Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Chick Lit Goddess

...because every author wants to feel like a goddess!

  • Home
  • About Isabella
    • Books
  • Blog
  • Reviews
    • Contact/Review Policy
  • Tips for Writers
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Contemporary Fiction

BOOK FEATURE: “Reunion” by Beth Brophy

June 21, 2016 Leave a Comment

ReunionCoverPic

Blurb: Three old friends, a beautiful mansion in the resort town of East Hampton, New York, and a few days carved out to spend together. It sounds like a recipe for a perfect reunion. But that’s not how it turns out in this novel about three engaging women and their long friendship. During their time together, each of them faces a personal crisis, set in motion by long-ago choices. Faith, Holly, and Charlotte, friends for more than three decades, are separated by geography and life circumstances. They have managed to remain close — although if they met now, they likely would find little common ground. Faith is a high school teacher, married to her high school sweetheart, living in the Long Island suburb where they all grew up. Holly moved to California for college, and married and settled in San Francisco. Charlotte produces and writes socially conscious documentaries and resides in Bethesda, Maryland with her family. Despite their vastly different lives, the three women get together every year or so to bond and cement their close ties. Everything is set for their long-awaited East Hampton vacation, where they plan to catch up during long walks and talks on the beach, relaxing by the pool, and over leisurely dinners. However, their much-anticipated reunion is beset by unexpected developments, including a visit from a mutual friend from their past. He is only one catalyst that leads to the disclosure of long-buried and surprising secrets. Will Faith, Holly and Charlotte find ways to resolve their current predicaments without sacrificing valued relationships? Or will this reunion mark the end of what they hold dear, including their relationships with each other?

Get “Reunion” on Amazon now!

Contact the author, Beth Brophy on her website!

Filed Under: Reunion Tagged With: Beth Brophy, Book feature, Books, Chick-Lit, Contemporary Fiction, Reunion, Women's Fiction

EXCERPT: “Love, Reality Style” by Judith Natelli McLaughlin

June 7, 2016 Leave a Comment

Love, Reality Style Cover

“Love, Reality Style” by Judith Natelli McLaughlin

Blurb: When cake-loving third-grade teacher Mary Grace Falcone receives a proposition of marriage from her germ-phobic boyfriend Ralph Ichy, her comfortable life is thrown into a tailspin. Should she marry Ralph? The man dubbed “the CEO of Antiseptic Hands”? Reluctantly, and despite the differing opinions of her best friends Jayde and Annie, Mary Grace accepts. Her decision gets her meddling mother off her back, but also lands her on a reality wedding show where handsome host, Nick Charmin, unexpectedly falls for her.

Will Mary Grace choose hot Nick or faithful Ralph? Is the decision really hers to make? And, is a slice of cake actually the answer to all of life’s problems?


EXCERPT

Mary Grace took her second bite of cake when the phone rang. She checked the caller ID. It was her mother.

“I have to get this. Hello?”

“Mary Grace, it’s your mother.”

“I know, Mom. I know it’s you.”

“Why haven’t you returned my calls? I’ve been calling you. I was starting to think you were dead. You don’t return my calls, what is a mother to think? Her daughter is dead in a ditch.”

“Mom, move on. I’m not dead. I just talked to you this morning…”

“What is this world coming to when a woman’s only daughter is too busy for her own mother?” Angela said, not allowing Mary Grace to finish her sentence. “A mother who, by the way, has some news.”

“Oh God, Mom, I don’t know which issue to address first.” Mary Grace rolled her eyes for Ralph’s benefit. He returned the eye roll, smiled, and ate another bite of his cake.

“Don’t be fresh, young lady. Just because you’re engaged doesn’t mean you can be fresh.”

“I’m not engaged, Mom.”

“Don’t tell me you didn’t say yes yet?”

“Oh, so you DID hear me.”

“I hear everything, Mary Grace. You’re the one who needs to listen. You have a nice man who wants to marry you. I can die knowing you are taken care of. And you don’t say yes? That’s not the way I raised you, Mary Grace. My news will help that.”

“News?”

“Yes. You know my friend Mrs. Lunt?”

Mary Grace’s voice was pleading. “Just get to the news.”

“Right. My news,” Angela said with a laugh. “Remember Mrs. Lunt’s daughter? Her name is Tess. Anyway, Tess is this great, big television producer.”

“So?”

“So, Tess told Mrs. Lunt and Mrs. Lunt told me her daughter is in a bit of a pickle. Ratings are down on her show.”

“What show?”

“I Do. She is the producer of the show I Do. The one where America plans the couple’s wedding in its entirety, from invitations to the honeymoon. It’s kind of like a modern version of Jim Lang’s Dating Game. Remember the Dating Game, Mary Grace?”

“Yes, I remember Jim Lang’s Dating Game, Mom. And Bob Eubank’s Newlywed Game. And I also remember Billy Preston was the fifth Beatle.”

“Billy who was what? You make no sense, Mary Grace. No sense whatsoever. Now listen to me. I wonder what Jim Lang did when his ratings were down.”

“I don’t know, Mom.”

“I know what Tess Lunt did. She asked her mother for help.”

“Good for her, Mom. Good for Tess Lunt.”

