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The Overnight Socialite by Bridie Clark
Chick Lit Review

The Overnight Socialite by Bridie Clark

Lucy Jo Ellis is just a small town girl trying to make it in the fashion world of New York City. When disaster strikes at one of the hottest fashion shows, Lucy Jo is blackballed from the fashion community and ready to give up on her designing dreams and head back to Minnesota. Wyatt Hayes IV, a Harvard-educated anthropologist, is looking for a comeback with a possible book deal and hoping to get revenge on his socialite ex-girlfriend. He decides to conduct a social experiment- turning underdressed, uneducated, and underpaid Lucy Jo into the belle of each and every ball. The city of New York is riveted by this new arrival, except for Wyatt’s ex, who is determined to figure out Lucy’s secret and spill it to all the top magazines.
The Overnight Socialite by Bridie Clark is a modern day story of Pygmalion, and the hate the antagonists feel for one another causes some hilarious scenes throughout their journey together. The writing is solid, and just when I kept thinking I would know the ending, I was surprised at the turn the plot would take. I thought this was a charming tale, with engaging characters and over-the-top parties that will keep chick lit readers hooked throughout.

March 30, 2010
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The Nanny by Melissa Nathan
Chick Lit Review

The Nanny by Melissa Nathan

Jo Green knows she needs something more. 23 years old and still living with her parents, turning down three marriage proposals from her perfectly okay boyfriend, and living day to day with mundane tasks. When Jo finds an ad in the paper for a live-in nanny position in the big city of London, she eagerly accepts an interview with the Fitzgerald’s. After securing a position and waving good-bye to her old life, Jo begins to settle into her new adventure, not expecting what will come next.
The Fitzgerald’s lead a posh life, with Vanessa the hard working corporate mother and Dick the playful dad running a record store, his hobby. They have a Brady Bunch between them, with three children from their marriage added with two from Dick’s previous marriage- which includes 25 year old Josh. After Jo commissions Josh out of work, the eldest son moves into the family home- and is practically sharing a bedroom with Jo. Jo tries to ignore the feelings of attraction for Josh, especially when boyfriend Shaun makes the trip to visit her, but the feelings are dismissed when Jo finds out he is helping his father hide an affair from Vanessa. The dysfunctional family lifestyle ensues, and soon enough Jo finds herself enjoying her day to hectic day responsibilities within the tizzy Fitzgerald home.
The Nanny, written by the late Melissa Nathan, is a fun tale of a girl trying to find her way. The story of Jo Green trying to make something of herself is entertaining to read, and the Fitzgerald family adds much needed humor in all the right places. The air of mystery surrounding the affair keeps readers interested throughout the way, and the romance between Jo and Josh is undecided until the very end. A light but endearing read.

March 19, 2010
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Once Upon Stilettos by Shanna Swendson
Chick Lit Review

Once Upon Stilettos by Shanna Swendson

Once Upon Stiletto’s is the follow-up novel to Shanna Swendson’s Enchanted Inc. Katie Chandler is still working in the magical community, as an assistant to Merlin- yes the Merlin. Katie is an immune, meaning she is not magical and is immune to the spells and tricks around her, making her a rarity in the community. But when there is a break-in at her work and an inside spy is at large, Katie is put in charge to find out who is behind it all.
That task turns out to be harder than Katie thought, especially with the arrival of her parents from Texas. Her parents already disapprove of Katie’s move to New York City, but an even bigger issue- they are unaware that Katie works in a magical community. They don’t even think magic exists. So while Katie is juggling her parents, the impending holidays, and trying to figure out her love life, more break-ins occur on the job.
Once Upon Stilettos from Shanna Swendson is a fun novel that combines the regular world with the magical. Think Sabrina the Teenage Witch, but for chick lit lovers. The dialogue is snappy, the plot is humorous, and the mystery is engaging. Reading one will want to make you pick up all four novels in Swendson’s Enchanted series.

