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Book Review: Cliffhanger by Amy Saunders
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: Cliffhanger by Amy Saunders

I received a copy of Cliffhanger by Amy Saunders in exchange for an honest review. Let me just start by saying I love the cover; it’s so cute! The setting is Portside, Rhode Island and our MC is Belinda Kittridge. Belinda doesn’t expect to be thrown into a murder mystery, but that is exactly what happens when a classmate ends up dead and someone seems out to get Belinda herself. Is the murder connected with a death of a friend years prior? Belinda meets security expert Bennett Tate to help solve the mystery, and a few sparks fly between the two. But is Belinda safe in Portside, or is a murderer out to get her?
I really enjoyed this story, and had troubles putting it down. Belinda is a fun heroine, someone who comes from money and a well-known name but not a snob by any means. The relationship she has with her twin brother was fun to read about, as well as her friendships in town. The murder-mystery aspect had me on my toes, but sometimes I didn’t feel like the characters sensed that urgency, which was only the head scratcher I found. I enjoyed the romance between Belinda and Bennett, and I was excited to learn this is the first in a series. I will look forward to the second book!
[Rating: 4.5]

December 27, 2012
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Maven Fairy Godmother: Through the Veil by Charlotte Henley Babb
Chick Lit Review

Maven Fairy Godmother: Through the Veil by Charlotte Henley Babb

Charlotte Henley Babb is now on tour with CLP Blog Tours and Maven Fairy Godmother: Through the Veil. This was a very unique and quite funny spin on a fairy tale and the fairy godmothers that fill their pages. Maven is the not-so-ordinary fairy godmother, older, wider, and has many trip-ups on the job. But when she just entered the world of Faery, can anyone really blame her? Well, her boss seems to, but what’s more – she might even be out to kill Maven.
The book is built up well with regions such as Mundane, Fiction, and Faery, and the characters are funny and likeable. Maven is quite flawed, when we first meet her she is an out-of-work teacher and living out of her car. I liked her transition to fairy godmother, and I understood the story. There was a chance of getting lost and confused, but the authors does a good job of explaining and making Maven someone who can be relatable. The middle got a little jumbled at times with more characters being brought into the mix, and I found myself really favoring the sections that dealt with primarily Maven. But overall I thought this was a humorous read with a unique twist on what a fairy godmother can really be.
[Rating: 4]

December 26, 2012
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2012 Favorite Reads: Samantha’s Picks
Chick Lit Review

2012 Favorite Reads: Samantha’s Picks

Sad Desk Salad Jessica Grose 5 stars Sarah’s Key Tatiana de Rosnay 5 stars  Blackberry Winter Sarah Jio 5 stars  Don’t Let Me Go Catherine…

December 25, 2012
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Book Review: The Seven Steps to Closure by Donna Joy Usher
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: The Seven Steps to Closure by Donna Joy …

Donna Joy Usher is on tour now with CLP Blog Tours and The Seven Steps to Closure. Tara Babcock is our leading lady, a thirty year-old whose marriage was broken up by another women – her own cousin, Tash. Even worse – her ex and Tash are now set to be married, and Tara just can’t seem to pick up the pieces and move on. When her best friends offer up a magazine article with the title Closure in Seven Easy Steps, Tara decides (after much cajoling) to give it a shot. She never expects the journey that is presented to her – or the closure that it will offer.
I had a blast reading The Seven Steps to Closure! The writing is fun and light and the plot moves along seamlessly from scene to scene. Tara and her friends are a hoot to read about, and I enjoyed that each lady had her own minor plot point to add a little extra to the story. There is a very heart-felt tone the author brings to her writing, yet the book is full of humor and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments to enjoy. One for your reading list!
[Rating: 4.5]

December 24, 2012
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When Girlfriends Step Up by Savannah Page
Chick Lit Review

When Girlfriends Step Up by Savannah Page

I received a copy of When Girlfriends Step Up by Savannah Page in exchange for an honest review.

When Girlfriends Step Up follows the tale of Robin Sinclair, a determined young lady embarking on a small publishing house in Seattle. Unlucky in love in the past, she is optimistic about her luck in the future and hopes to one day meet Mr. Right. But, so far he hasn’t turned up and her year only seems to be getting worse when she finds out that she is pregnant. Uncertain of what will happen, she turns to her girlfriends and they really step up when things start to get tough for Robin. She slowly finds her footing in the realm of single motherhood and that is when she stumbles into an attractive co-worker named Bobby and sparks fly. Will she finally meet the one? And will things ever turn around for Robin?

I really enjoyed this book. Early on it seems as though Robin has all the odds stacked against her, but I absolutely loved watching her mature and grow into a strong, confident woman. This book shows real courage and strength from Robin and I loved her relationships with her closest gal pals. I think this book definitely touched on a lot of important topics and many which I have seen some of my own girlfriends struggle with. Overall, this book conveys a good message and I appreciated it because I don’t see that happen often much these days. There were a few hiccups here and there but I would still give this book a high rating.

