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Debut Authors and Titles- October 2011
Chick Lit Authors

Debut Authors and Titles- October 2011

Debut Author and Titles- October 2011

Title: Miracle on Regent Street
Author: Ali Harris
Available: October 13
Synopsis: Dreams can come true – it could happen to you…For the past two years, Evie Taylor has lived an invisible existence in London, a city she hoped would bring sparkle to her life. But all that is about to change. For winter has brought a flurry of snow and unexpected possibilities. Hidden away in the basement of Hardy’s – once London’s most elegant department store – Evie manages the stockroom of a shop whose glory days have long since passed. When Evie overhears that Hardy’s is at risk of being sold, she secretly hatches a plan. If she can reverse the store’s fortunes by December 26th – three weeks away – and transform it into a magical destination once again, she might just be able to save it. But she’s going to need every ounce of talent and determination she has. In fact, she’s going to need a miracle.

Title: The Camera Never Lies
Author: Tess Daly
Available: October 13
Synopsis: Britt Baxter is unaware of the effect she has on people. A big-hearted, no-nonsense northern girl, she naturally looks for the best in everyone she meets, but in her attempts to make it as model she finds she struggles against being pinned down on the casting couch by the most unlikely people…
So when a happy accident lands her a career as a presenter on breakfast television, it looks as if she has made it out of the modelling world of close-ups and cattle calls and into the big time – or at least daytime TV.
But scarcely has Britt had time to wonder at how far she has come, when backstage machinations propel her with ever increasing speed through a series of trapdoors and she soon realises that the drama backstage far eclipses anything that happens in front of the camera.
Tess Daly has written a fast-paced novel with perfect comic timing and as many twists and turns in the plot as her heroine has costume changes. With language that fizzes on the page, enough romance to make the Sex and the City girls blush and a cast of characters that includes American-smoothie heartthrob Hollywood reporter Josh Bailey, Rise and Shine’s co-hosts Cherry Smith – known for her tinkling laugh and penchant for toyboys – and lecherous family man Ken Chudleigh who always has a hand in the cake tin. The Camera Never Lies is both hilarious and hair-raising, a glamorous and revealing tale of love behind the scenes from the popular Strictly Come Dancing presenter.

Title: The Night Before Christmas
Author: Scarlett Bailey
Available: October 27
Synopsis: All Lydia’s ever wanted is a perfect Christmas…
So when her oldest friends invite her to spend the holidays with them, it seems like a dream come true. She’s been promised log fires, roasted chestnuts, her own weight in mince pies – all in a setting that looks like something out of a Christmas card.
But her winter wonderland is ruined when she finds herself snowed in with her current boyfriend, her old flame and a hunky stranger. Well, three (wise) men is traditional at this time of year…

September 17, 2011
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Debut Author and Novels- August and September 2011
Chick Lit Authors

Debut Author and Novels- August and September 2011

Debut Authors & Novels- August/September 2011   Title: The Last Page Author: Lacy Camey Available: August 3, 2011 Synopsis: Norah Johnson is at a crossroads…

August 17, 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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Debut Authors & Titles: June 2011
Chick Lit Authors

Debut Authors & Titles: June 2011

Debut Authors & Titles: June 2011

Title: The Wedding Writer
Author: Susan Schneider
Available: June 7
Synopsis: Lucky Quinn writes up weddings for one of the hottest bridal magazines. And it wasn’t easy to get there. From humble beginnings, she outsmarted her way into the center of New York’s glamorous magazine industry – making up for her background with a sharp mind, whip-thin physique, and ceaseless ambition.
Then, in one day, her life is utterly transformed; two of the magazine’s major competitors fold, and Lucky is named Editor-in-Chief, replacing the formidable, but aging Grace Ralston, who had been at the magazine’s helm from day one. Grace taught Lucky everything she knows, but now it seems that she taught her too well…
As the ripples of Lucky’s promotion spread, the intricate lives of four women begin to unfold. Felice, Your Wedding’s elegant and unshakeable Art Director is now being shaken for the first time by troubles at home. Sara, the Fashion Director, is famed for her eagle eye for fashion trends and exquisite hair. But, for all her know-how, “the Angel of Bridal” has never come close to starring in a wedding herself – she’s picked the dress, but where’s the groom? Grace, recovering in the wake of her sudden, humiliating fall from power, must learn to accept herself – and love – after a life dedicated to fulfilling other women’s dreams. And, through it all, Lucky begins to discover just how lonely the top really is.

