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Book Review: When Girlfriends Chase Dreams by Savannah Page
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: When Girlfriends Chase Dreams by Savannah Page

I received a copy of When Girlfriends Chase Dreams by Savannah Page in exchange for an honest review.

Summary:

Claire Linley is finally a bride! After nearly ten years with her college freshman sweetheart, Claire is going to become Mrs. Conner Whitley. She’s got her bridal magazines, is the biggest Martha Stewart fan, and subscribes to all the major wedding blogs. She’s been dreaming of this moment for years! How could planning her dream wedding be anything but perfect?

The easy-going and bubbly type, Claire will obviously have a blast planning, and with her fantastic group of girlfriends-made-bridesmaids she just can’t go wrong. Whether it’s wedding gown shopping, makeup trials, or cake-tasting, Claire’s friends are there in a pinch.

But how big does the pinch get? All Claire wants to do is get married, but at every turn something seems to go awry and she’s starting to lose it. How is a girl supposed to remain cool and collected when the pricey dream wedding planner isn’t turning out to be so dreamy? When DIY projects and the perfect venue are going up in smoke? How is Claire supposed to marry Conner when the special day that’s supposed to join them together, forever, is slowly tearing them apart?

This is the charming story about how sometimes the biggest events in life are defined by the smallest acts of kindness and love. It’s a love story about dreaming large, loving deeply, and, in the end, truly having the happiest day of your life, no matter what happens (or doesn’t). About what happens when girlfriends chase dreams.

Review:

I’ve been a big fan of Savannah Page and her lovely books for quite sometime and am so honored that she allowed me to read and review her latest, When Girlfriends Chase Dreams. Needless to say, I had pretty big expectations with this book given how much I loved her previous ones, and I am glad to say that it doesn’t disappoint. This book is about what it takes to follow your dreams and finally settle down and live your love story, instead of always imagining what it will be like. I think Savannah paints a realistic picture about love and what it means to be a wife and as a happily married woman, I couldn’t have appreciated her honesty any more. Overall, this book is a great read and might actually be my favorite of the series!
Rating: 4.5/5 stars

August 9, 2013
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Book Review: Justice for Sara by Erica Spindler
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: Justice for Sara by Erica Spindler

 Reviewer: Kate I received a copy of Justice for Sara by Erica Spindler in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: When seventeen-year-old Katherine McCall awakened one…

August 8, 2013
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Book Review: Feeling Lucky by Kathy Bryson
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: Feeling Lucky by Kathy Bryson

Reviewer: Terry I received a copy of Feeling Lucky by Kathy Bryson in exchange for an honest review. Oh who wouldn’t like to capture a…

August 6, 2013
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Book Review: Exchange in Eichstatt by Melanie Surani
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: Exchange in Eichstatt by Melanie Surani

I received a copy of Exchange in Eichstatt by Melanie Surani in exchange for an honest review.
Summary:
When Kat Shergill travels to a small town in Germany for a college course, she has no idea she’ll run into Peter, an ex-boyfriend. Almost as soon as they realize they still have feelings for each other, Peter is kidnapped.

Though Kat does everything she can to understand the clues and ensure her friend’s safe return, she angers the kidnapper, whose taunting text messages and calls suddenly stop. Radio silence means no more information and possibly an abrupt end to the game.
Review:
I have read the first book in this series, The Silent Treatment, and I was looking forward to reading the second. Unfortunately, I wasn’t as excited by this novel as I was the first. I think maybe it seemed a bit too far-fetched for me. There is a kidnapping and some pretty severe torture happening, though I never really understood why or why Kat is really involved. It was like all of sudden Peter, her ex, is kidnapped and the kidnapper is still coming around her and taunting her and she’s asking random people for help but no one really is and then it’s over. The book is really short so it was a quick read, but I think it would have benefited from being longer and being able to explain more and really get into detail with characters such as Marcus. For the most part I was just questioning the storyline, so I wasn’t able to really enjoy the book as much as I would have liked.
2.5 stars

August 6, 2013
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CLP Blog Tours Book Review: The Legacy of the Key by S.L. Morgan
Chick Lit Review

CLP Blog Tours Book Review: The Legacy of the Key …

Summary:

No matter where you are, facing your reality with passion and purpose will always lead down the path you were intended to go. Reece Bryant was able to pick up the pieces of her broken life after the sudden death of her father. Though emotionally draining, she found the courage to move on, which would have made her father proud. After finalizing the last of his estate, and returning to pursue her degree in medical school, she has never felt so confident. While making her way through this world on her own, she is suddenly confronted with the truth of her existence, and the reality of her future. It is when she encounters two alluring and mysterious men, that a series of extraordinary events takes place, putting Reece’s life in grave danger. With her life in the balance, Reece must blindly trust the two mysterious strangers; and when she does, she is brought into an enchanting world that is beyond her logical comprehension. This captivating land reveals new worlds and new dimensions to which her existence is paramount. But it is once she falls in love with the stunning Levi Oxley that everything will change, and Reece’s life will be in more danger than ever before. Forced to return to Earth and face a Council of Worlds, Reece discovers there is more to this enchanting dimension than she could have ever imagined. At a moment’s notice, even thru the fog of our denial, our journey can become crystal clear. And within the revelation, once our fear subsides, we can find contentment and purpose if we focus on the things that matter most. Trust—Courage—Love.

