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CLP Blog Tours Book Review: Everybody’s Got a Story by Heather Wardell
Chick Lit Review

CLP Blog Tours Book Review: Everybody’s Got a Story …

Heather Wardell is on tour now with CLP Blog Tours and Everybody’s Got a Story
Summary:
Both personally and professionally, Alexa knows all too well the power of words. Two years after her boyfriend Christophe’s vicious attack, she’s still trying to see herself as more than simply ‘his victim’, still trying to figure out her own story.

After his trial, she moves from New York City to Toronto in an attempt to start over, but his words cling to her and even in a new country she can’t see how to move into relationships with the new people in her life while hiding the secret of Christophe’s worst offense.

She can’t hide that secret from her coworker Jake, though, because the news buff has recognized her from the coverage of the assault and trial and knows every word she can’t bring herself to say about her ordeal.

With Jake’s help, can Alexa reclaim her story and her life?
Review:
Heather Wardell is an author that tops my lists. Whenever she has a new book out (which is often, girl is good) I can’t wait to get it on my Kindle. I know her stories are going to be well-written, unique, and always leave me thinking about the characters. So I wasn’t shocked at all that my mind was made up at page 3 that this book would be going on my Favorites List. Everybody’s Got a Story is a deep story, one that you really almost need a strong stomach to read. There are only a few parts that deal with graphic abuse, but my mind kept wondering to Alexa and her story and how one moves on from what she had to endure – by a boyfriend no less. Her move to Toronto to essentially start her life over fascinated me, and it’s impossible not to cheer for her and want her to lead a happy life. This is such a good story with a good message, and I really hope women will take the time to read this story. Highly recommend.
5 stars
**Everyone who leaves a comment on the tour page will be entered to win a $20 Amazon gift card! Anyone who purchases their copy of Everybody’s Got a Story before November 4 and sends their receipt to Samantha (at) ChickLitPlus (dot) com, will get five bonus entries.**
Author Bio:
Growing up, I was an avid (rabid?) reader. I am a natural speed reader, regularly clocked at about 1200 wpm (I read Harry Potter 5 in just under three hours), and always have several books on the go, nearly all in e-book form on my Kindle.
I have always made up stories in my head, but never considered becoming a writer. Instead, I intended to be a high school music teacher. I was sidetracked by my enjoyment of my psychology courses in university, and ended up with a psychology degree with a concentration in computer science.
This took me to a major Canadian bank as a software developer. I stayed there for just over four years, and then went back to school to become an elementary school teacher. After four years teaching elementary school computer science, I took up the National Novel Writing Month challenge and attempted to write a novel in a month.
I succeeded, and the first draft of “Life, Love, and a Polar Bear Tattoo” was the result. I realized I love writing. I left teaching, and I haven’t looked back since!

In my non-writing time, I read, run, swim, crochet, take care of my 55 gallon aquarium and my cat Trinity, and play drums and clarinet. Generally not all at once.

Connect with Heather!
http://www.facebook.com/heather.wardell.author
http://www.twitter.com/heatherwardell
http://www.heatherwardell.com/

Buy the Book!

Amazon.com (Kindle)
Apple’s iBookstore
Barnes and Noble (for their nook reader)
Google Play
Kobo (ePub format)
Smashwords.com (variety of formats)
Sony (for their ebook readers)
If you prefer print, you can get “Everybody’s Got a Story” at:
Amazon.com
Amazon.ca
Barnes and Noble
CreateSpace.com

November 4, 2013
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Book Review: The Girl You Left Behind by Jojo Moyes
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: The Girl You Left Behind by Jojo Moyes

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from SheReads
Summary:
France, 1916: Artist Edouard Lefevre leaves his young wife, Sophie, to fight at the front. When their small town falls to the Germans in the midst of World War I, Edouard’s portrait of Sophie draws the eye of the new Kommandant. As the officer’s dangerous obsession deepens, Sophie will risk everything—her family, her reputation, and her life—to see her husband again.

Almost a century later, Sophie’s portrait is given to Liv Halston by her young husband shortly before his sudden death. A chance encounter reveals the painting’s true worth, and a battle begins for who its legitimate owner is—putting Liv’s belief in what is right to the ultimate test.

