The One You Really Want

Detailing many levels of British society, bestselling author Mansell scores again with a multilayered contemporary story of loves lost and found. In Scotland, Nancy discovers her husband has been cheating on her. She flies to London and stays with her best friend, Carmen, a three-year widow of rock star Spike Todd who hides her wealth and identity from the people at the homeless shelter where she volunteers. Spike’s brother, Rennie, a charismatic singer who sizzles with energy, also crashes at Carmen’s posh home. Soon Nancy’s mom joins them for a holiday, and then neighbors descend as well. Drama from familial relationships is intertwined with love relationships that range from teenage crushes to older companionship. Humorous dialogue defines well-drawn characters and adds a fun touch to lives that are spot-on with universal human angst. Agent: Jennifer Unter, the Unter Agency. (Apr.)