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Book Review: Meet Me at the Cupcake Cafe by Jenny Colgan
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: Meet Me at the Cupcake Cafe by Jenny …

I received a copy of Meet Me at the Cupcake Cafe by Jenny Colgan in exchange for an honest review.
Summary:
A sweet and satisfying novel of how delicious it is to discover your dream
Issy Randall can bake. No, Issy can create stunning, mouthwateringly divine cakes. After a childhood spent in her beloved Grampa Joe’s bakery, she has undoubtedly inherited his talent. She’s much better at baking than she is a filing so when she’s laid off from her desk job, Issy decides to open her own little café. But she soon learns that her piece-of-cake plan will take all of her courage and confectionary talent to avert disaster.
Funny and sharp, Meet Me at the Cupcake Café is about how life might not always taste like you expect, but there’s always room for dessert!
Review:
I liked a lot of things right off the bat about this book – the title, the cover, and the sweet tagline. I thought this book would be right up my alley, but it seems to have missed the mark for me. I think there were too many POV’s for my liking. It seems everyone got a chance to chime in, and the story would have been easier to follow if only one or two characters got the lead. I did really enjoy the storyline between Issy and her grandfather, and the sections with Issy and her on and off again boyfriend were interesting to read about. While this wasn’t a favorite novel of mine, I didn’t highly dislike and wouldn’t not recommend for reading. It’s still a cute chick lit book, I just had trouble connecting with the story.
3 stars

July 9, 2013
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Book Review: Sweet Nothings by Janis Thomas
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: Sweet Nothings by Janis Thomas

Reviewer: Allie I received a copy of Sweet Nothings by Janis Thomas in exchange for an honest review. The last few books I’ve read have…

July 8, 2013
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Book Review: A Brother’s Honor by Brenda Jackson
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: A Brother’s Honor by Brenda Jackson

I received a copy of A Brother’s Honor by Brenda Jackson in exchange for an honest review.

Summary:

The Granger brothers left behind their family’s Virginia estate—and the bad memories it holds—years ago. But their dying grandfather’s request brings them home: to a failing business, a legacy of secrets and a deathbed promise to make things right.

As the eldest brother, attorney Jace Granger is determined to take responsibility for Granger Aeronautics, his family’s failing business. But the years of mismanagement seem impossible to untangle. As CEO, he hires a consultant to turn the company around. Smart, sexy Shana Bradford is the right person for the job—and the right woman to turn Jace’s world upside down.

But the passion between them is jeopardized when old secrets begin to emerge. A woman from Jace’s past suddenly reappears. And an explosive discovery changes everything Jace thinks he knows about his mother—and his father, who was convicted of her murder.

Jace Granger tried to leave his family history behind once before. But this time he needs to face the past…or risk losing his future.

Three brothers. One legacy. A lifetime of secrets.

Review:

I’ve been a fan of Brenda Jackson for quite some time now and was eagerly awaiting her newest book … and I must say, this book does not disappoint. Brenda does a wonderful job weaving together a very intricate story and creating such vivid and honest characters. I really admired Jace and thought he was a really great character and honestly, I thought the attraction between him and Shana was sizzling. The secondary characters were written very well and added a lot to the overall feel of the story. This story is a wonderful read and I loved that the author takes her time writing such intricate scenes. I highly recommend this book and think that you will love it.
Rating: 5 stars

July 5, 2013
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CLP Blog Tours Book Review: Somewhere Between Black and White by Shelly Hickman
Chick Lit Review

CLP Blog Tours Book Review: Somewhere Between Black and White …

Shelly Hickman is now on tour with CLP Blog Tours and Somewhere Between Black and White
Summary:
Romance, humor, family drama, with a touch of Buddhism. Sound interesting?

When approaching life’s problems, Sophie sees in black and white. That is, when they’re someone else’s problems. So when it comes to her sister, Sophie is sure she has all the answers, and offers them without hesitation. If only her sister would listen.

Then, through a series of chance encounters, she meets Sam, who is witty, kind, and downright unflappable. Sophie has the overwhelming sense that she’s known him before, and as a relationship builds between them, odd visions invade her mind. Though she tries to dismiss them, their persistence will not allow it.

