Around the world with Kitty Pilgrim...plus a book giveaway

Introduction by Kathryn Hamilton

Happy summer everyone! Summer is often a time for traveling and, in this spirit, author Kitty Pilgrim joins us today at CLC to celebrate her sophomore novel and play a little travel themed "This or That." (Which is also helping to lead us into July's theme...) Kitty is a true woman of the world. In her 24 years as a correspondent for CNN, she traveled to numerous countries. Her outstanding work covering issues of politics and economics in these varied regions garnered her well-deserved recognition and accolades in the form of an Overseas Press Club Award, a Peabody Award, and an Emmy. Kitty has also anchored two of her own shows on CNN. With a background like that, it is no wonder that her first novel (The Explorer's Code) was widely praised for its intelligent writing and intriguing story line. Kitty has a style that is fresh for the Chick Lit genre, as she incorporates her knowledge of world issues into her writing and creates strong female characters who defy stereotypes. Her latest novel The Stolen Chalice is unlikely to disappoint and we look forward to reading more from this fascinating author.

Kitty has FIVE copies of The Stolen Chalice for some lucky readers anywhere in the world.

You can learn more about Kitty through her website, Facebook and Twitter.

Plane or Train?
Train. I like to watch the landscape go by. It is so timeless, and the pace is from another era. Think of all the great train mysteries: Murder on the Orient Express, 4:50 From Paddington. (both Agatha Christie) Also every Bond movie has a wonderful train fight scene. Thrilling.

Hotel or Bed and Breakfast?
Hotel. I love the sweep of a marble lobby, a handsome bellboy and the romance of meeting someone in the bar for a champagne cocktail, dressed in a chiffon gown.

Cruise or All inclusive resort?
Cruise. Preferably trans Atlantic. I go on the Queen Mary 2 at least twice a year from New York to England. Last year I spent 6 months on one kind of ship or another through the Greek Islands, Turkey and Italy.

Country or City?
City. I live in New York and could never give it up. Paris, London, Rome. Istanbul. Shanghai. What can compare? However I find myself on expedition quite often – is an archaeological dig considered the “country”?

Eat, Pray, Love or Under the Tuscan Sun?
Eat Pray Love – although I adored both. But I am highly unlikely to spend that much time fixing up a house. I’m more the type to go to roaming from place to place absorbing new cultures.

In a group or by yourself?
By Myself. Some of my greatest moments of peace are contemplating new places solo. Also I live in New York, sometimes a little solitude is needed.

Island or Mainland?
Island.  Some of my favorite places : Malta, England, Rhodes, Santorini, Mykonos. I spend my summers in Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, and much of the winter in the Bahamas Exhuma chain.

US or International?
International The US is home. When I travel I want to experience new cultures, talk to new people and explore. Most of my work as a journalist was on international topics.

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

How to win The Stolen Chalice:
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:
1.Please tell us: What is the most adventurous thing you have ever done?
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.

Worldwide. Giveaway ends July 2nd at midnight EST.

Chick Lit is Not Dead is also doing a giveaway of The Stolen Chalice. (US/Canada. Ends 6/30.)

Girl talk with Gemma Burgess...plus a book giveaway

Introduction by 
Melissa Amster

**Giveaway is now closed**

The last time Gemma Burgess visited with us was in early 2011 to chat about her novel, A Girl Like You. Since that time, she and I have stayed in contact. I have enjoyed hearing what she has been up to, between having her first child and writing a new series about 20-somethings living in New York. The first novel of that series, Brooklyn Girls, will be hitting shelves next week! In honor of this, and her previous novel, we are doing a very girly "This or That." Think of it like a slumber party when you're looking through the latest fashion magazines with your BFFs.

Gemma Burgess has been all over the place. She currently lives in New York City with her Irish husband and their baby who was born in Switzerland. Prior to this, she was born in Australia, grew up in Hong Kong, went to a French International school and was a copywriter in advertising in London. Her new series, Brooklyn Girls, is about a group of friends in their early 20s. When life is so fun, but so hard. When you’re usually crying, broke, hungry, lost, heartbroken and a little drunk. When you figure out not just what you want in life, but how you’re going to get it. The first novel is like the title track of an album, as it is named for the series. Gemma has FIVE signed copies for some lucky readers in the US and/or Canada! If you've been wishing to read her previous novels but couldn't find them in the US, both The Dating Detox and A Girl Like You will be available on Kindle starting in mid-July!

