Rosa Temple's Blog, page 3
November 25, 2016
Better Than a #Black Friday Sale - It's Free!
Grab a Free Chick Lit Read on me!
I was feeling extra generous, especially as we come up to the season of goodwill, and I'm offering ebook copies of Natalie's Getting Married for FREE from now until 28th November.
And that's it! Now all you have to do if you want to take advantage is hop over to Amazon and claim yours! Simple.
Here's the Universal Code as I'm not sure how many countries Amazon cover as part of this deal.
Or for Amazon UK: Click here and Amazon US: Click here!
Read, enjoy, review! Thank You!
I was feeling extra generous, especially as we come up to the season of goodwill, and I'm offering ebook copies of Natalie's Getting Married for FREE from now until 28th November.
And that's it! Now all you have to do if you want to take advantage is hop over to Amazon and claim yours! Simple.Here's the Universal Code as I'm not sure how many countries Amazon cover as part of this deal.
Or for Amazon UK: Click here and Amazon US: Click here!
Read, enjoy, review! Thank You!
November 21, 2016
My Favourite Christmas Rom Coms
Originally posted on Reading...Dreaming on 21st October 2016
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When it comes to Christmas and romantic comedies, I can’t get enough of the genre in book or film formats. There’s nothing better than getting snuggly with a good Christmas rom-com on the television, a glass of your favourite drink in hand and a box of tissues at the ready, even when you know there’s going to be a Happy Ever After. The same could be said for a good book at Christmas. Bring on the love and bring on the comedy, that’s what I say.So what are my favourite rom-coms to get snuggly to at Christmas? Well the list was so long, I whittled it down to a top 5 – but even that was a hard decision.So here goes: No. 5 – The Holiday This one stars one of my favourite actors, Jack Black. I absolutely adore this guy’s talent. It didn’t hurt the film to have the handsome Jude Law in a lead role either. But the best thing about this film is that there are two happy endings – you can’t get better than that!Favourite Quote: “Iris, in the movies we have leading ladies and we have the best friend. You, I can tell, are a leading lady, but for some reason, you're behaving like the best friend.” No. 4 – Matchmaker Santa Now this one was not on at the cinema. It’s one of a billion “made for television” films that for me was above average and could have given some of the blockbusters a run for their money. It has a touch of magic in it and sees an engaged couple being kept apart and finding that they each fall in love with someone else! Sounds weird but you have to trust me on this one.Favourite Quote: “ [Man on Plane]‘Did you ask Santa for something special?’ [Melanie] ‘I asked for true love.’” No. 3 – While You Were Sleeping One of my favourite actors for rom-com is in this one – Sandra Bullock. Love her. And I love this dreamy film – excuse the pun. But I love films with a twist of fortune; falling in love with one guy who doesn’t know you exist only to find the one for you is right under your nose. It’s a common theme in this genre but I don’t care. No matter how contrived, this well acted film has to be seen to be believed.Favourite Quote: “And who are you, Jack, the happiness guru?” No. 2 – Sleepless in Seattle/You’ve Got Mail Excuse the double up but by cheating I get to have 6 films on my top 5! These films both star a great pairing of actors who work so well together. Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks are great in straight films as well as comedy. I am just in a state of heavenly bliss as I watch either of these films and they are the ones I have the tissues out for, just waiting for that Happy Ever After to arrive. Great stuff.Favourite Quotes: “That’s your problem! You don’t want to be in love. You want to be in a love movie!” “People are always telling you that change is a good thing. But all they're really saying is that something you didn't want to happen at all... has happened.” No 1. – Serendipity One of the best themes a writer can work with is the one of Fate and that’s what this film is all about. It begins in New York as two people, already in separate relationships, meet while Christmas shopping and both want to buy the same pair of gloves. Years later, will they meet again? There are some films you can just watch over and over again, even if you know what’s coming next, and this is one of them for me. Such a beautiful story – I can’t get enough of it and that’s why I made it No. 1!Favourite Quote: “I first came in because of the name: Serendipity. It's one of my favourite words.”
