<P><B>In the thrilling suspenseful new novel from the number one <I>New York Times</I> best-selling author Melissa de la Cruz all of Ellie de Florent-Stinson’s secrets come to light in one eventful evening full of twists turns and surprises.</B></P><P>Before she became a glamorous fashion designer Ellie de Florent-Stinson was a trailer-park teen about to turn 16. But a night of birthday celebration doesn’t go exactly as planned and descends into a night she’ll never be able to forget.</P><P>Now on the cusp of her 40th birthday it appears Ellie has everything she ever wanted: a handsome husband; an accomplished college-age stepdaughter; a beautiful 10-year-old girl; adorable and rambunctious six-year-old twin boys; lush well-appointed homes in Los Angeles Park City and Palm Springs; a thriving career; and a dazzling circle of friends.</P><P>Except everything is not quite as perfect as it looks on the outside — Ellie is keeping many secrets. And hiding those skeletons has a cost and it all comes to a head the night of her fabulous birthday party in the desert — where everyone who matters in her life shows up invited or not. Old and new friends and frenemies stepdaughters and business partners ex-wives and ex-husbands congregate and the glittering facade of Ellie’s life begins to crumble.</P><P>Beautifully paced and full of surprises <I>The Birthday Girl</I> is an enthralling tale of a life lived in shadow and its unavoidable consequences.</P>