As someone who is quick to judge others, she is intrigued by Sam’s ability to accept people as they are. She begins to see him as a role model, but try as she may, his accepting nature is difficult to emulate.

Will Sophie ever be able to put her hasty judgments aside and realize not every problem has a simple solution?

Review:
I found this to be a very enjoyable read. I liked the romance between Sophie and Sam, and the soul mate angle was interesting to think about. The plot line for Evie and her husband Christian was pretty intense. Sometimes I was more excited to read about their story because there was a lot going on there, a lot of depth, and I was curious to see how they would end up. I wasn’t too sure about the flashbacks that happen in the story; I think they could have either been cut out or there should have been more placed throughout the book. Overall I thought it was a well-written book that was paced well, and I liked the message that was delivered to readers.
4 stars

July 5, 2013
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Book Review: Redesigning Rose by Lydia Laceby
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: Redesigning Rose by Lydia Laceby

I am excited to share my review today for Redesigning Rose by Lydia Laceby! I befriended Lydia initially through her book blog, Novel Escapes, and was so honored when she asked me to work on the editing for her manuscript. That manuscript has now turned into the wonderful Redesigning Rose, and let’s dive right into my review!
Summary:
Rose Parker’s husband has been lying. About everything.

When a conversation with her husband triggers questions, Rose Parker uncovers alarming answers that shatter her perfect life. But it is only when she shoves her belongings in her SUV and drives off that Rose realizes just how far from perfect her life actually was. She has nowhere to turn.

While debating between distressing sleeping arrangements–her mother’s house full of questions or a hotel room with too much solitude–Rose bumps into an acquaintance from her gardening class and allows bubbly, exuberant Becky to indulge her in a wild night full of whiskey, weeping, and whispered confidences. Suddenly, Rose has a new friend, a roof over her head, and two gorgeous men moving her out of her marital home.

As Rose struggles to settle into her new life, she remains determined to comprehend her past. And with time and distance and especially wine, comes knowledge. Frank wasn’t the only one lying to her. Rose was lying to herself.
Review:
I love that we start off right away knowing that Rose’s husband is an awful man. I think the story started off on the right foot; we are immediately in the action and backing Rose one hundred percent. Rose’s character is very well-written, a woman with flaws yet determined to move on with her life, yet she can’t resist meeting up with her soon to be ex-husband a few times. It would have been hard to believe if she just cut him out cold turkey, so even though I was screaming “don’t do it!” I knew she had to. I like the love interest in this story because it’s not easy. It’s messy and complicated but really fun to read about. The supporting cast is great fun as well, especially wild Becky (who gets a serious storyline that really added depth to the book) and Rose’s supportive mother. I highly recommend this wonderful debut novel!
5 stars

July 4, 2013
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Book Review: The Back-Up List by Miriam Brady and Amber Best
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: The Back-Up List by Miriam Brady and Amber …

The book was given to me in exchange for an honest review

When I begun this book, the first chapter really threw me…I recall thinking-great another mushy novel about a perfect women that ends up with a perfect non-realistic life with a rock star. I was determined not to like it after that first chapter…….

And then I was introduce to Maddy and Kinley….In all honesty my heart broke and I cried….and cried…and cried throughout this book. The ability to capture and describe grief without minimizing or making less of the experience is not often done well, in this book they did so well that as I not only could relate I truly felt the grief written. It was moving to read how the accident affected Kinley and her family and I was pleased that this was not left out of the story. Often times when someone passes, we don’t get to really experience how many lives they touched and how many are truly affected by their death…Especially when taken so unexpectedly and tragically.

This story is a unique surprising story about recovering…or at least surviving a terrible tragedy. It was so well written that I grieved and hurt with the character’s all throughout the story and I celebrated with them as well. I felt like I was very much apart of this unique family and all that is their sweet quirky clan.

I won’t go in to many details, because I feel that I can not do justice to this story. However, I will tell you this story has it all! It has grief, happiness, scandal, an amazing story about how friendship can replace family, and of course it was what ever story needs…Rock stars!

Through the story you see a dynamic between Maddy and her friends, something every girl should have in her life, and I am feeling slighted that my and my girlfriends have never thought to create validation cards. It will now be done, actually the friendships between the ladies in this book lighten my heart and have reminded me how important it is to treasure those unique friends that support your highs and lows in life. Lifetime friends as I would call what these 4 have, is never to be taken lightly nor should one ever live without having at least one.

