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Recommend this book:
Murder Under A Blue Moon
1930s Mona Moon Mysteries Book 1
Abigail Keam
2020 Finalist
284 Pages
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Fiction - Chick Lit
Reviewed by Lisa McCombs for Readers' Favorite
When Madeline Mona Moon returns from a five-month stint in Mesopotamia, she first wants a rest before seeking a new adventure. A cartographer by trade, Mona relies on assignments to keep her head above the bread line and her restless spirit entertained. Unfortunately, in the 1930s, the rest of the world doesn’t agree that women are cut out for this vagabond lifestyle, making her kind of work difficult to procure. Facing a jobless future and an empty larder, no none is more surprised than she when Dexter Deatherage arrives at her door at two in the morning to announce that she, Madeline Mona Moon, is the newly appointed heir to the Moon fortune. Fighting to adopt the appropriate attitude as the lady of the manor, Mona is under constant scrutiny and dangerous threats. She is not to be toyed with, though, no matter how many times someone tries to kill her.
Murder Under A Blue Moon: 1930s Mona Moon Mysteries Book 1 by Abigail Keam is the most delightful novel I have read in a long time. Author Abigail Keam shows off her gift for fantastic descriptions and vivid characterization with the classic setting that revolves around the Moon mansion. The alliteration of all the family names beginning with the letter “M” adds just the right amount of superstitious intrigue for this light-hearted mystery. Mona is the epitome of strong female characterization as she balances her free-thinking, trouser-wearing independence with the softer side of an alluring woman of fashion and wealth. Readers of this mystery will love this book and eagerly await the next installation of the Mona Moon Mystery series.
When Madeline Mona Moon returns from a five-month stint in Mesopotamia, she first wants a rest before seeking a new adventure. A cartographer by trade, Mona relies on assignments to keep her head above the bread line and her restless spirit entertained. Unfortunately, in the 1930s, the rest of the world doesn’t agree that women are cut out for this vagabond lifestyle, making her kind of work difficult to procure. Facing a jobless future and an empty larder, no none is more surprised than she when Dexter Deatherage arrives at her door at two in the morning to announce that she, Madeline Mona Moon, is the newly appointed heir to the Moon fortune. Fighting to adopt the appropriate attitude as the lady of the manor, Mona is under constant scrutiny and dangerous threats. She is not to be toyed with, though, no matter how many times someone tries to kill her.
Murder Under A Blue Moon: 1930s Mona Moon Mysteries Book 1 by Abigail Keam is the most delightful novel I have read in a long time. Author Abigail Keam shows off her gift for fantastic descriptions and vivid characterization with the classic setting that revolves around the Moon mansion. The alliteration of all the family names beginning with the letter “M” adds just the right amount of superstitious intrigue for this light-hearted mystery. Mona is the epitome of strong female characterization as she balances her free-thinking, trouser-wearing independence with the softer side of an alluring woman of fashion and wealth. Readers of this mystery will love this book and eagerly await the next installation of the Mona Moon Mystery series.
Recommend this book:
A Summer of Surprises
Judith Keim
2020 Honorable Mention
296 Pages
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Fiction - Chick Lit
Reviewed by Barbara Oliverio for Readers' Favorite
A vacation seems just the ticket for Jill Conroy in A Summer of Surprises by Judith Keim, so when her sister offers her the chance to house-sit a cottage on a sun-drenched beach, she packs both her physical and emotional bags and travels to Florida. What her sister forgot to mention is that Jill would be the housekeeper for the handyman doing repairs on the cottage, who then tells her there are other cottage residents: a nephew with his own daughter in tow. Jill adjusts to life with her new roommates while adapting to the blooming attraction to the nephew, the challenges of the insecure youngster, and new opportunities thanks to the kindness of the locals. Jill’s willingness to dive right in gives her the confidence to make changes in her career – and in her love life.
A Summer of Surprises is part of the Seashell Cottage series in which Judith Keim creates a peaceful setting for down-to-earth characters to experience meaningful life experiences. In this book, Jill beautifully manages to come to terms with her insecurities and also becomes a support system for people who are going through their life changes – eventually leading to her own happy ending. I enjoyed this quiet story of a pragmatic, realistic determination to overcome adversity and the development of a support network. This is definitely a book that can either be enjoyed under a beach umbrella or by a cozy fire, while dreaming of sunshine and calming ocean waves.
