Chick Lit Plus by Samantha March

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In My Mailbox: Week of October 10
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In My Mailbox: Week of October 10

In My Mailbox: Week of October 10, 2010

Title: Happy Hour at Casa Dracula
Author: Marta Acosta
Received: From Marta Acosta
Synopsis: Despite her Fancy University (F.U.) degree, Milagro de los Santos isn’t having much success at life. She can barely pay the rent and all of her boyfriends are as frivolous as beach reads. Then, at a party in honor of her successful ex-boyfriend, she meets the unusually attractive, quirky Oswald Grant.
Who knew that her passionate kiss with Oswald would result in serious illness, a craving for raw meat, and an aversion to sunlight? Well, her ambitious ex knew, and after he attempts to kidnap Milagro, she must hide out with Oswald’s snobby family at their country estate to recover and learn the truth about their mysterious “genetic condition.”
When Oswald and his family are threatened, Milagro uses her wits, her wiles, and a whacky scheme to bring down the power-hungry creeps who refuse to let the undead live in peace.

Title: Midnight Brunch
Author: Marta Acosta
Received: From Marta Acosta
Synopsis: Hip, funny Milagro de los Santos thinks she’s finally found love and a home at the California ranch of fabulous Oswald Grant and his urbane relatives, who have a rare genetic disorder that some call vampirism. But Milagro is bewildered when she’s excluded from an ancient and mysterious midnight ceremony whose participants include Oswald’s unfriendly parents, a creepy family elder, and Milagro’s ex-lover, the powerful and decadent Ian Ducharme. What skeletons are the vampires keeping in their designer closets?
When Milagro’s life is threatened by a rogue family member, she flees to the desert to hide. Instead of solitude, she encounters an egomaniacal actor, a partying heiress, a sly tabloid reporter, and a lavish spa full of dark secrets — all of which might help her find a way home.

Title: The Bride of Casa Dracula
Author: Marta Acosta
Received: From Marta Acosta
Synopsis: Milagro de los Santos is having serious problems planning her wedding to fabulous Oswald Grant, M.D. Her future in-laws loathe her, her dog just died, and Oswald’s family has a genetic anomaly that makes them crave blood. Then her extravagant best friend hijacks the role of wedding coordinator, and the secretive Vampire Council assigns conniving Cornelia Ducharme to guide the couple through the ancient vampire marriage rituals.
To top it all off, Milagro’s career is on the skids. She’s reduced to ghostwriting the memoirs of a loony little man who claims to be a shapeshifter. And why does Cornelia’s decadent, way too attractive brother, Ian, always show up whenever Milagro is away from Oswald?
When a series of accidents interferes with wedding plans, Oswald worries that Milagro is cracking under the pressure. Is she just paranoid, or is a hidden enemy trying to make sure Milagro doesn’t wed the undead?

October 10, 2010
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The Tapestry of Love Recipe Giveaway
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The Tapestry of Love Recipe Giveaway

I have a new twist on the giveaways I usually do! Author Rosy Thornton is releasing her latest contemporary romantic novel, The Tapestry of Love, on October 14th, and she wanted to do something a little different than usual. To celebrate this release, Rosy wants to share with all of you her recipe sheet that goes along with the novel.
The Tapestry of Love is set in the Cévennes mountains in France, and the local cuisine plays a large part in the atmosphere of the book, so Rosy decided to whip up some of the delicious recipes that are featured in the novel and share them! It’s simple to get the recipes, just comment on my Facebook page, RT the post on Twitter, or leave your name and email address in the comments section on this post. If you post on Facebook or Twitter, I will message or DM you for your email. And that’s it! Once I have your email, I will send you over the recipes from Rosy. No chosen winners, no limited numbers! Be sure to post your name and email below to get yours!

