Review - The Wedding Writer by Susan Schneider

TITLE:    The Wedding Writer

AUTHOR:    Susan Schneider
INFO:    Paperback, Fiction, 356 pages
PUBLISHED:   St. Martin's Griffin, 2011
SOURCE:   Received from Author for Review

FROM GOODREADS:    Four talented women, one glossy wedding magazine: life should be as perfect as a bridal catwalk… right?

Lucky Quinn writes up weddings for one of the hottest bridal magazines. And it wasn’t easy to get there. From humble beginnings, she outsmarted her way into the center of New York’s glamorous magazine industry – making up for her background with a sharp mind, whip-thin physique, and ceaseless ambition.

Then, in one day, her life is utterly transformed; two of the magazine’s major competitors fold, and Lucky is named Editor-in-Chief, replacing the formidable, but aging Grace Ralston, who had been at the magazine’s helm from day one. Grace taught Lucky everything she knows, but now it seems that she taught her too well…

As the ripples of Lucky’s promotion spread, the intricate lives of four women begin to unfold. Felice, Your Wedding’s elegant and unshakable Art Director is now being shaken for the first time by troubles at home. Sara, the Fashion Director, is famed for her eagle eye for fashion trends and exquisite hair. But, for all her know-how, “the Angel of Bridal” has never come close to starring in a wedding herself – she’s picked the dress, but where’s the groom? Grace, recovering in the wake of her sudden, humiliating fall from power, must learn to accept herself – and love – after a life dedicated to fulfilling other women’s dreams. And, through it all, Lucky begins to discover just how lonely the top really is.

MY TAKE:    The publicity blurb for this book grabbed my attention right away as it made me think of "The Devil Wears Prada".  I had really liked both the book and the movie so I hoped to be similarly entertained with The Wedding Writer.  I am pleased to say that I wasn't disappointed.  The author's obvious experience in this field shines through brilliantly in both the plot and the starring players.

The characters appeared to be right on target with some of the bitchy, backstabbing behaviour that you would expect from certain types of women.  I must admit to not caring at all for Lucky at various times throughout the story.  Though I did like how her tale comes almost full circle and she became a much more sympathetic character for me as the story ends.  All of the leading women had interesting storylines with similar, but slightly unique challenges and obstacles.  Of the four, I think Grace was easily my favorite.  Her issues with sudden unemployment, odd effects of stress on her body, an unexpected love and the strained relationship with her daughter help add a lot of depth to this page-turner.  I found myself really rooting for her and the hoped for outcome on all of her trials and tribulations.

Susan Schneider's writing style is very easy to read and flows smoothly from one lady's chapter to the next.  She is quite descriptive and draws you right into the story.  I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to others who like juicy stories with a bit of grit.  ~ I must say that it also made me glad that I'm not employed for this particular publication!

Out of 5 JEWELS, I give it:

