Who hasn’t Googled their own name? Izobel Brannigan has, and she could never have guessed what she’d find: her very own website. Only she hasn’t created it. As far as she knows, none of her friends has created it either. Who is the anonymous person who seemingly admires her? Surely it’s not her dull boyfriend, but what about her exes? A perplexing question, it demands answers.

Enlisting the aid of her good friend, Maggie, and the office IT guy, Ivan, Izobel sets out to find the source of the flattering, if creepy, montage. She can’t imagine why anyone finds her of enough interest to do such a thing. Is it a stalker? Is it a secret admirer? Who could it be?

Izobel’s cheeky attitude and tendency to get into awkward situations drive this enjoyable novel to fun heights. She’s the hometown girl most women can relate to, while being something of a free spirit, if a bit tarnished by experience. Soon, she’ll learn that if she starts seeing her self-worth, she just might find a happier tomorrow—assuming the creator of her website does do away with her first!

A debut novel, Cyber Cinderella (a.k.a. izobelbrannigan.com in the UK) is a blast. Izobel is a great character who embodies most women’s insecurities and hopes. She’s fun, quirky, and not afraid to be herself—usually! The love story that develops is just as entertaining, with plenty of laughs and sweet moments.

It will take time for some American readers to catch on to the British lingo that pops up throughout the book, but this is a small factor in the face of a read as enjoyable as this.

Christina Hopkinson is a true talent in a fresh genre. Snatch up this book and any others she may pen. You won’t regret it.

Bridget Jones, watch out! Izobel Brannigan has your number—and a cooler name!

Reviewed by Christina Wantz Fixemer
7/28/2006

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