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Book Review: The French for Love by Fiona Valpy
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: The French for Love by Fiona Valpy

I received a copy of The French For Love by Fiona Valpy in exchange for an honest review.

Summary:

Gina has lost her perfect job, her boyfriend and her favourite aunt all within the space of a few months. So when she inherits her aunt’s ramshackle French house, Gina decides to pack her bags for the Bordeaux countryside – swapping English weather for blue skies, sunshine, great wine and a fresh start. What she hasn’t factored in is a hole in the roof, the most embarrassing language faux pas, and discovering family secrets that she was never supposed to know. Suddenly feeling a long way from home, Gina will have to rely on new found friends, her own hard work – and Cédric – her charming, mysterious and très handsome new stonemason. But whilst desire needs no translation, love is a different matter. Can Gina overcome the language barrier to make her French dream come true?

Review:

This book is the perfect summer read and has exactly everything that I look for when selecting a book to take with me on vacation. Light and perfectly worded, Fiona does a wonderful job with the flow and the characters are so much fun. I absolutely adored the French country side as the back drop and loved the translation aspect of the book. I’ve never taken a French class and that ended up being okay because the author makes it very easy to read between the lines. Overall, this book is so much fun and will definitely leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside. I highly recommend it.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars

July 25, 2013
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CLP Blog Tours Book Review: When Girlfriends Chase Dreams by Savannah Page
Chick Lit Review

CLP Blog Tours Book Review: When Girlfriends Chase Dreams by …

Savannah Page is now on tour with CLP Blog Tours and When Girlfriends Chase Dreams
Summary:
A novel about chasing dreams, for better or worse, and living your love story.

Claire Linley is finally a bride! After nearly ten years with her college freshman sweetheart, Claire is going to become Mrs. Conner Whitley. She’s got her bridal magazines, is the biggest Martha Stewart fan, and subscribes to all the major wedding blogs. She’s been dreaming of this moment for years! How could planning her dream wedding be anything but perfect?

The easy-going and bubbly type, Claire will obviously have a blast planning, and with her fantastic group of girlfriends-made-bridesmaids she just can’t go wrong. Whether it’s wedding gown shopping, makeup trials, or cake-tasting, Claire’s friends are there in a pinch.

But how big does the pinch get? All Claire wants to do is get married, but at every turn something seems to go awry and she’s starting to lose it. How is a girl supposed to remain cool and collected when the pricey dream wedding planner isn’t turning out to be so dreamy? When DIY projects and the perfect venue are going up in smoke? How is Claire supposed to marry Conner when the special day that’s supposed to join them together, forever, is slowly tearing them apart?

This is the charming story about how sometimes the biggest events in life are defined by the smallest acts of kindness and love. It’s a love story about dreaming large, loving deeply, and, in the end, truly having the happiest day of your life, no matter what happens (or doesn’t). About what happens when girlfriends chase dreams.
Review:
I have been absolutely loving this series, and I was so excited to get to Claire’s story because…I am a future bride just like her! I knew this book would be amazing for me to read because of the timing, and it simply turned out to be one of my favorites of the year. I could relate so well to Claire’s journey – all the things going wrong and turning out different than she expected, along with all the stress that comes with planning a wedding. I felt like we were two peas in a pod all the way through, when I laughed, when I had tears in my eyes, and when I was so thrilled for her in the end that she got her happy ending – just not the way she might have expected it! This book also taught me a lot of really good lessons when it comes to planning my own wedding, the stress and headaches that I am now dealing with on a daily basis, and what it truly means to be a wife. I’m really excited for the next book and to keep reading about this group of girlfriends!
5 stars
Connect with Savannah!

Website/Blog: http://www.savannahpage.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/savannahpageauthor
Twitter: @Savannah_Page

Buy the Book!

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/When-Girlfriends-Chase-Dreams-ebook/dp/B00BXQN8P4
BN: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/when-girlfriends-chase-dreams-savannah-page/1115851584?ean=2940016423326
Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/When-Girlfriends-Chase-Dreams/book-vW5C2kDxfky2eju0sdDrbw/page1.html?s=gtiZD02Wy0CGViiox-QR0Q&r=1
iTunes:
http://itunes.apple.com/book/when-girlfriends-chase-dreams/id666442923?l=en&mt=11

July 25, 2013
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Book Review: Love in Darkness by E.M. Tippetts
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: Love in Darkness by E.M. Tippetts

I received a copy of Love in Darkness by E.M. Tippetts in exchange for an honest review.
Summary:
Alex had everything when he was with Madison. But the darkness within him wouldn’t go away. After two years apart, he returns to Pelican Bluffs and to the girl he never wanted to leave.

