Book Review: Four Christmas Novellas

Just in time for the holidays, we have some bite-sized treats to share with you today. Amazon has published four holiday novellas by authors we all know and love. See what we thought of these stories and get your hands on as many as you want!

Like all Amazon Original Stories, these four separate holiday reads are available for free to read or listen to with Prime, and included in Kindle Unlimited membership. (They are $1.99 each otherwise.)

Oh. What. Fun. by Chandler Baker

Reviewed by Jami Denison

A perfect follow-up to her novel The Husbands, Chandler Baker introduces us to the Clauster family in the novella Oh What Fun. If you love the Family Guy Christmas episode where Peter gives the presents to charity, Brian burns the house down, and Lois remains in the holiday spirit until the paper towels run out… or the Saturday Night Live Christmas short about the mom who gets a robe, this is the story for you.  

Claire Clauster, mother to three adult children and grandmother to four-year-old twins, is the backbone of her family when it comes to Christmas. She cooks their favorite meals, buys the perfect gifts, and plans elaborate distractions for the twins. And her family doesn’t notice any of it. 

All Claire wants for Christmas is to win a contest sponsored by her favorite morning talk-show host. And all her children want is for Claire to leave them alone while they do their thing—as long as she’s always ready to cook or babysit. And she is. 

Until the night they realize that she has vanished. 

Narrated by Claire’s children, as they retrace the steps that led up to their mother’s disappearance, the disdain they have for all the effort she puts into their holiday is obvious. (“She loves wrapping presents at 2am!”) They prefer Dad. Dad is the fun one. After he comes home from work, he’s always available for an impromptu snowball fight or video game session. 

Of course he’s available! Because Mom is in the kitchen making dinner, or in the laundry room ironing shirts. 

Oh What Fun is a funny story, in the way Homer Simpson might say, “It’s funny because it’s true!” Come for the laughs, stay for the playing-out of emotional labor and how the women who perform it are ignored and taken for granted. This isn’t a story for women—this is a story for women to give to their husbands and older children, in the hopes that they’ll recognize everything she does for them. 

But will they even bother reading it? 

Model Home by J. Courtney Sullivan

Reviewed by Sara Steven

Not happy? No problem. Fake it. From New York Times bestselling author J. Courtney Sullivan comes a sharp-witted short story about the reality of reality TV.

Judging by the popularity of her home-makeover show, Katie has it all: a sweet-natured husband, Damian, as her cohost; adorable tween daughters; a designer mansion; and a just-folks appeal that has made the happy couple home-renovation royalty. Out of the spotlight, it’s a different story. Katie’s marriage is disintegrating, her spoiled daughters despise her, and her money can’t do anything to repair her personal problems—or her professional ones. With a contract up for renewal and Damian ready to bail after one last holiday special, Katie can kiss her artificial world goodbye too. But if there’s one thing a pro like Katie knows how to do, it’s negotiate. (Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads)

Satire? Check. Reality TV? Check. A home-makeover and renovation show-like plot featuring characters who aren’t really who they claim to be? Double check. Model Home was short, but sarcastically sweet, giving its reader the potential truthfulness behind some of our most favorite home renovation shows. While I felt that Katie and Damian were drawn from shows like Fixer Upper or Property Brothers, I could also see snippets of shows like Flip or Flop, primarily due to the way they are when the camera is on, versus the way they really are when the cameras are off.  

I couldn’t help but side with Damian. He’s tired of not living the life he feels he was meant to live; freedom from a made-up persona. Privacy and anonymity from society. They might not be Hollywood walk of fame celebrity level television personalities, but everyone knows them, and that means Katie can’t even run errands without the paparazzi on her tail. But while that doesn’t bother her, it bothers Damian a whole lot. Katie more than appreciates the lifestyle they’ve grown accustomed to. She can’t imagine going back to the way things were, when they were struggling. And while I can appreciate having your own television show to call your very own, I would hate not feeling like I can navigate my life without the input of a manager, a director, an agent, or society. The whole world, really. When is enough, enough?

