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Book Review: The Baby Planner by Josie Brown

I received a copy of The Baby Planner by Josie Brown in exchange for an honest review.
Summary:
The Nanny Diaries “meets “The Wedding Planner “in this smart, dishy novel from the author of “Secret Lives of Husbands and Wives”–featuring a woman who runs San Francisco’s premier baby planning company and the mommies-to-be who seek out her services. Katie Johnson may make her living consulting with new moms on the latest greatest baby gadgets no parent should be without, or which mommy meet-ups are the most socially desirable, or whether melon truly is the new black, but the success of her marriage to her husband, Alex, depends on controlling her own urges toward motherhood.

He’s adamant that they stay childless. Sure, Katie understands that he’s upset over the fact that his out-of-town ex-wife rarely lets him see their ten-year-old son, Peter. But living vicariously through her anxious clients and her twin sisters’ precocious children only makes Katie resent his stance more deeply.

While helping a new client–Seth Harris, a high tech entrepreneur who must raise Sadie, his newborn daughter, as a single parent after the tragic death of his wife in childbirth–maneuver the bittersweet journey from mourning husband and reticent father to loving dad, Katie’s own ideals about love, marriage, and motherhood are put to the test as she learns ones very important lesson about family: “How we nurture is the true nature of love.”
Review:
Josie Brown is a hands-down a favorite author of mine. The first two books in the Totlandia series had me stitches, and I absolutely adored The Baby Planner as well. Whenever I read mom-lit I always point out in my reviews that I am not yet a mother myself, as sometimes that can cause a disconnect with the characters. Not in Brown’s books. Katie was my new BFF, and I loved reading her story. She was savvy, smart and my kind of heroine, and I devoured this book in a couple of quick days. Another 5 star review for a marvelous Josie Brown book!
[Rating: 5]

CLP Blog Tours Book Review: Sparkle by Cara Alwill Leyba

Cara Alwill Leyba is on tour now with CLP Blog Tours and Sparkle: The Girl’s Guide to Living a Deliciously Dazzling, Wildly Effervescent, Kick-Ass Life. The cover attracted me at first glance, a cute pink planner/diary that I knew would be filled with great tips and tricks on improving myself and having more confidence. After I finished, I felt that Cara and I were best friends. I have been lucky to get to know her better through her blog tour, and after reading the book she is someone I definitely look up to. Women spend so much time not only down on themselves for one thing or another – but they are often quick to look down on other women. I can’t even tell you how many girls can still make me feel inadequate, so reading something that is all about female empowerment was just wonderful. I love the stories that are shared, the chapter break-downs, and the feel-good feeling I was left with after I finished. As we head into 2013, I think this is a book every women should give a chance. When a new year comes resolutions are made and goals are thought of, and I think this book really gave me a lot of new ideas to incorporate into my life. I definitely thought of Cara and Sparkle on New Years Eve as I did a champagne toast with my girlfriends!
[Rating: 4]

Book Review: Nine Uses for an Ex-Boyfriend by Sarra Manning

I received a copy of Nine Uses for an Ex-Boyfriend by Sarra Manning in exchange for an honest review.

Summary:
Hope Delafield hasn’t always had an easy life. She has red hair and a temper to match, as her mother is constantly reminding her. She can’t wear heels, is terrified of heights and being a primary school teacher isn’t exactly the job she dreamed of doing, especially when her class are stuck on the two times table. At least Hope has Jack, and Jack is the God of boyfriends. He’s sweet, kind, funny, has a killer smile, a cool job on a fashion magazine and he’s pretty (but in a manly way). Hope knew that Jack was The One ever since their first kiss after the Youth Club Disco and thirteen years later, they’re still totally in love. Totally. They’re even officially pre-engaged. And then Hope catches Jack kissing her best friend Susie…Does true love forgive and forget? Or does it get mad …and get even?
Review:
I thought this book was going to be a slam dunk for me. When I first started reading, I was wrapped up in Hope’s world and the drama of what the heck is happening between Jack and Susie. But not even halfway through, things just started going downhill for me. The pace slowed down and everything just seemed very long and drawn-out, and I thought quite a few scenes really didn’t belong in the story. The ending didn’t save it for me either, so just a novel that fell flat for me unfortunately.
[Rating: 2]

