The Accidental Beauty Queen by Teri Wilson - Review

I received this book free from the publisher. All opinions are my own

Book details

On Sale: December 4, 2018

Gallery Books | Trade Paperback Original

ISBN: 9781501197604 | $16.00

E-ISBN: 9781501197611 | $7.99

Audio-ISBN: 9781508283553 | $17.99

Book description

Charlotte Gorman loves her job as an elementary school librarian, and is content to experience life through the pages of her books. Which couldn’t be more opposite from her identical twin sister. Ginny, an Instagram-famous beauty pageant contestant, has been chasing a crown since she was old enough to enunciate the words world peace, and she’s not giving up until she gets the title of Miss American Treasure. And Ginny’s refusing to do it alone this time.

She drags Charlotte to the pageant as a good luck charm, but the winning plan quickly goes awry when Ginny has a terrible, face-altering allergic reaction the night before the pageant, and Charlotte suddenly finds herself in a switcheroo the twins haven’t successfully pulled off in decades.

Woefully unprepared for the glittery world of hair extensions, false eyelashes, and push-up bras, Charlotte is mortified at every unstable step in her sky-high stilettos. But as she discovers there’s more to her fellow contestants than just wanting a sparkly crown, Charlotte realizes she has a whole new motivation for winning.

Meet the Author - Teri Wilson

Teri Wilson is the author/creator of the Hallmark Channel Original Movies Unleashing Mr. Darcy, Marrying Mr. Darcy, and The Art of Us, as well as a fourth Hallmark movie currently in development. Teri is a double finalist in the prestigious 2018 RWA RITA awards for her novels The Princess Problem and Royally Wed. Teri also writes an offbeat fashion column for the royal blog What Would Kate Do and is a frequent guest contributor for its sister site, Meghan’s Mirror. She’s been a contributor for both HelloGiggles and Teen Vogue, covering books, pop culture, beauty, and everything royal. In 2017, she served as a national judge for the Miss United States pageant in Orlando, Florida, and has since judged in the Miss America system. She has a major weakness for cute animals, pretty dresses, Audrey Hepburn films, and good books. Visit her at TeriWilson.net or on Twitter @TeriWilsonAuthr.

Purchase Link: http://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Accidental-Beauty-Queen/Teri-Wilson/9781508283553

My thoughts:

It has been awhile since I have read a chick-lit book and after reading this I realized I have missed them. This was a fun quick read for me. I read it in just a couple of days. The author's writing style was easy to read and ranked right up there with Sophie Kinsella for me. I loved how Ginny made Charlotte stand in for her at the pageant. I would have been just like Charlotte - a fish out of water. I related to her in many ways. It was nice to read how close the sisters were and that they helped each other. I liked the added romance to the story. I will be looking for more books by this author. 

Beyond Forever by D.D. Marx - Review and Giveaway

Book Details:

Book Title: Beyond Forever (Book #3)

Author: D.D. Marx

Category: Adult Fiction, 200 pages

Genre: Chick-Lit

Publisher: Beyond Dreams Publishing

Release date: December 2017

Tour dates: Oct 16 to Dec 22, 2017

Content Rating: PG 13 (Light sex scenes/not explicit; language (couple f bombs)

Book Description:

Just as their life is seemingly back on track, Finn McDaniel’s gets news that sends him into a tail-spin. He is faced with the prospect of losing Olivia Henry forever. He immediately turns to Dan, Olivia’s deceased best friend, who is her loyal and constant guardian angel from the beyond, imploring him for his help. In the midst of all of the chaos a special package is delivered that changes their lives forever.

While Finn is determined to grow his restaurant to new heights by chasing after the coveted Michelin Star, it is Olivia who finally sees her dream come to fruition in a way never thought possible. Finn is determined to support Olivia through her shocking breakthrough and even has a very special surprise up his sleeve that she never sees coming. Just as their plan is set in to motion and they settle in to their new normal, they have an earth shattering encounter. In that moment it is revealed that they have much more than just a spiritual relationship with the beyond.

To read more reviews, please visit D.D. Marx's page on iRead Book Tours.

