Life's a Beach and Princeton Library is living proof!

By Amy Bromberg

I’m SO excited to share some great news! Not sure if any of you have seen my tweets and Facebook posts about how Chick Lit Central is partnering up with the Princeton Public Library in hosting Beach Reads “Girls’ Night Out” on Friday June 7th at 6:30pm. This event will be the kick-off to their adult summer reading program that the library runs ever year. Summer is nearly here and it is time to start planning the list of what you plan to read. This event will definitely help you get your summer beach read list ready. A panel of authors, which I will be moderating, will talk about their latest books and share what they have on their summer readings lists.

The panel includes:
1. Author Priscille Sibley will discuss her debut The Promise of Stardust.
2. Novelist Christina Baker Kline will talk about her latest novel Orphan Train.
3. New York Times bestselling author Pamela Redmond will discuss her latest novel The Possibility of You.
4. TV writer and former TIME magazine staff writer Lisa Takeuchi Cullen will discuss her second book and first novel Pastors’ Wives.
5. Talking about her fifth novel, The Widow Waltz, will be author Sally Koslow.
6. Bestselling authors Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus (“The Nanny Diaries”) will discuss their latest novel Between You And Me.
7. Author Beatriz Williams will be talking about A Hundred Summers which will be released on May 30th.

Following the panelists’ discussions of their books and recommendations for summer “must reads,” the authors will sign their books that may be purchased at a Labyrinth Books booth at the event. Of course there will be yummy refreshments including cupcakes, sorbet and so much more! There will also be baskets including copies of the books along with some beach items will be raffled off during the event.

Thanks to the library we have TWO awesome giveaways to share with you. For those who unfortunately won’t be able to make it (if you don’t live local, etc.) you can enter to win two books of your choice signed by the authors, which will be mailed to the winner after the event (US only). For any of you who are thinking about coming, you can enter to win reserved front row seats for you and two friends on the night of the event, plus a book of your choice to be signed that night. You may enter one giveaway or the other. Just leave a comment saying which giveaway you want to enter.

For more information check out the event’s Pinterest board and the information about the event on the library’s website. For any and all additional information please feel free to call (609.924.9529 x220) or email Janie L Hermann.

How to enter the giveaways:
Please comment below and say which giveaway you're entering. (If you're able to attend the event, you may enter both.) Giveaways are:

• TWO books of your choice from the list above (anyone from the US may enter)
• Reserved front row seats to the event for yourself and two friends, plus ONE book of choice (for the winner only) to be signed that night. (Only enter if you are planning to attend)

Please include your e-mail address or another way to reach you if you win. Entries without contact information will NOT be counted.

Both giveaways end May 29th at midnight EST.

Amy Sue Nathan shows us "The Glass House"...plus a book giveaway

Amy Sue Nathan’s debut novel, The Glass Wives (reviewed here), was recently published by St. Martin’s Press. Her stories and essays have appeared in The Chicago Tribune, The New York Times online, The Washington Post online, The Huffington Post, Chicago Parent, Grey Sparrow Journal, Rose and Thorn Journal, Scribblers On The Roof, The Verb, Hospital Drive Journal and The Stone Hobo. In 2011 she launched the popular Women’s Fiction Writers blog. She is also a freelance fiction editor. Amy lives and writes near Chicago and is the mom of a son in college, a daughter in high school, and two rambunctious rescued dogs.

Today, Amy is sharing her casting choices for The Glass Wives. She informed us that she also shared these choices at My Book, The Movie. If conceptualizing novels as movies is your thing, definitely check that site out. There are other chick lit novels featured there, as well. We want to thank her for telling us about this blog! (Time for a new addiction, anyone?!?)

You can find Amy at her website, Facebook and Twitter.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press, we have FIVE copies of The Glass Wives for some lucky US readers!

CASTING CALL FOR THE GLASS WIVES

When I was writing The Glass Wives I pictured only two characters and to be honest, each were amalgamations of these celebrities and other people (some real, some imagined). First, there's Andie MacDowell as the protagonist’s best friend Laney, because they both have long curly hair, and George Clooney as Sandy, because it’s easy to picture George Clooney for any reason. Really I needed a handsome guy who saw fifty in his rearview mirror.

