The Single Girl's To-Do List [Paperback]

I loved the three books published so far in Lindsay Kelk's `I Heart...' series, and was really looking forward to see how she would handle a different world and a new set of characters. And apart from one slightly indulgent interlude when an I Heart character makes a brief cameo, the answer is just fine. I instantly warmed to Our New Heroine, Rachel Summers, who thought that her life was on track before she is unceremoniously dumped by her long-term boyfriend, and utilises her favourite pastime - making to-do lists - to get over him, with the help of best friends Emilie and Matthew.

At first, I found this book a little hard to get into, compared to Angela's adventures, and I think that's probably because the setup is fully explained on the back cover, but the first few chapters spend quite a while, well, setting it up. In some ways this was a good thing - for example, we're given a solid picture of Rachel and Simon's relationship, and why it wasn't working - but it meant that the pace wasn't as fast as it might have been. However, once Rachel starts working her way down the list, starting with the traditional makeover but moving onto less-traditional chick lit tropes, such as bungee jumping and breaking the law, the story springs into life. A section set in Canada near the end of the novel proved to me that Kelk is at her best when there's a travel-writing element involved, as in the I Heart books - this was one of my favourite episodes. Without spoiling the ending, I also liked the way Kelk managed to keep a number of likely candidates in play for the role of Rachel's eventual love interest - although I thought it was reasonably obvious she was going to end up with the man she eventually chooses, there were definitely some wild cards thrown into the mix.

Overall, I think this is written in a slightly different mould to the I Heart series - although the plot is still fairly slight (not a bad thing in my opinion) it's more similar to the `typical' chick lit novel in that there's less time spent simply describing locations and shopping (I like the character-focused nature of the original series, but I can see that others might prefer a stronger plot). Hence, I'd recommend it even if you weren't a fan of Kelk's other three books, and it's fun to see her write about someone other than Angela. Personally, although I definitely enjoyed this stand-alone, I still can't wait for `I Heart Vegas'!

I absolutely loved this book and finished it in a day and a half! I couldn't put it down! Lindseys style of writing is so fresh and fun and you instantly want to be in Rachel, Emilie's amd Matthews gang. I love that Lindsey always manages to write boys that I would find irresistable in real life (hello, Alex Reid? Melt!!) and Dan in this book is no exception. I really loved the way Lindsey bought in one of the characters from her previous books for a suprise visit (I won't say who!), I thought that was such a lovely twist. I really, really enjoyed this book and cannot wait for I Heart Vegas at the end of the year!

I have to confess I wasn't instantly enamoured by this book as I usually am with the 'I Heart...' series, and it did take a little while for me to get into the book which I felt was a bit of a shame. Perhaps it was my own reluctance to get used to a new character or something, I don't know, but once I got going it was okay and I was eager to pick the book up at every opportunity and read on. Rachel is a great character, and finds herself suddenly single after years of being in a stable relationship. She doesn't know much about the dating scene and feels lost, a feeling a lot of women (like me!) will be able to relate to, so instantly Kelk has tried to find some common ground with her readers there which I like - I'm sure a lot of women can relate to Rachel and her story in some way. She's a good character, I liked her and felt sorry for her, although of course things quickly go to plan for her unlike in real like, but that's why it's fiction I suppose.

Rachel's best friends Emilie and Matthew (the required gay best friend of course) were great characters, and really kept the book alive and flowing when Rachel was having her down moments. Rachel works as a make up artist so I was expecting a bit about make up in the book but to be honest, it is barely mentioned and there was nothing overly technical about it in the book at all, it's only really there to give Rachel a job. I did find Rachel's makeover a bit too typical and expected, and how all the guys suddenly thought she was gorgeous, putting a bit too much importance on appearances for my liking but I suppose it's reflective of real life so I just went with it. The book is mostly set in London, but does travel the US for a bit and I really enjoyed these scenes at the end, perhaps my favourite of all actually. Do look out for an 'I Heart....' character cameo which I thought was a fantastic touch!

I think this is a good stand alone novel and shows us Kelk can do more than just write about Angela Clarke and her 'I Heart...' adventures. The cover to me is fantastic, and certainly encapsulates all the book is - fun, bright and a bit of a laugh. It's got a good cast of characters who make sure there is always something going on, and give you lots of giggles along the way. For me, it was very formulaic and I wish something had happened to throw a spanner in the works, but as it was, they didn't so I just enjoyed what was there. I am sure people who dislike chick lit won't like this book, after all, it is typical chick lit but I really enjoyed it for what it is, a fun and light hearted look at love and moving on, and Kelk's story telling is enjoyable to read, she paints a good picture with her words. A great book to sling in your beach bag for your summer hols!