Book Review and Giveaway: Emily and Einstein

By Melissa Amster

**Giveaway is now closed**

Thanks to "P.S., I Love You" by Cecelia Ahern, I've been able to read books about women becoming widows (something I wasn't able to do before reading that story). Every so often, an author's take on the widow theme sticks out and leaves a lasting impression, similar to the one left by Ms. Ahern. "Emily and Einstein" by Linda Francis Lee is definitely on that list, as it is both heartfelt and creative.

Emily Barlow had just received a job promotion...and the worst news of her life. Her husband, Sandy, was killed in a tragic accident and he didn't even leave their apartment to her in his will, forcing her to face eviction. Soon, Emily finds out other things about him that leave her even more distraught. With the help of a dog named Einstein, who knows more than he probably should (for an animal), Emily tries to get her life back on track, even when various complications arise.

I totally loved this story from beginning to end. It's one that I was recommending before I even got to the halfway point. I just had that much confidence that it would stay amazing throughout, and I was correct. Ms. Lee creates vivid characters that stick with the reader long after the story is finished. Her use of description makes the people and places easy to visualize. She adds so much substance to her characters that it's easy to like them or hate them, or sometimes feel both ways. Emily carries the story along really well, making the reader laugh and cry along with her the entire time. And it's almost impossible to resist Einstein, who is more than what he appears. (He even had me at the cover picture.) The best thing about this story is that Ms. Lee fills it with surprises. I didn't know what to expect and that kept me on my toes, making the story very exciting and difficult to put down.

I do have some critiques though. I thought I wouldn't with this one, but some things nagged at me. The first was an issue of time that went along with the age of one of the characters. I won't spoil anything, but I would like to say that the character's story would have made more sense, chronologically, if the year was 2005 and not 2011, as Ms. Lee figured the reader would assume this was taking place. If you read the story and do the math, you'll see what I mean. (Let's just say that this person was in high school when a historical event took place and wouldn't have had a certain job as a result.) The other thing was that there was a lot of psychobabble, especially toward the end. Sometimes it muddied the story for me and I had trouble understanding what the real issue was. That could just be my brain on sleep deprivation, but I felt like Emily had almost too much inner turmoil at times. Finally, I picked up some grammar and spelling errors that should have been caught before going to print. I found this amusing, considering that Emily is a book editor.

Overall, I thought Ms. Lee's take on the topic of "widowhood" was original. I love how all the pieces of the story fit together. Emily is an unforgettable heroine who will inspire all readers. I would enjoy seeing this novel made into a movie. It would be a lot of fun to see on the big screen. (I've been casting it in my head already.) Until then, I hope everyone has a chance to read it. And thanks to Ms. Lee, one lucky reader from the US or Canada can win a copy of "Emily and Einstein" right here!

How to win "Emily and Einstein":

Please comment below with your e-mail address.
(Please note: Entries without an e-mail address will NOT be counted. You can use AT and DOT to avoid spam. Or provide a link to your facebook page or blog if you can receive messages there.)

Bonus entries (can be listed all in one post):
1. Please tell us: Who is your favorite pet from a fictional novel?
2. Follow this blog and post a comment saying you are a follower (if you already follow, that's fine too).
3. Post this contest on Facebook or Twitter or in your blog, and leave a comment saying where you've posted it.
4. Join Chick Lit Central on Facebook. (If you're already a member, let us know that too.)

US/Canada only. Giveaway ends May 4th at midnight EST.

More by Linda Francis Lee:


More books with a similar theme or plot:

My Big Fat Royal Wedding

It's the day of the Royal Wedding, and we couldn't help but tie it into chick lit! Here are some of the ways, but feel free to comment if you can think of others.

*Lots of chick lit books are about weddings.

*Meg Cabot wrote "The Princess Diaries"

*It's all about fashion. Admit it, you were checking out what everyone was wearing like it was the red carpet ceremony before the Oscars.

*Lots of chick lit novels take place in London or are written by British authors.

*It's romantic!

*Jane Green wrote a book about it. Enough said!

Interview with Victoria Connelly and Book Giveaway

**Giveaway is now closed**

Victoria Connelly lives in London with her husband (a television news cameraman), a springer spaniel, and four hens. She published a few novels in Germany, her first inspired by her husband's work trip to Israel. Her first novel that was published in the UK is "Molly's Millions." She then wrote a trilogy based on Jane Austen's Mr. Darcy character.

Her latest book being released in the UK today is "The Perfect Hero," published by Avon, a division of HarperCollins. Charlotte Allen has two copies to give away to some lucky readers anywhere in the world.

You can find Victoria on Facebook and Twitter.

MP: Which of your books was the most challenging to write?
VC: One of my books published in Germany, ‘Three Graces’, was the hardest to write and it took me ages to work out why. It’s a magical romantic comedy about a young woman who marries a duke and soon realises that his new home is haunted by an eighteenth-century ghost. I got about three-quarters of the way through and just stopped. I actually took a break from it and wrote two children’s books and then went back to it. I think it was hard because I only had one viewpoint character – my heroine, Carys. I usually have three viewpoint characters which really helps the pace of a story. But I’m usually very lucky with my writing and enjoy the process of telling the story.

MP: What is your usual writing routine?
VC: After I’ve taken care of all my animals, I make a start on my novel. I don’t have a set routine of writing hours but I do have a daily word count I try to achieve: 1,000 words. I work well in the mornings and late afternoons but I will occasionally work in the evenings too. One of the things I love about being self-employed is that you can work the hours that suit you.


MP: Do you always know how a story will end before you write it? Or does it change along the way?
VC: Well, I write romantic comedies so I know they’re always going to end happily and I know who will end up with whom but I don’t plan meticulously because I think that spoils the joy of writing the book. I love to be surprised and get excited as I’m writing and have things happen spontaneously but I do have a rough outline and publishers often ask for a synopsis before you write a book but they realise things can change during the writing process.


MP: Do you ever suffer from writers block? If so, how do you remedy it?
VC: I’ve only ever had that difficult time with ‘Three Graces’ and I managed to work my way through it by writing something else. I do think writers’ block exists but I also believe that hard work will get you through it. It’s sometimes just a case of battling through the tough times or taking a good break to recharge the creative batteries. That’s important too.


MA: If "The Perfect Hero" were to be made into a movie, who would you want to star in the lead roles?
VC: Oooh, lovely question! My heroine, Kay, is sweet and romantic and there’s an actress I really adore called Rebecca Night – she played Fanny Hill in the recent Andrew Davies adaptation. And I have a huge crush on Henry Cavill (from ‘The Tudors’) and I think he’d make a wonderful Adam Craig, my hero! There’s also my tall, blond, handsome actor called Oli Wade Owen and there’s no surprise that he bears a certain resemblance to Rupert Penry Jones!


