Pink Slip Party by Cara Lockwood

*** 3 stars
I was hesitant to read this book as I have read many different reviews, which were all over the place. Many people compared this book to Cara Lockwood first book. I, however, have not read "I do, but I don't". I was pleasantly surprised. It was a fun read with the main character Jane getting herself into heaps of trouble. It reminded me a bit of Confessions of a shop-o-holic. It was a bit superficial. I didn't laugh out loud but found myself smiling and amused in certain parts.

Book Jacket Summary:
She has been handed her walking papers. Jane McGregor has just been laid off from her job designing pink slips for an office supply company. The irony is not lost on her. She's a twenty-eight-year-old art major whose last major career accomplishment was being propositioned by the company vice president. Desperate to maintain her freedom from her oddball parents, tyrannical older brother, and slacker ex-boyfriend, Jane starts sending out resumes. So what if some of them aren't exactly, well, true.
She's taking the future in stride.
When Jane's dad, a staunchly conservative believer in the cooperate dream, loses his job, and her mom goes to work for a trendy dot com, Jane discovers that the family she's taken for granted is unraveling. After a fellow lay-off victim hatches a plot to seek revenge on the office supply company, Jane must choose between living in the past and seeking out a new future. To her surprise, that future might involve a most unlikely partner in crime-handsome, funny Kyle Burton- and maybe, just maybe, a new job, too.

The Nearly-weds by Jane Costello

**** 4 stars
I loved this book. It was a quick feel good read. I thought it was going to be more of a wedding chick lit book but had much more substance. Zoe is a nanny and comes to America to nanny for a family and finds that she is nannying for a widower, which is hands down sexy. It is cute all the mishaps that happen and the struggles she is facing, not only dealing with being jilted at the alter, but two adorable children that need direction. I never wanted to have this book end. My only complaint is that as much as I hated it to end, it seemed almost rushed toward the end.

Book Jacket summary:
What's the worst thing that could happen to a blushing bride? To somebody warm, loving, and fun - like Zoe Moore? When she finds herself jilted at the altar by her fiance Jason, Zoe knows she doesn't deserve this heartache and humiliation. Unable to face the pitying faces of her friends and family, Zoe takes drastic action: she flees to America. Specifically, to Boston, where she takes up a post as nanny to five-year-old Ruby Miller and her little brother Samuel. Ruby and Samuel have lost their mother in an accident. They may as well have lost their father, too, for Ryan Miller is so wrapped-up in his grief that he barely notices his two attention-starved children. As Zoe sets about tidying up Ruby and Sam's home, and injecting some fun back into their lives, she finds herself gaining their trust and love. At the same time, Zoe grows more and more frustrated with Ryan's bullying behaviour, and his shameful neglect. Whatever happened to the loving man she keeps hearing about from his neighbours? Zoe can't find any sign of him. The only thing saving Zoe from despair is the small, close-knit group of British nannies who quickly befriend her.There's boisterous Trudie, man-mad but hiding a painful secret; Sloanie traveller Amber, who sports a Buddhist tattoo that, unbeknownst to her, reads 'Batteries Not Included'. And chilly, tight-lipped Felicity, whose cut-glass voice gives little away. But will these new friends be able to save Zoe, when she discovers that the past isn't all that easy to escape, no matter how far you go?

Hating Valentines Day by Allison Rushby

*** 3 stars
I am not sure about this book. It was cute and something different for me. I have read other books by Allison Rushby and enjoyed those a bit more. This had Liv a successful photographer being visited by characters in a Charles Dickens novel of Christmas Story. It was different and cute, but definitely not my favorite

Book Jacket summary:
Roses are red and Violets are blue I hate Valentine's Day Just like you...
One of the top wedding photographers in town, Liv Hetherington, steadfastly single hates Valentine's Day. This year she is putting her foot down and has vowed there will be no dinner part set-ups, speed-dating frenzies or any other form of accidental dating organized by her father, flatmate or best friend.
Liv's ecstatic, to say the least. Now she can concentrate on more important things like setting up her own studio and polishing off her Dickens Collection. But are relationships really not for her? Drew, the new man in Liv's life, would beg to differ. As would cupid , who's had enough of Liv being stubbornly single...
Valentine's Day....bah.humbug. Or is that about to change?

When in Rome... a Novel of Piazzas and Passion by Gemma Townley

**** 4 stars
I liked this book a lot. It was a fast paced romantic read and kept me reading late into the night. It is definitely Chic lit genre. It has many references to the movie Roman Holiday with Audrey Hepburn, where Georgie, a researcher at a legal publishing company, often wonders if the grass is greener and gets herself into crisis after crisis. It was just a fun read!

