Book Review: When Adam Met Evie

By Sara Steven

When former Olympic Swimmer, Michael Adams—now reluctantly Canada’s hottest reality TV star— insults his fake showbiz wife on social media, he escapes the ensuing scandal and jumps on the first flight to Australia. Desperate to experience ordinary life again—if only for a few weeks—he becomes “Adam”, just another tourist traveling through the Outback. But with a reward out for his safe return and his fame’s nasty habit of catching up with him when he least expects, he needs a disguise… and he’s just found it.

Sweet and scruffy British backpacker, Evie Blake, is taking a year out of her busy London life. Tired of lies and liars, she’s looking for adventure to heal her broken heart. So when the hot Canadian she meets at the campground offers to be her travel partner through Western Australia’s wild Kimberley region, she grabs the chance, unaware he’s got the world out looking for him. (Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads)

This was the perfect debut novel from Guilia Skye. Right from the get go, I fell right in step with “Adam” and his quest in trying to escape his life, instantly endearing me to his character and what he’s trying to achieve. And when he runs into Evie? That scene went down as one of the most cringe-worthy (in a good way) scenarios I’ve ever encountered, but it set the tone for the way both characters relate and identify with one another. It was with a definite bang!

When the pair are on the road, or making multiple stops along the way, it gave the reader an in-depth look into their personalities and backstories. We also got to witness majestic scenery, wild and brazen, like many of the scenes that occur between Adam and Evie, and it was all very much appreciated! Hot and steamy, just like the Australian landscape.

Paradise is tainted with much of the baggage that Adam carries along with him, and I could feel the frustration for him, and for Evie. I understood Adam’s need for anonymity, yet on the other hand I’d wanted him to live the life he really wants to live, regardless of the repercussions. That showed real character evolvement, in witnessing his need to grow up some and really decide on what (and who) is most important to him.

There were many moments that dealt with tipping scales and figuring out what’s right, for the person involved. This happened for both Adam and for Evie, and it was nice to see that as When Adam and Evie progresses. And while I’m not the one who ordinarily casts celebrities in the roles of the characters in a book, I couldn’t help but picture Michael Phelps for Adam, and Emma Watson as Evie. I thought the premise was unique and refreshing throughout, and well worth the five stars I’ve given it!

Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for the book in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase Links:
Amazon UK
Amazon US

Italian-born Giulia Skye spent her childhood watching classic Hollywood films and thinking up her own romantic stories. After two decades working in TV production, she knew turning those stories into novels would be much more enjoyable - and far cheaper – than turning them into films. She still keeps her hand in TV production but is at her happiest being a stay-at-home mum, spending time with her family, growing her own vegetables and conjuring up sizzling stories about sexy heroes meeting fiesty heroines who aren’t always as they at first appear. When Adam Met Evie is her first novel, Book 1 of her “Take a Holiday” series.

Visit Giulia at her website and on Twitter and Instagram.


Visit all the stops on the blog tour:

What's in the mail

Melissa A:
The Borgia Confessions by Alyssa Palombo from St. Martin's Press
Not That Kind of Guy by Andie J. Christopher from Berkley (e-book via NetGalley)
The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles from Atria (e-book via NetGalley)
Perfect Happiness by Kristyn Kusek Lewis from HarperCollins (e-book via NetGalley)
If You Must Know by Jamie Beck from Montlake Romance (e-book via NetGalley)
Side Trip by/from Kerry Lonsdale (e-book via NetGalley)

Think I Wanna Marry You by/from Piper Lennox (e-book)
The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa from Avon (e-book via NetGalley)
Beach Read by Emily Henry from Berkley (e-book via NetGalley)
Where We Belong by Shann McPherson from HarperCollins (e-book via NetGalley)
The Light After the War by Anita Abriel from Atria (e-book via NetGalley)
The Heirloom Garden by Viola Shipman from Graydon House
The Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis from Kathleen Carter Communications