Now you tell me, what’s your favourite romantic comedy Christmas film?
p { margin-bottom: 0.25cm; line-height: 120%; }a:link { } When it comes to Christmas and romantic comedies, I can’t get enough of the genre in book or film formats. There’s nothing better than getting snuggly with a good Christmas rom-com on the television, a glass of your favourite drink in hand and a box of tissues at the ready, even when you know there’s going to be a Happy Ever After. The same could be said for a good book at Christmas. Bring on the love and bring on the comedy, that’s what I say.So what are my favourite rom-coms to get snuggly to at Christmas? Well the list was so long, I whittled it down to a top 5 – but even that was a hard decision.So here goes: No. 5 – The Holiday This one stars one of my favourite actors, Jack Black. I absolutely adore this guy’s talent. It didn’t hurt the film to have the handsome Jude Law in a lead role either. But the best thing about this film is that there are two happy endings – you can’t get better than that!Favourite Quote: “Iris, in the movies we have leading ladies and we have the best friend. You, I can tell, are a leading lady, but for some reason, you're behaving like the best friend.” No. 4 – Matchmaker Santa Now this one was not on at the cinema. It’s one of a billion “made for television” films that for me was above average and could have given some of the blockbusters a run for their money. It has a touch of magic in it and sees an engaged couple being kept apart and finding that they each fall in love with someone else! Sounds weird but you have to trust me on this one.Favourite Quote: “ [Man on Plane]‘Did you ask Santa for something special?’ [Melanie] ‘I asked for true love.’” No. 3 – While You Were Sleeping One of my favourite actors for rom-com is in this one – Sandra Bullock. Love her. And I love this dreamy film – excuse the pun. But I love films with a twist of fortune; falling in love with one guy who doesn’t know you exist only to find the one for you is right under your nose. It’s a common theme in this genre but I don’t care. No matter how contrived, this well acted film has to be seen to be believed.Favourite Quote: “And who are you, Jack, the happiness guru?” No. 2 – Sleepless in Seattle/You’ve Got Mail Excuse the double up but by cheating I get to have 6 films on my top 5! These films both star a great pairing of actors who work so well together. Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks are great in straight films as well as comedy. I am just in a state of heavenly bliss as I watch either of these films and they are the ones I have the tissues out for, just waiting for that Happy Ever After to arrive. Great stuff.Favourite Quotes: “That’s your problem! You don’t want to be in love. You want to be in a love movie!” “People are always telling you that change is a good thing. But all they're really saying is that something you didn't want to happen at all... has happened.” No 1. – Serendipity One of the best themes a writer can work with is the one of Fate and that’s what this film is all about. It begins in New York as two people, already in separate relationships, meet while Christmas shopping and both want to buy the same pair of gloves. Years later, will they meet again? There are some films you can just watch over and over again, even if you know what’s coming next, and this is one of them for me. Such a beautiful story – I can’t get enough of it and that’s why I made it No. 1!Favourite Quote: “I first came in because of the name: Serendipity. It's one of my favourite words.”
Now you tell me, what’s your favourite romantic comedy Christmas film?
November 16, 2016
Book Review - Piece by Piece
Piece by Piece by Cathie WhitmoreMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
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This is an exceptionally written piece of women's fiction that I would recommend to lovers of the genre. I loved the movement through time as we discover more about the lives of this well off family in Australia, but in particular the generations of women as seen through their eyes.
The characters were well drawn and I particularly liked the relationship between Celeste and her mother, Eleanor. There are lots of characters to take in during this saga but Cathie Whitmore has the knack of making the reader want to know more which makes this book a bit of a page turner!
If you are drawn to the poignant themes of lies and betrayal then Piece by Piece is for you. Not only does the writer explore sexuality, infertility and wealth but she also develops a background set in recent history and a saga that has the potential to continue into another book!
Highly recommend read!
View all my reviews
November 13, 2016
Christmas Comes Early In Chick Lit
Originally posted on Connect With Chick Lit Club 26th October 2016
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I’m a new writer to chick lit and romantic comedies but I didn’t fail to notice that there were a lot of Christmas books in this genre out on sale as early as September; some were even out on Amazon in August!Now I’m one of these people who gets agitated when she sees Christmas decorations going up in shop windows in the autumn. It just doesn’t seem right to me somehow. I’m not ready for the festive season, especially on a year like this in London when the sun is still out (as I write) and I haven’t started wearing my woollies yet. But the trend to bring out a Christmas book earlier rather than later still seems to be the norm.So, as a new writer I did what everyone else was doing, I planned to publish my Christmas book in October – who am I to doubt the experience of others?Earlier this year, Single by Christmas was just a seed of an idea and I wasn’t even sure I could have it written, edited and proof read in time for December, let alone any earlier than that. I struggled with the concept of writing anything remotely Christmassy so early in the year.I wondered if I should put decorations around my writing desk and stick paper snowflakes on the window to get me in the mood. I also wondered how the other writers managed to get so Christmassy if, like me, they were writing their Xmas romances in the springtime! Finally I came to my senses when I realised, you don’t have to have snow, tinsel and mince pies around to write about Christmas, in the same way a historical fiction writer doesn’t have to go back in time to write historical fiction novels! The answer was staring me in the face; do what fiction writers do best – USE YOUR IMAGINATION. Then, suddenly, the novel that was just a few scrawled notes on an old notebook, came to life and I found I was in full flow and the ideas just kept on coming. When it got the to the end of August and I was in the throws of editing, I did notice that one of the television channels, renowned for its romantic drama films, started showing Christmas movies! I was tempted to start watching some but, to be honest, I just love the idea of a Christmas film being watched when I’m all cosy on the sofa with a hot cup of tea, thick socks on and the Christmas tree lights twinkling in the background. And I wasn’t about to get the tree out in August! Added to that we were having a heatwave in London and it just didn’t seem right.If I decide to write a Christmas novel for next year, Christmas will have to come early again, but I think I know how to handle it now.So now Single by Christmas is out there, the official release date being 18th October. It still wasn’t published as early as some but I’m happy that it’s the heart-warming, feel good story I was hoping to write and I hope it has readers getting cosy on the sofa with a hot drink and getting well and truly in the holiday mood.
