Chick Lit Goddess

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Chick Lit Central

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Amy Bromberg
Melissa Amster

If you’re a Chick Lit lover like I am, it would be hard to believe if you haven’t heard of the awesome and delightful website, Chick Lit Central!  My favorite thing about these ladies is that they are true to their beloved genre, Chick Lit!  For this reason, I am happy to announce that they are the first guests on Chick Lit Goddess to write their own post!

Let’s read what they have to say, shall we?:

Melissa Patafio and I knew each other when we were growing up. We lived two doors down from each other and hung out all the time. Then we both moved away from the neighborhood sometime after I graduated high school. We found each other on Facebook in 2008 and reconnected. Soon, we realized that we had a love for chick lit in common, starting with Marian Keyes. I started including her in some group e-mails to discuss chick lit with some other friends of mine. Then I realized that I wanted a broader audience with whom to discuss chick lit. I started Chick Lit Central on Facebook in 2009, as a result. However, I didn’t do much with it at the time. In the spring of 2010, I decided to revisit that Facebook group and also start a blog to go along with it. The first author to support this group was Sarah Pekkanen. I got an advanced copy of her amazing first novel, “The Opposite of Me.” In the meantime, I had won books from other blogs and reviewed those, as well. I also decided to start doing interviews. Allie Larkin was my first interview to promote “Stay” (another amazing novel). When Jane Green said she’d do an interview with us, I just HAD to ask Melissa Patafio to participate. After that point, she became a natural partner for the blog. While things were slow at first, they started taking off by the end of 2010. In the spring of 2011, I met Amy Bromberg and we automatically bonded over chick lit and other common interests. She had “auditioned” to be an associate reviewer, but unfortunately wasn’t chosen by the judges at the time. (We did get three wonderful reviewers though!) I decided to have Amy come on as a promotional associate, as she was doing so much to promote our group and blog without even being asked! She knows the chick lit world better than I do sometimes!

 We definitely see the Chick lit genre remaining strong within the next five years.  There are more and more authors, both overseas and in North America, writing Chiclkit themed novels.   Many of these authors are signed on with some of the big publishing houses.   And the well known chick lit authors keep coming out with new books (ex. Jennifer Weiner and Jane Green).  The fact that this keeps happening is an excellent good sign!  Long live CHICKLIT!

The ladies at Chick Lit Central would love to hear from you!

Email: chicklitcentral@gmail.com

Chick Lit Central on Twitter

Chick Lit Central on Facebook

**You can also contact Amy, who is also a publicist, at the following:

Email: amy@kmspr.com

Amy on Twitter

KMSPR, LLC

KMSPR on Facebook

KMSPR on Twitter

It’s Fun Friday

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When we think of cowboys, don’t we think of boots, jeans and sexy music?  The following sexy make my heart beat fast each time I see them.

Kenny Chesney, #10

The first time I heard Kenny Chesney sing All I Need To Know, I was hooked on him.  It was a song that was recorded on his second CD, which came out in 1995.  When I saw the video, I remember watching it over and over.  His smile made me swoon, and his voice was a major turn on.  Since then, it seems that Kenny’s music has transitioned into sounding more and more like Jimmy Buffett, hence his song No Shirt, No Shoes, No Problem, but that’s okay because he’s still got that sweet smile that can melt a woman’s heart.

Chris Young, #9

 My brother introduced me to this amazing, talented, and handsome new country singer.  His hits include Drinkin’ Me Lonely, Voices, and Tomorrow.  When I saw him in concert over the summer, he hit the notes perfectly, and of course he look great while doing so.

John Michael Montgomery, #8

When I heard I Can Love You Like That for the first time, I was in heaven.  JMM’s dimples are a guarantee way to any woman’s heart.  (Seriously, look at that cute face!)  I love his teddy bearish body — doesn’t it make you just want to cuddle up next to him?  We’ve not heard that much from him lately, but we’ll never forget his emotional and very sexy songs like I Swear, or especially the song I Love The Way You Love Me.

Toby Keith, #7

How could anyone not love Toby?  This honky-tonk bad boy has been known to carry a flask with him to award shows, not to mention be vocal about his political views.  Don’t we all love a man who speaks their mind?  His rugged bad-ass ways can charm any woman, and his smile can light up any room.  From Toby’s upbeat songs like How Do You Like Me Now and Should’ve Been A Cowboy, to the sweet heartfelt songs, You Shouldn’t Kiss Me Like This and Me Too, it’s hard to say how I what side of him I like the best!  He’s just an all around American made man!  Isn’t that sexy?

