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Book Review: From the Kitchen of Half Truth by Maria Goodin
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: From the Kitchen of Half Truth by Maria …

I received a copy of FROM THE KITCHEN OF HALF TRUTH by Maria Goodin in exchange for an honest review.
Summary:

If your mother can’t seem to tell the truth…how true is your life?

Meg May doesn’t know what’s true. And she needs to find out.

Imaginative and free-spirited, Meg’s mother created a life out of stories. Outlandish stories, really, the kind you can’t possibly believe—unless your mother won’t tell you anything else about your past. After all, how do you argue with someone who tells you that a spaghetti plant sprouted on your first birthday, that you used to take hot dogs for a walk, or that your father died in a tragic pastry-mixing accident?

But as charming as those stories are, they aren’t enough for Meg anymore. When her mother becomes ill, Meg decides she has to know the truth. As the two spend one last summer together, Meg can’t convince her mother to reveal a thing about who they used to be—or who they are now.
Review:

Oh you guys, you guys – this book is lovely. I was drawn in and held captivated from the very first chapter and I loved pretty much everything about this story. The premise of the book revolves around a mother and daughter relationship and I really, really enjoyed the dynamic between the two main characters. Often times in life, we take things and people for granted and this book really examines this idea and runs with it. This book makes you think and remember things from your past and although it starts off fairly light, it picks up pace and really digs deep towards the middle and especially toward the end. From The Kitchen of Half Truth will bring you through a full swing of emotions and you will often times find yourself laughing and sometimes crying – but most importantly, your heart will ache with delight while reading. Such a wonderful debut and I can’t wait to see what Maria produces next.
Rating: 4.5 stars

April 12, 2013
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Book Review: Inferno by Kate Austin
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: Inferno by Kate Austin

InfernoI received a copy of INFERNO by Kate Austin in exchange for an honest review.

This book begins with Dante (our main character) who is living successfully abroad in Europe and then one day, he receives a phone call home from his mother who is calling in backup to save the family restaurant. Dante returns home and gives it a go. He expected the hard work and dedication but he didn’t expect to hit it off so well with Elise, the florist that his dear sweet mom hired to help out as well. Elise struggles with the attraction too. For once she is doing exactly what she wants to do, but then Dante walks in and really shakes things up. The two of them fight hard to resist the attraction but will they succumb to it finally after all? Or will they be able to resist indefinitely?

This book was sweet and saucy all rolled into one. I really enjoyed Kate’s writing and thought that she did an excellent job setting the story up. At first, you think that things are going to be a little slow and predictable, but once Dante meets Elise, you know that you couldn’t be more wrong. I loved the instant attraction between the two and I think that Kate does a fabulous job at creating realistic situations and adding in a little flair and spice to really amp things up. I was rooting for Elise and Dante since they met and secretly hoped that they would figure a way to work things out and yet do what they want to do. And, without any spoilers, I think the author does an amazing job at satisfying the readers as well as keeping true to her story. Overall, this book is a really good read and a lot of fun.

Rating: 4 stars

April 12, 2013
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Book Review: The Boy Next Door by Annabelle Costa
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: The Boy Next Door by Annabelle Costa

I received a copy of The Boy Next Door by Annabelle Costa in exchange for an honest review.
Summary:

Through middle school, high school, bad dates, and an ill-advised punk phase, Tasha has always been able to count on Jason. Since the day he moved in next door, he’s gone from the weird kid in a wheelchair to Tasha’s most trusted friend. But lives change and the friends are going in different directions. When Jason and Tasha rekindle their friendship, sparks fly. After years of being a wild soul, now the ex-lead of a band turned music teacher is just looking for a relationship to last.

When none other than Jason introduces her to a man who can give her what she wants, Tasha is on the verge of throwing passion and love away just so she can forget her troubled past and settle down. But Jason isn’t ready to give her up just yet.
Review:

I had so much fun reading The Boy Next Door and thought that Annabelle did such a fantastic job crafting such fun characters that are honest, flawed and easy to relate to . I loved the romance and thought it was very light and sweet. I also really, really liked the flashback scenes and thought that Annabelle did such a great job at going back and forth between time, which isn’t easily done and many authors struggle with. Overall, this book is really good and full of details. I was very impressed with this book and will definitely check out this author in the future.
Rating: 4 stars

April 5, 2013
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Book Review: The Bad Girls Club by Kathryn O’Halloran
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Book Review: The Bad Girls Club by Kathryn O’Halloran

I received a copy of The Bad Girls Club by Kathryn O’Halloran in exchange for an honest review.

