Winner of "The Transformation of Things"

To pick the winner, we assigned a number to each entry and asked Jillian Cantor to pick the winning number. Here was her response:

"Thanks to everyone who entered! I loved reading all your comments! I picked the number 25, since I wrote about things I'm thankful for and Thanksgiving this year falls on the 25th."

Congrats to Karen K!

Thanks again to everyone for participating and to Jillian for her "thankful" list and providing the book to give away.

We have a new giveaway coming tomorrow, so stay tuned!

Book Review: The Transformation of Things

By Melissa Amster


I had been interested in reading "The Transformation of Things" ever since I heard about it from Jillian Cantor and started reading her blog. The story sounded like something Allison Winn Scotch would come up with. Real life with a surreal twist.

Jennifer Leavenworth is the wife of a judge who is indicted for bribery. Soon, her social life begins to crumble as a result and she and her husband try to find their way back to where they started, when they first fell in love. Adding to the mix of confusion and stress in her life are judgmental family members, friends with dark secrets and the strange dreams Jennifer has been having about the private thoughts of those she cares about. As a result, she has an intense personal dream that changes the way she sees life altogether.

As soon as I started reading this novel, I became immediately drawn in to the story by Ms. Cantor's easygoing prose and a character I was able to relate to in several ways (and not only because she was Jewish). As I read on, the story became impossible to put down, as I wanted to know what Jennifer's dreams meant and what was in store for her marriage and the people she was dreaming about. This novel is very engaging overall and it takes the reader on a journey that will make them think about the way they view their own life. It's a story that grabs and doesn't let go after it is finished. I really have no criticisms, as I liked everything about it. All I could say when I was finished was "wow." I don't want to elaborate more as to not spoil anything. I do want to recommend it to anyone who wants something more than just a story about marriage in a wealthy suburb in the 21st century. "The Transformation of Things" definitely goes beyond all boundaries, leaving the reader transformed as much as the characters. And the story does have an Allison Winn Scotch feel to it (which is good because I like her novels), while being original in its own right.

Book Review: The Love Goddess' Cooking School

By Melissa Amster


I have to admit that "The Love Goddess' Cooking School" was the first book by Melissa Senate I've read since "See Jane Date" (back in 2002), which I loved. I have her other books but haven't had a chance to read them yet. I don't think anything was keeping me from reading them, but now that I've finished this book, I definitely will be reading more from Ms. Senate.

"The Love Goddess' Cooking School" is about Holly, a woman who loses a serious relationship, gets fired from her job and is kicked out of her apartment within a short period of time. She flies across the country, back to her grandmother's home and cooking school in Maine. Her grandmother passes away shortly afterward, leaving her home and cooking school in Holly's care. However, Holly doesn't know how to cook the way her grandmother did. It doesn't help that her grandmother was a fortune teller, a skill that Holly does not possess, which also set a reputation for her with the townsfolk and Holly's own mother. With the help of some new friends, Holly learns how to navigate the world of cooking, teaching and even love in this heartfelt and romantic story.

This novel flowed beautifully with a strong female voice, sympathetic characters, delicious sounding food (except for sa cordula, of course) and breathtaking descriptions of an island in Maine. I loved everything about it and had a difficult time putting it down. I stayed up last night just so I could finish the rest of it in one sitting. There was a sensitive topic that was tackled during the story, which was hard to read about as a mother. However, Ms. Senate handled it gracefully and made it more comfortable for the reader to handle. (Seeing that she's a mother too, I couldn't even imagine her doing it any other way.) The dialogue was natural and realistic throughout the story and each character was portrayed vividly, making them even more dynamic and interesting.

The only criticism I have is that Ms. Senate's editors weren't careful before letting this go to print. I found some spelling and grammatical errors scattered throughout the story. (If she needs an extra set of eyes in the future, I'd be glad to help.) This did not detract from my enjoyment of a truly wonderful story that I hope everyone gets the chance to read.

