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Book Review: The Sister Season by Jennifer Scott
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: The Sister Season by Jennifer Scott

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Summary:
Sometimes coming home for the holidays isn’t as easy as it seems….

It’s December 21, and the Yancey sisters have been called home. When the girls were young, holidays at their family farm meant a tinsel-garnished tree, the scent of simmering food, and laughter ringing through the house. But as the years unfolded, family bonds fractured, and the three sisters scattered and settled into separate lives. Until now. The Yancey sisters are coming to spend the holidays with their mother. They’re also coming to bury their father.

Claire, the youngest, a free spirit who journeyed to California, returns first. Then comes Julia, the eldest, a college professor with a teenage son of her own. And finally there’s Maya, the middle child, who works so hard to be the perfect mother and wife.

During the sisters’ week together, old conflicts surface, new secrets emerge, and the limits and definitions of family are tested. And as the longest night of the year slips by and brightening days beckon, the sisters will have to answer one question: When you’re a sister, aren’t you a sister forever?
Review:
I have been quite lucky with my books lately, as they all have been such page turners. The Sister Season continued that trend, and this book delivers an emotional read that left my tearing up, shaking my head, but also smiling through it all. The Yancey’s are one dysfunctional family, I don’t think anyone can argue with that. Years of abuse on all four women – Elise and her three daughters – leaves no one sad when their father passes away. But the family comes together around Christmas time for his funeral and for a final good-bye. All the sisters are in the middle of their own drama – some worse than the others – but it makes for a terrific and fast-paced read. I thought this book was very honest. Family isn’t easy. Being a mother or sister or wife isn’t easy. Their problems were thrust out there – bare and raw and at times hard to wrap my mind around, hard to understand why certain decisions were being made. I read this book in one day because I had to find out how the story ended, had to see if the sisters could stick together, and had to find out the truth about Robert’s death, which is a bit of a mystery since the beginning. Highly recommend.
4.5 stars

November 15, 2013
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Book Review: Where The Pink Houses Are by Rebekah Ruth
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: Where The Pink Houses Are by Rebekah Ruth

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review
Where the pink houses are is a story about 2 women who lost their husbands and are learning how to heal from their heartbreaking loss. Brenna and her MIL Anna travel to Ireland in their effort to heal their hearts. It turns out to be a life changing experience and an amazing journey for them both. For Anna is it a story of coming home. For Brenna it is more of discovering her home.

Most of the story is Brenna’s and how she moved on from losing her husband at such an early age. She begins to really come into herself throughout the story and it was amazing to watch her grow and change.

Brenna decides to get out and work and meet people and fun enough she really starts to come out of her shell and develop her adult self. She makes friends and an enemy or two as well. She starts attending the local church and is amazed to find she wants to develop her spiritual self as well.

This story is a romance story, but it is also a well written lesson as well. There is talk about god and church, but it is not so overwhelming that you are put off from it. Mostly it’s sweet to see how during a dark time getting closer to your spiritual self can actually help you through it and help you to grow from it.

I LOVED this story; it was an amazing love story without the bedroom stuff. I believe the greatest love stories don’t need to be all about the intimate stuff and this author proves that. This is a great story for young adults and as a mature audience, it was written in a way that both can read and enjoy it.

November 15, 2013
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CLP Blog Tours Book Review: Diner Impossible by Terri L Austin
Chick Lit Review

