Maybe I spoiled myself by looking at the rating before reading but I can't help but feel a little underwhelmed. I found it difficult to connect with any of the characters and felt the main character in particular was a little too much of a caricature. I also had trouble reconciling the characters ages with their behaviour. I think I might have found Fanny a little less ridiculous if she was pitched as a 23-25 year old rather than 27.

The mother/daughter story was a highlight despite the ending feeling a little rushed. The romance fell flat for me. I don't think I swooned once and cringed a few too many times for it to warrant 4 stars.

On a positive note, it is an easy read which draws you in and the quirky humour certainly made me smile at times. ( )

27-year-old Jenny Taylor (aka Fanny due to the genitalia inference) meets Joe King (joking) and is instantly attracted. Unfortunately her 'safe' long-term boyfriend Matt has proposed and her mother has just moved in after leaving her father so it's not a good time. Fanny is still affected by a period of major depression in her late teens and follows her best friend Phillipa's ''Smiling Fanny Manifesto' on a daily basis with sometimes hilarious results. A really nice read. ( )