Clay Walker, #6

When I first heard Hypnotize The Moon by the hot and sexy Clay Walker, I was in heaven.  Every time I heard it, it was as if he were singing directly to me.  His songs are filled with so much emotion, and isn’t that attractive?  Where Do I Fit In The Picture, Fall, and Love To Be Your Last are my favorite songs that he sings.  I love his dark eyes; I could literally fall into him!  What’s not to love about this HOT man?

Keith Urban, #5

This Australian born hunk looks like he could be in band (possibly a heavy metal), but instead, he’s his one man show — and what a show he puts on.  I’ve seen him on several interviews and what I love most about him is that he’s a down-home family man!  He love his wife (Nicole Kidman) and their two beautiful girls.  When I saw him in concert, he charmed the crowd, not only with his voice, but with his sweet smile.  I could listen to him sing and talk all day long in his alluring accent, and he’s pretty damn easy on the eyes…

Jason Aldean, #4

There is a special place in my heart for Jason Aldean.  When I saw him at the Texas Stampede a few years ago, Big Green Tractor, was a new song — one I loved!  It’s a sweet slow song about a tractor.  Silly, yes, but the song is adorable!  His upbeat song She’s Country, is one of my favorite songs — it truly a country song!  His Dirt Road Anthem and My Kind Of Party are just two highly popular songs that make him who he is.  Every CD release by him is amazing!  While Jason might look a little mysterious, there’s something about him that just makes me want him more and more!  I’d love to ride on a big green tractor with him…

Blake Shelton, #3

Oh, Blake, where have you been all my life?  This 6′ 5″ man is the whole package!  He’s funny, sensitive, charming, sarcastic, hard-working, sexy, and confidant!  He doesn’t hide anything, and that’s one of my favorite things about him, (he’s been known to tweet while he’s drunk).  This past May, he married the beautiful Miranda Lambert.  With songs like Some Beach, Nobody But Me, All About Tonight, and Honey Bee, it’s hard to not love anything he sings.  I love Blake because he’s true to himself, his fans, and more than anything, it’s obvious that he’s madly in love with his wife.  What could be more sexier?

Tim McGraw, #2

Women, don’t we wish we were as lucky as Faith Hill is to be married to this man?  Tim McGraw has only grown sexier with age.  Am I right?  From the moment I heard the song Don’t Take The Girl, I knew there was something special about him.  I’ve had the pleasure of seeing him in concert twice, and each time I fell more in love with him.  What’s not to love about this fun-loving, sweet, and talented singer?  I Like It, I Love It, Please Remember Me, and The Cowboy In Me are classic Tim McGraw songs.  He is truly a classic in the country music world!

George Strait, #1

King George is how most country music fans refer to my #1 man!  From his first number one hit, Fool Hearted Memory, to his most recent number one hit, Here For A Good Time (his 58th #1 hit), George Strait’s music hasn’t changed a bit.  He’s true to his roots, and that’s just one thing that his fans love most!  I loved watching him in Pure Country, where he introduced us all to one of his beloved songs, I Cross My Heart.  Along with some of my favorites, Drinkin’ Champagne, I Can Still Make Cheyenne, Does Ft. Worth Ever Cross Your Mind, You Look So Good In Love, If I Know Me, and I’d Like To Have That One Back, these are songs that will stick with me forever.  I met him once at a concert, and he was one of the nicest man I’ve ever met, not to mention attractive!  He is a true cowboy who wears his Wranglers very well!

Now tell me, who is your favorite cowboy?

I hope y’all have a very Happy Friday!

Why Sharing What You Read Is A Good Thing

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Books are meant to be read, right?

Well, a few months ago I joined a website called Goodreads.com, but I never realized how cool it was, until now that I’m a reviewer.  (Shelfari is also a similar website.)  I use Goodreads which is a great way to share the books you’re reading with friends, make new friends, introduce yourself to new books.  It’s also keeps track with what you’ve read, want to read, and are currently reading.  I’ve also had a friend who started a group on Facebook for readers.  We share what books we’ve read.  Through this outlet, I’ve also found several books that I want to read.

So for your readers, I have some questions:

  • How do you keep track of your books you have read, want to read, and are reading?
  • Do you share these books with others, and if so, how?
  • Have you started a group of your own, or even a book club?
  • Do you have your own idea(s) about sharing books with your friends or family members?
  • Are you on Goodreads or Shelfari?  If so, find me on Goodreads at MrsAnderson1212!