When three women are seated together randomly at a wedding, they don’t know yet what fate has in store for them. With nothing in common but dissatisfaction with their lives and resentment toward the beautiful bride, Poppy, they are brought together by a risque prank. Together Imogen, Juliette and Beth decide to form the Bad Girls Club. They put into play a few simple rules – and each girl must complete a dare that takes them out of their comfort zones. Imogen flutters with danger as she dares to have the one man that she shouldn’t. Juliette has a complete transformation. And Beth enjoys being in control and being a bad girl. Are they ready to finally take the leap and become bad girls forever?

I had so much fun reading The Bad Girls Club! When Kathryn originally contacted me, she mentioned that her book was a cross between Sex and the City and the Fifty Shades franchise, and she hit it spot on. This book is hilarious and has some really great scenes that will leave you laughing out loud long after you’ve finished reading the lines. I think Kathryn did such an amazing and fun job creating such great female characters that form such a wonderful bond with one another. These gals are a riot and I loved their friendship! Overall, this book is really fun and I think that any gal looking for a fun and slightly raunchy read will definitely enjoy this book!

Rating: 4/5 stars

April 4, 2013
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Interview with Evonne Wareham
Chick Lit Authors

Interview with Evonne Wareham

When did you know writing was for you?

I’ve been writing stories ever since I was in school. It took a long while for me to realize that not everyone did it!

How would you describe your book?

The genre is paranormal romantic suspense – or paranormal romantic thriller. In the UK it tends to be called a thriller. It’s paranormal because of humans with special powers – mind reading – not because of creatures like vampires. It’s about two people who are caught up in a plot that centres around their special skills, and an attempt by a shadowy organisation to take advantage of them. In the course of overcoming the threat, they find each other – but it is not a smooth process.

What was the hardest part of the writing process for you?

I enjoy writing, but even so it is not always easy to keep going. 90,000 words is a long journey! You do sometimes get tired along the way. I tend to invent complex plots, so sometimes keeping track of who is where, and what they are doing, gets a bit complicated.

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

I’m often told that people are surprised by my books, as romantic suspense is not such a well known genre in the UK – so I’d like people to know that if they pick up one of my books they are going to get a love story mixed with crime and scary stuff.

What does your daily schedule look like?

All over the place! I don’t write on a regular basis with a daily word target. I spend a lot of time planning and researching and then I like to write in blocks and keep going until the end.

What would be your advice to aspiring writers?

Keep at it! Determination to keep improving as a writer and to keep submitting to agents and editors is vital. A few authors have success in their careers without ever having a rejection, but for the rest of us the ability to bounce back is part of the tool kit.

What is your favorite book?

I don’t really have one – there are so many authors I admire, in so may different styles, I could never chose. If I had to pick an author who has enthralled me for a long time, it would probably be Shakespeare, and then it would have to be the collected works.

Favorite movie?

Possession – the film made from A S Byatt’s novel. I love the way the stories of the Victorian writers and the present day researchers who are investigating them are intertwined, and it also has a number of my favourite actors in it.

Who is your favorite literary character?

Again it’s difficult to chose – but I do have a weakness for the villains in Elizabethan and Jacobean plays – there are some wonderful portraits of evil and corruption. I blame them, in part, for the darker side of my writing. I love the theatre, and it gets into the fabric of my work.

Who is your writing inspiration?

All the great American romantic suspense authors – Nora Roberts, Karen Rose, Tami Hoag, Linda Howard – I could go on. I just love the genre.

What is your must have beauty product?

Moisturizer. I’m a sucker for all the promises on the jar and I adore ones that have a nice smell.

What advice would you give yourself ten years ago? Any words of wisdom?

I’d tell myself to keep trying and keep learning. It took me a long time to become a published author, but I amassed a lot of experience on the way that is in

April 3, 2013
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Book Review: Six Years by Harlan Coben
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: Six Years by Harlan Coben

I received a copy of SIX YEARS by Harlan Coben in exchange for an honest review.