A vacation seems just the ticket for Jill Conroy in A Summer of Surprises by Judith Keim, so when her sister offers her the chance to house-sit a cottage on a sun-drenched beach, she packs both her physical and emotional bags and travels to Florida. What her sister forgot to mention is that Jill would be the housekeeper for the handyman doing repairs on the cottage, who then tells her there are other cottage residents: a nephew with his own daughter in tow. Jill adjusts to life with her new roommates while adapting to the blooming attraction to the nephew, the challenges of the insecure youngster, and new opportunities thanks to the kindness of the locals. Jill’s willingness to dive right in gives her the confidence to make changes in her career – and in her love life.
A Summer of Surprises is part of the Seashell Cottage series in which Judith Keim creates a peaceful setting for down-to-earth characters to experience meaningful life experiences. In this book, Jill beautifully manages to come to terms with her insecurities and also becomes a support system for people who are going through their life changes – eventually leading to her own happy ending. I enjoyed this quiet story of a pragmatic, realistic determination to overcome adversity and the development of a support network. This is definitely a book that can either be enjoyed under a beach umbrella or by a cozy fire, while dreaming of sunshine and calming ocean waves.
Recommend this book:
No More Horrible Dates
A romantic comedy of love, friendship . . . and tea
Kate O'Keeffe
2020 Bronze Medal
238 Pages
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Fiction - Chick Lit
Reviewed by Rebecca S Winner for Readers' Favorite
No More Horrible Dates by Kate O’Keeffe is a humorous romantic comedy that takes place in New Zealand. Erin and her two best friends have an agreement that they will check out any new boyfriends that any of them are considering. Erin despises all jocks but agrees to act like a girlfriend for a rugby player named Nick. Nick has a bad-boy image, and the sponsors think he needs to improve his media image. Erin agrees with the pretense, hoping to put her own fashion clothing line in front of people since she is “dating” a rugby star. The “pretend” dating throws them together so that before you know it, they are dating for real. However, Nick's shady past still haunts their relationship.
My favorite part of No More Horrible Dates by Kate O’Keeffe is the humor. Nick shows up in a pink fluffy gorilla suit as a courting gimmick. The grandma and great-aunt are hilarious because they think the rugby player is actually on a home-improvement show on the TV. I appreciate that there are serious issues in this story, such as Erin's mother, who taught Erin to sew, is in long-term care due to Alzheimer's. I enjoyed the loyalty of the three girlfriends, and how the other two friends support and encourage Erin. I liked that Nick was loyal to his sister. This was what I consider a “clean” story, although there are a few bad words. There is a surprise twist at the end that sheds light on Nick's bad behavior.
No More Horrible Dates by Kate O’Keeffe is a humorous romantic comedy that takes place in New Zealand. Erin and her two best friends have an agreement that they will check out any new boyfriends that any of them are considering. Erin despises all jocks but agrees to act like a girlfriend for a rugby player named Nick. Nick has a bad-boy image, and the sponsors think he needs to improve his media image. Erin agrees with the pretense, hoping to put her own fashion clothing line in front of people since she is “dating” a rugby star. The “pretend” dating throws them together so that before you know it, they are dating for real. However, Nick's shady past still haunts their relationship.
My favorite part of No More Horrible Dates by Kate O’Keeffe is the humor. Nick shows up in a pink fluffy gorilla suit as a courting gimmick. The grandma and great-aunt are hilarious because they think the rugby player is actually on a home-improvement show on the TV. I appreciate that there are serious issues in this story, such as Erin's mother, who taught Erin to sew, is in long-term care due to Alzheimer's. I enjoyed the loyalty of the three girlfriends, and how the other two friends support and encourage Erin. I liked that Nick was loyal to his sister. This was what I consider a “clean” story, although there are a few bad words. There is a surprise twist at the end that sheds light on Nick's bad behavior.