CLP Blog Tours Book Review: Diner Impossible by Terri L …

Terri L Austin is on tour now with CLP Blog Tours and Diner Impossible
Summary:
After shunning her overbearing parents’ wealthy lifestyle, waitress and part-time college student, Rose Strickland, is drawn back into their world when she tries to prove the impossible: the innocence of the town’s crooked police chief. He’s suspected in the gruesome death of Delia Cummings, his secretary and mistress, and all the evidence points to him. While she tracks down clues with the aid of her anime-loving bestie, Rose’s pal, Axton, and his Klingon gang are feuding with their Starfleet rivals. Things get hairier than a pile of well-fed Tribbles, so Rose gets involved. In between interrogating Trekkies and quizzing socialites at high tea, she discovers the secrets Delia Cummings took to her grave. Suspects abound, but when Chief Mathers threatens to bring down Rose’s criminally mischievous and maybe boyfriend, Sullivan, she makes it her mission to find the real killer before Sullivan finds himself in prison. Part of the Henery Press Mystery Series Collection, if you like one, you’ll probably like them all! Diner Impossible is the third in the Rose Strickland humorous mystery series. In case you missed the first two, check out Diners, Dives & Dead Ends (#1) and Last Diner Standing (#2). Plus, Diners Keepers, Losers Weepers, a Rose Strickland novella, will be in the mystery anthology The Heartache Motel (December 2013).
Review:
I have been loving this series, and it was great to pick right back up and continue on with Rose’s life. The newest murder mystery she finds herself in has a bit of a twist – her mother also wants her to get involved and figure out the real murderer. Rose’s family is known to disapprove of her antics – not finished with school, working as a waitress, solving crimes, etc, – so when her mother calls on her for a favor, it throws Rose through a loop. I loved watching as she went to the country club with her mother and tried to fit in, it gave me a few good laughs. Focusing on the mystery aspect, I loved loved loved that I honestly was shocked when the murderer was revealed. When it’s obvious from the beginning (which I have read quite a few that way) it’s so hard to hold my interest. And there was another side mystery thrown in there that added another layer to the book as well. Of course Ma, Roxy and Ax are all there as well, and Ma just cracks me up and Roxy even showed a softer side in this one. This is a terrific series that I hope you’ll read!
4.5 stars

November 14, 2013
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Book Review: Lies You Wanted to Hear by James Whitfield Thomson
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: Lies You Wanted to Hear by James Whitfield …

Summary:
Alone in an empty house, Lucy tries to imagine the lives of her two young children. They have been gone for seven years, and she is tormented by the role she played in that heartbreaking loss. You can hardly see a glimpse of the sexy, edgy woman she used to be. Back then, she was a magnet for men like Matt, who loved her beyond reason, and Griffin, who wouldn’t let go but always left her wanting more. Now the lies they told and the choices they made have come to haunt all three of them.
With shattering turns, Lies You Wanted to Hear explores the way good people talk themselves into doing terrible, unthinkable things. What happens when we come to believe our own lies? And what price must we pay for our mistakes?
A searing story that will leave you wondering what choices you would make, Lies You Wanted to Hear is a stunning debut.
Review:
I really enjoyed reading this one! What a fantastic debut novel. Lies You Wanted to Hear kept me reading late into the night. From the very beginning of the book, I knew that things were going to happen and I had to keep turning pages to find out. I was surprised and intrigued by the twists in the story.
The book alternates between Lucy’s and Matt’s point of view. The reader gets to know what both main characters are thinking and why they act as they do. Lucy and Matt both made poor decisions and told lies but you could tell that they also loved each other and their family despite their failed marriage.
Once I finished the book, the story kept coming back to me and I found myself pondering what I would have done if I was Matt or Lucy…and I still don’t know.
I would definitely recommend this book.
5 stars

November 14, 2013
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Blog Tour Sign Up: Sometimes Ya Gotta Laugh by Timothe Davis
CLP Blog Tours

Blog Tour Sign Up: Sometimes Ya Gotta Laugh by Timothe …

Timothe will be on tour in February with his adult contemporary novel Sometimes Ya Gotta Laugh. I am looking for book bloggers to post reviews, guest posts,…

November 13, 2013
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On Tour: Miss Kane’s Christmas by Caroline Mickelson
CLP Blog Tours

On Tour: Miss Kane’s Christmas by Caroline Mickelson

Caroline will be on tour November 18-December 9 with her novel Miss Kane’s Christmas With Christmas only three days away, Carol Claus agrees to her father’s…

November 13, 2013
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Book Review: The Theory of Opposites by Allison Winn Scotch
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: The Theory of Opposites by Allison Winn Scotch

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Summary:
What happens when you think you have it all, and then suddenly it’s taken away?