The ending of the story was a fun happy way to end a story and I am looking forward to book 2 and the twists that Kinley will add to the next in this series.

Rarely am I surprised by a novel quite like I was with this one…If I could give this higher then 5 stars-I would! It was a pleasure and privilege to read this story and I will be reading it again.

July 3, 2013
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Book Review: Unfinished Business by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: Unfinished Business by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson

I was giving this book in exchange for an honest review.

What a fantastic read! I couldn’t put it down! I had to keep reading just to see what twist life was going throw out at Angela next!

The book starts with the death of Angela’s terminally ill mother…But is soon lifted by her mom coming to visit her from the other side….I love how well developed and strong the character’s are-especially Angela’s witty Italian mother, the images of her vibrant personality show through even in death. The characters and the story itself make it so easy to be right there with Angela throughout her story!

Her mother, in true Italian mother form, and who is far from ready to be dead comes back to help Angela with some unexpected experiences. Not only does she guide her through adjusting through her death, but also through the adjustment of discovering her unusual “Gift”, as well as navigating through murky waters with her not so easy teenage daughter. As a mother of a teenager and a preteen, I laughed through many of the mom experiences. I love how down to earth and easy to relate Angela is! She is a witty, fast on her feet mom, who handles both her kids and her husband much like I do! It was like this book was written off of my own parenting whoa’s! Carolyn really allows you to see the dynamic’s between a mother and her teenage daughter. While reading one conversation between the Angela and her daughter I shared it with my husband, because it truly sounded just like myself with my own daughter!

This book was also an eye opener about the bizarre things teens involve themselves in and after reading it, I actually had to read up on the subject of these pill parties. It is frightening to read how many of them fall for peer pressure and enlightening to read that good parenting can really help in scary situations like that. My heart broke for Em at the tragic loss she suffered due to the poor choice of her friend, and I cried for Taylor when she lost her life….The grief shared in the book by her parent’s was portrayed so read that I hurt for them.

Angela’s relationship with her best friend was also very fun, every girl needs a friend like Mel to get through the good and bad in their life. Through out the book I found myself crying and laughing, two signs that I am loving what I am reading! All in all this book gets my vote! I love it and hope to see a second one written!

July 2, 2013
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Book Review: Expected by Sarah England
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: Expected by Sarah England

I received a copy of Expected by Sarah England in exchange for an honest review.
Summary:
Red Alert.

Sam Sweet is terrified of giving birth.

Only, she doesn’t dare tell anyone. Especially her grandchild-obsessed mother, or her fiancé, Simon – top surgeon by day, mind-game expert by night.

Repressed by the expectations of others, Sam feels trapped. All she ever wanted was a career and a crack at independence, but as a catastrophically failed psychiatric nurse who now injects fillers into the crinkled faces of unhappy women, a career is proving tricky. There’s something wrong with the product and now clients are suing.

Nasty work colleagues stir up scandalous gossip, and soon Sam hits rock bottom, consoling herself with button-popping chocolate binges and terrifying spending sprees.

Sam is going to have to find her voice if she ever wants to be herself, fall in love, and follow her dreams.

Alas, the wedding date is set…
Review:
I struggled a bit with this novel. I understand that Sam could be trapped and like she feels, well, Expected, to do certain things, but I didn’t really get why she wouldn’t eventually stand up for herself. She seems to hate her fiancé who was portrayed as mind-game expert and was really quite a piece of work. She out and out said she wasn’t attracted to him and didn’t want to be with him, so why she stayed with him for so long confused me. It was interesting to read about her work and the bit of scandal that came with that, but then I also couldn’t decide if her friend Minnie was truly her friend or not. I spent most of time confused and unsure about the heroine, but still certain pieces of the story caught my interest.
2.5 stars

July 2, 2013
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Book Review: What She Left Us by Stephanie Elliot
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: What She Left Us by Stephanie Elliot

Reviewer: Kate I received a copy of What She Left Us by Stephanie Elliot in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: Jenna and Courtney are…

July 1, 2013
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