Title: Groundswell
Author: Katie Lee
Available: June 21
Synopsis: Sometimes the biggest ripples come from the smallest events. Like the day that Emma Guthrie walks into world-famous movie star Garrett Walker’s trailer. When she steps through the door, she’s a novice PA who’s just dropped out of college after losing her scholarship. When she walks out, she’s on her way to becoming Mrs. Emma Walker—wife of an A-list actor. Soon, Emma has made the transition from nobody to red-carpet royalty, trading jeans and flip-flops for closets full of Chanel and Birkin bags, swishing past velvet ropes to attend every lavish party and charity gala on both coasts. With her husband’s encouragement, Emma pens a screenplay based on her life, Fame Tax, which becomes a blockbuster sensation. Through it all, Garrett is her ally and her mentor . . . until their relationship is thrown into question by an incriminating text message that Emma discovers on Garrett’s phone the night of the Met Costume Institute Gala.
Devastated by her husband’s infidelity and hounded mercilessly by the paparazzi, Emma must flee New York City to get away from it all and clear her head. Her destination? A sleepy coastal town in Mexico where no one recognizes her and there is nothing but unspoiled beaches for miles. Here, she meets Ben, a gorgeous, California-born surf instructor, who teaches her about the healing powers of surfing, shows her the joys of the simple life, and ultimately opens her up to the possibility of love.
From Manhattan’s hippest restaurants to the yacht-and-celebrity infested waters of St. Barts, Katie Lee’s debut novel is an irresistible insider’s glimpse into a glittering world—and a captivating story about how losing everything you thought you wanted can be the first step to finding what you need.

Title: Laura’s Handmade Life
Author: Amanda Addison
Available: June 23
Synopsis: Laura Lovegrove is leaving behind her seamless life in London. Architect husband Adi has been relocated to rural Norfolk, a far cry from ultra-urban Ealing. Though Laura knew village life would be different, she didn’t foresee a pokey cottage, nosey neighbours, errant poodles, and even an ex turning up. Chris had been her big love at art college and seeing him again is utterly confusing. Is she really so different from the impulsive student who once trawled charity shops for vintage treasures? When a fire all but destroys Laura’s collection of vintage clothes, she’s heartbroken. And seriously lacking in outfits. But, salvaging what she can, Laura makes do and mends – sewing purses, bags, even dog leads (which should solve the poodle problem). Soon, she’s inundated with orders. But Adi is becoming more and more distant; it’s like there’s something he’s not telling her. Can Laura make a stitch in time and pull her family back together again?

May 17, 2011
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Everleigh in NYC by Cathleen Holst
Chick Lit Review

Everleigh in NYC by Cathleen Holst

I was so super excited to read the first book from Cathleen Holst, someone who has become a friend and mentor of mine since launching Chick Lit Plus and making the plunge into writing. And she did not disappoint! Everleigh in NYC opens with southern belle Everleigh Carlisle visiting New Orleans with bestie Christina. Since Everleigh was just dumped for the other woman- in this case, one of her friends- she knows a vacation to the Big Easy is in order. While there, Everleigh and Christina visit a voodoo priestess, and Everleigh makes a wish. The next morning, unable to remember the past night events, Everleigh doesn’t realize that she made a life altering wish with the priestess.
Two years later, everything is falling in place for Everleigh. She got hired for her dream job- a columnist at the ultra glam premiere New York magazine- Trés Magnifique. Her dream of moving to the Big Apple from Georgia and making a name for herself are finally happening. She also meets a man, the gorgeous and funny and hard working Robert Cates, but there are a few problems. For one, she can hear his inner thoughts. For two, he is her new boss, taking over the small newspaper company that Everleigh works for. Tucker Tales also happens to be started by Everleigh’s father, and is in danger of going under. Can Everleigh really leave for NYC and leave behind the family business? And why can she Robert’s thoughts?
Everleigh in NYC is a hit for Cathleen Holst! The story was fast-paced, the writing was witty, and the characters were full of charisma. I loved the voodoo/hearing thoughts aspect, that mystery gave this chick lit novel a little something extra. But the pages are also filled with to die for fashions, loving friends, boyfriend dramas, and an extremely relatable heroine that faces very real decisions. I highly enjoyed this debut novel, though there were a few odd grammar and spelling mishaps towards the end that I noticed, but overall, really fantastic read. I definitely recommend!
[Rating:4]

April 18, 2011
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Debut Authors & Novels- May
Chick Lit Authors

Debut Authors & Novels- May

Debut Authors & Novels-May

Title: The Better Half
Author: Sarah Harte
Available: May 2011
Synopsis: Anita is a wife on the edge.
Thanks to her husband Frank’s success in business she has lived a lavish lifestyle at the heart of the city’s elite. However, now that the economy is in freefall, it seems the days of boozy lunches with ‘the girls’, glittering charity balls and competitive designer shopping are over.
Still, though the banks are breathing down their necks, and their marriage is far from perfect, Anita had believed she and Frank would pull through. After all, they came from nothing. That was until she heard news that shook both her marriage, and the family she thought happy and secure, to its foundations.
As she faces meltdown, Anita is haunted. Why did she walk away from her one chance to prove herself on her own terms? What happened to the love that was once so overwhelming? And how did she let herself get lost in an empty high-rolling lifestyle?
Anita has to find herself again … but how do you do that when you’re just someone else’s better half?