But the main characters, Evie and Nicole, those images came to me after the book was finished and I was onto writing the next, and only randomly as I saw different actors in movies or on TV. I see Sandra Bullock as Evie and Drew Barrymore as Nicole. Bullock has the serious/comedic quality I think Evie possesses, and after I saw an interview with Barrymore as a new mom, I knew that she would be perfect for Nicole.

I see Diane Lane as Beth, and it’s her voice and demeanor that cinched that for me. Now if I could only get any of them to agree with me!

I didn't focus on who was who or even what the characters looked like at all. To me, they're just themselves!

Thanks to Amy for sharing her casting choices with us. Seeing how much Amy Bromberg loved her book, we hope it will make it to the big screen sometime soon. Thanks also to St. Martin's Press for sharing The Glass Wives with our readers.

How to win The Glass Wives:
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.)

1. Please tell us: What is your favorite family from a movie?
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. Edit settings if you don't want to receive a lot of messages at your e-mail account. Please read our posting guidelines as well. (If you're already a member, let us know that too.)
5. Follow us on Twitter and/or Pinterest.
6. Add a friend to our Facebook group. (Tell us who you added.) Be sure to remind them to edit their settings.

US only. Giveaway ends May 28th at midnight EST.

Book Review: The Glass Wives

By Amy Bromberg

I’ve been looking forward to reading The Glass Wives, Amy Sue Nathan’s debut novel, ever since I met Amy on Facebook and Twitter, and saw her novel mentioned in her bio. Even though Amy and I have never met in real life, I feel like we have become friends.

Evie and Nicole Glass share a last name. They also shared a husband.

When a tragic car accident ends the life of Richard Glass, it also upends the lives of Evie and Nicole, and their children. There’s no love lost between the widow and the ex. In fact, Evie sees a silver lining in all this heartache—the chance to rid herself of Nicole once and for all. But Evie wasn’t counting on her children’s bond with their baby half-brother, and she wasn’t counting on Nicole’s desperate need to hang on to the threads of family, no matter how frayed. Strapped for cash, Evie cautiously agrees to share living expenses—and her home—with Nicole and the baby. But when Evie suspects that Nicole is determined to rearrange more than her kitchen, Evie must decide who she can trust. More than that, she must ask: what makes a family? (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.com)

The Glass Wives takes the reader into the lives of two women who have suddenly lost the father to their children: Evie being the ex-wife, and Nicole who is the wife/now widow.

As you can tell, this is a story about an unconventional family. What makes this one stand out for me is the story line and how it affects two women. How are these women to co-exist? I don’t have kids yet, but I can’t imagine how I would deal as a mother who would have to move forward after her husband (or ex-husband) suddenly dies. Personally I don’t see myself being able to do what Evie did, welcoming Nicole into her home. But in the end the situation is best suited for her kids. Sam and Sophie. As we see, for the most part, Evie handled it with grace. Unfortunately Nicole doesn’t handle it as well. Many times I wanted to kick her in the butt, and make her realize that she was being childish. I’m glad she was able to grow up and mature as the story went on. It’s obvious that she looks up to Evie, which yes, is quite odd in this particular situation. But hey, nowadays what family doesn’t have some kind of oddness to it?

Be aware when you’re reading this that you will get hungry. If you’re Jewish (or have had the pleasure of eating traditional Jewish foods), then you’ll get EXTRA hungry. I was salivating when Amy shared all of the foods for the Seder. If I was at my mom’s I would have rushed to Lox, Stock & Deli, the awesome Jewish deli around the corner from her house, and gotten myself some matzo balls. Not sure whose are better…my mother in laws or theirs…don’t tell her I said this. Evie is also a girl after my own heart because she makes dynamite chocolate chip cookies!

Reading The Glass Wives reminded me that family is formed not just by blood. A family encompasses friends, loved ones, new additions to the family, neighbors, and those who have a special place in your heart. I guarantee you will laugh (love Amy’s wittiness) cry a bit, smile and want to go hug your loved ones.

It is possible to move on after something tragic occurs. Of course we don’t see this right away. But with family, loved ones and friends beside you, we need to believe that anything is possible.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press for the book in exchange for an honest review. They're giving away some copies along with Amy's visit to CLC.