Book jacket description:

Georgie is convinced life is perfect with her dependable accountant boyfriend, David, until her last boyfriend, the aimless (but devilishly sexy) cad, Mike, reenters it. Mike is now the owner of a swanky BMW and his own record company, and his flirty e-mails and champagne lunches have Georgie's head spinning and David's blood boiling. David's workaholic tendencies have Georgie agreeing to a weekend away with Mike. But the romantic Roman holiday turns sour when Mike is too busy in business meetings and has no time for fun. And then David surprises Georgie in Rome outside the Sistine Chapel. He gives her the Audrey Hepburn treatment, scooting her off to an Italian restaurant on a Vespa. Neither man will tell Georgie exactly why he is in Rome, and each takes numerous mysterious phone calls, meets with glamorous women, and dodges shady gangsters. Once back in London, she finds herself embroiled in suspect mergers and makeshift spy-girl antics. A slow start is more than made up for with endearing characters, a madcap plot, and a rewarding finish.

Chocolate Wishes by Trisha Ashley

*** 3 stars
This is my second book by Trisha Ashley. I had a hard time getting into this one. I would read a little and think "wow" then put it down. As I have said before, I have a hard time not finishing a book. I then picked it back up and kept reading. This is one of those books that I am glad that I kept reading. Many of the aspects are odd and a bit eccentric and I had a hard time relating at first, but then I found the quirkiness all the more entertaining. It still seemed to lack something. I can say, by the end, I was reading as I was cooking, as I was ready to see how it all was going to wrap up. If you are a Trisha Ashley fan this may not be your favorite. If you haven't read a Trisha Ashley, I wouldn't hold this book as a reference to all her work. As a chic lit fan, I think that you will enjoy it.

Book Jacket Summary:

Life is sweet for chocolate maker Chloe Lyon! In the picture-perfect Lancashire village of Sticklepond, Confectioner Chloe dispenses inspirational sweet treats containing a prediction for each customer. If only her own life was as easy to forecast - perhaps Chloe could have foreseen being jilted at the altar! But when a new Vicar arrives in the village, the rumour mill goes into overdrive. Not only is Raffy Sinclair the charismatic ex-front man of rock band 'Mortal Ruin', he's also the Chloe's first love and the man who broke her heart. Try as she might, Chloe can't ignore this blast from her past. Could now be the time for her to make a wish - and dare to believe it can come true?

If Andy Warhol Had A Girlfriend by Alison Pace

**** 4 stars
I LOVED this book. I saw some reviews for it on Amazon and figured why not go ahead and read it. I am not real interested in art and thought there may be a chance that I wouldn't get into it, but I was WRONG! This book pulled me in and I had a hard time putting it down to go to bed. I started and finished it in under 24 hours. It is a fast paced read with many laughable parts. I really loved the main character Jane as she really grows in this book. Don't pass this one up. It is GREAT!

Book Jacket summary:
Jane Laine used to know a lot about art. But that was before she started managing a prominent gallery, and long before she met "it" artist Ian Rhys-Fitzsimmons. Jane can't seem to put a finger on what exactly is so "it" about his work. In fact, as far as she can tell, he's a big fraud and his fifteen minutes of fame should be over by now. Which could be kind of a problem- Since Jane is the one who has to accompany him on a five-month international art fair tour.
To get through it all, Jane figures she'll be a good sport and keep her critiques to herself. Until, traveling with this alleged genius from London to Rome and beyond, she starts to understand the connection between art and love- and the fact that, in both, perspective is everything.....

Be careful what you qish for by Alexandra Potter

*** 3 stars
I was really caught by the title of this book. I have read other books by Alexandra Potter and have enjoyed them. This one took me a while to really get into. I found it funny with its little anecdotes and amusing situations the characters find themselves in. It is pretty predictable, but leaves you feeling good. I love a book that leaves me with a smile :)

Book jacket summary:
Heather Hamilton is always wishing for things. Not just big stuff - like world peace or for a date with Brad Pitt - but little, everyday wishes, made without thinking. With her luck, she knows they’ll never come true...
Until one day she buys some heather from a gypsy. Suddenly the bad hair days stop; a handsome American answers her ad for a housemate; and she starts seeing James - The Perfect Man who sends her flowers, excels in the bedroom, and isn’t afraid to say ‘I love you’...
But are these wishes-come-true a blessing or a curse? And is there such a thing as too much foreplay?

