Jitters

Rita Domino is engaged to the successful, handsome, ever-so-devoted Dr. Evan Moore-everyone's idea of the perfect spouse. ``We're all lucky to have Evan,'' chirps her mother. ``It's the nicest thing you ever did for our family.'' So what's the problem? Struggling with everything from feminist sensibilities to a fear of monogamy, the sharp-witted, outspoken Rita resists the wedding plans every step of the way, much to the dismay of her traditional Italian family, and her employers at Lady of Leisure magazine, who are documenting-and orchestrating-the nuptials. To Rita's horror, her ``impending doom'' becomes a media event, and the couple's innermost thoughts, public information. What ensues is a spate of family quarrels and second thoughts, as well as some surprising plot turns. With a delightfully offbeat cast of characters and punchy dialogue, Rentschler has written a wry commentary on the institution of marriage and its effect on the betrothed. However, as the big day approaches and Rita's nervousness rises to an irritating near-hysteria, readers may wish she paid more attention to her own earlier insight: ``the promise was only love, not eternal happiness, and it provides no guarantees.'' (Oct.)