“You could learn from Tess, Mary Grace. I’m a problem solver too, you know. So Tess told Mrs. Lunt and Mrs. Lunt told me that I Do is in trouble. So I told her my daughter just got engaged and she and her fiancé would be just perfect for the show.”

**Click HERE to get your copy now!

**Click HERE to add “Love, Reality Style” to your Goodreads list!


Judy McLaughlin photo**About the author: Judith Natelli McLaughlin is an author/illustrator whose work crosses over many genres. Her novel, This Moment, appeared on the Amazon bestseller list. Her children’s poetry has been published alongside idols like Shel Silverstein, Jack Prelutsky, and Judith Viorst. Her children’s classic, Poems on Fruits and Odes to Veggies – Where Healthy Eating Starts with a Poem, is a staple in the world of healthy eating, making good food choices fun. Her middle grade novels include Dear Diary, E.P. Thompson Here, and the first in her chapter book series, Mackenzie Goode Makes a Mistake – A Big One, was published in 2015. She lives in the Garden State with her husband, Brian, three daughters, Katie, Lindsay, and Maggie, and a Westie named Duke. She is proud to call herself a New Jersey native.


 

Filed Under: Love, Reality Style Tagged With: Books, Chick-Lit, Contemporary Fiction, Judith Natelli McLaughlin, Love, Reality Style, New Release, Women's Fiction

Cover Reveal Sign-Up: “Cards From Khloe’s Flower Shop” by Isabella Louise Anderson

April 13, 2016 Leave a Comment

 

SneakPeekCFKFS

“Cards From Khloe’s Flower Shop” by Isabella Louise Anderson

Blurb: As the owner of a successful florist shop, Khloe Harper trusts her instincts. She has a strong bond with her family and friends, but after being betrayed by her last love, she’s kept herself at arms’ length from romance. When dashing entertainment attorney Derek Thomas walks into her store, Khloe’s interested is piqued. What at first seems like a business relationship quickly turns into romance, and Derek slowly plucks away the petals she’s been hiding behind. Just as Khloe lets down her guard, she discovers that Derek may not be worthy of her love after all…

Frumpy Connie Albright has a faux fascination with an imaginary man named Walt, sending herself flowers from him to feel less out-of-place with the “mean girls” she works with. Gabby Lewis, a recently widowed senior, isn’t ready to give up on love—which means releasing herself from survivor’s guilt and taking a chance on finding happiness and companionship again.

As these stories intertwine through flowers and cards sent from Khloe’s shop, the three women begin to learn that love can only truly blossom when you trust your heart.


BioPic**About the author: Isabella grew up with a book in her hand, and to this day nothing has changed. She is a member of the Romance Writers of America and has been featured on several blogs. While Isabella doesn’t blog a lot, she focuses her time on featuring other writers, along with working on her next book.

She created Chick Lit Goddess to share the love of the following genres: Chick Lit, Contemporary Romance, Romance, and Romantic Comedies!  She loves featuring authors and their books, and has has created tour company, Goddess Book Tours.

Currently, she lives in Dallas with her husband. She enjoys spicy Mexican food and drinking margaritas, and can be found spending time with family and friends, cheering on the Texas Rangers, and reading.

Isabella’s short story, Meet Me Under the Mistletoe, was featured in Simon & Fig’s Christmas anthology, Merry & Bright, in November 2013. The Right Design is her first novel, and she’s hard at work on her third book.


**GIVEAWAY**

Question: What was the most surprising way your significant other gave/sent you flowers?

Leave a comment below to win a Scentsy nightlight and bars (2)

**U.S. residents only

**So that I can contact the winner, please leave your email address!


 **Sign-up now:

Filed Under: Isabella Louise Anderson Tagged With: Book Cover Reveal, Books, Cards From Khloe's Flower Shop, Contemporary Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Isabella Louise Anderson, Upcoming Release

BOOK FEATURE: “Still Counting”

February 18, 2016 Leave a Comment

still counting

Blurb: Adam Donatello and Nina Morales share an immediate and powerful attraction, and their future together seems assured. But love is difficult enough without adding complications—real or imagined—to the mix. Nina sees life as a thousand shades of gray, while Adam tends toward black-and-white. He wants to move fast; she needs time. Nina sees her past liaisons with women as immaterial to their relationship, while her disclosure drives Adam to a state of irrational jealousy. He doesn’t know how he could compete with a woman, and his suspicions—which Nina views as hypocritical—lead them both to make decisions they may live to regret.


EXCERPT

Nina came to me and touched my face with her hands. “There’s nothing sweeter than an anchovy kiss.”

She leaned in and our lips fluttered against each other before proceeding to a full-frontal embrace. I’ve always viewed first kisses as a blindfolded ride on a runaway roller coaster. You never know where it’s going or when it’s going to end. So you just have to have faith and abdicate control to your partner. That’s my philosophy at least. A lot of guys would disagree. They like to take charge, set the pace, and make the next move. Some women prefer that approach as well. They like strong men who know what they want. I’m more of a girlie man. I need permission and encouragement. I want to get laid as much as the next guy, but I want to make sure that’s what the woman wants as well.

Our kiss was more like a pillow fight than a bare-fisted brawl. It was soft and gentle like the kiss of long-separated lovers.

Nina pulled away but kept her eyes closed for a long moment. “We need to go.”