Tales from a Wedding Day by Olivia Ryan

**** 4 stars
As I have said in previous blogs, I am a fan of the wedding chic lit. I really liked this one as well. It was good fun and was fun to see what could and would go wrong. Abbie the main character has her hands full as chief bridesmaid. She has made it her highest priority to be sure her friends wedding is perfect. Too bad that anything that can go wrong will.... It was an enjoyable read and great fun.

Book jacket summary:
Today is the big day ? Abbie Vincent's best friend, Samantha Patterson, is getting married and, as chief bridesmaid, she's taking her duties very seriously! Abbie's utterly determined that the wedding will go off without any hitches. However, with Sam's good-intentioned (if overbearing) parents, her obnoxious teenage sister and her brother's tantrum-prone little boy to keep in check, disaster is only a heartbeat away. And to top it off, though Abbie's never forgiven their old best friend's betrayal of their friendship, Sam has some misguided notion of burying the hatchet by inviting her to the wedding. It's supposed to be the bride who gets nervous before the wedding but unlucky-in-love Abbie's on tenterhooks in case anything goes wrong and ruins Sam's special day ? she's even willing to put her lack of faith in romance to the side. However, she's so busy ensuring that everything runs smoothly that she doesn't even notice that things are not as they should be: all eyes are not actually on the blushing bride...

A Hopeless Romantic by Harriet Evans

***** 5 stars
I am a HUGE Harriet Evans fan. This was my first book that I read by her and I was hooked and half way through the book, was ordering all the rest of her works online. When you read this book you are really taken away from it all and enveloped into the story. Her characters are deep and well formed. She has depth that you don't find all the time in Chic lit, but with the same pull that makes you want to gobble it up and for it never to end. I guess I am a hopeless romantic as well, so it is definitely one I will go back and reread!

Book jacket summary:
The warm and enchanting new novel from the bestselling author of 'Going Home'. Laura Foster is a hopeless romantic. It is her most endearing characteristic, yet consistently leads her into trouble. Friends and family look on with amused tolerance -- until Laura's inability to tell reality from romantic dreams causes betrayal and a broken heart. Taking refuge in Norfolk, Laura is bitterly aware that her rose-tinted glasses have to go. She swears off men, and all things romantic, for good -- until she meets Nick, the estate manager of a huge stately home. But Nick has a secret too. And it's one that Laura, however much she tries, can't get past her prejudice about. Just as she was stubbornly a die-hard romantic, so Laura is stubborn about there being no future for her and Nick. But will he manage to change her mind?

Wedding Tiers by Trisha Ashley

**** 4 stars
I purchased this book, because I love to do designer cakes and was interested by the title. When I first began the book, I wasn't sure it was going to be able to grip me and was worried it was not my cup of tea. I was, however, pulled in and really enjoyed this book, to where I went and purchased more by this author. I wouldn't say she is your typical Chic lit author. Her characters are more in depth and are a bit older than the 20 somethings you are used to reading. It had the charm of a book not trying to guide a certain format and giving you alternatives on the way others live. With all those aspects I found this an interesting read and found myself really routing for the characters. Not one to pass over, you'll be pleasantly suprised!

Book jacket summary:
The path of true love never runs smooth. But for some, it's one seriously bumpy ride! A heartwarming new romantic comedy from the bestselling author of A WINTER'S TALE. Growing up in the beautiful Lancashire village of Neatslake, Josie Gray and her childhood sweetheart, Ben Richards, always dreamt of living a life of rural bliss. And when Josie inherits her beloved Grandmother's cottage, it seems they might just have got what they wished for. Josie throws herself into her wedding cake business, whilst Ben gains increasing acclaim as an artist. But the tranquil village turns into a hive of activity when Josie's childhood friend, Libby Martin - now a wealthy widow - returns to the village, planning a lavish wedding to rival any celeb bash. The day goes with a bang, and soon Libby and Josie are hard at work at their fledgling wedding business, hiring out Libby's beautiful Elizabethan home for ceremonies, with Josie creating all manner of wonderful cakes. But amidst all this romance, Josie's fairytale relationship with Ben turns into a nightmare, and she quickly becomes Love's number one cynic - until charming wedding photographer Noah Sephton arrives in Neatslake with a very different outlook on love! Can this hopeless romantic persuade pessimistic Josie to give romance another try? Or will it be a case of always the cake maker, never the bride!? A charming, witty and feelgood novel, ideal for fans of Katie Fforde and Harriet Evans.

