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The Silent Touch of Shadows by Christina Courtenay
Chick Lit Review

The Silent Touch of Shadows by Christina Courtenay

The Silent Touch of Shadows by Christina Courtenay is two stories in one. We meet Melissa Grantham first, a professional genealogist who is a single mother trying to get by. She is a history lover and once she receives an invitation to visit her family’s ancestral home, she can’t refuse. But, she starts having visions and vivid dreams upon her arrival about a medieval young woman and a forbidden love, and she is determined to solve the mystery. Jake Precy, owner of a nearby cottage, has always had similar dreams, and upon meeting Melissa, there is an instant connection and he begins to wonder why. We soon learn the real truth and that these two are already entwined … and maybe have been for the past few hundred years.

I was pleasantly surprised as I flipped through pages of The Silent Touch of Shadows. Upon reading the synopsis, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, and even more so curious upon learning that there is a ghostly presence in the story … but it isn’t at all what you think once you dive in. This book is a love story unlike any that I’ve read before and I found it fantastically written. I loved the historical pieces the most and thought they added a very authentic feel to the story. I also loved the mysterious presence that was always present around the story. Overall, a really unique read.

[Rating: 4/4]

August 7, 2012
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Q&A with Victoria Connelly
For Writers

Q&A with Victoria Connelly

1. What is your story about?

My new e-book is called It’s Magic and it’s a collection of 3 novels which were originally published in Germany: Flights of Angels, Unmasking Elena Montella and Three Graces. They’re all romantic comedies with a touch of magic so expect to meet five naughty guardian angels, a magical Venetian mask and an opinionated eighteenth-century ghost!

2. Did you draw inspiration from your personal life?

I did! Flights of Angels was inspired by when my husband was sent to a war zone just six weeks after our wedding. I panicked and truly believed I was going to become a widow and, in the split second that the thought crossed my mind, the writer in me kicked in and I thought, wouldn’t that be a great idea for a book? So, once my husband was safely home, I started writing a book about a young widow who has her own group of tiny guardian angels to take care of her.

Unmasking Elena Montella started with my love for Venice – we were staying there and I really fell in love with the city and became fascinated by the world of mask making and began to wonder if the masks were magical …

Three Graces was inspired by my love of old country houses and I couldn’t stop wondering what it would be like to live in one – a haunted one!

3. When did you know writing was for you?

I’ve always wanted to be a writer and I started my first novel when I was fourteen. I used to take it to school and pass it under the table for my friends to read during Maths lessons which used to get me into trouble with the teacher but I was well and truly hooked by that age.

4. How would you describe your books?

I say that I write ‘romantic comedies’ rather than chick lit as that term has been around a lot longer and it’s the romantic comedy films of Doris Day, Deanna Durbin, Gene Kelly and Marilyn Monroe that inspired me to write.

Don’t look for designer labels, references to popular celebrities or high heels and handbags in my books. They’re usually set in the country and they’re often inhabited by characters who wear Wellies and the occasional mad dog!

5. What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?

The waiting! Everything takes an absolute age from when you wait for feedback from your agent or editor to the length of time publication takes. I also find the physical aspect of writing quite hard as I suffer from RSI and often have to use voice recognition software and dictate my novels onto the computer which is really frustrating as I’m a touch typist and find that a lot quicker.

6. What are your favorite genres to read?

Romantic comedies of course! I love writers like Sophie Kinsella but I adore books from yesteryear too and some of my favourite authors include HE Bates, Miss Read and John Hadfield (who wrote one perfect novel – Love on a Branchline).

I do like the occasional thriller too – something dark and edgy like Scott Mariani’s Ben Hope books or adventures by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child.

7. What do you want readers to take away from your story?

I hope that my stories make people happy. I don’t attempt to write stories with life-changing messages or stories that will win literary prizes. I just hope I can raise a smile or two and make somebody happy and allow them to escape into another world for a few hours.

8. What is the one thing that you want readers to know about you as an author?

That I absolutely love writing and that it’s a real privilege to be able to connect with other people through my stories. I love hearing what readers think of my stories and I will always respond to messages from them.

9. How important do you think social media is for authors these days?

It’s very important to have a presence online and I have to say that I’m a bit of a fan of Facebook and Twitter. You can find me on both (@VictoriaDarcy on Twitter). These forums are a wonderful to connect with readers and it’s great to give them a shout when your new books come out. Publishers are very happy to encourage this!

10. What would be your advice to aspiring writers?

Never give up! My book, Flights of Angels, had hundreds of rejections from agents and publisher from all over the world and took years to get published but it was then printed in four different editions and made into a film. If I’d given up at any stage, I’d never have had that amazing experience!

Also, love what you do. Really love it! Choose a genre you’re passionate about. Read lots and write lots and LOTS. Learn your craft and be patient. If you are willing to work hard and truly love writing, you can make it happen!

August 6, 2012
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In My Mailbox: Week of August 5
Chick Lit Plus

In My Mailbox: Week of August 5

In Samantha’s Mailbox:

Title: Bond Girl

Author: Erin Duffy

Received: From William Morrow

Synopsis: When other little girls were dreaming about becoming doctors or lawyers, Alex Garrett set her sights on conquering the high-powered world of Wall Street. And though she’s prepared to fight her way into an elitist boys’ club, or duck the occasional errant football, she quickly realizes she’s in over her head when she’s relegated to a kiddie-size folding chair with her new moniker—Girlie—inscribed in Wite-Out across the back.

No matter. She’s determined to make it in bond sales at Cromwell Pierce, one of the Street’s most esteemed brokerage firms. Keeping her eyes on the prize, the low Girlie on the totem pole will endure whatever comes her way—whether trekking to the Bronx for a $1,000 wheel of Parmesan cheese; discovering a secretary’s secret Friday night slumber/dance party in the conference room; fielding a constant barrage of “friendly” practical jokes; learning the ropes from Chick, her unpredictable, slightly scary, loyalty-demanding boss; babysitting a colleague while he consumes the contents of a vending machine on a $28,000 bet; or eluding the advances of a corporate stalker who’s also one of the firm’s biggest clients.

Ignoring her friends’ pleas to quit, Alex excels (while learning how to roll with the punches and laugh at herself) and soon advances from lowly analyst to slightly-less-lowly associate. Suddenly, she’s addressed by her real name, and the impenetrable boys’ club has transformed into forty older brothers and one possible boyfriend. Then the apocalypse hits, and Alex is forced to choose between sticking with Cromwell Pierce as it teeters on the brink of disaster or kicking off her Jimmy Choos and running for higher ground.

Fast-paced, funny, and thoroughly addictive, Bond Girl will leave you cheering for Alex: a feisty, ambitious woman with the spirit to stand up to the best (and worst) of the boys on the Street—and ultimately rise above them all.

Title: Second Time Around

Author: Erin Kaye

Received: Unsolicited, Avon Books

Synopsis: A heart-warming tale of love in the face of family and friendship, perfect for fans of Cathy Kelly and Maeve Binchy Divorcee Jennifer Irwin has it all – a successful interior design business and two loving children. But as her 45th birthday approaches and her children prepare to start their own lives, Jennifer is left feeling lonely in her empty nest. That’s when she meets Ben Crawford – a man 16 years her junior – as their attraction heightens, Jennifer realises what she’s been missing. But mindful that the small-town Ballyfergus residents would never approve, they conduct their affair in secret. But a secret is never a secret for long…As the affair surfaces, Jennifer encounters opposition from friends and family, especially her daughter Lucy. Enraged by her mother’s relationship, Lucy seeks comfort in the arms of charismatic but troubled, Oren. Jennifer knows that Oren is not the man he seems, but can she convince her daughter of that? And with everything going against them, can Jennifer and Ben’s love survive? Or will she risk losing her daughter to be with the man she loves?

Title: The Wedding Diaries

Author: Sam Binnie

Received: Unsolicited, Avon Books

Synopsis: The first in a brand new series introduces Kiki Carlow, a woman on a mission to create her perfect wedding.

Kiki Carlow is shocked but delighted when boyfriend Thom proposes. Planning a wedding is easy, right? That’s as long as you ignore:

1. The utterly bankrupting price of the only dress you’ll ever truly love.
2. Your suddenly pregnant sister – surprise!
3. The celebrity wedding you’re covering for work which is devouring your every waking thought.
4. The Mother of the Bride. Entirely.

Kiki soon discovers that planning the perfect wedding might just bring total chaos to the rest of her life. Can she stop being a Bridezilla in time to marry the man she loves?

Heart-warming and hilarious, The Wedding Diaries will make you laugh, cry, and want to watch Bridesmaids all over again…

In Sara’s Mailbox:

Title: Summer Nights

Author: Allie Spencer

Received: Philippa @Random House

Synopsis: Could getting dumped on her birthday and stranded in San Francisco actually be the best thing that could happen to Flora?

Flora Fielding has been dumped on her 30th birthday, and left stranded in San Francisco. With nowhere else to turn, she seeks out her cousin Bella who has been working as a nurse in the city for the past few years. But when she arrives at Bella’s apartment, Flora is shocked to find that her cousin’s in even more trouble than she is—because instead of leading the fast-paced life of an emergency room nurse that Flora has imagined, Bella is eking out a living as the lead singer in an Abba tribute band. But as Flora soon learns, although life in San Francisco with Bella may be uncertain, it’s never ever dull. What with the tense Battle of the Tribute Bands, the threat to the local area by an evil developer, and the attentions of a very persistent computer geek, Flora soon begins to wonder whether she wants to go home at all.

August 5, 2012
4 Comments
Challenge 2012:Post Reviews:August
Updates

Challenge 2012:Post Reviews:August

August Reviews

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Please note this is not the sign up page. To sign up, click here

To see what challengers are reading, click here

Only signed up challengers are eligible to win

Prize for August: Two (2) winners will receive a print copy of Breaking the Rules by Cat Lavoie, and two (2) will receive a Kindle or ePub version. This will be open to US/Canada residents only. In order to qualify, you must post the link to your review in the Mister Linky below. This can be to your blog, GoodReads page, or other sources such as Amazon.

August 2, 2012
23 Comments
Sometimes Ya Gotta Laugh by Timothe Davis
Chick Lit Review

Sometimes Ya Gotta Laugh by Timothe Davis

Sometimes Ya Gotta Laugh by Timothe Davis follows thirty six year old Jordan Spencer who hasn’t had a relationship that has lasted for longer than six months. And, that suits him just fine until his two go-to people stop having time for him. Gabby is falling for a guy that Jordan isn’t very fond of, and Chris … is well, having issues of his own. With the two of them slowly drifting further away from Jordan, he has to come up with an alternative plan and decide what to do about the loneliness that he faces without his pals. Should he fight for their friendships? Or should he let them drift further and further to the side. Only time will tell …

Sometimes Ya Gotta Laugh is a dose of chick-lit about friendship, but told through a male perspective. Being a female, I found this take fascinating and really enjoyed reading about the value that certain men place on their friendships. Timothe Davis does a wonderful job at creating very real and believable friendships, and very vivid characters. I actually enjoyed this book much more than I expected. Overall, a great read from an emerging author. Can’t wait to see what Davis comes out with next.

August 2, 2012
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Happily Ever After by Maggie Greene
For Writers

Happily Ever After by Maggie Greene

Happily Ever After

Thanks so much for having me here today!

I hear from a lot of people that they don’t like reading romances because the ending is implied. I’m sure you won’t be surprised to learn that these books end with a happily-ever-after. That’s actually what I love about it. When I pick up a romance, I know that no matter what the characters go through, they are going to wind up together in the end.

To be fair, romance isn’t the only genre this happens in. When you read a mystery, you expect the detective to solve the crime, right? Otherwise it wouldn’t make it a very good story. We like to see good win out over evil.

We also like to see love conquer the world. I strongly believe in the power of love to heal wounds created by the rest of the world. Of course, I also believe that it is important to make the characters work to get there. So you know what you’re getting with my book. Two characters who each have a host of personal problems, who want to be together but are pulled apart by circumstances, but who find a way to overcome those issues and end up together in the end.

Alright, time for the fun part. I’m having a large giveaway as part of my blog tour. Comments on each of the stops will count as an entry in the contest. Winners will be drawn on August 1st andwill receive a gift basket from me complete with some book swag, bath products,and honey. For more details (and chances to enter), you can visit my blog (http://www.authormaggiegreene.com).Please make sure you leave an email address.

July 31, 2012
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Great-Aunt Sophia’s Lessons for Bombshells by Lisa Cach
Chick Lit Review

Great-Aunt Sophia’s Lessons for Bombshells by Lisa Cach

Great Aunt Sophia’s Lessons for Bombshells by Lisa Cach follows Grace Cavanaugh, who is bound and determined to prove that beauty only leads to misery through research for her thesis. She is knee deep in research when she receives a call that her great aunt Sophia is havnig surgery, and that she would love it if Grace could accompany her during her recovery. Despite her misgivings, Grace caves once she realizes that this would be a perfect opportunity to do some much needed research. She arrives in Pebble Beach completely expecting to find a old, lonely and ragged old woman … but instead finds a well aged diva, still ozzing of va-va-voom. Grace realizes that she is the perfect specimen for her thesis but soon may change her train of thought once her great aunt takes her under her wing and completely transforms her into a bombshell, delivering her to test her new skills on two men who are only inches away from becoming her prey. Newly unleashed power threatens everything that Grace has ever stood for and leaves her wondering if she should trust her heart and look for beauty in unexpected places, instead of what is obvious.

I absolutely loved this book! Great- Aunt Sophia’s Lessons for Bombshells is a fabulous and hilarious read filled with lots of wonderful tips and insight on how to keep (or get back) what you’ve been missing in your life. Full of surprises and laughs, I was highly entertained throughout, and especially loved it when naive Grace is pitted against sexy Declan and the always handsome Dr. Andrew. I had a really hard time putting this one down and it was perfect for lounging by the pool. Overall, a really fun read and definitely something different. Loved every second of it.

[Rating: 5/5]

July 31, 2012
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Before I Met You by Lisa Jewell
Chick Lit Review

Before I Met You by Lisa Jewell

Enchanting and mysterious, Before I Met You by Lisa Jewell, follows young Betty, freshly out of university as she embarks on following her dreams and landing a great job, meeting new friends …. and possibly falling in love. Calm, cool, and collected, young Betty is ready for anything that life throws her direction, well that is until she stumbles upon a mysterious love letter after her grandmother’s death from a man that she has never heard of. Although she tries to move past the contents of the letter, it becomes difficult for her because she is completely captivated by the letter and wonders if it will help her find her own happiness.

This is only the second book that I have read from Lisa Jewell but she has quickly emerged as one of my favorite authors. Featuring a historical perspective, I loved this novel because of the strong, believable characters and their relationships, as well as the prose and intrigue that the novel presented. I loved the dynamic between Arlette and Betty and the dual writing that Jewell did fabulously well. I also thought Jewell created a very beautiful world for the reader … starting first in the 20’s with the stereotypical flapper dresses, transporting the reader through the early 90’s with all of it’s pop references as well. Overall, a truly heartwarming read and a great new addition to my book shelf. I think this book is for any reader who loves a little bit of mystery and intrigue in a read.

[Rating: 4.5/5]

July 30, 2012
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Nursing Second Chances by Maggie Greene
Chick Lit Review

Nursing Second Chances by Maggie Greene

Nursing Second Chances by Maggie Greene follows two main characters, Kiersten and Charles and their interwoven story lines. Kiersten Hart vowed never to return to her hometown after a bad experience during high school, but is forced to put those feelings aside when her sister is widowed and left alone to raise two kiddos alone. Reluctantly, Kiersten leaves her big city job and returns to her old stomping grounds to help her sister out … although she insists that it is only temporary. She takes a job as a school nurse, and it is there that she meets diabetic child Jason, the son of Charles Webber. The two share an instant attraction but they both have their own hang ups about falling in love. It eventually takes something drastic to bring the characters to a point where they are able to finally go with what is in their hearts.

I found Nursing Second Chances to be a sweet romance and found the characters to be honest and real. I absolutely fell in love with Jason … although I do wish that the trio of characters had more “family” time together as a cohesive unit, and that we could see more interaction between Kiersten and him. The other major complaint that I had was Kiersten’s constant reminder to Charles about only staying in town temporarily. I felt like she was pretty much the sole reason for keeping the two of them apart for so long, but I guess that it wouldn’t be a love story if there wasn’t an obstacle. Overall, the story was sweet, just wish it was a little more in depth and provided a little more interaction.

[Rating: 4/5]

July 27, 2012
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