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The Singles by Meredith Goldstein
Chick Lit Review

The Singles by Meredith Goldstein

Debut novel, The Singles by Meredith Goldstein, follows the single biggest fear of most single people – attending a wedding solo. Despite the bride, Beth “Bee” Evans, generous and thoughtful offer of a plus one for all of the guests at her wedding, five attendees decline and are consequently dubbed “The Singles”. The story follows the adventures of the five “Singles”, Hannah, Vicki, Rob, Joe, and Nancy. Hannah is the single bridesmaid pining over her ex with wishful thinking and hopes that the wedding will bring them closer together; Vicki is in love … with the characters in romance novels; Rob is single yet hopelessly in love with his dog; Phil can’t seem to find anyone that is better than Mom; and Joe is single yet hopeful for a chance (and romantic) encounter at the wedding. Author Meredith Goldstein weaves together each of their stories as they prepare and attend the upcoming wedding.

I found The Singles to be charming and heartfelt. I laughed and cried during a few scenes and felt as though the characters were developed very realistically. Although their lives are often sad, I felt that each of the five “Singles” had a very unique and interesting perspective that added to the overall feel of the novel. Their escapades really shine as they are woven together, each having a significant impact on the story as a whole. I absolutely adored the ending and was quite pleased with the way that everything turned out. Overall, a fun and often humorous tale that I think will be a big hit this summer.

May 3, 2012
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Challenge 2012:Post Reviews:May
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Challenge 2012:Post Reviews:May

May Reviews

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April Reviews

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Prize for April: Six (6) winners will be chosen at random and will win an either an eBook or print copy of MOMNESIA by Lori Verni-Fogarsi. 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.

May 1, 2012
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The Way by Kristen Wolf
Chick Lit Review

The Way by Kristen Wolf

The strikingly thought provoking debut novel, The Way by Kristen Wolf, follows young Anna, a fiery tomboy with a curious appearance. Her father uses this and sells Anna disguised as a boy to a band of shepherds when tragedy strikes her family. Once in their company, she is then captured by a mystical and secret group of women hiding in the desert- and it is there that she learns “The Way”, an ancient philosophy that unleashes an unknown power within her. She uses the power to heal, but mainly for other purposes once the sisters cave becomes threatened. Left with no choice, Anna leaves the caves on a mission and shares her new found knowledge and wisdom of “The Way” with everyone she meets along the way.

This book is absolutely unforgettable. Inside, author Kristen Wolf, uses her imaginative and beautifully descriptive story telling to weave a tale so engrossing that it leaves you breathless and wanting more. Anna is faced with many trials throughout the book, some more shocking than others, but through it all, you witness one of literature’s noblest transformations and a shocking revelation that will leave you thinking well after you’ve finished the book. I absolutely loved the suspense, as well as the enchanting mix of history and fantasy that are weaved throughout the tale. Overall, a fantastic read. I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good piece of literature. I don’t think I could rave anymore about this book … truly one of a kind.

May 1, 2012
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Charming Tuesday: A Beauty Favorite & Giveaway
Chick Lit Plus

Charming Tuesday: A Beauty Favorite & Giveaway

Charming Tuesday Product Of The Week: Lip Product

Samantha’s Must-Have:

I don’t wear a lot of lipsticks, because I actually realized years ago I have very sensitive lips. Many times after wearing a lipstick I will break out around my lips. Lip gloss and chapstick luckily don’t have the same affect on me, but I still minimize what I put on just in case. One product that I have recently fallen for and am happy to report has yet to cause me to break out is the Jouer Lip Enhancer. I received a sample of this in my November Birchbox, and recently purchased a full-size. I had used lip plumper’s before, but couldn’t get over the sting that would come along with use. The burning and tingling sensation was so bad I quit using them all together. But there is no discomfort with Jouer, and it still gives me a lips a noticeable boost. It also moisturizes the lips and makes them silky soft, and I love the light pink color to it. Just enough color but not overpowering. One of my favorite beauty products!

Sara’s Must-Have:

I am a self-obsessed lip gloss junkie and on most days, I have at least eight in my purse. My go-to brand for lip gloss has always been MAC because I love the color selection and the quality of product … but the MAC Clear LipGlass beats them all hands down. With the perfect amount of shine, this product plump’s lips easily and can be worn by itself, over a colored lip gloss or lip stick, or even just a liner. My preferred method is when it is worn by itself. I have never found another product that works as well, offers a glassy-shine, and hydrates all in one. This is my go-to lip product when dressing up.

