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CLP Blog Tours Book Review: Won’t Last Long by Heidi Joy Tretheway
Chick Lit Review

CLP Blog Tours Book Review: Won’t Last Long by …

Heidi Joy Tretheway is now on tour with CLP Blog Tours and Won’t Last Long
Summary:
Can two people who are totally wrong for each other ever be right?

She’s a feisty, sly marketing exec intent on hiding her small-town roots. He’s a laid-back engineer with a shaggy mutt and a pushy ex.

When Joshua asks Melina out, she asks what kind of car he drives. She’ll do drinks, not dinner. She’s always in control. But with Joshua’s easy confidence and sharp wit, Melina is soon breaking the dating rules she made for herself.

Opposites attract—but friends think Melina and Joshua can’t possibly last. When crisis throws their world off its axis, Melina must confront her childhood family, the people she’s come to care about, and the destruction of her pristine image.
Review:
I was a tad worried when I first started this story, because it started slow for me. I think one thing that was distracting me from the book was the overuse of the character’s name. For example, in one short paragraph Melina was used three times, and with that writing style it can make the book in a more of a telling mode than showing. I was relieved as the plot started to pick up the pace, and during the meat of the story I actually didn’t want to put it down. I didn’t love the second half, particularly the last few chapters, as much, because the characters were going on top speed and there was one section in particular that made me kind of scratch my head and wonder where in the world the story was taking us (when Richard re-enters briefly). So you can see my review is a touch all over the place, but for the most part I did like the book, because I enjoyed the characters and watching their love story play out. And I’m in love with the cover. There were aspects that I thought could have been tightened up, but if you enjoy sweet romantic stories, check this one out!
3.5 stars
Author bio:

Heidi Joy lives in Happy Valley off Sunnyside Road. She swears she did not make that up.

Heidi’s obsessed with storytelling. Her career includes marketing, journalism, and a delicious few years as a food columnist. Media passes took her backstage with several rock bands, where she learned that sometimes a wardrobe malfunction is exactly what the rock star intends.

You’ll most often find Heidi Joy with her husband and two small kids cooking, fishing, exploring the Northwest, and building epic forts in their living room.

She loves to hear from readers via messages at facebook.com/author.heidi.

Find Heidi here:

• Website: heidijoytretheway.com
• Facebook.com/author.heidi
• Amazon.com/author/heidi
• Goodreads.com/heidi.tretheway

• Twitter.com/heiditretheway

November 4, 2013
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CLP Blog Tours Book Review: Everybody’s Got a Story by Heather Wardell
Chick Lit Review

CLP Blog Tours Book Review: Everybody’s Got a Story …

Heather Wardell is on tour now with CLP Blog Tours and Everybody’s Got a Story
Summary:
Both personally and professionally, Alexa knows all too well the power of words. Two years after her boyfriend Christophe’s vicious attack, she’s still trying to see herself as more than simply ‘his victim’, still trying to figure out her own story.

After his trial, she moves from New York City to Toronto in an attempt to start over, but his words cling to her and even in a new country she can’t see how to move into relationships with the new people in her life while hiding the secret of Christophe’s worst offense.

She can’t hide that secret from her coworker Jake, though, because the news buff has recognized her from the coverage of the assault and trial and knows every word she can’t bring herself to say about her ordeal.

With Jake’s help, can Alexa reclaim her story and her life?
Review:
Heather Wardell is an author that tops my lists. Whenever she has a new book out (which is often, girl is good) I can’t wait to get it on my Kindle. I know her stories are going to be well-written, unique, and always leave me thinking about the characters. So I wasn’t shocked at all that my mind was made up at page 3 that this book would be going on my Favorites List. Everybody’s Got a Story is a deep story, one that you really almost need a strong stomach to read. There are only a few parts that deal with graphic abuse, but my mind kept wondering to Alexa and her story and how one moves on from what she had to endure – by a boyfriend no less. Her move to Toronto to essentially start her life over fascinated me, and it’s impossible not to cheer for her and want her to lead a happy life. This is such a good story with a good message, and I really hope women will take the time to read this story. Highly recommend.
5 stars
**Everyone who leaves a comment on the tour page will be entered to win a $20 Amazon gift card! Anyone who purchases their copy of Everybody’s Got a Story before November 4 and sends their receipt to Samantha (at) ChickLitPlus (dot) com, will get five bonus entries.**
Author Bio:
Growing up, I was an avid (rabid?) reader. I am a natural speed reader, regularly clocked at about 1200 wpm (I read Harry Potter 5 in just under three hours), and always have several books on the go, nearly all in e-book form on my Kindle.
I have always made up stories in my head, but never considered becoming a writer. Instead, I intended to be a high school music teacher. I was sidetracked by my enjoyment of my psychology courses in university, and ended up with a psychology degree with a concentration in computer science.
This took me to a major Canadian bank as a software developer. I stayed there for just over four years, and then went back to school to become an elementary school teacher. After four years teaching elementary school computer science, I took up the National Novel Writing Month challenge and attempted to write a novel in a month.
I succeeded, and the first draft of “Life, Love, and a Polar Bear Tattoo” was the result. I realized I love writing. I left teaching, and I haven’t looked back since!

