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Along Came a Stork by Marisa Mackle
Chick Lit Review

Along Came a Stork by Marisa Mackle

Diana Kay has landed her dream job- being an on-air dating guru. At thirty years old and still living with her parents, Diana thinks it is her time to finally shine. Instead, she finds out she is pregnant. Her boyfriend, Roger, lets her know that he is leaving her for another woman, and Diana is convinced she will be fired from her posh new job. Who wants to get dating advice from an un-wed pregnant lady? Too embarrassed to face her family, Diana hightails to West of Ireland to try to sort out her thoughts. She never meant to uncover a dark family secret, but that is exactly what she does. Keeping up with her pregnancy, trying to win Roger back, and now trying to solve the case on a family mystery keeps Diana entertained while she tries not to focus on losing her job and her sanity. But what will happen when she finally gets back to the real world?
Along Came a Stork by Marisa Mackle has a super cute cover, and the synopsis immediately caught my attention. It actually states that Diana is a glamorous socialite, but I didn’t think either of those descriptions matched her. She is thirty, living at home, and not rolling in dough. So that was a bit confusing from the start. When I hear socialite, I think Paris Hilton and red carpets. The story is written in journal entries from Diana, and very easy to get to know her and all her thoughts. The problem I had with this was that I didn’t really get to know any of the other characters. There was some dialogue that Diana wrote every now and then, but it was tough to form a connection with anyone else. The family secret she uncovered really helped the story for me, I became more invested in my reading once that was revealed, and I’m glad it was there. I did like this book and it kept my attention, but every once in a while I would become frustrated with Diana. She wouldn’t tell her family that she was pregnant, instead she wanted them to realize it, and then got mad when they didn’t. It was a little confusing. Also confusing why she still lived at home when she didn’t really get along with her mother or sister. The tension in the house made me uncomfortable while I was reading. But I think Diana redeems herself in the end, and helps bring her family closer together while doing so. This wasn’t my favorite book, but I would recommend to chick lit fans, especially if you enjoy the topic of mommyhood and all the goes with it.
[Rating: 3.5]

July 25, 2011
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In My Mailbox: Week of July 24
Updates

In My Mailbox: Week of July 24

In My Mailbox: Week of July 24, 2011

Title: Lucky Girl
Author: Cate Lord
Received: From Danielle @ Entagled Publishing
Synopsis: Jessica Devlin isn’t looking for love. Heartbroken after being dumped by her unfaithful ex-fiancé, she’s determined to have a fabulous time during her vacation in England where she’ll be maid-of-honor at her cousin’s wedding. After working overtime as beauty editor of Orlando’s O Tart magazine, avoiding dating, and putting on ten pounds, Jess is ready to toss her past like an empty lipstick tube and party like a single gal.
But when she steps into the church on her cousin’s wedding day, she sees the one man who could sabotage her plan—James-Bond-gorgeous Nick Mondinello. She’s never forgotten the London marketing exec who held her in his arms after her beloved grandfather’s funeral two years ago. Ambitious, and lusted after by women everywhere, Nick is completely wrong for guarded, Plain Jane Jess.
Could Spy Man Nick ever fall for her? Nope. Not unless Jess is one lucky girl.

Title: The American Heiress
Author: Daisy Goodwin
Received: From Ann-Marie @ Get Red PR
Synopsis: Be careful what you wish for. Traveling abroad with her mother at the turn of the twentieth century to seek a titled husband, beautiful, vivacious Cora Cash, whose family mansion in Newport dwarfs the Vanderbilts’, suddenly finds herself Duchess of Wareham, married to Ivo, the most eligible bachelor in England. Nothing is quite as it seems, however: Ivo is withdrawn and secretive, and the English social scene is full of traps and betrayals. Money, Cora soon learns, cannot buy everything, as she must decide what is truly worth the price in her life and her marriage.

Witty, moving, and brilliantly entertaining, Cora’s story marks the debut of a glorious storyteller who brings a fresh new spirit to the world of Edith Wharton and Henry James.

Title: Off Leash
Author: Jenna Anderson
Received: From Jenna Anderson
Synopsis: Candice Gunderson and her purebred pooch, Phoebe, are driving through the Indiana countryside on their way to an appointment with a dog breeder. If all goes as planned, the “meeting” with Charles the Conqueror will result in a lovely litter of puppies.

Unfortunately, Candice is hopelessly lost, the GPS in her car has gone haywire, and she needs to find a bathroom in the worst way. The pair pulls up alongside a little house in hopes of finding some helpful inhabitants.