I took her hand and we walked to her car. She opened the passenger door for me and got in the driver’s side. We made it to Starbucks in less than five minutes and neither of us said a word. She pulled her car alongside mine and turned towards me.

“I’m really sorry about Casey,” she said.

“I know you are.” I paused and tried to read her eyes. “I had a good time tonight.”

“Me too.”

“Could I see you again?”

“I’d like that. Give me your phone.”

I handed her my cell and she tapped in her contact information.

“I’ll call you,” I said.

“Please.”

I leaned towards her for a goodbye kiss, but she pushed me away. “I don’t kiss in cars,” she said. “It’s gross.”


 

phil fragasso**About the author: I sold my first article at the age of 16. Since then I’ve written and published a wide variety of books, articles and essays. After many years as a corporate marketer,  I left to pursue endeavors that were more fulfilling personally and more contributory on a societal level. Today I focus my time on writing and teaching. I’ve often said “I live the American dream” and that is indeed how I feel. With a wonderful wife, two grown children, great friends and a couple of rambunctious Labrador retrievers, I can’t complain about a damn thing.

**Contact Phil: Facebook   Twitter   Blog 1   Blog 2   Website 1   Website 2   Goodreads   YouTube Video Trailer

**Buy Link: Amazon


Still Counting (1)

**Click HERE to see other stops on Phil’s Chick Lit Plus Blog Tour!


Filed Under: Phil Fragasso Tagged With: Books, Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours, Contemporary Fiction, Excerpt, Phil Fragasso, Romance, Still Counting

BOOK FEATURE: “Molly Matthews Meddles in Marriage”

February 16, 2016 Leave a Comment

mollymatthewsmeddlesinmarriage_800

Blurb: Matchmaker extraordinaire Molly Matthews is an expert in love, but her skills are put to the ultimate test when international heartthrob Rory Campbell waltzes into her office.

Molly Matthews knows everything there is to know about love. She should too, she runs the most exclusive marriage bureau in town. So why, then, is her own love life a complete disaster area?

When Rory Campbell, the international film star and hell-raising playboy, turns up at Molly’s office, she can’t believe he’s looking for a wife. Despite her better judgment, Molly agrees to help Rory in his quest, but all her attempts at finding him the perfect woman are met with disdain from her trickiest customer to date.

Molly is furious that her professional integrity has been compromised and she’s allowed her personal feelings to get in the way of a business relationship.

When photos of Rory appear in the press with Emma D’Santi, a beautiful pinup and the only woman Molly suspects Rory has ever loved, she wonders if Rory is wasting her time and playing with her heart.

Can Molly still find Rory the woman of his dreams while putting her own burgeoning emotions to one side and hanging on to what’s left of her frazzled heart?


 

EXCERPT

That feeling, delicious though it was, was short-lived. By the next morning, the fizz had fallen decidedly flat and her stomach was heavy with regret. What an idiot she’d been, acting like a love-struck fan. Rory would be used to women fawning over him, but she should never have let her professionalism slip. Admittedly, she’d been caught by surprise. She’d expected to come back from the wedding to do some light admin work before heading home. Not to find one of the country’s most eligible bachelors making himself at home in her office. The champagne, the wonderful wedding, her flirty high heels had put her in a frivolous mood and she’d been unnecessarily snarky and confrontational with her visitor. Thinking about it, she wouldn’t have been surprised if he’d walked away, taking his business with him. Instead, he’d managed to manoeuvre her into a dinner date, which wasn’t her usual way of conducting matters at all! Clearly a man like Rory was used to being in charge, but if their business relationship had any hope of succeeding, then he might need reminding that, this time, she would be taking the controls.

At least tonight would be a chance to put things straight. To get their relationship back on a proper standing. Rory Campbell needed a wife and if there was one thing Molly was good at, it was bringing people together. She always had been. On the playground, she’d acted as mediator when her friends fell out, as a teenager she’d relished being the go between, passing on love notes between the boys and girls and when she started work in PR, building up an enviable address book overflowing with contacts, she’d eagerly put likeminded people in touch if she thought they could help one another. A natural people person, it was her knack for picking out potential love matches among her friends that brought her the most satisfaction and when a friend suggested she put her skills to good use by setting up her own marriage bureau, she didn’t need any persuading.

Rory was simply another client. In need of her help.

* * * *

She frowned at her reflection in the mirror. What was she thinking? Red lipstick! It clashed horribly with her hair. With the back of her hand, she wiped it away and chastised her reflection with a shake of the head. She didn’t usually take so much trouble over her makeup, so why was it bothering her so much today?

And if that was the case, if Rory was just another client, why was she feeling so uncertain and giddily nervous, like one of those love-struck teenagers she’d proved such a help to in the past?

Get a grip, she told herself. With the lipstick gone and the high heels replaced by a sensible pair of black brogues, she headed off to meet Rory. Plain black trousers and a cream caramel blouse completed the look. She only hoped she looked as inconspicuous as the restaurant, she mused, as the cab pulled up in an exclusive West End street and she gazed up through the window. There was no clue to the restaurant name outside, just heavily bronzed windows with No. 18 etched on the glass in fancy italics. Treacherously, her heart pulsed rapidly in her chest. She took a deep breath as the door swung open and she was greeted by the debonair maître d’.