Madison wants to give their love another chance, but Alex can’t fight fate. He is what he is. Ruined. Crazy like his mother. And Madison deserves so much more. When his secrets spill out into their small town, Alex has a choice to make. Hide away in the darkness forever, or let love in.
Review:
I have another varied review today! I have read past titles from Tippetts, but they were her chick lit books. I was interested to read what else she had put out there, so I accepted a review request for Love in Darkness. Clearly this is not my niche genre, which is fine. I like to read outside of chick lit too, but sometimes I was having trouble identifying with the book and really getting invested in it. I also kept feeling like I was missing something. There was a little voice niggling at me the whole time that clearly I was down a puzzle piece, and finally as I looked at the Amazon page I realized this is a sequel, so that explains that feeling. But while I might have been out of the loop and reading outside the norm, I still was able to enjoy the story. It goes by quickly – I had it read in just over a day. The characters had depth and a journey was to be had with them, that was evident from page one. I also really respect Tippetts for writing a book that can shed light on a subject that is often shied away from. If you’re a chick lit fan looking to go a bit deeper, give this one a read!
3.5 stars
See my review for Someone Else’s Fairytale –¬ 4 stars!
See my review for Nobody’s Damsel ¬– 5 stars!

July 24, 2013
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Book Review: Moonpennies by Alanna Rosette
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: Moonpennies by Alanna Rosette

Reviewer: Terry I was giving this book in exchange for an honest review Moonpennies is a funny and slightly sad story about a girl who…

July 23, 2013
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Book Review: The Butterfly Storm by Kate Frost
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: The Butterfly Storm by Kate Frost

I received a copy of The Butterfly Storm in exchange for an honest reveiw.

Summary:
Four years ago life for Sophie Keech was perfect. A new start in Greece with Alekos, her boyfriend of just six weeks, removes Sophie from a mundane 9-5 job, takes her away from the difficult relationship she has with her mum, and gives her the opportunity and belief that she is finally doing something positive and exciting with her life.

But a lot can change in four years. An engagement, a domineering mother-in-law to be and the reality of life in Greece not being quite what Sophie imagined puts a strain on her relationship with Alekos.

When an accident forces Sophie back to the UK to look after her estranged mum, she has time to reevaluate her life, her idea of family, where she wants to be and, most importantly, who she loves.

Review:
This is one of the most descriptive books I have read in a long while. I loved reading about the Greek culture and the vivid descriptions of Greece and England. It was hard for me to relate to Sophie’s struggles but with such vivid descriptions I could feel her frustrations with both her mum and with her relationships in Greece. Kate Frost created characters that were real; everyday people with real struggles.

I felt the book was a bit slow in the beginning. It was not a quick read for me because I found myself rereading descriptions and slowly devouring every detail in the book.
If you are looking for quick, mindless read, I would not recommend this book. If you are looking for a thoroughly detailed story of relationship trials, family trials, and decisions of the heart, then The Butterfly Storm would be a perfect book.

I give this book 4 stars

July 23, 2013
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CLP Blog Tours Book Review: Royal Secrets by Kathleen Irene Paterka
Chick Lit Review

CLP Blog Tours Book Review: Royal Secrets by Kathleen Irene …

Kathleen Irene Paterka is now on tour with CLP Blog Tours and Royal Secrets
Summary:

ROYAL SECRETS is the story of the Royal Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas, and of Lily Lavender, whose family is distantly descended from the British royal family. Immersed in the regal world of weddings and romance, Lily grew up believing in brides, grooms and happily-ever-afters. It seemed her destiny and royal birthright to someday assume a position as wedding coordinator in their family-owned wedding chapel business. But when her mother Mimi’s third marriage eventually fails, Lily’s dreams of her own happily-ever-after quickly fade. She’s no longer interested in a life of assisting brides walk down the aisle into a life of disillusionment and possible divorce. Lily turns her back on The Royal Wedding Chapel and leaves Las Vegas to fashion a life of her own. Years later, Lily—now a single mom—discovers her teenage daughter has run off to Las Vegas, lured by Mimi to help run the chapel. Determined to save her daughter from the broken dreams of Sin City and the nonsensical world of which family fairy tales are made, Lily returns to Las Vegas. But nothing prepares Lily for the royal drama which awaits her… or the sins and secrets she stumbles across that threaten to close the chapel and ruin her family forever.
Review:
I have also read and reviewed Fatty Patty by this author, and I was looking forward to reading another book from her. Royal Secrets is a lot of fun and always kept me on my toes! There was a plot twist in there that through me completely off guard and made this really hard to put down. I loved the Las Vegas setting, I though the royal family plot point was great (and the timing works so well with the Royal Baby Countdown), and the characters had depth and were interesting to read about. I highly enjoyed this story, and I hope you will read it!
4.5 stars
*Everyone who leaves a comment on Kathleen’s tour page will be entered to win a $20 Amazon gift card! Anyone who purchases their copy of Royal Secrets before August 12 and sends their receipt to Samantha (at) ChickLitPlus (dot) com, will get five bonus entries.**

