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Lizzie Jordan’s Secret Life - Synopsis

Five years after leaving university, Lizzie Jordan considers herself one of life's failures. Unlike her highflying friends, Lizzie works as a lowly typist, shares a grotty flat and 'makes do' with her accountant boyfriend. She's never really been able to get over Brian, the handsome American student she dated at university, who is now a hugely successful Wall Street banker. Lizzie still corresponds with Brian by email. But the life she describes to him, with its extravagant parties and million-pound business deals, bears little relation to reality. Lizzie is overjoyed when Brian announces he's coming to stay. But how can she conceal from him the fact that the glamorous lifestyle she's been describing to him all these years is based on a tissue of lies? Ever resourceful, Lizzie comes up with a cunning plan. But the best-laid plans have a habit of going horribly wrong.

Inspiration for Lizzie Jordan’s Secret Life

Of all the characters I’ve ever written, I suppose that Lizzie Jordan is most like me and her Secret Life is somewhat autobiographical. You’ll have to guess which bits.

Reviews

'Very funny, hugely feel-good and the perfect antidote for anyone who worries that the only career ladder they've achieved is a run in their tights' - Fiona Walker

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'Smartly written, extremely readable, and gives us a fascinating and funny glimpse into the dark side of love'

Heat magazine

Good Evening Mrs.Craven: The Wartime Stories of Mollie Panter-Downes book cover

'Be prepared to get completely lost in this deliciously funny read'

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Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day book cover

'A warm and fuzzy way to spend a few January hours. Chris Manby fans are sure to love it'

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Mariana book cover

'Nothing short of brilliant'

Marie Claire

Little Boy Lost book cover

'Devour it in one go'

Company magazine

Kitchen Essays book cover

'Girl Meets Ape is charming, funny and compelling as your favourite soap'

Heat magazine

The World that was Ours book cover

'Light-hearted romp of sun, sea, sand and sex'

Hello magazine

Saplings book cover

'It's a great idea . . .and Manby's writing more than does it justice'

Marie Claire

Cheerful Weather for the Wedding book cover

'A great novel for anyone who's ever been dumped'

Company Magazine

Cheerful Weather for the Wedding book cover

'A tremendous, high-spirited farce'

Fiona Walker

Cheerful Weather for the Wedding book cover

'Cross your legs, boys: in the best tradition of Kathy Lette, this is girl power at its most painfully funny'

Helen Lederer

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'More realistic than Friends, cleaner than The Young Ones and not as frightening as Shallow Grave'

Daily Mail

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'Hilarious city-girl comedy with a message about facing up to who you are'

Cosmopolitan

Photo of Chrissie Manby