MA: What is your favorite memory from when you were a teacher?
VC: I was teaching drama at a lovely girls’ school in North Yorkshire. They had a fabulous drama studio there – ‘The Judi Dench Studio’ and I’d devised a scheme of work where pupils create scenes for their own soap opera.

We always named the soap opera after the road the school was on (I’d just like to say this was YEARS before the BBC programme ‘Waterloo Road’ and I have my suspicions that somebody pinched my idea!) Anyway, one break time, a group of pupils from another year group rushed up to me in the playground and shouted, ‘Miss, Miss! Are we going to do “Gargrave Road” in drama today?’ It was so funny to think that they’d heard about what I’d been doing with the other year group and had been looking forward to their lesson. It was a real compliment.

MA: Who is your perfect hero?
VC: Can I have three, please? In fiction, it’s Mr Darcy from ‘Pride and Prejudice’, from real life, it’s adventurer, Bear Grylls, and from real, real life, it’s my husband!

MP: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Why?
VC: I would love to visit Egypt and see the pyramids and the Valley of the Kings. I’d love to walk through the streets of Cairo and barter at the shops and visit the fabulous museum there. And I’ve always wanted to cruise down the Nile too. I once wrote a girls’ adventure set in Egypt and did some research at the British Museum in London. I was taken down to the basement and allowed to hold a 3,000-year old shabti and sniff mummy wrappings. It was brilliant! I think Egypt is a magical, mystical place and I hope I get to visit it one day.

MA: What is it like having hens for pets? Does it give a new meaning to the term "hen night?" :)
VC: I love my hens! I recently rescued 4 ex-battery hens who had lived a rather sad life, kept in a tiny cage all day and had never been outside. They were in a sorry state when we got them. But now, despite still being a little bit bald here and there (Alice’s head is like a snooker ball!) they have grown in confidence and are wonderful companions. They are inquisitive and follow me around the garden to see what I’m doing. They’re easy to handle and love eating from your hands. And, of course, you have the bonus of fresh eggs. I’ve turned into a domestic goddess making quiches, cakes and meringues. It’s wonderful. I haven’t thought about a ‘hen night’ but I really should throw a ‘hen party’ so everyone can meet them!

MA: Have you thought about starting another series based on a famous author when you're finished with the Mr. Darcy series?
VC: I did briefly think about writing something about the Brontes because I love their books but I do think there’s something rather special about Jane Austen and her fans and I’m not sure it would be the same with another writer.

I’ve also got a few other standalone romantic comedies planned (watch out for ‘The Runaway Actress’ next!) so that will keep me busy for the next few years. But you never know!

Thanks to Victoria for answering our questions and to Charlotte for arranging the interview and providing the books for the giveaway.

How to win "The Perfect Hero":
Please comment below with your e-mail address.
(Please note: Entries without an e-mail address will NOT be counted. You can use AT and DOT to avoid spam. Or provide a link to your facebook page or blog if you can receive messages there.)

Bonus entries (can be listed all in one post):
1. Please tell us: Who is your perfect hero?
2. Follow this blog and post a comment saying you are a follower (if you already follow, that's fine too).
3. Post this contest on Facebook or Twitter or in your blog, and leave a comment saying where you've posted it.
4. Join Chick Lit Central on Facebook. (If you're already a member, let us know that too.)

Giveaway ends May 4th ("Star Wars" Day!) at midnight EST

More by Victoria Connelly:
* A Weekend with Mr. Darcy

* Molly's Millions

Now in paperback...

Winners of "Nice Meeting You"

To find the winners, we assigned a number to each entry and used the Custom Random Number Generator to choose them at random.

Congrats to:

1-Madison

3-otkeri

9-Sherry B

Reminder: If you have won a book, you have about 48 hours to claim it by sending your contact information. (You will be e-mailed if you have won, as well.) After that time, a new winner will be picked.

Thanks again to everyone for participating, and to Phil for his guest post and for providing the books for the giveaway.

Don't forget about our current giveaway:

"Beneath a Starlet Sky" by Amanda Goldberg and Ruthanna Khalighi Hopper

US/Canada only

Ends Sunday at midnight EST

Stay tuned tomorrow for another interview and giveaway!

Winning Wednesday--April 27th

We will only be posting giveaways on this blog from now on. If you have a giveaway that ends before Wednesday of a given week, please feel free to post it at Chick Lit Central on Facebook. You're also welcome to contact Melissa A. about any giveaways you would like to have listed. (Chick Lit only, please, unless it is for a gift card or book related device.)
Finally, we are no longer going to seek out contests to post. If they happen to show up in our Facebook or Twitter news feed or on our blog readers, we'll be sure to post them. If you think we won't see your contest, please send it to Melissa A. so she can include it in this blog.
For another place to share your giveaway, contact West of Mars. They will list giveaways for books of any genre.
Thank you!

New:

"Beneath a Starlet Sky" by Amanda Goldberg and Ruthanna Khalighi Hopper

* Chick Lit Central
US/Canada only
Ends May 1st at midnight EST

* Book Love Blog
International
Ends May 3rd at midnight CST

"Sucker for a Hot Rod" by Joselyn Vaughn(eBook)

Clean Romance Reviews
Ends Friday at 11:59 pm CST

"Heartsight" and "Lifeline Echoes" by Kay Springsteen(eBooks)

Clean Romance Reviews
Ends Friday at 11:59 pm CST

"Attachments" by Rainbow Rowell

Luxury Reading
US/Canada only
Ends May 6th at midnight

A Short Story Challenge with A Cross Genre Giveaway

So Many Books, So Little Time So Here's Mine
US/Canada only (books)
International (Amazon gift card)
Ends May 7th at 10 pm EST

"Violets of March" by Sarah Jio

Chick Lit is Not Dead

Ends tonight at 6 pm PST

"Skinny" by Diana Spechler

Chick Lit is Not Dead

Ends tomorrow at 6 pm PST

Still available:

"Gone with a Handsomer Man" by Michael Lee West

Fresh Fiction

Ends May 31st

"The Four Ms. Bradwells" by Meg Waite Clayton

Colloquium

US/Canada only. No PO Boxes.

Ends May 1st at 11:59 pm PST

"Magnolia Wednesdays" or "The Accidental Bestseller" by Wendy Wax

Wendy Wax's Facebook Page

US/Canada only

Ends April 30th

$100 Gift Card to your favorite bookstore
Josie Brown
Ends June 19th at midnight PST

"Attachments" by Rainbow Rowell
A Bookworm's World
US/Canada only
Ends May 1st

"Girl on the Run" by Jane Costello
I Want a Free Book, Every Month
UK only
Ends April 30th

"Born Under a Lucky Moon" by Dana Precious
A Bookworm's World
US/Canada only
Ends April 30th at 6pm EST

"Skip a Beat with Sarah" Sweepstakes
Sarah Pekkanen's Facebook page
US only
Ends July 31st at 12:59 am EST
New winner announced bi-weekly on Mondays.

