Chick Lit Plus by Samantha March

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Charming Tuesday: A Beauty Favorite & Giveaway
Chick Lit Plus

Charming Tuesday: A Beauty Favorite & Giveaway

Charming Tuesday Product Of The Week: Lip Product

Samantha’s Must-Have:

I don’t wear a lot of lipsticks, because I actually realized years ago I have very sensitive lips. Many times after wearing a lipstick I will break out around my lips. Lip gloss and chapstick luckily don’t have the same affect on me, but I still minimize what I put on just in case. One product that I have recently fallen for and am happy to report has yet to cause me to break out is the Jouer Lip Enhancer. I received a sample of this in my November Birchbox, and recently purchased a full-size. I had used lip plumper’s before, but couldn’t get over the sting that would come along with use. The burning and tingling sensation was so bad I quit using them all together. But there is no discomfort with Jouer, and it still gives me a lips a noticeable boost. It also moisturizes the lips and makes them silky soft, and I love the light pink color to it. Just enough color but not overpowering. One of my favorite beauty products!

Sara’s Must-Have:

I am a self-obsessed lip gloss junkie and on most days, I have at least eight in my purse. My go-to brand for lip gloss has always been MAC because I love the color selection and the quality of product … but the MAC Clear LipGlass beats them all hands down. With the perfect amount of shine, this product plump’s lips easily and can be worn by itself, over a colored lip gloss or lip stick, or even just a liner. My preferred method is when it is worn by itself. I have never found another product that works as well, offers a glassy-shine, and hydrates all in one. This is my go-to lip product when dressing up.

Now, when dressing down, I am an avid chapstick user. I have one in my purse at all times and also one on my desk at work. I just love having hydrated lips … some people actually think that I may be addicted, but if it’s wrong, then I don’t want to be right. I used to keep things simple and use Aveeno or a basic Blistex on my lips, but a few months ago, Maybelline introduced their new Baby Lips collection. I am obsessed with the hydration that they offer and the subtle selection of colors. My favorites are the clear and calming Peppermint and the pink-hued Cherry Me!

May 1, 2012
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Blog Tour Sign Up: Paula Takes a Risk by Randi M Sherman
CLP Blog Tours

Blog Tour Sign Up: Paula Takes a Risk by Randi …

Randi will be on tour in July/August with her women’s fiction novel Paula Takes a Risk. Print and PDF copies will be available worldwide. Please…

April 30, 2012
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The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
Chick Lit Review

The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin

The Happiness Project follows Gretchen Rubin as she dives into making her life an actively “happier” place to be. Rubin is not an unhappy woman: she has a loving husband, two healthy kiddos, a thriving writing career in New York City, family nearby, and financial success. Yet, one day, whilst on a city bus, Rubin discovers that she spends most of her days just going through the motions, never doing the things that she really wants to … and decides that she could be happier. This train of thought leads her down a path that spawns the idea for The Happiness Project. In one year, she will spend each month focusing on different tasks that she believes will lead her to a more fulfilled and overall happier life, and in doing so, she becomes a more internally fulfilled and happier.

I honestly loved The Happiness Project. At first, I was hesitant because I honestly loathe most self-help books, but this one is very, very different. Rubin takes the genre and spins it on its head, creating a fresh, well-researched, in depth look at the steps she takes toward the pursuit her happiness. A refreshingly honest portrayal of a woman pursuing change. Overall, a fantastic read that will leave you thinking about ways to incorporate some of her tips into your own life.

[Rating: 5/5]

April 30, 2012
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Future Tour: BaSatai: Outside In by Suzan Battah
CLP Blog Tours

Future Tour: BaSatai: Outside In by Suzan Battah

Suzan will be on tour June 4-25 with her novel BaSatai: Outside In Seventeen year old, Armani Radnelaq a full blooded BaSatai is plagued by…

April 29, 2012
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In My Mailbox: Week of April 29
Chick Lit Plus

In My Mailbox: Week of April 29

In My Mailbox: Week of April 29

In Samantha’s Mailbox:

Title: Chocolate Shoes and Wedding Blues
Author: Trisha Ashley
Received: Unsolicited, Harper Collins UK
Synopsis: When Tansy Poole inherits a run-down shoe shop tucked away in the village of Sticklepond, ‘Cinderella’s Slippers’ is born — providing the footwear to make any fairytale wedding come true! Carrying everything a bride would want to walk down the aisle in, Tansy’s shop soon expands to carry shoe-themed wedding favours, bridesmaid gifts and even delicious chocolate shoes. It’s the dream destination for any shoe-lover! If only everything in her personal life could be as heavenly — but with a fiance trying to make her fit into a size 8 wedding dress, not to mention the recent discovery of disturbing family revelations, Tansy takes refuge in the shop’s success. But one man isn’t thrilled by the stream of customers hot-footing it to Cinderella’s Slippers! Actor Ivo Hawksley, resident of the cottage next to the shop, is troubled by a dark secret in his past and has come to Sticklepond to nurse his own broken heart. However, Ivo realises that he and Tansy have a link in their past and soon, they both find out how secrets shared can make a very strong bond indeed! Forget the Jimmy Choos, Chocolate Shoes and Wedding Blues is the only accessory you need for spring 2012!

Title: Summer of Secrets
Author: Alison Lucy
Received: Emily @ Constable & Robinson
Synopsis: One heady summer. Three big secrets.

1989: Newlyweds Danny and Harriet arrive at their honeymoon paradise in the Caribbean. Days later Harriet returns home. Danny is left distraught but finds comfort in the arms of two women. Nine months later, three baby girls are born…

2010: Megan leaves her childhood sweetheart behind in the UK to go in search of her long-lost father. Miles from home and temptation is at every corner – not least in the arms of the gorgeous Ray…

Esmé, a Mexican beauty, married Miguel at fifteen. In unlocking the secrets of her past, can she shed the shackles of her enforced marriage?