Like Sarah Blake’s The Postmistress and Tatiana de Rosnay’s Sarah’s Key, The Girl You Left Behind is a breathtaking story of love, loss, and sacrifice told with Moyes’s signature ability to capture our hearts with every turn of the page.
Review:
How did I describe this book to my mom? “OMG.” What an outstanding read, and I think this is not just a favorite of 2013, but my favorite of the year so far. I love how story starts out, giving us a big chunk of Sophie’s life in 1916 during the German occupation of France. From reading the synopsis I knew we would be getting both past and present, and most books like that give a chapter or two then switch for a chapter or two, then back. I thought this was great to give so much of the past storyline, because when we finally start reading about Liv Halston and how she comes across Sophie’s painting, my mind was always on Sophie. What happened to her? Did she find her husband? Or did she die? I was so hooked that I was bringing my Kindle everywhere with me so I didn’t have to stop reading. Towards the end of the novel I was walking on my treadmill (while reading, yes) and I remember goosebumps springing all over me when a new characters is introduced in the present – but someone from the past. I really don’t want to give anything away, because clearly it had quite the impact on me. From there, I started bawling – not crying, not sniffling, but full-out sobbing – when we finally learned of Sophie’s fate. And yes, I was still on the treadmill. What a magnificent book, and one I will recommend to everyone!
5 stars

October 15, 2013
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Book Review: Hush Little Baby by Suzanne Redfearn
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: Hush Little Baby by Suzanne Redfearn

Reviewer: Samantha I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Summary: If I stay, he will kill me. If I…

October 8, 2013
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Book Review: Arcadia’s Curse by Jesi Lea Ryan
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: Arcadia’s Curse by Jesi Lea Ryan

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Summary:
Think high school sucks? Try being an empath who has to experience everyone else’s suckage on top of your own. (Literally.)

In the months since her family life imploded and her psychic gifts began to arise, Cady has struggled to figure out how she can fit into her normal life without going crazy from the constant presence of emotional energy. Her grades have tanked. Her best friend is afraid of her. And she begins to have doubts about why her boyfriend, Bryan, is really keeping her around. But a chance meeting with another gifted girl online opens up a whole new world of possibilities. Unfortunately, this new world comes at an awful price.
Review:
I was super excited to get my hands on this book, as I read the first in this series and absolutely loved it! Arcadia’s Gift welcomed us into the life of Arcadia (Cady) Day, who loses her twin sister Lony in a horrific and tragic train accident. As if the accident wasn’t difficult enough, immediately afterwards she receives psychic gifts. Arcadia’s Curse picks up where the first left off, joining Cady and her cast of high school friends. Cady is struggling with her gifts, and the empathy makes school nearly impossible for her to get through. When an opportunity to be surrounded by others with similar gifts arises, Cady packs up and moves to an institute in Chicago. There the story really heightens, as Cady finds herself in a situation that is downright horrifying. The book as a whole is really terrific, but the second half is near impossible to put down. I’m really curious to see where the third book will take us. Please don’t miss this series!
5 stars

October 2, 2013
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Book Review: Lake Como by Anita Hughes
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: Lake Como by Anita Hughes

I received a copy of Lake Como by Anita Hughes in exchange for an honest review.
Summary:
Hallie Elliot has a perfect life. She is an up-and-coming interior designer in one of San Francisco’s most sought after firms, and has just recently become engaged to Peter, a brilliant young journalist. But when she stumbles upon Peter and her boss in what seems to be a compromising position, her trust in her perfect life is shaken.
So Hallie escapes to Lake Como, Italy to spend time with her half-sister, Portia Tesoro, an Italian blueblood dealing with the scandal of a public estrangement from her cheating husband. While staying in the Tesoro villa, Hallie falls in love with the splendor and beauty of Lake Como, and finds work designing the lakeside estate of a reclusive American tech mogul. The caretaker of this beautiful estate is a handsome man named Angus, and Hallie finds herself drawn to his charm and kindness, despite hints of a dark secret in his past.
But just as Hallie is beginning to find her footing on Italian soil, she uncovers a family secret that upends all the truths she’s believed about herself, and calls into question the new life she’s built in Lake Como.
Sisterhood, family, career, and sumptuous descriptions of Italian life fill the pages of this newest offering by Anita Hughes. Lake Como is a heartbreaking and heartwarming story of love, self-discovery, and the quest for truth.
Love, sisterhood, and sumptuous descriptions of la dolce vita fill the pages of Anita Hughes’ Lake Como, a heartwarming story of romance, self-discovery, and the quest for truth.

Review:
What a fabulous read that had me wishing I had cocktail in hand and a pair of heels on my feet while reading! Lake Como whisked me away and wrapped me up in Hallie’s story, beginning with her suddenly rocky relationship with Peter and ending with a touching love story. In between we have royalty and family secrets and the intrigue and mystery surrounding the Tesoro family had me unable to put this book down. Hughes writes with a grace and elegance that had me devouring this story and I highly recommend this book!
5 stars

August 14, 2013
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CLP Blog Tours Book Review: When Girlfriends Chase Dreams by Savannah Page
Chick Lit Review

CLP Blog Tours Book Review: When Girlfriends Chase Dreams by …

Savannah Page is now on tour with CLP Blog Tours and When Girlfriends Chase Dreams
Summary:
A novel about chasing dreams, for better or worse, and living your love story.