Title: It Happened In Paris
Author: Mollie Hopkins
Available: May 2011
Synopsis: Evie Dexter, 26, is in pursuit of a career as a European tour guide. Heart set on success and buoyed on by booze, she begins ‘enhancing’ her CV and soon lands a job with Insignia Tours, guiding their Paris breaks. Bursting with professionalism, Evie quickly checks her copy of Vogue Paris to remind herself where France actually is. Task accomplished, she’s determined to become a cultured and respected chaperone. And she would be, if only the French wine weren’t so delicious and Rob, her sexy coach driver, so deliciously distracting …Join Evie on her maiden voyage as Tour Guide Extraordinaire. It’s going to be one hell of a ride.

Title: First Ladies
Author: Kay Burley
Available: May 12 2011
Synopsis: What happens when the power of love challenges the love of power?
‘So, have you met the Prime Minister before?’
Suave PM Julian Jenson has just been re-elected. The nation’s darling, he has an elegance and natural charm in public. But in private the cracks are starting to show.
At his side is his wife, Valerie. Trim, tall, well educated but deeply unhappy – with her son and daughter away at school, alcohol is becoming a trusted friend.
Sally Simpson is at the peak of her game. Powerful editor of the bestselling magazine Celeb, she can’t wait to take her rightful place by Julian’s side.
Sexy TV reporter Isla McGovern has caught Julian’s eye, and she will do anything (or anyone) to get to the top.
When the three women meet, so begins a perfect storm, and only one can emerge as the First Lady.

April 16, 2011
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Debut Authors & Novels- March/April
Chick Lit Review

Debut Authors & Novels- March/April

Debut Authors & Novels- March/April 2011

Title: RSVP
Author: Helen Warner
Available: March 2011
Synopsis: Four women, one wedding and a day to remember – or rather forget . . .
Anna’s world is rocked when she receives an invitation to her ex Toby’s nuptials – Toby was The One, The Love of Her Life, The One That Got Away. Will attending his Big Day finally give her the sense of closure she so desperately craves? Or will it only re-open old wounds?

Clare is Anna’s best friend, the person who was there for her when she and Toby split all those years ago. But little does Clare know that Toby’s wedding day will also change her own life for ever.

Ella is a classic femme fatale. She loves men and leaves them without a backward glance. But the one person who’s never fallen for her charms is Toby. As he prepares to get hitched, is it too late for a last-ditch attempt to win his heart?

Finally, Rachel is the blushing bride-to-be. This should be the happiest day of her life. So how come she feels nothing but a terrible sense of foreboding?

Title: Attachments
Author: Rainbow Rowell
Available: April 2011
Synopsis: It’s 1999 and for the staff of one newspaper office, the internet is still a novelty. By day, two young women, Beth and Jennifer, spend their hours emailing each other, discussing in hilarious detail every aspect of their lives, from love troubles to family dramas. And by night, Lincoln, a shy, lonely IT guy spends his hours reading every exchange. At first their emails offer a welcome diversion, but as Lincoln unwittingly becomes drawn into their lives, the more he reads, the more he finds himself falling for one of them. By the time Lincoln realizes just how head-over-heels he really is, it’s way too late to introduce himself. What would he say to her? ‘Hi, I’m the guy who reads your e-mail – and also, I think I love you’. After a series of close encounters, Lincoln decides it’s time to muster the courage to follow his heart . . . and find out whether there really is such a thing as love before first-sight. Heartwarming, witty and unforgettable, ATTACHMENTS is an irresistible romantic comedy that has it all.

Title: Hollywood Sinners
Author: Victoria Fox
Available: April 2011
Synopsis: POWER Marriage to Hollywood heartthrob Cole Steel secured Lana Falcon a glittering place on the red carpet. But running from a wicked past she has trapped herself in a gilded cage the price of freedom…her soul? REVENGE Kate diLaurentis s career is fading as quickly as her looks… What could be worse than discovering her husband s latest mistress is Hollywood s hottest starlet? Her only option the most shocking revenge. LUST Chloe French s innocent beauty has captured a million hearts, but no one’s warned her of the dangerous, dark temptation of rock star Nate – will lust destroy her? GREED Las Vegas King, Robert St Louis s fairytale wedding to Sin City’s richest heiress is tabloid gold… But scandal circles like a vulture – dirty secrets are about to be exposed! BETRAYAL From the deepest desires come the deadliest deeds…and these four couples are about to pay for their sins…

March 17, 2011
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