SOME people have a charmed life. Take Cecilia Ahern, the 22-year-old daughter of Irish premier Bertie, sister-in-law to Nicky of Westlife and first-time author whose debut novel was snapped for one million dollars, became an overnight bestseller and is being turned into a movie.

The novel, PS, I Love You - which has also made it on to the Richard and Judy 'summer read collection' - is out in paperback now to cash in on the holiday season.

It would be an ideal beach partner, being an easy-to-read page-turner about a 30-something Dubliner, Holly, struggling to get her life back on track following the death of her husband Gerry.

While Ahern tackles the loneliness and despair of Holly, the novel focuses on getting her back on her feet with a little help from her late hubby. He's left her a package of 12 notes, to be open monthly. In it, he instructs her what to do to get her life back on track.

It's an ingenious plot device, which not only gives the novel its pace, but carries with it its own suspense and momentum.

Despite the bleak subject matter, there's plenty of froth in here, including a will-she-won't she love interest and the ups and downs of family and friends. This isn't so much as chick lit as chick lite. No wonder Hollywood wants Holly.

Updated: 10:11 Wednesday, August 25, 2004