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Finding My Happy Pace by Heather Wardell
Chick Lit Review

Finding My Happy Pace by Heather Wardell

Ah, one my favorite indie authors, Heather Wardell, has done it again. I have been enthralled with her books since number one, and I’m super happy to say I’ve reviewed them all here on ChickLitPlus. Finding My Happy Pace features thirty year old Megan, a teacher with absolutely no backbone. Megan has been letting people such as her brother and “best friend” Amanda take advantage of her for years, thanks to her mother’s “don’t count beans” philosophy. Megan struggles to stand up for herself in any situation, but things begin to change when she meets Andrew, and MMA fighter and marathon runner. Megan begins training for a marathon herself, and during her time with Andrew and fellow runner Jeanine, Megan begins to understand that being assertive doesn’t automatically mean being selfish. Can Megan change her outlook on life for good after so many years of being a doormat?
Loved! One of my favorite things about Wardell’s books is that she brings back previous characters, or at least hints about some. While others were featured, the dominance was Andrew – the boyfriend from Planning to Live. I loved hearing his story and catching back up with him, and seeing a romance between him and Megan blossom. Sometimes it got difficult to read about Megan constantly being treated like nothing by her friend Amanda (and James –ugh – what a character!) and it could almost cross the line into her being too whiny. But this is where Wardell’s superb writing skills come in, and she helps readers understand why Megan lets herself be treated bad. I highly enjoyed watching Megan grow as a person, and this is another 5 star referral for Heather Wardell from me!
[Rating: 5]

June 14, 2012
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Sea Change by Karen White
Chick Lit Review

Sea Change by Karen White

Ooh, another Karen White novel! *Rubs hands together with glee* I was excited to tear into this one, and it was classic White style, just what I was hoping for. The story follows Ava Whalen, newly married to Matthew Frazier. They eloped quickly after meeting, and Ava knew with all her heart that he was the only one for her. They decide to live on St. Simons Island, where Matthew’s family has lived for generations. Upon arrival, Ava’s happiness begins to fade. The past starts creeping amongst the shadows – and Ava becomes obsessed with learning about Matthew’s heritage, specifically the story of Geoffrey and Pamela Frazier, who lived in the house in the 1800’s. Ava also learns for the first time about Matthew’s first wife, and the mysterious circumstances surrounding her death. Her husband couldn’t have played a part in Adrienne’s murder – or could he? The more Ava digs into the lives of the Frazier’s the more confused she becomes. Her obsession with the past soon leads a trail of questions to her own past – and her connection to St. Simons Island.
Loved it! Once I started Sea Change, there was no putting it down. I loved going back and forth between the present and past, and was absolutely enthralled with Pamela Frazier and her sad tale. This book has a great deal about the subject of reincarnation, and I thought it was done in a fabulous way. It’s hard to put into words how gripping I thought this story was. This was a book that I thought of at night when I was supposed to be sleeping, and I could see the characters moving in mind, living out the journey I thought they would or should take. I finished it in about two days because I had to know how it ended, and this is one not miss!
[Rating: 5]

June 14, 2012
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Future Tour: Paula Takes a Risk by Randi M. Sherman
CLP Blog Tours

Future Tour: Paula Takes a Risk by Randi M. Sherman

Randi will be on tour July 16-30 with her women’s fiction novel Paula Takes a Risk After thirty-four years of just letting life happen to…

June 13, 2012
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Unlocked by Rachael O’Bryan
Chick Lit Review

Unlocked by Rachael O’Bryan

Rachael O’Bryan is currently on tour with her novel Unlocked and CLP Blog Tours. I thought the concept for this story was interesting, as O’Bryan comes right out and says that the scenarios that happen to the main character, Rebecca, are loosely based on her own experiences. The book is written in short stories, touching on people and situations that Rebecca finds herself in, mostly during the time she was working as a tutor in college for the football team. There are nine guys that share the spotlight throughout, and Rebecca relates each guy and situation to a lesson that was learned. The focal points of the story are love, friendship, self-confidence, trust, acceptance, and heartache, and I could definitely see them all. At the beginning of the book it didn’t seem that Rebecca had any self-confidence, and it was nice to see her grow throughout the stories. Readers follow along as she searches for love and acceptance, both with others and for herself. There were a few stories that I could relate to more than others, and I think anyone should be able to find at least one story that they can relate with as well. This was a fast read, but sometimes a bit too scattered for me to find a good hold onto the characters. Not a favorite book of mine, but still an interesting read.
[Rating: 3.5]

June 13, 2012
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Dancing Naked in Dixie by Lauren Clark
Chick Lit Review

Dancing Naked in Dixie by Lauren Clark

When Lauren Clark approached me about doing another tour for her second novel, I was ecstatic. I highly enjoyed Stay Tuned, and I had been looking forward to the release of her second novel. Dancing Naked in Dixie is the story of Julia Sullivan, a travel writer who can’t stay still. Not only did she suffer from ADD as a child, but her adult life is always on the go as well. She blames her career for never being able to settle down – and this includes in her love life. Her boyfriend is a great guy, but Julia just can’t see herself being able to settle down with him. Her life gets an upheaval when her new editor turns out to be her estranged father – and his first assignment to her is a doozy. Instead of jet-setting to Brazil or Italy, Julia is forced to travel to Eufaula, Alabama, for the coverage of their local Pilgrimage. How will Julia fare against Southern charm, sweet tea, her handsome host – and a mystery?
Another great one from Lauren Clark! I loved Dancing Naked in Dixie even more than the first. There was intrigue, romance, beautiful descriptions, and the characters were so well-written. I was completely won over from the Southern charm that oozes out of the book, and I felt that Julia was such a relatable character. A bit all over the place at times, but that made her more real to me. The romance between her and host Shug Jordan was paced just right. I love the animosity between Julia and her father, and there was even a sweet ending there for them. 5 stars from me, and a must-read for you!
[Rating: 5]