Buy Beyond Forever:
Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble
Add to Goodreads

Watch the trailer:

Meet the Author:

D.D. Marx is a contemporary romantic fiction writer and blogger, as well as a lover of all things social. She is a graduate of the University of Dayton, as well as the Second City program in Chicago, where she currently resides. A proud aunt and self-described hopeless romantic, Marx has always had a knack for humorous and engaging storytelling. Her pen name is a dedication to her beloved friend Dan, who continues to guide and inspire her in her daily life.

Connect with the Author: Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Pinterest

My thoughts

I have enjoyed this series from the first book I have read. I am sorry to see it end as it has been a crazy ride with Olivia, Finn and Dan. As with the rest of the books in this series. these books are a quick read. The author did a good job with the character development and you find yourself becoming friends with Olivia and wondering what she is up to. There is a little drama, a little romance and a little fun all rolled into one neat little package for you to enjoy. The scenes were also well thought out and described and I felt like I was a part of the story. A great chick-lit series to warm your heart. 

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How to Find Love in a Bookshop by Veronica Henry - Review

I received this book free from the publisher. All opinions are my own

Book details

Hardcover: 352 pages

Publisher: Pamela Dorman Books (August 15, 2017)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0735223491

Book description

Everyone has a story . . . but will they get the happy ending they deserve?

Emilia has just returned to her idyllic Cotswold hometown to rescue the family business. Nightingale Books is a dream come true for book-lovers, but the best stories aren't just within the pages of the books she sells - Emilia's customers have their own tales to tell.

There's the lady of the manor who is hiding a secret close to her heart; the single dad looking for books to share with his son but who isn't quite what he seems; and the desperately shy chef trying to find the courage to talk to her crush . . .

And as for Emilia's story, can she keep the promise she made to her father and save Nightingale Books?

Meet the author - Veronica Henry

Veronica Henry worked as a scriptwriter before turning to fiction. In 2014, she won the UK's Romance Novel of the Year Award. Henry lives with her family in a village in north Devon, UK.

My thoughts

This is a new author to me and I really enjoyed this book. I was in the mood for a fun chick-lit type book and who would not want to find love in a bookshop. This book will have you going through many emotions, sadness, happiness, laughter and more. It was nice to learn the stories of patrons of the bookshop and what going to it means to each of them. The contractor made me angry because he wants to close the shop down. The main character has a lot on her shoulders and with the help of each of the patrons makes it through. The author has a nice writing style. After reading this book I want to look for more books by her. This is a great book to read on a cold winter day or a take to the beach story. 

Christmas at the Gin Shack by Catherine Miller - Spotlight

Book details

Welcome in the festive season with love, laughter and the perfect G&T in Christmas at the Gin Shack – the most uplifting holiday read of 2017!

Gingle bells, gingle bells, gingle all the way…

Olive Turner might have lived through eighty-four Christmases, but she’ll never get bored of her favourite time of year. And this one’s set to be extra-special. It’s the Gin Shack’s first Christmas – and there’s a gin-themed weekend and a cocktail competition on the cards!

But, beneath the dazzle of fairy lights and the delicious scent of mince-pies, Olive smells a rat. From trespassers in her beloved beach hut to a very unfunny joke played on her friends, it seems that someone is missing a dose of good cheer.

Olive knows she’s getting on a bit – but is she really imagining that someone in the little seaside town is out to steal Christmas? More importantly, can she create the perfect gin cocktail before Christmas Eve – in time to save the day?

Purchase on Amazon UK | Amazon US | Kobo

Meet the author - Catherine Miller

When Catherine Miller became a mum to twins, she decided her hands weren't full enough so wrote a novel with every spare moment she managed to find. By the time the twins were two, Catherine had a two-book deal with HQDigital UK. There is a possibility she has aged remarkably in that time. Her debut novel, Waiting For You, came out in March 2016. She is now the author of four books and hopes there will be many more now her twins have started school. Either that, or she’ll conduct more gin research on Olive’s behalf.