In my non-writing time, I read, run, swim, crochet, take care of my 55 gallon aquarium and my cat Trinity, and play drums and clarinet. Generally not all at once.

Connect with Heather!
http://www.facebook.com/heather.wardell.author
http://www.twitter.com/heatherwardell
http://www.heatherwardell.com/

Buy the Book!

Amazon.com (Kindle)
Apple’s iBookstore
Barnes and Noble (for their nook reader)
Google Play
Kobo (ePub format)
Smashwords.com (variety of formats)
Sony (for their ebook readers)
If you prefer print, you can get “Everybody’s Got a Story” at:
Amazon.com
Amazon.ca
Barnes and Noble
CreateSpace.com

November 4, 2013
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Book Review: The Ghost of Lily Painter by Caitlin Davies
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: The Ghost of Lily Painter by Caitlin Davies

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Summary:
The first time Annie Sweet sees 43 Stanley Road, the Victorian house is so perfect she almost feels as though it has chosen her. She longs to move in, but with her husband increasingly distant, and her daughter wrapped up in her friends, Annie is left alone to mull over the past. Soon she becomes consumed by the house and everyone who has lived there before her, especially a young chorus girl called Lily Painter. As Annie delves further into Lily’s past she discovers a dark episode of two notorious baby farmers. Until Annie solves the mystery at the heart of the scandal, the ghost of Lily Painter will never be able to rest.
Review:
I love a good old mystery that comes with a past, and The Ghost of Lily Painter kept me up in the night as I couldn’t put it down. There’s a lot going on in the story – Annie’s personal life, the mystery of the past, the baby farmer twist. It was like reading a history lesson as well as a good book. I learned a lot about a topic I didn’t know much about, but the storyline on all fronts was really strong. Great ending, though I thought it was pretty easy to figure out, but still a great book overall. I quickly recommended this book to several people, and I recommend to you as well!
4 stars

October 31, 2013
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Book Review: The Drake Equation by Heather Walsh
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: The Drake Equation by Heather Walsh

Reviewer: Terry I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Summary: She’s a Democrat, he’s a Republican. She spends her…

October 31, 2013
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Book Review: Hunting With Lawn Darts by Geoffrey McKeel
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: Hunting With Lawn Darts by Geoffrey McKeel

Chad Jordan is a thirtysomething guy who finds himself having to start over in the world of dating. Born and bred in Chicago, and raised in Catholic school, he now works as a senior financial consultant for a financial advertising firm. Established, smart and dedicated to relationships and the hope of living happily ever after, Chad is just an all around nice guy. He’s been in a relationship with Stephanie, his now ex, for the past four years. Before that, he was in an 18 month relationship, so he’s used to being committed. He’s always been able to avoid the minefield of dating, but after his break-up with Stephanie, he finds himself surrounded by buddies who are eager to help him get back into the dating scene. Filled with funny moments and friends who aren’t afraid to tell him to suck it up and move on with his life, this is the story of an all-American good guy who finds that life as a single man is very different than the last 5-6 years when he’s not been single and alone.
I enjoyed reading a chick lit novel where the story is through the eyes of a man – an interesting twist on chick lit. There are still some good guys out there – and just like women need to cradle a broken heart, so do men. I enjoyed the idea of reading a guy’s perspective; it kinda left me wishing there were more books like this.

