What Nora Knew

Yellin’s second novel (after Such a Lovely Couple) is a roller-coaster of a romp about a writer careening through love and work in Manhattan as she nears 40. Molly Hallberg is divorced, dating a chiropractor, and writing colorful pieces for the Web site EyeSpy. She’s both settled and restless. Her editor assigns her to write a Nora Ephron–style piece on New York romance—an intimidating prospect for any writer. At a party, she meets bestselling author and ladies’ man Cameron Duncan, who gets under her skin and challenges her ideas about love and longevity. Molly maneuvers through all of this with the help of quirky coworkers, loyal best friends, and an affectionate, if odd, family. Ephron’s influence is felt everywhere in this novel, from Sleepless in Seattle references to the emphasis on the need to make grand gestures. However, Yellin manages to make her familiar premise and characters seem fresh and fun. Any woman in the heroine’s age range who’s lived in New York will both laugh and wince at the accuracy of Yellin’s details. Those who want to live in New York can hang on for a fun ride. Agent: Gail Hochman, Brandt and Hochman. (Jan.)