Social Media Links –
https://www.facebook.com/katylittlelady.author/
https://twitter.com/katylittlelady
https://www.instagram.com/katylittlelady/

Jane of Austin by Hillary Manton Lodge - Review

I received this book free from Blogging for Books

Book details:

Paperback: 320 pages

Publisher: WaterBrook (June 13, 2017)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1601429347

ISBN-13: 978-1601429346

About this book:

Just a few years after their father’s business scandal shatters their lives, Jane and Celia Woodward find themselves forced out of their San Francisco tea shop. The last thing Jane wants is to leave their beloved shop on Valencia Street, but when Celia insists on a move to Austin, Texas, the sisters pack up their kid sister Margot and Jane’s tea plants, determined to start over yet again.

But life in Austin isn’t all sweet tea and breakfast tacos. Their unusual living situation is challenging and unspoken words begin to fester between Jane and Celia. When Jane meets and falls for up-and-coming musician Sean Willis, the chasm grows deeper.

While Sean seems to charm everyone in his path, one person is immune – retired Marine Captain Callum Beckett. Callum never meant to leave the military, but the twin losses of his father and his left leg have returned him to the place he least expected—Texas.

In this modern spin on the Austen classic, Sense and Sensibility, the Woodward sisters must contend with new ingredients in unfamiliar kitchens, a dash of heartbreak, and the fragile hope that maybe home isn't so far away.

What did I think of this book:

I enjoyed this book from the first page. It was fun going along with the sisters as they were starting anew. There were trials along the way but they worked together to get through them. There were ups and downs, mystery, romance and plain 'ole good thought provoking scenes. I thought the characters were developed and very real. The author's writing style was very easy to follow and made the story easy to read. I also liked that she included recipes at the end of each chapter and being a tea lover I included those references as well. This was the first book I have read by this author but I enjoyed this book so much that I will be looking for more by her.

The Dating Bender by Christina Julian - Review

I received this book free from the publisher

Book details

Paperback: 342 pages

Publisher: Limitless Publishing, LLC (August 7, 2017)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1640340874

ISBN-13: 978-1640340879

About this book

A hysterical dramedy about a woman unhinged and at a crossroad. "Julian's debut takes an unabashed look at a failed marriage, divorce, and dating under the scrutiny of a less than supportive family." --former San Francisco Chronicle columnist, Adair Lara.

Here I am, on my knees in front of the Trevi Fountain, hoping like hell the legend is true. That the fountain gives you solace and love by a mere toss of a coin.

Why am I here, exactly? Let's see...

It started with my parents telling me to get married. Of course, being the good Catholic girl I am, I did.

Needless to say, that marriage nosedived, and my parents weren't exactly happy about it.

Newly ditched and shamefully disowned, I decided to follow the advice of Babs, a tart-of-a-mentor, who offered me a job in Colorado.

Her advice? Sex...and lots of it.

The temptation of freedom, to do whatever--whoever--I wanted was too damn strong for me to say no.

And that's how it all started. The men, the sex, the journey...

The dating bender.

Because everybody deserves a do-over

THE DATING BENDER is a hilarious satire about dysfunctional family relationships, women who love the wrong men, and one epic hunt for happiness.

Meet the author - Christina Julian

Christina Julian writes snarky rom-coms that celebrate the underdog and live to make people laugh. She adores dysfunctional leading ladies and the tangled twisty lives they lead. She adamantly believes there is nothing in life that can’t be conquered with a bodacious wine, strong cup of coffee, or a generously iced cupcake. When she is not tapping out her next novel or wrangling her 3-year-old twins, she can be found swilling and swirling in the name of research as a wine and food columnist in Napa Valley. She strives always to live her life to the extreme.

​Christina’s work has appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle, Wine Enthusiast, Weddings California, California Home + Design, 7x7, Napa Valley Register, Napa Valley Life, Bohemian, Weekly Calistogan, NorthBay Biz and beyond. Connect at christinajulian.com.

Follow her on Twitter @Christin_julian and on FB at facebook.com/ChristinaJulianAuthor

What did I think of this book

This is the first book by this author and I found it enjoyable.  I liked that it was fast paced. From the start I liked Samantha even though at times she made me crazy. I think there is a part of every woman that can associate with her at times. She can make you sad, mad and laugh all in the same book. The author did a good job of developing both the characters and the story. She made you want more with each page. A fun book for a rainy day. 