Purchase a Copy HERE

  

~~~~~ Disclaimer:  All opinions expressed on this blog are 100% my own.  I do not receive monetary compensation for my reviews but do utilize affiliate links.  I may receive books in  order to facilitate a review, but this does not guarantee a good review - only a completely honest one.  Each review post denotes how I obtained the book.

Review + Giveaway - My Foolish Heart by Susan May Warren

A Deep Haven Novel

TITLE:    My Foolish Heart

AUTHOR:    Susan May Warren

INFO:    Paperback, Fiction, 354 pages

PUBLISHED:   Tyndale, 2011

SOURCE:   Received from Publisher for Review and Blog Tour

FROM GOODREADS:   Unknown to her tiny town of Deep Haven, Isadora Presley spends her nights as Miss Foolish Heart, the star host of a syndicated talk radio show. Millions tune in to hear her advice on dating and falling in love, unaware that she’s never really done either. Issy’s ratings soar when it seems she’s falling in love on-air with a caller. A caller she doesn’t realize lives right next door.

Caleb Knight served a tour of duty in Iraq and paid a steep price. The last thing he wants is pity, so he hides his disability and moves to Deep Haven to land his dream job as the high school football coach. When his beautiful neighbor catches his eye, in a moment of desperation he seeks advice from My Foolish Heart, the show that airs before his favorite sports broadcast.

Before he knows it, Caleb finds himself drawn to the host—and more confused than ever. Is his perfect love the woman on the radio . . . or the one next door?

MY TAKE:    While this is the fourth installment in the Deep Haven series, this book is quite enjoyable as a stand-alone read.  I'd like to thank Amy for including me as a tour stop for My Foolish Heart.  It's a story that I may have missed out on if not for her.  I don't usually read Christian fiction or books classified as inspirational so this was a departure for me.  I'm happy to have made this detour into a different genre.

The two main characters in this story are quite scarred ~ emotionally and physically.  It was interesting to see them deal with their issues both separately and together.  I think Ms. Warren has a real knack for creating characters that pull you into their life as well as into their head and heart.  I think most readers will be able to find something of themselves in the individuals populating this story.  I know I could relate personally with some of Issy's issues and situation.  I liked the aspect of getting to know each other through the anonymity of the radio show as I met my own husband online.  We knew each other intimately by the time we actually met in person.  We dealt with the "will he/she like the physical me?"  A few of her insecurities, though magnified, are still some that many of us will have to confront at some point in our lives.

The supporting cast of characters is quite strong.  Lucy is definitely one of my favorites as I have an awesome best friend too.  There is something about having that one person who will always go to bat for you.  Caleb is what many women dream of but he just can't see that anymore.  He also has a lot of emotional and physical "baggage" to deal with before he can move forward with his life.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written story with interesting characters.  When you add in football, a nutty dog and a small close-knit town you have a winner on your hands.  

Out of 5 JEWELS, I give it:

WHERE TO BUY:  My Foolish Heart and The Book Depository

The Deep Haven Series

 
 

Learn more about Susan and her fabulous books by visiting:
Susan's website
Twitter
Facebook
Goodreads

Win a Romantic Night on the Town from Miss Foolish Heart!

To celebrate this charming novel about a dating expert who's never had a date, Susan May Warren has put together a romantic night on the town for one lucky couple. One grand prize winner will receive a Miss Foolish Heart prize package worth over $200!

The winner of the Romantic Night on the Town Prize Pack will receive:

* A $100 Visa Gift Card (For Dinner)

* A $100 Gift Certificate to a Hyatt/Marriott Hotel

* The entire Deep Haven series

To enter just click one of the icons below. But, hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on June 16th. The winner will be announced that evening during Susan’s Miss Foolish Heart Party on Facebook! Susan will be chatting with guests, hosting a book club chat about My Foolish Heart, testing your Deep Haven trivia skills, and giving away tons of great stuff! (Gift certificates, books, donuts, and more!) Don't miss the fun and BRING YOUR FRIENDS! 

To read more glowing reviews for My Foolish Heart, check out the other stops on this 

Litfuse Blog Tour.

 
~~~~~ Disclaimer:  All opinions expressed on this blog are 100% my own.  I do not receive monetary compensation for my reviews but do utilize affiliate links.  I may receive books in  order to facilitate a review, but this does not guarantee a good review - only a completely honest one.  Each review post denotes how I obtained the book.

Review + Giveaway - Miss Scarlet's School of Patternless Sewing by Kathy Cano-Murillo

TITLE:    Miss Scarlet's School of Patternless Sewing
AUTHOR:    Kathy Cano-Murillo
INFO:    Paperback, Fiction, 323 pages
PUBLISHED:   Grand Central, 2011
ISBN#:   978-0-446-50923-7
SOURCE:   Received from publisher for review and blog tour

FROM GOODREADS: Scarlet doesn't do things like other people. Unfortunately, this leads to some misunderstandings, like when her manager at the fabric store mistakes her measuring methods for assault. But while she may not be as wealthy as her siblings, or as respected as her grandmothers-strict seamstresses whose criticism left Scarlet permanently pattern-phobic-she will be soon. She's been offered a position with Johnny "Scissors" Tijeras, the hottest young designer in New York. To raise money for her move, Scarlet opens an after-hours sewing school in a local record shop, attracting a surprising mix of students. Future freeform garment makers include a high-strung office manager whose marriage counselor thinks she needs to learn to break some rules, and an elderly seamstress with a secret past. But as friendships grow, the lines between teacher and student blur, proving there is no single pattern for happiness-it is always a custom fit.

MY TAKE:    The Goodreads blurb above doesn't do this book justice.  It is so much more. The initial reason I chose to review this book is because I love to sew ~ sometimes without using a pattern.  The fact that the story is such an enjoyable read was a treat.