Help Kaira Rouda get 800 fans, win "Here, Home, Hope" and Dogeared Jewels and Gifts Karma Necklace
Kaira Rouda Books on Facebook
Ends when this page reaches 800 fans

Book Giveaway: "Beneath a Starlet Sky" by Amanda Goldberg and Ruthanna Khalighi Hopper

**Giveaway is now closed**

Welcome to Hollyweird…where Spencer and Heidi are fulfilling their life-long dream of bringing plastic surgery to Africa…where a business lunch is a tasting menu of breath mist shots, the ultimate in sustainable non-eating…where a riot breaks out when Hollywood’s most notable vegan is caught eating a steak at Wolfgang Puck’s restaurant…where a celebrity bad boy plans to adopt a child for People magazine cover…where a reputation could die by text or tweet.

Welcome to BENEATH A STARLET SKY (St. Martin's Press, 4/26/2011), the new book by Amanda Goldberg and Ruthanna Khalighi Hopper. The New York Times bestselling authors of CELEBUTANTES return with a dazzling novel set among the star-studded crowds of the Cannes Film Festival, where everyone’s hoping to discover, sign, screw or become the Next Big Thing. And a three-picture deal would be nice.

Just when you think you’ve seen it all, one brave starlet declares her deep devotion to herself, in a highly-publicized commitment ceremony that lands her the magazine cover of her dreams in the wedding dress of the century.

If you have a copy of US Weekly on your nightstand, follow @aplusk on Twitter and channel flip to E! during commercial breaks, BENEATH A STARLET SKY is your pop culture perfection. If you could care less about any of the above, but just want a laugh-out-loud, entertaining read, ‘STARLET’ delivers.

Read an excerpt from chapter one

About BENEATH A STARLET SKY
Lola Santisi—CEO of a struggling fashion line, reformed Actorholic and daughter of Hollywood Royalty—is now not only bicoastal, she’s Bi-Lolar: That is the condition which causes her to swing like a pendulum between the opposing poles of the fashion world in New York and the real world with her Doctor Boyfriend in Los Angeles. She hardly knows which shoe fits her anymore: the Louboutin stiletto or the Croc. As Lola tries to launch Julian Tennant’s new dress line, it looks like they’re about to get their next big break: his wedding dresses have been chosen to feature in the top film at the Cannes Film Festival. And suddenly Lola is staging a full-blown couture show on a yacht – in the middle of the Med. Think those super models had trouble walking down the catwalks at Fashion Week? With an unexpected finale twist, this time it’s Lola who’s tumbling off the runway.

Having recently endured a disastrous break-up with Lola’s brother Christopher, Kate Woods, Lola’s BFF and CAA’s rising star agent, is newly single, and focused 24-7 on her clients. The only thing worse than thinking it was a good idea for Kate to date Lola’s brother, is thinking it was a good idea for Kate to put one of her most loose-cannon clients, Nic Knight, in Lola’s father’s movie. Among Kate’s other mega star clients is Saffron Sykes whose appearance on the cover of Vain magazine in Julian Tennant could be the difference between Julian Tennant, Inc. weathering the economy or going bust.

As Lola fights to survive the Cannes Film Festival, will she get swept into the French Riviera’s riptide of glamour and superficiality? Are real love and couture mutually exclusive? Or can Lola have it all – the good doctor and her Louboutins. With her father and brother vying for the same prize, her mother starring in her new reality show, and one heartbroken girlfriend about to declare motherhood, it’s all on Lola to come up with the answers. And it’s going to take more than one of her mother’s prosperity chants to save the day.

St. Martin's Press has two books to give away to some lucky readers in the US or Canada.

How to win "Beneath a Starlet Sky":
Please comment below with your e-mail address.
(Please note: Entries without an e-mail address will NOT be counted. You can use AT and DOT to avoid spam. Or provide a link to your facebook page or blog if you can receive messages there.)

Bonus entries (can be listed all in one post):
1. Please tell us: What is the most interesting celebrity gossip you've heard in the last couple of years?
2. Follow this blog and post a comment saying you are a follower (if you already follow, that's fine too).
3. Post this contest on Facebook or Twitter or in your blog, and leave a comment saying where you've posted it.
4. Join Chick Lit Central on Facebook. (If you're already a member, let us know that too.)

US/Canada only. Giveaway ends May 1st at midnight EST

You might also like...

Winners of "The Ex-Boyfriend's Handbook"

To find the winners, we assigned a number to each entry and used the Custom Random Number Generator to choose them at random.

Congrats to:

1-Kat

6-Lyndsay

45-Leonel

49-Nancye

Reminder: If you have won a book, you have about 48 hours to claim it by sending your contact information. (You will be e-mailed if you have won, as well.) After that time, a new winner will be picked.

Thanks again to everyone for participating, to Matt Dunn for a fun interview and to Beth Pehlke from Sourcebooks for providing the books for the giveaway.

Don't forget about our current giveaway:

"Nice Meeting You" by Phil Torcivia

US only.

Ends Tuesday at midnight EST.

Book Review: I Love the 80s

By Melissa Amster
If you're nostalgic about anything from the 1980's, then "I Love the 80s" is the book for you! This book appealed to me on several levels: chick lit, pop culture and time travel. And I wasn't disappointed once I started reading it and getting absorbed in Jenna Jenkins' life.

In 2010, Jenna's fiancée breaks up with her and she resorts back to her comfort zone by fantasizing about her celebrity crush who was killed when she was 12. After a freak accident, she is transported back to 1987 and lands right in the center of her crush's world. Can she save him from his fate this time around?

I really enjoyed this novel. It was nearly impossible to put down once I got into the thick of it. I loved the pop culture references of the 1980s and how I felt transported back in time along with Jenna. Megan Crane creates vivid and memorable characters that stick with the reader after the book is finished. She even uses two perspectives through most of the story, which I found interesting and enjoyable. Jenna is very easy to relate to on a personal level, as I am obsessed with pop culture trivia and know way too much frivolous information. I'm also satisfied in a passive work role the way she is. Finally, she satisfied my need for a good "romantic" scene or two, which I enjoy in a chick lit novel.

The only critique I had was that Ms. Crane had some trouble explaining some of the facets of time travel. Had she added a third perspective, it would have been helpful. Keep in mind that this critique is coming from someone who overanalyzes "Back to the Future." I don't think there's an easy way to explain time travel without some loophole being overlooked.

Overall, this was a fun story full of romance, humor and pop culture references. I have already been recommending it to my friends and plan to continue doing so. Bravo to Megan Crane. "I Love the 80s" is totally rad! Maybe she can take us to the 90s next time, as I love that era too.