p { margin-bottom: 0.25cm; line-height: 120%; } I’m a new writer to chick lit and romantic comedies but I didn’t fail to notice that there were a lot of Christmas books in this genre out on sale as early as September; some were even out on Amazon in August!Now I’m one of these people who gets agitated when she sees Christmas decorations going up in shop windows in the autumn. It just doesn’t seem right to me somehow. I’m not ready for the festive season, especially on a year like this in London when the sun is still out (as I write) and I haven’t started wearing my woollies yet. But the trend to bring out a Christmas book earlier rather than later still seems to be the norm.So, as a new writer I did what everyone else was doing, I planned to publish my Christmas book in October – who am I to doubt the experience of others?Earlier this year, Single by Christmas was just a seed of an idea and I wasn’t even sure I could have it written, edited and proof read in time for December, let alone any earlier than that. I struggled with the concept of writing anything remotely Christmassy so early in the year.I wondered if I should put decorations around my writing desk and stick paper snowflakes on the window to get me in the mood. I also wondered how the other writers managed to get so Christmassy if, like me, they were writing their Xmas romances in the springtime! Finally I came to my senses when I realised, you don’t have to have snow, tinsel and mince pies around to write about Christmas, in the same way a historical fiction writer doesn’t have to go back in time to write historical fiction novels! The answer was staring me in the face; do what fiction writers do best – USE YOUR IMAGINATION. Then, suddenly, the novel that was just a few scrawled notes on an old notebook, came to life and I found I was in full flow and the ideas just kept on coming. When it got the to the end of August and I was in the throws of editing, I did notice that one of the television channels, renowned for its romantic drama films, started showing Christmas movies! I was tempted to start watching some but, to be honest, I just love the idea of a Christmas film being watched when I’m all cosy on the sofa with a hot cup of tea, thick socks on and the Christmas tree lights twinkling in the background. And I wasn’t about to get the tree out in August! Added to that we were having a heatwave in London and it just didn’t seem right.If I decide to write a Christmas novel for next year, Christmas will have to come early again, but I think I know how to handle it now.So now Single by Christmas is out there, the official release date being 18th October. It still wasn’t published as early as some but I’m happy that it’s the heart-warming, feel good story I was hoping to write and I hope it has readers getting cosy on the sofa with a hot drink and getting well and truly in the holiday mood.
November 8, 2016
Anti-heroines in Women’s Fiction – Where Do You Stand?