“Miss Matthews. Welcome. Let me take your jacket. Mr. Campbell is here and waiting for you. I’ll show you the way.”

Molly startled at the prompt attention, wondering whether he’d been lying in wait for her. She stifled a giggle as she followed him, immediately regretting her choice of clothes as she took in the splendor of the restaurant. She felt dowdy and drab against the understated elegance of the oak-paneled room. Individual booths suffused in soft lighting gave the place an intimate and cozy atmosphere. Single orchids adorning each table added an exotic touch. “Molly, how lovely to see you again.” Rory stood and took hold of her hand, grazing her fingertips with the lightest of kisses. It was a ridiculously over-the-top gesture yet heartwarmingly chivalrous at the same time. Her body responded, desire surging in her chest, as his gaze ran the length of her body. “You look beautiful,” he whispered in her ear, her whole body turning to mush.

“Thank you.” She sat in her seat, trying hard to hide her discomfort. She knew Rory was only being polite, but she wished he hadn’t made the comment. She looked all manner of things, neat, presentable or smart, but beautiful wasn’t one of them. Growing up with a fashion model for a mother and an older sister, Natalie, who had inherited the gorgeous gene, she knew exactly where she stood on the beautiful scale.

The maître d’ hovered, presenting a bottle to Rory for his approval.

“I took the liberty of ordering champagne. You mentioned it was your favorite. Mine too.” He grinned conspiratorially. “Besides, who needs an excuse to crack open a bottle?”

Molly cringed. She’d obviously been far too indiscreet the other day. So much for her sticking to the orange juices tonight.

“Lovely,” she said, watching helplessly as the bubbles filled her glass, before instinctively reaching out and taking a sip just to calm her nerves. Keeping company with a screen heartthrob twice in the space of a couple of days was playing havoc with her peace of mind.

She’d interviewed dozens of eligible men in the course of her work, all handsome, intelligent and charismatic, but not once had she allowed herself a spark of attraction to any of them. Not once had her legs been reduced to a wobbly mess as hers were now moving restlessly beneath the table. Not once had she found it so difficult to construct a simple coherent sentence in a man’s presence. Yet tonight, with Rory looking more gorgeous than ever in chinos and blue chambray shirt that offset the dark hue of his eyes perfectly, she was struggling with all of those things and more.

“I hope you’re hungry.” Rory surveyed the menu. “The rack of lamb is excellent, as is the steak Marsala. But everything is reliably good, so go for whatever you fancy.”

Molly tried hard to ignore the sensation that this was feeling more like a date with each passing moment.


About the author: Jill Steeples lives with her husband, two children and a high maintenance English Pointer called Amber in a lovely house surrounded by Monkey Puzzle trees in a small market town in the UK. When she’s not writing, she loves spending time with family and friends, and enjoys reading (of course!), films, musical theatre, walking, baking and eating cakes and drinking wine!

Her short stories have appeared in anthologies and women’s magazines around the world and she is the author of four romantic comedy novels.

**Contact Jill: Website   Blog   Facebook   Goodreads


 

Filed Under: Molly Matthews Meddles in Marriage Tagged With: Books, Chick-Lit, Contemporary Fiction, Jill Steeples, Molly Matthews Meddles in Marriage, New Releaes, Romance, Weddings

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Amy Lynch, author of “Bride without a Groom”

February 3, 2016 1 Comment

Amy in garden 2

About the author: Irish author Amy Lynch writes humorous romantic fiction, but not always with fairy tale endings! She has been working in the charity sector for twelve years, is married and is the mother of two young children. When Amy is not writing, she can be found juggling school lunches and two Shetland pony-sized rescue dogs. Now, how’s that for multi-tasking?  Amy is published by Harper Collins UK. Her debut ‘Bride without a groom’ is available on kindle or paperback.

**Contact Amy: Website   Facebook   Twitter


INTERVIEW

Rebecca is a challenging character – what was your motivation when developing her? As a child, I loved challenging, dramatic characters, and found them great fun to act out. There was always a spoilt, bossy Barbie doll in my games. I may have been exposed to excess daytime TV such as Dallas and Knotts Landing, it could explain a lot!

I found Rebecca, the main character, fun to develop. She’s a woman on a mission, and this meant that there were many comedic possibilities! Although Rebecca is demanding, there is also a softer side to her. She adores animals and is a good friend. It was important to me that the reader really understands that she genuinely loves Barry, and vice versa.

Rebecca has such a strong personality and a very loud voice – writing her stories comes easily to me. She whispers funny ideas at midnight when I’m falling asleep, and I jot them down with a pen and pad on my bedside locker, because she won’t simmer down until I do. In between laundry piles, school runs and a full day in the office, I find time for writing before collapsing into bed. Sometimes I wonder if Rebecca lives inside my brain, dictating the manuscript to me, and I am just her exhausted typist. To me, it is as if she is a real person.

What was your journey to publication? It was a tough journey – I’m sure that this is something that all writers can relate to. I am quite a determined person, so I was really persistent.

Writing comes easily to me, and is something I enjoy. It is something I find time for in a busy working-mum day. As the old phrase goes, “find a job you love, and you’ll never work again.” For me that job is writing, and although it takes up a lot of my time, it doesn’t feel like work.