March 13, 2010
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Out April 6: Just Like Me, Only Better by Carol Snow
Chick Lit Authors

Out April 6: Just Like Me, Only Better by Carol Snow

Carol Snow’s latest novel, Just Like Me, Only Better goes on sale April 6th, and I am looking forward to getting my review copy soon. Snow is the author of some fantastic titles, such as Here Today, Gone to Maui, Getting Warmer, and Been There Done That. Be sure to pre-order your copy of Just Like Me, Only Better from Amazon, and look for my review and interview with Carol Snow.

Just Like Me, Only Better:

Ever since Veronica’s husband found the love of his life—and it turned out not to be her—she’s been a mess. It doesn’t help that she keeps getting mistaken for Haley Rush—the Hollywood starlet whose dazzling life is plastered on every magazine at the checkout line of her suburban California grocery store.

So when Haley’s manager offers Veronica a job as a celebrity double, it only takes a moment for the shock to pass before she says yes. Is it a fantasy come true or a disaster in disguise?

Ever since Veronica’s husband found the love of his life—and it turned out not to be her—she’s been a mess. It doesn’t help that she keeps getting mistaken for Haley Rush—the Hollywood starlet whose dazzling life is plastered on every magazine at the checkout line of her suburban California grocery store.

So when Haley’s manager offers Veronica a job as a celebrity double, it only takes a moment for the shock to pass before she says yes. Is it a fantasy come true or a disaster in disguise?

March 13, 2010
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Sex as a Second Language by Alisa Kwitney
Chick Lit Review

Sex as a Second Language by Alisa Kwitney

Kat Miner is running out of luck. Her movie star husband has divorced her, taking off with all the money and leaving behind a son. She is struggling to keep getting acting jobs, but nearing the precious age of 40, jobs are being lost to the more youthful generation. And her mother, living across the hall from Kat and her son, won’t keep treating Kat like she is still child- giving her no privacy to have a personal life. The only thing keeping Kat from losing it all is the support of her two best girl friends, and her part time job as a teacher, teaching adults English as a second language.
Magnus Grimmson is one of Kat’s students, posing as an Icelandic foreigner struggling to learn English. What Kat doesn’t know is that Magnus is an undercover CIA agent, trying to find Kat’s reclusive father that abandoned the family when Kat was only 10. Her father is a retired CIA agent, but the agency is desperate for his knowledge on the country of Kyrgyzstan now that political wars are raging. It is now up to Magnus to get Kat on his side to help them track down her father, without letting her know he works for the CIA.
Like all good chick lit novels, Magnus immediately falls for Kat, even taking up residence in her spare bedroom. Through some steamy loves scenes, broken friendships, and our heroine finding happiness, Sex as a Second Language by Alisa Kwitney will be a delight for readers. There are plot twists thrown in at the right moments, catching readers off guard, and a happy ending for all.

March 12, 2010
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The Goddess Rules by Clare Naylor
Chick Lit Review

The Goddess Rules by Clare Naylor

Mirabelle Moncur is clearly a goddess. From her enchanting looks that haven’t faded at age 60, to her commanding and domineering presence in any situation, and the way she flawlessly goes through men like sex is nothing, the women screams confident, secure, and goddess-like. Kate Disney is the opposite. Unlike Mirri, Kate will never be a film star, never be sultry, and can’t seem to get past the ‘slug’ of a boyfriend, Jake, who treats Kate like she is indispensable.
When Mirri, animal activist living in Africa, moves to London, she and Kate quickly become friends, and Kate tries to be more like Mirri. She breaks it off with Jake, heads to Capri for a short fling, and begins to live her life more freely and passionately, finally beginning to take a real interest in her career as a painter. But when an old friend reveals himself as a love interest and Jake suddenly is the pining boyfriend she has always wanted, Kate is unsure what her next move will be. In the end, Mirri shows her the true meaning of love, in a very Mirri-like fashion.
The Goddess Rules by Clare Naylor is not only a humorous book with engaging plot twists, but also shows the struggles of someone trying to figure out what love is. Is it right to be with someone that loves you simply because you love them? That and other puzzles fill the plot and will keep readers interest hooked, especially with the supporting cast filling in any holes. I will say that I thought at times the book seemed to go on a little too long, but it only took a few more pages to get me interested in a new situation that started. The ending was particularly a jaw-dropper, and kept me thinking about the characters even after I was finished reading about them.