Originally posted on Linda's Book Bag on 17th October 2016
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Most of my writing day is taken up by writing fiction. If I’m not writing a blog or magazine article for a client, I’m creating fictional characters either in my own stories or as a ghost writer. Most of the fiction I ghost write comes under the women’s fiction umbrella, mainly romance. In every outline I’m given the heroine is always likeable, kind, well adjusted, good looking (if not absolutely beautiful) and everything she does makes her worthy of the handsome hero.I know we pick up a book because we like to escape the real world but I always prefer to ‘keep it real(ish)’ when I write – particularly in my own stories.So when it came to writing Single by Christmas, I knew straight away that I wasn’t writing my female protagonist in the typically expected style for women’s fiction. Alex Marshall wasn’t going to be the heroine, she was going to be the anti-heroine. When writers create anti-heroes – the bad guy who womanises, drinks too much, puts his needs first – it seems to be acceptable because he is a man. But how do you react to a woman who does all those things?Typical Anti-Hero/Anti-Heroine Traits (in brief) Self-absorbed, selfish Shows little remorse for bad behaviour Imperfections easily identified Has the reader’s sympathy but has questionable moralsI knew that when I embarked on my Christmas story that Alex Marshall wasn’t the type of woman who owned a cake shop and sold mince pies to the man of her dreams, neither was she going to get stranded with him in a snow storm in a remote and picturesque town. But I had to be careful. I didn’t want to lose the spirit of Christmas. I didn’t want Alex to be an out and out villain who ambushes Santa and holds the pressies for ransom. I had to tread carefully and let the reader see her ‘naughty’ side in the events of the story and hopefully understand her motives as the scenes played out in typical anti-heroine fashion.I also had to bear in mind that this story was a romantic comedy – emphasis on the romantic and the comedy. So how could I make Alex edgy and still leave room for the odd laugh or two (or more, hopefully). My answer: I made Alex a little too fond of booze and gave her a very selfish streak.One early reader of Single by Christmas said she wanted to slap Alex. Maybe you will, too, but the fact remains, her motives are questionable and so is her behaviour. I knew I was taking a risk, especially since I’ve created a female character in a previous story who, potentially, put the whole sex in a bad light. One reviewer didn’t appreciate that and deducted a star from her review because she hated when women are not portrayed in a positive light.But I say, ‘Hey, we’re only human, and we all mess up sometimes’ – even women.I guess when it comes to romantic comedy there may be a strong argument that dictates that the leading lady ought to have nothing but flawless qualities. But I argue that there’s nothing wrong with upsetting stereotypes and Alex Marshall is no stereotypical heroine.So what’s your view? Do you want all the women you read about to be ‘perfect’ or can you handle the odd flawed character once in a while?
p { margin-bottom: 0.25cm; line-height: 120%; } Most of my writing day is taken up by writing fiction. If I’m not writing a blog or magazine article for a client, I’m creating fictional characters either in my own stories or as a ghost writer. Most of the fiction I ghost write comes under the women’s fiction umbrella, mainly romance. In every outline I’m given the heroine is always likeable, kind, well adjusted, good looking (if not absolutely beautiful) and everything she does makes her worthy of the handsome hero.I know we pick up a book because we like to escape the real world but I always prefer to ‘keep it real(ish)’ when I write – particularly in my own stories.So when it came to writing Single by Christmas, I knew straight away that I wasn’t writing my female protagonist in the typically expected style for women’s fiction. Alex Marshall wasn’t going to be the heroine, she was going to be the anti-heroine. When writers create anti-heroes – the bad guy who womanises, drinks too much, puts his needs first – it seems to be acceptable because he is a man. But how do you react to a woman who does all those things?Typical Anti-Hero/Anti-Heroine Traits (in brief) Self-absorbed, selfish Shows little remorse for bad behaviour Imperfections easily identified Has the reader’s sympathy but has questionable moralsI knew that when I embarked on my Christmas story that Alex Marshall wasn’t the type of woman who owned a cake shop and sold mince pies to the man of her dreams, neither was she going to get stranded with him in a snow storm in a remote and picturesque town. But I had to be careful. I didn’t want to lose the spirit of Christmas. I didn’t want Alex to be an out and out villain who ambushes Santa and holds the pressies for ransom. I had to tread carefully and let the reader see her ‘naughty’ side in the events of the story and hopefully understand her motives as the scenes played out in typical anti-heroine fashion.I also had to bear in mind that this story was a romantic comedy – emphasis on the romantic and the comedy. So how could I make Alex edgy and still leave room for the odd laugh or two (or more, hopefully). My answer: I made Alex a little too fond of booze and gave her a very selfish streak.One early reader of Single by Christmas said she wanted to slap Alex. Maybe you will, too, but the fact remains, her motives are questionable and so is her behaviour. I knew I was taking a risk, especially since I’ve created a female character in a previous story who, potentially, put the whole sex in a bad light. One reviewer didn’t appreciate that and deducted a star from her review because she hated when women are not portrayed in a positive light.But I say, ‘Hey, we’re only human, and we all mess up sometimes’ – even women.I guess when it comes to romantic comedy there may be a strong argument that dictates that the leading lady ought to have nothing but flawless qualities. But I argue that there’s nothing wrong with upsetting stereotypes and Alex Marshall is no stereotypical heroine.So what’s your view? Do you want all the women you read about to be ‘perfect’ or can you handle the odd flawed character once in a while?
November 2, 2016
Hello November!
So, here we go folks, we're into another month and I'm into another round up of things to do.
I don't know about you but my Things To Do List for November is looking very, very long. My first task is to take a deep breath, exhale slowly and tell myself 'I can do this!' I can get through another busy month - I don't really have any other choice.