Somewhere along the way, writing turned from a hobby to a passion. It’s something I do every day, even if it’s only half an hour between making the children’s school lunch and watching Eastenders. I love it! Sometimes, I feel that if I don’t get a funny line or a clever idea down on paper, I’ll forget it. This explains the notebooks lying about the house, in my purse, bedside locker, and glove-box of my car!

The first step in the journey was to join a creative writing class – this was to build up confidence in sharing my work and to learn from constructive criticism. Then, I wrote short stories for magazines to build up my exposure. I knew that I’d stand a far greater chance at getting my novels published if I secured a literary agent, so I persisted until finally one said that he would take a chance on me! We then self-published ‘Bride Without A Groom’ to build up reviews and show the publishers that we meant business! Months later, I signed a book deal with Harper Collins – it’s the most exciting time of my life.

I think we’re always a little curious as to what a writer’s process is. How would you describe a typical writing session, particularly with family and other work demands? I started writing at school, when a teacher really encouraged me. She once gave me a fancy notebook and said “You have a lot to say, Amy, you should write it down.” Then again, I was a chatterbox and she might have been telling me to be quiet. This teacher would ask me to stand in front of the class and read my short stories aloud. When the class laughed at the funny bits, I got a real kick from that.

I’ve taken several creative writing courses in the evenings, it’s a great way to develop skills and build confidence in yourself as a writer. Being able to share your work is often frightening, as many writers are their own worst critic. After a couple of years attending writing classes, I sent a few short stories off to various magazines. Seeing my name in print was a thrill, and quite addictive. Mum and I bought copies of the magazines and showed them to everyone!

I give myself four months to thrash out a first draft, and then four months to edit. The plot and chapter plan comes first – these are the bones which are later fleshed out.

My schedule is quite strict – writing every single day is important. Flex that creative muscle as often as you can, and it will become second nature. For me, eight o’clock in the evening is writing time. The kids are asleep and the house is quiet. My husband is very supportive. If I’m trying to finish a chapter on the weekend, he’ll sometimes take the kids off to the playground, and come back an hour later to find a more relaxed me! That’s why the dedication reads: “To Eoin. Sorry about all the burnt dinners, darling. As you can see, I’ve been a little busy…”

I’m a big believer that digital technology and the internet is a massive opportunity for writers. Do you agree? Do you use social media and digital in your own writing career? Digital marketing is so important, and I’ve learned that being an author is not just about writing books! Authors are now expected to participate in the promotion of the book, using social media. I have recently started to use twitter @AmyLynchAuthor as a way to link myself to other writers, publishers, book lovers and reviewers. It’s a whole new world, and I find it a fun way to network. I have an author page on Facebook, www.facebook.com/AmyLynchauthor which is a great way to keep people up to date with events. I have also set up a website www.AmyLynchauthor.com.

Who are your favourite writers? I’m a huge fan of the Irish author Claudia Carroll, who is also with Avon, Harper Collins. I reached out to her for advice, when I was trying to get a literary agent, and was getting rejections left right and centre. She really took me under her wing, even writing the blurb for ‘Bride Without a Groom’, which appears on the paperback cover. It reads ‘Fantastic! Punchy, full of energy, exactly the kind of book I’d take on holidays with me.’ I was so grateful for her help, and she was just as lovely in person when we met at her book launch recently. I also enjoy Sinead Moriarty, who also writes funny books.

What do you think about the new Irish writers coming through – are we seeing an exciting time for Irish women writers in particular? The great thing about Irish women writers is that they seem to support each other, helping new authors up the ladder and into the world of publishing. One day, I’d like to repay the favour, and coach someone who is talented but finding it tough to break in.

Ireland has so much talent to offer, especially literary talent. It’s an exciting time for readers and authors alike.

What do you read for pleasure? I just finished ‘Me and my sisters’ by Sinead Moriarty, which was a fun, light read. I picked up a signed copy of Claudia Carroll’s twelfth book ‘Meet Me In Manhattan’ at her book launch last week, and can’t wait to dive in. I mostly read when I’m in Spain – we go with the kids every summer.

Give us your top piece of advice for aspiring writers!

  1. Persistence pays off! Rejection is all part of the author experience, but if you really believe in yourself, and truly want to be published, don’t stop until you get a yes! Use criticism to improve, which is not easy.
  2. Write every single day – even if it’s only a half hour before bed. Flex that writing muscle as often as you can, and it will come naturally. Stephen King recommends writing 1,000 words a day. This might seem like hard work if, like myself, you are juggling a day job and children, but if you enjoy writing it doesn’t feel like a chore.
  3. Write short stories for magazines. Seeing your name in print will be addictive, add to your repertoire, and boost your confidence.
  4. Get an agent. This will hugely increase your chances of attracting a major publisher, as some do not accept unsolicited manuscripts! It will also help to have an agent at the negotiating stage!

If you still have no luck, but want to show off what you can do, commission an amazing book cover, self-publish on Amazon, create

Where do you live? I’m an Irish author, living in Co. Wicklow, Ireland, with my husband, two young children and two massive rescue dogs ‘Bella and Roly’. They are gentle giants and are part of the family. My eldest child is six, and my youngest is five – we call that ‘Irish Twins.’ Both children have inherited’ The Chatty Gene’ from me.


