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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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Just Like Me, Only Better by Carol Snow
Chick Lit Review

Just Like Me, Only Better by Carol Snow

Veronica Czaplicki is miserable after her husband leaves her for their older relator. She thought men only strayed to younger and tighter and pastures, but not in her case. Now she is living in Orange County as a single mother to Ben, playing second fiddle to his father and the mega-rich relator he has moved on to. This substitute teacher has a twist of fate interfere one night when she is mistaken as Haley Rush- a young superstar trying to rise to Hollywood fame. When Haley’s manager gets word of Veronica’s uncanny resemblance to his client, he convinces her to stand in for Haley at press events and photo ops, citing Haley is exhausted from her acting and singing demands.
At first Veronica is thrilled- she gets to bank $100/hour just to get dressed up and meet other celebrities- including the hunky Brady Ellis. But Veronica soon learns the downfall of being a celebrity- the nasty comments on the internet about her appearance and being duped by another rising celebrity. Add to the situation that Haley Rush isn’t exhausted she’s just plain crazy, makes Veronica think that her normal life isn’t so bad.
Just Like Me, Only Better by Carol Snow is a fun read for those who enjoy hearing about celebrity shenanigans. What made this book one of my favorites is that is breaks away from the usual patterns. Instead of leaving her for a young cat, Veronica’s husband leaves her for an older woman. And when you think you know exactly what will be the next step or move a character will make, you’re blindsided by something completely different- and usually hilarious. I really enjoyed seeing how the heroine balanced her celebrity life and life as a single, struggling mom. The multiple romances that play out throughout the book are comically funny as well. Highly recommended!

June 10, 2010
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The Icing on the Cupcake by Jennifer Ross
Chick Lit Review

The Icing on the Cupcake by Jennifer Ross

Ansley is your classic sorority sister with loads of money, class- and a terrible attitude towards others. Though she has pursued a college eduction, this diva in the making plans on settling into the happy life of a housewife: getting married, popping out adorable children, and spending her time planning parties and other highly important functions in the neighborhood. Her plans are dashed when her adorable and successful fiancée, Parish, dumps her- in the middle of a party! Humiliated and distraught about the gossip that is sure to fly about her, Ansley flees the comfort of her hometown of Dallas and hightails to New York City to live with her grandmother until she can recover and get a game plan going.
Ansley’s grandmother, Vivian, is a feisty older woman who is juggling her own set of problems. Her husband has recently passed away, and left Vivian in hot water with the IRS over his finances and some risky tax moves he had been hiding from her. Making the situation even more uncomfortable is the fact that Vivian left Dallas when Ansley was young girl, estranging herself from her own daughter and granddaughter- not speaking to either in years. With her sudden houseguest, Vivian is hoping to make a family connection after so many years, but the question surrounds why she left her family in the first place…
The Icing on the Cupcake is a delicious and fluffy read from Jennifer Ross. Ansley’s character is easily disliked in the beginning, but after she sets up shop in New York and starts to have a personality change, she is extremely relatable. Vivian is a riot- a woman who is not afraid to talk about her sex life and her wishes to bed the IRS agent she is working with on her late husband’s finances. There were two things I particularly liked about this story- the mystery that keeps going strong throughout about why the family is separated and the not so expected love ending for the heroine. I enjoy when books veer away from the norm, and I think this is definitely one of those. I can only hope for a sequel to see how Ansley’s love life turns out! For all you bakers that love to read- check out the delicious recipes that end each chapter.