Lift and Separate by Marilyn Simon Rothstein - Review

I received this book free from the publisher

About this book:

Paperback: 304 pages

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing (December 1, 2016)

What this book is about:

Marcy Hammer’s life has been turned upside down. Her husband, the head of a global brassiere empire, didn’t think twice about leaving her after thirty-three years of marriage for a 32DD lingerie model. Now Harvey the Home-Wrecker is missing in action, but Marcy’s through thinking about what a cliché he is. What she needs now is a party-size bag of potato chips, a good support system, and a new dress.

Striking out on her own is difficult at first, but Marcy manages to find traces of humor in her heartbreak. Even while devastated by Harvey’s departure, she still has her indomitable spirit and her self-respect. She has no intention of falling apart, either, even when her adult children drop a few bombshells of their own and she discovers a secret about her new, once-in-a-lifetime friend. Life may be full of setbacks, but by lifting herself up by her own lacy straps, Marcy just may be able to handle them all.

Praise for this book:

“Lift And Separate is a laugh-out-loud, heartwarming story that begs to be a blockbuster starring Nicholson and Keaton and shares the vulnerability, wisdom, and brilliance of Nora Ephron’s Heartburn.” —Jennifer Belle, bestselling author of High Maintenance

“Lift And Separate takes us on a funny but moving journey through heartbreak, hilarity, betrayal, and healing. Marcy Hammer is a hammer indeed! Rooting for her all the way, one is exhilarated by the journey Marilyn Simon Rothstein gives her without ever burning a single bra! Hip-hip hurrah!” —Lanie Robertson, writer of Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill, the Tony Award–winning play

Purchase Links
Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

Meet the author - Marilyn Simon Rothstein:

For more than twenty-five years, Marilyn Simon Rothstein owned an advertising agency in Connecticut. Lift And Separate, released by Lake Union Publishers, is her debut novel. Her second novel, also contemporary women’s fiction, will be published in December 2017.

Connect with Marilyn
Facebook | Amazon | Twitter

What I thought about this book:

This is the first book I have read by this author and it was rather enjoyable. It has been awhile since I have read what I consider a chick lit book and I needed this change of pace for me. From the first page I loved Marcy. I think I liked that she was not your typical twenty-something main character. She did not just roll over when her husband went through his "mid-life" crisis. It was also nice to see her adult children support her through her journey to rediscover herself. The author did a good job of telling the story of a real life situation in a laugh out loud way. I thought this book was a quick read and a great way to spend a lazy day. I will be looking for more books by this author.

Marilyn Simon Rothstein’s TLC Book Tours TOUR STOPS:

Thursday, July 6th: BookBub Blog– 6 Books That Will Have Women Laughing

Monday, July 17th: Novel Gossip

Wednesday, July 19th: West Metro Mommy Reads

Monday, July 24th: Bookchickdi

Wednesday, July 26th: A. Holland Reads

Monday, July 31st: Girl Who Reads

Tuesday, August 1st: Why Girls are Weird

Wednesday, August 2nd: From the TBR Pile

Thursday, August 3rd: Readaholic Zone – author guest post

Friday, August 4th: BookNAround

Monday, August 7th: Must Read Faster

Tuesday, August 8th: Just One More Chapter

Wednesday, August 9th: Jathan & Heather

Sunday, October 1st: Writer Unboxed

Dreaming Sophia by Melissa Muldoon - Spotlight and Giveaway

Book Details:

Book Title: Dreaming Sophia: Because Dreaming is an Art by Melissa Muldoon

​Category: Adult Fiction, 232 pages

Genre: Literary

Publisher: Matta Press

Release date: August 2016

Tour dates: Feb 20 to March 10, 2017

Content Rating: PG 

Book Description:

Dreaming Sophia is a magical look into Italy, language, art, and culture. It is a story about turning dreams into reality and learning to walk the fine line between fact and fantasy. When tragedy strikes, Sophia finds herself alone in the world, without direction and fearful of loving again. With only her vivid imagination to guide her, she begins a journey that will take her from the vineyards in Sonoma, California to a grad school in Philadelphia and, eventually, to Italy: Florence, Lucca, Rome, Verona, Venice, and Val d’Orcia.