Before I get into November I have to say a special thank you to all the book bloggers and book reviewers who were on the 12 Days of Single by Christmas Blog Tour and all the others who reviewed my book or featured me on their sites or Tweeted about the book. THANK YOU. And I'm enjoying reading all the fabulous reviews. They've all been 5 and 4 Stars, so I got this one right.
Also, as last month was all about the Single by Christmas book launch and giveaway (and if you haven't got your copy yet, then ... you know what to do). I'd like to congratulate the five winners and hope that they enjoy the book, too!
Now onto November. Amongst the multitude things I hope to and have to get done, there is one biggie. My mission (and yes I have accepted it) is to finish writing the first book in my three part Magenta Bright Series
I will talk more about Magenta later but I'm so loving writing this new character and I'm almost finished the first draft of the book which is entitled, Magenta Bright: A Year In The Life. You'll be able to get a sneak preview after Christmas and Publication will be in Spring 2017!
So not only will Magenta keep me busy in November but she will be occupying lots and lots of my time next year.
But wait, I'm getting ahead of myself - I have to get through November To Do List first.
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What's on your To Do List?
I don't know about you but my Things To Do List for November is looking very, very long. My first task is to take a deep breath, exhale slowly and tell myself 'I can do this!' I can get through another busy month - I don't really have any other choice.
Before I get into November I have to say a special thank you to all the book bloggers and book reviewers who were on the 12 Days of Single by Christmas Blog Tour and all the others who reviewed my book or featured me on their sites or Tweeted about the book. THANK YOU. And I'm enjoying reading all the fabulous reviews. They've all been 5 and 4 Stars, so I got this one right.
Also, as last month was all about the Single by Christmas book launch and giveaway (and if you haven't got your copy yet, then ... you know what to do). I'd like to congratulate the five winners and hope that they enjoy the book, too!
Now onto November. Amongst the multitude things I hope to and have to get done, there is one biggie. My mission (and yes I have accepted it) is to finish writing the first book in my three part Magenta Bright Series
I will talk more about Magenta later but I'm so loving writing this new character and I'm almost finished the first draft of the book which is entitled, Magenta Bright: A Year In The Life. You'll be able to get a sneak preview after Christmas and Publication will be in Spring 2017!
So not only will Magenta keep me busy in November but she will be occupying lots and lots of my time next year.
But wait, I'm getting ahead of myself - I have to get through November To Do List first.
[image error]
What's on your To Do List?
October 16, 2016
The 12 Days of Single by Christmas Blog Tour & Giveaway!
It's finally here!
The blog tour and giveaway I've been raving about for weeks kicks off today and with a stunning line up of bloggers and reviewers on board I really hope you enjoy the tour.
The giveaway is below so enter away and don't forget to comment each time you follow a stop on the tour.
Spread the word and use #SinglebyChristmas
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Good Luck :)
Publication Day!
The official release date of Single by Christmas is 18th October and you can get your copy here:
Amazon UK
Amazon US
The blog tour and giveaway I've been raving about for weeks kicks off today and with a stunning line up of bloggers and reviewers on board I really hope you enjoy the tour.
The giveaway is below so enter away and don't forget to comment each time you follow a stop on the tour.
Spread the word and use #SinglebyChristmas
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Good Luck :)
Publication Day!
The official release date of Single by Christmas is 18th October and you can get your copy here:
Amazon UK
Amazon US
September 26, 2016
The Twelve Days of Single by Christmas Blog Tour
So I told you how I threw caution to the wind and decided to throw my own blog tour for the release of my up coming novel
Single by Christmas
, well the response has been great and some fabulous bloggers and book reviewers are taking part.
The official release date for Single by Christmas is Tuesday 18th October and I'm really excited.
