Appeared on “Hay-on-Sky” 29 May. A few years ago contemporary, frothy romances were labelled ‘chic lit’ and as the genre became popular, so publishers responded with a lot of indifferent offerings, swamping the market. A number of authors rose above the ‘also ran’ and really stood out. This lady is one such. She is superb.
Comparisons: Jane Green, Cathy Kelly, Penny Vincenzi.

Synopsis

Lola has every reason to be interested in who Paddy’s marrying – because although she’s his girlfriend, she definitely isn’t the bride-to-be. Heartbroken, she flees the city for a cottage by the sea. But will Lola’s retreat prove as idyllic as she hopes?

Not if journalist Grace has anything to do with it. She wants the inside story on the de Courcy engagement and thinks Lola holds the key. Grace knew Paddy a long time ago. But why can’t she forget him?

Grace’s sister, Marnie, might have the answer but she also has issues with the past. Her family is wonderful but they can’t take away memories of her first love: a certain Paddy de Courcy. What will it take for Marnie to be able to move on?

And what of the future Mrs de Courcy … Alicia is determined to be the perfect politician’s wife. But does she know the real Paddy de Courcy?

Four very different women. One awfully charming man. And the dark secret that binds them all...

Reviews

'All the hallmarks of a classic read: characters we care about, and hard-hitting topics such as alcoholism and domestic abuse, tackled with Marian's trademark honesty...full of her usual sincerity and charm'
Kay Ribeiro, Heat

'A novelist constantly pushing against predictability, a master of character-delineation, who can mix farce and sex with serious social issues. This Charming Man is Dickensian in its scale, plotting and determination to force the reader to grasp some of the grim realities of today's Ireland. Chick-lit it isn't. A great read it is'
Terry Prone, Irish Independent

'A dazzling dance with the devil...Her skill at creating a feeling of universal anxiety and impermanence, while also keeping the page-turning flow of the novel's various themes, is what makes Keyes shatter-proof
Kate Holomquist, Irish Times

About the Author

Marian Keyes is the international bestselling author of Watermelon, Lucy Sullivan is Getting Married, Rachel's Holiday, Last Chance Saloon, Sushi for Beginners, Angels, and, most recently The Other Side of the Story a Sunday Times Number One Bestseller.   She is published in twenty-nine different languages.  A collection of her journalism, called Under the Duvet, is also available in Penguin.  Marian lives in Dublin with her husband. More books by this author Author 'Like for Like' recommendation