Recommend this book:
The Plan
The Creek Water Series Book 3
Whitney Dineen
2020 Silver Medal
351 Pages
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Fiction - Chick Lit
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Plan is a work of women’s fiction and chick lit written for adults by author Whitney Dineen. Forming the third novel of The Creek Water series, this delightful and charming story features moderate content and is suitable for readers of all sensitivities. The story centers on Amelia Frothingham, whose secret-keeping ways are about to catch up with her when the arrival of a rock star in her small Missouri town sends her life spiraling out of control. Huck Wiley should be high in the hills of Hollywood, but he too is keeping something hidden. What results is a whirlwind of romance, insecurity, and fear of taking the plunge that will suck them both in.
Author Whitney Dineen has created a sweet romance that still offers plenty of tease and sizzle without ever crossing the line, and that’s sure to make it a fully enjoyable read for romance fans of all kinds. Amelia is a protagonist to whom others can relate for her hidden reservations and insecurities, but she’s also a woman to admire when challenge and opportunity land right in front of her. The description of rock god Huck is deliciously vivid, and the dialogue between the two sparkles with both wit and sensuality. Romance fans are also sure to be charmed by Creek Water, the series’ setting, for the place has its own quaint character and carefully crafted atmosphere in Dineen’s wordplay and descriptions. Overall, The Plan is an essential read for anyone seeking a light yet fully immersive holiday read to devour, or indeed a cozy romance read for nights by the fire.
The Plan is a work of women’s fiction and chick lit written for adults by author Whitney Dineen. Forming the third novel of The Creek Water series, this delightful and charming story features moderate content and is suitable for readers of all sensitivities. The story centers on Amelia Frothingham, whose secret-keeping ways are about to catch up with her when the arrival of a rock star in her small Missouri town sends her life spiraling out of control. Huck Wiley should be high in the hills of Hollywood, but he too is keeping something hidden. What results is a whirlwind of romance, insecurity, and fear of taking the plunge that will suck them both in.
Author Whitney Dineen has created a sweet romance that still offers plenty of tease and sizzle without ever crossing the line, and that’s sure to make it a fully enjoyable read for romance fans of all kinds. Amelia is a protagonist to whom others can relate for her hidden reservations and insecurities, but she’s also a woman to admire when challenge and opportunity land right in front of her. The description of rock god Huck is deliciously vivid, and the dialogue between the two sparkles with both wit and sensuality. Romance fans are also sure to be charmed by Creek Water, the series’ setting, for the place has its own quaint character and carefully crafted atmosphere in Dineen’s wordplay and descriptions. Overall, The Plan is an essential read for anyone seeking a light yet fully immersive holiday read to devour, or indeed a cozy romance read for nights by the fire.
Recommend this book:
It's Not PMS, It's You
Rich Amooi
2020 Gold Medal
384 Pages
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Fiction - Chick Lit
Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
In It's Not PMS, It's You by Rich Amooi, Ruth Harper has never had to make the choice between her career and anything else. From early on in life, she’d made up her mind about it — no relationships. Ruth is the kind of woman that can be easily read as an unforgiving feminist and she is determined to become a managing partner in a firm composed of men. She has orchestrated multi-million dollar business deals and has butted heads with Fortune 500 CEOs and some of the most reputable lawyers. It is not for nothing that she’s dubbed “Ruthless” but after having a near-death experience, she becomes acutely aware of her mortality and the fear of dying alone grips her. She needs someone of her caliber, strong and successful. Then comes the unassuming landscape designer, Nick. He doesn’t seem intimidated by Ruth’s bluntness and career success. This man excites her in ways no one has ever done before. But can she take a chance on him?
It's Not PMS, It's You by Rich Amooi is an engaging romance with strong characters and intense drama, featuring a memorable female protagonist. This is a wonderful story and Rich Amooi does an impeccable job with the characters who move the story in unexpected directions by their depth and complexity, their strengths and human flaws. The characters are opposites, and it is interesting to follow the friction between Nick and Ruth. The author fills the pages of the story with drama, well-crafted dialogues that help to deepen character while moving the plot forward. I loved the prose and the use of the first-person narrative allows the POV to come out clearly. The shifts in perspective between Nick and Ruth also creates strong suspense and this enriches the reading experience. It's Not PMS, It's You is a delightful read for fans of contemporary romance. It is deft and balanced.