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

Manicure or pedicure?
Pedicure. I can handle bare nails, cut super-short and buffed. But I NEED nice toenails. It's like having clean teeth: I don't feel right without them. I like Essie Sugar Daddy or OPI Black Onyx.

Heels or flats?
I adore heels, but I wear flats. I wore very high dark red Miu Miu heels to get married, then changed into silver sequined Converses for the reception. That pretty much sums me up.

Dangly earrings or posts?
Neither. I am the most boring jewelry person in the world. I only wear engagement and wedding rings.

Retail or thrift?
I loved thrift as a teenager - a pair of hobnailed boots two sizes too big that I wore constantly for years stands out in my memory, and a very nasty army coat that my mother only got off my back by - literally - cutting it off when I was watching TV one day... but these days, retail. Usually online.

Casual or dressy?
Both. Either. All. Everything. I love clothes. I am a girly girl. I am just as happy in the perfect pair of denim shorts as I am in a killer dress.

Makeup or natural look?
Makeup to look natural. I *love* make-up (see: girly girl) and even write about it for magazines sometimes. Current obsessions are NARS Tinted Moisturizer and Edward Bess bronzer. I am constantly searching for the perfect blonde eyebrow pencil.

Hair down or ponytail?
Down the day I wash and blow-dry it, ponytail the day after. I also like messing around with French rolls and chignons but I have a feeling I don't do a great job a lot of the time.

Cosmopolitan or Glamour?
Glamour though I'm more of an Allure, Vogue, Vanity Fair and NYLON girl at heart.

Thanks to Gemma for visiting with us and sharing her book with our readers.

How to win Brooklyn Girls:
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:
1.Please tell us: What do you love most about being a girl? (If you're a guy, what is the most girlish trait you possess?)
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/Canada only. Giveaway ends June 30th at midnight EST.

Dream a little dream with Marci Nault....plus a book giveaway

Introduction by Melissa Amster

**Giveaway is now closed**

What do you do when all your dreams have come true? Go to Disney World, right? (Check.) Travel around Europe by yourself? (Check.) Become a bestselling author? Well, if you're Marci Nault and you've already checked off the first two items on the list, then you might just be on your way to that goal!


Marci Nault is here today to talk about some of the dreams she has made come true for herself, in a "This or That" interview. I asked her some questions based on her list of 101 Dreams and barely even touched upon all the amazing things she has done. If you don't believe me, check the list out for yourself. Have you done anything on this list or do you see one of your personal goals there? Marci has a blog post about each dream she has already accomplished. (Some are linked in her answers below.) I know I can relate to a few items on the list, having done them myself, and am proud to say that I've already completed one of her upcoming items. (Visiting Israel.) She only has 11 more to go, so let's continue to cheer her on toward becoming a bestselling author and having her book made into a movie. (Because she's clearly not going to take credit for the Keanu Reeves time-travel romance flick.)

Marci’s debut novel, The Lake House (Gallery/ Simon & Schuster) was a Chicago Tribune, Cape May Herald, and CBS summer read pick. Originally from Massachusetts, today she can be found figure skating, salsa dancing, hiking and wine tasting around her home in California. Marci is the founder of 101 Dreams Come True, a motivational website that encourages visitors to follow their improbable dreams. Her story about attempting to complete 101 of her biggest dreams has been featured in newspapers and magazines nationwide, and she regularly speaks on the subject on radio stations in both the United States and Canada. She’s also the owner of Elegant Bridal Designs, a couture lingerie, dress, and jewelry store. She can also be found at her website, Facebook and Twitter.

Marci is also here to make your dream of winning a book possibly come true....she has FIVE copies of The Lake House to share with some lucky readers in the US and/or Canada!

Les Misérables or Beauty and the Beast? Les Misérables
The lighted windows on the dark stage created the scene of Paris at night in the 1800’s. The spotlight hit Eponine dressed as a boy. From this tiny woman came a voice so large and sweet all movement or breath from the audience ceased. As Eponine sang, her passion exploded to the rafters and I could feel her love for a man who didn’t return her feelings.
I’d wanted to see Les Misérables when I was in high school, but my parents couldn’t afford the tickets when it came to Boston. When I made my list of "101 Dreams Come True," I decided it was time. I flew solo to London, went to the Queen’s Theater, and sat eleven rows from the stage. I thought I’d be embarrassed to be alone, but I loved having the experience to myself not having to worry about anything but enjoying the show.