Cleo McDougal Regrets Nothing by Allison Winn Scotch from Lake Union (e-book via NetGalley)
The Shape of Family by Shilpi Somaya Gowda from William Morrow (e-book via NetGalley)
I Know How This Ends by/from Amy Impellizzeri (e-book)
How to Save a Life by/from Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke (e-book via NetGalley)
She's Faking It by Kristin Rockaway from Graydon House

Sara:
From Thailand With Love by Camilla Isley from Rachel's Random Resources (e-book)
Mom Genes by/from Hilary Grossman (e-book)

Jami and Melissa A:
Grown-Up Pose by Sonya Lalli from Berkley (e-book via NetGalley)

Jami:
Safe House by Jo Jakeman from Berkley (e-book via NetGalley)
Little Wonders by Kate Rorick from William Morrow (e-book)

Book Review: A Dozen Second Chances

By Sara Steven

Seventeen years ago, Eve Roberts had the wonderful life she’d always dreamed of: a degree in archaeology, a gorgeous boyfriend, and exciting plans to travel the world with him, working on digs. But when her sister Faye died, the life Eve knew ended too. Faye’s daughter Caitlyn came to live with Eve, her boyfriend left, and she quickly gave up on her dreams.

Now approaching her fortieth birthday, Eve faces the prospect of an empty nest as Caitlyn is leaving home. Caitlyn gives Eve a set of twelve ‘Be Kind to Yourself’ vouchers, telling her that she has to start living for herself again, and that she should fill one in every time she does something to treat herself.

With her very first voucher, Eve’s life will change its course. But with eleven more vouchers to go, can Eve learn to put herself first and follow the dreams she’s kept secret for so long? Because life is for living – and as she well knows, it’s too short to waste even a moment… (Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads)

There were a few plot lines blended into and all around A Dozen Second Chances; Eve and the demons she faces where her family is concerned, Eve and her need to settle for mediocre in order to put everyone else in her life first, Eve and the pain she still experiences when dealing with former relationships. It made for a very flawed character, yet a likable one, and the type of person we can all relate to, given our own familial experiences and potential heartaches. The vouchers Eve receives become a catalyst in digging Eve out of the rut she’s been in for years, a simple gesture, but one that spoke volumes.

I felt I could identify with Eve on a very basic level. As a mother and wife, I strive to do all I can for my family, and while I appreciate having that opportunity and enjoy my life, there have been times where I feel as though my own needs are put on the back burner. This is by my own doing, given the various ways I could change the situation in order to feel as though I’m more of a priority in my own world, and it is that same experience Eve goes through in taking care of Caitlyn, or in choosing a job that doesn’t fulfill her but checks a box to ensure her employment. It’s not that she doesn’t want to change, it’s that she’s worried on what it will do to those around her.

There are layers to Eve, reasons she’s the way she is, and those layers are peeled back like an onion. At times, not even she recognizes what the issues are, so the reader gets to discover that right along with her. It takes her a long time to figure it all out, but it seemed more than fitting for the type of person Eve is, given the gigantic cement wall she’s built up to block out so many things. Along the way we’re met with fun characters, like Eve’s grandmother, providing a much-needed lightheartedness to some serious topics. A Dozen Second Chances was an evolution of character, making me wish for my own vouchers so I’d feel a kick in the pants to make some changes in my own life.

Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for the book in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase Links:
Amazon US * Amazon UK

Kate Field writes contemporary women’s fiction, mainly set in her favourite county of Lancashire where she lives on the edge of the moors with her husband, daughter and cat. Her debut novel won the Romantic Novelists’ Association Joan Hessayon Award for new writers. Visit Kate on Facebook and Twitter.





Visit the other stops on the blog tour:

Peggy Lampman's latest gem....plus a book giveaway

We're so glad to have Peggy Lampman back at CLC today. Her latest novel, The Ruby of the Sea, recently published and it sounds so interesting. Peggy has one signed copy to give away!

Peggy Lampman’s passion is writing women's fiction, which uses contemporary themes as a means to break down familial and cultural barriers. Her novels, THE PROMISE KITCHEN, THE WELCOME HOME DINER and THE RUBY OF THE SEA, reflect this fascination. She grew up in Alabama and planted roots in her college town of Ann Arbor, Michigan where she owned a specialty food store and wrote a food column for THE ANN ARBOR NEWS and MLIVE. She is currently writing her fourth book. (Bio courtesy of Peggy's website.)