June 13, 2012
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Finding Felicity by Monica Marlowe
Chick Lit Review

Finding Felicity by Monica Marlowe

Monica Marlowe is on tour with CLP Blog Tours and Finding Felicity. This turned out to be quite an intense read. I really wasn’t prepared for all the emotions I was going to feel while taking a journey with Madeline O’Connor. Marlowe’s writing is beautiful, and the descriptions that take place made me easily feel like I could be in Manhattan or Italy. Madeline, a business woman that created her own successful lingerie line, heads from her home in New York to be with her ailing sister in Italy. Madeline hasn’t spoken to Carrie in years, since Carrie’s betrayal was brought to the light. She travels to an ancient Benedictine monastery that houses visitors, the same monastery that Carrie’s son belongs to. While there, she meets Brother Anthony Lamberti, and soon comes to release she may be falling for him. But how could she make a relationship with a monk work – and how could she leave behind her life in New York?
There were a few elements that made me unsure I would like this book, but once I finished, I knew it was meant for a 4 star review. There was mystery, love, heartache, family woes, religion, and a journey on finding one’s happiness. I loved when the story flipped to the past and shared little snippets and seeing how that connected readers with the present story. Madeline’s life sure isn’t easy, and I really felt a connection with her. Some of her decisions surprised me, but I liked never knowing what path she would take. The fight she has with her friend and co-worker was a bit distracting, and I don’t think it was necessary. There is already a lot going on with the plot, and that almost made it over-the-top for me. The beginning started off a bit slow for me and kind of all over the place, but I found a rhythm I really enjoyed the ending. A recommendation from me.
[Rating: 4]

June 13, 2012
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Blog Tour Sign Up: The Undiscovered Novelist by Sarah Bridgeton
CLP Blog Tours

Blog Tour Sign Up: The Undiscovered Novelist by Sarah Bridgeton

The Undiscovered Novelist
Twenty-seven-year-old Jordyn Simmons has almost everything she’s ever wanted—a sexy live-in boyfriend, an adorable son, and a finished novel she plans to publish. The only two things missing from her life are a publisher for her book and a relationship with her estranged mother, Debra. As Jordyn pursues her novelist ambitions, her world collides with Debra’s, and both women are forced to make decisions that will change their lives forever.

Author’s Inspiration
Inspired by my own search for a publisher, I wanted to write about a naive writer who dreams of becoming a bestselling author. As Jordyn pursues her ambitions, she faces challenges and difficult questions arise: What happens when you have a big dream that seems impossible to achieve? How long do you keep chasing it? When do you let go?

The other issue is Jordyn’s estrangement from her mother, Debra. This story is about mothers and daughters, and the elastic bonds that hold families together.

June 12, 2012
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Charming Tuesday: A Beauty Favorite
Chick Lit Plus

Charming Tuesday: A Beauty Favorite

Charming Tuesday Product of the Week: Blush

Samantha’s Must-Have:

I have quite a few Almay products, and my favorite blush comes from the line as well. I did try their Smart Shade blush, but didn’t like it near as much as the powder. It’s long lasting throughout the day, one application is enough from morning to night, which I haven’t found in any other blush product yet. I have the natural color, and I love how it looks on me. Almay is definitely a brand to try if you haven’t, and I recommend the powder blush as well!

Sara’s Must-Have:

During the summer months, I typically wear bronzer, but whenever I am getting dressed up or whenever I don’t want my skin to have a sun-kissed glow, I grab my Maybelline Bouncy Blush in fresh pink. This is a new Maybelline product, and I must say that I absolutely adore it. I love the gel like finish and that it feels lightweight like a powder, but melts into my skin like a cream and really flows with my foundation. Plus, the shade of pink really pops against my skin tone. I highly recommend this product.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BLUSH? LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW AND LET US KNOW.

June 12, 2012
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The Rock Star in Seat 3A by Jill Kargman
Chick Lit Review

The Rock Star in Seat 3A by Jill Kargman

The Rock Star in Seat 3A by Jill Kargman follows Hazel, who has everything that she’s ever wanted: good paying job in the gaming industry, great apartment, awesome friends, and a loving boyfriend who is on the brink of proposing. The morning after her thirtieth birthday, Hazel boards a plane to LA for business, gets bumped up to first class, and is seated next to her life long crush, THE rock star Finn Schiller. During a bout with rough turbulence, the two get to talking and what ensues is an instant infatuation and connection for both. At first Hazel is hesitant, but after taking a break from her perfect boyfriend back home in New York, she dives head first into a life unlike anything she imagined- life on the road with a rock star. What ensues is like a wild dream … but is her wildest dream enough to make her happy?

An absolute riot, The Rock Star in Seat 3A by Jill Kargman is everything one would expect from a book about living out a rock “n” roll fantasy- uncensored and vulgar language, sharp wit, and over the top eccentricity. I absolutely adored the book and found myself actually rooting for Hazel and Finn because it was such an interesting twist on the stereotypical love story that we read so often these days. This book is an absolute blast and will make you rethink your “list” and would you, or wouldn’t you, actually go through with it if you were face-to-face with someone from yours. I for one doubt my own bravery and know that I would hardly say a word if I were put in the same situation. An absolute must-read for summer- deliciously fun!

June 12, 2012
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