Here is the list of blogs taking part:
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Monday 17thRae reads … http://raereads1.blogspot.co.uk/
Tuesday 18thKraftireader https://kraftireader.wordpress.com/The Book Magnet http://thebookmagnet.blogspot.co.uk/
Wednesday19thWhispering Stories http://whisperingstories.com/
Thursday 20thChick Lit Chickadees http://chicklitchickadees.com/Han’s Book Reviews http://hannahreviewingbooks.blogspot.co.uk/ai love books http://ai-books.blogspot.co.uk/
Friday 21stReading...Dreaming http://booksaremywayofliving.blogspot.co.uk/Comfy Reading https://comfyreading.wordpress.com/
Saturday 22ndReviewed The Book http://www.reviewedthebook.co.uk/
Sunday 23rdSparkly World http://www.sparklyword.com/
Monday 24thBook Lover in Florida https://bookloverfl12.wordpress.com/Hello … Chick Lit http://hellochicklit.com/
Tuesday 25thRae reads … http://raereads1.blogspot.co.uk/The Book Wench https://thebookwench.com/Granny Loves To Read http://grannylovestoread.blogspot.co.uk/
Wednesday 26thChat About Books https://chataboutbooks.wordpress.com/The Book Magnet http://thebookmagnet.blogspot.co.uk/Chick Lit Club – Connect http://connect.chicklitclub.com/wp/
Thursday 27thRachel’s Random Reads http://rachelsrandomreads.blogspot.co.uk/Annie’s Book Corner http://anniecoopersbookcorner.blogspot.co.uk/
Friday 28thHan’s Book Reviews http://hannahreviewingbooks.blogspot.co.uk/Pretty Little Book Reviews http://www.prettylittlebookreviews.com/
Of course there will be a Rafflecopter giveaway with a bunch of free copies up for grabs. So put the dates in your diary and follow the tour!
The official release date for Single by Christmas is Tuesday 18th October and I'm really excited.
Here is the list of blogs taking part:
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Monday 17thRae reads … http://raereads1.blogspot.co.uk/
Tuesday 18thKraftireader https://kraftireader.wordpress.com/The Book Magnet http://thebookmagnet.blogspot.co.uk/
Wednesday19thWhispering Stories http://whisperingstories.com/
Thursday 20thChick Lit Chickadees http://chicklitchickadees.com/Han’s Book Reviews http://hannahreviewingbooks.blogspot.co.uk/ai love books http://ai-books.blogspot.co.uk/
Friday 21stReading...Dreaming http://booksaremywayofliving.blogspot.co.uk/Comfy Reading https://comfyreading.wordpress.com/
Saturday 22ndReviewed The Book http://www.reviewedthebook.co.uk/
Sunday 23rdSparkly World http://www.sparklyword.com/
Monday 24thBook Lover in Florida https://bookloverfl12.wordpress.com/Hello … Chick Lit http://hellochicklit.com/
Tuesday 25thRae reads … http://raereads1.blogspot.co.uk/The Book Wench https://thebookwench.com/Granny Loves To Read http://grannylovestoread.blogspot.co.uk/
Wednesday 26thChat About Books https://chataboutbooks.wordpress.com/The Book Magnet http://thebookmagnet.blogspot.co.uk/Chick Lit Club – Connect http://connect.chicklitclub.com/wp/
Thursday 27thRachel’s Random Reads http://rachelsrandomreads.blogspot.co.uk/Annie’s Book Corner http://anniecoopersbookcorner.blogspot.co.uk/
Friday 28thHan’s Book Reviews http://hannahreviewingbooks.blogspot.co.uk/Pretty Little Book Reviews http://www.prettylittlebookreviews.com/
Of course there will be a Rafflecopter giveaway with a bunch of free copies up for grabs. So put the dates in your diary and follow the tour!
Guest Post - How Chick Lit Has Changed Over The Years
Today I am joined by Caroline Black of
Culture Coverage
for an fabulously insightful post that I'm sure you'll enjoy as much as I did!
Over to you Caroline:
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How Chick Lit Has Changed Over the Years
I always got hung up on the idea of chick lit and never understood how to properly define the word, mostly because it irked me that no one often gives that term out to books that are any good besides Pride & Prejudice.
[image error]Image courtesy of Shutterstock.
While my literature classes were inundated with the kind of female-led texts that could make a modern woman weep from boredom (sorry Chopin lovers, I’d rather read the phone book than take another stab at The Awakening), it’s undeniable that the new stuff has a little bit more pizazz.
Whether it’s because women are writing more today or just because there are fewer restrictions on their freedoms, abilities and dreams, the most recent slew of chick lit has made me a believer in the genre. Here are a few reasons why.
It’s Spicier
No one wants to say it, but I will: Fifty Shades of Grey changed the way people look at chick lit. Sure, some can call it just another romance novel, but it was the romance novel heard around the world. And while it wasn’t the first book that revealed the complicated sex life of the modern women, it did continue the tradition in style. Helen Fielding’s Bridget, Bushnell's Carrie and even Hawthorne’s Hester would approve.
It’s Smarter and More Share-Worthy
Sophie Kinsella doesn’t write your typical heroine, and I would make the case that Helen Fielding doesn’t either. These women aren’t pushing stereotypes of female behavior onto their characters; they’re letting them come alive and fully realized. Who didn’t love Confessions of a Shopaholic , a hair-brained spender with a need for shoes? Or Andrea Sachs of The Devil Wears Prada fame? These women weren’t dumb and they weren’t just in love—they were navigating modern worlds with smarts and pizazz.
