New “Diamonds” BookIs A Girl’s Best Friend (NAPSA)—If you’ve ever suf- fered heartbreak over the end of a relationship you hoped would last a lifetime—or even the end of “Sex and the City”—it’s time to dry your tears and pick up a copy of “Diamonds Take Forever,” the debut novel by Manhattan native : /) lamon dl S la ie Le fe rever Jessica Jiji. Against the glittering backdrop of New York City (with side trips to L.A.), you'll follow the story of Michelle Benamou, a sexy but insecure news producer whose Marine Corps boyfriend wants a career in the Drug Enforcement Agency more than a lifetime of love sealed with an “I do.” After he dumps Michelle in search of adventure, she’s left hunting for Jessie air A an apartment in the sky-high Manhattan real estate market. With no better prospects, she lands a sublet in a store on chic West Broadway, where she lives illegally while the owner shops for the fall collection in Italy. Michelle’s soft landing is cushioned further when she reconnects with an old flame—Bennett, a lawyer-turned-journalist who has fallen in love with her all over again. Only problem is he’s not yet divorced—and she’s not ready to give up hope that her Marine will return. Working at a national news broadcasting station provides some distraction for Michelle, but when the company starts restructuring, her prospects suddenly fade faster than this morning’s lipstick. When the dramais about to go into overdrive, Michelle consults an old fortune-teller who throws stones to predict the future. Before she knowsit, Michelle has two men to choose from and a new New Diamonds novel has “flashes of brilliance.” dream job reporting on movies in the Big Apple. Better than that, she’s learned that a diamond is just a little black rock until it’s forged by fire and time—and that the most dazzling and precious gems emerge from life’s greatest challenges. “Jessica Jiji has a talented and edgy voice, rarely seen in women’s fiction,” says Lyssa Keusch, senior editor for Morrow/Avon. In a pre-release review, Romantic Times raved: “Like the diamonds in the title, this novel has flashes of brilliance.” Available in all major bookstores and online (for listings, visit www.jessicajiji.com), “Diamonds Take Forever” is more fun than a bachelorette party and its thoughtful insights will leave readers feeling more confident about love than if they'd just caught the lucky bouquet.