[Rating: 4.5/5]

December 21, 2012
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Unmasking Maya by Libby Mercer
Chick Lit Review

Unmasking Maya by Libby Mercer

I was provided a copy of Unmasking Maya by Libby Mercer in exchange for an honest review.

Unmasking Maya by Libby Mercer follows New York fashion it-girl, Maya Kirkwood. Fresh from a career-killing scandal, Maya takes a hiatus and heads to San Francisco to refresh and reinvent herself. So, when she is offered the opportunity of a life time to create an installation at a new hot tech company, she jumps at the chance. Well, things don’t turn out so well. Derek Whitley, the CEO of the company, quickly becomes her nemesis. Sure, he is smoldering hot but inside, he is colder than ice. But, why does she still feel an odd sense of attraction to him? As the two of them spend more and more time together, it becomes obvious that there is something more then what meets the eye. Sparks fly and presumptions and old resentments come tumbling down, but after one last secret is revealed, will it bring them closer together? Or further apart?

Unmasking Maya is a fun, quick and witty ride and I loved every second of it. I think Libby does a fantastic job at constructing her characters and making them seem real. Right off the bat I was intrigued by Derek and I really like the fact that although he is physically appealing, there is definitely more than what meets the eye with him. And Maya, she is such a hoot and I definitely enjoyed her character as well. Overall, this book is real light and fun and definitely enjoyable. And if you like mystery and intrigue, you will definitely enjoy the secret aspect of this book.

[Rating: 4/5]

December 20, 2012
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Totlandia: The Onesies by Josie Brown
Chick Lit Review

Totlandia: The Onesies by Josie Brown

I received a copy of Totlandia: The Onesies in exchange for an honest review. I am a big fan of Josie Brown, so of course I was excited to break into her new novella series. I am also getting ready to start The Twosies here shortly, and can’t wait to pick back up! The Onesies introduces readers to the The Pacific Heights Moms & Tots Club, which is the most exclusive children’s playgroup in San Fran. It has come time to select new members for the group, but not just everyone is considered. Only mothers are considered, no single parents will be looked at, and working moms…yeah right. But the six possible new members competing for the final four spots all hold some sort of secret that will ultimately break the rules of PHM&T…if they can survive the challenges and become a member!
Loved it! This is a short book with a lot of characters getting their own voice, but I didn’t feel rushed or confused or frustrated at any point. Brown does a slam-dunk job at writing a witty novella with a lot of heart, laughs, and WTF moments! I may not be a mother yet, but I was hooked from the beginning and I am so glad I have book # 2 ready to go in my Kindle, because the cliffhanger had me practically panting. 5 stars!
[Rating: 5]

December 20, 2012
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The Rock Island Line: Conversations Over Chicken and Dumplings by Michelle Dobbs
Chick Lit Review

The Rock Island Line: Conversations Over Chicken and Dumplings by …

The Rock Island Line by Michelle Dobbs follows Lilly Moore and her life in a small town. The town is very small and is the first link along a railroad line that connects the Wild West to Chicago and then eventually all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. Lilly tells the tale of her family, a story that is a historically rooted African American saga, and goes into great detail about her life in the town of Rock Island, Illinois and the impact that the rail has on her personally and on five generations of her family. Lilly and her family share the unique responsibilities to keep the family legacy alive and she goes to great lengths to help her family do so.

I really enjoyed reading The Rock Island. I felt transported to the little town almost instantly and I loved how personal Michelle was with her characters and their lives. Throughout the story, Lilly deals with many trials and tribulations and I really enjoyed watching her grow as a character. Often times, she is overwhelmed by what her city brings forth and it is really interesting watching her come to terms with it all and eventually find piece within herself. Overall, this story is fairly enjoyable and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a well written story with thought provoking dialogue. I also loved going back into time and watching things take place between five generations. A really wonderful read.

[Rating: 4.5/5]

December 19, 2012
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Book Review: A Girl’s Guide to Fairy Tales by Laurey Buckland
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: A Girl’s Guide to Fairy Tales by …

I received a copy of A Girl’s Guide to Fairy Tales by Laurey Buckland in exchange for an honest review. I am sucker for all things fairy tales, I love Disney princesses, so even though the book wasn’t quite in that realm, the title and cover still sparked my appeal. The novel follows four friends – daydreamer Maddie, obsessive compulsive Clare, over dramatic Isobel, and happy-go-lucky Sophie. I know everyone thinks Sex and the City when you hear about four girlfriends, but I really didn’t think that for a second while reading. I thought the plot and the characters were very unique, as well as the author’s voice. I liked each individual character and that she got her own time in the spotlight. I found myself leaning on Sophie more because she had a lot of drama with her live-in boyfriend that I thought was really intriguing. I do wish there would have been some sort of heading when the POV’s changed, because it took me a while to get in the sync of things and that would have helped me out personally. But overall, a cute chick lit read from a new author that I very much enjoyed.
[Rating: 4]

December 19, 2012
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