What she finds is Bull Ramsey, a cute farmer, and his mutt, Jack, who is more than happy to have a “meeting” of his own with Phoebe.

Candice is determined to maintain control of the situation and prove she is an independent woman. A few unexpected events and mischievous farm animals won’t interfere with her plans. She can handle this, right?

Title: Star Stuck
Author: Jane Lovering
Received: From Choc Lit
Synopsis: Our memories define us – don’t they?

And Skye Threppel lost most of hers in a car crash that stole the lives of her best friend and fiancé. It’s left scars, inside and out, which have destroyed her career and her confidence.

Skye hopes a trip to the wide dusty landscapes of Nevada – and a TV convention offering the chance to meet the actor she idolises – will help her heal. But she bumps into mysterious Sci-fi writer Jack Whitaker first. He’s a handsome contradiction – cool and intense, with a wild past.

Jack has enough problems already. He isn’t looking for a woman with self-esteem issues and a crush on one of his leading actors. Yet he’s drawn to Skye.

An instant rapport soon becomes intense attraction, but Jack fears they can’t have a future if Skye ever finds out about his past …

Will their memories tear them apart, or can they build new ones together?

July 24, 2011
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GIVEAWAY: Twang by John Schlimm
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GIVEAWAY: Twang by John Schlimm

Chick lit fans, pop culture junkies, Country Music lovers – I’ve got a quick, funny and scandalous beach reach for you this summer. Anyone who says that truth is stranger than fiction, hasn’t read John Schlimm’s debut novel Twang, a sizzling and laugh-out-loud read for any country music fan and pop culture junkie looking for a surefire beach read this summer. As a former celebrity publicist who worked with several Country Music megastars during his whirlwind tenure in Nashville, Schlimm’s eyes were opened wide, leaving him with an unmatched perspective of what really lies beneath the popular world of entertainment. What resulted is a comical and unforgettable tale that follows several fictionalized stars through the most dramatic and life-changing year in their careers.
Readers will also be tempted into the ultimate guessing game by the provocative antics of characters who, upon closer look, may actually seem quite familiar. The New York Post’s Page Six got involved in the guessing game: http://nyp.st/iRznd9. Twang shows that the world of Country Music is far more compelling, quirky, and scandal-ridden than anyone could ever have imagined.

I have one eBook of Twang by John Schlimm for giveaway, along with a $10 Amazon gift card! To enter, please leave a comment below. The winner will be chosen on Friday, June 29th. Thank you to Ann-Marie Nieves with Get Red PR for sponsoring this giveaway!

July 24, 2011
18 Comments
On Tour: Confessions of a PTA Mafia Mom by Elsie Love
CLP Blog Tours

On Tour: Confessions of a PTA Mafia Mom by Elsie …

Elsie Love is on tour July 25-August 8 with her novel Confessions of a PTA Mafia Mom Elaine Jackerson has found herself in quite a…

July 24, 2011
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Shannon Hart Blog Tour Sign Up
CLP Blog Tours

Shannon Hart Blog Tour Sign Up

When Sarah Matthews keeps having recurring nightmares she begins to psycho-analyse herself in an attempt to find the reason behind them. After all, she has…

July 24, 2011
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Author Profile: Elizabeth Bass
Chick Lit Authors

Author Profile: Elizabeth Bass

Author Name: Elizabeth Bass

Website: http://elizabeth-bass.com/

Bio: The youngest of four children, Elizabeth Bass grew up outside of a very small town in East Texas in pre-NetFlix days. The first loves in her life were animals and Humphrey Bogart. Had it not been for a father who kept the house full of books and some tireless elementary school teachers, she could have happily remained an illiterate rabbit caretaker addicted to black-and-white films on the late late show.
Before writing Miss You Most of All, she published thirty romance and women’s fiction novels under the name Liz Ireland and co-authored two Regencies with her sister as Alexandra Bassett.
She lives with her husband in Montreal, where she writes and does freelance editing. An elderly cat or dog (or two…or four) can usually be found in her apartment, and during the busiest day she can often find time to sneak in an old movie.
Recent Titles: Miss You Most of All and Wherever Grace is Needed
See my review of Wherever Grace is Needed
Bio Retrieved from elizabethbass.com

July 22, 2011
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Savor the Danger by Lori Foster
Chick Lit Review