About Kathleen:
Kathleen Irene Paterka is the author of numerous women’s fiction novels which embrace universal themes of home, family life and love, including ROYAL SECRETS and the James Bay series (FATTY PATTY, HOME FIRES, LOTTO LUCY and FOR I HAVE SINNED). Kathleen is the resident staff writer for Castle Farms, a world renowned castle listed on the National Historic Register, and co-author of the non-fiction book FOR THE LOVE OF A CASTLE, published in 2012. Having lived and studied abroad, Kathleen’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts degree from Central Michigan University. She and her husband live in the beautiful north country of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.

Contact Kathleen:
Website: http://www.kathleenirenepaterka.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KathleenIrenePaterka?ref=hl
ScribBLING Divas Blog: http://scribblingdivas.com/

Buy the book:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Royal-Secrets-ebook/dp/B00DG8736C/ref=tmm_kin_title_0
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/royal-secrets-kathleen-irene-paterka/1115696682?ean=2940016595221
Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/325372

July 22, 2013
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CLP Blog Tours Book Review: Untimed by Andy Gavin
Chick Lit Review

CLP Blog Tours Book Review: Untimed by Andy Gavin

Reviewer: Andrea Andy Gavin is now on tour with CLP Blog Tours and Untimed Summary: Charlie’s the kind of boy that no one notices. Hell,…

July 19, 2013
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Book Review: Sea Glass Island by Sherryl Woods
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: Sea Glass Island by Sherryl Woods

I received a copy of Sea Glass Island by Sherryl Woods in exchange for an honest review.

Summary:

Under summer skies, New York Times bestselling author Sherryl Woods evokes family, friendship and heartfelt emotion

With her two younger sisters heading for the altar, will Samantha Castle exchange old dreams for new ones? Lately she’d rather be on the North Carolina coast with family than in New York with agents and actors. Though she vows not to let her teenage crush on Ethan Cole influence her decision, it’s hard to ignore her feelings for the local war hero.

Ethan lost more than his leg in Afghanistan. He lost his belief in love. Even being surrounded by couples intent on capturing happily-ever-after won’t open this jaded doctor’s heart. It’s going to take a sexy, determined woman—one who won’t take no for an answer.

Review:

I have devoured the first two books in this trilogy and this one is no exception. I adore Sherryl’s writing and thoroughly enjoyed this series. Ethan and Samantha are quite a pair and I really enjoyed their dynamic together. At first they are hesitant but I am so glad that they both decided to take a chance. The book flows flawlessly and is a quick read filled with a lot of love and tenderness. I loved watching the sparks fly between these two and I think you will too. Overall, this book might be my favorite and I highly recommend it.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars

July 19, 2013
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Book Review: The Rockin’ Chair by Steven Manchester
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: The Rockin’ Chair by Steven Manchester

I received a copy of The Rockin’ Chair by Steven Manchester in exchange for an honest review.

Summary:

Memories are the ultimate contradiction. They can warm us on our coldest days – or they can freeze a loved one out of our lives forever. The McCarthy family has a trove of warm memories. Of innocent first kisses. Of sumptuous family meals. Of wondrous lessons learned at the foot of a rocking chair. But they also have had their share of icy ones. Of words that can never be unsaid. Of choices that can never be unmade. Of actions that can never be undone.

Following the death of his beloved wife, John McCarthy – Grandpa John – calls his family back home. It is time for them to face the memories they have made, both warm and cold. Only then can they move beyond them and into the future.

A rich portrait of a family at a crossroad, THE ROCKIN’ CHAIR is Steven Manchester’s most heartfelt and emotionally engaging novel to date. If family matters to you, it is a story you must read.

Review:

I have been a fan of Steven’s for quite sometime now and was so eager when he approached me to read and review his latest, The Rockin’ Chair. And let me tell you, this book does not disappoint. By far my favorite so far of his, this story is full of details and the characters are really well written. Steven has a gift of tugging at the heart strings and this book definitely does that. Heartfelt and real, this book rocked me to my core and really had me thinking about my family and about everything that we’ve been through. I highly recommend this book.

July 18, 2013
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