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Meet Delaney...A Single Girl's Story
Reviewed by: Brenda Hill

I have not met Mahaney. I can hardly wait to meet her. I loved her book....Meet Delaney...A Single Girl's Story.

I am far from a young, attractive, single girl.  Yet, I could identify with this delightful story from beginning to end.

Warning: Do not read this book on an airplane, unless it is a private jet.  After laughing my way across the country, a fellow passenger said..."I'll have what she is reading."

Actually, I read Meet Delaney twice.  The second time was with a friend.  We read it together, commenting on every amusing and sad experience.  When we finally glanced at the clock, it was 4:30 a.m. Do not read this book the night before an 8 a.m. meeting.

Mahaney is not afraid to take on big, controversial subjects, such as dating a married man and one night stands. I read these chapters with curious trepidation. Somehow, while never passing moral judgments for others, the author was able to write about life's personal difficulties with honesty and integrity.

The chapter, “Advice – gratuitous and hard-earned,” which every woman, especially married women, would be wise to read, is worth the entire book. I recommend that this excerpt be reprinted in every national woman’s magazine.

I read the part about granny pants and foul language to my son, a single man.  He howled with laughter, told me that it had happened to him, and asked for a copy of the book.

Meet Delaney transcends all ages, stages and genders of readers. This book is realistic fiction at its best.

I am a professional book reviewer, formerly with a national magazine, now with a literary publication. I usually advise new, talented authors to keep their day job. I am suggesting to Jackie Mahaney that she get started immediately on a sequel to Meet Delaney.

Brenda Hill, Reviewer
Longboat Key, FL
bchill@noralyn.com

Review at Amazon.com
Light, confessional relationship advice from a 30-something single gal, January 20, 2008

Delaney Moore compares her own single life to that of a recliner her mom once sold in the local classifieds. She considers herself "in excellent condition" even though, like the sage recliner, she's "slightly used" as a 36-year-old divorcee. Her first and only lover surprised her with a request for divorce after years of marriage.

The novel Meet Delaney is a collection of dating tales written by relationship journalist Jackie Mahaney. Through the character of Delaney, author Mahaney dispenses wit and wisdom about rebound dating, long distance flirtations, the delights of boy toys, vacation flings, and the perils of online love connections. Throughout the whirlwind of dating, Delaney keeps company with a colorful cast of girlfriends. The novel concludes with a demonstration of how one must accept her own self before looking for a companion.

By Jessica Lux (Rosamond, CA)

Meet Delaney...A Single Girl's Story
Reviewed by Cynthia Murphy

Jackie Mahaney’s Meet Delaney is a fun peek into the life of a single woman. Delaney seems to have it all: a great job, good looks, a new house, and a husband. Then the so-called “love of her life” suddenly dumps her. The divorce leads to Delaney’s quest for true love. As she searches for her soul mate, Delaney makes a more important discovery. She finds herself.

The concept of Meet Delaney certainly isn’t new. However, Mahaney’s treatment of Delaney separates this novel from all the other chick lit novels out there. From the beginning, Delaney seems different from similar protagonists. She is definitely a career woman, but she has other interests. She is also a smart, witty character with equally fun friends. Delaney is a strong woman who doesn’t necessarily mind being alone. She has a strong network of friends and family, as well as numerous business contacts.

One of the most important “people” in Delaney’s life is her dog, Abagail. In the years following the divorce, Delaney forges an incredibly strong bond with Abagail. The relationship never seems corny or extreme. Delaney’s not a crazy dog lady, but she does love her pet. Mahaney has done a wonderful job of portraying one of the most important relationships in Delaney’s life. The portrayal is very realistic. Consequently, I have to admit that I got a little teary-eyed when Abagail’s fate seemed clear.

This is truly a hilarious book. Some of Delaney’s dates are just laugh out loud funny. One of the funniest is her date with Ron, also as known as “the guy from the 7-11.” This particular date will make some of your own bad dates seem pretty good in comparison. The characters on this novel are also funny. Delaney is a very witty character. Her humor is always sharp and occasionally a bit sarcastic. Her friends are equally funny. When Delaney and her friend, Lindsay, team up to take revenge on a particularly sleazy guy that Lindsay met online, the results are hysterical. They definitely know how to make this man pay for his bad behavior.

Delaney’s dates are also very colorful characters. For a “nice girl from Iowa” she certainly does meet a wide variety of men. There are nice guys and losers (just like in real life) as well as a few more interesting types. Delaney meets one of her more interesting guys online, Dr. Todd. He seems too good to be true, and Delaney quick discovers that he is. Another colorful date for her is Michael. Michael is a married man, but that’s not the most interesting thing about him. He has a checkered past that includes organized crime and a stint in prison. Along the way, Delaney also has a couple of boy toys and platonic male friends.

Meet Delaney is a funny, fresh look at one woman’s quest to find love. The subject matter is familiar, but Mahaney’s characters make the difference. Delaney is a witty, lovable narrator. She may not always find love, but she learns about herself with each failed relationship. Single women everywhere will be able to relate to Delaney and her friends. Meet Delaney is simply a good time.