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The Singles by Meredith Goldstein
Chick Lit Review

The Singles by Meredith Goldstein

Debut novel, The Singles by Meredith Goldstein, follows the single biggest fear of most single people – attending a wedding solo. Despite the bride, Beth “Bee” Evans, generous and thoughtful offer of a plus one for all of the guests at her wedding, five attendees decline and are consequently dubbed “The Singles”. The story follows the adventures of the five “Singles”, Hannah, Vicki, Rob, Joe, and Nancy. Hannah is the single bridesmaid pining over her ex with wishful thinking and hopes that the wedding will bring them closer together; Vicki is in love … with the characters in romance novels; Rob is single yet hopelessly in love with his dog; Phil can’t seem to find anyone that is better than Mom; and Joe is single yet hopeful for a chance (and romantic) encounter at the wedding. Author Meredith Goldstein weaves together each of their stories as they prepare and attend the upcoming wedding.

I found The Singles to be charming and heartfelt. I laughed and cried during a few scenes and felt as though the characters were developed very realistically. Although their lives are often sad, I felt that each of the five “Singles” had a very unique and interesting perspective that added to the overall feel of the novel. Their escapades really shine as they are woven together, each having a significant impact on the story as a whole. I absolutely adored the ending and was quite pleased with the way that everything turned out. Overall, a fun and often humorous tale that I think will be a big hit this summer.

May 3, 2012
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The Way by Kristen Wolf
Chick Lit Review

The Way by Kristen Wolf

The strikingly thought provoking debut novel, The Way by Kristen Wolf, follows young Anna, a fiery tomboy with a curious appearance. Her father uses this and sells Anna disguised as a boy to a band of shepherds when tragedy strikes her family. Once in their company, she is then captured by a mystical and secret group of women hiding in the desert- and it is there that she learns “The Way”, an ancient philosophy that unleashes an unknown power within her. She uses the power to heal, but mainly for other purposes once the sisters cave becomes threatened. Left with no choice, Anna leaves the caves on a mission and shares her new found knowledge and wisdom of “The Way” with everyone she meets along the way.

This book is absolutely unforgettable. Inside, author Kristen Wolf, uses her imaginative and beautifully descriptive story telling to weave a tale so engrossing that it leaves you breathless and wanting more. Anna is faced with many trials throughout the book, some more shocking than others, but through it all, you witness one of literature’s noblest transformations and a shocking revelation that will leave you thinking well after you’ve finished the book. I absolutely loved the suspense, as well as the enchanting mix of history and fantasy that are weaved throughout the tale. Overall, a fantastic read. I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good piece of literature. I don’t think I could rave anymore about this book … truly one of a kind.

May 1, 2012
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The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
Chick Lit Review

The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin

The Happiness Project follows Gretchen Rubin as she dives into making her life an actively “happier” place to be. Rubin is not an unhappy woman: she has a loving husband, two healthy kiddos, a thriving writing career in New York City, family nearby, and financial success. Yet, one day, whilst on a city bus, Rubin discovers that she spends most of her days just going through the motions, never doing the things that she really wants to … and decides that she could be happier. This train of thought leads her down a path that spawns the idea for The Happiness Project. In one year, she will spend each month focusing on different tasks that she believes will lead her to a more fulfilled and overall happier life, and in doing so, she becomes a more internally fulfilled and happier.

I honestly loved The Happiness Project. At first, I was hesitant because I honestly loathe most self-help books, but this one is very, very different. Rubin takes the genre and spins it on its head, creating a fresh, well-researched, in depth look at the steps she takes toward the pursuit her happiness. A refreshingly honest portrayal of a woman pursuing change. Overall, a fantastic read that will leave you thinking about ways to incorporate some of her tips into your own life.

[Rating: 5/5]

April 30, 2012
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Thin Rich Bitches by Janet Eve Josselyn
Chick Lit Review

Thin Rich Bitches by Janet Eve Josselyn

Thin Rich Bitches by Janet Eve Josselyn is a hilarious story that follows Pippin Snowe, and chronicles her life post-divorce.

At the age of 40, Pippin picks up her life and moves to the exclusive community of Dover, Massachusetts, shortly following the divorce from her husband who was having an affair. Upon arrival, she realizes that she is in uncharted territory- in a new town filled with Thin Rich Bitches (literally). Pippin finds a job with a local architect, where she renovates kitchens for the wealthy women of Dover who treat her like hired help. Fed up and irritated, Pippin creates a business plan that caters to the dogs of the rich, and successfully beats them at their own game.

Janet Eve Josselyn successfully creates a witty and charming main character in Pippin that the reader will absolutely fall in love with. In general, I have found that most authors try to write comedy into their books, but most of the time it just comes across as tired and overwhelming, but Josselyn writes humor effortlessly and it never feels like she tried too hard. And, although this book is humorous, the story never falls flat (like other comedies do). Overall, this book is very entertaining and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a humorous beach read.

