Ava has always been the smart, studious, dependable daughter. Lauren is her exact opposite. She's the prodigal daughter in their family. Her passion is for fashion and fun. Ava doesn't know anything about passion and very little about fun. An estate lawyer who wears what fits (though that's debatable, according to Lauren) and is easy to clean, Ava sees none of the magic in herself that her sister possesses and people can't help but notice when they see Lauren. Lauren has moved back to LA from New York, under the guise of helping their mother with chemo after she's been diagnosed with breast cancer. And she does move back to help her mom, but it doesn't hurt that eviction proceedings have begun on her apartment, all of her credit cards are maxed out, and still she can't stop shopping at the store where she works. Eager to leave under the assumption that the problems will disappear, her sister informs her that her problems aren't gone just because she's in a new place, and cuts up all of Ava's cards when she gives her a place to stay and puts her on a budget. A budget that allows for nothing. Still, Lauren's joie de vivre shines through and keeps her entertained. One day while going through old keepsakes at their parents' house, Lauren happens upon a contract betrothing Lauren to their long forgotten neighbor Russell Markowitz. A plan is hatched and soon Ava, Russell, and Lauren have plans often and Ava can't shake her attraction to him. Unfortunately, she can't shake her self-esteem issues that tell her she is a far second to Lauren in Russell's eyes.

I'm not embellishing when I say I read this book cover to cover in just over an hour and a half. The levity was the perfect touch to complement the sad topics touched on. There are a few love stories going on in this book, and while they don't all necessarily guarantee the happily ever after, I think that makes the book refreshing and compelling. It also opens the door for me to hope for a sequel to make sure everybody finds their perfect match. And there are also more love than romance love, which is awesome! Claire LaZebnick has a very fun, quirky, original style of writing that makes her one of my favorite go tos in the chick lit zone. Have any of the winners read the book yet? Share your thoughts if you have!