Maddy Madison works as a TV producer in a dead-end job at a San Diego news organization that cares more for advertisers' wants and needs than journalistic integrity. Maddy's life isn't quite what she wants - she dreams of a job on
Newsline, a gorgeous man, real rather than fake designer handbags... When the gorgeous Jamie Hayes comes to work with her as her photographer, she thinks she might be in with a chance for one of her three dreams - until she discovers he's getting married in three months' time.
Maddy's world goes downhill, with her parents splitting up, her sister turning into a troublemaker, a dangerous piece of investigative reporting on a drug-running organization, and the continual distraction of the dishy Jamie. But beneath all the problems,
is there a possible chance to reach some of her dreams, to produce a piece of
work that truly shows her skills and to stand up for those in need?
Although in some respects the subject matter of News Blues is occasionally gloomy, it's overall an uplifting read. Maddy and the other characters
are not in any way original, generally conforming to the stereotypes one would expect in this kind of chick-lit (obsession with handbags, etc.), but they
are all charming and fun. The plot has big doses of unreality in many places, particularly the investigation into the drug-dealing organization, but again, that's not unexpected in this sort of book.
All in all, News Blues
is an enjoyable read. The author's writing style is punchy and good, the plot moves along at a cracking pace, and the dialogue
is good. It would make an ideal holiday read yet has a few serious points to make about people choosing not to sell out for money and position but holding tight to their principles.