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Book Review & Giveaway: The Week Before the Wedding

By Melissa Amster

Planning a wedding usually carries its share of stress and chaos. There's a reason some women turn into Bridezillas, after all! In most cases, we take about a year to find the perfect dress, venue, DJ or band, cake, invitations, etc. In the case of Emily McKellips, there are only a few months to plan her dream wedding, leading up to a very long week before she takes her vows with the man whom she is supposed to spend the rest of her life. Of course, complications get in the way. It wouldn't be a wedding otherwise!

Emily made some mistakes in the past and one of them is about to catch up with her, right before her wedding day. While she and her fiancée, Grant, along with both their families, are spending the week leading up to their wedding in Valentine, Vermont, an unexpected visitor shows up....Ryan, her ex-husband from ten years ago. When she last saw him, he didn't have his life together at all. Now he's a successful movie producer, scouting a location for his next film. What are the odds of him being in Valentine right before Emily's nuptials? In the meantime, there are conflicts between the mothers of the bride and groom, and Grant's career is taking away focus from their special week. It's not helping that Ryan wants her to give their relationship another chance.

In The Week Before the Wedding, Beth Kendrick creates an adorable story about a topic I'm not normally keen upon....women revisiting relationships with past loves (or vice versa). To me, it's a cliché topic, even though I'm sure it's something that women think about, all those "what ifs?". This is only the second novel I've read from Beth, but I definitely plan to read others that she has written. (I already own a few of her past titles.) She gives a genuine voice to her characters, making them interesting and easy to relate to. Meanwhile, she kept me guessing throughout the story, given that one part of me wanted her to go on with her wedding and have the life she was striving for while the other part of me was charmed by the man her ex-husband had become. I could definitely see how conflicted Emily must have felt. I loved all the secondary characters who played a big role in the story. Emily's best friend, Summer, was quite a wild child and I know that Beth's next novel is about her, so it will be interesting to learn more of her story. The mothers were great and I loved what a contrast they were to each other and how Emily felt put in the middle of trying to impress her soon-to-be mother-in-law and not offend her own mother. Even the town of Valentine played a big role in the story, as it gave off a cozy and quaint small-town feel. It reminded me of the weekends I'd spend in St. Joseph, Michigan over quite a few summers. And, of course, we can't forget about the dog! Anyone who loves dogs will definitely love Ryan's golden retriever.

The only "complaint" I have is that things seemed to wrap up too neatly, but that's to be expected in fiction. I definitely recommend The Week Before the Wedding for an entertaining summer (or anytime of year) read.

Given that we're still doing "CLC goes to the movies" for International Chick Lit Month, I just had to cast this novel. (Who am I kidding?!? I will cast novels anytime the mood strikes!)

Emily: Isla Fisher (I pictured her the moment the story opened and that image carried throughout)
Ryan: Charlie Weber (I was watching 90210 around the time I was reading this novel and he was playing a big role at the time, so naturally I pictured him...)
Georgia (Emily's mom): Julianne Moore (Given that she's supposed to be somewhat young and have red hair, this just works. I could see her pulling off this role, given the diverse actress she is.)
Bev (Grant's mom): Fiona Reid (She played Ian's mom in My Big Fat Greek Wedding)
Grant: Chris Pine (He just has that guy-next-door success story look)
Summer: Anna Faris (She's a lot of fun to watch and I could see her fitting this role well)

Thanks to Penguin for the book in exchange for an honest review. They also have a copy for one lucky US reader.

How to win:
Please tell us your favorite movie about a wedding (or favorite wedding scene from any movie).

One entry per person.

Please include your e-mail address or another way to reach you if you win. Entries without contact information will NOT be counted.

US only. Giveaway ends May 27th at midnight EST.

More by Beth Kendrick:

Book Review: HDU

By Miriam Plotinsky 

Though my mother assures me that I should be ashamed to admit it, one of my happy moments each week is snuggling up in bed with my newest issue of US Weekly. Call me a shallow escapist, but I love reading about human folly in any form, and celebrities engage in enough ridiculous behavior to keep ordinary people entertained on a daily basis. However, sometimes celebrity gossip can get out of hand, particularly on the Internet, and India Lee explores that topic in her latest novel, HDU.