From Peggy: Thanks for inviting me to share my thoughts on Chick Lit Central. I love connecting with my readers. You can find me &/or my books here:
Website * Blog * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram

Synopsis:
Lush with devastating secrets, lies, romance and psychological drama..."You tell me about a family without a certain amount of dysfunction, and I'll tell you that family is lying."

After aimlessly traveling the country for fifteen years, Linnea Chandler returns to her hometown of Key West, Florida keeping the genesis of a life-altering phobia to herself--not a good idea, as she comes to find out. The 19th Century lighthouse that she, her parents and two sisters call home also has a troubled past, carrying the frightening myth that eerily mirrors the mystery of her younger sister today. Should Linnea run while she can?

The women must decide to what extremes they are willing to go to protect their secrets. Ignore the brutality behind the retrieval of spoils from a fatal shipwreck in 1857? Defy a 2017 hurricane threatening to pummel their town? And when their world is upended, do the women have the strength to move forward? (Courtesy of Amazon.)

What is a favorite compliment you have received on your writing?
At this writing, I’m reading Goodreads reviews generated from the advances sent out on THE RUBY OF THE SEA. I note the phrase “deeply emotional read” keeps popping up. I, myself, love “deeply emotional reads”, so at this moment in time, that’s a favorite compliment.

In general, I enjoy readers telling me they can identify with (and love) my very imperfect characters––flaws and all!

What was the inspiration behind The Ruby of the Sea?
Since childhood, Key West, Florida has always been a favorite vacation spot of mine. If it weren’t for my husband, Richard, who insisted we explore the town’s kitschy, tourist side, my imagination would never have been sparked to envision The Maiden Tower, Rossalea, and her history. Although this book is set in contemporary times, a historical sub-plot does weave through the narrative.

Like so many people, I’ve experienced the fallout of undiagnosed mental illness with friends whose story needed to be told. Why not create a character with a sobering story such as this, set in a town filled with color and light? The seeds of a plot began to germinate, culminating in THE RUBY OF THE SEA.

If The Ruby of the Sea were made into a movie, what are some songs that would be on the soundtrack?
Songs from Madonna’s Ray of Light would be on the soundtrack, as they illuminate the souls of the three sisters in THE RUBY OF THE SEA. (Esp. “Drowned World”, “Swim”, “Ray of Light”, “Little Star” and “Mer Girl”.) I’d also toss in some Cuban retro disco From Gloria Estafan, like “Turn the Beat Around”, as the story is spiced with a couple of Cuban characters.

What do you like most about Valentine's Day?
What’s not to like about a holiday based on the concept of love and whimsy? It enlivens my stark, white Michigan landscape with charming little pink and read hearts sprinkled everywhere.

As well, I enjoy staging a romantic dinner with my husband. I owned a specialty food store for 20 years before writing a food column for our local paper. We made a big deal out of Valentine’s Day, selling whimsical take-away dinners for two. If you’re looking for inspiration, here’s a link to well-tested romantic recipes that you’ll find on my dinnerFeed blog.

Note: Mark your calendars for an AMAZING Valentine’s Day giveaway. If you’re not a member of the Blue Sky Book Chat, you might want to reconsider. I’m one of the host authors, and from Feb. 11 to Feb. 14th, we’ll be giving away a $100 gift certificate to your favorite restaurant, a box of chocolates and the book, LOVE LETTERS FROM GREAT MEN.

What is a favorite experience of yours from the past decade?
Hands down, the most fascinating experience I’ve had this decade was three years back when travelling in China and Tibet with my husband. The People’s Republic of China claim Tibet to be a part of China. Tibet asserts itself to be an independent state unlawfully occupied.

Although they share the same East Asia location and official government, the communist ideology and nonreligious attitude embraced by the people we met in China was in startling contrast to those we encountered in Tibet. Tibetans very public reverence to Buddha was displayed ubiquitously in the streets and temples in a pervasive hum of chanting and prayers.