[Rating: 4/5]

April 27, 2012
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These Girls by Sarah Pekkanen
Chick Lit Review

These Girls by Sarah Pekkanen

From Sarah Pekkanen’s debut novel, The Opposite of Me, I knew the women’s fiction world had gained a truly talented author. Not at all disappointed by her sophomore book Skipping a Beat, I was thrilled when offered the chance to review These Girls. Once again – immaculate story-telling, a build-up of memorable characters and situations, and another novel to add to my Favorites list.
The story follows the lives of three very different women. First there is Cate, newly promoted features editor for the lifestyle magazine Gloss. She fears that she may have gotten the job for the wrong reason, a reason that makes her think about a secret she is hiding from her past. Then there is her roommate Renee, who is desperate to get promoted to beauty editor at Gloss. She thinks if she is skinnier she might get the job over her competition, so she starts taking extreme risks to lose the weight. She also has her eye on the delicious Trey, who seems to have his eye on Cate…Rounding on the threesome is Abby, Trey’s sister. Abby fled to be by her brother when her personal life spirals out of control after she falls for the father of the little girl she nannies – who is very much married. Renee and Cate take Abby in, and the girls all form a bond that helps one another through their obstacles.
I thought These Girls had a little bit of everything – romance, love, heartbreak and scandal. It also had some fun chick lit ties in there with Gloss being a focus, and the focal point of the female friendship was really spot on. I loved the little dramas each girl was dealing. Abby’s story was particularly sticky for me, falling in love with a married man and the reason her parents have always been so cold to her was chilling – no pun intended. Pekkanen really hit another home run with her latest. I can’t wait to read what she has next for us!
[Rating: 5]

April 27, 2012
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True Love Way by Nancy Scrofano
Chick Lit Review

True Love Way by Nancy Scrofano

I was in a bit of a unique situation when I was asked to review True Love Way by debut writer Nancy Scrofano. I actually virtually be-friended Nancy via our blogs. She runs the fab site Chick Lit Bee. When Nancy had finished writing True Love Way, she asked me for a manuscript critique. I happily obliged, enjoyed her story, and was excited to see what happened next. My other good friend, Lucie Simone, runs an indie publishing company, Simon and Fig, and took on Nancy and her story. And…here we are! Nancy can now add “published author” to her long list of accomplishments. So, let me jump into my review.
The heroine of this story is Marlo Spencer, a retro-loving gal who is addicted to classic TV shows. And who has been holding out for her Mr. Wrong for too long. When high school boyfriend Josh finally reconnects with Marlo after twelve years of silence, Marlo doesn’t waste any time driving from Malibu to her hometown of Napa. Her best friend Nik makes the journey with, as his family and sister – Savannah, Marlo’s close friend – also still live in Napa. Marlo loves seeing Savannah and her daughter, as well as her parents, but she is really there for Josh. Could it be after all this time that they will finally get together? But Marlo’s happy homecoming doesn’t go anywhere near planned, when old secrets are revealed, friendships are tested, and Marlo figures out where her heart truly lies.
I thought this was a really fun chick lit read. Scrofano has a talent for creating characters, and I felt like Marlo and I could be pals. I even love me some I Love Lucy like she does. There was drama, romance, tears, and love. The only thing I didn’t like so much was that I felt the big secret was fairly obvious. I don’t want to give too much away, but I felt about five foreshadowing cases could have been removed so there was more of an actual shock when readers discover the secret. Other than, really great debut. I’ll be looking forward to more from Nancy Scrofano!
[Rating: 4]

April 26, 2012
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Whole Latte Life by Joanne DeMaio
Chick Lit Review

Whole Latte Life by Joanne DeMaio

Whole Latte Life by Joanne DeMaio is a poignant novel that examines life and the unbreakable bonds of love and friendship. The story follows Sara Beth Riley who suddenly and unexpectedly leaves a note to her best friend at a restaurant one night and takes a break from her own life. In the beginning, all Sara Beth really wants is a few days of freedom, but she doesn’t realize just how close she is to completely losing it all. Her marriage, her family, her life, her forgotten dreams, and the loss of her mother have all taken their toll on her, and she can do nothing but run away.

Her best friend Rachel, alone now more than ever since the death of her husband and her daughter away at college, fears for her friend and attempts to bring her back to her life. Will Rachel be able to reach her friend in time?

I found the two women honest and absolutely loved the bond of their friendship. This novel had me thinking about my relationship with my best friend and all of the wonderful (and unforgettable) moments that the two of us have shared. Together, Rachel and Sara Beth create an unforgettable team that really create a “whole latte life” for one another. This book is endearingly heartfelt and left me thinking often times about the decisions and choices that I have made thus far. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a women’s fiction book with a little more depth. I will be sharing this one with my best friend and my mom!

[Rating 4.5/5]

April 25, 2012
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Kiss Me, Dancer by Alicia and Roy Street
Chick Lit Review

Kiss Me, Dancer by Alicia and Roy Street

Alicia and Roy Street are currently on tour with their novel Kiss Me, Dancer. This story follows Casey Richardson, a ballet dancer and working girl that finds passion in teaching others how to express themselves through dance. Though she might not have made it into professional dancing like her younger sister, her talent and drive is still there. Casey is devastated to learn that she might lose her dance studio – and home – for not reading the fine print in her leasing contract.
Drew Byrne, a wealthy, arrogant man, disapproves of his nine year old son being in Casey’s dance class. He wants his son to focus on sports, something manly. But when he sees how Casey’s class is helping Josh break out of his shell, he lets him report back to class. He may have another reason for allowing Josh back in Casey’s studio – he has an on the dance teacher herself. But could a romance between these opposites ever work?
I thoroughly enjoyed Kiss Me, Dancer. The story is well-written and kept my attention throughout. Casey and Drew are complete opposites who fight their romance for so long, but the chemistry between the two sizzles between the pages. I even loved Josh’s character, a shy little boy who loves to dance to hip-hop routines. Everything was well put together, from the romance to the inadequate feeling Casey has when being compared to her sister, to Casey building her new business. The only gripe I have is how long Casey and Drew fought their attraction. I was actually unsure at one point if they would be able to stay together due to them both being so stubborn! But overall, fun book that I would recommend. Looking forward to the sequel that focuses on Casey’s brother!
[Rating: 4]

April 25, 2012
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Three Daves by Nicki Elson
Chick Lit Review

Three Daves by Nicki Elson

Three Daves was such a fun book to read. I loved the throwback to the 80’s and Nicki Elson did a fantastic job with creating…

April 23, 2012
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