Holly James is true to herself...plus a book giveaway

Photo by 
Ariel Blandford Photography

We're pleased to welcome Holly James to CLC today. Her debut novel, Nothing But the Truth, published this week. Melissa added it to her five-book TBR pile and is excited to read it soon! It sounds like the movie Liar Liar, but with a chick lit angle. Thanks to Dutton, we have one copy for a lucky reader...and that's no lie!

Holly James holds a PhD in psychology and has worked in both academia and the tech industry. She loves telling stories with big hearts and a touch of magic. She currently lives in Southern California with her husband and dog.

Visit Holly online:
Website * Twitter * Instagram

Synopsis:
It’s the eve of super-publicist Lucy Green’s 30th birthday, a day she hopes will bring the promotion she deserves and a proposal from her boyfriend. But when said boyfriend stands her up in favor of his job, yet again, she instead finds herself alone making a wish for a perfect birthday over a cocktail, with only the hot bartender to keep her company. The next morning, Lucy finds herself forgoing her usual morning workout, indulging in a delicious cheesy bagel sandwich, deciding against the work dress that requires shapewear in favor of a flowy summer frock, and is feeling weird—but good. It’s only when she’s at work and her honestly begins to escalate that she realizes: she can’t lie. Not to strangers on the street, her clients, her boyfriend, her creep of her boss, or even herself.

With a big promotion on the line, a client to secure, a noncommittal boyfriend to figure out, and—what was up with that bartender?—Lucy has to confront every injustice she faces on a daily basis at work, as a woman in the city, in her relationship, and in every other aspect of her life…and there’s no escaping from the truth.

"The balm for the soul that I needed. We women don’t need to smile more or look pretty or conform to expectations…we just need to read this, buy a copy for our best friends, and toast to the truth."
—Jodi Picoult, New York Times bestselling author of Wish You Were Here

 “In Holly James’s Nothing But the Truth, a magical twist—publicist Lucy Green wakes up on her thirtieth birthday unable to tell a lie—turns out to be the spark that sets fire to a woman’s life, launching an urgent journey of self-reflection, self-empowerment, and workplace revolution. At once charmingly effervescent and seriously introspective, James skillfully balances a call to arms with a story of romantic love and personal awakening. Readers will fall head over heels for Lucy and for James, a fresh, sharp new voice in women's fiction.”
—Ashley Winstead, author of Fool Me Once and In My Dreams I Hold a Knife

In one sentence, what was the road to publishing like for you?
The road to publishing was long, humbling, challenging, rewarding, and inspiring, which I think is true for many authors!  
 
How is Lucy similar to or different from you?
Lucy and I are both very ambitious and driven. I like to think we could hang out and be friends. She is far more fashionable and stylish than I am, but I too like succulents and bagel sandwiches. 
 
If Nothing But the Truth were made into a movie, who would you cast in the leading roles?
I had Chloe Fineman in my head while writing Lucy. She is hilarious and has the right energy for the character. I’d love to see an icon like Reese Witherspoon as Joanna, and I think Daniel Levy would make a perfect Oliver. Leo Ash is partially based on Harry Styles, so that’s an easy fit, and I can picture Glen Powell as Hot Bartender, aka Adam. 
 
Share a random truth about yourself.
I know every line from the movie The Birdcage. 

Note from Melissa: Impressive! I love that movie and I only know a few lines off the top of my head. "Albert, you pierced the toast. So what!"

Also, we have a review for a book titled THE BIRDCAGE this week.
 
What TV series are you currently binge watching?
I just finished Stranger Things season 4 and loved it! I recently also binged The Afterparty and could not stop laughing. 

 
What is your go-to summer comfort food?
Summer is my favorite time for fruit! I grew up with fruit trees in my backyard and love nothing more than fresh nectarines, peaches, and plums. 

Thanks to Holly for chatting with us and to Dutton for sharing her book with our readers.

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway ends July 19th at midnight EST.

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