British novelist Durrant (Having It and Eating It
, for adults) makes a splash this side of the pond with this cheeky romantic comedy for teens. The 14-year-old narrator sets the stage at the outset by welcoming readers to the "very private notebook of Constance de Bellechasse. Also known as Connie Pickles." In a series of entries that range from the woefully endearing to the downright hilarious, Connie recounts her attempts at finding a suitable man for her widowed mother. "Requirements: 1) Money. 2) Experience with small children. 3) French connections." As her matchmaking schemes grow progressively more complicated, so does her need to keep her intentions hidden from all parties involved. On top of everything else, her best friend, William, seems to have a crush on her; her neighbor Delilah is becoming a slut despite Connie's attempts to salvage Delilah's reputation; and the heroine's maturing body requires a bra. Although light and fluffy in the telling, Connie's quest is deep-rooted, and her eventual epiphanies feel tried and true. Readers will enjoy the zippy British slang peppered throughout, and the surprise mushy ending may well send eager hearts aflutter. Ages 12-up. (Apr.)
