Fashionably Late
Beth Kendrick
Downtown, Jan 2006, $13.00, 320 pp.
ISBN: 074349959X

Accepting her boyfriend Kevin Bradley's proposal, Becca Davis calls her sister Claire in Los Angeles. Showing no joy, Becca mentions the teddy bear containing the ring; Claire suggests dumping his butt. When she speaks to her other sibling Gayle, she once again displays no enthusiasm; Gayle suggests dumping his butt. The world's safest couple finally argues over Kevin's ten year plan until Becca returns the ring ending a five year relationship.

Encouraged by her two confident older sisters to take a chance in Los Angeles, Becca leaves New York to take the Southern California fashion world by storm. As Kevin frantically pleads with her to come back to him, she struggles with the demanding Beverly Hills prima donnas who reject what they specifically asked for. Making it easier to stay and try yet more difficult and complex is life Wildman Connor Sullivan, the bane of life insurance, whom she desires like nothing she ever felt with reliable Kevin.

As the center that keeps the story line focused, Becca is a fabulous protagonist struggling with a lack of confidence that conflicts with a desire to design women apparel. Her relationship with Kevin allowed her a safe haven that enabled her to avoid more dangerous males. The support cast that includes her sisters, her former fianc , her zany demanding customers, and her new hunk provide further insight into the star of the tale. Beth Kendrick provides an insightful look at a talented young woman who lacks the confidence to step out and challenge the world; paraphrasing one of her sisters, she has the spirit but not the stomach; yet puts on her rubber underwear and finally takes a chance.

Harriet Klausner