The Make-up Girl — Andrea Semple

In this sharp and sexy new novel, Andrea Semple, one of fiction's freshest voices, takes a wickedly funny look at the ways we reinvent our lives, undoing ourselves along the way. British cosmetics counter girl Faith Wishart can make up anything, from faces to whole careers and even boyfriends. And that's only the beginning...

Perhaps you've heard all about me?
I'm Faith Wishart. I made top marks at University and now I've got a simply smashing job at a top PR firm where I'm paid a royal amount for all my brilliant ideas. My high-flying friends are as svelte as insects, and my lawyer boyfriend, Adam, is as rich and handsome as he is thoughtful. At least, that's what my mum would tell you. Because that's what I've told her. And no one has to know that I made up every bloody bit of it.

I know what you're thinking, and yes, thank you, if there were a job market for great liars, I'd be CEO by now. Honestly, I didn't mean to do it. I only wanted to make Mum proud. It's just that without the lies, my life would look like, well, my life--about as riveting as an IKEA instruction booklet. The truth is, I work behind the makeup counter at Keats cosmetics where the most exciting part of my day involves trying out new lipstick-eye shadow combinations. Not exactly a prime place to cruise up the old career ladder or catch a man. Well, not a straight one, anyway. And the closest I've gotten to PR is telling a woman she'd look good in mauve. Still, Mum's happy, so I'm happy.

There's just one small bump in the road: my sister, Hope. She of the world-famous Yogasmic workout video series. She who went off to Australia and had exactly the sort of adventures I've been fabricating. She who is coming home to England to get married. Which means I have to be at the wedding. With Adam. Now, I've got exactly two months to make my fairytale life the real thing...