Her competition: Margo Hart, a high-maintenance redhead who's not willing to go down without a fight. When the rivals end up at the same Fourth of July gala in the Catskills, they call a truce and Delilah scores a date with the hostess's cute cousin, Jack. But the women can't play nice for long, and the battle of the domestic divas sets the pace for a fun and breezy read. It's easy to root for Delilah as she schemes to put Margo (a believable but consistently evil villain) in her place. Meanwhile, Delilah may have found something worth pursuing with Jack—if only she can figure out where they stand. The ending leaves the door open for a sequel. (Feb.)