Marrying Up
Jackie Rose
Red Dress, Aug 2005, $12.95, 368 pp.
ISBN: 0373895305

Dr. Martingale suggests to his high strung client, Buffalo Bugle obit columnist Holly Hastings to write her own obituary, which she does. By doing so Holly realizes she is lonely in spite of fine friends and her life is boring. When she sees the Marilyn Monroe film How to Marry a Millionaire, she decides to make that her quest culminating with How to Book, but mostly so she can begin living her own life rather than precariously that of dead people.

With the help of boy pal George, Holly takes a leave of absence and begins searching for a wealthy mate; this means leaving Buffalo, which may have been the millionaire capital of America but that was two centuries ago or so. After several aborted efforts, Holly thinks she has found her affluent hunk in San Francisco so why is it that Remy next door that touches her soul.

Holly comes across as shallow as she chooses to seek money over a loving nurturing relationship until Remy makes her reconsider her choices. The amusing story line is somewhat inane, but chick lit fans will appreciate this MARRYING UP to a millionaire romantic romp.

Harriet Klausner