Six Years have passed since Jake Fisher was left by the love of his life, Natalie. He sat and watched as she married another man and then left it all behind. He threw himself into a career as a college professor and attempts to move on. But, after so much time, there is still a love that burns deep down inside of him and he can’t help that he still loves Natalie. But, one fateful day brings an obituary into his view and it happens to be for Todd, who was the man who stole her away. He can’t help himself so he attends the funeral and optimistically hopes for a rare glimpse of her, but when he sees a mourning widow that claims to have been married to Todd for almost two decades, he begins to wonder what the heck really happened. He begins to question everything that he has ever none as so many things around him become a mystery. What has happened to the picture perfect memories that he has hung onto so tightly?

I am actually slightly embarrassed to admit that I’ve never read anything written by Harlan Coben before … but that is all changing now. To say the least, I am obsessed. He is such a talented writer and does an amazing job at crafting such detailed experiences that will literally blow you away. When I began reading this book, I assumed that poor Jake Fisher was just hurting from a broken heart when Natalie married another man, but this book kicked that ideal to the curb and definitely knocked me on my butt. This book is very fast paced and reads like a mystery/suspense novel – which I guess it might technically be classified as. Either way, SIX YEARS is amazing and you should definitely go out and grab yourself a copy. Plus, I just read that Hugh Jackman has signed on to star in the film adaptation. Um, yum!!

http://www.joblo.com/movie-news/hugh-jackman-set-to-star-in-adaptation-of-harlan-cobens-six-years

Rating: 5/5 stars

March 27, 2013
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Q&A with Rory Samantha Green
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Q&A with Rory Samantha Green

When did you know writing was for you?

I have always written for as long as I can remember. When I was a little girl I collected stickers, which I used to put in special books and then invent elaborate stories based on the stickers! I can’t say when I knew writing was ‘for me’, but I always knew I was a writer.

How would you describe your book?

Playing Along is a quirky, funny, love story. It’s about harboring a fantasy, but the characters are very real and I hope I made them dimensional and relatable to. If you’ve ever had a band crush – this is the book for you! I wrote the book with the intention of making people smile. Life is hard – we all need stories to lift our spirits.

What was the inspiration for your book?

My sister went to a Keane concert and thought the lead singer had made eye contact with her repeatedly! After the show, her friend insisted that Tom had actually been making eye contact with her! I thought it would be funny and sweet to explore what the story would be if that fantasy was in fact true, and George and Lexi were born soon after! What woman hasn’t been to a concert and ‘imagined’ a few things about a lead singer?!

What was the hardest part of the writing process for you?

Discipline and self-belief. Fitting in the writing while I was also taking a masters degree in psychotherapy was challenging. Believing that my vision would translate and be embraced was sometimes a big leap of faith. I just kept going though, because I loved the characters I was creating and I had a feeling that other people would too.

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

I am an avid reader, so writing a book that kept other readers gripped and interested and amused was of utmost importance to me. Also, as an author, my aim is to write accessible, popular books that are still written with some depth and lyricism. I don’t believe I need to trade one for the other.

What does your daily schedule look like?

It really depends. I run reflective writing workshops from my home, and I have two kids and a dog! In between work and family. I fit in writing hours when I can. My writing schedule varies, but my characters are not unlike my kids – when they’re not getting enough attention – they let me know!

What would be your advice to aspiring writers?

My advice would be to just keep writing and really immerse yourself in the creative process before becoming too fixated on the final product. This is the main ethos of the workshops that I run. Find your own authentic writing voice and don’t try to emulate others. Write everyday, even for short periods of time, and see where your words lead you. Stay curious.

What is your favorite book? Favorite movie?

So hard to pick just one book! When I was a kid I loved reading Judy Blume. I read a passage from her book ‘Superfudge’ for a school competition when I was 11 and I won the trophy, so I would have to say I still love that book! Her characters are extremely likeable and believable. ‘The Bean Trees’ by Barbara Kingsolver is one of my favorite adult books – she initiated me into the world of wonderful storytelling.

My favorite film of all time is Merchant Ivory’s ‘A Room with a View’ which was made in the 80’s. It is just as compelling as Downton Abbey – romantic, beautifully adapted from the novel by E.M. Forster and so uplifting. After writing Playing Along, I realized I must have unconsciously chosen the name ‘George’ because that was the name of the lead in ‘A Room with a View’!

