Flirting with Forty    by Jane Porter Order:  USA  Can 5 Spot, 2006 (2006) Softcover      Reviewed by Melissa Parcel The past year has been difficult for Jackie. She discovered her picture-perfect marriage wasn't so perfect when she caught her husband cheating. The divorce and being a single mother to her nine and six-year-old children haven't been easy. Although she tries to keep up appearances of normality with her interior decorating career, her children, and her friends, nothing is as easy or the same as it used to be. Now Jackie is about to turn forty and is feeling rather depressed about the prospect. When her friend Anne offers to take her to Hawaii to celebrate, Jackie is unsure, but agrees to take a risk. As Jackie is about to board the plane, Anne calls to cancel. Jackie decides to go anyway, and at first is lonely in paradise. She decides to throw caution to the wind and takes a surf lesson from a gorgeous, but much younger man named Kai. Their lesson turns into a hot island romance, but soon it is time for Jackie to go back to her life in Seattle. She longs to return to Hawaii and Kai, but every other person she knows disapproves of their relationship, as well as her new attitude to life. Can Jackie reconcile her old self with her newfound happiness? This introspective novel explores the true meaning of happiness. Jackie has experienced her share of sadness, regret, and doing things the way others wanted her to. Her relationship with Kai is more than just a self-esteem boost. It helps her to think about the choices she is making and learn to not settle for less than the best for herself. Jackie's relationship with her ex-husband is incredibly true-to-life. His double standards of pursuing happiness for himself, but scoffing at Jackie's attempts to find joy in life are credible. Anyone who has gone through a divorce will identify with Jackie. The pace is brisk, yet the reader can feel the difference when Jackie goes to Hawaii and is on island time. Everything seems slower, and the reader can vicariously visit the fabulous island state of mind. Flirting with Forty is an intriguing combination of chick lit and mom lit sure to please those who enjoy either or both genres. The plot is fresh, not just another recycled story. Jane Porter is an author to keep on your must buy list. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Romance books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews