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Book Review: Save The Date by Allie Spencer
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: Save The Date by Allie Spencer

I received a copy of Save The Date by Allie Spencer in exchange for an honest review.

Summary:

Family weddings can be hell.

…and, marooned in Italy for her cousin’s nuptials, Ailsa can be forgiven for thinking that this one is worse than most. With the bride and groom at loggerheads and the guests in uproar, it is a million miles away from the rest and relaxation she’d been hoping for.

And then suddenly, in the middle of the mayhem, she comes face-to-face with Nick, the man she walked out on just a few months earlier.
How can Ailsa help get the wedding back on track when she and Nick can’t stop arguing? But if they do, she might remember why she fell in love with him in the first place – and then there really would be trouble.

Review:

This is the second book that I have read by Allie Spencer and found it to be absolutely darling. Newly divorced, Ailsa is invited to the wedding of the year in Tuscany. I absolutely loved the descriptions and was easily able to picture the scenery due to the immense amount of detail. That being said, not only is this book full of rich imagery, but it also flows really easily and allows the reader to take stock in the characters and what is going on. I really enjoyed all of the characters and found them all written very well. This book would easily make a great read for the beach.
Rating: 4 stars

August 2, 2013
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Book Excerpt: How Do You Spell Love by Zanna Mackenzie
Chick Lit Authors

Book Excerpt: How Do You Spell Love by Zanna Mackenzie

How Do You Spell Love?

As rain hammered against the roof, Summer peered out of the tiny shed window on her allotment.

“It might be set for the day,” she frowned, turning to her companion.

Tom Harper shifted in his seat. “Typical, the first opportunity I get to come here and it’s tipping it down. I was really looking forward to helping out too.”

Summer smiled. She still wasn’t sure exactly why he was here. Was it just because he had a yearning to get back to working the soil? If so, why had he chosen her particular plot to want to work on? Why had he singled her out to be on the receiving end of his offer of a helping hand?

She had to admit, when he’d turned up as suggested, part of her had been pleased while part of her had felt irritated and annoyed. Whilst she could undoubtedly do with a hand – especially with the pesky weeds which were multiplying by the barrow load – she still felt uncomfortable and unsure about his real reasons for being there.

Confusingly, there had also been a part of her that had, for a second or two, gone all of a flutter. He looked even more gorgeous kitted out in scruffy jeans, a T-shirt and work boots than he did when he was all dressed up in a suit. No. No. No. She’d told herself firmly the instant the feelings had set in. She couldn’t – wouldn’t – allow herself to fancy Tom Harper. The sensible part of her brain reminded herself why it would be beyond stupid to do so. Firstly, he was involved; practically had been since junior school, with his girlfriend Lucy. Secondly, she was – well, she thought so anyway – still involved with Rob, no matter how dicey things were looking at present. Thirdly, he was Kat’s cousin. Getting involved with the relative of a close friend – and work colleague – was asking for trouble.

“So, maybe you’d better be getting off home, then?” Summer half stated, half asked. “Not much chance of getting any more things sorted down here today by the looks of it.”

Tom nodded but seemed reluctant to get to his feet.

“Can I ask you something?” Summer ventured, slipping into the seat opposite him.

He nodded. “Sure. Go ahead.”

Before she could get a word in he continued, “I imagine you want to ask me why I’m here.”

Feeling a bit awkward, Summer nodded.

“The truth, the whole truth and nothing but?” quizzed Tom.

“Please,” Summer nodded.

He let out a long sigh. “OK. Two reasons. One, I do miss this place and would like to get involved with growing fruit and vegetables again. It’s something that, for a number of reasons, I’ve had to give up over the years. I want to work the soil again but there’s a waiting list for allotment plots and…

Getting to his feet he added, “I’m sorry, Summer. I shouldn’t have asked if I could help out down here. I’ll get going and leave you in peace.”

Summer stood up and reached out to place a hand on his arm. “Don’t go just yet. You said that there was a second reason.”

He turned away. “It’s nothing. I should go.”

“Tom, please,” Summer linked an arm through his and pulled him gently back towards the table and chairs tucked in the corner of the shed. “Tell me.”

Slipping his arm free of hers he turned towards her and reached for her hand. “Are you sure?”

“Yes, absolutely,” she smiled encouragingly. Surprised that she hadn’t even tried to remove her hand from his, she added, “Tell me.”

“OK. The second reason I asked you is because I was drawn to you. The moment I saw you at that party I just prayed I’d have the chance to get to meet you, find out who you were.” Slowly, methodically linking his fingers through hers, he added, “I’m sorry. This isn’t something that I usually do. Please don’t get the wrong idea. I’ve never cheated on Lucy. I just wanted, needed to get to know you.”

Seeing the puzzled expression now on her face he added, “I know this is wrong. Besides the fact that I’m involved, I don’t know anything about you or your circumstances yet. Though, as you were at the party with Kat, and I don’t see you wearing a wedding or engagement ring…?”

Summer remained silent. Unsure what would be the right thing to say in answer to his question.

“You’re not married, are you?” he asked, still holding her hand in his.

Summer stayed perfectly still. The rain continued to hammer on the shed roof. Some thunder rumbled on, slowly fading into the distance. She still didn’t step away or move her hand from his grasp.

“I’m not married,” she managed to reply.

“OK,” he said, nodding and watching her carefully. “But? I get the feeling there’s more?”

“Do you still love Lucy?” Summer asked; her voice barely more than a whisper.

He nodded. “Yes, but not in the same way as I used to. I’m not in love with her anymore. It’s complicated. The relationship isn’t right and yet to leave would…”

“Break her heart,” finished Summer.

“Yes. Probably,” he nodded. “We’ve been together so many years. She’s pushing for an engagement ring this Christmas and I know it wouldn’t be right to go down that road. To agree to what she wants. Yet, to do otherwise…” he sighed again. “I just don’t know. It’s such a mess.”

——————

Author bio:

Zanna Mackenzie lives in the UK with her husband, 4 dogs, a vegetable patch that’s home to far too many weeds and an ever expanding library of books waiting to be read.

Being a freelance writer and editor of business publications is her ‘day job’ but, at every opportunity, she can be found scribbling down notes on scenes for whatever novel she’s working on. She loves it when the characters in her novels take on minds of their own and start deviating from the original plot!

Formerly a travel agent and therapist (she has qualifications in clinical aromatherapy, crystal healing, naturopathic nutrition and herbalism) she loves walking the dogs and gardening – that’s when she’s not writing or reading!

Zanna has written two novels, The Love Programme (Astraea Press) and How Do You Spell Love? (Crooked Cat Publishing) and both were published in early 2013.

Follow Links:

Find out more about Zanna at:

www.zannamackenzie.blogspot.co.uk

www.zannamackenzie.co.uk

Twitter: @ZannaMacKenzie

Facebook: www.facebook.com/zanna. mackenzie

Goodreads – http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/10703273-zanna-mackenzie
Amazon Author Page – http://www.amazon.co.uk/Zanna-Mackenzie/e/B00BKY1A18/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

August 1, 2013
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In My Mailbox: July 28
Chick Lit Plus

In My Mailbox: July 28

Title: Adela Arthur and the Creator’s Clock

Author: Judyann McCole

Received: Via CLP Blog Tours

Synopsis: To Whom Ever This May Concern;

I wish I could tell you the contents of this book were purely fictional. That I, Adela Arthur, was just a normal sixteen year old from Portland and that dragons, giants, elves and mermaids were just myths. I wish these were legends shared from crazy old grandparents to crazy old grandparents around campfires. After all, that is what I used to believe.

I never would have thought they lived on the other side of our mirrors in a world called Cielieu. But they do…

I never would have thought there were humans, better known as Volsin that lived among them with the ability to create light from a single thought. But there are…

I never would have thought I was one of them… But I am…

I am the last Arthur and I was brought to the human world after a Volsin, filled with greed, began to strip the light from our kind.

The human world was supposed to be a safe haven… but he’s found us and the only way to stop him is to go back to Cielieu and begin training as a student in the Elpida Castle of Light.

Like I said I wish the contents of this book were purely fictional and not my life…

ADELA ARTHUR

Title: Blogger Girl

Author: Meredith Schorr

Received: Meredith Schorr

Synopsis: What happens when your high school nemesis becomes the shining star in a universe you pretty much saved? Book blogger Kimberly Long is about to find out.

A chick lit enthusiast since the first time she read Bridget Jones’s Diary, Kim, with her blog, “Pastel is the New Black,” has worked tirelessly by night to keep the genre alive, and help squash the claim that “chick lit is dead” once and for all. Not bad for a woman who by day ekes out a meager living as a pretty, and pretty-much-nameless, legal secretary in a Manhattan law firm.

While Kim’s day job holds no passion for her, the handsome (and shaving challenged) associate down the hall is another story. Yet another story is that Hannah Marshak, one of her most hated high school classmates, has now popped onto the chick lit scene with a hot new book that’s turning heads–and pages–across the land. And it’s also popped into Kim’s inbox–for review. With their ten-year high school reunion drawing near, Kim’s coming close to combustion over all the hype about Hannah’s book. And as everyone around her seems to be moving on and up, she begins to question whether being a “blogger girl” makes the grade in her off-line life.

Title: Frisky Business

Author: Clodagh Murphy

Received: Clodagh Murphy

Synopsis: Romy Fitzgerald’s life is firmly on track. She runs a successful business, has great friends and knows what she wants. That was until her father died. Suddenly she’s not sure about anything anymore. So when she has a one-night stand at a party with a stranger dressed as Darth Vadar, she tells him things she’s never told anyone before about herself and her father’s death. They’ll never see each other again so her secrets are safe, right? Until Romy realises that she’s pregnant with Darth Vadar’s baby and now she has to face some awkward questions about what really happened the night of Luke’s conception. Romy’s going to have to come clean, but when her ex-boyfriend Kit Masterson returns from New York and seems happy to go along with the charade of playing the part of Luke’s father, it seems like the answer to her prayers. Kit was the love her life, and maybe her secrets, and the true identity of Darth Vadar, can stay hidden forever. But Kit has his own reasons for coming home and buying into the ready-made family. And as masks slip and true identities show, Romy and Kit quickly discover that in real life secrets never stay hidden, especially when it comes to love.

Title: While We Were Watching Dowton Abbey

Author: Wendy Wax

Received: Orion Books

Synopsis: A warm and witty novel about four friends, and a shared passion that will change their lives.

When Edward, the concierge of a historic Atlanta apartment building, invites his fellow residents to join him for weekly screenings of Downton Abbey, four very different people find themselves connecting with the addictive drama, and – even more unexpectedly – with each other . . .

Join Samantha, Claire, Brooke and Edward for a season full of surprises.

Title: Rome For Beginners

Author: Fiona Coughlin

Received: Fiona Coughlin

Synopsis: The girls had read all about living in Rome. The way it worked in all those pink, glossy novels was: woman comes to Rome. Woman buys farmhouse in Tuscany. Woman’s toilet overflows. Woman has a good cry. Woman achieves self-realization.

Living in Italy was no vacation, as Lilian would say. As a fifty-something academic living in Rome, she didn’t feel any closer to self-realization, and she had bigger problems than plumbing. Her professor ex-husband had just started dating her boss (the Chair of the department), and if that weren’t enough she’s just found herself in an Italian Emergency Room, where the people around her seem “to be speaking some dialect of squirrel”. Language problems won’t hold her back, as she’s got her friends Brennan (an athlete constantly risking deportation), and Suzanne (a newly divorced, single mother) to translate.

This story follows these three unlikely friends in different stages of life over the course of a year: broken bones, dates in the Catacombs, multiple boyfriends named Massimo, spelunking into cavernous Roman ruins, killing one’s own turkey in a country that doesn’t celebrate Thanksgiving, explaining to a nun how adorable one’s own child is after he is expelled, learning how to get some sleep when you’ve rented a room in a church directly under the church bells.

As things get ever more messy these women will discover if they can get it all sorted, with or without all the “ciao bellas”.

Rome for Beginners is skosh heavier than an average Chick Lit book, yet a smidgen lighter than normal Women’s Fiction. Readers who love quirky reading or summer fare, who like satire, who like a biting sense of humor, and who are curious about Italian life should love this book. Lovers of Rome should also love the book, as the city is a character unto itself.

Title: Two of a Kind

Author: Yona Zeldis McDonough

Received: Penguin Group

Synopsis: Christina Connelly lost her husband to a devastating fire ten years ago but has managed to work through the grief and build a lovely life for her teenage daughter and a small yet successful interior design business in Brooklyn. While attending a wedding, she is introduced to Dr. Andy Stern, a handsome widower with a troubled son. Andy’s egotistic demeanor is irritating to Christina, but she’s willing to work with him when he hires her to decorate his Upper East Side apartment. It comes as a shock to everyone when the two fall in love and decide to marry. Combining their families is certainly not without obstacles. Will they be able to overcome the difficulties and achieve their happily ever after?

July 28, 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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Book Review: The French for Love by Fiona Valpy
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: The French for Love by Fiona Valpy

I received a copy of The French For Love by Fiona Valpy in exchange for an honest review.

Summary:

Gina has lost her perfect job, her boyfriend and her favourite aunt all within the space of a few months. So when she inherits her aunt’s ramshackle French house, Gina decides to pack her bags for the Bordeaux countryside – swapping English weather for blue skies, sunshine, great wine and a fresh start. What she hasn’t factored in is a hole in the roof, the most embarrassing language faux pas, and discovering family secrets that she was never supposed to know. Suddenly feeling a long way from home, Gina will have to rely on new found friends, her own hard work – and Cédric – her charming, mysterious and très handsome new stonemason. But whilst desire needs no translation, love is a different matter. Can Gina overcome the language barrier to make her French dream come true?

Review:

This book is the perfect summer read and has exactly everything that I look for when selecting a book to take with me on vacation. Light and perfectly worded, Fiona does a wonderful job with the flow and the characters are so much fun. I absolutely adored the French country side as the back drop and loved the translation aspect of the book. I’ve never taken a French class and that ended up being okay because the author makes it very easy to read between the lines. Overall, this book is so much fun and will definitely leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside. I highly recommend it.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars

July 25, 2013
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Book Review: Sea Glass Island by Sherryl Woods
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: Sea Glass Island by Sherryl Woods

I received a copy of Sea Glass Island by Sherryl Woods in exchange for an honest review.

Summary:

Under summer skies, New York Times bestselling author Sherryl Woods evokes family, friendship and heartfelt emotion

With her two younger sisters heading for the altar, will Samantha Castle exchange old dreams for new ones? Lately she’d rather be on the North Carolina coast with family than in New York with agents and actors. Though she vows not to let her teenage crush on Ethan Cole influence her decision, it’s hard to ignore her feelings for the local war hero.

Ethan lost more than his leg in Afghanistan. He lost his belief in love. Even being surrounded by couples intent on capturing happily-ever-after won’t open this jaded doctor’s heart. It’s going to take a sexy, determined woman—one who won’t take no for an answer.

Review:

I have devoured the first two books in this trilogy and this one is no exception. I adore Sherryl’s writing and thoroughly enjoyed this series. Ethan and Samantha are quite a pair and I really enjoyed their dynamic together. At first they are hesitant but I am so glad that they both decided to take a chance. The book flows flawlessly and is a quick read filled with a lot of love and tenderness. I loved watching the sparks fly between these two and I think you will too. Overall, this book might be my favorite and I highly recommend it.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars

July 19, 2013
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Book Review: The Rockin’ Chair by Steven Manchester
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: The Rockin’ Chair by Steven Manchester

I received a copy of The Rockin’ Chair by Steven Manchester in exchange for an honest review.

Summary:

Memories are the ultimate contradiction. They can warm us on our coldest days – or they can freeze a loved one out of our lives forever. The McCarthy family has a trove of warm memories. Of innocent first kisses. Of sumptuous family meals. Of wondrous lessons learned at the foot of a rocking chair. But they also have had their share of icy ones. Of words that can never be unsaid. Of choices that can never be unmade. Of actions that can never be undone.

Following the death of his beloved wife, John McCarthy – Grandpa John – calls his family back home. It is time for them to face the memories they have made, both warm and cold. Only then can they move beyond them and into the future.

A rich portrait of a family at a crossroad, THE ROCKIN’ CHAIR is Steven Manchester’s most heartfelt and emotionally engaging novel to date. If family matters to you, it is a story you must read.

Review:

I have been a fan of Steven’s for quite sometime now and was so eager when he approached me to read and review his latest, The Rockin’ Chair. And let me tell you, this book does not disappoint. By far my favorite so far of his, this story is full of details and the characters are really well written. Steven has a gift of tugging at the heart strings and this book definitely does that. Heartfelt and real, this book rocked me to my core and really had me thinking about my family and about everything that we’ve been through. I highly recommend this book.

July 18, 2013
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Book Review: Little Sacrifices by Jamie Scott
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: Little Sacrifices by Jamie Scott

I received a copy of Little Sacrifices by Jaime Scott in exchange for an honest review.

Summary:

How much would you risk to stand up for your beliefs?

When the Powell family moves to Savannah Georgia in 1947, they hope against hope that they’ll be welcomed. But they’re Northerners and worse, they’re white civil rights advocates almost a decade too early. The American South is deeply segregated.

At first May can pretend they’re the same as everyone else. It means keeping quiet when she knows she should speak up, but it’s worth the sacrifice to win friends. Unfortunately her parents are soon putting their beliefs into action. And when they wake to find that they’re the only family on the block with a Ku Klux Klan cross blazing on their front lawn, the time comes for them to finally decide between what’s easy and what’s right.

Review:

I’ve been a fan of this author for quite some time and was so excited when I found out that she would be writing a different style of book under a pen name. Although the material is different than I am used to from this author, she hands it wonderfully. I absolutely adored the historical aspect and I loved the rich details that are provided to accompany the story. Overall, the writing is smooth, the characters are fantastic and the story is truly one-of-a-kind. Little Sacrifices really is spectacular and is a must read.
Rating: 5/5 stars

July 16, 2013
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In My Mailbox: Week of July 14
Chick Lit Plus

In My Mailbox: Week of July 14

Title: Lowcountry Bombshell

Author: Susan Boyer

Received: CLP Blog Tours

Synopsis: Private Investigator Liz Talbot thinks she’s seen another ghost when she meets Calista McQueen. She’s the spitting image of Marilyn Monroe. Born precisely fifty years after the ill-fated star, Calista’s life has eerily mirrored the late starlet’s—and she fears the looming anniversary of Marilyn’s death will also be hers.

Before Liz can open a case file, Calista’s life coach is executed. Suspicious characters swarm around Calista like mosquitoes on a sultry lowcountry evening: her certifiable mother, a fake aunt, her control-freak psychoanalyst, a private yoga instructor, her peculiar housekeeper, and an obsessed ex-husband. Liz digs in to find a motive for murder, but she’s besieged with distractions. Her ex has marriage and babies on his mind. Her too-sexy partner engages in a campaign of repeat seduction. Mamma needs help with Daddy’s devotion to bad habits. And a gang of wild hogs is running loose on Stella Maris.

With the heat index approaching triple digits, Liz races to uncover a diabolical murder plot in time to save not only Calista’s life, but also her own.

Moonpennies by Alanna BrownTitle: Moonpennies

Author: Alanna Brown

Received: Alanna Brown

Synopsis: Lina Daniels was eleven years old when her mother divulged that true love doesn’t exist and heartbreak is inevitable. Now a late-twenties struggling writer, Lina is terrified of opening her heart to anyone. She fumbles through life, battling bouts of depression and avoiding real relationships at all costs…until one too many glasses of wine at a New Year’s Eve party undermines her resolve.

She ends up in the arms of an irresistible prospect and decides to give love a chance.

The better judgment of her best friends tells her he’s not the right guy. But finding the courage to fall in love is only the beginning of Lina’s journey. Uncharted risks and bold mistakes open her eyes to a life-changing realization. She may learn her mother was right about the certainty of heartbreak. Yet she may also find that true love does exist, and it makes the heartbreak worthwhile.

Lions, Tigers and Sexy Bears Oh My by Candace HavensTitle: Lions, Tigers and Sexy Bears Oh My

Author: Candace Havens

Received: Entangled Publishing

Synopsis: A Montana town where no one is who they seem….

Everything about runaway heiress Ainsley McLeon screamed trouble—from her luscious midnight locks to her Louboutin-clad toes. Yet sexy, stoic bar owner Luc couldn’t deny the instant connection he felt to the tempting stranger…or the long-dead feelings she evoked. She could work in his pub until her truck was fixed but after that she had to leave town for good. Ainsley traveled with her own emotional baggage and there was no way she’d fall for the bear-tempered Luc…no matter how many passionate nights she spent in his bed or how safe she felt in his muscular arms. Can these two opposites find love in the middle of a blizzard, or will Luc’s darker side and Ainsley’s past catch up with them?

Winter at Death’s Hotel by Kenneth CameronTitle: Winter at Death’s Hotel

Author: Kenneth Cameron

Received: Sourcebooks

Synopsis: In January 1896, Conan Doyle arrives at the Britannic Hotel in New York with Louisa, ready to begin his first American tour. When a woman’s brutally butchered corpse is found in a Bowery alley, Louisa is convinced from the artist’s sketch in the paper that she’d seen the victim at the hotel.

When Louisa sprains her ankle and is forced to remain at the hotel while her husband goes on tour, she cannot resist pursuing her intuitions. And when more bodies start appearing, she’s convinced that she holds the key to solving the killings.

July 14, 2013
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