Willa Chandler-Golden’s father changed the world with his self-help bestseller, Is It Really Your Choice? Why Your Entire Life May Be Out of Your Control. Millions of devoted fans now find solace in his notion that everything happens for a reason. Though Willa isn’t entirely convinced of her father’s theories, she readily admits that the universe has delivered her a solid life: a reliable husband, a fast-paced career. Sure there are hiccups – negative pregnancy tests, embattled siblings – but this is what the universe has brought, and life, if she doesn’t think about it too much, is wonderful.

Then her (evidently not-so-reliable) husband proposes this: a two-month break. Two months to see if they can’t live their lives without each other. And before Willa can sort out destiny and fate and what it all means, she’s axed from her job, her 12 year-old nephew Nicky moves in, her ex-boyfriend finds her on Facebook, and her best friend Vanessa lands a gig writing for Dare You!, the hottest new reality TV show. And then Vanessa lures Willa into dares of her own – dares that run counter to her father’s theories of fate, dares that might change everything…but only if Willa is brave enough to stop listening to the universe and instead aim for the stars.
Review:
I am a big fan of Allison Winn Scotch, and I was crazy curious to read her latest title. Allison recently made the decision to go from traditionally published to self-published, so of course my interest was even higher for her new offering. I was pleased that the same writing and same inspiration from her characters is there. She does a great job at giving readers a meaty story and forcing us to ask ourselves some of the same questions she is asking her characters. I connected with Willa immediately, though I have to say I never really liked her husband Shawn. Her story was interesting and pretty intense, thanks in part to her “break” from marriage, meeting back up with an ex, going on a reality show, and her insane family – seriously, they are crazy! I highly recommend you check this author out if you haven’t yet!
4 stars

November 13, 2013
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Author Interview: Rebekah Ruth
Chick Lit Authors

Author Interview: Rebekah Ruth

When did you know writing was for you?

I’ve always been a lover of stories. One of my favorite childhood memories is when my mom would tuck me in at night and make up a story on the spot. Sometimes, she asked me to fill in the details and we always ended up with a grand adventure. That love of story stayed with me and caused me to be a voracious fiction reader. But I love fiction so much that I was actually afraid to try my hand at it, in case I bombed. It took pushing past that fear to write my first book. I honestly wasn’t sure if writing was for me until I finished that first book. Now, I’m hooked!

How would you describe your books?

Currently, my favorite thing to write is a love story with chops. A story that speaks to people in some way, that helps us understand ourselves, those around us or God a little better. But it’s tied up in a really pretty package (the love story) that keeps us interested. That’s what my first book, Where the Pink Houses, is. And the second in that series is the same kind of story but with different themes and characters. In this one, they travel to Africa, which is a place that’s very close to my heart. I’m excited to tell some of the story of the people there.

Why was Where the Pink Houses Are, a book you wanted to write?

I wanted to tell a story about people who are flawed and make mistakes (because we all are and do) but who learn to be more real about who they are. Shame thrives in secrecy and I think so many people are walking around wounded because they are afraid to open up to anyone about what their struggles are. Where the Pink Houses Are is a story about taking the messiness of life and turning it into something beautiful.

What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?

Finding time! I’m convinced if I could lock myself into a cabin somewhere I could write a book start to finish. I don’t usually struggle with writers block. It’s more like a struggle with life getting in the way of writing. “Really? You want dinner again? I just fed you yesterday!”

I have four kids and a husband who works from 1pm-12am. So, I am the sole getter-upper, lunch-maker, taxi-driver, sports-attender, dinner-maker, most of the time. But as my kids are a little older now (the youngest is 9) I’m finding it easier to schedule solid blocks of time for writing each week. But they still insist on being fed several times a day. The nerve.

What are your favorite genres to read?

