Suddenly Single, by Sheila O'Flanagan.

The plot follows Alix Callaghan, a high flying financial dealer working for Europa Bank in Dublin. She is a well respected financial whizz who has made it to Head of Treasury at the Bank by her early 30's. She is a woman who is succeeding in a male dominated profession and who is used to being the best at everything. All of a sudden, her comfortable world in turned upside down when her long term boyfriend Paul dumps her, because he wants to get married, settle down and have children. Paul has met a young, French interior designer who wants to have the lifestyle he wants; whereas Alix does not feel ready to settle down and have children!

The story follows the ups and downs of her personal life as well as her professional life in the dealing room of the bank. I found myself getting frustrated or happy at the events which occur in her life. I wouldn't give away the ending, but I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to find out what happens next.

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The book is written in the third person, from Alix's point of view. It gave an interesting insight into the thoughts and motivations of all those around Alix in her day to day life. Those closest to her, give her unwavering support, although they don't always see eye to eye.

Her sister is married with children and it feels as though Alix feels a sense of longing towards the warm family environment that her sister has, although she vehemently denies it to anyone who questions her future plans. Her mother, Carrie, seems quite detached from Alix and as though there are some unspoken issues coming between them. Her colleagues at work are a varied bunch! She gets on well with Jenny, one of the dealers at the Bank, and tries to get an inside view on Dave and Gavin who she feels are trying to oust her from her position.

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This was a book which kept me gripped from beginning to end. I started it while waiting for surgery in hospital and the fact that this book was such a gripping page turner kept my mind off what I was waiting for! It has also kept me entertained while I am sitting here trying to recover!

I have not read any books of the same author, but will definitely be making a point of doing so in future as this book has kept my attention from start to finish.

Although I purchased this book in Oxfam for £1.99, it is available on Amazon for £5.30 or £4.99 for the Kindle edition.

I highly recommend this book if you are interested in the "chick lit" genre or just want a bit of an easy read!