More by Megan Crane:

More about time travel:

Guy Week Part 2: Guest post from Phil Torcivia and Book Giveaway

**Giveaway is now closed**

The next author who has joined us for Guy Week is Phil Torcivia! He is well known for his "Nice Guy" books, the first being "Such a Nice Guy." His latest book, "Just a Nice Guy," is scheduled to be released this month. Phil is a divorcee from Pennsylvania, who now lives in Southern California with his feline companions, Syd and Symon. He loves going to bars and watching the bizarre mating rituals of the locals, which he translates into humorous essays. He has been single long enough to be involved in a few train-wrecks of his own, admitting that he's "one relationship disaster away from a third cat."

Phil has come to talk to us today about the guy's view of a break-up. Plus, he has three signed copies of "Nice Meeting You" (released October 2010) to give to some lucky readers in the US.

If you like what you've read here, follow him on Facebook and Twitter.

SPLITSVILLE

The breakup process is distinct between genders. Men are lazy and want to finish the task as quickly as possible so they can move on to the next opportunity for sex. Women, however, need closure. It takes time to flush the oxytocin from their systems.

I’ll take a pass/fail over a letter or number grade any day. If it’s bad news, I don’t want to hear it. I want to make up my own reasons why I was left at the curb. Give me back my T-shirt and let me believe you’re breaking up with me because all the sex you want to have with me is detracting from your daily obligations and giving you a noticeable limp.

My biggest concern during a breakup: Is she going to cry?

If tears start a-flowing, I’m in deep trouble. I’d rather have her swear at me and throw china. If we’re out in public—don’t ever break up with a woman in public, you idiot—and her face starts leaking, it’s more embarrassing than eating a banana while shopping at Abercrombie & Fitch. Every man that sees her cry wants to beat me and rescue my woman. Every woman that sees her cry instantly places me on the Chris Brown Memorial Entry Forbidden list.

When I’m dumped, I try to spin it into something positive, expected, or insignificant.

“Hey. You’re a nice guy, but I don’t think this is working out.”

“Huh?”

“I don’t feel like we’re connecting the way we should be. You know?”

“Oh, definitely. Yep. I’ve been meaning to talk to you about that.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Nothing personal. You’re great.”

“How long have you felt this way?”

“Um, probably about as long as you have.”

“Why didn’t you say anything?”

“I didn’t want to hurt your feelings.”

“Don’t you think it’s best to be honest?”

“All right, look, I was hoping things would progress. Oh, well. It happens.”

“OK, whatever. We’re going to be seeing each other out, so I don’t want it to be weird.”

“Totally. It won’t be weird. We should remain friends. You’re a cool chick.”

“So, we’re good then?”

“Of course. Hey, do you want to come over and watch a movie?”

“…”

“Or not. There’s this other woman I wanted to date anyway.”

“Who?”

“Oh, nobody you know. So, it’s cool now. You won’t feel weird when you see us out, right?”

“Well, don’t make a point of having PDA with her around me. That would be weird.”

“Why? Would it make you jealous?”

“No. It would just be awkward because other people there know us and have seen us together.”

“All right. I can wait until you’re over me. Do you think a year is long enough?”

“It’s not that I’m not over you.”

“Yes, it is. That’s OK. You don’t have to admit it. I understand.”

“Fine. Whatever. Just please don’t make a scene.”

“I would never. We’re cool. Hey, let’s do some celebratory shots. Want to?”

“…”

“You so want to have closure sex with me right now.”

“Is that what you’re sensing?”

“It’s natural. Don’t be embarrassed.”

“Like I said, we don’t connect the way we should. Goodbye.”

“Hey, why are you walking away? Honey? Baby? Um. OK, fine. Whatever. I’m over you already.”

It’s tempting to make use of modern technology for breakups. Email, chat, and text messaging are cowardly means, perfect for cowards like me. Ouch, the e-dump. I’m not proud to admit I’ve done them all. I’ve also received my share, so it’s even.

Here are some creative methods for future consideration:

Skywriting – “My crotch is under new ownership, now open for business.”
Scoreboard Announcement – “Adopt this fellow. His shots are current.”
Bar Napkin – “I hate your a--. Please go away.”
Paid Search Ad – “Stop Googling yourself. You’re stupid and now you’re single too.”
Obituary – “Our relationship died because he can’t control his f-stick.”
Rap Lyrics – “Yo shawty, you be whack. Now bounce and gimme my sheeyit back.”
Sign Language – “Middle finger extended on left hand while right hand waves bye-bye.”
Barista – Have your favorite Starbucks clerk write the following on his Venti cup: “Your girlfriend is sick of your crap, and will henceforth be referred to as your ex-girlfriend.”
Coupon – “Get out of one relationship free.”
Bulletin Board at Work – “She screwed me in conference room B and now I’m screwed. Sorry about the stains.”

Thanks to Phil for humorously teaching us how to handle a break-up and for giving copies of his book away through CLC. Thanks also to Kathryn Hamilton for connecting us with Phil in the first place and giving us the idea for his blog topic . :)

How to win "Nice Meeting You":
Please comment below with your e-mail address.
(Please note: Entries without an e-mail address will NOT be counted. You can use AT and DOT to avoid spam. Or provide a link to your facebook page or blog if you can receive messages there.)

Bonus entries (can be listed all in one post):
1. Please tell us: What is the strangest way you've broken up with someone (or vice versa)?
2. Follow this blog and post a comment saying you are a follower (if you already follow, that's fine too).
3. Post this contest on Facebook or Twitter or in your blog, and leave a comment saying where you've posted it.
4. Join Chick Lit Central on Facebook. (If you're already a member, let us know that too.)

US only. Giveaway ends April 26th at midnight EST


More by Phil Torcivia:

Now in paperback...

Winning Wednesday--April 20th

I will only be posting giveaways on this blog from now on. If you have a giveaway that ends before Wednesday of a given week, please feel free to post it at Chick Lit Central on Facebook. You're also welcome to contact me about any giveaways you would like to have listed. (Chick Lit only, please, unless it is for a gift card or book related device.)
Finally, I am no longer going to seek out contests to post. If they happen to show up in my Facebook or Twitter news feed or on my blog reader, I'll be sure to post them. If you think I won't see your contest, please send it to me so I can include it in this blog.
For another place to share your giveaway, contact West of Mars. They will list giveaways for books of any genre.
Thank you!

New giveaways:

"The Ex-Boyfriend's Handbook" by Matt Dunn

Chick Lit Central

US/Canada only

Ends April 23rd at midnight EST

"Gone with a Handsomer Man" by Michael Lee West

Fresh Fiction

Ends May 31st

"The Four Ms. Bradwells" by Meg Waite Clayton

Colloquium

US/Canada only. No PO Boxes.