The twist at the end was really clever, and something I’d imagine could happen in real-life, particularly within the realm we live in today with how glamorized social media is. I liked how the ending was its own, with no claim to any sort of happily-ever-after, because again, life isn’t always rainbows and butterflies. And the truth isn’t always evident on the small screen. Chances are, what we see really isn’t what we’d get if we encountered half the people who entertain us on reality shows. This acerbically witty short story is a definite five-star read!

If the Fates Allow by Rainbow Rowell

Reviewed by Melissa Amster

Social distancing came easily to Reagan. Maybe a little too easily. She’s always liked people better from afar. But Reagan doesn’t want her grandpa to be alone for Christmas this year—he’s already spent too much time on his own in 2020. So she heads back to her hometown with a dish of holiday Jell-O salad, hoping they can have a little normalcy. Hoping it will be safe…

She isn’t expecting to run into the boy next door. Mason is all grown up now. He’s considerate. He’s funny. He doesn’t mind how prickly Reagan is—he maybe even likes it. And it makes Reagan feel like her defenses are falling. She needs her defenses, doesn’t she? In a time when six feet is close enough, how long can they keep their distance? (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

I haven't read anything by Rainbow Rowell in a while. (Unfortunately, I'm not into the Simon Snow books, but that's just a personal preference.) So it was really nice to read this story. I also found out after I finished it that it featured Cath's roommate, Reagan, from Fangirl. It's been so long since I read that book. 

If the Fates Allow was a cute story. I could totally relate to Reagan with how she's being careful to avoid getting Covid, but no one else in her family is. I caught so much flack for my husband, kids, and I wearing masks when we were in town to visit family this past summer. Four-fifths of us were vaccinated and we weren't taking any chances. 

This was a refreshing treat from Rainbow. Her snarkiness was funny and she made great use of description to bring everything to life. The dialogue was spot on and completely genuine. I wish there had been more time to explore things between Reagan and Mason. Maybe this can expand into a full story someday? I would love for Rainbow to write more adult novels! (I did enjoy the two YA novels I read though.)

Overall, a cozy holiday story that is true to the time we are living in now.

Casting ideas:
Reagan: Nikki Blonsky

Mason: Tom Brittney

The Marriage Test 

by Suzanne Redfearn

Reviewed by Melissa Amster

When Ava Barnes’s boyfriend, Justin, proposes after a whirlwind romance, the young couple embarks on a quest that will test their love. For generations, engaged couples in Ava’s family have traveled into the Everglades to retrieve the egg of the magnificent frigate bird in order to bake it into a marriage cake. Those who succeed live happily ever after, while those who fail are destined for heartbreak. With Ava’s beloved grandmother gravely ill, never has the marriage tradition meant so much. Ava’s dream is to pass the test so her grandmother can attend Ava’s holiday wedding to the man she loves.

So Ava, Justin, and their best friend Walton as a witness set off on a remarkable adventure that will challenge the true depth of their character and devotion. An emotional, heartrending journey of self-discovery, The Marriage Test turns out to be far more than any of them imagined.

Is there any test more challenging than a test of love? (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

I haven't read anything by Suzanne Redfearn yet. I have some of her books and have been intending to. This story was a nice appetizer though. It displays her beautiful writing style and has shown me what else she is capable of producing. I'll definitely have to add some of her books to my queue soon!

The Marriage Test was a good story overall. It was set up nicely and was engaging and thought-provoking. The descriptions helped me visualize everything that was going on without detracting from the narrative. The characters were really interesting, especially the supporting ones like Esther and Aylan. I loved Ava's connection with her feisty Granmama. I also loved the descriptions of baking cakes and the contrasts between the different techniques being used. 

I didn't really see a Christmas connection aside from her plans to have a wedding around that time, so I was surprised at it being used for this holiday set. I felt like there were some gaps that could have been filled in better, like more backstory about Walton and Justin having a falling out. What was Walton's motive for not wanting Justin to be with Ava? The story did not go in the direction I was expecting and now I want it to continue to see what comes next. 

