Struggling playwright Liza Weiler thought that after 10 years of trying, she'd find her place in New York City. She loses her temp job at a convent after she tells off Sister Lorraine. Her perpetual graduate student roommate Jeremy needs her share of the rent, and while she knows her plays are very good, they aren't paying the bills. Liza is disappointed that her Aunt Fran, a successful actress, still hasn't offered to use her connections to help Liza's career. Liza's best friend, Parrot, is as flighty and colorful as her name implies. Parrot recommends her own favorite solution to life's problems -- a hot guy and plenty of passionate sex. But where is Liza going to find that?

When Liza trips and sprains her ankle outside a nightclub, George comes to her rescue, whisking her to the emergency room and keeping her company late into the night. Liza is highly artistic and principled, and she isn't interested in a handsome finance whiz who wants to be a millionaire before he's 30. She sends George away just moments before her name is finally called at the hospital. Liza's ankle is treated by Dr. Tim, who she bravely asks out to dinner.

As Liza looks for a job to pay the bills, she reassures herself that dating staid and steady Dr. Tim is the right thing to do, even though she keeps running into George in the most awkward social situations imaginable. Liza's life is getting more complex. A reality TV show wants to film an experimental production of her latest play. She's been hired as a wedding assistant to a woman she despises. When Aunt Fran finally does pull some strings, the results are unexpected. Never fear -- sometimes the answers to life's problems are RIGHT BEFORE YOUR EYES.

Ellen Shanman's character Liza is headstrong and loudmouthed, but her misguided emotions and confusion are right on target. Aunt Fran is a role-model for the ages, and she begins each chapter with some flippant, irreverent and stimulating words of personal advice. This funny and moving story has memorable characters and enviable relationships. The novel is suitable for lighthearted book groups, especially focused on career and personal development discussions. Equal parts chick-lit, romantic- comedy and coming-of-age story, RIGHT BEFORE YOUR EYES should not be missed!