Ends May 1st at 11:59 pm PST

"Fly Away Home" by Jennifer Weiner
Booking Mama
Ends April 24th at 11:59 pm EST

"Stay" by Allie Larkin

Book Love Blog

US only

Ends April 24th at midnight EST

"Backseat Saints" by Joshilyn Jackson

BermudaOnion

US/Canada only, no PO Boxes

Ends April 22nd at midnight EST

"Crooked Moon" by Lissette Brodey

Maria Savva's Blog @ Goodreads

Ends April 25th

"Magnolia Wednesdays" or "The Accidental Bestseller" by Wendy Wax

Wendy Wax's Facebook Page

US/Canada only

Ends April 30th

"The Kitchen Daughter" by Jael McHenry

BermudaOnion

US only

Ends April 22nd at midnight EST

Previously posted (still going on):

$100 Gift Card to your favorite bookstore
Josie Brown
Ends June 19th at midnight PST

"Attachments" by Rainbow Rowell
A Bookworm's World
US/Canada only
Ends May 1st

"Recovery" by Alexandrea Weis
Writer's Corner
Ends April 24th

"Best Kept Secret" by Amy Hatvany
Book Love Blog
Ends April 24th at midnight CST

"Girl on the Run" by Jane Costello
I Want a Free Book, Every Month
UK only
Ends April 30th

"The Sweetest Thing" by Jill Shalvis
A Bookworm's World
US/Canada only, no PO boxes
Ends April 23rd at 6 pm EST

"Seven Year Switch" by Claire Cook
Claire Cook's Facebook Page
Like this page and tell all your friends to like it too. Then tell her that Chick Lit Central sent you.
Ends when the page reaches 5000 fans

"Born Under a Lucky Moon" by Dana Precious
A Bookworm's World
US/Canada only
Ends April 30th at 6pm EST

$100 e-gift card to the bookstore of your choice!
Book Blogger, Author and Publisher Giveaways
Ends April 26th

"Skip a Beat with Sarah" Sweepstakes
Sarah Pekkanen's Facebook page
US only
Ends July 31st at 12:59 am EST
New winner announced bi-weekly on Mondays.

Help Kaira Rouda get 800 fans, win "Here, Home, Hope" and Dogeared Jewels and Gifts Karma Necklace
Kaira Rouda Books on Facebook
Ends when this page reaches 800 fans

Winners of "The Surprise Party" and "Sweet Valley Confidential"

To find the winners, we assigned a number to each entry and used the Custom Random Number Generator to choose them at random.

Winners of "The Surprise Party":

4-Karen Clarke

35- Ann (Cozy in Texas)

Winners of "Sweet Valley Confidential" (audio):

9-Tracey

26-Lesli

35-Donna

Congrats everyone!

Reminder: If you have won a book, you have about 48 hours to claim it by sending your contact information. (You will be e-mailed if you have won, as well.) After that time, a new winner will be picked.

Thanks to everyone who participated and to the publishers for providing the books. Thanks also to Sue Welfare for chatting with us last week.

Please check out our latest interview and giveaway:

"The Ex-Boyfriend's Handbook" by Matt Dunn

US/Canada only

Ends April 23rd at midnight EST

Guy Week Part 1: Interview with Matt Dunn and book giveaway

**Giveaway is now closed**

We thought it would be fun to shake things up in April with "Guy Week." We've invited two male authors to hang out with us at CLC. The first is Matt Dunn, author of "The Ex-Boyfriend's Handbook" and a few other romantic comedy novels. In the past, he worked as a professional lifeguard, fitness-equipment salesman, and lastly an I.T. headhunter. His success in re-writing other peoples' CVs (résumés) led him to think he had a talent for fiction. Matt lives in London but spends a lot of time in Spain, where he is working on his seventh novel and playing tennis.

With the help of Beth Pehlke from Sourcebooks, Matt has four copies of "The Ex-Boyfriend's Handbook" to give away to some lucky readers in the US and Canada.

If you like what you've seen here, follow him on Facebook and Twitter.

MP: What is your usual writing routine?
MD: I get up in the morning, look at my mortgage statement, panic and start typing... No, seriously, I treat it as a nine-to-five job. If you're delivering a book a year, you have to be pretty focused, and I know that if I keep to a standard working day I'll meet my deadlines. I also write about lots of stuff for magazines like Cosmopolitan, and several national newspapers in the UK, so I'm kept pretty busy. In terms of the book, having a word target helps, and I'll usually try for a thousand a day, though if it's going well, I'll aim for two thousand.

MP:. What was your biggest challenge while writing "The Accidental Proposal"?
MD: It's the sequel to two previous books, so even though I knew the set-up and the history of the characters, I had to make sure that anyone picking one of my books up for the first time would be clued-in as to who everyone was and how/why they related to each other as they did, and trying to do that without boring people who have read the previous books can be tough. Oh, and as ever, trying to make it funny.

MP: How did you celebrate when your first book was published?
MD: I was in a bit of a daze, to be honest, because I'd dreamed about it for so long, but after a lovely lunch with my publisher I think I spent the rest of the day wandering around various bookshops in London trying to spot it on the shelves, turning it cover-out when I did, and hoping I'd see someone buy a copy. Though no-one did while I was watching, sadly!

MA: How did you decide to write chick lit?
MD: To be honest, I didn't. I just wanted to write the kind of thing I wanted to read, and having read (and loved) Nick Hornby's 'High Fidelity', I tried to write something like that, which examined honestly (but in a humorous way) the male view of life, love, and relationships. Six books later, I'm still trying!

MA: Who are your favorite authors?
MD: Good question. I tend to go for books rather than authors: David Mitchell - his Cloud Atlas is possibly my favourite book ever, and David Nicholls' One Day is just about faultless. I also love Nick Hornby, Haruki Murakami, Jay McInerney, Martin Amis, Jonathan Tropper... I could go on.

MP: You reported in your website recently that there was interest in possibly making "From Here to Paternity" into a movie. What's the current status and if it were made into a movie, would it be released in the U.S.?
MD: I think it's still 'in development', i.e. nothing much has happened yet, but I'd love to see it get made, and then hopefully see it on worldwide release!

MA: What is the most memorable date you have ever been on?
MD: The first date with my wife. I was a head-hunter, and I interviewed her for a job. It was a warm September evening, so we decided to talk outside at a bar rather than sit in a stuffy office, and ended up talking about everything apart from the job until the bar closed. Neither of us realised it was a date until afterwards. Mind you, on our first proper date (after I'd plucked up the courage to ask her out) the first thing she said to me when I picked her up from her house was 'my toilet's sprung a leak' - she'd just had a new bathroom fitted - so my evening started off with me on my hands and knees doing a bit of emergency plumbing. Memorable too, I suppose, but for different reasons.