 

BOOK FEATURE

newbookcover

“Bride Without a Groom” by Amy Lynch

Blurb: Rebecca has chosen the most luscious, five tiered, wedding cake – as featured in Hello! Magazine.  The engagement ring that she has selected is celebrity inspired. The wedding singer is on speed dial.  He doesn’t usually do Michael Bolton, but as it’s for a first dance he’ll make an exception.  She has fallen for an ivory lace couture gown that is to die for. The down payment may require her to sell a left kidney, but it will be worth it.   Isn’t that why you have two? There’s one teeny problem. It’s nothing, really. No need to panic! It’s just that Barry has yet to propose.  Truth be told, he’s had enough. There’s only so much wedding talk that one man can take. Now he’s leaving for a conference in Bangkok and frankly, he’s looking forward to the peace and quiet. As the Tiger beer flows and the tie loosens, his colleague Shelley is providing more than a shoulder for him to cry on. Back in Dublin, Rebecca worries, and Operation ‘Win Back Barry’ is in full swing. But wait… who is the mysterious woman that is so keen to talk to her? And what is it that Barry needs to get off his chest?

PROLOGUE

This is it. I can feel it. Four years of waiting for Barry to pop the question. Four years of hinting. Four years of dreaming and praying and wishing. Tonight’s the night.

He has chosen the perfect evening for it. You’ve got to give the man credit where credit is due. I mean, surprising me with an engagement ring on my thirtieth birthday in Jacques restaurant? It’s elegant class. I couldn’t have scripted it better.

I spied the velvet box last week, accidentally stumbling upon it when I was innocently vacuuming under the mattress. I’d already gone through his wardrobe and chest of drawers with a feather duster and rummaged through his bedside locker with a wet cloth. OK, OK, you’ve got me. I don’t dust. I don’t vacuum. I don’t wipe sticky things clean with wet cloths. Yuk! I admit it, I was snooping. But can you blame me? The suspense was killing me.

Fumbling with the box, so close to opening it, I heard the key in the door. Rumbled! Sneaking back later, he’d moved it. Next thing you know, he’s booked a table at the most pretentious restaurant in town. All deliciously suspicious behaviour.

The night is upon us. I have taken glam to a whole new level, even shelling out for a new posh frock, a designer one. The works! My tan is flawless, not pasty, not orange, just perfectly in the middle. My lipstick and shellac nails are a deep vixen red. It’s the kind of colour that says “Yes, I’ll marry you. And I’ll rip you apart in bed later.”

**Buy “Bride without a Groom now!: Amazon – US   Amazon – UK

Filed Under: Bride Without a Groom Tagged With: Amy Lynch, Author Interview, Books, Chick-Lit, Contemporary Fiction, Women's Fiction

BOOK REVIEW: “Novelista Girl” by Meredith Schorr

January 12, 2016 1 Comment

NovelistaGirlCoverPic

“Novelista Girl” by Meredith Schorr

Blurb: Readers first met sassy Kimberly Long in “Blogger Girl,” and now the feisty New Yorker is back in a standalone sequel packed with quick wit, friendship, heartache, and, of course, romance.

Kim runs the most popular chick lit book blog on the web, loves playing house with her sexy lawyer boyfriend, Nicholas, and is finally pursuing her life-long dream to become a published author. At first glance, her life is five-pink-champagne-flutes worthy.

But is there more to the story than meets the eye?

After hearing the phrase “chick lit is dead” more times than she’s read Bridget Jones’s Diary, Kim is driven to desperate measures, seeking advice from up-and-coming chick lit author, Hannah Marshak, her high school nemesis and resident “mean girl.” As if Kim doesn’t have enough on her plate balancing her secretarial duties with her blog Pastel is the New Black, shrugging off the growing pile of agent rejections, and keeping her best friend from turning green over Kim’s budding friendship with Hannah, Nicholas is so blinded by his career ambitions, he doesn’t see that their home sweet home could use more than a dash of sugar.

This is the year when all of Kim’s dreams—professional and romantic—are supposed to come true, but will the story have a happily ever after or will Kim end up unpublished and all alone?

This novel can be read as a sequel or as a standalone and is best accompanied by a cocktail, preferably a pink one.

My Review: Having read “Blogger Girl,” I was more than eager to read “Novelista Girl,” (click HERE to see my review of “Blogger Girl”)!

From the beginning, the first thing that drew me in was that I felt that I was back in Kim’s world, along with her supportive boss, awesome BFF, and of course, her sexy boyfriend, Nicholas, who always seems to have her back. One of best things about this book was that the characters seemed no different from the previous book, which was a major plus, making it easy to jump into.

It’s hard to say what I enjoyed most about it, because I loved it all, especially Kim’s determination to never give up on her dream of becoming an author. With all the twists and turns in this book, I never knew what was going to happen, especially when Kim started up a friendship with Hannah, (this made me really nervous for Kim). This made for great conflict, and I appreciated the direction the author went with these two. Also, I think it shows that one never knows where life can take you, no matter how many years later, or what happened in the past.

