Second Chance

Fiona Monaghan, 42, lives the high life. With six years under her belt as editor-in-chief of Chic Magazine, a high fashion rag, Fiona is wined and dined around the world, has closets full of fabulous clothes and throws spirited dinner parties. Marriage has never been an option for the self-possessed Fiona; her ancient English bulldog, Sir Winston, is her main companion. Then she meets staid advertising exec John Anderson, head of the new agency handling Chic's account. Anderson, a handsome widower with two daughters, is utterly charmed by the phenomenal Fiona and dazzled by her lifestyle. Sparks fly and, after much inner turmoil, Fiona agrees to marry Anderson. The beginning of their relationship is rocky: Anderson's college-aged girls and housekeeper hate Fiona at first sight, and even the family dog attacks. But it's Anderson who can't handle Fiona's frenetic, glamorous life, and less than a year after their marriage he files for divorce. Devastated, Fiona quits her job and moves to Paris to write a book, finally allowing herself to be wooed again by her chastened ex-husband. Some readers will bridle at the idea that Fiona must give up her career to find happiness, but others will enjoy the usual Steel frills: plenty of gorgeous outfits, fine dining and exquisite real estate.