Casting ideas:

Ava: Camille Kostek

Justin: Josh Swickard

Walton: Colin Woodell

Thanks to Amazon for the books in exchange for honest reviews.

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Ringing in a new novel with Kerry Rea...plus a book giveaway

Photo by Simon Yao

Today we are pleased to welcome Kerry Rea, who recently published her debut novel, The Wedding Ringer. We love the cover of this one and the story sounds like so much fun. Thanks to Berkley, we have one copy for a lucky reader!

Kerry Rea is a 2017 and 2019 #Pitchwars mentee. Her work has appeared in Seventeen Magazine. She lives in Columbus, Ohio, with her husband and four dogs.  (Bio courtesy of Kerry's website.)

Visit Kerry online:

Website * Twitter * Instagram

Synopsis:

After finding her fiancé in bed with her best friend, once-successful blogger Willa Callister has sworn off love and friendship. She now spends her days performing at children's birthday parties in a ball gown that makes her look like a walking bottle of Pepto Bismol and dreaming of a fresh start. All she needs is the money to make it happen.

Maisie Mitchell needs something too: another bridesmaid for her wedding. After a chance encounter at a coffee shop, Maisie offers to pay Willa to be in her bridal party. Willa wants nothing to do with weddings—or Maisie—but the money will give her the freedom to start the new life she so badly desires.

Willa's bridesmaid duties thrust her into Maisie's high-energy world and into the path of hotshot doctor Liam Rafferty. But as Willa and Maisie form a real friendship, and Liam edges his way into her heart, Willa starts to rethink her plans. And when a secret from Maisie's past threatens to derail the wedding, Willa must consider whether friendship—and romance—are worth sticking around for.

"Kerry Rea hits it out of the park with her touching and hilarious debut. The fake bridesmaid premise and pre-wedding shenanigans had me howling, but it was the friendship between Willa and Maisie that captured my heart."

—Sarah Smith, author of Simmer Down

"I loved this warm hug of a book! The Wedding Ringer explores the pitfall-filled world of adult friendships, from the shock of an unexpected friend breakup to the difficulty of making new friends. Most importantly, it shows that no matter what tough situation you’re facing, you can get through it by being vulnerable and finding support. Full of hilarious dialogue and heartstring-tugging moments, this book made me laugh and cry. I loved every second of it, and I can’t wait to read what Kerry Rea writes next."

—Kerry Winfrey, author of Not Like the Movies

"Get ready to be charmed! Funny and witty, The Wedding Ringer reminds us that the right people in our lives lift us up. Rea's debut is a page turner of unlikely friendship and blossoming romance that keeps you smiling."

—Kelly Siskind, author of The Knockout Rule

In one sentence, what was the road to publishing like for you?
I wrote three novels, completed two rounds of the Pitch Wars mentorship program, and received lots of rejections before finally signing with my agent, but I didn’t give up! 

How is Willa similar to or different from you?
Willa and I both subscribe to the motto “what doesn’t kill you makes you funnier”—and we both turn to The Golden Girls as our comfort TV show. Plus, we share the key belief that tacos make everything better. But we’re different in a lot of ways, too. She’s way more adept at social media than I am, and I tend to have more of a glass-half-full outlook than she does. And I’m quicker to warm up to people than Willa, or at least the Willa we meet at the start of the book. 

If The Wedding Ringer were made into a movie, who would you cast in the leading roles?
Willa - Jenny Slate
Maisie - Anna Kendrick or Ellie Kemper
Liam - Giacomo Gianniotti (DeLuca from Grey’s Anatomy)

Which TV series are you currently binge watching?
Midnight Mass on Netflix

What have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?
I’ve learned that I’m a lot stronger than I ever gave myself credit for. I think a lot of people have discovered that about themselves! It takes resilience and gumption to find joy in times like these. And I’ve definitely learned that you can never own enough pairs of leggings. 

What is your favorite thing about Thanksgiving?
Stuffing! And spending time with family, of course. But mostly stuffing. 

Thanks to Kerry for chatting with us and to Berkley 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 November 23rd at midnight EST.