MA: What is the most romantic thing you have ever done for a woman?
MD: I'm as romantic as the next man, which I'm afraid probably means 'not very', and if you knew how long I've been sitting here trying (and failing) to think of something you'd probably agree with me.

MP: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
MD: Nepal or Tibet. I love mountains, and would love to see Mount Everest, so have started planning a hiking trip to base camp, probably for next year.

MA: Where do you like living more: London or Spain?
MD: They're both fun. Spain has the weather, I suppose. But I love cities in general - New York is one of my favourites, as is San Francisco, so I'd like to spend some time living in both of those in the future. One of the joys of my job is that I can work pretty much anywhere in the world, and I plan to exploit that fully.

Special thanks to Matt for chatting with us today and to Beth Pehlke from Sourcebooks for providing the books for the giveaway.


How to win "The Ex-Boyfriend's Handbook":
Please comment below with your e-mail address.
(Please note: Entries without an e-mail address will NOT be counted. You can use AT and DOT to avoid spam. Or provide a link to your facebook page or blog if you can receive messages there.)

Bonus entries (can be listed all in one post):
1. Please tell us: What is the most romantic thing someone has done for you (or vice versa)?
2. Follow this blog and post a comment saying you are a follower (if you already follow, that's fine too).
3. Post this contest on Facebook or Twitter or in your blog, and leave a comment saying where you've posted it.
4. Join Chick Lit Central on Facebook. (If you're already a member, let us know that too.)

US/Canada only. Giveaway ends April 23rd at midnight EST

More by Matt Dunn:

Winning Wednesday--April 13th

I will only be posting giveaways on this blog from now on. If you have a giveaway that ends before Wednesday of a given week, please feel free to post it at Chick Lit Central on Facebook. You're also welcome to contact me about any giveaways you would like to have listed. (Chick Lit only, please, unless it is for a gift card or book related device.)
Finally, I am no longer going to seek out contests to post. If they happen to show up in my Facebook or Twitter news feed or on my blog reader, I'll be sure to post them. If you think I won't see your contest, please send it to me so I can include it in this blog.
For another place to share your giveaway, contact West of Mars. They will list giveaways for books of any genre.
Thank you!

New giveaways:

"Sweet Valley Confidential" by Francine Pascal (audio)
Chick Lit Central
US/Canada only
Ends April 17th at midnight EST

"The Surprise Party" by Sue Welfare
Chick Lit Central
Ends April 17th at midnight EST

$100 Gift Card to your favorite bookstore
Josie Brown
Ends June 19th at midnight PST

"Deep Down True" by Juliette Fay
Chick Lit is Not Dead
Ends tomorrow at 6 pm PST

"Every Last One" by Anna Quindlen
Luxury Reading
US only
Ends Friday at midnight

"Attachments" by Rainbow Rowell
A Bookworm's World
US/Canada only
Ends May 1st

"A New Dream" by Elaine Cantrell
Clean Romance Reviews
Ends April 15th at 11:59 pm CST

"Recovery" by Alexandrea Weis
Writer's Corner
Ends April 24th

"The Provence Cure for the Brokenhearted" by Bridget Asher
Luxury Reading
US only
Ends Friday at midnight

"Save Me" by Lisa Scottoline
BookTrib
US/Canada only
Ends Friday

"Best Kept Secret" by Amy Hatvany
Book Love Blog
Ends April 24th at midnight CST

"My Jane Austen Summer: A Season in Mansfield Park" by Cindy Jones
Chick Lit is Not Dead
Ends tonight at 6 pm PST

"Girl on the Run" by Jane Costello
I Want a Free Book, Every Month
UK only
Ends April 30th

Previously posted (still going on):

"The Sweetest Thing" by Jill Shalvis
A Bookworm's World
US/Canada only, no PO boxes
Ends April 23rd at 6 pm EST

"Seven Year Switch" by Claire Cook
Claire Cook's Facebook Page
Like this page and tell all your friends to like it too. Then tell her that Chick Lit Central sent you.
Ends when the page reaches 5000 fans

"The Baby Planner" by Josie Brown
Luxury Reading
US Only
Ends April 15th at midnight (Same time as taxes!)

"Born Under a Lucky Moon" by Dana Precious
A Bookworm's World
US/Canada only
Ends April 30th at 6pm EST

$100 e-gift card to the bookstore of your choice!
Book Blogger, Author and Publisher Giveaways
Ends April 26th

The Blogiversary Box of Books
A Bookworm's World
Ends April 16th at 6pm EST

"Skip a Beat with Sarah" Sweepstakes
Sarah Pekkanen's Facebook page
US only
Ends July 31st at 12:59 am EST
New winner announced bi-weekly on Mondays.

Help Kaira Rouda get 800 fans, win "Here, Home, Hope" and Dogeared Jewels and Gifts Karma Necklace
Kaira Rouda Books on Facebook
Ends when this page reaches 800 fans

Book Review and Giveaway: Sweet Valley Confidential

By Melissa Amster

**Giveaway is now closed**

Since I was among the many devoted "Sweet Valley High" fans when I was growing up, I was eagerly anticipating the release of "Sweet Valley Confidential: Ten Years Later," which was written by the same Francine Pascal who brought the Wakefield twins into our lives many years ago. I even went to a website where I could read a short synopsis of each book, thus allowing me to remember some of the characters a little better before delving in to this new story.

"Sweet Valley Confidential" opens with Elizabeth refusing to answer a phone call from Jessica after a huge betrayal. We are then taken through the steps leading up to the betrayal through flashbacks from the twins and some other major players in their lives, while also learning what is happening to everyone in the present. Elizabeth, meanwhile, is deciding whether or not she wants to see Jessica again and how she will avenge such a betrayal. It leads to some major drama between the sisters and their loved ones. Will Elizabeth ever forgive Jessica? And what happened to the gang at Sweet Valley High over the last ten years?

Have no fear...Ms. Pascal answers both of these questions throughout the story. In the meantime, she takes her readers through some interesting experiences and adventures in the twins' lives. She even tosses in some twists I never would have seen coming, keeping me guessing at every page turn. Her use of description makes it easy to visualize the characters and settings. She easily takes us back to the stories from the series so that there's a smooth transition from one to the other, through reminders about who the characters were back then.

However, I do have some critiques. My main concern was audience confusion. I wasn't sure if this was written for her fans from the 1980's who are now adults or her current fans, adolescents reading the series for the first time in this new decade. The use of curse words and sexual terms would tell me it was for the former, while the somewhat simplistic language and Jessica's constant use of the word "like" would say it is for the latter. It was also wrapped up a little too neatly. Either Ms. Pascal wanted quick closure or this was another case of audience confusion. It just seemed like there was a big build-up to get to the drama but then it quickly subsided and became lighthearted again. There is not much room left for a sequel, unless she wants to expand on what had already happened in this novel. Aside from that, there were some grammatical and spelling errors that could have been easily caught before going to print.