​Through dreamlike encounters, Sophia meets Italian personalities—princes, poets, duchesses, artists, and film stars— who give her advice to help put her life back together. Following a path that takes her from grief to joy, she discovers the source of her creativity and learns to love again, turning her dreams into reality.
​

Watch the book trailer:

Buy the Book:

Amazon – print

Amazon / Kindle – ebook

Create Space

I-tunes – Apple Store-ebook

Barnes & Noble – ebook

Inktera-ebook

Meet the Author:

Melissa Muldoon is the Studentessa Matta-the crazy linguist! In Italian, "matta" means "crazy" or "impassioned". Melissa has a B.A. in fine arts, art history and European history from Knox College, a liberal arts college in Galesburg, Illinois, as well as a master's degree in art history from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. She has also studied painting and art history in Florence.

Melissa promotes the study of Italian language and culture through her dual-language blog, Studentessa Matta (studentessamatta.com). Melissa began the Matta blog to improve her command of the language and to connect with other language learners. It has since grown to include a podcast, "Tutti Matti per l'Italiano" and the Studentessa Matta YouTube channel. Melissa also created Matta Italian Language Immersion Tours, which she co-leads with Italian partners in Italy.

Dreaming Sophia is Melissa's first novel. It is a fanciful look at art history and Italian language and culture, but it is also the culmination of personal stories and insights resulting from her experiences living in Italy, as well as her involvement and familiarity with the Italian language, painting, and art history.

As a student, Melissa lived in Florence with an Italian family. She studied art history and painting and took beginner Italian classes. When she returned home, she threw away her Italian dictionary, assuming she'd never need it again but after launching a successful design career and starting a family, she realized something was missing in her life. That "thing" was the connection she had made with Italy and the friends who live there. Living in Florence was indeed a life-changing event! Wanting to reconnect with Italy, she decided to start learning the language again from scratch. As if indeed possessed by an Italian muse, she bought a new Italian dictionary and began her journey to fluency-a path that has led her back to Italy many times and enriched her life in countless ways.
​
Now, many dictionaries and grammar books later, she dedicates her time to promoting Italian language studies, further travels in Italy, and sharing her stories and insights about Italy with others. When Melissa is not traveling in Italy, she lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is married and has three boys and two beagles.

Melissa designed and illustrated the cover art for Dreaming Sophia. She also designed the Dreaming Sophia website and created the character illustrations that can be found in the book and on the Dreaming Sophia websites.

Connect with the Author:
​Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Youtube ~ Pinterest

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The Total Package by Stephanie Evanovich - Review

I received this book in exchange for my fair and honest review

Published: December 27, 2016

Format: Mass Market Paperback

Number of page: 352

Genre: Fiction, Romance, Chick-Lit

Synopsis:

The New York Times bestselling author of Big Girl Panties is back with a funny, sweet, and sizzling novel about love, redemption, and second chances.

Heartthrob star quarterback Tyson Palmer has it all: a million-dollar arm, a winning season and the promise of a Superbowl ring. But more importantly, football’s biggest star is the ultimate comeback kid. After an addiction to painkillers nearly derailed his career, Tyson got sober and went from zero to hero in the eyes of the public.

But one person remains unconvinced: Dani Carr, a sports commentator with high ratings and following of her own.

Dani can’t forgive Tyson’s transgressions or forget a single passionate night with him back in college. To make things worse, Tyson doesn’t realize that the bombshell with huge ratings is the cute co-ed whose heart he once broke.

But can a sports journalist trying to claw her way to the top and a quarterback who knows all about rock bottom make it to the Super Bowl without destroying each other? And what will happen when Tyson—riding high now that he’s revived his career—realizes he needs to make an even more important comeback with Dani? Can he use his million-dollar moves to get past her defenses—or will she sideline him for good?

Stephanie Evanovich is a full-fledged Jersey girl from Asbury Park and the New York Times bestselling author of Big Girl Panties and The Sweet Spot.

My thoughts:

I like how this author's characters deal are so real. It was nice to catch up with characters from her other two books. With that being said this can be read as a stand alone book but there are spoilers for the previous books. This book is one that you start reading and before you know it the day it gone. While reading this book you will go through a range of emotions from laughter to sadness. I liked how this story proves that you can overcome things in your past to become a better person. In conclusion this book had well developed characters, a good story line and moves along at a steady pace. 