Review:

I received a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
The premise behind this novel is extremely unique. I found the idea of Earth acting as a hub for dimensional travel refreshing. Lovers of sci-fi who want something different than vampire/werewolf/angel/demon (Insert the creature of your fantasy.) will enjoy this one. I was concerned that the plot would be too “high-concept” science fiction for my taste, but to my relief, the science takes a backseat to the romance between Levi and Reece. S.L. Morgan also does a great job of explaining the inter-world travel. I wasn’t confused or frustrated by concepts too complicated to understand. I’m not a huge fan of alien, extraterrestrial literature, but I would classify this one as sci-fi romance, and Levi is completely delish!
I’ll admit that it took me several chapters to really get into the novel, and the descriptions of Pemdas were a little lengthy. However, once Reece and Levi begin to really interact, I enjoyed it much more; however, I’m not certain Ancient Guardians: Legacy of the Key can be classified as young adult. The protagonist is in her mid-twenties, and in most YA literature, the main characters are in their teens. The last half of the novel had a great deal more action than the first half, but you’ll be wishing for a few more chapters by the end. Also, the love scenes are PG, and it is easy to see Morgan’s love of Jane Austen as the novel very much reminded me of a Romantic (capital “R”) work.
3.5 Stars

August 1, 2013
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Book Review: Pastors’ Wives by Lisa Takeuchi Cullen
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: Pastors’ Wives by Lisa Takeuchi Cullen

I received a copy of Pastors’ Wives by Lisa Takeuchi Cullen in exchange for an honest review.
Summary:
What’s it like when the man you married is already married to God? asks Pastors’ Wives, an often surprising yet always emotionally true first novel set in a world most of us know only from the outside.

Lisa Takeuchi Cullen’s debut novel Pastors’ Wives follows three women whose lives converge and intertwine at a Southern evangelical megachurch. Ruthie follows her Wall Street husband from New York to Magnolia, a fictional suburb of Atlanta, when he hears a calling to serve at a megachurch called Greenleaf. Reeling from the death of her mother, Ruthie suffers a crisis of faith—in God, in her marriage, and in herself. Candace is Greenleaf’s “First Lady,” a force of nature who’ll stop at nothing to protect her church and her superstar husband. Ginger, married to Candace’s son, struggles to play dutiful wife and mother while burying her calamitous past. All their roads collide in one chaotic event that exposes their true selves. Inspired by Cullen’s reporting as a staff writer for Time magazine, Pastors’ Wives is a dramatic portrayal of the private lives of pastors’ wives, caught between the demands of faith, marriage, duty, and love.
Review:
Books revolving around religion can be tricky. Some to want to sway your opinions, bash other religions, and leave readers feeling negative once finished. I was glad I didn’t find Pastors’ Wives to be this way. Sure religion is talked about on every page and there is one religion that is in the forefront, but there is a lot more to this book than that. The three women that we follow are all on their own journey, and each story was interesting to read about. I felt myself connected with Ruthie the most, but all the women each had unique and intriguing traits that made this book easy to follow and hard to put down. I liked the realism that is brought between the pages, the emotional connection that I could make with the characters, and though I might know or follow religion, I found myself getting educated and enjoying the book throughout.
4 stars

July 31, 2013
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Book Review: MacRieve (Immortals After Dark #13) by Kresley Cole
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: MacRieve (Immortals After Dark #13) by Kresley Cole

Summary:
In this pulse-pounding Immortals After Dark tale, #1 New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole delves into the darkest mysteries and deepest passions of Clan MacRieve. . . .

A BEAST IN TORMENT

Uilleam MacRieve believed he’d laid to rest the ghosts of his boyhood. But when a brutal torture revives those ancient agonies and destroys his Lykae instinct, the proud Scot craves the oblivion of death. Until he finds her—a young human so full of spirit and courage that she pulls him back from the brink.

A BEAUTY IN CHAINS

Seized for the auction block, Chloe Todd is forced to enter a terrifying new world of monsters and lore as a bound slave. When offered up to creatures of the dark, she fears she won’t last the night. Until she’s claimed by him—a wicked immortal with heartbreaking eyes, whose touch sets her blood on fire.

A FULL MOON ON THE RISE

With enemies circling, MacRieve spirits Chloe away to the isolated Highland keep of his youth. But once he takes her to his bed, his sensual mate becomes something more than human, evoking his savage past and testing his sanity. On the cusp of the full moon, can he conquer his worst nightmare to save Chloe…from himself?