Overall, this was a fun story that will satisfy a thirst for all "Sweet Valley High" fans of then and now. It had a CW feel, as I could see it fleshed out into a television series on that channel. I enjoyed it and found it easy to follow. I was thrilled to be reunited with characters I loved so much as a pre-teen. Maybe Ann M. Martin will follow Ms. Pascal's lead and do the same for "The Babysitter's Club."

Thanks to St. Martin's Press for the review copy. They also have three audio books to give away to anyone in the US or Canada. In the meantime, listen to chapter one.

How to win "Sweet Valley Confidential" (audio):
Please comment below with your e-mail address.
(Please note: Entries without an e-mail address will NOT be counted. You can use AT and DOT to avoid spam. Or provide a link to your facebook page or blog if you can receive messages there.)

Bonus entries (can be listed all in one post):
1. Please tell us: If SVC were to be a show on the CW, who would you cast as the twins? (You can double one person like in "The Parent Trap.")
2. Please tell us: For which book series would you like to see a reunion?
3. Follow this blog and post a comment saying you are a follower (if you already follow, that's fine too).
4. Post this contest on Facebook or Twitter or in your blog, and leave a comment saying where you've posted it.
5. Join Chick Lit Central on Facebook. (If you're already a member, let us know that too.)

US/Canada only. Giveaway ends Sunday, April 17th at midnight EST

Interview with Sue Welfare and book giveaway

**Giveaway is now closed**

Sue Welfare is a woman of many names. Well, three to be exact. You may also know her as Kate Lawson or Gemma Fox. As Kate Lawson, she had "Mother of the Bride" published last year. As Gemma Fox, she was short listed for the Melissa Nathan Comedy Romance award in 2007 for "The Cinderella Moment." And as Sue Welfare, she recently had "The Surprise Party" published and is here to talk to us about it today. We're also giving away two copies of this novel worldwide, thanks to Charlotte Allen of Avon at HarperCollins UK.

You can follow Sue on Facebook and Twitter.

MP: How do you like to spend your time when you are not writing?
SW: I'm a really keen cook, gardener, reader, walker, singer – I'm in a local choir – not to mention being a keen photographer and rug maker – no, really!!

I'm always busy, and never have enough hours in the day. My rug making website is at www.rags-bags-and-baubles.co.uk and I write a blog about rug making too (which currently needs me to get on with updating it)

MP: What is your usual writing routine?
SW: I'm at my desk by 9 a.m. during the week, I begin by catching up on email, facebook, the admin – and then reading what I've written the previous day.

I edit as I read and then get on with the new stuff.
I stop for lunch any time between 12 and 2 o'clock.
Late afternoon I walk my dog, Beau, – which helps me think and blows the cobwebs away – and then if it's going well I'll often go back to my desk and do a little more before stopping to make dinner (or eat it, if Phil, my husband, is cooking … or as we call it , making great food and a huge mess!)

People will say you need to be self disciplined to write, which is true, but often my problem is not starting but stopping!


MP: Do you ever suffer from writers block? If so, how do you remedy it?
SW: I don't think I get so blocked that I'm unable to write – but I do get jammed into corners by plot problems or time constraints or just feeling my work isn’t as fresh or as free flowing as it should be, so I use several techniques to shake the tree –

First of all I always have more than one project on the go.

Alternatively I go for a walk and just play with the main ideas, playing 'what if' with the characters and plots.

My other favourite way of block busting is to sit down with a mug of tea and a blank sheet of paper ( I usually work directly onto my Mac) and handwriting conversations between my main characters – no descriptions, nothing but pure dialogue - and let them talk to each other and that often sorts out the things that are holding me back.


MP: What was your journey to publishing like?
SW: I’ve always loved books and stories and remember my mum teaching me to read before I went to school.

I submitted my first story to a magazine when I was about ten – it wasn’t published – but I‘d caught the bug and carried on.

I got married when I was 19 and had four fabulous boys and did all the things you do with kids if you’re a stay at home mum.
My creativity was focused on them really - and then in my late 30’s when all the boys were at school I started to ache to write.
I wrote in the day when they were at school or at night when they had gone to bed.

Around the same time I joined a postal writing group and began to write articles for magazines – and more importantly they began to sell.

In the mid 90's, I was commissioned by Virgin Black Lace for a book idea I had sent them. Then I entered the Mail on Sunday’s Night and Day magazine’s ‘first 150 words of a novel ‘ competition. I was amongst the winners and got an agent as a result of that and began to try and write my first "real" book,

It’s called "A Few little Lies" and is set in Wisbech in Cambridgeshire in the UK
At the same time I wrote erotic novels for Black Lace and Headline and so far have had around 25 books published.

MP: What was your inspiration for "The Surprise Party"?
SW: I've got a real thing about secrets and things not being quite what they appear – lots of my books have that as a theme. I was thinking about how we perceive our parents – I do lots of talks and somehow we all assume older people don't know anything about sex, drugs or rock and roll. We quickly forget they were once just like us.

I wanted to explore the idea that even in families that are loving and stable there is still a place for big secrets and misunderstandings.

MA: Why do you go by two different names when writing? (I know other authors do this too and want to know why that is the case, in general.)
SW: Sadly the explanation isn’t all that exciting! Actually I've written under three names for Harper Collins. I wrote for several years as Sue Welfare and had a good following, with six titles published.

My publishers had a plan to get me more widely known - Welfare sounds like it is made up and has slightly odd connotations, and when the promotions are over my books vanish down into the murky depths of the ‘W’ s on the shelves, where people just don’t browse. So Harper Collins decided to give me a make over – First of all as Gemma Fox, but unfortunately the week we launched our Gemma, a singer called Gemma Fox also made her debut – so if you Google Gemma Fox it isn’t my books you get, but the other Gemma’s latest album.

Then Avon ( a division of Harper Collins ) suggested we work together and we decided to rename me again – which was how Kate Lawson was born - and then my lovely new editor Sammia Rafique suggested for this book we go back to my own name and so I’ve come full circle.

MA: If "The Surprise Party" were to be made into a movie, who would you cast in the main roles?
SW: Wow that is such a hard question! There are six really goods roles for women in the book. And it’s a story that travels – so it would work just as well in the US as the UK

For the two older sisters I think Meryl Streep would be just fab as the Fleur, the feisty older sister of the two – or Bette Middler! You need some gentler for Rose, her sister, but she's still no pushover. Actually I'd be really interested to hear what my readers think!

MA: What is the biggest surprise you've ever received?
SW: Phil – my husband - asking me to marry him. We’d lived together for four years and had bought a house together but if I ever mentioned marriage, even in passing, he would go pale and quiet!! And then on Valentine's day last year he proposed to me – I was so stunned, that having said yes I didn’t say anything for around an hour, which for those people who know me, is something of a world record.

