DESCRIBED in the past as the prolific queen of contemporary Irish popular fiction, there is no doubt that Patricia Scanlan's previous novels have won her an army of loyal fans, and Double Wedding will not disappoint their hunger for more of the same zippy, entertaining and touching writing.

Scanlan's latest tale introduces us to Carol and Jessica, two very different women with two very different relationships. Jessica has the perfect man, Mike, a job she enjoys, and a wedding to look forward to. Revelling in the comfort of a loving relationship, she feels sorry for the problems Carol faces in hers, but is horrified at her best mate's suggestion that she and her fianci Gary should join her and Mike down the aisle.

Double Wedding is a thoroughly enjoyable, if somewhat predictable, read. It manages to combine real life, recognisable characters and a gripping plot, with humour and emotion, leaving the reader with a happy wedding guest's sense of satisfaction. It's a story about love, betrayal, friendship, strength of character and ultimately courage. Enjoy.

Double Wedding by Patricia Scanlan (Bantam Press, £12.99)