It’s Scarier
With Paula Hawkin’s The Girl on The Train now a film, audiences around the world are going to get another dose of a swoon-worthy mystery with a woman at its center. It’s only one of the many recent stories that revolve around mischief, mayhem and conflicted, complicated heroines. Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl sparked interest even before it was turned into a movie by Ben Affleck. After it had hit the big screen, it exploded across the consciousness of moviegoers for it’s fresh (i.e. rare) exposure of female sexuality. Cue in Marvel’s comic book heroine Jessica Jones , with a show currently streaming on US Netflix , for its openness to discuss rape, sex, and gender fluidity, and you’ve got a great reason to head for the next Comic Con even if your heart is more in the romance section.
It’s Still Romantic
When Nora Ephron set out to make You’ve Got Mail, it was a remake of an old movie about letters. For the modern world, letters weren’t going to be such a mass draw for audiences, but the email angle was just right. For books that still grasp the romantic spirit with modern heroines, Marian Keyes is one author that still keeps things classic as well as full-on romantic. From Sushi for Beginners to Anybody out There?, the whimsical meet-cute scenario is still alive and well.
It’s Starting Younger
Some of my favorite chick lit genre authors are technically masters of teen fiction, and that’s a good thing. From Louise Rennison’s Angus, Thongs, and the Full-Frontal Snogging to Don’t Judge A Girl By Her Cover by Ally Carter, the heroines populating the tween and teen chick lit shelves aren’t just captivating the younger set but captivating audiences of every gender, age and nationality with fun, wit and great plotlines. If you look at Meg Cabot’s The Princess Diaries, it may have been girly, but it changed the way people think about princesses. That’s certainly something to celebrate.
Have you got a girl power series that you can’t get enough of? Maybe a one hit wonder that delights you every time you get to name it in your book group as your favorite piece of chick lit? Share your thoughts in the comment section so I can get on the bandwagon and introduce myself to new titles!
About the Author:Caroline is an avid reader and entertainment junkie. Although she loves a good story and an even better movie, she’s still of the impression that the book is always better. The exception to this is Bridget Jones’ Diary—that one is a knockout in both regards! You can read more of Caroline’s thoughts on entertainment at www.culturecoverage.comor find her on Twitter at: @CultureCovC
Related articles [image error] Hail great Chick Lit!
Over to you Caroline:
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How Chick Lit Has Changed Over the Years
I always got hung up on the idea of chick lit and never understood how to properly define the word, mostly because it irked me that no one often gives that term out to books that are any good besides Pride & Prejudice.
[image error]Image courtesy of Shutterstock.
While my literature classes were inundated with the kind of female-led texts that could make a modern woman weep from boredom (sorry Chopin lovers, I’d rather read the phone book than take another stab at The Awakening), it’s undeniable that the new stuff has a little bit more pizazz.
Whether it’s because women are writing more today or just because there are fewer restrictions on their freedoms, abilities and dreams, the most recent slew of chick lit has made me a believer in the genre. Here are a few reasons why.
It’s Spicier
No one wants to say it, but I will: Fifty Shades of Grey changed the way people look at chick lit. Sure, some can call it just another romance novel, but it was the romance novel heard around the world. And while it wasn’t the first book that revealed the complicated sex life of the modern women, it did continue the tradition in style. Helen Fielding’s Bridget, Bushnell's Carrie and even Hawthorne’s Hester would approve.
It’s Smarter and More Share-Worthy
Sophie Kinsella doesn’t write your typical heroine, and I would make the case that Helen Fielding doesn’t either. These women aren’t pushing stereotypes of female behavior onto their characters; they’re letting them come alive and fully realized. Who didn’t love Confessions of a Shopaholic , a hair-brained spender with a need for shoes? Or Andrea Sachs of The Devil Wears Prada fame? These women weren’t dumb and they weren’t just in love—they were navigating modern worlds with smarts and pizazz.
It’s Scarier
With Paula Hawkin’s The Girl on The Train now a film, audiences around the world are going to get another dose of a swoon-worthy mystery with a woman at its center. It’s only one of the many recent stories that revolve around mischief, mayhem and conflicted, complicated heroines. Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl sparked interest even before it was turned into a movie by Ben Affleck. After it had hit the big screen, it exploded across the consciousness of moviegoers for it’s fresh (i.e. rare) exposure of female sexuality. Cue in Marvel’s comic book heroine Jessica Jones , with a show currently streaming on US Netflix , for its openness to discuss rape, sex, and gender fluidity, and you’ve got a great reason to head for the next Comic Con even if your heart is more in the romance section.
