SILKYDREAMGIRL

How does a woman meet a man when she's already dispensed with four husbands by the age of 37? If she has anything in common with the likably down-to-earth heroine in Burks's debut tale of Internet romance, she goes online. Katie Coomers has had enough of her quixotic fourth husband, Clarence, his failed investment schemes and his $100,000 debt. When Clarence announces that he is leaving her (for the third time in their seven-year marriage), Katie can only say hallelujah. Clarence moves to California and leaves his two boys, Darious and CJ, in Chicago with Katie. But the stress of four failed marriages, two stepsons and constant criticism and advice from family and friends overwhelms Katie, and she balloons to a hefty 190 pounds. Her only comfort is eating, sipping secret shots of tequila and taking care of the boys. One lonely night, she goes online and becomes "SilkyDreamGirl," her chat room alter ego. At first, she's only looking to make friends, but soon she's become a take-no-prisoners cyber-siren—and she takes her newfound confidence offline, starting her own catering business and settling old scores. The guarded, charmingly self-deprecating Katie is something like a cross between Bridget Jones and Stella Payne. Her sharp-tongued commentary gives a touch of comedy to this sexy and satisfying story of self-discovery. (Oct.)

Forecast:Burks's spin on the African-American genre romance is satisfyingly up-to-date and should ring bells for cyber-chatting readers. Four-city author tour.