That trip was certainly fascinating. But my FAVORITE experience was two years ago, Feb. 20, 2018, when my daughter placed my first grandchild into my arms :)

What TV series are you currently binge watching?
What was life before Netflix and Amazon? Having torn through Big Little Lies, This is Us, and Shameless, I’m on my B list now, currently watching Peeky Blinders.

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

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here. 

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Giveaway ends February 11th at midnight EST.

Rachel Levy Lesser's stylish ways...plus a book giveaway

We're pleased to welcome Rachel Levy Lesser to CLC today. Her memoir, Life's Accessories, published this past fall and we're excited to check it out. Rachel has THREE copies for some lucky readers!

Rachel Levy Lesser is the author of Who's Going to Watch My Kids?, My Name is Rebecca Romm, and Shopping for Love. Her articles and essays have appeared in various outlets including The Huffington Post, Glamour.com, Parenting.com, Kveller, Modern Loss, Scary Mommy and The Philadelphia Jewish Exponent. She is a graduate of The University of Pennsylvania and received her MBA from the Ross School of Business at The University of Michigan. In her previous life as a marketing professional, Rachel worked on the business side of Time Inc. on magazines including InStyle, Life, People, Real Simple, and Sports Illustrated for Kids. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two children. (Bio adapted from Amazon.)

Visit Rachel online:
Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram

Synopsis:
Rachel Levy Lesser can relive almost every significant life event through an accessory. A scarf, a pair of earrings, a bag, even a fleece pair of socks―each contains the elements that put together the story of a life. Life’s Accessories is a funny, sad, touching, relatable, shake-your-head-right-along-as-you-laugh-and-wipe-away-tears, coming-of-age memoir. In fourteen essays, Lesser tackles sensitive issues like anxiety, illness, and loss in a way that feels a bit like having a chat with a good friend. Out of the stories comes solid life―and fashion―advice. About far more than just a hair tie, a bracelet, or a belt, Life’s Accessories is a window into the many ways in which Lesser has come to understand life―in all of its beauty, its joys, its sorrows, its heartaches, its challenges, and its absurdity. (Courtesy of Amazon.)

What is a favorite compliment you have received on your writing?
People often tell me that when they read my books or essays, they feel like they are having a conversation with a good friend. I take that as a compliment because it makes me feel like my writing is relatable, that my readers feel comfortable with me and that they are getting to know me through my work. Some have even said that they feel like they actually are my friend (even BFF!) after reading my latest book, Life’s Accessories including these early reviews from fellow authors. I love this! Always room for more BFFs right?!

“I fell in love with Rachel on page one, and by the last chapter I was convinced she was my long lost BFF.”

“I’d like to be one of Rachel Levy Lesser’s best friends even though I’ve never met her.”

“….she exudes a palpable joie de vivre, attracting a lively coterie, including us who read, as Best Friends Forever.”

What was the biggest reward and biggest challenge with writing Life's Accessories?
The biggest reward is most definitely hearing from readers that my book helped them deal with a difficult time they were going through, helped normalize their thoughts or make them feel that they are less alone. In Life’s Accessories, I revisit the highs and lows of my life. I think that it is in the lows that people really can connect and learn. I write in part because it helps me process so much of life, and that feels like it should be enough. But then to know that my writing actually touches and helps other people is the biggest reward I could ever ask for or imagine.

The biggest challenge was going back and revisiting some of my most painful memories – most especially thinking about my time in graduate school in my 20s when my mother was getting sicker and sicker from metastatic cancer. I had blocked a lot of those details out of my mind, and I made myself remember them (luckily I have a good memory.) That was hard but also so cathartic. Readers have told me that this was the hardest part for them to read but also some say, the best part.

If Life's Accessories were made into a movie, who would you cast to play yourself?
It’s funny you ask that because there has been some early interest in Life’s Accessories for film (or television) and my friends and family joke about who would play me (and the other characters) in a movie version. We say that by the time a film does get made, we will be so old that we will have to get actors to play us who are children right now (or maybe not even born yet!) If I had to pick someone now though I’d say Jennifer Aniston because well….Rachel Green. And yes I had the Rachel Green haircut in 1995. Who didn’t?!