In It's Not PMS, It's You by Rich Amooi, Ruth Harper has never had to make the choice between her career and anything else. From early on in life, she’d made up her mind about it — no relationships. Ruth is the kind of woman that can be easily read as an unforgiving feminist and she is determined to become a managing partner in a firm composed of men. She has orchestrated multi-million dollar business deals and has butted heads with Fortune 500 CEOs and some of the most reputable lawyers. It is not for nothing that she’s dubbed “Ruthless” but after having a near-death experience, she becomes acutely aware of her mortality and the fear of dying alone grips her. She needs someone of her caliber, strong and successful. Then comes the unassuming landscape designer, Nick. He doesn’t seem intimidated by Ruth’s bluntness and career success. This man excites her in ways no one has ever done before. But can she take a chance on him?
It's Not PMS, It's You by Rich Amooi is an engaging romance with strong characters and intense drama, featuring a memorable female protagonist. This is a wonderful story and Rich Amooi does an impeccable job with the characters who move the story in unexpected directions by their depth and complexity, their strengths and human flaws. The characters are opposites, and it is interesting to follow the friction between Nick and Ruth. The author fills the pages of the story with drama, well-crafted dialogues that help to deepen character while moving the plot forward. I loved the prose and the use of the first-person narrative allows the POV to come out clearly. The shifts in perspective between Nick and Ruth also creates strong suspense and this enriches the reading experience. It's Not PMS, It's You is a delightful read for fans of contemporary romance. It is deft and balanced.
Recommend this book:
The Dancer
Michelle Vernal
2020 Gold Medal
316 Pages
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Fiction - Chick Lit
Reviewed by Heather Osborne for Readers' Favorite
After Veronica found herself pregnant as a teenage dancer, she decided to give up the baby girl, Isabel. Working at a perfume counter in a department store with twin boys and separated from her husband, Veronica is desperate for fulfillment. Now in her forties, she reflects often on her past life and wonders what might have been had she decided not to give up her daughter. Balancing home and her mother, who is succumbing slowly to Alzheimer’s and has been put in a care home, Veronica wonders if there is really more to life than the path she has set herself upon.
Isabel has grown up knowing she was adopted. When she finally sums up the courage to ask her mother for her birth mother’s address, Isabel struggles with what to do with the information, knowing she must be the one to make the first contact, as dictated by the adoption agreement. Living on the Isle of Wight with her boyfriend, she works as a homeopath, while he works as a painter. Encouraged by a dear old friend, Isabel must decide whether or not to take the plunge and contact the woman who gave her up nearly twenty-seven years ago.
The Dancer by Michelle Vernal is a heart-warming women’s fiction novel chronicling the parallel lives of a mother and her daughter. Although not often a reader of women’s fiction, I am genuinely glad I picked up The Dancer by Michelle Vernal. She develops the parallel lives of Veronica and Isabel very well and is able to weave in the events of Veronica’s past seamlessly. Amongst a cast of colorful supporting characters, Vernal takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery, reflection, and hope. I would certainly recommend this novel for fans of women’s fiction and will look for other novels by this author in the future.
After Veronica found herself pregnant as a teenage dancer, she decided to give up the baby girl, Isabel. Working at a perfume counter in a department store with twin boys and separated from her husband, Veronica is desperate for fulfillment. Now in her forties, she reflects often on her past life and wonders what might have been had she decided not to give up her daughter. Balancing home and her mother, who is succumbing slowly to Alzheimer’s and has been put in a care home, Veronica wonders if there is really more to life than the path she has set herself upon.
Isabel has grown up knowing she was adopted. When she finally sums up the courage to ask her mother for her birth mother’s address, Isabel struggles with what to do with the information, knowing she must be the one to make the first contact, as dictated by the adoption agreement. Living on the Isle of Wight with her boyfriend, she works as a homeopath, while he works as a painter. Encouraged by a dear old friend, Isabel must decide whether or not to take the plunge and contact the woman who gave her up nearly twenty-seven years ago.
