The Smart One and the Pretty One by Claire LaZebnik

• Title: The Smart One and the Pretty One
• Classification: Adult Fiction
  
• Genre: Realistic Fiction
  
• Format: Paperback, 304 pages
• Publisher: 5 Spot (September 10, 2008)
• ISBN-10: 0446582069
• ASIN: B0042P582O 

"If you don't understand how a woman could both love her sister dearly and want to wring her neck at the same time, then you were probably an only child."  ~Linda Sunshine

Once upon a time two sets of parents, while drinking perhaps more than they should, decided it would be fun to write up a marriage contract between their children. While all was done in jest and good humor two mothers signed the document and then later forgot of it's existence. Leave it to Ava's sister, Lauren, to find said document almost two decades later and not leave well enough alone... 

This is a delightfully funny and entertaining read. Watching the relationship between Lauren and Ava was fun. Both are so very different from the other in some ways, yet alike in others. Ava is the smart sister - she's a lawyer in a firm and never seems to have time for a social life. She's pretty much married to her job. Lauren, on the other hand, is the pretty one and is a bit of a party girl. She's outgoing and likeable, but has a problem with self restraint when it comes to shopping. Ava is attempting to help Lauren get out of financial ruin by making her come up with a plan and sign a legal document stating she won't buy anything new for a year unless it's absolutely necessary. Each is what the other needs. Ava needed someone to push her socially and Lauren needed someone to help with her self restraint.  

Mark, Ava's childhood fiance, was another fun character. He helped to add an additional bit of humor. I thought the whole marriage contract was a fun idea and the situations Lauren created brought a smile to my face. They are what led to me to searching for the quote I listed at the top of my review. While the quote isn't from the book, I felt it sums up the mood of the story nicely. I gave this one 5 out of 5 roses.