MA: What is your favorite thing about spring?
SW: Oh the light after the dark of winter - and that magical feeling of expectation and renewal that makes you long to get on with things.

MA: If you could time travel, what time period would you visit?
SW: Lol – how many places can I go to? I'm so curious about so many things
As I said I have a whole thing about secrets – so I'd want to go to lots of places to find out the answers.
Who really shot Kennedy, who as on the grassy knoll?
Did Marilyn really kill herself.
Who was Jack the Ripper?
What have they got at Roswell?

I could be the time travelling super sleuth… being terribly practical I'm just wondering what you'd have to pack, and what would you wear?

Special thanks to Sue Welfare for her lovely answers to our questions and Charlotte Allen for arranging the interview and giveaway.



How to win "The Surprise Party":
Please comment below with your e-mail address.
(Please note: Entries without an e-mail address will NOT be counted. You can use AT and DOT to avoid spam. Or provide a link to your facebook page if you can receive messages there.)

Bonus entries (can be listed in one post):
1. Please tell us: If you could time travel, where (or when, in this case) would you go?
2. Please tell us: If you were to write under an alias, what name would you use?
3. Follow this blog and post a comment saying you are a follower (if you already follow, that's fine too).
4. Post this contest on Facebook or Twitter or in your blog, and leave a comment saying where you've posted it.
5. Join Chick Lit Central on Facebook. (If you're already a member, let us know that too.)

Giveaway ends Sunday, April 17th at midnight EST

Winning Wednesday--April 6th

I will only be posting giveaways on this blog from now on. If you have a giveaway that ends before Wednesday of a given week, please feel free to post it at Chick Lit Central on Facebook. You're also welcome to contact me about any giveaways you would like to have listed. (Chick Lit only, please, unless it is for a gift card or book related device.)
Finally, I am no longer going to seek out contests to post. If they happen to show up in my Facebook or Twitter news feed or on my blog reader, I'll be sure to post them. If you think I won't see your contest, please send it to me so I can include it in this blog.
Thank you!

New giveaways:

"Friday Mornings at Nine" by Marilyn Brant
The Write Stuff"
US only
Ends April 10th

"The Sweetest Thing" by Jill Shalvis
A Bookworm's World
US/Canada only, no PO boxes
Ends April 23rd at 6 pm EST

"Seven Year Switch" by Claire Cook
Claire Cook's Facebook Page
Like this page and tell all your friends to like it too. Then tell her that Chick Lit Central sent you.
Ends when the page reaches 4500 fans

"The Baby Planner" by Josie Brown
Chick Lit is Not Dead
Ends tonight at 6pm PST

"The Four Ms. Bradwells" by Meg Waite Clayton
Luxury Reading
US/Canada only
Ends Friday at midnight

"The Hunchback of Neiman Marcus" by Sonya Sones
BookTrib
US/Canada only
Ends Friday

Previously posted (still going on):

"The Baby Planner" by Josie Brown
Luxury Reading
US Only
Ends April 15th at midnight (Same time as taxes!)

"Drinking Closer to Home" by Jessica Anya Blau
Confessions of a Real Librarian
Ends tomorrow

"Born Under a Lucky Moon" by Dana Precious
A Bookworm's World
US/Canada only
Ends April 30th at 6pm EST

$100 e-gift card to the bookstore of your choice!
Book Blogger, Author and Publisher Giveaways
Ends April 26th

The Blogiversary Box of Books
A Bookworm's World
Ends April 16th at 6pm EST

"Skip a Beat with Sarah" Sweepstakes
Sarah Pekkanen's Facebook page
US only
Ends July 31st at 12:59 am EST
New winner announced bi-weekly on Mondays.


Help Kaira Rouda get 800 fans, win "Here, Home, Hope" and Dogeared Jewels and Gifts Karma Necklace
Kaira Rouda Books on Facebook
Ends when this page reaches 800 fans

Winners of "Sweet Valley Confidential" (and the shirt)

To find the winners, we assigned a number to each entry and then asked the Custom Random Number Generator to choose the winning numbers.

Winners of the book:
31-Jenna
96-Chaneen

Winner of the shirt:
54-ADR


Congrats everyone!

Reminder: If you have won a book, you have about 48 hours to claim it by sending your contact information. (You will be e-mailed if you have won, as well.) After that time, a new winner will be picked.

Thanks again to everyone for participating!

Thanks also to Francine Pascal for a fabulous interview and for bringing all our Sweet Valley "friends" back and to Ann-Marie Nieves (from St. Martin's Press) for all her help with this interview and giveaway!

Stay tuned for more fun interviews and giveaways this month!

Book Review: Letters from Home

By Melissa Amster

Back in the 1940's, Internet was not available and people had to rely on the postal system for correspondence. This made letters between soldiers and the people they cared about take months at a time. However, the relationships that can be fostered through online communication nowadays were still fostered through handwritten letters. This is made apparent in "Letters from Home" by Kristina McMorris.

At a USO dance, Liz Stephens meets Morgan McClain. He's being shipped off to war the next day and she is in a serious relationship with her childhood sweetheart. That doesn't keep her from being attracted to Morgan though. When she sees him dancing with her best friend, Betty, later that evening, she feels it is a sign to stay away from Morgan. However, Betty asks Liz to write a letter to him (as Betty) while he is overseas and she takes on the challenge. Soon Morgan is corresponding with a woman he believes is "Betty," while the real Betty is someplace else. Will Liz ever be able to reveal her true self?

I really liked this novel from start to finish. If I had more time available to read, I would have devoured it in a week (or even less). I thought it was nice that the story was told in different perspectives. While it was obviously going to be about Liz and Morgan, we also got to hear from Betty and Julia (a friend of Liz and Betty). The use of description helped me visualize what was happening, but it wasn't too overwhelming either. It didn't detract from the thoughts and dialogue, but still set the scene. It was apparent that she did a lot of research about that time period before writing this story. I also like how Ms. McMorris got inside a man's head. I almost forgot a woman was writing this story when I read Morgan's "voice," as well as the dialogue between him and the other men. She also tossed in some twists to the story that kept me guessing all the way to the end.

The only critique I have is that I didn't feel like Ms. McMorris tied up Julia and Betty's romantic story lines. I felt like there could have been more, but was just left hanging. Perhaps she'll give them their own books in the future? She did tie things up for them in other ways, but maybe I was looking for something else for them, as well.

Overall, this was a wonderful story. It had all the elements of chick lit, but set in a different time period. I love that Ms. McMorris based this off a story from her own family. It gives off even more of a meaningful feel and makes me wish I had documented how my grandparents met before most of them passed on. (It has also inspired me to talk to my only living grandparent more often.) I highly recommend "Letters from Home" to anyone who wants a sweet romantic story and an interesting history lesson.