Now, when dressing down, I am an avid chapstick user. I have one in my purse at all times and also one on my desk at work. I just love having hydrated lips … some people actually think that I may be addicted, but if it’s wrong, then I don’t want to be right. I used to keep things simple and use Aveeno or a basic Blistex on my lips, but a few months ago, Maybelline introduced their new Baby Lips collection. I am obsessed with the hydration that they offer and the subtle selection of colors. My favorites are the clear and calming Peppermint and the pink-hued Cherry Me!

May 1, 2012
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The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
Chick Lit Review

The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin

The Happiness Project follows Gretchen Rubin as she dives into making her life an actively “happier” place to be. Rubin is not an unhappy woman: she has a loving husband, two healthy kiddos, a thriving writing career in New York City, family nearby, and financial success. Yet, one day, whilst on a city bus, Rubin discovers that she spends most of her days just going through the motions, never doing the things that she really wants to … and decides that she could be happier. This train of thought leads her down a path that spawns the idea for The Happiness Project. In one year, she will spend each month focusing on different tasks that she believes will lead her to a more fulfilled and overall happier life, and in doing so, she becomes a more internally fulfilled and happier.

I honestly loved The Happiness Project. At first, I was hesitant because I honestly loathe most self-help books, but this one is very, very different. Rubin takes the genre and spins it on its head, creating a fresh, well-researched, in depth look at the steps she takes toward the pursuit her happiness. A refreshingly honest portrayal of a woman pursuing change. Overall, a fantastic read that will leave you thinking about ways to incorporate some of her tips into your own life.

[Rating: 5/5]

April 30, 2012
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In My Mailbox: Week of April 29
Chick Lit Plus

In My Mailbox: Week of April 29

In My Mailbox: Week of April 29

In Samantha’s Mailbox:

Title: Chocolate Shoes and Wedding Blues
Author: Trisha Ashley
Received: Unsolicited, Harper Collins UK
Synopsis: When Tansy Poole inherits a run-down shoe shop tucked away in the village of Sticklepond, ‘Cinderella’s Slippers’ is born — providing the footwear to make any fairytale wedding come true! Carrying everything a bride would want to walk down the aisle in, Tansy’s shop soon expands to carry shoe-themed wedding favours, bridesmaid gifts and even delicious chocolate shoes. It’s the dream destination for any shoe-lover! If only everything in her personal life could be as heavenly — but with a fiance trying to make her fit into a size 8 wedding dress, not to mention the recent discovery of disturbing family revelations, Tansy takes refuge in the shop’s success. But one man isn’t thrilled by the stream of customers hot-footing it to Cinderella’s Slippers! Actor Ivo Hawksley, resident of the cottage next to the shop, is troubled by a dark secret in his past and has come to Sticklepond to nurse his own broken heart. However, Ivo realises that he and Tansy have a link in their past and soon, they both find out how secrets shared can make a very strong bond indeed! Forget the Jimmy Choos, Chocolate Shoes and Wedding Blues is the only accessory you need for spring 2012!

Title: Summer of Secrets
Author: Alison Lucy
Received: Emily @ Constable & Robinson
Synopsis: One heady summer. Three big secrets.

1989: Newlyweds Danny and Harriet arrive at their honeymoon paradise in the Caribbean. Days later Harriet returns home. Danny is left distraught but finds comfort in the arms of two women. Nine months later, three baby girls are born…

2010: Megan leaves her childhood sweetheart behind in the UK to go in search of her long-lost father. Miles from home and temptation is at every corner – not least in the arms of the gorgeous Ray…

Esmé, a Mexican beauty, married Miguel at fifteen. In unlocking the secrets of her past, can she shed the shackles of her enforced marriage?

Claudia has led a life of privilege but she’s never really known what it feels like to be loved. Could David be the answer? Or will he disappoint her, just like her mother always did?

Three women set off on an adventure to uncover the secrets surrounding their missing father. It may be the only way to lay their demons to rest but seeking out the truth could tear their lives apart.

Title: Confessions of a Cake Addict
Author: Emma Kaufmann
Received: Emma Kaufmann
Synopsis: Londoner Kate Pickles has hit rock bottom. She’s funny, kind, and talented but totally unaware about all the great things she has going for her. Day in and day out, she sits back and whines to her sister Laurie in Sydney, Australia, as her boss walks all over her and her best friend Eva bags the hot guys while Kate ends up dating whack jobs and comfort eating cake. Pouring out her heart to Laurie in a series of letters and emails, Kate longs for her sister to confirm she really is the loser in love she fears she is.