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Sara and Melissa Talk About...Home

We've been running a column series to get more personal with our readers. Sara's husband came up with the theme for this month. His prompt was "Home is where ____ is." We thought it was fitting with the month of being thankful. 

We're always open to topic suggestions, so please don't hesitate to share those in the comments. We'd also love to know if you can relate to anything we've said or hear your own thoughts on the topic. So don't be shy. :) We look forward to getting to know you as much as we're letting you get to know us. You can find our previous columns here, in case you missed them.

Sara Steven:                                                                                                                                      Home is where your home is.                                                                                                        When I was growing up, I lived in a lot of apartment communities and complexes, with brief stints with my grandparents and at one point, I stayed with my best friend’s family before I left my hometown of Salem, Oregon for Arizona. Although I lived in the same capital city for most of my childhood, I moved so frequently and often that I ended up attending five elementary schools before going to middle school, then high school...all in all, when it was all said and done, eight schools in total! One of the biggest things I’d learned from this type of nomadic lifestyle had been to acclimate to varying environments, particularly with new friends, new teachers, and new surroundings. But at the same time, I never felt settled. I never felt like I could put roots down and just be.

Given my childhood experiences, I wanted something different for my children. My eldest son had gone to one elementary school for his kindergarten through fourth grade years before we moved out of state, then he finished up at a new elementary school for fifth and sixth grade, before moving on to his own middle school and high school. He hasn’t been shuffled around nearly as much as I’d been, yet I remember I still felt immense guilt when we had to leave the friends and school he knew so well.

We recently moved into a new home. We haven’t left the city we live in. In fact, the move placed us closer to everything; grocery stores, freeways, our appointments, if we need to make one. My sons and their respective school district. Even though we only moved six miles closer to civilization, I felt that guilt again. That I was stripping my kids from the house they’d lived in for the last six years, only to make them start over somewhere else. 

But the other thing I learned from getting shuffled around from place to place, is that your primary people--family, close friends, your support system--doesn’t have to change. I still have close childhood friendships that have lasted for decades, no matter where I moved to. And as an adult, some of my close-knit groups of people have been military families who have moved from state to state, yet we are still there for one another, as best we can be, given the circumstances. I think what makes a home, is the people in it. The friends who support you. And I want my sons to learn that, too. That home is where your home is. It doesn’t really matter where that might be--as long as you create long-lasting roots with your family and loved ones, in whatever capacity.  

This is our new home. We moved in just a couple of months ago, but I’m looking forward to making new memories here with my husband and sons, and our dog, cat, blue-tongued skink, and soon, the two parakeets our youngest wants to add to our menagerie. It’s an interesting adventure, but it’s ours. 

Melissa Amster:                                                                                                      My answer to this prompt is pretty obvious: Family. Due to the pandemic, I've been spending a lot of time with my husband and kids over the past year and a half. I feel like we've bonded more as a result, even though we have our own various interests. My favorite times are when we play a game together where we come up with a lot of inside jokes. I'm very thankful to have this closeness with my family and not get bored of being around them all the time. I think being home together all the time has shaped our personalities and our relationships with one another. 

My husband and I will be together a total of 20 years at the beginning of next year. I never thought I'd ever be in a serious relationship that was this long-term, but I'm still very happy with him and he always makes me laugh. I got him back into reading books a while ago and we are sometimes happy to just share a couch while reading our own books. We still have our individual interests when it comes to TV shows and movies, but we also share a few. We recently watched Ted Lasso, Maid, and Only Murders in the Building together. A few weeks ago, my husband noticed my Ted Lasso theme song ringtone and took my phone and made some voiceover changes to it with his impressions of the characters from the show. It was, and still is, hilarious!

My older son and I have always been close, but we've connected even more over the past year. Now that he's back at school in person, he texts me a lot during his breaks and we joke around together often. He's also learning how to drive and while I swore I would never be in the passenger seat until he got his license, I am somehow now the primary adult around for all his practicing. (It's not as scary as I imagined.) 