The Dancer by Michelle Vernal is a heart-warming women’s fiction novel chronicling the parallel lives of a mother and her daughter. Although not often a reader of women’s fiction, I am genuinely glad I picked up The Dancer by Michelle Vernal. She develops the parallel lives of Veronica and Isabel very well and is able to weave in the events of Veronica’s past seamlessly. Amongst a cast of colorful supporting characters, Vernal takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery, reflection, and hope. I would certainly recommend this novel for fans of women’s fiction and will look for other novels by this author in the future.
Recommend this book:
On the Road to Love
A Love in the City Romantic Comedy
Melissa Baldwin
2019 Finalist
204 Pages
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Fiction - Chick Lit
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
On the Road to Love: A Love in the City Romantic Comedy is a contemporary romance novel written by Melissa Baldwin. Stacy’s life was just about as perfect as it could get, that is, if she discounted the grueling commute from their suburban New Jersey home to New York City where she and her husband, Greg, worked at two of the city’s more prestigious accounting firms. Thursday evening’s commute was no different from most of them. Sometimes she and Greg travelled together, which was a real bonus in added together time, but this afternoon she was alone. She spent that hour-plus trip considering just how fortunate they were. They had great jobs, a supportive and caring group of friends and, who knows?, maybe sometime in the future they’d begin thinking about starting a family. When she opened the front door, Stacy blissfully breathed in the fragrant fumes of Chinese take-away and decided to indulge without even shrugging off her work clothes beforehand. She was surprised to see Greg working at the dinner table, something they had both agreed never to do, but Greg had even more on his mind than work. As she stared stunned at the divorce papers he had in his folder, she wondered how he could do this without saying a word. Suddenly, her nearly perfect illusion of a life was shattered.
On the Road to Love: A Love in the City Romantic Comedy is a fresh and breezy story about life after divorce, and how even the worst situation can suddenly transform itself into something much better with just a change of perspective or environment. Stacy’s decision to go home to Florida for some comfort and time spent with her parents morphs into a fabulous road trip with the two friends from home that she’d lost track of. Baldwin’s story is upbeat and fun as the three friends travel south, making endless pit stops and reconnecting along the way. Her characters are well defined and credible, and their road trip is great fun, even if vicariously, to experience. Baldwin’s story is a sweet romance, making this novel a suitable choice for young and new adults as well. On the Road to Love: A Love in the City Romantic Comedy is most highly recommended.
On the Road to Love: A Love in the City Romantic Comedy is a contemporary romance novel written by Melissa Baldwin. Stacy’s life was just about as perfect as it could get, that is, if she discounted the grueling commute from their suburban New Jersey home to New York City where she and her husband, Greg, worked at two of the city’s more prestigious accounting firms. Thursday evening’s commute was no different from most of them. Sometimes she and Greg travelled together, which was a real bonus in added together time, but this afternoon she was alone. She spent that hour-plus trip considering just how fortunate they were. They had great jobs, a supportive and caring group of friends and, who knows?, maybe sometime in the future they’d begin thinking about starting a family. When she opened the front door, Stacy blissfully breathed in the fragrant fumes of Chinese take-away and decided to indulge without even shrugging off her work clothes beforehand. She was surprised to see Greg working at the dinner table, something they had both agreed never to do, but Greg had even more on his mind than work. As she stared stunned at the divorce papers he had in his folder, she wondered how he could do this without saying a word. Suddenly, her nearly perfect illusion of a life was shattered.