It’s Still Romantic
When Nora Ephron set out to make You’ve Got Mail, it was a remake of an old movie about letters. For the modern world, letters weren’t going to be such a mass draw for audiences, but the email angle was just right. For books that still grasp the romantic spirit with modern heroines, Marian Keyes is one author that still keeps things classic as well as full-on romantic. From Sushi for Beginners to Anybody out There?, the whimsical meet-cute scenario is still alive and well.
It’s Starting Younger
Some of my favorite chick lit genre authors are technically masters of teen fiction, and that’s a good thing. From Louise Rennison’s Angus, Thongs, and the Full-Frontal Snogging to Don’t Judge A Girl By Her Cover by Ally Carter, the heroines populating the tween and teen chick lit shelves aren’t just captivating the younger set but captivating audiences of every gender, age and nationality with fun, wit and great plotlines. If you look at Meg Cabot’s The Princess Diaries, it may have been girly, but it changed the way people think about princesses. That’s certainly something to celebrate.
Have you got a girl power series that you can’t get enough of? Maybe a one hit wonder that delights you every time you get to name it in your book group as your favorite piece of chick lit? Share your thoughts in the comment section so I can get on the bandwagon and introduce myself to new titles!
About the Author:Caroline is an avid reader and entertainment junkie. Although she loves a good story and an even better movie, she’s still of the impression that the book is always better. The exception to this is Bridget Jones’ Diary—that one is a knockout in both regards! You can read more of Caroline’s thoughts on entertainment at www.culturecoverage.comor find her on Twitter at: @CultureCovC
Related articles [image error] Hail great Chick Lit!
September 18, 2016
The DIY Blog Tour
Organising your own blog tour anyone? No? Well let me tell you it's not that easy. But I've always been one who likes a taste of adventure and so far planning my own blog tour for
Single by Christmas
has been just that.
Yes I've been confused, perplexed and bamboozled in the planning stages but the book blogging world is full of friendly folk who are kind and willing to help.
My proposed blog tour called: The 12 Days of Single by Christmas Blog Tour runs from Monday 17th October to Friday 28th October.
Yes, there will be giveaways and yes we will have fun on the blog hops.
So far there are 19 stops and I think I could handle some more.
If you're a book blogger and can host a guest spot, promo blast or author Q&A then contact me and we'll take it from there!
The Blurb
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You’ve heard the saying, ‘opposites attract’ haven’t you? Well meet 27 year old Alex Marshall, a party girl with a penchant for free flowing Prosecco, and her devilishly handsome scientist boyfriend, Charlie, who loves jazz and dinner for two.
Alex and Charlie are together for 11 blissful months until Alex goes out of town and does something she will later regret. Was she drunk? You bet. Does she want Charlie to know? Well what do you think?
With the couple about to spend their first Christmas together will Charlie be the forgiving kind or will Alex be Single by Christmas?
This is a feel good, Christmas novel with very few mince pies, not much snow and absolutely no mistletoe – just a couple of best friends, a sociopathic nemesis and a lot of drinking.
Out: Tuesday 18th October 2016 on Amazon!
Yes I've been confused, perplexed and bamboozled in the planning stages but the book blogging world is full of friendly folk who are kind and willing to help.
My proposed blog tour called: The 12 Days of Single by Christmas Blog Tour runs from Monday 17th October to Friday 28th October.
Yes, there will be giveaways and yes we will have fun on the blog hops.
So far there are 19 stops and I think I could handle some more.
If you're a book blogger and can host a guest spot, promo blast or author Q&A then contact me and we'll take it from there!
The Blurb
p { margin-bottom: 0.25cm; line-height: 120%; }
You’ve heard the saying, ‘opposites attract’ haven’t you? Well meet 27 year old Alex Marshall, a party girl with a penchant for free flowing Prosecco, and her devilishly handsome scientist boyfriend, Charlie, who loves jazz and dinner for two.
Alex and Charlie are together for 11 blissful months until Alex goes out of town and does something she will later regret. Was she drunk? You bet. Does she want Charlie to know? Well what do you think?
With the couple about to spend their first Christmas together will Charlie be the forgiving kind or will Alex be Single by Christmas?
This is a feel good, Christmas novel with very few mince pies, not much snow and absolutely no mistletoe – just a couple of best friends, a sociopathic nemesis and a lot of drinking.
Out: Tuesday 18th October 2016 on Amazon!
![[image error]](http://a.rgbimg.com/cache1Ae0u8/users/c/co/colinbrough//300/pyhVMBs.jpg){kind=link}