Guest Review: JACK WITH A TWIST by Brenda Janowitz

Jack with a Twist

by Brenda Janowitz

ISBN-10: 0373895550

ISBN-13: 978-0373895557

Paperback, 384 pages

June 24, 2008

Red Dress Ink

Reviewed by Cynthia Murphy

Funny and fabulous- that’s how I would describe Brenda Janowitz’s latest novel, Jack with a Twist. This is the sequel to her debut novel, Scot on the Rocks. It is definitely possible to enjoy Jack with a Twist with no prior knowledge of Janowitz’s earlier novel. She provides sufficient background information and creates a totally separate plot.

Jack with a Twist tells the story of Manhattan attorneys Brooke Miller and Jack Solomon and their wedding plans. Things are moving along nicely until Brooke meets designer Monique deVouvray. She thinks Monique will be designing the dress of her dreams but things change when Monique shows up at her office a few days later. Monique asks Brooke to represent her in the dissolution of her business partnership with her husband. There’s one major problem; Jack is her opposing counsel. To top things off, Jack will be working with a sexy new associate named Miranda. This is the biggest case of each one’s career, and neither will back down. At the same time, Brooke and Jack are planning their wedding. Their families do not get along which only adds to the tension on the home front. Brooke also starts to question Jack’s fidelity when he starts spending long hours with Miranda. At this point the plot becomes somewhat predictable, but Janowitz keeps things interesting with a great climax.

Janowitz has a very funny, witty style that works well for this type of book. She creates believable characters and includes just the right amount of absurdity. One of my favorite scenes takes place at Brooke’s bachelorette party. The image of her elderly relatives dancing on their chairs is hilarious and surprisingly believable. I know a few people who will definitely be doing that sort of thing well into their eighties. Some of the other scenes such as Brooke’s first professional meeting with Monique also seem very realistic. Every woman has had moments when she tries her best to look professional yet things still go awry. It the little details like this that make the novel work so well.

Janowitz also captures the stress of planning a wedding beautifully. The initial meeting between the Millers and the Solomons is laugh out loud funny. Jack’s sisters and their seemingly interchangeable husbands become a running joke that doesn’t get old. The battles between the families are very funny and very real. Sometimes the slights are subtle, such as the entrée choice at Brooke’s massive bridal shower. Other snubs are more blatant such as the battle over the wedding location. As someone who has worked in the wedding industry, I can vouch for the realism in these scenes. Weddings seem to involve a tremendous amount of stress, and most of it stems from the families.

One element doesn’t ring quite true for me. I never fully understood why Brooke suspected Jack of cheating. Her reactions to his working relationship with Miranda seemed a bit exaggerated. Miranda clearly enjoys flirting with Jack, but he doesn’t seem to be at all attracted to her. This makes Brooke’s suspicions seem misplaced. However, it can make sense as part of Brooke’s stress-induced meltdown. It just stands out because it’s the one thing that Brooke worries about without any real evidence.

Jack with a Twist is an enjoyable piece of chick lit. Brooke is a realistic and likeable heroine. Janowitz’s style is snappy and fun. She is clearly influenced by the Hepburn/Tracy film battles. (This really appeals to me, but I’m a fan, too.) Janowitz also provides a charming ending that could allow for a sequel. This is a great rainy day read. I can’t wait to see what Brenda Janowitz writes next.