CLP Blog Tours Book Review: Mad World: Epidemic by Samaire …

I am excited to kick off Samaire Provost’s tour with CLP Blog Tours for Mad World: Epidemic, because I loved this book! You know you’re in for a treat when literally the first paragraph in the book has you hooked, and that is exactly what happened to me! I didn’t actually realize when I started that the book would be basically about zombies. I haven’t bought into the zombie craze yet – unlike my fiancé – but I never once got worried because I enjoyed the opening so much.
Scientist’s at Stanford University in California have begun examining samples of bone marrow from plague-infected corpses unearthed in Europe – victims from the Black Plague. Somehow the infection gets out and people start getting infected, which leads to an epidemic. Families are evacuated, riots are occurring, and the state of California is in complete panic mode. The main character is seventeen year old Alyssa, who is returning to California from a school trip when they run into the epidemic. After their teacher is infected, the students are left to fend for themselves in a harrowing adventure to try to find their families – and a safe place.
This was a quick read for me even over the busy holidays. I was drawn into the fascinating plot and didn’t want to put the book down. I have the second in the series, Mad World: Sanctuary on my Kindle and am eager to read it and jump back into the story. There are gory parts in the story since it does revolve around zombies, but I didn’t think there was too much or that there were any unnecessary parts. I enjoyed that this was a very high-paced book, always with action going on and never a dull moment. I recommend this and look forward to more!
[Rating: 5]

2012 Favorite Reads: Sara’s Picks

The Tragedy Paper Elizabeth Laban White Jacket Required: A Culinary Coming-of-Age Story Jenna Weber Twelve Months Steven Manchester The Midwife of Hope River: A Novel…

Dizzy: A Fictional Memoir by Arthur Wooten

I was provided with a review copy of Dizzy: A Fictional Memoir by Arthur Wooten in exchange for an honest review.

Dizzy: A Fictional Memoir by Arthur Wooten follows Angie Styles, a beloved Broadway star, living the dream. At the height of her career, things start to happen to her and she starts to feel things she has never felt before. When the symptoms continue, she seeks medical help and is told that she has a mysterious disease that will be a part of her life, quite possibly until she dies. With the prognosis looming over her head, she is forced to reexamine her life and the people who are a part of it.

I was taken aback when I first started reading the tale of Angie Styles and her inner ear balance disorder. I had never heard of anything like that before and it was heartbreaking to watch as Angie dealt with it and how it greatly impacted not only her life, but her career. This story was definitely entertaining and I think it did a great job at shining light on an unknown disorder that many are not familiar with. I’ve always loved Arthur’s character development and this one shines in that department. Overall, a very good read.

[Rating: 4/5]

Diners, Dives & Dead Ends by Terri L. Austin

I was provided a copy of Diners, Dives & Dead Ends by Terri L. Austin by CLP Blog Tours.

Diners, Dives & Dead Ends by Terri L. Austin is the first mystery novel in the Rose Strickland series and it is a perfect combination of mystery and chick lit. Rose, our main character is a waitress (hence the book title) and is also working her way through school as a part time student. Her best friend and closest confident in the world Axton goes missing one day and what ensues is a mysterious ride. When he doesn’t show up after quite some time, Rose caves and puts herself on the case. Just when she thinks she might have it cracked it turns out that she is being watched by the bad guy, who also happens to be super sexy. Bad and sexy? Not a great combination yet Rose finds herself quite intrigued.

I had so much fun reading this book and am so glad that Terri gave me the opportunity to do so. I loved watching Rose become a sleuth and dive deep into the mysterious disappearance of her best friend. I flipped through the pages quickly in order to find out what would happen next and I must say, I was NOT disappointed. This book is fantastic and I absolutely loved the plot twist – I most definitely did not see that one coming. I cannot wait until the sequel. Overall, a really great mystery/chick-lit that is quite the joyous ride!

[Rating: 4.5/5]

Book Review: Totlandia: The Onesies, Book 2

I received a copy of Totlandia: The Onesies, Book 2 in exchange for an honest review. I gave 5 stars to the first book in this series, and was more than happy to dive into the second. The story picks right back up and finally answered the burning question of who Madame Ovary is. More secrets are uncovered along the way, as the probationary moms (and dad!) try to win their spot in the coveted Pacific Heights Moms & Tots Club. Some of what is revealed had my jaw hitting the floor, and I was once again riveted by this tale of scandal, friendship, and parenthood from Josie Brown. I hope book three in the series is here soon!
[Rating: 5]

The Tragedy Paper by Elizabeth Laban

The Tragedy Paper by Elizabeth Laban is a riveting page turner that tells the tale of a deep and harrowing first love and heartbreak. 17…