On the Road to Love: A Love in the City Romantic Comedy is a fresh and breezy story about life after divorce, and how even the worst situation can suddenly transform itself into something much better with just a change of perspective or environment. Stacy’s decision to go home to Florida for some comfort and time spent with her parents morphs into a fabulous road trip with the two friends from home that she’d lost track of. Baldwin’s story is upbeat and fun as the three friends travel south, making endless pit stops and reconnecting along the way. Her characters are well defined and credible, and their road trip is great fun, even if vicariously, to experience. Baldwin’s story is a sweet romance, making this novel a suitable choice for young and new adults as well. On the Road to Love: A Love in the City Romantic Comedy is most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Runaways
Rachel Sawden
2019 Honorable Mention
418 Pages
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Fiction - Chick Lit
Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite
Runaways by Rachel Sawden is a wonderful story of romance, travel, and adventure. Harper Rodrigues has her life planned. Well, the next five years anyway. The darkness is behind her as she is learning to accept her sister’s death and then it all falls apart. She loses her job, her apartment and her boyfriend in one day. Her best friends are off on a five-month trip across Asia and Oceania and Harper makes a spur-of-the-minute decision to join them. She always dreamed of being a professional photographer; this trip could be the chance of a lifetime. With her boyfriend having a change of heart, Harper sets off on her travels, not expecting to meet the real man of her dreams in Goa. Can she stay true to Adam or is she about to fling caution and sense to the wind and follow her heart?
What a lovely story Runaways by Rachel Sawden is. It’s a real voyage of discovery story, one that will pull at your heartstrings, leave you gasping for breath and laughing out loud. I was caught on page one and didn’t put the book down until I was done traveling with the girls. This is a fabulous story of travel, romance, and true friendship, touching on the subject of how to cope after the loss of a friend or loved one. It’s well written and runs smoothly in a steady plot with fantastic characters that you end up feeling like you know personally. It will definitely make you want to travel and experience the world but, if that’s not possible, then join Harper and her friends on their travels. I thoroughly enjoyed this. Highly recommended for anyone who loves feel-good stories with plenty of oomph!
Runaways by Rachel Sawden is a wonderful story of romance, travel, and adventure. Harper Rodrigues has her life planned. Well, the next five years anyway. The darkness is behind her as she is learning to accept her sister’s death and then it all falls apart. She loses her job, her apartment and her boyfriend in one day. Her best friends are off on a five-month trip across Asia and Oceania and Harper makes a spur-of-the-minute decision to join them. She always dreamed of being a professional photographer; this trip could be the chance of a lifetime. With her boyfriend having a change of heart, Harper sets off on her travels, not expecting to meet the real man of her dreams in Goa. Can she stay true to Adam or is she about to fling caution and sense to the wind and follow her heart?
What a lovely story Runaways by Rachel Sawden is. It’s a real voyage of discovery story, one that will pull at your heartstrings, leave you gasping for breath and laughing out loud. I was caught on page one and didn’t put the book down until I was done traveling with the girls. This is a fabulous story of travel, romance, and true friendship, touching on the subject of how to cope after the loss of a friend or loved one. It’s well written and runs smoothly in a steady plot with fantastic characters that you end up feeling like you know personally. It will definitely make you want to travel and experience the world but, if that’s not possible, then join Harper and her friends on their travels. I thoroughly enjoyed this. Highly recommended for anyone who loves feel-good stories with plenty of oomph!
Recommend this book:
Just a Name
Becky Monson
2019 Honorable Mention
361 Pages
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Fiction - Chick Lit
Reviewed by Justine Reyes for Readers' Favorite
Before I read Just a Name, I had never heard of author Becky Monson. However, after reading this cute, fun and witty novel, I don't think I will ever forget her or the novel's protagonist. The story follows Holly Murphy, a straight up sort of woman who has always had her life planned out, but when her wedding is canceled and her career is suddenly on thin ice, Holly must learn to deal with everything on her plate. Serendipity eventually takes over and Holly finds herself in the middle of a bit of a wacky situation.
There are many appealing things about chick lit, and the first one is that the female leads are always relatable and humorous. Holly's character is no exception. Second, the plots are always so colorful and creative they just make the characters come to life. Becky Monson's plot for Just a Name is something that struck me as unique and fresh. Just a Name is a great novel to cozy up to after a long day. It is precisely the kind of story that won't just leave a smile on your face, but it will also leave your cheeks hurting from how funny it can be at times.
I felt so lucky to have had the opportunity to discover Monson's gem of a story. I can't wait to read more of her work! I would urge fans of romantic comedies to grab a copy of Just a Name; it has the perfect balance between sweet and sassy. This is a story about a woman who has all the odds thrown at her and yet she not only prevails to get through it, but she takes charge. I loved it!
