Book Review and Giveaway: Best Supporting Role

By Melissa Amster

Ever since I read Apocalipstick on my honeymoon 10 years ago, I have become a huge fan of Sue Margolis' novels. They're so funny and entertaining, featuring characters who end up in some crazy situations from time-to-time. There's a lot of Jewish humor (which I can definitely appreciate), and Sue knows how to work it into a story seamlessly. And then there are the "romantic" scenes. While I was sad to hear that Sue was toning down on them starting with her previous couple of novels, I now know what to expect and still enjoy her novels nonetheless. Best Supporting Role is her latest masterpiece and it shows that she hasn't lost her touch one bit!

After Sarah Green's gambling addict husband dies and leaves her practically penniless with two children to raise on her own, she decides to live a safe and practical life with a stable job and a responsible boyfriend. That seems to work pretty well for her until her aunt passes away and leaves her with a lingerie shop to manage and two employees who are practically part of the family. Soon, she's taking on some gambles of her own that put her relationship and financial state at risk, but heap on some rewards in turn...such as the attractive actor/handyman who helps her fix up the shop.

I had a lot of fun reading Sue's latest novel. She had me laughing out loud many times with her witty humor, especially when it came to conversations between Sarah and her kids. The dialogue and interactions between all the characters was strong and kept the story moving along nicely. I especially loved Sarah's "aunties." They were so much fun and also provided much needed comic relief. Even with all the laughter, I got misty-eyed at times. And while the "romantic" scenes were absent (which I was prepared for this time around), she tossed in some teasers to get the imagination going. Since the story was so strong and compelling, the lack of "romantic" scenes wasn't as big a deal this time around. They weren't needed to carry along the story.

My only complaint is that there was some Holocaust humor in the form of Nazi jokes. Maybe I was reading it at a bad time because of everything going on in the Middle East, but I was also shocked that a fellow member of the tribe would include such humor. I'd be laughing about something and then a comment related to Nazis would stop me in my tracks. It only happened twice and it wasn't horrifying, I just would have been happier without it. Aside from that, the story wrapped up a little too neatly, but by that point I only wanted good things to happen for Sarah after all she had been through.

If you want a fun, light-hearted story, you've come to the right place. If you want to know how well Sue can write a really steamy "romantic" scene, definitely check out some of her previous novels (and read them in the privacy of your bedroom to avoid blushing). While I couldn't come up with a movie cast for this book, I did picture Alex O'Loughlin as Hugh (the actor/handyman). Hope that will get your imagination going too!

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

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.

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US only. Giveaway ends August 4th at midnight EST.

More by Sue Margolis:

Interview with Sue Margolis and book giveaway

**Giveaway is now closed**

We are extremely excited to have Sue Margolis at CLC today. Melissa A. has been reading her books for a while and is a huge fan of her writing. Melissa P. just started getting to know Sue through her books and is definitely hooked! Sue just created an online presence earlier this year and we were thrilled when she agreed to chat with us.

Sue lives in London with her husband, who is a journalist. They have three grown children. Her hobbies include napping, constantly interfering in her children’s lives, not going out, eating (leftover curry straight from the fridge), and watching made for TV true-life movies in her PJs. She worked as a reporter for the BBC, before leaving broadcasting to write her first novel, "Neurotica." She has written eight other clever, funny and steamy books since then and has just released her tenth, "A Catered Affair" (reviewed here). Caitlin Mulrooney-Lyski from Penguin Group has one copy of Sue's latest novel for a lucky reader in the US and Canada.

To learn more about Sue, visit her on Facebook.

MP: What was the biggest challenge you faced while writing "A Catered Affair?"
SM: Getting it finished on time! Usually, I have a year to write each book, but I changed publishers recently and by the time everything was finalized I only had six months left to write the book. It was a huge challenge, but I proved to myself that I could do it.

MP: What is your usual writing routine?
SM: For me, it’s important to treat writing like a ‘proper’ job. I start around ten a.m and work through with tiny breaks and numerous trips to the refrigerator until my brain simply can’t focus any longer – usually after five or six hours.

MP: How do you deal with writers block?
SM: I’ve honestly never had it. (Famous last words!) I’m so focused on working to a deadline and that I must turn out a thousand words each day that I just get on with it. I think the mistake many would-be writers make is that they worry too much about writing rubbish. I write rubbish all the time. But it doesn’t matter. It’s important to get stuff down, even if you’re going to re-write it the next day.

MP: How do you like to spend your time when you are not writing?
SM: I guess I should say, going to the gym, doing mind improving activities, learning Chinese … but I like nothing better than to lie on the sofa with endless cups of tea watching a decent movie. Actually, even a really bad, made for TV one will do.