Abruptly, Kate’s life is turned upside down when, on a trip to Vienna with her glamorous pal, Eva, Kate falls for a sexy Austrian and gets sucked into making a Bollywood film.

April 29, 2012
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Thin Rich Bitches by Janet Eve Josselyn
Chick Lit Review

Thin Rich Bitches by Janet Eve Josselyn

Thin Rich Bitches by Janet Eve Josselyn is a hilarious story that follows Pippin Snowe, and chronicles her life post-divorce.

At the age of 40, Pippin picks up her life and moves to the exclusive community of Dover, Massachusetts, shortly following the divorce from her husband who was having an affair. Upon arrival, she realizes that she is in uncharted territory- in a new town filled with Thin Rich Bitches (literally). Pippin finds a job with a local architect, where she renovates kitchens for the wealthy women of Dover who treat her like hired help. Fed up and irritated, Pippin creates a business plan that caters to the dogs of the rich, and successfully beats them at their own game.

Janet Eve Josselyn successfully creates a witty and charming main character in Pippin that the reader will absolutely fall in love with. In general, I have found that most authors try to write comedy into their books, but most of the time it just comes across as tired and overwhelming, but Josselyn writes humor effortlessly and it never feels like she tried too hard. And, although this book is humorous, the story never falls flat (like other comedies do). Overall, this book is very entertaining and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a humorous beach read.

[Rating: 4/5]

April 27, 2012
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Whole Latte Life by Joanne DeMaio
Chick Lit Review

Whole Latte Life by Joanne DeMaio

Whole Latte Life by Joanne DeMaio is a poignant novel that examines life and the unbreakable bonds of love and friendship. The story follows Sara Beth Riley who suddenly and unexpectedly leaves a note to her best friend at a restaurant one night and takes a break from her own life. In the beginning, all Sara Beth really wants is a few days of freedom, but she doesn’t realize just how close she is to completely losing it all. Her marriage, her family, her life, her forgotten dreams, and the loss of her mother have all taken their toll on her, and she can do nothing but run away.

Her best friend Rachel, alone now more than ever since the death of her husband and her daughter away at college, fears for her friend and attempts to bring her back to her life. Will Rachel be able to reach her friend in time?

I found the two women honest and absolutely loved the bond of their friendship. This novel had me thinking about my relationship with my best friend and all of the wonderful (and unforgettable) moments that the two of us have shared. Together, Rachel and Sara Beth create an unforgettable team that really create a “whole latte life” for one another. This book is endearingly heartfelt and left me thinking often times about the decisions and choices that I have made thus far. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a women’s fiction book with a little more depth. I will be sharing this one with my best friend and my mom!

[Rating 4.5/5]

April 25, 2012
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Charming Tuesday: A Beauty Favorite
Chick Lit Plus

Charming Tuesday: A Beauty Favorite

Chick Lit Plus is kicking off a fabulous new feature called “Charming Tuesday” on our website. Every Tuesday, we will choose a beauty product and narrow down our absolute favorites, often times featuring a giveaway of one (or two) of our beauty “must-have’s”. So, check back every Tuesday to see which products make the cut.

Charming Tuesday Product Of The Week: Foundation

Samantha’s Must-Have:

My favorite foundation hands down is Almay’s Smart Shade, Smart Balance. I wrote a post on Almay products and highlighted this foundation way back in December of 2009, and it is still a staple in my bag. I remember when I first bought it and squeezed some product into my hand, freaking out because it was white. I didn’t understand that it literally blends into your skin, matching your skin tone perfectly. So not only do not I have to worry about those pesky lines showing, but this foundation also balances your skin so you don’t get oily or dry throughout the day. I absolutely recommend this product!

http://chicklitplus.com/category/chicklitplus/style-fashion-beauty/page/7/

 

Sara’s Must Have:

Living in Texas, it can be difficult to wear foundation most days because of the extreme heat in the summer. In the past, I have usually used a tinted moisturizer pretty much year round, but during pregnancy, I felt like I needed a little more coverage than what a tinted moisturizer could offer. So, naturally, since I am a huge fan of Bobbi Brown makeup in general, I thought I would stop in and give them a try. Needless to say, I wasn’t disappointed. This foundation did it all- the weightless coverage helped even out my ever changing skin tone, minimized the appearance of pores and blemishes, and helped my super-dry skin stay hydrated. Plus, there is the added benefit of UV protection. I highly recommend this foundation to anyone looking for a smooth applying, never cakey (or dry) foundation for their skin that still provides a natural (almost tinted moisturizer like) feel.

April 24, 2012
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