March 6, 2010
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The Debutante Divorcee by Plum Sykes
Chick Lit Review

The Debutante Divorcee by Plum Sykes

When newlywed Sylvie Mortimer gets abandoned on her honeymoon due to her husband’s demanding career, she befriends a fellow Manhattanite, Lauren Blount, who is relaxing on her divorce honeymoon. The girls, seemingly opposites, become fast friends, and Lauren introduces Sylvie to the world of the debutante divorcees- where leaving your husband is just as fabulous as marrying him.
When cracks begin to show in Sylvie’s young marriage to Hunter- her husband acting secretive when he begins working with Sophia D’Arlan aka the Husband Huntress- Lauren tries to convince Sylvie that being a divorcee is not that bad. Fabulous vacations, top of the line parties, and finding comfort in other men. Lauren even has a goal for herself- make out with 5 suitable men before Memorial Day. Sylvie knows that she doesn’t want to be divorced and loves Hunter very much, but the clues of an affair are almost too much to ignore.
The Debutante Divorcee by Plum Sykes is a fast-paced witty tale that is a fabulous follow up to Bergdorf Blondes. But now, instead of trying to find the Prospective Husband, readers follow two women’s very separate lives in their journey of finding love. The lifestyle of the rich and spoiled shines through again, causing for some hilarious tales, but also offers a more grounded perspective through Sylvie’s eyes. The contrasting points of view and name-dropping antics will have readers loving this novel as much as Syke’s first.

March 5, 2010
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Bergdorf Blondes by Plum Sykes
Chick Lit Review

Bergdorf Blondes by Plum Sykes

The Park Avenue Princesses are on a mission- find the perfect Prospective Husband. The unnamed heroine dives right in, finding what seems like the most fabulous men but realizing they are only toads disguised as a prince (literally- a prince). Along with best friend Julie Bergdorf, the group of wealthy socialites go through the life of luxury, their biggest worries being when their next alpha-beta peel is scheduled, and what to wear to the hottest party this weekend.
Following the adventures of the rich and fabulous proved hilarious in Plum Sykes debut novel, Bergdorf Blondes. A light but hilarious read, it was difficult to put down because the characters were able to suck you in and make you feel a part of the clique. Chick lit readers will enjoy the fluffy plot and over the top situations, especially if you were a fan of the Clueless movie! Blondes is entertaining, carefree, and a glamorous trip through the glitzy world of the girls who have it all.

February 28, 2010
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Pieces of Happily Ever After by Irene Zutell
Chick Lit Review

Pieces of Happily Ever After by Irene Zutell

Alice Hirsh is trying to adjust to life in the San Fernando Valley after living in New York. Judgmental and borderline unfriendly, Alice relies on her family- Alex, a wonderful husband and father, working as an entertainment lawyer for the stars, and her precious daughter Gabby. But everything turns when Alex announces he needs a “break”- then Alice finds pictures of her husband cuddling with the hottest man-eating actress in Hollywood, also Alex’s newest client. Suddenly, she is on the verge of getting a divorce, and is having to deal with the demise while the paparazzi is stalking her and five year old Gabby asking all the hard questions.
Alice struggles to get through each day, trying to pick up the broken pieces around her. She finds friends with the most unexpected people- another mother who loves wearing Winnie-the-Pooh sweatshirts but can swear like a sailor and an ex porn star trying to make a better future for herself. Their friendships help support Alice through her mother’s declining health and a possible love interest- with a former paparazzo.
Pieces of Happily Ever After by Irene Zutell is a heartwarming tale of a very real situation and one women’s experience of trying to get her life back on track. I loved the spin with the fairy tale, seeing how Gabby’s love of fairy tales could relate to Alice’s life. The supporting cast really helped shape the novel, with just enough detail on each person’s lives. This is feel good reading material that shows no matter how much you lose, there is more you can gain to get your happily ever after.

February 22, 2010
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