MA: How do you come up with such clever titles for your novels? Which is your favorite title out of all your books?
SM: I work really hard on the titles. I usually submit several to the publisher and sometimes they’re all rejected! I literally sit with a piece of paper, playing around with words and phrases. It’s like doing a word game. "Neurotica" just popped into my head one day while I was getting a massage. I guess my mind I was very relaxed. It’s still my favorite book and title (because it was my first).

MA: Do you have any more novels planned for the next year or two?
SM: I’m working on a new novel – provisionally titled "Coming Clean". This is another sexy romp, but it also looks at the serious issues women face when they have children and decide to go back to work. It’s about whether it is possible to ‘have it all’.
For the record, I don’t believe it is.

MA: Which of your books would you like to see on the big screen and who would you cast in the lead roles?
SM: Easy. "Neurotica." I would cast a very young Woody Allen as the leading man, Dan, who is a Jewish hypochondriac. Sarah Silverman as his funny, feisty wife, Anna.

MA: Which of your books made you blush the most while writing the "romantic" scenes?
SM: They all make me blush and for that reason, I tend to write them very fast.

MA: Since you and I have Judaism in common, what is your favorite "Jewish Mother" saying (either from your own mom or something you say now)?
SM: My mother to my brother when he announced he was buying a motor bike: "Don’t come crying to me if you end up dead."

MP: If we were to visit you in London, what is one non-touristy place (or thing to do) you would want to share with us?
SM: I would take you to Southall. This area is home to thousands of Indian and Pakistani families and has the best curry restaurants in London – possibly in the country. I have to have my curry fix at least once a week. You may not know in the US, but curry has taken over from fish and chips as the English national dish.

Thanks again to Sue for chatting with us and to Caitlin for sharing the book for our giveaway.

How to win "A Catered Affair":
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.)

Bonus entries (can be listed all in one post):
1. Please tell us: If you were to visit London, what is the first thing you would want to do?
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. (If you're already a member, let us know that too.)
5. Add a friend to our Facebook group. (Tell us who you added.) Be sure to remind them to edit their settings.

US/Canada only. Ends August 7th at midnight EST.

For another chance to win this novel, visit Chick Lit Reviews. (US/Canada only. Ends 8/7.)

More by Sue Margolis:

Book Review: A Catered Affair

By Melissa Amster
I've been a huge fan of Sue Margolis' novels ever since I picked up "Apocalipstick" back in 2004. When I found out that she had a new book due to arrive this summer, I was chomping at the bit! Thanks to Caitlin Mulrooney-Lyski at Penguin Books, I got my chance to read an ARC of Ms. Margolis' latest novel, "A Catered Affair" (in exchange for an honest review, of course). As soon as I received it, I couldn't wait to read it and got started right away!

Tally thought she had a future all planned out with her fiancé, Josh. Then the big day arrives, but Josh is nowhere to be found. Devastated, Tally gets drunk and hits on every man at her non-wedding reception. She realizes later that she even propositioned her caterer. Soon, her grandma is trying to set her up with every man she meets. In the meantime, Tally ends up with two suitors and has to decide who is right for her and let go of her past inhibitions to make a clean start.

I really liked the premise of this story. It had chick lit written all over it. Tally was an interesting woman who was easy to relate to, whether or not one has been in her shoes or has ever felt the way she has. The secondary characters were all distinguishable in personality and they each had their own stories too, such as her mother who was posing as a phone suicide prevention counselor; her sister, the lesbian comedian; her stereotypical Jewish grandma, who managed to almost get herself arrested and her best friend, the single mother who was writing a rather complex novel. And I must not forget about the gay men, which is almost standard for all her novels. I liked how Ms. Margolis fit in a lot of pop culture and humor, as well. The dialogue was natural and flowed nicely. I liked that it was guided more by conversation than by introspection. I found it a quick page turner, as I wanted to see how things would turn out for Tally and the people around her. It definitely fit the mold of a typical Sue Margolis novel in these ways.

However, this story did stray from Ms. Margolis' norm in one way. After reading all her previous novels, I was expecting at least three really steamy "romantic" scenes that would go on for a couple of pages. This was not to be the case. I had to wait a long time to get to even to one "romantic" scene and it was rather rushed and not as detailed as the ones she has done in the past. (It was still pretty hot though!) I hope she is not straying from her norm of writing these scenes, as I look forward to them as much as I look forward to her entertaining stories overall.

The other concern I had while reading "A Catered Affair" involved a man with Tourette's Syndrome. She wrote it as very comical or possibly satirical. I didn't find myself laughing though, as it seemed over the top and I worried it might offend someone who has (or knows someone who has) Tourette's. There are only a few scenes involving this man and it's such a side story that doesn't even impact the rest of the novel that it could easily be skipped over if one didn't want to read how he had been depicted. Thankfully, she didn't do it in a mean offensive manner (such as over the top swearing), but it still made the man out to be a joke.