I love Fantasy (Tolkien, CS Lewis, etc.). Getting lost in a different world is a wonderful way to spend a rainy afternoon. I also love Historical Fiction/Romance and Modern Romance/ChickLit. What can I say…I’m a sucker for a good romance.

What do you want readers to take away from your story?

I want people to know that no one has made too many mistakes or is too far gone that they can’t find forgiveness, healing and a new way of life. So much of our personal stories are unwritten yet and regardless of what the written chapters look like, we can decide what each chapter holds from this day forward.

How important do you think social media is for authors these days?

I think social media is not only important but I think it’s a wonderful asset to authors. Have you ever finished a book and thought, “I wonder why the author wrote it that way.” Or, “I wish I could ask the author about ____.”

Well, years ago, there was no real way for readers and authors to connect. But with social media, the world is a much smaller place and connections happen every day. Technology, in general, has made my job better. I attend a number of book clubs every year as a guest author, but I can only travel so far and still be mom and wife. So, I have been able to Skype book clubs around the world. I would never have had the opportunity to chat with readers in Great Britain or Nebraska or anywhere else outside my area, without the advances in technology.

Most importantly, I love it that my readers can contact me on Facebook or on my blog and I can answer their questions or even get their feedback for future stories.

What would be your advice to aspiring writers?

It probably sounds cliché, but write, write, write! The more you do it the better you will become. And don’t just write in your journal. Join a writer’s group and get other people reading and critiquing your work. It’s scary, and sometimes painful, to have someone else edit what you’ve labored over, but there is extreme value in collaboration…seeing things through someone else’s eyes.

Also, read, read, read. I do not have a degree in literature. I am not a trained writer. But I have been reading fiction for so long that I believe that was my most important writing teacher. I know what works and what doesn’t because I’ve been immersed in fiction for as long as I can remember.

So the fact that I could write a novel that ended up being listed on Kirkus Indie’s Best of 2012 List as one of the top five in the Romance/Chick Lit category, without having any official training as a writer…I can only attribute to some good instincts and lots of reading.

(A couple other questions that you can use if you wish…)

What is your favorite part of the writing process?

By far, my favorite thing and the thing that surprised me most, is when the characters take on a life of their own. I am not an outline kind of girl. I just don’t think that way. I liken my writing process to getting driving directions online. I can put in my destination and a couple stops along the way, but I still have multiple options of which routes to take. When I write a story, I know some of the points I want to stop at along the way. And I hopefully have a good idea of the end point. But so many times, I’ve sat down to write a scene one way and the characters say or do things that I don’t expect and I end up adjusting my “course” as a result. I love that.

What is the best advice you’ve received on writing fiction?

I had the idea for my story for years but never knew how to start. Then I heard a successful writer say that she always writes her favorite scene first. That unlocked it for me. I started with a scene where my two lead characters meet and went backward and forward from there…finishing the first draft in just a few months.

What is your favorite thing that you’ve heard from readers?

Truly, all feedback is appreciated. But my favorite thing to hear is, “I couldn’t put it down.” My favorite stories are ones that keep me saying, “Just one more chapter…” so to hear that my book has that effect on someone is the ultimate compliment. (And when they say that in an Amazon review, it’s that much sweeter!)

A few links that I’d love to have available to your readers:

My blog- Rebekah Ruth Rambles www.rebekahruthbooks.com

Kirkus’ Starred Review: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/rebekah-ruth/where-pink-houses-are/

Amazon Kindle Edition of Where the Pink Houses Are (many reviews are available there): http://www.amazon.com/Where-Pink-Houses-Are-ebook/dp/B006K8XPYO/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=&qid=

November 13, 2013
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New Releases: November 2013
Chick Lit Plus

