New Money

Rosenthal’s clichéd second book (after Other Words for Love) concerns Savannah Morgan, a 24-year-old librarian and aspiring writer in South Carolina who inherits a fortune from Edward Stone, the New York City media scion and father she never knew. Shortly after arriving in New York, Savannah learns she must take an editorial assistant job at one of Stone News’s holdings, Femme Magazine, in order to receive her inheritance. She’s also forced to deal with her scheming, spoiled half-siblings, Ned and Caroline. Fortunately, Ned’s wife, the kind-hearted Kitty, is also her editor-in-chief at Femme. Savannah begins dating hottie real estate mogul Jack Lucas, who might just be too good to be true, while her other prospective mate, writer/actor/bartender/cage fighter Alex Adair, is keeping secrets from her. Into this mix goes her longtime best friend Tina Brandt, who feels neglected even after Savannah asks her to visit, and her driver, Tony Hughes, a working-class guy with a heart of gold who is always ready to dispense plainspoken wisdom. Rosenthal’s forced rich-versus-poor theme likely wouldn’t feel so strained if the designated bad guys weren’t such overt caricatures. After a promising beginning detailing Savannah’s humble origins, the novel goes south fast. Agent: Elizabeth Evans, Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency. (Sept.)