Overall, it was an enjoyable novel and I was able to relax and have a few laughs while reading it. Ms. Margolis even addressed another concern of mine that I had presented in a past review, but I won't say what it was as I do not want to spoil the story. Having said that, there was a bit of predictability. Still, she tossed in a few surprises on the side and like with some other romantic stories, I did want the outcome she gave Tally. The predictability is more noticeable if you've read her other novels. Therefore, if you're looking for the "romantic" scenes that have made me blush, you're best off starting with one of Ms. Margolis' other novels. If you want a good story that has all the other elements of fun and enjoyable chick lit, this one should definitely be on your shelf!

More by Sue Margolis:

Book of the day: "Perfect Blend"

In honor of International Chick Lit Month and our one year blogoversary, we're bringing you a book a day (and then some). If you've read the book and want to comment on this post with your thoughts, please do. If you haven't read it yet, we hope you'll take interest in it after hearing our thoughts. To make this fun, anyone who comments on any of these posts has a chance to be entered in a drawing for a special prize. The more posts you comment on, the more chances to win! (See here for contest details.)

"Perfect Blend" by Sue Margolis:
After enduring her share of commitment-phobic boyfriends, Amy Brown trades in her high-powered PR job and designer shoes to embark on the journey of single motherhood. Now, with a rambunctious boy of six and chaotic shifts serving decadent muffins and high-octane brew at a local coffee bar, Amy could use a fix herself—preferably the sexy, smoky-eyed grande type.

No one is more shocked than Amy to discover that Sam Draper is made perfectly to order: hot, sweet, and delicious. There is just one teeny problem. He’s the architect for the neighborhood’s brand-new Bean Machine, her employer’s fiercest rival. Still, Sam is sexy, fun, and really likes Amy’s son, Charlie. Amy can’t resist the steamy passion—or the feeling that Sam is hiding a secret or two. Could there be something rotten in the beans that make up the Machine’s secret blend? Or is it something more personal? Harnessing her untapped yet formidable journalistic skills, Amy blows the lid off a story that will change her life, but will Sam stick around to share it? (Summary courtesy of Random House.)

Melissa A:
A touching and hilarious story from one of my favorite chick lit authors! See my tribute to Ms. Margolis, which features a review of this novel, as well.

Melissa P:
This was the first book of Sue’s that I have read and I thoroughly enjoyed the story as well as her writing style. So many families these days are blended and I like that Sue wasn’t afraid to touch on a subject that is sometimes taboo. Instead of being from a second wife’s or a divorced woman’s point of view, it was from the viewpoint of a mother of a fatherless child.

More by Sue Margolis:

Book Review...oldie, but goodie: Breakfast at Stephanie's

By Melissa Amster


Earlier this year, I wrote about how much I love Sue Margolis' novels. I mentioned how I read all of them except for "Breakfast at Stephanie's" (and the hard-to-find "Sisteria") and that I was planning to check it out soon. I finally got a chance to read it and was not disappointed. It followed Ms. Margolis' story format and was an enjoyable read.

"Breakfast at Stephanie's" is about Stephanie Glassman, a single mother and singer, who works odd jobs to make ends meet for herself and her son. Suddenly, she has two men vying for her attention and a job offer that promises good money but no fame, as well as a moral dilemma. To top it off, she receives conflicting advice from her best friends and her overbearing family. She has to eventually figure out what is best for herself in all areas of her life.

I had fun reading this story, as it was humorous, had characters that were easy to relate to and the sex scenes were written in the classic Sue Margolis style (too bad I don't smoke...). I liked that Stephanie was realistic about what she had to offer as a singer, as well as what she had to do as a mother. She wasn't a diva by any means. She was a good friend to Lizzie, who was experiencing problems in her marriage and Cass, who was constantly on the prowl for a man. She was also patient with her family, as crazy as they tended to be. Her grandmother was hilarious, always sharing too much information about her love life. Her 2 1/2 year old son reminded me of my own son of the same age, but seemed more easy to manage. I also liked that she was Jewish, even though it bothered me that she was eating pork and going after non-Jewish guys, as well as celebrating Christmas. (This is a gripe I have about a lot of Jewish female main characters in a lot of chick lit novels; something I'll get into another time.)

Overall, it was a light and fun read and I'm glad I finally took the time to check it out. It reminded me why I still like Ms. Margolis so much and why I still hope to chat with her one of these days so I can tell her how much I enjoy reading her novels.