Claire Linley is finally a bride! After nearly ten years with her college freshman sweetheart, Claire is going to become Mrs. Conner Whitley. She’s got her bridal magazines, is the biggest Martha Stewart fan, and subscribes to all the major wedding blogs. She’s been dreaming of this moment for years! How could planning her dream wedding be anything but perfect?

The easy-going and bubbly type, Claire will obviously have a blast planning, and with her fantastic group of girlfriends-made-bridesmaids she just can’t go wrong. Whether it’s wedding gown shopping, makeup trials, or cake-tasting, Claire’s friends are there in a pinch.

But how big does the pinch get? All Claire wants to do is get married, but at every turn something seems to go awry and she’s starting to lose it. How is a girl supposed to remain cool and collected when the pricey dream wedding planner isn’t turning out to be so dreamy? When DIY projects and the perfect venue are going up in smoke? How is Claire supposed to marry Conner when the special day that’s supposed to join them together, forever, is slowly tearing them apart?

This is the charming story about how sometimes the biggest events in life are defined by the smallest acts of kindness and love. It’s a love story about dreaming large, loving deeply, and, in the end, truly having the happiest day of your life, no matter what happens (or doesn’t). About what happens when girlfriends chase dreams.
Review:
I have been absolutely loving this series, and I was so excited to get to Claire’s story because…I am a future bride just like her! I knew this book would be amazing for me to read because of the timing, and it simply turned out to be one of my favorites of the year. I could relate so well to Claire’s journey – all the things going wrong and turning out different than she expected, along with all the stress that comes with planning a wedding. I felt like we were two peas in a pod all the way through, when I laughed, when I had tears in my eyes, and when I was so thrilled for her in the end that she got her happy ending – just not the way she might have expected it! This book also taught me a lot of really good lessons when it comes to planning my own wedding, the stress and headaches that I am now dealing with on a daily basis, and what it truly means to be a wife. I’m really excited for the next book and to keep reading about this group of girlfriends!
5 stars
Connect with Savannah!

Website/Blog: http://www.savannahpage.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/savannahpageauthor
Twitter: @Savannah_Page

Buy the Book!

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/When-Girlfriends-Chase-Dreams-ebook/dp/B00BXQN8P4
BN: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/when-girlfriends-chase-dreams-savannah-page/1115851584?ean=2940016423326
Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/When-Girlfriends-Chase-Dreams/book-vW5C2kDxfky2eju0sdDrbw/page1.html?s=gtiZD02Wy0CGViiox-QR0Q&r=1
iTunes:
http://itunes.apple.com/book/when-girlfriends-chase-dreams/id666442923?l=en&mt=11

July 25, 2013
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Book Review: Redesigning Rose by Lydia Laceby
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: Redesigning Rose by Lydia Laceby

I am excited to share my review today for Redesigning Rose by Lydia Laceby! I befriended Lydia initially through her book blog, Novel Escapes, and was so honored when she asked me to work on the editing for her manuscript. That manuscript has now turned into the wonderful Redesigning Rose, and let’s dive right into my review!
Summary:
Rose Parker’s husband has been lying. About everything.

When a conversation with her husband triggers questions, Rose Parker uncovers alarming answers that shatter her perfect life. But it is only when she shoves her belongings in her SUV and drives off that Rose realizes just how far from perfect her life actually was. She has nowhere to turn.

While debating between distressing sleeping arrangements–her mother’s house full of questions or a hotel room with too much solitude–Rose bumps into an acquaintance from her gardening class and allows bubbly, exuberant Becky to indulge her in a wild night full of whiskey, weeping, and whispered confidences. Suddenly, Rose has a new friend, a roof over her head, and two gorgeous men moving her out of her marital home.