Savor the Danger by Lori Foster

The drooling continues on with Savor the Danger, the next in line from Lori Foster and her hunky mercenaries. This story focuses on Jackson and Alani, Trace’s younger sister. The two wake up in bed together after a night of passion, but Jackson can’t remember a thing. He knows he’s been drugged, but he doesn’t know by who or why. Alani is devastated that Jackson doesn’t remember being with her, or the words he said to her in the middle of the passion. Jackson and Alani tiptoe around their true feelings, afraid of what the other is truly thinking. I really loved Savor the Danger, and I was a bit worried after Trace of Fever fell flat for me. I loved that the action started right away, and not just the sexual stuff. Since the story opens with Jackson waking up not remembering anything, I was immediately intrigued by what was going on and who was after him. I was gripped throughout the story, and loved learning about Dare, Trace, and their wives. This is such a fun and intense series and I definitely recommend. Will be looking forward to the next book!
[Rating: 4.5]

July 21, 2011
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Lacy Camey Blog Tour Sign Up
CLP Blog Tours

Lacy Camey Blog Tour Sign Up

Norah Johnson is at a crossroads and is in desperate need to heal after a highly publicized breakup from her major league baseball player boyfriend. To escape, she moves to her summer home at the beach with her sister and best friend where she journals, attends therapy and works on her pending clothing line. When a gorgeous stranger finds her lost journal, he seeks to find the author and make her fall in love with him. But is Norah ready to love again?

Book 1 in the romantic comedy trilogy of living, loving, and laughing again; a Norah Johnson story.

Lacy Camey will be on tour September/October with The Last Page. Please note this will be an eBook only. Lacy will be available for a guest post or interview during the tour as well. Please fill out the form below if you are interested in participating. I will contact all bloggers that are chosen. You must have a blog to participate, though it does not have to be strictly a book blog. Thank you!

July 21, 2011
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Debut Authors and Titles: July/August 2011
Chick Lit Authors

Debut Authors and Titles: July/August 2011

Debut Authors and Titles: July/ August 2011

Title: Twenty-eight and a Half Wishes

Author: Denise Grover Swank

Available: July 12, 2011
Synopsis: For Rose Gardner, working at the DMV on a Friday afternoon is bad even before she sees a vision of herself dead. She’s had plenty of visions, usually boring ones like someone’s toilet’s overflowed, but she’s never seen one of herself before. When her overbearing momma winds up murdered on her sofa instead, two things are certain: There isn’t enough hydrogen peroxide in the state of Arkansas to get that stain out, and Rose is the prime suspect.
Rose realizes she’s wasted twenty-four years of living and makes a list on the back of a Wal-Mart receipt: twenty-eight things she wants to accomplish before her vision comes true. She’s well on her way with the help of her next door neighbor Joe, who has no trouble teaching Rose the rules of drinking, but won’t help with number fifteen– do more with a man. Joe’s new to town, but it doesn’t take a vision for Rose to realize he’s got plenty secrets of his own.
Somebody thinks Rose has something they want and they’ll do anything to get it. Her house is broken into, someone else she knows is murdered, and suddenly, dying a virgin in the Fenton County jail isn’t her biggest worry after all.

Title: Idol

Author: Carrie Duffy

Available: August 2011

Synopsis: A hugely entertaining and glamorous debut, perfect for fans of the X-Factor, from an exciting new voice in young women’s fiction. A hugely entertaining and glamorous debut, perfect for fans of the X-Factor, from an exciting new voice in young women’s fiction. Meet Jenna Jonsson and Sadie Laine: two gorgeous, glamorous twenty-somethings fighting to make it to the top of their chosen professions. Beautiful and talented, Jenna is an international pop star, determined to take her career to the next level. And when a chance meeting leads to an opportunity for Jenna to work with world-famous rock band Phoenix, Jenna is quick to agree – although her decision is somewhat influenced by Nick Taylor, the drummer with Phoenix and the most gorgeous man Jenna has ever met…Meanwhile, Sadie is a struggling dancer and a childhood rival of Jenna’s. Ambitious and passionate, she is determined to fulfil her dreams. And a move to Las Vegas yields an unmissable career opportunity and a chance at true love. Jenna and Sadie’s lives are about to collide but will sparks fly? Or will they be able to put the past behind them?

Title: The Whole Package

Author: Cynthia Ellingsen

Available: August 2, 2011

Synopsis: It’s a man’s world-but in this outrageous debut, the girls aren’t playing by the rules.

For lifelong friends Jackie, Cheryl, and Doris, life hasn’t turned out according to plan. But after a drunken night sampling the delights at a strip club for women, the ladies stumble upon an ingenious idea and open up The Whole Package-the world’s first restaurant staffed exclusively by very attractive men. Mixing business with pleasure can be risky, but for these three best friends, getting a little bit outrageous just might be what it takes to make their mark in the world.

July 19, 2011
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