Figure skating or Salsa dancing?
I love to salsa dance. There’s something about following my favorite partner’s lead that allows me to get lost in the music and feel free, but figure skating is my passion. The minute I take my first lap on the ice all the stress melts away, thoughts cease to exist, and it feels like flight. Every practice challenges my mind and body. It forces me to overcome fear, to push beyond what I believe I can do, and though my body aches from the hard work, it makes me younger because each year I get better instead of older.

Sky diving or Scuba diving?
I must admit that I’m still afraid to scuba dive, but when I’m under the water with the sound of my breath going in and out of my regulator, surrounded by bright coral and fish, it’s almost meditative. There’s so much to explore and see, so no matter how afraid, I’ll keep trying to overcome my fear to be able to be a part of this beautiful world.

I loved sky diving, but it was over too fast.

London or Paris?
This one is tough! I love both cities for different reasons, but I have to pick Paris. The Impressionists are my favorite artists, and to spend hours in Musée d’Orsay standing in front of some of the greatest masterpieces on earth is a spiritual experience for me. Plus, Paris has better food than London. Then there’s the architecture, the shopping, the beautiful men who walked me along the Seine at night. The memories are making me long to hop on a plane and return.

Hang gliding or surfing?
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but surfing. I loved hang gliding. Soaring on the wind currents in the Canadian Rockies like a bird was a phenomenal experience, but surfing actually feels a little like flying too. I’m ridiculously horrible at surfing. I fall off my big foam board more than I stand up, but it’s an incredible rush when I catch a wave and feel the ocean race me towards the shore.

Disney World or Sleep in a Palace?
I’ve never had more fun than going to Disney with my family. For an entire week I was a kid again, but with that said, I have to choose sleeping in a palace. Every little girl dreams of being a princess, and for one week I stayed in a room decorated with frescoes in a small village in Italy. I drank wine, ate decadent food, traveled to ancient towns, and met wonderful new friends. The experience actually made it into The Lake House.

Sparkly shoes or beautiful jewelry?
I’m crazy over shoes no matter how much they hurt my feet after a long night of dancing.

Flying an airplane or riding in a race car?
The view is better from an airplane, but the flying was rather boring. The plane does most of the work, and I simply guided it where I wanted to go. The race car had my heart racing, even though I was just a passenger. The G’s that were pulled around corners while other cars were trying to pass made my heart pound. So I have to choose race car.

Thanks to Marci for sharing her dreams with us and her book with our readers.

How to win The Lake House:
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:
1.Please tell us: What is a dream that you made come true for yourself or for someone else?
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/Canada only. Giveaway ends June 25th at midnight EST.

Lydia Laceby does it by the book and has a novel to give away

Introduction by
Melissa Amster

**Giveaway is now closed**

Back in the spring of 2010, before Chick Lit Central was even established as a blog, I won my first book giveaway. The prize was The Brightest Star in the Sky by Marian Keyes. The person giving out this prize was Lydia Laceby, owner of Novel Escapes. (Oddly enough, there's a character named Lydia in the book who has become one of my favorites from a Marian Keyes novel.) After I had won the prize, we stayed in touch via e-mail and she helped me feel better about CLC not gathering enough interest in the beginning. She gave me tips on how to build an audience and told me about a website where I could mention my giveaways. Little did I know, she was writing her own novel, and it has now been published. And of course, it's chick lit! Naturally, I reached out to her as soon as I found out about her book, as I knew I just HAD to feature her at CLC.

Lydia's debut novel, Redesigning Rose, is about a woman who has to rebuild her life after finding out that her husband was lying to her. Thanks to the help of a newfound friend, she discovers new truths about herself.

All I know so far is that if Samantha Stroh Bailey loved Lydia's novel, then it's bound to be a hit!

Since Lydia and I met because of our love for books, I felt it was only fitting to theme her "This or That" questions around the topic of books and reading! And not only does she give away books at her own blog, but she's also sharing TWO signed paperbacks of Redesigning Rose with some lucky readers in the US, Canada and/or UK.

When Lydia isn't reading or writing (or writing about reading), she knits cute baby hats, would pick cheese over chocolate–if she had to choose–and regularly cheats on her allergy free diet. You can find Lydia at her website (where there's also a sneak peek of chapter one), Facebook and Twitter.

E-reader or Printed?
E-reader! Not only do I read on my commute to work, but I cart a book around in my purse whenever I leave the house. Since acquiring my e-reader, I'm thrilled I no longer fund my chiropractor’s annual vacations by traipsing around with an extra book in my bag whenever I think I might finish the one I'm reading. And not only that, but sometimes the second book I selected isn't quite what I feel like reading and with my e-reader I always have plenty of options.

