"Groundswell" (Gallery Books), by Katie Lee: Readers looking to draw parallels between Katie Lee's first novel, "Groundswell," and her real life might be disappointed.
Yes, the book follows a protagonist named Emma whose marriage to a celebrity falls apart. (Lee and singer-songwriter Billy Joel split in 2009 after five years of marriage.)
But Emma's story is different. She catches the eye of actor Garrett Walker while working as a production assistant on one of his films.
Garrett pursues Emma, lavishing her with expensive dinners, gifts and lots of attention. They marry, and life seems like a romantic movie until Emma catches Garrett in an affair. To get away from the paparazzi, Emma flees to Mexico, where she falls for her surf instructor.
It's interesting to read about Emma's transformation from an ordinary girl to the wife of a movie star. And readers will sympathize with Emma when she realizes that her fairy-tale life wasn't so perfect.
"Groundswell" is a good beach read and holds its own among chick lit.
Lee, who has made a name for herself as a TV personality and a chef, is also a pretty good storyteller.