The book opens with Amanda Nathan, a near-hermit who moderates a celebrity gossip site called HDU (which stands for "How Dare You?"). Languishing in Merit, Missouri after her best friend Megan humiliated her by shamelessly stealing her boyfriend, Amanda has no desire to be part of the real world, preferring to live in the online community she manages. From the start, her pitiful state makes her a sympathetic character, so when a totally unrealistic but irresistible opportunity arises to pose as a famous actor’s plain-Jane girlfriend and move to New York City, readers rejoice in the fact that Amanda finally seems to be getting a life.

Like similar New York-based gossipy stories (now that Gossip Girl is over, a lot of fans will be starved for a fix), HDU embraces Manhattan as a character, a place in which possibilities are endless and people can undergo very public humiliation followed by equally public triumph, sometimes repeatedly. As Amanda navigates the unfamiliar but thrilling city, she gradually finds her footing and, in true Cinderella style, emerges gorgeous and desirable. While she doesn’t initially like the actor she’s pretending to love, Liam Brody, they develop a solid chemistry and engage in more than a few witty verbal exchanges. Along with Brody, characters like scheming actress Casey Mulreed and Amanda’s former best friend Megan provide enough juicy conflict to keep the story moving.

HDU is pure brain candy. While the book might not enrich any minds, we don’t always need books to serve that function. Sometimes it’s just a relief to sit back and enjoy a story without having to think too hard. Anyone who needs an urban getaway but can’t afford to head to New York City for the real deal will certainly enjoy this gossip-driven story as a much cheaper, not to mention more scandalous, substitute.

Thanks to the author for the book in exchange for an honest review.   

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Book Review: Wedding Night

UK cover

By Melissa Amster

Given that I'm a huge Sophie Kinsella fan, it should be obvious that I was eagerly awaiting the arrival of her latest novel, Wedding Night, and digging into it as soon as I had a copy in my hands. Needless to say, it was definitely worth the wait!

After anticipating a proposal from her longtime boyfriend, Richard, and having nothing happen to that extent, Lottie does what is normal for her after a break-up....something extreme that boils down to an "unfortunate choice." In this case, the "unfortunate choice" involves eloping with her first boyfriend, Ben, and taking off to Greece to have a "wedding night" to remember.

Lottie's older sister, Fliss, is dealing with the long-term effects of a terrible divorce and doesn't wish the same fate on her sister, whom she knows is making a huge mistake. She'll do anything to stop this marriage from happening and keep Lottie from getting hurt. This endeavor sends her off on an adventure neither she nor Lottie will ever forget....for different reasons, of course.

Like with Sophie Kinsella's previous novels, I really have only good things to say. Wedding Night was a delightful and hilarious story with many unexpected twists. I found myself laughing out loud many times while engrossed in this enjoyable escape from my real life activities. All of the characters involved were very interesting and fit well into the plot. The settings were easy to visualize throughout and I enjoyed the armchair adventure in Greece. I loved that both sides of the story were at play, so we could see how Fliss' actions affected Lottie and also get an idea as to what motivated Fliss to do this in the first place. The sisters were like night and day but had an interesting bond, as well. Their relationship reminded me of the one between myself and my sister. I'd probably also take on the role of Fliss in how she was so concerned about her sister's love life.

US cover

Unlike some of Sophie's previous stand alone novels, Wedding Night did not feature a mystery to resolve. There were still some surprises in store, but it wasn't like Twenties Girl or I've Got Your Number, where there's a secret going on behind the scenes and the main characters are caught up in making things right. This had more of a screwball 1940s romantic comedy feel. I could definitely see it on the big screen as an adorable chick flick. I even cast it already, but you'll have to visit my interview at Francine LaSala's blog, Clippings in the Shed, to find out my choices. (This novel would be right up Francine's alley, given that her debut novel also had the screwball 1940s romantic comedy feel.)

Bravo to Sophie on another job well done. I look forward to many more stand alone novels, as well as some more visits with our favorite shopaholic, Becky Bloomwood. (She did say that it's in the works, according to our interview last month.)

Thanks to Transworld Publishers for the book in exchange for an honest review.