Winning Wednesday--November 3rd

I will only be posting giveaways on this blog from now on. If you have a giveaway that ends before Wednesday of a given week, please feel free to post it at Chick Lit Central on Facebook. You're also welcome to contact me about any giveaways you would like to have listed. (Chick Lit only, please, unless it is for a gift card or book related device.)
Finally, I am no longer going to seek out contests to post. If they happen to show up in my Facebook or Twitter news feed or on my blog reader, I'll be sure to post them. If you think I won't see your contest, please send it to me so I can include it in this blog.
Thank you!

New giveaways:

Brand new!
"What I Thought I Knew" by Alice Eve Cohen
The Book Chick
US/Canada only, No PO Boxes
Ends November 24th

Also new!
Win "Nanny Returns" and some other fun prizes from Emma and Nicola
Ends Friday at midnight EST.

Sarah Pekkanen is also giving away a copy of "Nanny Returns" on her Facebook page.
Ends sometime on Friday.

"Diary of a Beverly Hills Matchmaker" by Marla Martenson
Twirlit
US only
Ends November 10th

"The Transformation of Things" by Jillian Cantor
Chick Lit Central
US/Canada only
Ends November 8th at 6 pm EST

From Melissa Senate (on Facebook): If you read and review (positively OR negatively) "THE LOVE GODDESS' COOKING SCHOOL" on Amazon and Goodreads (if you're a member), you will automatically be entered in my contest for one reviewer to win all 10 of my novels and a little gift from Maine.
Ends November 30th

"Halloween Fun and Games" Giveaway
Jane Porter
Ends Thursday night

Win "Falling Home" by Karen White from:

* The Book Chick
US/Canada only
Ends November 17th


* Redlady's Reading Room
US/Canada only
Ends November 14th

"The Love Goddess' Cooking School" by Melissa Senate
Readaholic
US Only
Ends November 7th

"Moonlight in Odessa" by Janet Skeslien Charles
The Write Stuff
Ends November 7th

"Perfection" by Julie Metz
A Bookworm's World
US/Canada only
Ends November 21st at 6 pm EST.

"Dating Mr. December" by Phillipa Ashley
Luxury Reading
US/Canada only
Ends November 20th at midnight EST

Previously posted (still going on):

"Safe Haven" by Nicholas Sparks
Readaholic
US/Canada only. No PO Boxes.
Ends today

"The Lies We Told" by Diane Chamberlain
4 the Luv of Sanity
Ends Friday

Oberon Doll's Pram and signed copy of "Mini Shopaholic" by Sophie Kinsella
Silver Cross
UK Only
Ends November 8th at midnight GMT

Congrats to The Book Chick for getting 250 followers to her blog! She's having a special giveaway to celebrate! See her blog for details. (Deadline: Tonight at midnight EST)

Chick Lit is Not Dead invites you to Play Nooky with Liz and Lisa. (Deadline unknown)

Winners of "Simply Irresistible"

To find the winners, we assigned a number to each entry and asked Jill Shalvis to pick the winning numbers.

I used random.org, lol. #54, 14, and 32.

Hello to you all, and thanks so much for participating and commenting! Happy Reading! Best, Jill Shalvis

Congrats to Estrella05azul, Sarah and Jeryl!

Thanks again to everyone for participating and to Jill for the interview and giveaway!

Don't forget to enter our latest giveaway:
"The Transformation of Things" by Jillian Cantor
US/Canada only
Ends November 8th at 6 pm EST

Jillian Cantor is thankful...and she has a book to give away!

**Giveaway is now closed**


Jillian Cantor was born and raised in suburban Philadelphia and now lives in Arizona with her husband, two kids and four cats. She is the author of two young adult novels, as well as her first adult novel, "The Transformation of Things," which is now being sold in book stores. She also has a blog, in which she focuses on being positive and optimistic, even during challenging times.
Since Thanksgiving is right around the corner, we've decided to ask Jillian for what she is most thankful. We found her list to be very candid and entertaining and we hope you will agree once you read it too. She also has one signed copy of "The Transformation of Things" to give away to a lucky reader in the US or Canada.