It’s Fun Friday

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It’s Friday, so you know what that means!  New movies come out in theaters.  Whether you like to go to movies or not (I don’t), you must have a favorite movie or movies.

I’d like to share my 3 favorite romance movies with you.  Now these just aren’t my favorites, they are more like a comfort blanket to me.  I’ve watched them during each sad, happy, confusing, miserable, and sick time in my life, and each time I’ve felt better after I did.

These are in no particular order.  I love them all the same:

PILLOW TALK

From the first moment my mom showed me the 1959 movie Pillow Talk, I fell in love with Doris Day, Rock Hudson, and Tony Randall.  I wanted this sweet love story to be my life.  I had fallen in love with Rock Hudson and I wanted to be Doris Day.  Granted, I was only a little girl, maybe not even in my teens yet, that’s when I fell in love with being in love.  This movie is a true classic of what romance movies are all about.

P.S. I LOVE YOU

Once again, I’d like to give credit to my mom for introducing this laugh-and-cry-at-the-same-time delightful and wonderful movie.  The first time I saw P.S. I Love You, I went through half a box of tissues.  I laughed and cried until it hurt, but because I could relate to the characters.  This movie is for anyone who has or is in love, and knows what it’s like to be in love.  After watching this movie, I promise you that it will teach you not to sweat the small stuff in any relationship.

WHEN HARRY MET SALLY

 Oh, come on now, you know that When Harry Met Sally had to be on my list!  I don’t know where or how old I was when I first saw this movie, but what I do remember is that for thee days in a row when I was sick, I watched this movie over and over, and over and over.  “Why can’t I have that life?” I wondered.  I had a male best friend when I was younger, and life (on-screen) seemed so easy.  (Oh, and don’t forget about the fake orgasm scene — it’s kinda’ famous, ha, ha!)  Who wouldn’t want to fall in love with their best friend?  This movie shows how over time things and people can change, but how love can grow, even when you didn’t think it was possible!

I’d love to know, what are your favorite romance movies and why?

Have a great weekend!

Looking Over Your NaNoWriMo For The First Time

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Everyone who’s participated in National Novel Writing Month-and won, they all say to step away from it for a few months before getting back into it to start working on the edits.  They say to give yourself, and your characters, some breathing.  I took their advice and I’ve had a blast.  While I’ve thought about the thought of finishing my book and have told some about it, I’ve really not thought about what the characters went through during my time with them…that is until now.

For the first time since November 30th, I opened my NaNoWriMo book today.  I read the first few pages and I was hooked!  Damn, this is some good stuff I wrote!  I stopped reading and decided to start editing using “comments”  in Word.  Once I got started, I couldn’t stop.  I was on a roll and was loving it!  While right now I’m only on page 8 and have 112 comments (a lot, I know), I’m excited about where this 2nd draft is going.  While it’s not the easiest job to do (edit), I’m enjoying it.

As for what I plan to do with this still untitled book when I’m finished, I know I’ve told you that I’ve planned on self-publishing, I just might seriously think about sending this to publishers!  Wish me luck!

What do you think?  What would yo do if you were me?

 

New Blog, New Ideas?

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Like I’ve mentioned before, there will soon be changes to Chick Lit Goddess!  Since one of my Christmas gifts was an upgrade to my WordPress hosted website (read about my Christmas gifts HERE), I can now add all the buttons, widgets, themes, and everything else I could imagine.

Right now I’m in the middle of setting up the new layout, and I can’t decide which one I like.  I didn’t know how difficult this would be, nor do I want to be changing it all the time — I want to be known for a certain layout, colors, and design.  I am the Chick Lit Goddess, hear me roar!  One thing I can tell you is that I have decided what the main colors will be, (my wedding colors if this give anyone a clue).

What I need help is on knowing what you, the reader and faithful follower would like to see more/less of?  What widgets, apps, and/or links would you like to see?

Any advice, comments, or ideas would be most helpful!

Sleeping With Paris

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Book Review for “Sleeping With Paris”

“Sleeping With Paris,” by Juliette Sobanet

All is right in Charlotte Summers’ life.  She’s quit her job to move with her fiancé, Jeff, to Paris so that she can study French at a highly acclaimed university.  When she goes to Jeff’s office to surprise him (an expensive bottle of champagne in hand to celebrate) he’s not there, so she sits down at his desk and signs into her email to look at pictures of their apartment in Paris as she daydreams about their upcoming adventure.  Suddenly a message from another woman pops up, and soon she learns the truth, that her beloved Jeff has signed himself up on a dating website and has been cheating on her.

