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MORE LIFE GUIDES...
HOT PICKS
Company life guide
The rules to live your life by
Bag a better beach read
Marshmallows For Breakfast By Dorothy Koomson (£6.99, Sphere)
If you like tears interspersed with laughter, then this rollercoaster of a book is for you. It's the story of Kendra, who returns to England from Australia to try and escape her past. But instead of the quiet and simple life she craves, Kendra gets involved in a complicated relationship with her new live-in 'family' that brings her past closer than ever, while unearthing a painful secret she'd rather forget. Dealing with issues like death, betrayal and forgiveness, Marshmallows For Breakfast is much more touching than your average chick lit. Expect to cry from start to finish but it's worth the tears.

Out Of My Depth By Emily Barr (£6.99, Headline Review)
If you like your love stories with a bit of bite, then lose yourself in the story of Susie, who invites her old school friends visit her in her new home in France. Well, any excuse to show-off her sexy new man, fab job and gorgeous home, eh? But what soon emerges is a dark, more sinister reason for the friends reunited-style get together. Despite the very different paths the gang have taken, they're all still tormented by the same haunting secret. Barr is one of Company's all-time favourite writers and this is undoubtedly one of her finest moments yet.

A Spot Of Bother By Mark Haddon (£7.99, Random House Vintage)
How can you follow a quirky, original debut like The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time? By delivering something completely different, and that's exactly what Haddon has done with his latest offering. A Spot Of Bother explores the intricacies of family relationships by following four members of the Hall family through affairs, weddings and generally driving each other crazy, Don't be put off by the middle-England subject matter, it's brilliantly funny, clever and a great chick-lit antidote that really gets you thinking.

The Tuesday Erotica Club By Lisa Beth Kovetz (£7.99, Sourcebooks)
Kovetz writes with more intelligence, wit and sex appeal than most authors today, so if you're looking for a dose of erotic fiction this summer look no further than The Tuesday Erotica Club. In this novel four very different women turn a boring weekly literary meeting into a chance to explore their deepest, dirtiest desires - from fantasies about prostitution to affairs - to escape their less-than-fabulous real lives. Prepare to be titillated by just the right amount of eroticism that shouldn't leave you blushing in the shade. This is one daring, ballsy and totally brilliant read, so go ahead and let your imagination run wild.

woman on beach reading
The Hindi-Bindi Club By Monica Pradhan (£10.99, Bloomsbury)
Half cook book, half tale of Eastern promise, this is the story of the Hindi-Bindi Club - three staunchly traditional Indian women nicknamed in mockery by their three Westernised daughters. As two cultures collide and the three young women find themselves at crossroads in their love lives, they're surprised to find themselves turning back to the Indian values they spent so much of their lives rebelling against. Not as heavy as it sounds, this is more a tale of mum knows best, which will leave you laughing when you least expect it.

Constance By Rosie Thomas (£12.99, HarperCollins)
If you thought you couldn't beat the joy that was last summer's Iris & Ruby, then prepare to be dazzled and endeared by Rosie Thomas' latest novel. Abandoned by her mother as a child and suppressing an irreparable broken heart after falling for her sister's husband, Connie Thorne flees to the paradise setting of Bali in an attempt to forge a new identity. But the ghost of families past soon come back to haunt her in this epic tale of sisterhood and betrayal. This beautifully-written and compassionate novel from the Sunday Times best-selling author is life-affirmation at its highest level.
Ditch your CV glitch
CV glitch: 'I've had three different jobs in a year. Will it look like I can't commit?'
Ditch it: 'Though this doesn't really look good, there is a way round it,' explains Sherridan. 'Make sure you have a valid reason for leaving each job as well as exceptional references. Explain about your adaptability to a variety of roles and impress potential employers by talking about the different things you've learnt from your different positions/companies.'

CV glitch: 'I took time off work to go travelling. Will employers be put off?'
Ditch it: 'It's fair to say some interviewers may see this as a lack of commitment to your career,' explains Sherridan. 'But many will view it as a bonus, because it shows you can embrace situations outside your comfort zone. Make sure you verify your reasons for going travelling and what you've learnt from the different cultures you've experienced.'

CV glitch: 'I want to change direction and try something new, but I don't have any experience in my chosen area. Will employers dismiss me straight away?'
Ditch it: 'If you want a new career; learn as much as you can about your new industry. And be prepared to start at the bottom,' says Sherridan. 'Getting your foot in the door is the important thing. Establish what's required to enter the industry and act on it. Start an evening class if necessary. And when you do go for an interview highlight the skills you've learnt from your last job and how they'll work in your new career.'

CV glitch: 'I was made redundant. Will future employers think I'm lying about being fired?'
Ditch it: 'Redundancy is surprisingly common, so no employer should think any less of you if your CV mentions it,' reassures Sherridan. 'But if you do want to prove it's a legitimate redundancy, give a reason for it. Then, let the interviewer know that being made redundant has given you time to consider your strengths, values and interests. Meaning you are now certain this new position is ideal for you.'

CV glitch: 'I've been with the same company for seven years. Do I look unambitious?'
Ditch it: 'Actually this is a really positive situation to be in, especially if you've been promoted or taken on more responsibility,' explains Sherridan. 'Let the employer know you have been enjoying learning and progressing and now feel you have lots more to offer and are ready to take on greater challenges with a new company.'
career woman
Colour-code your wardrobe
The situation: Hot date
Wear: Red or Pinky tones
Why? What to wear to set his pulse racing depends on your skin tone and hair colour. Fair-skinned blondes should go for something delicate like light apricot or blush pink. Sultry brunettes need stronger tones of red to compliment their skin so go for a rich scarlet. And redheads wearing salmon pink will look soft and approachable.

The situation: Job interview
Wear: Blue with a flash of colour
Why? When an interview looms most people tend to reach for black, ok it may be safe but it shows no originality. Blue conveys trust and order (think Policemen in uniform). But if you really want to show your creative side try adding a flash of yellow, maybe in a scarf or belt.

The situation: Meeting his parents
Wear: Taupe and Stone
Why? Classic, neutral shades will make you look approachable and calm while aggressive colours like red and black will have the opposite effect and could have your potential in-laws running for the hills!

The situation: Having a bad day
Wear: Red, Orange and Emerald Green
Why? When you're feeling down you need to wear colours which lighten your mood. Reds and oranges are great for making you feel energised and emerald green will give you a glow. Add colour to your face with a pink toned blusher and don't forget to smile!

The situation: Having a fat day
Wear: Chocolate, plum or charcoal
Why? Contrary to popular belief black isn't the best colour to wear if you want to feel a few pounds lighter, in fact black is draining. Instead, choose dark colours in shades of chocolate, plum or charcoal, as they won't draw attention to your wobbly bits.

Advice from Fiona Wellins, www.colourmebeautiful.co.uk
Burn off your lunch on the beach
Seafood paella (756 kcals) - Two hours of volleyball
Orange Fresh Solero (78 kcals) - Half an hour swimming
Greek salad (188 kcals) - Half an hour of beach football
Can of Coke (142 kcals) - Half an hour water skiing
Sex On The Beach cocktail (464 kcals) - Two hours of water aerobics
Chips (66 kcals) - Half an hour surfing