Babysitters Club or Sweet Valley High?
Sweet Valley High! I have no words for how much I loved that series!

At a crowded event or in a coffeeshop?
A coffee shop is my thing. I’m not a huge fan of crowds and love a more quiet atmosphere – maybe because it's much more conducive to reading.

Get from the library or buy from the store?
I heart buying books from the store so I can give them a permanent home on my shelves.

Mystery or Fantasy?
Mystery – unless it’s Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones. Before I latched onto chick lit, I read mostly mystery or thrillers, particularly Stephen King, Dean Koontz, James Patterson, Jeffrey Deaver, and Patricia Cornwall.

Curious George or Clifford?
Curious George. I've always been pretty curious, and ever since I began writing in earnest my wondering about the world has quadrupled. In addition to asking "what if" about almost every situation I encounter, see, or imagine, I also ask why. Why? Why? Why? My poor husband.

Keep on shelves or give away?
I generally keep all the books I love and pass on or donate the ones I know I will never re-read. Sometimes I'll lend out a great one as long as I know it will boomerang right back. Shortly after Novel Escapes was born, we found we just couldn't keep all the books we received and began offering them away as giveaways in the hopes of stirring up more of an audience. (Fun Fact: Melissa Amster was one of our first winners!)

Book club or read on your own?
Reading on my own seems to be my way these days. Every book club I ever belonged to only talked about the book for all of five minutes before the gossip began. It’s not that I didn't enjoy the chit chat, but I found I’d rather hang out with friends without the pressure to read something on a deadline, which I now do constantly with Novel Escapes.

Thanks to Lydia for sharing her love of books with us and her debut novel with our readers.

How to win Redesigning Rose:
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:
1.Please tell us: Do you prefer an e-reader or a printed book?
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/Canada/UK only. Giveaway ends June 23rd at midnight EST.

Having a great "time" with Claire Cook...plus a book giveaway

Introduction by Kathryn Hamilton

**Giveaway is now closed**

A chick lit icon is hanging out with us today at CLC. Welcome Claire Cook and wish her a happy pub day, as she celebrates the release of her latest novel, which is a June Indie Next pick, as well as a summer book pick for Working Mother Magazine, Deep South Magazine and GoLocalProvidence. In honor of the title, she's playing a little "time" themed "This or That" game with us! What can we say about Claire Cook that hasn’t already been said? She is one of the most recognizable and renowned authors in the chick lit genre and continues to write novels that speak to her readers on many levels. Claire has come a long way since writing her first novel in her minivan at age 45. Her longevity and loyal fan base is a testament to her storytelling ability. Time Flies is her 10th novel and we look forward to another ten!

You can find out more about Claire is up to via her website, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.

Thanks to Simon and Schuster, we have FIVE copies of Time Flies for some lucky readers in the US.

Sunrise or Sunset?
I wrote my first novel in my minivan at 5:00 AM in the parking lot outside my daughter's swim practice, and morning is still that magical time for me, when you can make all your dreams come true. I'm at my most creative as the sun is coming up, and done for the day by sunset.

Clocks: Digital or Analog?
Time flies either way, so either one is fine with me!

Time travel: Past or future?
The future. I can imagine it so clearly that I sometimes forget it's not here yet!

Nostalgia: 70s or 80s?
I love them both. All that great music, not to mention the bad hair and makeup. I had so much fun strolling down memory lane while writing Time Flies, and my iPhone is still blasting everything from "Stairway to Heaven" to "Nights in White Satin" to "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun."

"Time After Time" or "If I Could Turn Back Time?"
I've got Cyndi Lauper's voice stuck in my head just from reading the question, so I guess I'd have to say "Time After Time." The concept of turning back time doesn't really interest me. I'd rather see what's around the next corner!

Early to bed or early to rise?
Both! Or neither!

"A Stitch in time saves nine" or "An inch of time cannot be bought with an inch of gold"?
You just gave me a math headache! I guess I would say time is precious but not for squandering. Live your life! Make mistakes! Have fun!

Spring forward or fall back?
Spring forward. Always and forever.

Thanks to Claire for being so generous with her time and to Simon and Schuster for sharing her book with our readers.

How to win Time Flies:
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:
1.Please tell us: What is one way you "measure a year?" (Think of "Seasons of Love" from RENT.)
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 June 16th at midnight EST.