New Releases: November 2013

November New Releases
To me November marks the end of the harvest season and the approach of winter. In other words, it’s starting to get very chilly! So, I’m grateful that there are some wonderful (and in some cases long) books coming out this month that I can curl up with and savor after a big Thanksgiving dinner.
The Valley of Amazement by Amy Tan – November 5, 2013. This novel is the latest sweeping epic by the NYT bestselling author, Amy Tam. It’s the story of a mother and daughter. In 1897 Lucia is a young American who falls for a Chinese painter and abandons her home for the intriguing and mysterious world of old Shanghai. At sixteen she makes some disastrous choices, which lead her to the life of a Madam. Fifteen years later, during the fall of the Ching dynasty, she loses her daughter Violet in a cruel act of clever manipulation. Violet is forced to become a “virgin courtesan.” Both woman experience betrayal and heartbreak, but refuse to submit to society’s expectations. Tan is expert at writing about the intricacies of the mother daughter relationship and this story, which spans forty years and two continents, will take the reader on an amazing journey.
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year by Marie Landry – November 5, 2013. Christmas isn’t always a wonderful time of year, especially for those who’ve lost a loved one. In the first few years after her grandmother’s death, Ginny Bailey bravely went through the holiday motions. When she finds out she’ll be alone this Christmas, she gives up the cheerful pretense. To add to her bah humbug spirit, everything in her life starts to go wrong – until Dean comes back into her life. Maybe Christmas can be wonderful again?
Wish Upon a Star by Trisha Ashley – November 7, 2013. The theme of this holiday story is the miracle that Christmas can bring. Cally is a young single mom, who doesn’t have time for love. When her young daughter Stella gets sick, she must move in with her mother to save money for surgery. All Cally wants for Christmas is a healthy child. Then the charming Jago shows up offering her hope of a different kind. Can Cally also look forward to the gift of love under her Christmas tree this year?
The Theory of Opposites by Allison Winn Scotch – November 12, 2013. Allison Winn Scotch is one of my favorite authors, so I’m very excited about her new book, a story about fate and destiny. Willa Chandler-Golden has what most would consider a good life – a great job, loving husband and a father who changed the world. Her dad wrote a best-selling self-help book that sold the notion that everything happens for a reason. Willa isn’t so sure about her dad’s theory, especially with her ever present negative pregnancy tests. When things begin to really fall apart for Willa, she finds herself on a totally different path. Can Willa tempt fate and be brave enough to change her life?
The Runaway Wife by Rowan Coleman – November 12, 2013. This is the story of a Rose, a woman who escapes her abusive husband by running away to the Lake District in England, where she seeks shelter at a small bed & breakfast. What led her there was the kindness of a stranger, whom she met long ago. Will this connection, which has sustained her, still be there? The beautiful surroundings, a nosy innkeeper and her charming son give Rose the hope to reach out to her estranged father. Can she continue to chase a dream or will she decide to face the reality in her heart?
Merry & Bright – Chick Lit Holiday Anthology – November 15, 2013. Sip your eggnog, linger under the mistletoe, and make a Christmas wish. Merry & Bright brings you six tales of Christmas cheer, featuring stories of budding romances, Southern charm, lost loves, heaps of humor, and lots of pie by authors Isabella Louise Anderson, Cindy Arora, Laura Chapman, Lauren Clark, Libby Mercer, and Nancy Scrofano. From sunny Los Angeles to the Rocky Mountains to the Deep South, Merry & Bright will take you on a heartwarming adventure you’ll love to visit again and again. Wrap yourself in holiday mirth and prepare to be swept off your feet.
The Supreme Macaroni Company by Adriana Trigiani – November 26, 2013. We wrap up the month with another family saga that spans continents. This is the third novel in Trigiani’s Valentine trilogy. Designer shoemaker Valentine is about to marry her tanner, Giancarlo, a handsome Italian who is twenty years her senior. He’s also the grandson of her grandmother’s new husband, which is complicated and probably a bit dysfunctional. Valentine tries to balance her work and private life, all the while opening a shoe factory in Brooklyn, and preparing to give birth to her first child. Giancarlo on the other hand, has very different ideas about their future – he envisions a quiet life in Tuscany. Choices, choices!

November 13, 2013
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