Leaving Jeff behind she decides to still to Paris to achieve her goals.  At first she’s devastated at her broken engagement and longs for Jeff to call her and say he’s made a horrible mistake and that he’s coming to Paris to be with her.  After a few days of sulking she get up out of bed and begins a blog based on how women should learn to date more like a man.  Along the way Charlotte makes new friends, and without giving too much away, one of her French suitors brings a whole new way of thinking about chocolate and sex.

At the end, Charlotte has an opportunity to be with Jeff when they are both in a wedding.  Does she take him up on his offer, or does she kick him to the curb for good, and start over with the suitor I mentioned before, the “Half-Naked French Hottie?” 

“Sleeping With Paris” by Juliette Sobanet was one of the best books I read in 2011!  It’s a true Chick Lit, and one I will never forget.

From the beginning I liked Charlotte.  She was a no-nonsense kind of woman and I find that very refreshing.  Just because her fiancé cheated on her, that didn’t stop her from doing what she wanted to do, which I thought was very brave.  I think Juliette wrote a very real character in Charlotte, and I felt that I could relate to in many ways.

All of Charlotte’s suitors were very interesting men.  I loved how they all weren’t so much alike.  At times I couldn’t decide who I wanted her with, but in the end I loved who the choice was.  (I’m not going to spoil it for you.  You have to read the book).

Not only is this book an exciting read, it’s also gives you a few French lessons through dialogue.  If you can’t understand French, don’t worry; you’ll still understand every word.  I found myself swiping the pages on my iPad quicker and quicker as the story continued on, even when it was four in the morning and I was halfway asleep.

I recommend “Sleeping With Paris” to anyone who enjoys Chick Lit, wants a light-hearted sweet love story, and to anyone who loves Paris!

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

**Click HERE to read my Guest Interview with Juliette

I’ll Admit It, I Love My Kindle, But…

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HAPPY NEW YEAR!

For my first blog in 2012 (wow, that felt weird to type), I’d like to bring up a topic which most are black or white, with only a few in the grey area.  I’m talking about the love for the way you read whether it’s from an e-book or a hardback/paperback.  When I began this blog I was new to the e-book way of life, and I didn’t appreciate it as much as I do now.  I even wrote a BLOG about it.

This was before I found myself reading books to be reviewed, and not just for pleasure.  Now that I have established myself enough to be honored to be called a reviewer, it is easy for me to see now how much and e-book is such a necessity!  I can read pretty much anywhere – in the grocery line, in the car while the hubby’s driving, a doctor’s office, just to name a few examples of why it’s nice to have an e-book!  Having both, an iPhone and an iPad, are the two things I said that I would never have — I was strictly a Blackberry girl, but since changing over, it’s made my reading and reviewing life easier!  Can we say yee-haw?!  Oh, and to show you just how non-technical I am, just this week learned that I could sync where I was reading to another device!  I’m all for ebooks now, except that…

They’re not the “real” thing!  Has any ever thought about how there might now be anymore book signings?  (I’ve always wanted to go to one).  Just today I was watching TV the show I was watching was talking about how much books are worth.  Would this be the case in the e-book world?  I love to be able to see books on their shelves, but as a book collector I’m running out of space (This doesn’t make the hubby happy – ha, ha, ha!).

Where do you stand on this topic?

The Book I Wish I Would Have Written

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Have you ever read a book to finish it and say, “Wow, that was good.  I wish I had written it.”  Whether it’s a book that’s in your writing genre, a #1 Bestseller, or even a simple paperback you bought at the grocery store, there are books that have had you in such awe, and left you wondering if you can/would’ve written something to amazing.

I’ve read 5 books like that and I’d like to share them:

#5)  The Mitford Series by Jan Karon

#4)  THE NOTEBOOK by Nicholas Sparks

#3)  ROGUE by Danielle Steel

#2)  Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin

#1)  WIDEACRE by Philippa Gregory

I thought about sharing a little bit about why I’d love to say that I have written them, but what I’d love more is for you to read them yourself and see what you think.  So, how about reading these books in 2012 (if you haven’t already), and letting me know what you think?

Another thing to think about is, what book do you wish you would’ve written?