About the author

Stephanie Evanovich is a full-fledged Jersey girl from Asbury Park who began writing fiction while waiting for her cues during countless community theater projects. She attended New York’s School of Film and Television and acted in several improvisational troupes and a few small-budget movies, all in preparation for the greatest job she ever had, raising her two sons. Now, a full-time writer, she’s an avid sports fan who holds a black belt in tae kwon do.

A Portrait of Emily Price by Katherine Reay - Review

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book

Published: November 1, 2016

Number of pages: 368

Genre: Fiction

Synopsis:

Art restorer Emily Price has never encountered anything she can’t fix—until she meets Ben, an Italian chef, who seems just right. But when Emily follows Ben home to Italy, she learns that his family is another matter . . .

Emily Price—fix-it girl extraordinaire and would-be artist—dreams of having a gallery show of her own. There is no time for distractions, especially not the ultimate distraction of falling in love.

But Chef Benito Vassallo’s relentless pursuit proves hard to resist. Visiting from Italy, Ben works to breathe new life into his aunt and uncle’s faded restaurant, Piccollo. Soon after their first meeting, he works to win Emily as well—inviting her into his world and into his heart.

Emily astonishes everyone when she accepts Ben’s proposal and follows him home. But instead of allowing the land, culture, and people of Monterello to transform her, Emily interferes with everyone and everything around her, alienating Ben’s tightly knit family. Only Ben’s father, Lucio, gives Emily the understanding she needs to lay down her guard. Soon, Emily’s life and art begin to blossom, and Italy’s beauty and rhythm take hold of her spirit.

Yet when she unearths long-buried family secrets, Emily wonders if she really fits into Ben’s world. Will the joys of Italy become just a memory, or will Emily share in the freedom and grace that her life with Ben has shown her are possible?

My thoughts:

This book was a fun ride to Italy with some amazing characters. I enjoyed following Emily in the changes she is making in her life. This book grabs your emotions on the first page and does not let go. In fact this story stays with you after you are done reading. The setting of this book was great for me as I have wanted to travel to Italy for a long time. For me I felt like the characters were real live people. The author has a way of developing them that makes you feel as if you really get to be friends with them. I felt like this was a feel good type of book and by that I mean the more you read it the more you feel good. There is so much that I liked about this book that it is hard to put into the right words. So I am just going to finish with this is one of the best books I have read this year. I look forward to reading more by this author. 

About the author:

Katherine Reay has enjoyed a life-long affair with the works of Jane Austen and her contemporaries—who provide constant inspiration both for writing and for life. She is the author of three previous novels, and her debut, Dear Mr. Knightley, was a 2014 Christy Award Finalist, winner of the 2014 INSPY Award for Best Debut, and winner of two Carol Awards for Best Debut and Best Contemporary. Katherine holds a BA and MS from Northwestern University and is a wife, mother, runner, and tae kwon do black belt. After living all across the country and a few stops in Europe, Katherine and her family recently moved back to Chicago. Visit her on line at katherinereay.com Facebook: katherinereaybooks Twitter: @Katherine_Reay

I Take You by Eliza Kennedy - Review

I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review

Published: May 24, 2016

Number of pages: 320

Genre: Fiction

Synopsis:

Meet Lily Wilder: New Yorker, lawyer extraordinaire, blushing bride. And totally incapable of being faithful to one man.

Lily’s fiancé Will is a brilliant, handsome archaeologist. Lily is sassy, impulsive, fond of a good drink (or five) and has no business getting married. Lily likes Will, but does she love him? Will loves Lily, but does he know her? As the wedding approaches, Lily’s nights—and mornings, and afternoons—of booze, laughter and questionable decisions become a growing reminder that the happiest day of her life might turn out to be her worst mistake yet.

Unapologetically sexy with the ribald humor of Bridesmaids, this joyously provocative debut introduces a self-assured protagonist you won’t soon forget.