Persuading Annie by Melissa Nathan

**** 3 stars
I liked this book, and as you know I am a Melissa Nathan fan. I am also a Austen fan and love how many of her books have a modern day take on Austen books. With Persuading Annie it flowed quickly and I found myself wanting to rush it at points. I knew how it was going to end but enjoyed reading it to see how it would unfold. I, like Annie, am constantly trying to please others while I find myself not quite as happy as I would have hoped. I really loved the suspense that captivated you all the way through. I wouldn't say this was my favorite read by Melissa Nathan, but was very enjoyable, just not as memorable.

Book Jacket Summary:
'It was a perpetual estrangement' Persuasion, Jane Austen
Meet Annie Markham. Gentle, sweet and kind. Except for her dark side. A dark side called Jake Mead. Seven years ago he'd been her entire world, even though her godmother had tried to persuade her to dump him. But when the going got tough, Annie's 'tough' got going. Jake's hasty departure from her life proved that a) godmothers are cleverer than they look and b) the only thing reliable about men is that they're totally unreliable.
Now Jake is back in her life. And he's the one man who may just save her family's ailing company.
But what Annie doesn't know is that Jake has an Achilles' heel. An Achilles' heel called Annie Markham. He's never quite got over her treatment of him all those years ago. This is the perfect opportunity for what some may call 'closure'. But what Jake calls, 'revenge'.

Not what you think by Melissa Hill

***** 5 stars
As you have noticed, I do not give out 5 star ratings easily!
I LOVE Melissa Hills writing. I discovered her books only recently and have chewed through many of them! Melissa Hills writing is quick paced and full of jaw dropping twists that will have you thoroughly engrossed in her books. Her books are what others would say "unputadownable". Your only complaint would be that it didn't last longer. I especially liked Not what you think because of the friendship dynamic in it. While there is a romance or two it is the bonds of friendship and how it is tested that really made this book a must read for me.

Book jacket summary:
Laura Fanning has the wonderful Neil, talent to burn and her brand-new jewellery design company. Her best friend Nicola Peters has independence, a job she loves, her own home, great friends and the lovely Ken. Glamorous and successful Helen Jackson has legs to die for, a killer wardrobe, a thriving career and her cute daughter Kerry. Social climber Chloe Fallon is marrying the gorgeous Dan Hunt and planning the wedding of the year. But all is not what it seems. When times get tough you find out who your friends really are.

Friday Night Cocktails by Allison Rushby

*** 3 stars
This is the first book I have read by Allison Rushby. I enjoyed this book with it's witty one liners that I found myself laughing out loud at. It was a fun read and went quickly for me. Gemma the main character starts her own website called "allmenarebastards.com", which I actually looked up and is for sale...too funny. It has a bit of suspense but you always know the direction it is heading. If you are looking for a quick, gossipy, at times funny read this is true to chic lit form.

Book jacket summary:
Two best friends, one killer hangover, and a whole world of badly behaved men - let the games begin...Gemma Barton, here - single girl and website creator. Okay, so I'm not here to decry all men as commitment phobias and complete dogs, but you know, sometimes they are. After one more date with Mr. Oh-I-Didn't-Tell-You-I-Was-Already-Engaged and a round of giant margaritas, my friend Sarah and I decided to make "the list": a chronicle of all the guys who've ever lied, cheated, or tried to have a threesome with your best friend. Well, our little revenge website seemed like a brilliant idea at the time - and soon disgruntled women all over the world were chiming in. It was great. Suddenly Sarah and I were stars, I had a male personal assistant, and all was right with the world. Or so I thought, until big trouble started brewing on my computer. There's someone out there in cyberspace who's just made me see the error of my ways. Maybe the male of the species aren't out to get me after all. Could it be time to stop listening to my inner rage queen and start listening to my heart...?

Hitched by Zoe Barnes

I love wedding lit. Married almost 12 years and I still read it. I know I don't understand either :) I also have a friend also about to take the plunge. I hope her preparations and actual day are less stressful and more about the two people that are coming together. No matter what, I hope she gets her inner bridezilla on so that she has everything SHE wants on her special day!
*** 3 stars
This books jacket doesn't begin to give it the depth it has or dealing with the context it covers. As it is a light read, I took it as a beach book and was highly entertained. I was happy to see that it had multiple characters that all interconnected and told their stories a bit as well. I really liked that it had a suspenseful feel about it and I wasn't able to tell exactly where it was going. I knew what was gonna happen but not what the secrets were or how things were gonna play out. I really enjoy the twists of that. I do have to say that there was one fall back for me. As I have said before there are multiple story lines going and one of them leaves you hanging. I really wanted to see that one unravel, but as I finished the book I was left saying.....What about??????