Even though my younger son is a teenager now, he still loves being around me and is always affectionate. He's gotten into some Broadway musicals over the past year or so and now he and I listen to the soundtracks together. (In the past, I was just listening to them with my older son.) He's more of an introvert, but I think going back to school has brought him out of his shell. 

My relationship with my daughter is more complex, as she's a tween and it shows. I'm reading the third book in Rebecca Prenevost's Mom Walks series and I feel less alone now. However, she still likes talking with me and always trying to get to know me better. We joke around a lot too. I recently introduced her to a TV series that I love and now she's obsessed with it, so that's something new to bond over. She also loves going thrift shopping, even though she never can decide what she likes when we're there. 

I love spending time with my family, whether it's at home or traveling. (We did get some trips in this past summer, such as staying at a cabin, a road trip to Chicago for my sister's wedding, and a couple of days at Virginia Beach.) I know my older son will be going to college in a few short years, so I want to latch on to this time when all five of us are together for as long as it lasts!

Here are some pictures from our camping trip earlier this year:

Tell us what defines "home" for you.

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Book Review: White Wedding

By Sara Steven

Take one lavish holiday wedding. Add one evil ex and his bridezilla. And toss in a smoking-hot chef from the past. It’s a recipe for disaster.

Victoria Blackwood has spent years trying to redeem herself after falling victim to a blackmail scheme that cost her father thousands. So, when he insists she coordinate a big Christmas wedding at her family’s winery, she can’t say no. Even if the groom is her ex, and the caterer just quit.

For Rafael Sanchez, a last-minute call to cater a huge society wedding is a golden opportunity. If he can prove he’s up to the challenge, his brothers might entrust him with a larger role in the family catering business. But when he meets Victoria, he can’t believe his eyes. Five years ago, they had a passionate fling that rocked his world. Until she left him with only a fake name to remember her by.

To pull off the perfect wedding, Victoria and Rafael can’t afford to get caught up in the past. But keeping things professional won’t be easy, not when the attraction between them burns hotter than Christmas in July. (Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads)

I loved White Wedding! I hadn’t anticipated how quickly I’d finish the book--in one day--but from the get go, I was instantly hooked on Victoria’s story, and I had a really hard time putting it down. I couldn’t believe that Victoria had been forced into being the wedding coordinator for her ex fiancée and his new fiancée. I couldn’t stand her father. But I could also tell that the dynamic between Victoria and her father was one of constant need for approval; she never felt like she measured up in his eyes, and it was obvious she was willing to do whatever it took to make him proud.

When Rafael and Victoria meet up again after not seeing each other for so long, it was a perfectly awkward scene! I loved how Carla Luna set up the moment when they first laid eyes on each other, because it set the stage for everything going forward. Both characters have a lot on the line when it comes to the wedding. Victoria seeks redemption and eventually, freedom. And Rafael seeks approval and eventually, trust. If there are any slip-ups, they could lose a lot. 

While I appreciated the connection between Rafael and Victoria, what I loved the most was the transition Victoria goes through while attempting to mature and get out from under her father’s thumb. There were so many moments where I wanted to yell at her, to tell her to stand up for herself, and not let him get to her or treat her the way he does. And I wanted to yell at her father, too. I felt really emotionally invested in Victoria’s struggles, and I’d hoped to see where things would end up for her and her familial relationships, as well as where things could potentially go with Rafael.

This is my first book in the Blackwood Cellars series, but I want to read the first two, because this one was just so good! A definite five-star experience!

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

Purchase Links:
Carla's website * Books2Read * Amazon US * Amazon UK

Carla Luna writes contemporary romance with a dollop of humor and a pinch of spice. A former archaeologist, she still dreams of traveling to far-off places and channels that wanderlust into the settings of her stories. When she’s not writing, she works in a spice emporium where she gets paid to discuss food and share her favorite recipes. Her passions include Broadway musicals, baking, whimsical office supplies, and pop culture podcasts. Though she has roots in Los Angeles and Victoria, B.C., she currently resides in Wisconsin with her family and her feisty Siberian cat.