October 30, 2013
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Book Review: Accused by Lisa Scottoline
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: Accused by Lisa Scottoline

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Summary:
New York Times bestselling and Edgar Award–winning author Lisa Scottoline revolutionized crime fiction when she introduced her all-female law firm of Rosato & Associates, thrilling readers with her twisty, fast-paced plots and capturing their hearts with her cast of strong and relatable female characters. Now Bennie Rosato, Mary DiNunzio, Judy Carrier, and Anne Murphy are back with all cylinders firing in Accused.
Mary Dinuzio has just been promoted to partner and is about to take on her most unusual case yet, brought to the firm by a thirteen-year-old genius with a penchant for beekeeping. Allegra Gardner’s sister Fiona was murdered six years ago, and it seemed like an open-and-shut case: the accused, Lonnie Stall, was seen fleeing the scene; his blood was on Fiona and her blood was on him; most damningly, Lonnie Stall pleaded guilty. But Allegra believes Lonnie is innocent and has been wrongly imprisoned. The Gardner family is one of the most powerful in the country and Allegra’s parents don’t believe in reopening the case, so taking it on is risky. But the Rosato & Associates firm can never resist an underdog. Was justice really served all those years ago? It will take a team of unstoppable female lawyers, plus one thirteen-year-old genius, to find out.
Review:
This is my first book from the Rosato & Associates series, but not my first from Lisa Scottoline. I’m a big fan of mystery novels especially those with suspense, and this one definitely had that! Even though I was new to these characters, it was easy to fit right into their lives. I felt for Mary, who was clearly struggling with her new relationship after losing her first husband to murder. The friendship she has with Judy got pretty intense once Mary is made partner, and that was really intriguing to read about. But of course, we are centered on the case Mary takes on – trying to find the real killer of Fiona Gardner, a young girl murdered in her own home. Her little sister Allegra is determined to find out the real murderer, as she is certain the wrong man is behind bars. It was fascinating to follow along with Mary and her gang, and I felt like I learned a lot about law and really all the well, legalities, that can come with cases. It could be pretty frustrating to read about a case that clearly wasn’t quite put together right, but there was about twenty hoops to jump through in order to get it reopened. The ending was especially intense and my jaw dropped when we find out the real killer. I hope you can read this and I hope to get my hands on more from the series!
4 stars

October 30, 2013
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Book Review: Eat Your Heart Out by Giulia Simolo
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: Eat Your Heart Out by Giulia Simolo

Reviewer: Christy I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.  Chloe is the head of the finance department of a…

October 29, 2013
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Book Review: The Paris Architect by Charles Belfoure
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: The Paris Architect by Charles Belfoure

Reviewer: Kate I received a copy of The Paris Architect by Charles Belfoure in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: In 1942 Paris, gifted architect…

October 28, 2013
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Book Review: When Girlfriends Take Chances by Savannah Page
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: When Girlfriends Take Chances by Savannah Page

Reviewer: Sara Palacios

Disclaimer: I received a copy of When Girlfriends Take Chances by Savannah Page in exchange for an honest review.

Summary:

A novel about exploring love and life’s path, and taking chances along the way.

Emily Saunders has never thought twice about grabbing her passport, rucksack, and camera and trekking across the globe. If there’s an NGO, a study abroad program, or simply the travel itch, Emily’s on the first plane out. Free-spirited, open-minded, and eager to explore, it’s no wonder Emily’s hardly in one spot (or relationship) for long.

For the past year-and-a-half, though, Emily’s found herself planted in her college hometown of Seattle. She’s surrounded by her best friends, has steady work as a photographer and at her friend Sophie’s café, and is certainly kept busy by the wild antics of her BFF Jackie. Life’s enjoyable, but Emily’s looking for something more. She’s ready for a change, for adventure!

But when Emily tells her girlfriends she’s ready for something new she does not expect Operation Blind Date!

Sure, Emily’s single. Sure, she hopes to some day find true love. But being thrown into an insane challenge like this is not exactly the adventure she had in mind! Couldn’t she just travel and focus on her photography? Or volunteer in Africa? Will a string of eligible bachelors lined up by her friends–a shot at finding a real and lasting love–really be that change she’s searching for?

This is a spirited story about seeking adventure while being true to yourself, wherever you are in life. It’s a story about love, risk, and self-discovery. About what happens when girlfriends take chances.
Review:
I have been reading the Girlfriends series from Savannah Page for a while now and always really, really enjoy each book. Although each book is similar, they are also very different and focus on a different theme each and every time. This novel focuses on Emily Saunders. Emily has all the money she could ask for and doesn’t need to work but works part time at a cafe and also freelances as a photographer. One of the main perks? Travel! Emily loves to travel but fears that she will never be able to settle down because she has a hard time staying put anywhere. When her friends pick up on it, they intervene and set her up on a blind date and that is where things really start to pick up. I am such a fan of Savannah and her writing because her characters are so fun! I hear that she is currently working on her sixth novel, to be released next year, and I cannot wait!
Rating: 4.5/5 stars

October 24, 2013
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