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The Lies We Told by Diane Chamberlain
Chick Lit Review

The Lies We Told by Diane Chamberlain

Maya and Rebecca Ward are two sisters who share a special bond. Both doctors, the girls witnessed the murder of their parents when they were young, an incident that has shaped the rest of their lives. Maya, the younger sister, works as a pediatric orthopedist, married to Adam, yet another doctor. The couple has hit a hard point in their marriage, as Maya has suffered through multiple miscarriages. Rebecca is a free-spirited risk-taker, working for Doctors International Disaster Aid, which takes her all over the world helping people after disaster strikes. She has no interest in settling down and starting a family like her sister.
When hurricanes devastate North Carolina, Rebecca is one of the first on the scene. She convinces Adam to join her in the rescue and relief mission, and after seeing all the children in need, Adam convinces Maya to join them. While Maya prefers her clean hospital and safe house over a ravaged city, sleeping in tents, and little food, she thinks her marriage will be helped if she joins her husband and sister. But when Maya’s helicopter goes down, everyone aboard is assumed dead. Rebecca and Adam are devastated over the loss of Maya- and turn to each for consolation.
The Lies We Told by Diane Chamberlain is a deeply complicated story of family, betrayal, and forgiveness. The changing point of views between the sisters offer an intimidate look at each of their stories on their parents murder and other past events that has led them to their adult lives. I found this novel to be a page-turner, unable to put it down for chapters at a time. My heart ached for all the characters involved, and Chamberlain’s writing was beautiful and well researched. I was truly transported to the hurricane ravaged North Carolina, and felt that I could walk in the characters’ shoes. If only it weren’t for the ending, this novel would receive a 5 star rating. The last five chapters had my interest for a good hour, I had to see how the characters resolved the many problems they faced, and I was disappointed. I won’t ruin the ending for anybody, but I am curious to see if any other readers had the same reaction I did. Overall, I would recommend The Lies We Told, but be prepared for the ending to leave you unsatisfied.

July 5, 2010
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The Summer We Read Gatsby by Danielle Ganek
Chick Lit Review

The Summer We Read Gatsby by Danielle Ganek

Half sisters Peck and Cassie have taken up residence in the Hamptons after the passing of their beloved Aunt Lydia. Lydia left her house, Fools House, to her nieces, with the instructions that they needed to find the thing of “utmost importance.” Throughout the summer, the girls trot along, finding love, finding mystery, and ultimately finding the importance of being sisters. The girls couldn’t be more different- Peck an extrovert, a wannabee actress who thinks the world is her stage- and Cassie, the sensible, responsible sister, who is wanting to quickly get Fools House sold and get on with her life. But with long-lost loves, an unwelcome house guest, over aggressive real estate agents, and posh Hampton parties, the sisters find enough adventure and revelation over the summer to last the rest of their lives.
The Summer We Read Gatsby by Danielle Ganek wasn’t my favorite novel of the summer. It took me almost half the book to really start to feel for the characters, and I felt at times the story was just too simply farfetched. Ganek is a great writer, and her knowledge and love of art shined through at times, but I didn’t feel it was enough to carry the characters along through their summer at Fools House. I usually look to see how the supporting cast ties in with the main characters, and I thought they fell a bit flat as well. There were also some scenarios that were mentioned once then faded away, never being played out. Overall I was disappointed, once I closed the book the characters and plot were gone from my mind.

July 4, 2010
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I Scream, You Scream by Wendy Lyn Watson
Chick Lit Review

I Scream, You Scream by Wendy Lyn Watson

Tallulah Jones is a struggling entrepreneur, trying to keep her beloved ice cream parlor in business. Unfortunately for her, the biggest way to drive in customers is catering the big annual luau taking place in town- run by her cheating ex-husband. Wayne, a highly successful and egocentric entrepreneur, doesn’t have a problem flaunting his younger girlfriend, Brittanie, in front of Tallulah, further increasing her humiliation. But when Brittanie mysteriously dies after the luau, people are saying it was murder- and fingers are pointed at Tallulah.
Knowing full well she did not murder Brittanie, Tallulah is determined to clear her name. She sets out on her own investigation, quickly racking up names of people around town that held a grudge against the young woman who stole her husband. Along the way, she finds a love connection with an old flame- but could he be involved in the mysterious murder?
I Scream, You Scream by Wendy Lyn Watson is a deliciously written cozy mystery that will delight chick lit fans, especially those who like added suspense. There is enough humor and plots twists to keep the characters engaging, and the love story is nicely played with the “did he or didn’t he?” throw in. A fun, fast, and tasteful read.