Visit Carla online:
Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram

Visit all the stops on Carla's blog tour:

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Spotlight and Giveaway: The Singles Table

Today we are celebrating the publication of Sara Desai's latest rom-com novel, The Singles Table. Thanks to Berkley, we have one copy to give away!

Zara Patel is proud of her track record of helping friends find their happily-ever-afters, and she is done trying to find her own. So even though she’s undeniably attracted to Jay Dayal, who she meets at her cousin’s bachelor-bachelorette party, she accepts the challenge of helping him find his soulmate. In exchange for an introduction to one of the high-profile celebrities he works with.

As a former military security specialist who takes his work very seriously and has no time for dating, Jay accepts Zara’s offer. But the more time they spend together—particularly at every singles table of the wedding season—the more the two start to wonder if they’ve already found their perfect match in each other.

“You won’t feel lonely at the singles table with this book to keep you company. A charming and hilarious rom-com filled with wonderful characters. One of my favorite books of the year.”
—Jackie Lau, author of Donut Fall in Love

"Desai’s latest is the best way to dive into a rom-com if you have yet to make it back into theaters. In fact, it’s even better."
—SheKnows

Credit: Linda Mackie Photography 2020

Sara Desai has been a lawyer, radio DJ, marathon runner, historian, bouncer and librarian. She lives on Vancouver Island with her husband, kids and an assortment of forest creatures who think they are pets. Sara writes sexy romantic comedy and contemporary romance with a multicultural twist. When not laughing at her own jokes, Sara can be found eating nachos.

Visit Sara online:
Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram

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 November 21st at midnight EST.

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Book Review and Giveaway: My Secret Sister

By Sara Steven

How far would you go to save your child?

Claire is living every mother’s worst nightmare. Her daughter, Jess, has been diagnosed with a rare illness and desperately needs a bone marrow transplant. With no match on the registry, Claire turns to a charismatic geneticist for help and embarks on a Genetic Journey to seek a familial match for her daughter.

On the other side of the country, Marianne suffers her eighth miscarriage. Her perfect life is rotting underneath, but she is determined to do whatever it takes to have a baby.

When DNA test results reveal that Claire and Marianne are half-sisters, Claire must face the dark lies of the past and make impossible choices about the future. Is her secret sister the answer to her prayers, or will she cost her everything? (Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads.)

My Secret Sister reminded me of the late evening true-life mystery shows you might see on tv; Dateline, or 48 Hours Mystery. The type of story that seems almost too unbelievable to be true, but yet it can happen, and it does happen. Most of my time spent reading about Claire and Marianne was in a constant state of “Whoa.” To discover that you have a half-sister somewhere would be mind blowing enough, yet the way Lauren Westwood depicted it, particularly by bringing in special charm bracelets that at first elicit mainly emotional significance and then later showcases so much more beneath the murky surface of what is really going on, I mean--my mind is still blown by all of it. 

Claire’s story, particularly where her daughters are concerned, was incredibly touching and deeply tragic. Claire would do anything for Jess, absolutely anything, and I could completely identify with that emotion. That’s why Marianne felt like such a lifeline to Claire at certain times, but when more is revealed when it comes to Marianne’s intentions, the end goal becomes blurry. There seems to be a lot of sacrifice from everyone involved, and it’s hard to know what the right or wrong thing is anymore. 

I loved how everyone was flawed and multi-dimensional. I could understand why each character wants what they want, at times seeking out destruction in order to achieve that. No one was the obvious protagonist or antagonist, because those characteristics melded together in every single person, which made for a really deeply involved read. Who do you side with, who do you root for? I think I rooted for or pushed against all of them at some point in time, hopeful there would be some sort of resolution in the end. 

With the ending--I had a feeling it would happen the way it did. I saw it coming, but that didn’t diminish from it. It fit in well with the flow and progression of the story, giving me what I wanted. Who needs television? A true-life mystery was revealed to me right here on the written page, and I more than enjoyed it. A well-written five-star read.

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

Purchase My Secret Sister.

