Francesca Segre, Daughter of the Bride

Daughter of the Bride

Francesca Segre

Berkley, Apr 2006, $14.00

ISBN: 042520880X

Twenty-nine year old financial news broadcaster Daniella enjoys her work covering the testosterone New York Stock Exchange, loves her family, and has close supportive friends. However, when it comes to men, Daniella lacks the confidence that shines through her professional efforts and every other aspect of her personal life.

As Daniella's mom Maya nears her sixtieth birthday she calls her to inform her that she is engaged to be married to Stanley, and she would like her daughter to help her with her wedding plans. Daniella is stunned that she will be giving her mom away instead of visa versa, but though already over-worked will make time for her beloved mother. Still she wonders if any of her current men might come close to meeting the criteria of her imaginary boyfriend, though the standard of her I.B. is stratospheric quality.

Readers will appreciate the insight to the single ambitious woman achieving success in a male dominated arena, at perhaps the sacrifice of her personal life, but not because she fails to meet men. Instead Daniella applies her high quality criteria she thrives for on the job to men, and so far they seem lacking. This chick lit is a fine character study of a strong woman, who in spite of her mother remarrying causing her doubts, refuses to lower her standards.