Review:
I have been a fan of Kresley Cole’s Immortal s After Dark series for years. In fact, IAD is the first adult, paranormal romance I ever read, and as with any series, it has had its ups and downs. MacRieve is most definitely the former; in fact, it might be the Mount Everest of ups! It’s been three years since Cole treated her fans to a Clan MacRieve novel, so my expectations for this one were very high, and much to Chloe’s and my delight, MacRieve delivers—over and over.
Uilleam, a.k.a. Will, MacRieve is as juicy as the other Lycae men in the series, and his tortured soul beckons females better than a shoe sale at Macy’s. He’s got that whole barely-contained, gonna-rip-your-clothes-off vibe, and Chloe is up for anything. I literally could not put this one down, stayed up all night to read much to my husband’s confusion.
Another great aspect of this installment is the lack of side stories. This one tells Will and Chloe’s story; that’s it. You don’t get annoying secondary plots that leave you skimming chapters to get back to the reason you purchased the novel. I was a little frustrated at times with Will’s inability to open up about his past, but hey, if we let that stop us, ladies, the human race would be on the brink of extinction!

So, send the kids to Grandma’s house, prop up your feet, and enjoy yet another sexy installment of IAD. By the way, ladies, Cole’s epilogue hints that the next novel might be another luscious Lycae, Will’s twin brother Munro. Write quickly, Kresley!
5 Sizzling Stars

July 29, 2013
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CLP Blog Tours Book Review: Tales From the Laundry Pile by Kathleen Kole
Chick Lit Review

CLP Blog Tours Book Review: Tales From the Laundry Pile …

Kathleen Kole is now on tour with CLP Blog Tours and Tales From the Laundry Pile
Summary:
Claire Jamieson has moved back home to Boxwood Hills… And, she’s not alone. Trailing behind her overworked laundry basket is her husband and their energetic twin boys.

Claire had always thought that once she’d left the nest, she’d never return. Now that she has, she’s wondering what type of bird that makes her… Cuckoo?

When she has a moment to pause and catch her breath, she’ll let you know.

Tales from the Laundry Pile, an engaging, thoughtful story of motherhood, family tangles, new friendships and self-discovery.

The Boxwood Hills novels take place in the same picturesque mountain town, they have been written to stand alone; each story one in a set of many. That being said, don’t be surprised to see characters you recognize from other books within each other’s tale. They love to make cameos. Welcome to Boxwood Hills!
Review:
Kathleen Kole has been one of my favorite authors – and people! – since I first started reading her books. She does a terrific job at creating fun and cute stories that sucks me in no matter how different I might be from the main character, something I think speaks volumes for an author. With her latest novel we meet Claire, a bit of a neurotic mother to twin boys who has just moved to Boxwood Hills. She always feels overwhelmed by all of her duties and trying to keep her sons out of trouble, to stop them from getting scraped knees and bothering the neighbors. But when she starts making new friends and getting back to her old self – who she was before motherhood came along – Claire finally begins to loosen up and find happiness again. While I might not be a mother yet I thought this book provided good future lessons. It was easy to see how Claire let becoming a mother take over her own self-happiness, and it was great to journey along with her and see how she able to start making steps towards improvement. I also enjoyed that this wasn’t too serious of a book even though the topics could be serious at times – Kole writes with a light-heartedness and humor that makes her books a breeze to read! My only issue with the book – I wished it were longer!
4.5 stars
**Everyone who leaves a comment on Kathleen’s tour page will be entered to win a four print books from Kathleen! Titles are: Breaking Even, Dollars to Donuts, Favorable Conditions and Tales From the Laundry Pile. One bonus winner will win a $20 Amazon gift card! Anyone who purchases their copy of Tales From the Laundry Pile before July 29 and sends their receipt to Samantha (at) ChickLitPlus (dot) com, will get five bonus entries.**
Connect with Kathleen!
www.kathleenkole.com

Buy the Book!

http://kathleenkole.com/kathleensbooks/tales-from-the-laundry-pile

July 29, 2013
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Book Review: The Newcomer by Robyn Carr
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: The Newcomer by Robyn Carr

I received a copy of The Newcomer by Robyn Carr in exchange for an honest review.

Summary:

Single dad and Thunder Point’s deputy sheriff “Mac” McCain has worked hard to keep his town safe and his daughter happy. Now he’s found his own happiness with Gina James. The longtime friends have always shared the challenges and rewards of raising their adolescent daughters. With an unexpected romance growing between them, they’re feeling like teenagers themselves—suddenly they can’t get enough of one another. And just when things are really taking off, their lives are suddenly thrown into chaos. When Mac’s long-lost ex-wife shows up in town, drama takes on a whole new meaning. Mac and Gina know they’re meant to be together, but can their newfound love withstand the pressure? Step into the world of THUNDER POINT, a little town on the Oregon coast where newcomers are welcomed, hearts are broken and mended, and the dramas of everyday life keep the locals laughing, crying and falling in love.

Review:

I had so much fun reading this book and once again, Robyn Carr does a delicious job at crafting a wonderful story with solid characters. Robyn writes in gross detail and I absolutely loved the imagery and often times felt like I was right there on the beach with the characters. Rich and luscious, the storylines are like a fine wine that only get better as they go along. I took this book with me to the lake for the 4th of July weekend and it was the perfect getaway book. I would highly recommend this book to anyone with a soft heart who loves great writing.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars

July 26, 2013
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