What did I think of this book:

It has been awhile since I have read a book that I consider chick-lit, so I thought it would be a nice change of pace for me. Lily is what I consider a typical younger lawyer who can be a little wild at times and her life is an open book as she is not afraid to talk about anything. Just enjoying life. Part of this book takes place in Key West and I found myself remembering my own trip there and seeing many people enjoying themselves as Lily and her friends did. This was a very quick book to read. I must tell you that this book is not for everyone. Some people may not like it for all the sexual trists that are in this book. Things like this happen in everyday life and this was Lily's way of life. Now if you are a fan of chick-lit books then you will enjoy this book as I did. 

About the author:

ELIZA KENNEDY attended the University of Iowa and Harvard Law School, where she was an editor of the Harvard Law Review. After graduation she served as a law clerk for a federal judge, then practiced litigation for several years at a prestigious Manhattan law firm. She lives in New York with her husband and son.

Room for Improvement by Stacey Ballis

Published: June 6, 2006

Number of pages: 304

Genre: Chick Lit

Synopsis:

Stacey Ballis tackles home improvement and reality TV—and reminds us that sometimes life and love are better left unscripted…What do you get when you give two hopeful singles fashion consultants and interior designers, allow them four days to perk up each other’s homes and get a total style overhaul, then let their single friends celebrate the results at a fabulous party? You get Swap/Meet, the newest reality show on the network block, where major changes are either embraced or embarrassing—and Lily Allen’s dream job turned nightmare.

At first, Lily was thrilled to appear on Swap/Meet. What better way for a Chicago interior designer to promote her business and enjoy some pseudo-celebrity? She just didn’t think she’d be doing take after take with the ditzy host, dodging sabotage attempts, and getting caught in the middle of the fashion czars’ lovers’ spat. Plus, the cute, curmudgeonly carpenter on her team knows just how to push her buttons. Episode by episode, through do-it-yourself disasters and matchmaking miracles, Lily discovers that a little bit of controlled chaos is the spice of life—and love…

What I thought of this book:

I really liked this book. It has one of my favorite things a house/room remodel show and a fashion makeover. Let's talk about the characters: Lily - I really liked her and felt bad for her for not being able to find a "boyfriend", Naomi and Hillary - they were great friends to Lily and helped her to see what she was doing wrong. I liked that the three of these ladies had been friends since they were little. Curt - I thought he was a good work friend for Lily and I liked how they played off each other. Jake and Gary - I did not like as they were trying to much to be players. Ashleigh - I also did not like her as she just was not nice. The two fashion designers Bryan and Jou were good guys just going through a touch time in their relationship. Another thing I liked was how at the beginning of some of the chapters we got a synopsis of that week's episode of the tv show. This book really read quickly and smoothly for me. It was the first book I have read by this author and I am looking forward to reading more of her books. 

What did I think of the cover:

I thought the cover was very fitting for this book. You see a room designer looking over her plans in a blank slate of a room. I also like the cover choices.

About the author:

Stacey Ballis is the author of several novels, incuding Inappropriate Men, Sleeping Over, Room for Improvement, The Spinster Sisters, Good Enough to Eat, Off the Menu and Out to Lunch, and the upcoming Recipe for Disaster currently available for pre-order, being released March 3, 2013. Her first cookbook, Big Delicious Life is out now in a digital edition, and she is at work co-authoring a new cookbook called Cooking for You: Wellness in the Kitchen with Dr. Francis Ardito, which will be released in 2015. She is also a contributing author to the anthologies Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys, and Everything I Needed to Know About Being a Girl I Learned From Judy Blume, and Living Jewishly. She is currently at work on a new work of full-length fiction called for Berkeley/Penguin, which will be out in 2016.

The Divorce Papers by Susan Rieger

I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review

The Divorce Papers by Susan Rieger

ISBN: 9780804137461

Trade Paperback

Synopsis: Sparkling and sophisticated, this sometimes hilarious, sometimes heartbreaking debut novel tells the story of a very messy, very high-profile divorce and the endearingly cynical young lawyer dragooned into handling it.

 
Twenty-nine-year-old Sophie Diehl is happy toiling away as a criminal law associate at an old-line New England firm, where she very much appreciates that most of her clients are trapped behind bars. Everyone at Traynor, Hand knows she abhors face-to-face contact, but one week, with all the big partners out of town, Sophie is stuck handling the intake interview for the daughter of the firm’s most important client.
 
