The villa - Sarah Sands

Jenny has been married to Richard Wentworth, an investment banker, for ten years. Once she was his secretary, now she's his wife and the passionate, loving relationship they had, with impromptu sex in darkened rooms, has become one of communication by post-it notes and the school calendar. They have one daughter, Emily, whom Jenny loves but can't quite understand, and there's also Toby, the product of Richard's first marriage who is, frankly, the only person who still gives Jenny the time of day.

As Jenny turns forty, she constantly asks herself whether or not she'll find the secret of family life. And then it hits her: a villa in Provence where everyone can relax and talk to each other. To make it fun for Richard, Jenny decides to ask some friends. There'll be two other couples: Derek and Amanda - he's sweet and in a wheelchair, and she's a high-powered business woman who Jenny hopes will amuse Richard; and also Gerry and his new fling Syrie, a much younger, energetic beauty who might have things in common with Toby. So what seems the ideal set-up is sure to make the perfect holiday - isn't it?

Praise for PLAYING THE GAME

'An engaging romp and an adroit study of the human failings that underlie worldly success'

Sunday Telegraph

'Entirely literate and beautifully written . . . '

Spectator

'A book with bite'

Daily Mail