June 5, 2010
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Forget Me Knot by Sue Margolis
Chick Lit Review

Forget Me Knot by Sue Margolis

Abby Crompton, owner of a trendy London florist boutique, is struggling in her relationship. While everything may seem picture perfect to outsiders, Abby fears there is something array with her fiancée Toby. Other than their complete opposition in the social aspect- Toby comes from a highly wealthy family, Abby not so much- but now their lack of any activity in the bedroom is making Abby unsure of her future wedding plans. When she is running late to meet the dreaded soon to be mother-in-law, Abby confronts her fears of an elevator and promptly gets stuck in one. While waiting to be rescued, Abby confides all her doubts about her impending marriage and fiancée to the handsome stranger that is trapped along with her, filmmaker Dan.
Abby’s embarrassment is elevated when she later meets Dan in a business setting- he is going to be directing a film where scenes take place in Abby’s boutique. While continually assuring her that he doesn’t think anything less of her and the inebriated personal babble she bestowed on him, Abby finds herself thinking of Dan in a more romantic setting. When her relationship with Toby comes to a direct halt, Abby wonders if anything more could happen with Dan. Before she can even begin to rebound,, she finds some unsettling news that Dan has been hiding from her, and gives up hope on that budding relationship. But following all great chick lit patterns, Abby is able to find love in the end even after all the false starts.
Forgot Me Knot is a romantic delight from British author Sue Margolis. A lightweight comedy that chick lit readers will enjoy. This was one of the better books from Margolis in my opinion, the characters were a riot, especially the heroine’s mom who finds a way to stand up for what she believes in during a cruise vacation gone bad. The storyline moves along quickly, and remains charming throughout.

June 3, 2010
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Looks to Die For by Janice Kaplan
Chick Lit Review

Looks to Die For by Janice Kaplan

Lacy Fields is thriving in life. A great job as an interior designer, a successful and loving husband who works as a plastic surgeon in Hollywood, great family and friends. But when the cops explode into her house one night and arrest her husband Dan for murdering a wannabee actress, Lacy feels her life getting turned upside down. Convinced that Dan is not a murderer, but feeling like everyone- including Dan’s attorney- thinks he’s guilty, the mom who loves designer shoes and sparkling jewelry decides to launch her own investigation into the shady world of fame, money, and scandal. She certainly doesn’t expect what she finds- ex-cons, ransom notes, a dead body in her own trunk, being taken hostage. But determined to stand by her man, nothing will knock down this well-dressed amateur sleuth as she works feverishly to clear her husband’s name and put the pieces of her family back together.
Looks to Kill For, the first of two Lacy Fields mysteries from well-known author Janice Kaplan, will give readers plenty of suspense along with the posh LA lifestyle the heroine is living. The mystery is puzzling, with enough plot twists and character assumptions that will keep you guessing until the end, and the celebrity name dropping is delightful for chick lit fans. Kaplan’s witty writing along with the pull of a love story will keep readers wanting more from Lacy Fields.

June 3, 2010
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Enchanted Inc. by Shanna Swendson
Chick Lit Review

Enchanted Inc. by Shanna Swendson

Katie Chandler is just your average 26 year old who moved from her small town lifestyle in Texas to the magical world of New York City. She lives with her two friends, who also moved from Texas, and works Monday-Friday at a thankless assistant job to an evil boss. Katie wishes she could really do something with her life, make her mark somehow. Be important, wanted, needed. She never thought she actually possessed a talent, a gift, for magic.
Katie learns, after much persistence from the company MSI, that she is an immune- someone who can see magic but can’t actually practice it. MSI, which stands for Magic, Spells, and Illusions Inc. wants to recruit Katie and put her gift to use, being able to see past magical shields, cloaks, and invisibility. MSI are the good guys in the magical world, working to prevent evil magic at play. Katie quickly adapts to her new life, magic by day and normal at night. The hardest part is not being able to tell her roommates and parents about what she now does as a living- which includes working for the one and only Merlin. When a former MSI employee turns to the dark side, a battle ensues and Katie finds herself playing a pivotal part. Finally, somewhere she belongs, where she will make a difference.
Enchanted Inc. the first in the Enchanted series from author Shanna Swendson, is a fun tale that offers a magical adventure from the norm. The adventures the heroine embarks are comical, and the writing is light and saucy, with a twinge of seriousness and enough of a love story to interest chick lit fans. If you are looking to escape the everyday stories with the usual plot twists and characters, crack open the Enchanted series and get lost in the magic.
Rating: 4.5/5

June 2, 2010
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