After eighteen years of marriage, Mayflower descendant Mia Meiklejohn Durkheim has just been served divorce papers in a humiliating scene at the popular local restaurant, Golightly’s. Mia is now locked and loaded to fight her eminent and ambitious husband, Dr. Daniel Durkheim, Chief of the Department of Pediatric Oncology at Mather Medical School, for custody of their ten-year-old daughter Jane. Mia also burns to take him down a peg. Sophie warns Mia that she’s never handled a divorce case before, but Mia can’t be put off. The way she sees it, it’s her first divorce, too. For Sophie, the whole affair will spark a hard look at her own relationships—with her parents, colleagues, friends, lovers, and, most important, herself.
 
A rich, layered novel told entirely through personal correspondence, office memos, e-mails, articles, handwritten notes, and legal documents, The Divorce Papers offers a direct window into the lives of an entertaining cast of characters never shy about speaking their minds. Original and captivating, Susan Rieger’s brilliantly conceived and expertly crafted debut races along with wit, heartache, and exceptional comedic timing, as it explores the complicated family dynamic that results when marriage fails—as well as the ever-present risks and coveted rewards of that thing called love.

My review: This is the first book I have read by this author and I enjoyed it . It was a book that held my attention. I like how this was written using letters and emails and such, for me that makes it read a little faster plus it feels a little more personal. Personally I have not been through a divorce but I can understand how someone going through this would feel after reading this book as the author did a good job of showing emotions through the words she used. I thought the characters were well developed.  I will admit a few of the legal papers were a little dry but being in the legal field I enjoyed reading them. I look forward to finding more books by this author. 

I'm in No Mood For Love by Rachel Gibson (Sex, Lies & Online Dating #2)

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Avon 
• ISBN-13: 978-0060773175 

 What is Clare Wingate doing? One minute she's suffering in a pretty-in-pink gown she'll never wear again, and the next thing she knows it's morning ... and she has the nastiest hangover of her life. 


To make matters worse, she's wearing nothing but a spritz of Escada and lying next to Sebastian Vaughn ... her girlhood crush turned sexy, globe hopping journalist. Somewhere between the toast and the toss of the bouquet she'd gotten herself into a whole lot of trouble. 


Clare had the right to go wild - after all, she'd been knocked off her dyed-to-match shoes after finding her own fiance in a compromising position with the washing machine repairman. Clearly her society wedding is off. 


But Sebastian pushed all the wrong buttons - and some of the right ones, too. Claire is in no mood for love - not even for lust - and wants to forget about Sebastian and his six-pack abs. ASAP. But he isn't in the mood to go away, and his kiss is impossible to forget. - Copied from the back of the book.

This was the second book in the writer friends series by Rachel Gibson. This book took me just a little longer to get into verses the first one. I did enjoy this book though and read it pretty quickly. I really liked Sebastian and how he enteracted with Clare. Once Clare finally loosened up things moved pretty quickly between the two. I also enjoyed learning about another writer friend in this series. Good book and am looking forward to the next one. 4 Stars

Something Borrowed by Emily Griffin

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin 
• ISBN-13: 978-0312321192

Meet Rachel White, a young attorney living and working in Manhattan. Rachel has always been the consummate good girl - until her thirtieth birthday, when her best friend Darcy throws her a party. That night, after too many drinks, Rachel ends up in bed with Darcy's fiance. Although she wakes up determined to put the one-night fling behind her, Rachel is horrified to discover that she has genuine feelings for the one guy she should run from. In her wildest dreams (or worst nightmare?) this is the last thing on earth Rachel could ever have imagined happening. As the September wedding date nears, Rachel knows she has to make a choice. In doing so, she discovers that the lines between right and wrong can be blurry, endings aren't always neat, and sometimes you have to risk all to win true happiness. Something Borrowed is a phenomenal debut novel that will have you laughing, crying, and calling your best friend. - quoted from the back of the book.

I enjoyed this book. There were a couple of parts that I thought could have maybe moved along a little faster though. I felt empathy for Rachel and the way that her friend Darcy treated her. What a twisted turn of events ended up happening at the end of the book. I was happy with the ending but also surprised by some events. If you are looking for a light fun read you will enjoy this book. I would like to continue with this series. I gave this book 4 stars.