Author Bio by Lauren Westwood:

My books explore the darkness and the light of the human spirit, and take you on an emotional journey. My Sister’s Secret is a tense and emotional drama about a mother’s race against time to save her daughter’s life. My Mother's Silence is a gripping and romantic drama about homecoming and family secrets set in the wild Scottish highlands. It was shortlisted for the Jackie Collins Romantic Thriller Award 2020. The Daughter She Lost is a dark journey of self-discovery and overcoming the secrets of the past. My holiday romance Moonlight on the Thames is a love story to classical music and the healing power of love. It was a bestseller in urban fiction and top 100 Kindle book. My first three novels: Finding Home, Finding Secrets, and Finding Dreams all feature mysterious old houses and intelligent, feisty contemporary heroines who set out to unravel the mysteries of the past. I also write award winning children’s books as Laurel Remington. I am originally from California, and now live in Surrey, UK with my partner and three daughters. 

Visit Lauren online:
Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram

Giveaway to Win 5 x e-copies of My Secret Sister (Open internationally!)

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within seven days, then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organizer and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  Chick Lit Central is not responsible for dispatch or delivery of the prize.

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Giveaway ends November 18th.

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What's in the mail

Melissa:
Hidden Treasures by Michelle Adams from HarperCollins (won from Goodreads)

The Unsinkable Greta James by Jennifer E. Smith from Ballantine (e-book via NetGalley)

Love From Scratch by Kaitlyn Hill from Random House (e-book via NetGalley)

Curfew by Jayne Cowie from Berkley (e-book via NetGalley)

Love the Way They Lie by/from Linda Smolkin (e-book)

Out of His League by Caroline Richardson from Wattpad Books  (e-book via NetGalley)

Like a House on Fire by Lauren McBrayer from Putnam  (e-book via NetGalley)

Truth and Other Lies by Maggie Smith from Ten16 Press (e-book via NetGalley)

The Words in My Hands by Asphixia from Annick Press (e-book via NetGalley)

If You Change Your Mind by Robby Weber from Inkyard Press (e-book via NetGalley)

With Love from London by Sarah Jio from Ballantine (e-book via NetGalley)

Housebreaking by Colleen Hubbard from Berkley (e-book via NetGalley)

The Fashion Orphans by Randy Susan Meyers and M.J. Rose (e-book via NetGalley)

The Roughest Draft by Emily Wibberley & Austin Siegemund-Broka from Berkley (e-book via NetGalley)

For the Love of Friends by Sara Goodman Confino from Liza Dawson Associates

One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle from Atria (e-book via NetGalley)

30 Things I Love About Myself by Radhika Sanghani from Berkley (e-book via NetGalley) 

Something Good by Vanessa Miller from Thomas Nelson (e-book via NetGalley)

Funny You Should Ask by Elissa Sussman from Ballantine (e-book via NetGalley)

Donut Fall in Love by Jackie Lau from Berkley (e-book via NetGalley)

A Girl During the War by Anita Abriel from Atria (e-book via NetGalley)

Delilah Green Doesn't Care by Ashley Herring Blake from Berkley (e-book via NetGalley)

The Charmed List by Julie Abe from St. Martin's Press (e-book via NetGalley)

The Woman Who Came Back to Life by Beth Miller from Bookouture (e-book via NetGalley)

Bet on It by Jodie Slaughter from St. Martin's Press (e-book via NetGalley)

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus from Doubleday (e-book via NetGalley)

At Least You Have Your Health by Madi Sinha from Berkley (e-book via NetGalley)

Sara:

Anything You Can Do by/from B.R. Maycock (e-book)

Sasha's Redemption by Grayson Avery from Rachel's Random Resources (e-book)

Winging It by Emma Murray from Rachel's Random Resources (e-book via NetGalley)

Jami:

The Wedding Veil by Kristy Woodson Harvey from SparkPoint (e-book)

Melissa, Sara, and Jami:

From Amazon (e-book):
Model Home by J. Courtney Sullivan
If the Fates Allow by Rainbow Rowell
The Marriage Test by Suzanne Redfearn
Oh. What. Fun. by Chandler Baker

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