October 8, 2010
11 Comments
One Year Blog Anniversary
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One Year Blog Anniversary

Well today is officially the day- my one year blogiversary. I couldn’t be more excited, albeit a bit surprised, at how fast my blog grew. I absolutely love the new world I have been welcomed in to. I feel such a connection, even though it may be virtual, with so many other readers, writers, agents, publishers, etc etc. I have been so lucky to make great working relationships with so many in this industry, and I get excited each time a new book, interview, or just a simple email ends up in my inbox. I got the nicest email just yesterday from a woman telling me she bases all her book buying decisions on my reviews- quite a compliment!
One of the main reasons I started Chick Lit Plus was to help gain connections in the writing industry because I am trying to be a published author some day. The responses I received to help critique and edit my work overwhelmed me. I want to give a big thank you to Cathleen Holst who has been working so patiently with me while I take baby steps towards becoming a better writer. Without her continuing support and encouraging words, I fear I may have given up. I also want to thank Lauren from MyLifeIncomplete.com, who has turned into such a fantastic virtual friend. I have leaned on Lauren when I needed some unbiased advice and she is always coming up with some great ideas for my site. I hope we can keep working together in the future! I also have one more thank you and that goes to Crystal Patriarche of BookSparks PR. Crystal kindly asked me to be a part of the SheKnows Book Club earlier in the year, and I had a great time working with the SheKnows community. I look forward to coming back next year, and for any readers that haven’t signed up for the SheKnows Book Club, I suggest you do! An interactive Q&A session with authors is such a great experience!
I hope everyone is enjoying my giveaways so far for my blogiversary week. If you haven’t already entered to win The Kiss Test by Shannon McKelden or Just Like Me, Only Better by Carol Snow be sure to get your emails in! I have one more giveaway to post tomorrow, so come back to read all about it. A big thank you to each and every one of you that check out my entries each day, and I hope you keep coming back for more!
Samantha

October 7, 2010
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GIVEAWAY: Just Like Me, Only Better by Carol Snow
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GIVEAWAY: Just Like Me, Only Better by Carol Snow

Keeping up with my blogiversary week, I have another giveaway! Just Like Me, Only Better by Carol Snow is a hysterical book that I know will have chick lit readers laughing until the end. I gave the novel a 5 of 5 star review for the excellent writing and well written plot, and I wanted to give away my ARC of the book to one lucky winner.
Ever since Veronica’s husband found the love of his life-not her-she’s been a walking zombie with runny mascara. It doesn’t help that she keeps getting mistaken for Haley Rush-the Hollywood starlet whose dazzling life is plastered on every magazine.

When Haley’s manager offers Veronica a job as a celebrity double, it only takes a moment before she says yes. Veronica gets to drive Haley’s car, wear her phenomenal clothes-and have fun with her hot celebrity boyfriend, Brady Ellis. Too bad the job’s only part-time, and at the end of the day she has to return to her life as a cash-strapped substitute teacher and cub scout mom.

But when real sparks fly with Brady, is it a fantasy come true or a disaster in disguise?
To enter, please send me an email at Samantha (at) chicklitplus (dot) com with Only Better in the subject line, along with your full mailing address. For extra entries, comment on my Facebook page. Winners will be chosen Sunday the 10th.

October 6, 2010
4 Comments
GIVEAWAY: The Kiss Test by Shannon McKelden
Updates

GIVEAWAY: The Kiss Test by Shannon McKelden

This week, I am celebrating my one year blogiversary! I can’t believe one year has gone by since I started my little site. I remember how ecstatic I became when Cara Lockwood was the first author I interviewed, and how shocked I felt when emails started pouring in from agents and publishers and authors hoping I would want to review their books and interview them. I have met so many wonderful people through Chick Lit Plus, and I want to thank everyone who has helped me succeed in the book blogging world.
To help celebrate, I have a few giveaways that will be running throughout the week. The first kicks off today, and I have two copies of The Kiss Test by Shannon McKelden:
Margo Gentry’s life is perfect. She loves her job as a country music DJ, and she has a great boyfriend who accepts her need to avoid marriage and tolerates her Elvis obsession – even the velvet Elvis painting in their bedroom.
But then it all falls apart. The radio station changes formats and fires all the DJs. Margo’s boyfriend decides he wants kids and a house in the suburbs and kicks her to the curb. And to top it all off, her Mom is getting married — for the 11th time! — and expects Margo to be there as maid of honor.
With no job and no place to live, Margo has to bunk on the couch of her best friend Chris, whose revolving bedroom door has played host to half the women in New York – at least, the ones that pass his “kiss test.” Worse, he’s insisting she attend her mother’s wedding, and is personally driving her cross-country to ensure she shows up.
Forget about surviving the road trip – can their friendship survive The Kiss Test?
To enter, please send me an email with Kiss Test in the subject line and provide your full mailing address. For extra entries, comment on my Facebook page. Big thanks to Shannon for sponsoring this giveaway! Winners will be chosen Sunday the 10th.