Before I read Just a Name, I had never heard of author Becky Monson. However, after reading this cute, fun and witty novel, I don't think I will ever forget her or the novel's protagonist. The story follows Holly Murphy, a straight up sort of woman who has always had her life planned out, but when her wedding is canceled and her career is suddenly on thin ice, Holly must learn to deal with everything on her plate. Serendipity eventually takes over and Holly finds herself in the middle of a bit of a wacky situation.
There are many appealing things about chick lit, and the first one is that the female leads are always relatable and humorous. Holly's character is no exception. Second, the plots are always so colorful and creative they just make the characters come to life. Becky Monson's plot for Just a Name is something that struck me as unique and fresh. Just a Name is a great novel to cozy up to after a long day. It is precisely the kind of story that won't just leave a smile on your face, but it will also leave your cheeks hurting from how funny it can be at times.
I felt so lucky to have had the opportunity to discover Monson's gem of a story. I can't wait to read more of her work! I would urge fans of romantic comedies to grab a copy of Just a Name; it has the perfect balance between sweet and sassy. This is a story about a woman who has all the odds thrown at her and yet she not only prevails to get through it, but she takes charge. I loved it!
Recommend this book:
Good-Bye Def Leppard
I'll Miss Those Jeans
Stef Kramer
2019 Bronze Medal
339 Pages
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Fiction - Chick Lit
Reviewed by Tracy Young for Readers' Favorite
Good-Bye Def Leppard: I'll Miss Those Jeans by Stef Kramer is the story of Amy Gaer, a small-town girl with big dreams. She is at a crossroads in her life and decides that returning to her home town to work is the perfect way to decide what happens next in her life. Music and literature are her passions, but she finds her new job in a bank is also fulfilling and could influence her future plans. A run-in with her ex-boyfriend convinces her that Fox Plains is not the place to seek a romantic attachment, at least that is until she meets Nick. His baseball uniform only highlights his classic good looks and Amy is definitely interested, especially when she finds out he works for her dad. What could be better than a family connection? However, as with all classic love stories, there are obstacles to overcome. Will love conquer all or will Amy follow her career path that leads away from Nick?
I loved this book! Amy is the epitome of a modern woman who must decide the path her life takes while considering all her options. Her mother shamelessly pushes her to pursue a law degree, while her best friend Jean wants her to move to Chicago and join her there. Nick, however, refuses to influence her decisions and says she must decide her future without considering him. Good-Bye Def Leppard is beautifully written and describes the early nineties culture perfectly. Stef Kramer writes her characters so they jump off the page and into your mind. Amy’s gran was a particular favorite of mine with her tattoos and her trailer in the woods. A great read and I look forward to discovering more works by the same author.
Good-Bye Def Leppard: I'll Miss Those Jeans by Stef Kramer is the story of Amy Gaer, a small-town girl with big dreams. She is at a crossroads in her life and decides that returning to her home town to work is the perfect way to decide what happens next in her life. Music and literature are her passions, but she finds her new job in a bank is also fulfilling and could influence her future plans. A run-in with her ex-boyfriend convinces her that Fox Plains is not the place to seek a romantic attachment, at least that is until she meets Nick. His baseball uniform only highlights his classic good looks and Amy is definitely interested, especially when she finds out he works for her dad. What could be better than a family connection? However, as with all classic love stories, there are obstacles to overcome. Will love conquer all or will Amy follow her career path that leads away from Nick?
I loved this book! Amy is the epitome of a modern woman who must decide the path her life takes while considering all her options. Her mother shamelessly pushes her to pursue a law degree, while her best friend Jean wants her to move to Chicago and join her there. Nick, however, refuses to influence her decisions and says she must decide her future without considering him. Good-Bye Def Leppard is beautifully written and describes the early nineties culture perfectly. Stef Kramer writes her characters so they jump off the page and into your mind. Amy’s gran was a particular favorite of mine with her tattoos and her trailer in the woods. A great read and I look forward to discovering more works by the same author.
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