Who is your favorite literary character?

JD Salinger wrote a short story called ‘For Esme – With Love and Squalor’. Esme is one of my favorite literary characters of all time – a young girl who is feisty, honest and extremely insightful. I could read that story over and over again.

Who is your writing inspiration?

My writing inspiration is my mum, writer, Jackie Collins. Our writing styles are very different but I grew up watching her totally committed to her craft. She taught me the importance of dedication, and by example, she showed me what joy it was to love your work and be impassioned about providing readers with entertaining stories.

What is your must have beauty product?

Fresh Sugar Rose Lip Treatment. I’m not a big make-up wearer, but this is lovely and natural and tastes delicious! Think couture Chapstick!

What advice would you give yourself ten years ago? Any words of wisdom?

Ten years ago my kids were small and I was finding it hard to write. The advice I would give now would be to linger in the moments of my children’s childhood – the ones I rushed by. They are little people for such a short period of time. Creatively, I would have turned down the volume on my inner critic and been more playful and less precious with my approach.

March 27, 2013
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Book Review: Playing Along by Rory Samantha Green
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: Playing Along by Rory Samantha Green

I received a copy of PLAYING ALONG by Rory Samantha Green in exchange for an honest review.
Summary:

Two Lives. Two Continents. One Song…

Then: George Bryce was an awkward, English schoolboy fantasizing about being in a band.

Now: George is frontman of Thesis, an overnight indie scene sensation. Intense, creative and self-deprecating, his childhood dreams have all been fulfilled – so why does George still feel so lost?

Then: Lexi Jacobs was a confident Californian high school cheerleader, planning her future marriage and a meaningful career.

Now: Lexi is searching for substance in a life full of mishaps. Cautious, bemused and rapidly losing the control she used to rely on, none of her teenage dreams have delivered and she’s left wondering, “What next?”

Follow George and Lexi as they navigate their days thousands of miles apart. Fly with them from London to LA and back again, as George copes with the dynamics of his tight knit band and loose knit family, while Lexi juggles her eccentric new boss, bored best friend and smother mother.

Even though there’s an ocean between them and their worlds couldn’t be further apart, George and Lexi are pulled together through music, and their paths appear determined to cross.

The question is – when?
Review

Goodness … it sure has been a while since I’ve enjoyed a book this much, I even stayed up late to finish it one night. As the summary states, this is a tale of two people from two different continents who eventually stumble onto one another’s path. I instantly felt a connection to Lexi and George and loved them from the get go. I really enjoyed the way that Rory crafted each of these characters and their story and I loved getting to know them in depth and I think that ultimately, I had a much stronger connection to both of them because of it. In the beginning, I really enjoyed reading about their “almost” meet-ups but then after a few too many, I was so anxious for them to meet up that I started to get worried that it would never happen. But, don’t fret because Rory definitely takes care of the reader and eventually gives you something even better. There are a few minor issues here and there but I think that the overall story makes up for them and then some. Overall, a very solid debut that I really enjoyed and I think that you will too .
Rating: 4.5/5

March 22, 2013
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Book Review: Cursed by Lynn Ricci
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: Cursed by Lynn Ricci

I received a copy of CURSED by Lynn Ricci in exchange for an honest review.

Summary

When Sarah Carter moves to Boston to escape her past she realizes there’s more than meets the eye with the landlord and her mysterious new best friend. What happened to the owner of this brownstone and what secrets lie within its walls and continue to torment? Witchcraft, curses and timeless love are not what Sarah expected to find, but as she learns more, she wonders is she actually running back to her past instead of from it?

Review

For a lack of better words, this is the first time that I am going to call a book cool. I had a really fun time when I was reading this book and for some bizarre reason, it felt like it was a story that would have everyone gathered around a campfire. There are a lot of spooky things going on but the book isn’t scary at all, which I liked because I am a huge wuss! I really enjoyed Sarah and thought that her interactions with the tortured landlord were oddly hilarious and although he gives off a very odd vibe, I found him to be sweet and noble and he definitely turned out to be my favorite character. This book is an odd combination of spooky folklore and an oddball fairy tale, but together they make the perfect combination. This is the second book by Lynn that I have read and I must admit that I liked it better than the first because it was so unique and original. I would highly recommend it.

Rating: 4.5/5

March 21, 2013
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