October 5, 2010
10 Comments
Author Profile: Jane Porter
Chick Lit Authors

Author Profile: Jane Porter

Author Name: Jane Porter

Website: http://www.janeporter.com/index.php
Bio: Born in Visalia, California, I’m a small town girl at heart. I love central California’s golden foothills, oak trees, and the miles of farmland. In my mind, there’s nothing sweeter in the world than the heady fragrance of orange blossoms on a sultry summer night. My parents fed my imagination by taking our family to Europe for a year when I was thirteen. The year away changed me (I wasn’t a geek for once!) and overseas I discovered a huge and wonderful world with different cultures and customs. I loved everything about Europe, but felt especially passionate about Italy and those gorgeous Italian men (no wonder my very first Presents was Italian).I confess, after that incredible year in Europe, the travel bug bit, and bit hard. I spent much of my high school and college years abroad, studying in South Africa, Japan and Ireland. South Africa remains a country of my heart, the people, the land and politics complex and heart-wrenching. After my years of traveling and studying I had to settle down and earn a living. With my Bachelors degree from UCLA in American Studies, a program that combines American literature and American history, I’ve worked in sales and marketing, as well as a director of a non-profit foundation. Later I earned my Masters in Writing from the University of San Francisco and taught jr. high and high school English.
Currently: Jane currently lives in Seattle, Washington with her three young sons.
Titles: The Frog Prince, Flirting with Forty, Odd Mom Out, Mrs. Perfect, Easy on the Eyes, and She’s Gone Country.
Read my interview with Jane!
Bio Retrieved from www.jennynelsonauthor.com

October 3, 2010
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On Trend: Jeggings
Chick Lit Plus

On Trend: Jeggings

Jeggings have been trending for the past few months now, and finally around my parts of Iowa are girls starting to take notice of this new fashion craze. Jeggings, in case there are any of you that are not aware, are jeans/leggings. Think extreme skinny jeans that are worn like leggings but are made with a denim and spandex blend, making them more comfortable than regular jeans. While leggings are typically worn underneath a long shirt or dress, jeggings are worn more like jeans. I have seen girls wearing high waisted jeggings with their tops tucked into them, giving a more fashion forward look. Wearing jeggings either way seems acceptable, and often pairing with stilettos is the popular choice. Would you wear jeggings when you are out and about?

September 30, 2010
2 Comments
Author Profile: Jenny Nelson
Chick Lit Authors

Author Profile: Jenny Nelson

Author Name: Jenny Nelson

Website: http://www.jennynelsonauthor.com/
Bio: Jenny Nelson grew up in Larchmont, NY and graduated with a BA in English Literature from the University of Colorado at Denver. A former web editor and producer, she worked for companies such as iVillage, Vogue.com and Style.com. She lives with her husband, twin daughters and dog in Millbrook, NY and Manhattan. Georgia’s Kitchen is her first novel.
Titles: Georgia’s Kitchen
Read my interview with Jenny!
Bio Retrieved from www.jennynelsonauthor.com

September 28, 2010
1 Comment
In My Mailbox: Week of September 26th
Updates

In My Mailbox: Week of September 26th

In My Mailbox: Week of September 26th

Title: Haunted Honeymoon
Author: Marta Acosta
Received: From Marta Acosta
Synopsis: THERE’S MORE THAN HER HEART AT STAKE. . . .As the only human to survive vampire infection, Milagro de Los Santos has become quite a celebrity among the blood-drinking elite. Too bad the perks of her condition—increased strength, super-fast healing—don’t pay her condo fees. There are other complications too. She’s feeling guilty about her fling with enigmatic Vampire Council member Ian Ducharme, and pining for her ex-fiancé, Dr. Oswald Grant . . . the fabulous man whose kiss changed her life. It’s when Milagro—irked by Ian’s attentions to his neighbor—travels to London and enjoys a sexy flirtation of her own, that the blood really hits the fan. Suddenly, those around her are dying gruesome deaths and Milagro’s being interrogated. Who would kill to set her up as a murder suspect? Milagro just wants to turn back the clock and have another chance to make things right, but no sooner has she escaped to Oswald’s ranch than an accident obliterates her memory. Will the murderer come after her now? And will amnesia spark a romantic do-over with Oswald—or will she make all the same mistakes before she ever gets to say “I do”?