What is your favorite thing about the month of February?
This doesn’t always happen in February, and others may curse me for saying this, but I like one really good snow storm where we can all stay home, stay safe and bake cookies, read, watch movies and take a break from the craziness of everyday life. The added bonus to a one day snow storm like this is playing hooky the next day and heading out for one great day of skiing in fresh snow.

What is your most treasured accessory?
This is a tough one for me as I have so many. I mean I wrote a whole book about accessories! The one that comes to mind is a pair of gold antique dangly earrings with gold fringe on them and a misshapen antique diamond in the middle above the fringe. These earrings belonged to maternal grandmother and I have such clear images of sitting next to her in synagogue when I was a little girl during the high holidays and staring at the earrings, drawing an outline of them in my head and watching them sway as she moved her head, then she would look at me and squeeze my hand with her cool well-manicured hand. I think she always wore them to the high holidays. My mother wore them for just a short time after my grandmother died before my mom got sick. A few weeks before my mom died, my mom took me to the bank box to show me the jewelry in there that was hers that would soon be mine. I didn’t want to go with her that day and I didn’t want to listen to her instructions. I wasn’t ready. She made a point of telling me to wear those gold dangly earrings and to wear them often. “Wear the with jeans,” she said. “Don’t wait for a special occasion.” And so I do wear them often jeans (and for special occasions) and I think my mom and grandmother would like that.

What is the strangest way you made a new friend?
A little over 10 years ago, when doing freelance work for a newspaper I was randomly assigned to cover a story on an upcoming fundraising event for Memorial Sloan Kettering. I was given the number of the women named Amy who was chosen as the poster child for the fundraising event as she is a survivor of a childhood cancer and was treated at Sloan. I called Amy up and did the formal interview for the paper over the phone. When the interview was over, we got to talking and it turns out we knew so many people in common as we were the same age and had ran in similar circles for many years. We even figured out that we had been to the same parties and events at the same time. Amy is a writer like me and over the years we have showed each other our work and bounced ideas off of each other. We have met up in person many times and when we are together it seems like we could talk forever – about writing, families, friendships and really everything. Our latest books came out at around the same time and we are going on a mini little book tour together now 10 years after randomly meeting on the phone. I call her my work wife as I bounce ideas off of her all the time and she does the same for me. I am so glad that I was assigned that story by that newspaper editor all those years ago!

Thanks to Rachel for visiting with us and for sharing her book with our readers!

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here. 


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Giveaway ends February 10th at midnight EST.

Book Review and Giveaway: Postscript

By Melissa Amster

Sixteen years after Cecelia Ahern's bestselling phenomenon PS, I Love You captured the hearts of millions, the long-awaited sequel follows Holly as she helps strangers leave their own messages behind for loved ones.

Seven years after her husband's death -- six since she read his final letter -- Holly Kennedy has moved on with her life. When Holly's sister asks her to tell the story of the "PS, I Love You" letters on her podcast -- to revisit the messages Gerry wrote before his death to read after his passing -- she does so reluctantly, not wanting to reopen old wounds.

But after the episode airs, people start reaching out to Holly, and they all have one thing in common: they're terminally ill and want to leave their own missives behind for loved ones. Suddenly, Holly finds herself drawn back into a world she's worked tirelessly to leave behind -- but one that leads her on another incredible, life-affirming journey.

With her trademark blend of romance, humor, and bittersweet life lessons, Postscript is the perfect follow-up to Ahern's beloved first novel. (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

When I first became a Cecelia Ahern fan, I was hesitant to read P.S. I Love You because of the subject matter. However, something pushed me to check it out and then I loved it! (I didn't feel like the movie did it justice though). When I first heard about Postscript being published, I couldn't wait to get my hands on a copy! Was it worth the sixteen (seven for Holly) year wait? I can attest that it was!

The story was a good follow-up to P.S. I Love You. It was nice to revisit Holly's story and see what she has been up to, as well as check in with her family again. I'm glad Ciara got even more time in the story, since I really liked her in P.S. and even think she should have her own spin-off novel. I felt like Daniel should have been reintroduced somehow, as well. (Harry Connick Jr. played him in the movie.)

