Fun and fluffy. The dramas (and there are many) are contrived, and the author seems self-conscious about the fact (many "if this was a book, I'd never believe it!!" sorts of comments). But it's a good "by the pool" read that's not entirely about shopping...so I liked it. My favorite parts, however, were the bits about the books and how the various women were responding to them. More of that would've been a big improvement...but at least it's inspired me to track down some of the books it talks about, including some of my old favorites (My Antonia!).