The character of Scarlet Santana is quite the hoot.  She is vibrant, creative and ambitious.  It's too bad her family doesn't support her unorthodox methods of making a living.  All of her family that is,  except for her beloved grandmother.  She is the one who taught Scarlet how to sew and is her biggest fan. 

Scarlet's dream is to be a celebrated designer like her idol Daisy de la Flora.  Her life and creations have inspired Scarlet since she was a child.  When Scarlet is finally accepted into a prestigious training program with the nephew of Daisy, she will do anything to make it happen.  Unfortunately Scarlet soon finds out exactly what "anything" entails.

The growth of several of the characters throughout the story really pull the reader in.  I became very invested in Mary Therese's marital issues as well as the mystery of Scarlet's oldest student Rosa.  They were all well written and full of depth.  I warmed to them immediately and really cared about their tale.  Scarlet's family wasn't at the top of my list for a while, but they grew as well as the story progressed.

This was one of those stories that makes you feel good, makes you mad, makes you cry and pretty much hits all of the range of emotions.  I highly recommend this story and am looking forward to getting my hands on Kathy's first book, Waking Up in the Land of Glitter.  Be sure to read my interview with Kathy from earlier today.  She's an interesting lady!

Out of 5 JEWELS, I give it:

WHERE TO BUY IT:    Amazon or The Book Depository

I'm sure none of you missed it when I mentioned the big G-word, you know.. GIVEAWAY!  The author and publisher have generously offered one lucky reader a prize package that includes BOTH of Kathy's books:

   

I'm jealous!  I haven't yet had a chance to get my hands on the first book:  Waking Up in the Land of Glitter: A Crafty Chica Novel  You lucky ducks!  To enter:

• You must be 13 years of age or older
• You must have a shipping address in the US or Canada, NO PO BOXES
• Leave a comment on this post and tell me if yous sew and what you make if you do
• Leave your email address in your comment, I don't want to have to hunt for it
• Drawing closes 3/23.
• Winner will be notified by email and have 48 hours to respond.
• One winner per household.  In other words, you can't win this particular prize package more than once!

Good luck and as always,

 

~~~~~ Disclaimer:  All opinions expressed on this blog are 100% my own.  I do not receive monetary compensation for my reviews but do utilize affiliate links.  I may receive books in  order to facilitate a review, but this does not guarantee a good review - only a completely honest one.  Each review post denotes how I obtained the book.

Review - Georgia Bottoms by Mark Childress

TITLE:    Georgia Bottoms
AUTHOR:    Mark Childress
INFO:    Paperback, Fiction, 278 pages 
PUBLISHED:   Little Brown & Company, 2011
ISBN#:   978-0-316-03304-6
HOW I GOT IT:   Received from Hachette Books for Review

FROM GOODREADS:    Georgia Bottoms is known in her small community of Six Points, Alabama, as a beautiful, well-to-do, and devoutly Baptist Southern belle.

Nobody realizes that the family fortune has long since disappeared, and a determinedly single woman like Georgia needs an alternative, and discreet, means of income. In Georgia's case it is six well-heeled lovers-one for each day of the week, with Mondays off-none of whom knows about the others.
 But when the married preacher who has been coming to call (Saturdays) decides to confess their affair in front of the whole congregation, Georgia must take drastic measures to stop him. In GEORGIA BOTTOMS, Mark Childress proves once again his unmistakable skill for combining the hilarious and the absurd to reveal the inner workings of the rebellious human heart

MY TAKE:    Adultery, quasi-prostitution, racism and various illegal activities are just a few of the things taking place in this story set in the South.  Miss Georgia Bottoms is what we are led to believe is a typical Southern belle.  She is a gracious hostess, she cares for her ailing mother, she defends and enables her worthless Brother and she loves her friends and neighbors.  She also just happens to sleep with six of those different male neighbors for money - money that is gifted to her, not to be considered or confused with pay for services for rendered - on a regular weekly basis.

I couldn't make myself like or care a bit about Georgia.  She was completely vapid and self-absorbed at times, while at the same time very conniving.  Her choices and her justifications for them were too much for me.  I don't have patience for the superficial "Scarlett O'Hara" type of women and must admit I was hoping for her consequences to catch up to Georgia.  My complete irritation with her got in the way of the story for me.

I do want to state that I think fans of Southern fiction will get a kick out of this story. It has garnered several great reviews on Goodreads and elsewhere.  Mark Childress is a very popular writer with a large following.  He does a good job of writing the Southern female POV where his own quirky sense of humor comes shining through.

Out of 5 JEWELS, I give it:

 WHERE TO BUY IT:    Amazon, The Book Depository, Powell's Books, IndieBound

 
~~~~~ Disclaimer:  All opinions expressed on this blog are 100% my own.  I do not receive monetary compensation for my reviews but do utilize affiliate links.  I may receive books in  order to facilitate a review, but this does not guarantee a good review - only a completely honest one.  Each review post denotes how I obtained the book.