1. My family: I feel so thankful for each one of my family members individually that they each deserve their own spot on this list. (But that also feels like cheating!). I know I’m incredibly lucky to have an amazing husband who is also my best friend, two sweet little boys, parents who always encouraged me to follow my dreams, and a sister who subjected me to years of torture as a kid (and thus good writing material now) but who has grown into one of my best friends.
2. The Internet: I live across the country from my extended family and a lot of my friends, so I am always thankful for things like e-mail, Facebook, and Flip video sharing which make it easy to keep in touch.
3. My laptop: Since I’m a writer, this one probably requires no explanation! But I used to only have a desktop, and I didn’t realize how freeing it was to be able to write anywhere, until I got my laptop about six months ago. Also, this makes it a lot easier to get work done/check e-mail while simultaneously doing things like making school lunches and doing laundry.
4. My agent: I am eternally thankful for my agent, Jessica Regel. Writing is such a tenuous and sometimes scary profession, that I am always so thankful to have her in my corner. Also, because she reads endless drafts of my work, replies to my endless e-mails, and always, always is super positive and brilliant in the process. Did I mention she’s awesome?
5. My cats: I’ve got four of them, so go ahead and call me a crazy cat lady! But I get lonely when I go away and don’t have anyone to curl up on my lap at night. Plus, they always keep me entertained with their endless mischief.
6. Books: This should probably also go without saying, but I feel I need to say it anyway. I’m thankful for books that gave me countless hours of entertainment as a child (and adult), and for always inspiring me to want to write.
7. Trader Joe's: I’m obsessed. When my husband and I were discussing cities we might want to move, my requirement was that there must be a Trader Joes nearby. They have the best food, and even their Fearless Flyer is entertaining to read!

Special thanks to Jillian Cantor for sharing her "thankful list" and offering the book for our giveaway.


How to win "The Transformation of Things":
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 if you can receive messages there.)

1. Please tell us: If you had to move to a new town, what store or restaurant (or any other favorite hangout) would be a requirement in order for you to want to live there?
2. Please tell us: What keeps you positive or optimistic during times of stress?
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.
5. Join Chick Lit Central on Facebook. (If you're already a member, let us know that too.)

US/Canada only. Giveaway ends Monday, November 8th, at 6 pm EST.

Don't forget to check out Jillian Cantors's bucket list at Chick Lit is Not Dead, as well.

Book Review: A Vintage Affair

By Melissa Amster

When I first received and read a summary of "A Vintage Affair," I didn't know if it was a story that would interest me. Maybe I was just distracted at the time because I picked it up again last week and it sounded incredibly interesting. As soon as I opened the book, I was completely drawn in to the world of Phoebe Swift and all the people who became a part of her life.

After working auctions for Sotheby's, Phoebe Swift decides to open her own vintage clothing shop following a tragic incident with her best friend. In doing so, she inadvertently makes good things happen for the people who come into her store and buy the clothing. She also meets an elderly woman with a story that affects her deeply. To top things off, she even has two suitors vying for her affections.

With "A Vintage Affair," Isabel Wolff has written a beautiful and touching story. I fell in love with it after a couple of chapters and was recommending it to my friends and fellow chick lit lovers early on, not knowing that it would get even better. It reminded me of "Winter Garden" (by Kristin Hannah) in a way, which is a good thing, but it also had its own life outside of the historical references and flashbacks to the past. I have only one completely minor criticism, which is that Ms. Wolff should translate any statements made in a foreign language, as I felt I was missing out on bits and pieces of the story by not knowing French. However, the way the French was incorporated in the story added to its overall genuine feel and didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants a wonderful and memorable novel to read and I look forward to reading other novels from Ms. Wolff in the future.