Claudia has led a life of privilege but she’s never really known what it feels like to be loved. Could David be the answer? Or will he disappoint her, just like her mother always did?

Three women set off on an adventure to uncover the secrets surrounding their missing father. It may be the only way to lay their demons to rest but seeking out the truth could tear their lives apart.

Title: Confessions of a Cake Addict
Author: Emma Kaufmann
Received: Emma Kaufmann
Synopsis: Londoner Kate Pickles has hit rock bottom. She’s funny, kind, and talented but totally unaware about all the great things she has going for her. Day in and day out, she sits back and whines to her sister Laurie in Sydney, Australia, as her boss walks all over her and her best friend Eva bags the hot guys while Kate ends up dating whack jobs and comfort eating cake. Pouring out her heart to Laurie in a series of letters and emails, Kate longs for her sister to confirm she really is the loser in love she fears she is.

Abruptly, Kate’s life is turned upside down when, on a trip to Vienna with her glamorous pal, Eva, Kate falls for a sexy Austrian and gets sucked into making a Bollywood film.

April 29, 2012
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Blog Tour Sign Up: Fatty Patty by Kathleen Irene Paterka
CLP Blog Tours

Blog Tour Sign Up: Fatty Patty by Kathleen Irene Paterka

Brand New School Year, Brand New Body, Brand New Me!
Small towns, long memories. Everyone in the exclusive summer resort of James Bay, Michigan remembers FATTY PATTY, the chubby little girl with the round face and wild red curls. All grown up now, Patty Perreault teaches at the same elementary school where the painful playground memories still taunt her. She hasn’t forgotten the cruel nickname—plus she still hasn’t lost those extra pounds. Convinced her weight is the biggest reason why she’s a four time loser in the semi-finals for Teacher of the Year, Patty resolves to make some changes in her body and her life.
Sam Curtis, an overweight accountant she meets at the community pool, swims into Patty’s life with romance on his mind. But as their friendship grows, Patty finds it hard to see beyond his extra pounds. She’s torn as Sam refuses to deal with his own overweight issues. Her heart tells her one thing, but her eyes see another. She’s not interested in an overweight boyfriend. When it comes to winning the Grand Prize in life and love, Patty has some hard lessons to learn. Will she be able to confront her fears about the kind of woman she yearns to be? Will she be able to put down the fork and give her heart a try?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

KATHLEEN IRENE PATERKA is a brand new voice in Women’s Fiction. She lives in Northern Michigan with her husband, where she’s busy working on her next book for ‘A James Bay Novel” series.

April 28, 2012
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Guest Post by Nancy Scrofano
For Writers

Guest Post by Nancy Scrofano

Letting Characters Go I love characters from my favorite TV shows, movies, and books, so I definitely fell in love with my own characters from…

April 28, 2012
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Thin Rich Bitches by Janet Eve Josselyn
Chick Lit Review

Thin Rich Bitches by Janet Eve Josselyn

Thin Rich Bitches by Janet Eve Josselyn is a hilarious story that follows Pippin Snowe, and chronicles her life post-divorce.

At the age of 40, Pippin picks up her life and moves to the exclusive community of Dover, Massachusetts, shortly following the divorce from her husband who was having an affair. Upon arrival, she realizes that she is in uncharted territory- in a new town filled with Thin Rich Bitches (literally). Pippin finds a job with a local architect, where she renovates kitchens for the wealthy women of Dover who treat her like hired help. Fed up and irritated, Pippin creates a business plan that caters to the dogs of the rich, and successfully beats them at their own game.

Janet Eve Josselyn successfully creates a witty and charming main character in Pippin that the reader will absolutely fall in love with. In general, I have found that most authors try to write comedy into their books, but most of the time it just comes across as tired and overwhelming, but Josselyn writes humor effortlessly and it never feels like she tried too hard. And, although this book is humorous, the story never falls flat (like other comedies do). Overall, this book is very entertaining and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a humorous beach read.

[Rating: 4/5]

April 27, 2012
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These Girls by Sarah Pekkanen
Chick Lit Review

These Girls by Sarah Pekkanen

From Sarah Pekkanen’s debut novel, The Opposite of Me, I knew the women’s fiction world had gained a truly talented author. Not at all disappointed by her sophomore book Skipping a Beat, I was thrilled when offered the chance to review These Girls. Once again – immaculate story-telling, a build-up of memorable characters and situations, and another novel to add to my Favorites list.
The story follows the lives of three very different women. First there is Cate, newly promoted features editor for the lifestyle magazine Gloss. She fears that she may have gotten the job for the wrong reason, a reason that makes her think about a secret she is hiding from her past. Then there is her roommate Renee, who is desperate to get promoted to beauty editor at Gloss. She thinks if she is skinnier she might get the job over her competition, so she starts taking extreme risks to lose the weight. She also has her eye on the delicious Trey, who seems to have his eye on Cate…Rounding on the threesome is Abby, Trey’s sister. Abby fled to be by her brother when her personal life spirals out of control after she falls for the father of the little girl she nannies – who is very much married. Renee and Cate take Abby in, and the girls all form a bond that helps one another through their obstacles.
I thought These Girls had a little bit of everything – romance, love, heartbreak and scandal. It also had some fun chick lit ties in there with Gloss being a focus, and the focal point of the female friendship was really spot on. I loved the little dramas each girl was dealing. Abby’s story was particularly sticky for me, falling in love with a married man and the reason her parents have always been so cold to her was chilling – no pun intended. Pekkanen really hit another home run with her latest. I can’t wait to read what she has next for us!
[Rating: 5]

April 27, 2012
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