Nicola May schools us and has a book to give away

Introduction by 
Melissa Amster

**Giveaway is now closed**

The last time Nicola May was here for a visit, she was sharing Working it Out with us. We're glad to have her back to share its sequel, The Bow Wow Club, which is her latest novel (published in May...perfect month or what?!?). And no, it's not about dogs. (Sorry, dog lovers!) However, it is a sweet and sensitive story about grief and giving love another chance. (And, of course, there are some of her trademark steamy moments.) I enjoyed it and will share more about why in an upcoming review.

Nicola lives in Ascot in Berkshire (that's in the UK for those of you who are geographically challenged like yours truly). Her hobbies include watching films that involve a lot of swooning, crabbing in South Devon, eating flapjacks and enjoying a flutter on the horses. Her inspirations are her favorite authors, Milly Johnson and Carole Matthews.

Since Nicola's previous novel is titled The School Gates, we decided to theme our "This or That" questions around the topic of school. Don't let this confuse you because she's sharing TWO signed paperback copies of The Bow Wow Club with some lucky readers anywhere in the world!

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

Elementary school or High school?
Primary school in the UK was 5-11 year's old. Preferred as it was mostly play time!

Exams or term papers?
Eek, neither. Who likes exams?

Hot lunch or bag lunch?
A bag lunch is called a packed lunch in UK - loved the surprise of what my mum had put in there!

Popular kids or geeks?
Always geeks, far more interesting

Gym or Art?
Gym, I was in the school hockey team

Bus or car? (Or walk, if that applies?)
Bus, I always made sure I was one of the cool kids on the back seat

Math or science?
Yuk! Neither. I was always an English & Languages fan

    

University or local college?
Local college

Thanks to Nicola for visiting with us and sharing The Bow Wow Club with our readers.

How to win The Bow Wow Club:
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:
1.Since the school year is almost over, please tell us: What is the most memorable yearbook message you ever received?
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.

Worldwide. Giveaway ends June 11th at midnight EST.

Fun in the sun with Meg Donohue...plus a book giveaway

Photo by Sarah Deragon

**Giveaway is now closed**

It's June and the heat is on! Time to put on your swimsuits, lather on some sunscreen, and lay out on the beach with what is proving to be a hot summer read...Meg Donohue's latest novel, All the Summer Girls (reviewed here). She's here today to answer some fun questions about the hottest season of the year in a new interview format we are doing called "This or That." (She's the first to do an interview this way, so give her a round of applause for her fun responses!)

Meg Donohue is the bestselling author of All the Summer Girls and How to Eat a Cupcake, the latter of which was translated into Dutch, German, Italian, and Polish. She has an MFA from Columbia University and a BA from Dartmouth College. Born and raised in Philadelphia, she now lives San Francisco with her husband and two young daughters. Both of her books combine chick lit, a bit of mystery and depth.

Visit Meg at her website and on Facebook and Twitter.

Thanks to HarperCollins, we have one copy of All the Summer Girls for a lucky US reader!

Pool or ocean?
Ocean, of course! One of my favorite summer pastimes is settling into a beach chair in the shallow water and reading while the ocean ebbs and flows around my feet.

Ice cream or frozen yogurt?
I'm a FroYo girl. Preferably with some chocolate or caramel candy mixed in.

Carnival or amusement park?
I think there's something surprisingly romantic about carnivals, though I'll admit I often wonder about how diligently those traveling rides are checked for safety. (Can you tell I'm a mom?)

Kayaking or canoeing?
I really love both of these, but I haven't canoed in at least a decade. I kayak every summer in the bay in Avalon, New Jersey, sticking mostly to the narrow channels that cut through the wetlands. It's so peaceful!

Mountain biking or hiking?
Hiking. With young kids, I hike less than I'd like these days, but my husband and I used to take "urban hikes" with our dog through San Francisco's many parks almost every weekend.

Surfing or water skiing?
Surfing, because there's always the option to just sit on your board and bob up and down on the waves, and you can still call it exercise!

All inclusive resort one week vacation or a seven night cruise?
I am one of those people who finds the idea of a cruise a bit claustrophobic...but an inclusive resort? Heaven!

Watermelon martini or Blackberry Sangria?
I'm a sucker for watermelon drinks, and there is something so elegant and festive about a martini glass, so I'll happily accept a watermelon martini! Cheers!

Thanks to Meg for putting us in a summer mood and to HarperCollins for sharing her book with our readers.


How to win All the Summer Girls:
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:
1.Please tell us: What is your favorite way to kick off the summer?
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 June 10th at midnight EST.