Joanne Skerrett

Joanne Skerrett is an author who brings a new standard of class to the "Chick Lit" genre. Her characters are not shopping-obsessed bimbos looking for love but rather strong, intelligent women with real problems that are not solved by finding a man. In Sugar VS. Spice Skerrett introduces two sisters: the responsible family and career "supersista" Melinda and the younger impulsive journalist and jazz singer Tari. Both think that the other one has it all together while struggling through their own issues. What seems to be a setup for a modern day Sense and Sensibility takes a fresh approach as Tari is diagnosed with breast cancer and must cope with the toll her illness takes on her family, friends, career, music and a potential new relationship with the bass player in her band.

Skerrett's strongest asset is the genuineness of her novels. She is no writer of fairy tales, sappy love stories, or "bodice-ripping" fluff. Her characters are everyday people: working out, grocery shopping, going to church, and struggling with work goals, family conflicts and illnesses. Her writing echoes reality with all the heart and soul of normal people maintaining a sense of joy through the highs and lows that life has to offer.… (meer)