THE IMMACULATE COMPLEXION
by Edie Bloom

RT Rating: 
Category:  CHICK LIT
Publisher:  Dorchester
Published:  May 2007
Type:  Chick Lit

Even if you haven't worked in the New York beauty biz, you can certainly relate to the life of Marnie Mann. While much of this book may seem over the top, the heart of the story works because of Marnie. The transformation that unfolds in this story is just as powerful as the hilarious antics and unbelievable extremes the characters take to bottle the fountain of youth.

Summary:  After losing her job in the film world, a temp job at LeVigne Cosmetics was only supposed to help the organic-loving Marnie save up to start own beauty product company (sans the unpronounceable chemicals that seem to overload her current employers' line). However, she's temporarily blinded by the desire to be as flawless as her co-workers think they are.

This leads to not only an extravagant yet disastrous P.R. stunt but also a murderous make-up drama that puts "the floater temp" front and center. (Dorchester, May, 336 pp., $6.99)

—Kristen Foley