Meredith Schorr’s writing is impeccable, creative, and she has a true gift of writing books that readers fall in love with. “Novelista Girl” was a really quick, fun, and delightful read, and I was cheering for Kim, the entire time–whether it be book world or relationship related, (no, sorry, I won’t give any spoilers)! Will there be a third installment of Kim’s life, titled “Author, Baby”??? Maybe so, but I’m pretty sure that’s just me wishing and wanting more…

I recommend this book to anyone who loves and believes in the Chick Lit genre, and who might consider writing a book one day, and, while it’s not biographical, it “Novelista Girl” shows the work and effort it takes to be an author, and Meredith Shorr has certainly proven that.

I give “Novelista Girl” 5 stars!

**Click HERE to get your copy of “Novelista Girl” now!


Filed Under: Book Review, Novelista Girl - Book Review Tagged With: Authors, Book review, Books, Chick Lit Goddess, Chick-Lit, Contemporary Fiction, Meredith Schorr, Novelista Girl, Romance, Women's Fiction

EXCERPT: “Absolutely True Lies”

August 4, 2015 1 Comment

AbsolutelyTrueLiesCoverPic

“Absolutely True Lies” by Rachel Stuhler

Blurb: A fledgling entertainment writer stumbles into the gig of a lifetime writing a teenage pop star’s memoir and soon realizes that the young celebrity’s squeaky-clean image is purely a work of fiction.

Struggling writer Holly Gracin is on the verge of moving back home to upstate New York when she gets hired to write the memoirs of eighteen-year-old Daisy Mae Dixson, a former Nickelodeon child star who has moved seamlessly into both blockbuster movies and pop music.

Holly quickly realizes that Daisy’s wholesome public image is purely a work of fiction, as Holly finds herself trailing the star as she travels around the world on yachts, gets stalked by paparazzi, and sneaks out of five-star hotels in the dead of night.

As Holly struggles to write a flattering portrait of a teenage millionaire who only eats “nightshades” and treats her employees like slaves, Daisy has a public meltdown—and suddenly, her book is the cornerstone of resurrecting her image. But working at all hours trailing a pop star has taken its toll, and Holly must decide if becoming the ultimate insider is worth losing a starring role in her own life.

Fun, juicy, and inspired by Rachel Stuhler’s own stranger-than-fiction experiences as a celebrity ghost writer, Absolutely True Lies is an entertaining look at how the lifestyles of the rich and famous aren’t always what they seem.

EXCERPT

By 1:00 a.m., Camille and I were staggering out of the bar at the Chateau Marmont, where, if I hadn’t been drunk off my ass, I might have sworn that we were standing about twenty feet away from Adele. I could have just walked up and talked to her if I’d really wanted to be sure, but you learn quickly to ignore the celebrities in their natural habitats. That, and I’m just too chicken. It’s probably why, after four years, I didn’t have a single really juicy celebrity story.

Cam and I stumbled out onto Sunset Boulevard and got all the way to the curb before it occurred to either of us that we hadn’t called a cab. She pulled out her phone and loaded Uber, squinting at the swirling cars in the area. It’s one of the perks of living in a big city that you can find a local cab in the middle of the night just by pressing a few buttons. At least, you can on a smartphone. Mine only makes phone calls and you have to press the two halves together tightly to get that to happen.

“Do we pay more for a taxi or use UberX? I’m sure there are lots of people out tonight looking for a few extra bucks.”

“Taxi. I’m not getting in some rando’s car.” I couldn’t help but think how many torture porn movies start just this way, two girls alone on dark street, climbing into an anonymous car. Not that Sunset is ever particularly dark or empty, even in the middle of the night.

“Shit,” Camille said, rubbing her eye tiredly and smearing eyeliner down her face. “I told Donovan I’d be home by midnight at the latest.”

Donovan is Camille’s fake producer/poser/live-in boyfriend. He’s forty-two, his real name is Donnie, and the only thing he’s produced in the last ten years is a tuna fish sandwich. But like most people in L.A., he’s always got some “big project” in the works and wants toattach me as the writer. Every few months, he corners me in their apartment and tells me about what he’s supposedly working on, and each time, the roster of producers and so-called investors changes. I’m never sure if these are guys he met down at the Laundromat or if he’s just randomly picking names off the Internet. And though Cam refuses to believe it, Donovan’s been trying to knock her up for the last year, just so he knows he’ll never be alone. The guy’s a real winner.

“Oh, what does he care? He’s just on the couch watching infomercials and eating Hershey’s miniatures.” The man has an unnatural obsession with child-size bars of chocolate.

“He doesn’t like to be alone at night,” Camille whined, sympathy creeping into her tone. “And you know Donovan’s had a lot of trouble with his weight the last couple years. He says he feels more in control of his snacking with the miniatures.”

“He’s not in control if he’s eating the whole bag,” I replied, leaning on a streetlamp to keep from falling off the curb.

“I know, I know,” she said, shaking her head with a level of empathy I couldn’t understand. “It’s just that the financing on his latest project fell apart and he’s very depressed. He says we can’t afford to get engaged this year because he just doesn’t have the money for a ring. Like I care about a stupid diamond.”

They’ve been together for five years. Every year he tells her they can’t afford to get engaged, even though Camille makes well over a hundred grand. Usually I can keep my opinion of that bottom-feeder to myself, but on this night, I was too far into Jäger country to keep my mouth shut.

