Do you ever feel the need for a read that will simply entertain and let you escape for a bit?  I have lately - and Mhairi McFarlane's novel, It's Not Me, It's You was the perfect prescription!

Delia Moss has been with her boyfriend Paul for ten years. She decides to surprise him on their anniversary with a wedding proposal. Paul's reaction isn't quite what she hoped for. And the misdirected text sent to Delia explains it all - Paul is having an affair. But, he says it was only a fling - it's Delia he loves.

Uh, huh. Delia leaves and heads to London to sort out life with her bestie.

Delia was such a wonderful character! I liked her right from the start and was cheering for her every step of the way - even through the few missteps she takes. She's absolutely the kind of friend you'd love to have. (And I liked her fashion style!)

McFarlane has added all the right elements for a great chick lit read - love lost and found - more than once. An endearing, flighty friend, a villainous boss, obstacles thrown up and obstacles overcome. And of course -  a happy ending. McFarlane adds to the usual mix of chick lit elements with a few different plot devices and storylines that I enjoyed. Delia has an interest in graphic novels - her Fox character and the accompanying line drawings were a fun addition that paralleled Delia's life story. An online supporting character - "Peshwari Naan" - was also different as well. The one bit I didn't like was Delia going along with the last few villainous boss schemes - I would have cried 'whoa' a bit sooner. That being said, Delia does do a lot of soul searching and self realization before the end pages. Kudos to McFarlane for the ending - she had me wondering.....

McFarlane is a clever writer. There are many humourous bits that had me laughing out loud. As well,  there are more than a few truths tucked in that might have you nodding your head in agreement. The story never lagged for me.

At 550+ delightful pages, it's great summer chunkster reading and deserves first dibs on your beach bag! ~~Luanne~~