Party Favors

With help from playwright Johnston and a handbag-full of chick lit clichés, former Republican fund-raiser Sexton offers a behind the scenes peek at the world of political fund-raising, as seen through the eyes of naïve but plucky Louisianan Temple Sachet. In D.C. as a White House intern, Temple's Southern charm and talent for throwing parties earn her job offers from the big wigs. As she climbs the career ladder, her beloved Yorkie, Goldie Hawn, forever at her side (in a Louis Vuitton Sac Chien), Temple gets a crash course in greed and dishonesty from the senators, staffers, lobbyists and donors who fight over money and influence. Blackberry abuzz, Temple works to rake in the cash, finding herself finance director for the Republican Senate campaign committee, charged with the task of raising $95 million (an effort Sexton herself led in 2004). Though she thrives on the power and status, Temple can't trust anyone, can't find a man (a straight man, at least) and wonders if all she's doing is funding hypocrisy. It's mildly charming Beltway chick lit. (July)