“What is it with you and that loser? There are, like, four million eligible men in Los Angeles and you can’t get away from a guy who thinks leather pants are appropriate funeral attire.” Understandably, this riled her up a bit. “Four million eligible men? This from the woman who hasn’t gotten laid since Obama’s first term? Where are all these eligible men? Huh?”

She had me there. I paused for a moment and put on my most serious, contemplative expression. “Well… I’m sure they must be around here somewhere.” I turned my head to the right and left, but all I saw were similarly inebriated Angelenos leaving the bars and clubs, most of them laughing or shouting obnoxiously. It wasn’t doing much for my cause. “If you’ll just give me a minute, I’ll find one for you.”

I spun around just in time to see a forty-year-old guy with slicked back, thinning hair pull up in a Bimmer. He lowered the passenger window and leaned over to talk to us. “Marmont’s played out for the night. Get in and I’ll take you to this after-hours in Silver Lake.”

“Is that the guy you were looking for?” Camille asked.

“Clock’s ticking, ladies.” No lie, the guy even held his wrist out and tapped the face of his watch. I think it was a Rolex, but for all I know, it was a fake—either good or bad. Fifty bucks or fifty thousand, they all look the same to me.

“No one’s getting in your car, asshole,” I told him.

Camille took things one step further, moving to kick the guy’s passenger door. As drunk as I was, I had the presence of mind top pull her back, lest she put us both on the receiving end of an arrest warrant. “And come on, loser, you’re forty! What are you doing at after-hours clubs?”

“Screw you,” Bimmer Man said. “There are plenty of hotter girls than you out tonight.” He gave us the middle finger before swerving back out into traffic.

There was a long moment as we watched him go before Camille gave me the annoyingly smug look I knew was coming. “Please, go on, Holly. You were telling me about these four million eligible men?”

“Shut up and pick a taxi.”

**Buy “Absolutely True Lies” now!: Amazon   Barnes & Noble

* * * * *

RachelStuhlerPic**About author, Rachel Stuhler: Rachel Stuhler grew up in Rochester, NY, so obsessed with movies and books that she spent as little time as possible in the real world. In her late teens, this obsession led her first to New York as a terrible production assistant and then to Los Angeles, where she spent four years working as a script supervisor (and pining after writing jobs) until one day an actor told her, “If you think you can do it better yourself, just do it.”

Within a year, Rachel had sold TV movies to Lifetime and Hallmark and because she doesn’t know when to quit, began dreaming of writing a novel. After forcing countless crew members, family, and friends to read manuscripts, Rachel came to write Absolutely True Lies. She continues to work on TV movies and plot her next move in world domination, or writing about world domination, which is more fun and a lot less work.

**Contact Rachel: Website   Facebook   Twitter

* * * * *

AbsolutelyTrueLiesButton

**Click HERE to see other stops on Rachel’s Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours!

Filed Under: Absolutely True Lies Tagged With: Absolutely True Lies, Books, Chick-Lit, CLP blog tours, Contemporary Fiction, Excerpt, Rachel Stuhler, Women's Fiction

Summer Sale

May 28, 2015 Leave a Comment

IT’S A GIANT SUMMER SALE!

“The Right Design” by Isabella Louise Anderson is on sale for $0.99 until August 3rd, so get your copy now!

isabellaanderson_therightdesign_ebook_final

Blurb:

Interior designer Carrie Newman could not have envisioned a more perfect life for herself. She had a great job doing what she loved, wonderful friends, and a close relationship with her sister and brother-in-law. Add in an amazing man who she’d hoped would soon become her husband, and her life was perfect. Until one devastating decision ruins her relationship and changes the course of her life.

Determined to make a new start, Carrie leaves Texas and heads to Palm Beach to pick up the pieces of her shattered and broken life. The last thing she expects is to find herself attracted to her first client at her new job–Brad Larson, who has proven himself time and time again to be caddish.

But there’s something beneath the surface of Brad’s arrogant exterior that keeps her craving more of him–something almost sweet that Carrie can’t seem to resist.

Is Carrie ready to take another chance on romance? And will this new design of her life prove to be the right one?

**Buy “The Right Design” now for $0.99 on Amazon!

Filed Under: The Right Design Tagged With: $0.99 Cent sale, Beach, Beach Reads, Books, Chick-Lit, Contemporary, Contemporary Fiction, Dallas, Palm Beach, Summer Sale, The Right Design, Women's Fiction

  • « Previous Page
  • Page 1
  • Page 2
  • Page 3
  • Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Recent Features

BOOK FEATURE: “A Jingle Valley Wedding” by Martha Reynolds

COVER REVEAL: “Then You Happened” by K. Bromberg

COVER REVEAL: “Love at The Bluebird” by Aurora Rose Reynolds and Jessica Marin

Chick Lit Chat HQ’s Wicked Good Hop

BOOK FEATURE: “Let It Be Me” by Laura Chapman

See More

Footer

For inquiries

Click HERE to email us now!

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • X

Copyright © 2026 · Studio Mommy Themes · Custom Scene Images

Copyright © 2026 · Adore Me on Genesis Framework · Powered by WordPress.com. · Log in

 

Loading Comments...