July 2, 2010
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The Look of Love by Jill Egizii
Chick Lit Review

The Look of Love by Jill Egizii

Anna has spent twenty years in a marriage from hell, locked in with Erik because of their children and politics. Erik is a successfully trial attorney with ties to equally successfully politicians, and each time Anna has tried for a divorce, Erik is quick to put an end to it. Anna finally realizes she has no choice but to get away from her tainted marriage for her own safety and the safety of her children, but once they are separated everything begins to fall apart for Anna. Erik starts using his powerful connections with the law to keep Anna away from her children, and using his manipulation skills to deteriorate the once strong bond between a mother and her kids.
The Look of Love by Jill Egizii was a touching story, yet I found it difficult to read at times. The brutal honesty and eyes wide open look at parental alienation, psychological devastation, and manipulation of the justice system was hard to swallow at times. Egizii is an advocate for parental alienation awareness, serving as a board member on a number organizations to educate about the devastating effects, and the knowledge readers can gain from this novel is profound. The story that surrounds love, family, and a mother’s quest of well-being for her children is heart-warming and compelling.
Rating: 4/5

June 30, 2010
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The Journey Home by Michael Baron
Chick Lit Review

The Journey Home by Michael Baron

The Journey Home by Michael Baron is a beautiful story that intertwines the lives of four very different individuals. Joseph, a man in his late thirties, is awoken one day with no recollection of who is, where he is, or why he has no memory of his life. All he knows is that his wife is waiting for him, needs him, and it is up to him to find her. Will, a young boy, becomes his traveling companion, and is wanting to get away from his foster parents. Antoinette is an elderly woman living in assisted care, still grieving the death of her husband who passed six years earlier. Her son, Warren, visits her frequently but is going through his share of struggles. He is in the process of a divorce and has lost his job, so he begins to spend more time with his mother, often cooking her meals that she was once cooked for him. Each character is struggling to find happiness and home, and Baron does an excellent job at transitioning between each of their respective lives and journeys. I didn’t get pulled it right away, it took me a few chapters of getting to know the characters and differentiate between the situations, but once I was able to get past the multiple points of view, I was all in. A definite recommendation.
Rating: 4/5

June 29, 2010
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Are You There Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea
Chick Lit Review

Are You There Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea

I have been a fan of Chelsea Handler since the beginning of her popular late night show Chelsea Lately on the E! network. When I learned she had books out, of course I had to scoop them up. I started with Are You There Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea. And I loved it! The story speeds through Chelsea’s life, ranging from her as a young girl up until she is an adult, highlighting some of the most bizarre and hilarious events that has taken place. From telling her classmates that she is a major movie star with Goldie Hawn, a girl-on-girl stint in jail, and all her crazy family issues in between, this book kept me laughing until the end. Handler’s uninhibited point of view and sarcastic remarks kept me laughing out loud, and even though at times the story line seemed a bit all over, her narrative kept it all flowing together. If you can appreciate cynical, self-deprecating humor and raunchy situations, be sure to check this one out! If you have seen Chelsea Lately and don’t find her funny, or are sensitive to racy content, I would suggest passing.