More by Sophie Kinsella:

Shakespeare's in love with Lian Dolan....plus a book giveaway

Introduction by Kathryn Hamilton

**Giveaway is now closed**

Give a big CLC welcome to Lian Dolan, who joins us today to celebrate the release of her sophomore novel Elizabeth the First Wife and share her fantasy movie cast. Chances are you already know who Lian is but may not realize it. She has made quite the name for herself outside of the literary world. She has a nationally syndicated radio show, "Satellite Sisters," that she hosts with her sisters and she has a blog about motherhood called The Chaos Chronicles which was developed into a sitcom. As if that’s not enough to keep her busy, Lian also regularly contributes to Oprah.com as a relationship exert, has made several TV appearances and does frequent speaking engagements. Whew! Lian is known for her wit and her high level of energy. She sounds like someone we’d love to be friends with! Lian had considerable success with her first novel Helen of Pasadena which made it to the L.A. Times bestseller list, and no doubt will continue to find herself on many more best seller lists.

You can find Lian at her website, Facebook and Twitter.

Thanks to Wunderkind PR, we have FIVE copies of Elizabeth the First Wife for some lucky US readers!

(Please note that this post contains potential spoilers for the novel.)

This was a fantastic exercise because I'm terrible at The Casting Game. I think every movie should star Kate Winslet and/or Hugh Jackman, but I understand that’s not always possible. So here goes:

Katie Holmes as Elizabeth Lancaster (Hip 30 -something Shakespeare Professor who loves the Bard and US Weekly with equal zeal.) I saw a picture of the never- aging Katie Holmes after I finished the book and I thought, “That’s Elizabeth!” Like my main character, Katie was married to action star and played second fiddle in the press to her man. But then, out of nowhere, Katie rebounds with a spectacular divorce coup followed by a Broadway show and a Bobbie Brown contract. Yeah, Katie. Take that, Tom. Katie’s self-discovery story mirrors Elizabeth’s and she’s got the right hair for the part.

James Marsden as FX Fahey (Elizabeth’s college sweetheart, then husband who crushed her heart then went on to become one of the top-grossing action stars of all time. Still, as likable as a Yellow Lab.) Who doesn’t like James Marsden of Enchanted and X-Men? He can play a good guy, a bad guy or a storybook prince who wears tights in NYC. He sings, he dances, heck, he’s the reason I’ve watched 27 Dresses like, 27 times. He’s so darn likable—and really sexy -- he’d be perfect for hard-to-hate, easy-on-the-eyes FX Fahey.

Freddie Prinze Jr. as Rafa Moreno (The dark horse in the love triangle who’s also the Chief of Staff for a US Congressman and looks spectacular in white button-down shirts.) Yes, Freddie Prinze Jr. because it’s time for a FPJ revival. Where’s he been since She’s All That? Why does Sarah Michelle Geller get to keep him to herself? He’s too cute to be a househusband. I’d love to see Freddie back on the big screen as the sharp, behind the scenes political operative.

Charlize Theron as Bumble Lancaster (Elizabeth’s older, more glamorous sister. A former Hollywood PR person now married to a US Congressman/zillionaire.) I think Charlize needs a fast-talking comedic role every once in a while. She plays so many earnest, drab parts to prove that she can act, forever trying to camouflage the fact that she’s the most beautiful person on the planet. We get it, Charlize, you can act. Now go have some fun in a film and a decent wardrobe.

Hugh Jackman as Taz Buchanan (Brilliant, but demanding, Australian director hired to stage an avant-garde production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream) Oh, wait! There is a role for Hugh Jackman. Phew. How clever of me to write an Australian right into the book to assure the appearance of Wolverine. Do you think he’ll shave his head and wear a sarong in order to play Taz? I hope so.

Thanks to Lian for sharing her casting choices and to Wunderkind for sharing her book with our readers.

How to win Elizabeth the First Wife:
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.)

1. Please tell us: What is your favorite movie based on a Shakespeare play? (Ex. Either version of Romeo and Juliet; West Side Story, which is based on R&J.)
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. Edit settings if you don't want to receive a lot of messages at your e-mail account. Please read our posting guidelines as well. (If you're already a member, let us know that too.)
5. Follow us on Twitter and/or Pinterest.
6. Add a friend to our Facebook group. (Tell us who you added.) Be sure to remind them to edit their settings.

US only. Giveaway ends May 21st at midnight EST.