2014 Favorites

Most of the ladies of CLC have some favorites from 2014. Are any of your favorites on this list? We'd love to hear what made it to your lists too!

**Book links will be in the reviews, unless a review isn't available from the reader who chose that book.**

Melissa A:

Loved it so much, I gave it a hug!

So many great books read this year and so hard to choose, but I did pinpoint some as definite 2014 favorites.

Your Perfect Life by Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke: A great way to start out 2014. This surreal novel was a breath of fresh air and even got me teary-eyed. (Review)

Invisible Ellen by Shari Shattuck: A fun and quirky tale proving that not all good chick lit novels need to involve romance. (Review)


The Life Intended by Kristin Harmel: I love the Sliding Doors aspect and it also has a story line that is very personal to me. I am jealous of Kristin's ability to write something so beautiful and memorable! (Review coming soon...)

Say Never by Janis Thomas: A clever and hilarious story that I couldn't put down. (Review)

Goodnight June by Sarah Jio: I still cry every time I think of this story. If you grew up loving books, definitely check it out. (Review)


Amy:

Safe With Me by Amy Hatvany: I always look forward to a new Amy Hatvany novel. She paints her characters beautifully and vividly. Safe With Me is a must read. (Review)

Fallen Beauty by Erika Robuck: In the last several years I've become interested in historical fiction. Erika Robuck is one of the couple of authors for me who shine in this genre. Definitely give this one a try. (Review)

Tempting Fate by Jane Green: Um...it's Jane Green. No need to say anymore! (Review)

The Matchmaker by Elin Hilderbrand: Every summer I look forward to a delicious beach read from Elin Hilderbrand. As always this one completely satisfied. (Review)

Unfortunately I wasn't able to review Accidents of Marriage by Randy Susan Meyers. However, it's definitely one of my favorites this year. All of Randy's novels are about real people struggling to get through their imperfect lives. And she always discusses authentic issues. I'm definitely looking forward to Randy's next.

Melissa P:

The Matchmaker by Elin Hilderbrand: The story was so touching and I've never read a book of hers that doesn't become one of my favorites! (See the review from Amy's section.)

Saving Grace by Jane Green: Well it goes without saying...it's by Jane Green!


**Don't forget to enter to win Saving Grace or Tempting Fate, as well as some swag!**

Jami:

Choosing two favorites – one from the books I reviewed for Chick Lit Central; the other from the books I’ve read on my own.

My favorite to review this year was Ann Lewis Hamilton’s novel Expecting. Told from three points of view, it covers the aftermath of a sperm-bank mix-up. It’s a very modern twist on the age-old “who’s the daddy” conundrum, and feels fresh on every page. Even better, the writer turned her short story into this novel during National Novel Writing Month, inspiring the thousands who take part every year. (Review)

Count me a fan of New York Times’ number one bestseller Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty. The Australian author has developed a winning formula by mixing murder with women’s fiction, and Big Little Lies is a wonderful follow-up to last year’s The Husband’s Secret. The novel takes typical school mom cattiness to a whole different level. After reading it, you’ll never look at your friends’ marriages the same way.


Becky:

What would Mary Berry Do? by Claire Sandy: This author also made my favourite last year (under the name of Juliet Ashton) and she's done it again! If I was to pick my favourite typical 'chick lit' book this would be it, an uplifting book with great characters and a lot of baking involved, perfect! Think this review is still pending posting?

The Memory Book by Rowan Coleman: I've enjoyed Rowan's books for a few years and LOVED this book so I was so pleased to see it become a huge success, becoming a Richard and Judy read in the UK it rightly got the publicity it deserved. Covering a family with the Mum facing early onset alzheimer's in her early forties this was a beautifully crafted book covering a difficult subject but doing it oh so well. A very moving but uplifting book. (Review)

Liberty Silk by Kate Beaufoy:  This is just a beautifully written and enticing book, i was gripped by each of the stories of Jessie, Lisa and Cat spanning three very different generations. If you haven't read it you should! (Review)


Sara:

Sue Watson's Love, Lies and Lemon Cakes:
So far, there's no Sue Watson book I don't like, but I really loved this one! I appreciated the guts and determination main character Faye portrayed. She showed me and everyone else that age is just a number, and life begins when you let go of your insecurities. (Review)

Janis Thomas' Say Never:
CLC's own Melissa A. lent this book to me recently, and I brought it with me while traveling by plane. Two layovers later, I was finished! Even though I brought a few other things with me to bide my time, I couldn't get enough of Meg Monroe.

Tina Ann Forkner's Waking Up Joy:
Such a sweet read. I really enjoyed getting to know Joy and discovering her secrets. There's a classic love triangle, too. The perfect book to get anyone out of their winter blues this season. (Review)

Gail:

Twisted Sisters by Jen Lancaster:
Hilarious, witty, and even a little introspective, this 2014 fiction offering from Ms. Lancaster mixed the chance to live in someone else's shoes with the very real feeling of getting lost in a large family very nicely.

Pretty in Ink by Lindsey J Palmer:
This insider's look at the world behind a high-gloss magazine was right on the money. All the different viewpoints kept it fresh and never boring. (Review)

Save the Date by Mary Kay Andrews:
I love everything by MKA, and this newcomer was no exception. This delightful story of a florist who just wants everything to be perfect for others was completely enjoyable and so much fun to read! (Review)

What were YOUR favorite chick lit novels of 2014?

Have a wonderful new year, filled with great reads!