June 23, 2010
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Heart of the Matter by Emily Giffin
Chick Lit Review

Heart of the Matter by Emily Giffin

I was waiting anxiously to read Emily Giffin’s fifth novel, Heart of the Matter, as I have yet to be disappointed by this talented author. And sure enough, the opening scene is enough to draw me in and start rooting for the characters. The novel is narrated in turn by both Tessa, the wife of pediatric plastic surgeon Nick Russo, and Valerie, mother to Charlie who is burned badly while at a sleepover. Nick starts to dangerously cross the professional line with his patient Charlie and mother Valerie, and Tessa begins to suspect Nick is having an affair. With both women telling their side of the story, it is impossible to be unsympathetic to either, and my heart was literally aching for each family. The emotions this story brought out of me were intense: at one point I actually threw the book away from me I was so distraught and crying! I can fully say that is the first time I have really let me emotions get the best of me during a reading.
It’s no question that Heart of the Matter will be going under my ‘favorites’ section. Giffin fans will be delighted that yet again her past characters are making cameos, as Tessa is the sister to Dex from Something Borrowed. Dex and Rachel appear multiple times throughout the story, and it was great fun meeting up with them again and seeing where they are in their respective lives. Once I got to the last three chapters, there was no chance of putting it down. This layered novel will pull readers in from the beginning, and keep them wanting more after the last page is turned.

June 19, 2010
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Best Friends Forever by Jennifer Weiner
Chick Lit Review

Best Friends Forever by Jennifer Weiner

Jennifer Weiner’s seventh novel, Best Friends Forever, may fool readers into thinking this is some lovey-dovey over the top story about friendship, but don’t fall for that. The story begins with a possible homicide at a ten year high school reunion, when the beautiful Valerie tries seeking revenge on Dan Swansea but possibly goes too far. When Valerie realizes she may need help, she seeks out childhood best friend, Addie Downs, to bail her out of the sticky situation. Addie is shocked to find Valerie on her doorstep, especially after the major falling out the girls had in high school. It doesn’t take much for Valerie to apologize for her previous actions and rope Addie into her off the wall schemes in trying to elude the police, turning this novel into a Thelma and Louise type plot.
I did enjoy reading about how the girls were able to mend a once broken friendship, but at times it was too over the top for me. With a police officer that conveniently falls for Addie after one glance, a harebrained scheme of robbing a bank, and a religious intervention taking place at the end, I found myself shaking my head in disbelief on more than one occasion. But underneath that, the focus on ugly duckling Addie as she struggles with her weight, a slew of disastrous blind dates, and caring for her troubled brother kept me happily occupied during my reading. I think chick lit fans will appreciate the differences in these friends and the backgrounds they have come from, and of course- the underlying romantic plot between Addie and the officer. Best Friends Forever wasn’t my favorite Jennifer Weiner novel, but I still recommend it for a good beach read.
Rating: 4/5

June 18, 2010
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On Folly Beach by Karen White
Chick Lit Review

On Folly Beach by Karen White

Emmy Hamilton is grieving the death of her young husband, Ben, who lost his life serving in Afghanistan. Emmy isn’t sure she will ever be able to move on from the tragedy, but her mother convinces her to seek out Folly Beach, particularly the bookstore Folly’s Finds. Emmy’s love for books and history is strong, and when she receives a box of books from Folly’s Finds, she uncovers what she believes is a love story from the 1940’s during WWII. The letters hidden away between the pages are enough to convince Emmy to move away and try to piece together who exactly the lovers were- and clear up a possible murder that may have been committed in the past.
Once Emmy moves to Folly Beach and begins work at Folly’s Finds, the mysteries from the 1940’s start to piece together. Emmy meets Lulu, whose sister Maggie was the original owner of the bookstore, and possible author of the love letters. Though Lulu is quite tight-lipped about the past, Emmy starts learning more about Lulu, Maggie, and the world they lived in more than sixty years earlier.
On Folly Beach by Karen White is a gripping masterpiece that is really two stories in one. While the book opens with Emmy’s story, the chapters switch between Emmy and Maggie, giving readers an inside look at each woman’s journey to find love and happiness. I have yet to discover another book that kept me up for hours just so I could finish the story and feel the closure of the characters. I will say it took me a few chapters to really get excited about the events that were taking place, but it didn’t take long before I was completely immersed under White’s spell. Prepare for your emotions to run wild when you read On Folly Beach, as the writing is as real as the characters are genuine.

June 15, 2010
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