I liked the idea of the P.S. I Love You club and how Holly was resisting getting involved but kept getting pulled into the fray. I found myself caring about the people in the club, especially Ginika. However, I felt like one of them didn't get as much closure. I had a feeling of where one aspect of the story was going (and was right), but the rest of it was surprising.

This was a sweet story overall and it gives new insight about grief.

Movie casting suggestions, since I wasn't fond of the P.S. I Love You movie casting:
Holly: Hayley Atwell
Denise: Rebecca Hall
Ciara: Jessica De Gouw
Sharon: Jodie Whittaker
Gabriel: Michael Fassbender
Ginika: Aparna Brielle
Paul: Ben Whishaw
Bert: Ron Cephas Jones

Thanks to Grand Central Publishing for the book in exchange for an honest review. They have TWO copies to give away!

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here. 

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Giveaway ends February 9th at midnight EST.

Book Review: Dreaming of Verona

By Sara Steven

When Suzie is hired to accompany spoiled, abrasive Lady Alexandra Tedburn on an all-expenses paid holiday to Italy, she fears the trip will be a disaster.

But she soon discovers there’s more to Alex than shopping and tantrums, and she’s determined to help her realise her potential – against Alex’s authoritarian father’s wishes.

As they settle in Verona, Suzie can’t stop thinking about local artist Michael, who is still mourning the tragic death of his wife. With Suzie’s future uncertain, and Michael’s past holding him back, it seems there’s no hope for romance in the city of star-crossed lovers… or is there? (Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads)

When T.A. Williams writes something, the reader can only dream of becoming a character within the pages of it. The scenery alone becomes an instant must-do on a bucket list, and the places Suzie finds herself in while reading Dreaming of Verona was no exception! While it’s true that Suzie is the protagonist here, the places we’re taken to in a Williams novel becomes its very own larger-than-life character.

There is an unconventional feel to Suzie’s situation. In order for her to embark on a journey to Italy, she has to become Alexandra’s (Alex's) plus one. I really appreciated the unique story that propels Suzie forward into the unknown, and there were plenty of moments shared between Suzie and Alex that were funny and even shocking, making me laugh. They are definite opposites in personality which only adds to this unique friendship dynamic, in ways pushing each other beyond the limits of what they’re used to, driving the story into areas of discovery for both women.

The Suzie and Michael angle was a sweet one, yet along that road we’re introduced to other potential love interests that had me guessing as to who Suzie might end up with, if she ended up with anyone at all when it was all said and done. That was a surprising, uplifting message for not only Suzie, but for Alex, as well. That the status quo doesn’t have to define a person, that there is room to change and grow, on a person’s own terms. That really, Suzie doesn’t need Michael to define success in her life, and that ultimately, there was no rush.

It’s exciting to think that one or two small moments in life can completely change the course of life- and that is something that Suzie experiences, and it was hard not to feel that rush right along with her. A much-needed escape to a place full of beauty and anticipation, a world where there is a lot to look forward to, within a city which means “Truth.” Suzie finds her truth and then some, making this a five-star read from me!

Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for the book in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase Links:
Amazon UK
Amazon US

Author Bio:
I’m a man. And a pretty old man as well. I did languages at university a long time ago and then lived and worked in France and Switzerland before going to Italy for seven years as a teacher of English. My Italian wife and I then came back to the UK with our little daughter (now long-since grown up) where I ran a big English language school for many years. We now live in a sleepy little village in Devonshire. I’ve been writing almost all my life but it was only seven years ago that I finally managed to find a publisher who liked my work enough to offer me my first contract.

The fact that I am now writing romantic comedy is something I still find hard to explain. My early books were thrillers and historical novels. Maybe it’s because there are so many horrible things happening in the world today that I feel I need to do my best to provide something to cheer my readers up. My books provide escapism to some gorgeous locations and, as a writer, I obviously have to go there in person and check them out first. I love my job…

Visit T.A. Williams online:
Website * Facebook * Twitter