Second Prize - Synopsis
Lara Fenton is resigned to life on the shelf, especially now her best friend Julie's got engaged. But then Lara is swept off her feet by the divine Hugh Armstrong-Hamilton - and suddenly nothing can spoil her happiness. Hugh has his faults - Lara can't deny that - but who cares if he cancels dates at the last minute? What does it matter if he never picks up the bill? Lara can even put up with the insults from his snooty friends. Just to be seen on the arm of someone like Hugh is consolation enough. After Hugh, any man would seem like second prize. And Lara would never be able to settle for that. Or would she . . .?
Inspiration for Second Prize
Inspiration for the book Of all the Chris Manby novels, this is my sister Kate’s favourite. It’s been so long since I wrote it, I’m finding it hard to remember what was going on in my life at the time, but you can be sure I mined some of my own dreadful dates to write Lara’s.
Reviews
With a marriage of comic invention and some clear-sighted emotional honesty, this novel can move as well as amuse' - Good Book Guide
'Feelgood romantic comedy for those experiencing, anticipating or vaguely remembering thirtysomething angst' - Scotsman
'Smartly written, extremely readable, and gives us a fascinating and funny glimpse into the dark side of love'
Heat magazine
'A warm and fuzzy way to spend a few January hours. Chris Manby fans are sure to love it'
Heat magazine
'Girl Meets Ape is charming, funny and compelling as your favourite soap'
Heat magazine
'It's a great idea . . .and Manby's writing more than does it justice'
Marie Claire
'Cross your legs, boys: in the best tradition of Kathy Lette, this is girl power at its most painfully funny'
Helen Lederer
'More realistic than Friends, cleaner than The Young Ones and not as frightening as Shallow Grave'
Daily Mail
'Hilarious city-girl comedy with a message about facing up to who you are'
Cosmopolitan