Review + Giveaway - How Sweet It Is by Sophie Gunn

TITLE:    How Sweet It Is
AUTHOR:    Sophie Gunn
INFO:    Paperback, Fiction, 387 pages
PUBLISHED:   Forever Books, 2011
ISBN#:   978-0-446-56199-0
HOW I GOT IT:   Received from Publisher for Review

FROM GOODREADS: Single mom Lizzie Bea Carpenter learned long ago that no white knight was coming to save her. A hardworking waitress at the local diner, she's raising her daughter to be like the independent women in her "Enemy Club"—high school rivals turned best friends, promising to always tell each other the whole truth and nothing but!

Yet part of Lizzie wishes she did have a man's help, just for small stuff, like fixing up the house. Her fairy godmother must have been listening, because Dante "Tay" Giovanni soon appears. He's sexy, kind, and offering assistance—no strings attached.

Slowly, steadily, Lizzie's heart opens. But the grip of the past is fierce, and nothing in life is ever really free. Tay has his own tragedies to overcome, but if he can, he'll fix more than Lizzie's home. He'll show her just how sweet it is to be loved by him.

MY TAKE:    This is one of those books that I have mixed feelings about.  I liked it, but I had some issues with it.  It is the first of a series of four connected stories that should be fun to read though. 

I think the plot and overall series has a lot going for it.  I like the "Enemy Club" and the fact that these women have grown up and got over the high school drama that so many still cling to.  It is an amazing fact of life that girls who wanted to kill each other really can mature into women who will support each other through anything.  This thread alone has a lot of potential for the future stories.

The characters in this particular story are probably where most of my ambiguous feelings stem from.  I couldn't make myself like Lizzie.  Frankly, she annoyed me and I really didn't connect with or care about her.  She declares out loud that she wants a man to come help her fix up the house that is falling down around her ears.  When Tay overhears her and takes it upon himself to aid her, she is a complete ingrate ~ going to the extreme of calling the cops on him.  While he IS trying to work through and deal with his own issues, he IS also trying to be a good Samaritan and help her out.  Lizzie's issues and interactions with Ethan, the father of her daughter are also a bit much and tended to grate on me. 

I did like Tay, but he didn't always do overly smart things either.  Why on Earth would he just dump $200,000 in cash on a troubled young girl?  Accidents are just that, accidents.  I applaud his desire to assist her, but impoverishing himself (and his dog) was a bit too much of the self-sacrifice.  I did enjoy his growth through the story though. It was too bad Lizzie took a page from his book and put herself deeply into debt out of guilt too.

This said, I am looking forward to reading the next installment in this series.  I think the author has come up with an interesting overall story for the books.  It will be fun to see how the other members of the Enemy Club fare in their own tales.

Out of 5 JEWELS, I give it:



WHERE TO BUY IT:    Amazon, The Book Depository, Powell's Books

The author and Hachette Books are generously giving THREE of you a chance to win your own copy of How Sweet It Is!  The rules are simple:

• On THIS post, leave a comment answering the question that Sophie posed in her guest post earlier today.
• Be sure to leave your email address in your comment.
• Open to those with US and Canadian mailing addresses - NO PO Boxes
• Only one prize (of this title) per household - no matter how many blogs/sites you might win from.
• Drawing closes midnight February 20th, California time
• Winners will be drawn by random and notified by email.  They will have 72 hours to respond before new winners will be drawn. 
• Prizes will be shipped directly from the publisher.

Good luck and

~~~~~ Disclaimer:  All opinions expressed on this blog are 100% my own.  I do not receive monetary compensation for my reviews but do utilize affiliate links.  I may receive books in  order to facilitate a review, but this does not guarantee a good review - only a completely honest one.  Each review post denotes how I obtained the book.