What a Woman Wants

January 27, 2014
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.

February 15, 2014

When he and his two brothers lose at poker to their sister and end up each owing her housekeeping company four weeks of maid service, Sean Manley agrees to do his stint at an empty mansion that he was in negotiations to buy from the late owner through his Heritage Corporation. However, he doesn't figure on Livvy Carolla, the sexy new owner, to move in, with her ark-load of animals. He also doesn't expect to like her. But when Livvy learns that she must complete her grandmother's treasure hunt within two weeks in order to inherit or the property will be sold, she and Sean end up at cross purposes, even as they are falling in love. VERDICT Lively banter, over-the-top humor, and a clever premise make this fun-filled read a nice launch to the "Manley Maids" series. Fennell (If the Shoe Fits) lives in suburban Philadelphia.

Copyright 2014 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.