Title: Anyone for Me?
Author: Fiona Cassidy
Received: From Fiona Cassidy
Synopsis: Meet feisty fun-loving Ruby Ross – thirty four, mad red hair, mad (in general) adopted and searching for answers (most pressingly being precisely whose genes are responsible for the most unmanageable bonce in the country?). She’s impulsive, compulsive and unaware of what she’s about to unleash in her quest for the truth. Her journey will take her from the Tyrone village of Swiftstown to Belfast to the rolling hills of Donegal (where the scenery is lovely but the roads are bad and burst tyres are plenty.)

Isobel Ross is larger than life, living in a picturesque cottage in Donegal in the grounds of an old manor house which has been turned into a hotel – but why are the new owners so keen to get rid of her? She’s harbouring secrets from the past and fiercely protective of her adopted daughter. Can she stop the wilful Ruby from opening a nasty can of worms or will the hand of fate intervene and give Ruby the answers she doesn’t expect or might not want.

Throw in Ruby’s forthcoming nuptials to the lovely Luke, Frankie, her best friend and bling loving bridesmaid, a wedding planner called Gabriel who wears more make-up than the bride-to-be and a dusty box found in an attic which leaves many questions unanswered and you have a bewildered and rather ferocious Ruby asking is there….Anyone For Me?

Title: The Tapestry of Love
Author: Rosy Thornton
Received: From Rosy Thornton
Synopsis: A rural idyll: that’s what Catherine is seeking when she sells her house in England and moves to a tiny hamlet in the Cévennes mountains. With her divorce in the past and her children grown, she is free to make a new start, and her dream is to set up in business as a seamstress. But this is a harsh and lonely place when you’re no longer just here on holiday. There is French bureaucracy to contend with, not to mention the mountain weather, and the reserve of her neighbors, including the intriguing Patrick Castagnol. And that’s before the arrival of Catherine’s sister, Bryony.

Title: Blind Faith
Author: CJ Lyons
Received: From CJ Lyons
Synopsis: When her husband and son are murdered, she thought she’d lost it all. But for Sarah Durandt the nightmare is just beginning… Her search for truth leads her to a trail of lies and unearths a killer. In a race to save everything she holds dear, Sarah is forced to place her faith in the man who betrayed her…her husband.

Title: The Kiss Test
Author: Shannon McKelden
Received: From Shannon McKelden
Synopsis: Margo Gentry’s life is perfect. She loves her job as a country music DJ, and she has a great boyfriend who accepts her need to avoid marriage and tolerates her Elvis obsession – even the velvet Elvis painting in their bedroom. But then it all falls apart. The radio station changes formats and fires all the DJs. Margo’s boyfriend decides he wants kids and a house in the suburbs and kicks her to the curb. And to top it all off, her Mom is getting married — for the 11th time! — and expects Margo to be there as maid of honor. With no job and no place to live, Margo has to bunk on the couch of her best friend Chris, whose revolving bedroom door has played host to half the women in New York – at least, the ones that pass his “kiss test.” Worse, he’s insisting she attend her mother’s wedding, and is personally driving her cross-country to ensure she shows up. Forget about surviving the road trip – can their friendship survive The Kiss Test?

Title: Planning to Live
Author: Heather Wardell
Received: From Heather Wardell
Synopsis: Thirty-something Rhiannon is an obsessive planner and goal-setter, but somehow nothing she achieves ever seems good enough to her. Determined to lose forty pounds for her best friend’s August wedding, Rhiannon flees her parents’ house in a Christmas-day blizzard to avoid the temptation of all her favorite foods, but her car skids off the deserted road into a tree.
Unable to escape the car, with her leg trapped and bleeding and her cell phone out of reach, Rhiannon is at first certain she’ll be rescued and writes notes to her friends and family to pass the time. As the weather cools and her condition deteriorates, though, she recognizes the possibility that her life might be over. Interspersed with increasingly desperate escape attempts, her letters become deeper and more heart-felt as she comes to see what really matters in life.

September 27, 2010
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