Book jacket summary:
Hitch number one....A quick jaunt to the registry office and off to the pub with a few friends to celebrate. That's all Gemma wants for her wedding to Rory. But then the parents hear the news.
Hitch number two....Suddenly her little wedding is hijacked and turned into a Hollywood-style extravaganza. Before she knows what's hit her,Gemma is stampeded into yards of frothing tulle, fork buffets for five hundred, kilted page boys and an all-inclusive honeymoon in the Maldives...
Hitch number three....And while the dress may be a perfect fit, Gemma and Rory's relationship is coming apart at the seams...

The Nanny by Melissa Nathan

**** 4 stars
Let me just start by saying I really like Melissa Nathan. I have read several of her other books. The nanny is great fun. I found that I went through this one a bit quicker than the others. I would have to say it is my favorite so far by this author. If you wanted an author that is comparable would be Melissa Hill. I always find that this is a nice tip to have. If you have read something by Melissa Hill, and enjoyed, then you know you are safe with Melissa Nathan.
I want to be sure that I don't put any spoilers in, so let me say that the summary is accurate, but there are many one liners and laughable segments throughout the book.
I think my favorite section I took from the book was.
"I am the linchpin of the modern family. I make it possible for today's woman to fulfill her potential whatever that might be, while enabling her to enjoy the perks of a family life that her partner enjoys guilt-free. I give today's children belief in themselves, teach them with discipline in the context of a fun, warm, loving home and provide them with a healthy balanced diet. I'm a diplomat, a listener, an enabler, an organizer, a juggler. I come up with a fresh, new ideas every day to keep the toughest audience in the world happy. I please a stressed mother, I accommodate a tired father, I love every child. I cook, I clean, I iron, I wash, I tidy - but I am no-one's slave because I do it for a wage."
I wonder why I love that so much :) I guess there will be a little bit of me in this blog :)


Summary on book jacket:
When Jo Green takes a nannying job in London to escape her small-town routine, complicated family and perfect-on-paper boyfriend Shaun, culture shock doesn't even begin to describe it....
Dick and Vanessa Fitzgerald are the most incompatible pair since Tom and Jerry, and their children - glittery warrior pixie Cassandra, bloodthirsty Zak and shy little Tallulah - are downright mystifying. Suddenly village life seems terribly appealing.
Then, just as Jo's getting the hang of their designer lifestyle, the Fitzgeralds acquire a new lodger and suddenly she's sharing her nanny flat with the distractingly good-looking but inexplicably moody Josh. So when Shaun turns up, things get even trickier.....

I am new to blogging

Hi, my name is KK. I am new to blogging. My husband has been after me for a while to blog about all the books that I have. I have been an avid reader for quite some time and find that my book collection grows and grows with no real use. I used to trade them in at the used book store but found many of the titles I was searching for were hard to find. You will find that my taste is more towards the British Chick lit genre. I do read many other authors as well, but find many of the books I want or haven't already read hard to find in the local book stores.

I figured blogging about the books that I have read and giving a summation and review would help others find a good read. I was also hoping that with some feedback I can get an idea what others thought of a book or give me suggestions for future reads. I find an author that I enjoy and read all of her works and am left wondering what my next read will be.

Let me tell you a little about myself. I am a stay at home mom that watches children for added income. I love children and naptime especially as it gives me a few interrupted minutes a day to read. I chew through a book every couple days if it is a good read and some tend to sit around longer if they just aren't pulling me in. My norm is close to 3 books a week.

I am going to tell you the book I am reading along with the book jackets summary. Then my ratings. I will give my books up to 5 stars. Let me start by telling you that I am a person unable to pick up a book and not finish it no matter how much I am not enjoying it. I am always waiting for the moment that it will grip me. It is surprising how many books have done that to me over time. I have found I am glad that I have stuck with them instead of not finishing it. I guess you hate the not knowing what happens. My 1 stars will be books I just couldn’t get through, which you will find is nearly impossible. My 2 star books are books I have stuck with and wondered why? My 3 star books were book that were entertaining and enjoyable but probably not something I would reread. This book is something that helped my pass the time and was good but not as memorable. A 4 star book is one of those books that just stick with you. It is a books that has qualities that would have me coming back to it again for a later reread. My 5 star book is a book that I adore and have stuck with me and have found most enjoyable, where I look back to for a passage or a good laugh. I will always suggest a 4 star and 5 star book to a friend! Some of the books that I will start with are previously read books or one I am currently on. If you have any books that you want to know about up from just shoot me an email or comment.