Butterflies

Goldhirsh's debut novel follows the lives of three mothers in Santa Monica, Calif., struggling to get their kids into a competitive preschool. Gabrielle is a coldly efficient woman; Nancy, a poster girl for plastic surgery, bounces from one manipulative man to the next; and Eve, the newcomer looking for a fresh start, is taught by the others how to succeed in the vapid world of Southern California. Slowly, however, the women realize that their family and friendships mean more to them than life's superficial entrapments. Unfortunately, Goldhirsh relies on brand names, designers and boutiques to set the scene instead of developing believable characters and situations. Consequently, the relationships these women have with one another, as well as with their children and the men in their lives, spark little interest. (Sept.)