Featured author: Sue Margolis (Tribute, Book Review and Giveaway)

By Melissa Amster

I first discovered the joy of a Sue Margolis novel when my friend gave me “Apocalipstick” to read on my honeymoon. It was clever and funny and I couldn’t put it down. After I finished, I craved more of her novels and polished off “Spin Cycle” and “Neurotica” shortly afterward. Since then, I’ve read almost all her novels. For some reason, I managed to miss “Breakfast at Stephanie’s,” but that will be remedied soon…especially if it is anything like her other novels. There's also a novel called "Sisteria" but I haven't been able to find it in the US.

Sue Margolis seems to have a no-fail formula for her books. There’s the down-to-earth female main character, who usually has some sort of interesting career (like the woman who ran an upscale baby goods store, or the woman whose flower shop got picked for a film). Then there are the eccentric secondary characters, which include best friends, co-workers, parents, siblings, etc. There are also a lot of crazy mix-ups and laugh-out-loud moments that come from her characters’ witty dialogue and scenes that would rival the best sitcoms. Usually there’s a Jewish element. In the past, her main character has been Jewish. Lately, that has transferred to secondary characters. The references are still there, but I hope she comes out with another Jewish main character in the future. That’s what drew me to her initially, as well.



Another thing that grabs me about her novels are her catchy titles. Sometimes they're play on words, but they just stand out. My favorite of all her titles is "Original Cyn."

Finally, there’s the love interest. She makes the relationships between her heroines and their love interests so intriguing. There’s the emotional aspect, which makes me think of my first dates with my husband. It includes lots of fun conversation and dates that don’t seem to end. Then there are her trademark “romantic” scenes which leave me blushing every time and wanting a cigarette, even though I don’t smoke. Yes, they’re that hot! (If you think some of the scenes from “Fly Away Home” by Jennifer Weiner were steamy, then you’re in for a real treat with Sue Margolis’ novels.)

While I love Sue Margolis' novels, I've noticed that she doesn't have much of an online presence. She's not on Facebook or Twitter and I've never seen an interview done with her. I contacted Sharon Propson from Random House to inquire about Ms. Margolis' latest novel, "Perfect Blend" and possibly being able to do a giveaway to promote the book. In response, Sharon sent me an advanced copy of "Perfect Blend" to review and promised SIX more to some lucky readers who may or may not already know the joy of reading her books.



"Perfect Blend" has all the elements that make a Sue Margolis novel what it is. There's Amy, the down-to-earth woman who works at a coffee shop, wants to be a journalist and has a young son thanks to the help of a "frozen pop." The eccentric secondary characters are almost too many to name. Brian is her close, platonic male friend and the owner of the coffee shop where she works. He loves "Seinfeld" and takes after the characters by breaking up with girls over minor flaws. There's also her uptight perfectionist sister who finds ways to criticize her at every turn. The Jewish element comes from Zelma, the other lady who works at the coffee shop. She spouts off Yiddish phrases and encourages everyone to eat more. (Usually a bagel and lox will do the trick!) The funny scenes are all over the place and a lot of the laughs come from the children in the story. (Of course, I busted up the first time I heard the word "moobs," which plays an integral part in the story too.) Finally, there is Amy's romantic interest, complete with the perfect first date and some steaming hot scenes throughout. (The part I could relate to initially was that she and her love interest didn't like coffee but loved hot chocolate. When my husband and I started dating, he asked me out for hot chocolate because we weren't coffee people either. So this definitely made me think of our first date!) Of course, no novel is without its share of complications for the main character, and "Perfect Blend" is no exception. It's what keeps the readers on their toes!

I really enjoyed this novel. It was cute, funny, romantic, sexy and even tugged at some emotional strings. There was one part that was predictable, but even that had a twist. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Margolis' work in the future and hope she'll come out of the woodwork someday so that I can learn more about her (and share that knowledge with all chick lit readers). In the meantime, I plan to check out "Breakfast at Stephanie's." Sue Margolis is a clever writer and it's always a treat to read her novels.

Now for your treat....If you would like a chance to read "Perfect Blend," here's how to win a copy:

**Giveaway is now closed**

Please comment below with your e-mail address.
(Please note: Entries without an e-mail address will NOT be counted.)

For additional entries (each as a separate comment including your e-mail address, as well):
1. Please tell us: What is your favorite "first date" story?
2. Thanks to Amy's friend Brian, there were a lot of "Seinfeld" references in this book. What is your favorite episode of "Seinfeld?"
3. Follow this blog and post a comment saying you are a follower (if you already follow, that's fine too).
4. Post this contest on Facebook or Twitter or in your blog, and leave a comment saying where you've posted it.

Open to residents of US and Canada only. Giveaway closes August 17th at 6 pm EST.

Thanks again to Sharon Propson of Random House for the review copy and for facilitating the giveaway!