As Rose struggles to settle into her new life, she remains determined to comprehend her past. And with time and distance and especially wine, comes knowledge. Frank wasn’t the only one lying to her. Rose was lying to herself.
Review:
I love that we start off right away knowing that Rose’s husband is an awful man. I think the story started off on the right foot; we are immediately in the action and backing Rose one hundred percent. Rose’s character is very well-written, a woman with flaws yet determined to move on with her life, yet she can’t resist meeting up with her soon to be ex-husband a few times. It would have been hard to believe if she just cut him out cold turkey, so even though I was screaming “don’t do it!” I knew she had to. I like the love interest in this story because it’s not easy. It’s messy and complicated but really fun to read about. The supporting cast is great fun as well, especially wild Becky (who gets a serious storyline that really added depth to the book) and Rose’s supportive mother. I highly recommend this wonderful debut novel!
5 stars

July 4, 2013
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Book Review: The Unexpected List by Chrissy Anderson
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: The Unexpected List by Chrissy Anderson

I received a copy of The Unexpected List by Chrissy Anderson in exchange for an honest review.
Summary:
Chrissy Anderson’s The Unexpected List delivers another charismatic combination of romance and anguish, peppered with large doses of wit. In this second novel from THE LIST TRILOGY, Chrissy, who is now divorced from her husband, Kurt, is finally free to pursue a “truly, madly, deeply” relationship with the man of her dreams, Leo.

And it looks like Chrissy is finally going to be able to have her wedding cake and eat it too as Leo valiantly tries to make all of her dreams come true. But once again, Chrissy’s world, and her relationships, are turned upside-down as someone else close to her dies. And, an unexpected gift forces her to grow up– fast. For a second time, Chrissy is pushed to make a choice between love and obligation. What will she choose this time?

Your favorite characters from The Life List are back. Dr. Maria, Slutty Co-worker, and Chrissy’s best friends from high school, Courtney and Nicole, continue to laugh and cry with Chrissy as she learns how to pick herself up and move on to achieve the life she’s always wanted, and now knows she deserves.

As in The Life List, not everyone will agree with Chrissy Anderson’s decisions, but all will pause as they follow along on her journey to ask, “What would I do if I were her?”
Review:
I was super excited times ten to read this book, as I just loved the first in this trilogy, The Life List. I found myself thinking about the characters and if Chrissy ended up Leo, as we are left with a cliffhanger. Now, this is going to be an interesting review. Why? Because I didn’t love all the aspects of this book. I struggled with some of the editing. For example, I don’t like sentences like this: Smiling from ear to ear, “So what?” Taking my hands, “I see very beautiful things.” My editor self was cringing when I read these types of sentences. Also, the beginning threw me off a bit. I thought the prologue was a bit too long, and too much of trying to keep an air of mystery. I just wanted the story to start all right, and stop with all the mysteriousness of it. Now, even after that being said…I’m giving this book a 5 star review. If I ever find something wrong with the editing it’s an automatic no 5 star, a 4.5 at best. So why would I have two things about the book that I dislike and still rate it 5 stars? Because I absolutely loved this story, and did not want to put it down (after I got through the prologue). The ending had me practically panting, and I actually felt crushed – crushed! – when the book ended at yet another cliffhanger. I felt even more crushed when I saw the third and final installment won’t be here until winter. These books are having a profound effect on me, and I’m talking to everyone I know about them. I think the about the characters, wonder about their lives, and find myself continuing the stories in my mind how I hope they will end. Very rarely, and I mean VERY rarely, does this happen. So yes, while I might find aspects that I didn’t totally like, in all I loved this book as a whole. I highly recommend this trilogy!
5 stars

June 18, 2013
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Book Review: The Love Wars by L. Alison Heller
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: The Love Wars by L. Alison Heller

I received a copy of The Love Wars by L. Alison Heller in exchange for an honest review.
Summary:
Breaking up is hard to do. At least the first few times.

Even though Molly Grant has only a handful of relationships behind her, she’s already been through more divorces than she can count.

At the premier Manhattan law firm where she’s a matrimonial attorney, the hours are long, the bosses tyrannical, and the bonuses stratospheric. Her clients are rich, famous, and used to getting their way. Molly’s job—and primary concern in life—is to work as hard as possible to make sure they do. Until she meets the client who changes everything….

Fern Walker is the desperate former wife of a ruthless media mogul. Her powerful ex is slowly pushing her out of her young children’s lives, and she fears losing them forever. Molly—haunted by an incident from her own past—finds herself unable to walk away from Fern and sets out to help her. She just needs to do it without her bosses finding out.

Now, as complications both professional and personal stack up, Molly can only hope that her own wits, heart, and instincts are enough—both in and out of court.
Review:
What an incredible book! I love a smart chick lit book, and I think that is just what The Love Wars is. Molly Grant is a strong heroine, and her story was a blast to follow. It was interesting how much I learned from the book, mainly about law and the processes that go on during a divorce and the dynamics of a law firm. There’s a bit of romance thrown in between the pages, but that is not the focal part of the story, and I really enjoyed that. I zipped through this book in just over a day, and had to keep tweeting the author to let her know how much I was loving it. Another favorite to add to the list!
5 stars

June 12, 2013
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