Tag Archives: Chic lit

Larceny and Lace by Annette Blair

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover larceny and lace

Title: Larceny and Lace
Author: Annette Blair
Series: A Vintage Magic Mystery #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Cozy mystery, Mystery
Dates read: 19th October – 9th November 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Berkley Prime Circle
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: But the longer I waited, the madder the Wiener was going to get.

Synopsis

With all the stress of opening her new vintage clothing store (in a renovated old morgue) Madeira Cutler feels like a bag of bones–until she discovers the real deal, unearthed by an intruder, in an old body drawer. And the bones are as vintage as Maddie’s stock, or so says Maddie’s resident ghostly hunk, Dante Underhill.

Could the break-in have something to do with the local playhouse and its curator going down in flames? Somehow Maddie will have to juggle dressing the store, party planning, and crime solving. Add to the brew the local witch’s costume ball, being held at her store, and Madeira is wishing she knew how to ride a broom right out of there…

Thoughts

I loved this book just as much as the first one. It had that same sense of self and humour. That same quaint feeling of fun and enjoyment. Something which I really enjoy in my reading and shelves. Especially after a long, serious day of hard work… it just makes me so incredibly happy. And you know that there is going to be an easy, simple happy ending… even if this is a mystery about death.

This Vintage Magic Mystery was quite a bit more sinister than A Veiled Deception. Especially considering the fact that unlike in the first novel, this one has people who are actively gunning for Maddie. She just can’t quite seem to keep her nose out of a good mystery, and that has gotten her into a whole lot more trouble than the previous story…. which of course made this all the more difficult to put down and forget about….

Nick is still in this story. There’s nothing in particular that I have against him… but he just isn’t a great fit. Anybody who is in an on again and off again relationship just doesn’t sit quite well. And he’s kind of dismissive of Maddie as a human being. Weiner on the other hand, I think is brilliant. He finds Maddie frustrating, irritating and, most importantly real. As someone who is a bit like Maddie, having a man that recognises all of your flaws is actually kind of amazing… and it also lets you be yourself. Weiner better be this for Maddie later in the series!!!

This story also featured the grand opening of Maddie’s shop. It kind of made me want my own little shop. One that I could let my passions run rampant and be my own boss. I don’t think that it’s a realistic dream… but still. I just loved the Maddie finds a way to live a full life that she wants. One that is filled with her passions and obsessions. Something that I think we could all strive for (even if for a lot of us, it isn’t super realistic).

 <- A Veiled DeceptionDeath by Diamonds ->

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Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover crazy rich asians

Title: Crazy Rich Asians
Author: Kevin Kwan
Series: Crazy Rich Asians #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Asia, Book to Film, Chic lit, Contemporary
Dates read: 28th – 30th October 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Anchor Books
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: Her parents supported the idea of Astrid having a “cooling-off period” away, but try as she might to maintain a low profile, Astrid effortlessly enchanted le tout Paris with her smouldering beauty.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

When New Yorker Rachel Chu agrees to spend the summer in Singapore with her boyfriend, Nicholas Young, she envisions a humble family home and quality time with the man she hopes to marry. But Nick has failed to give his girlfriend a few key details. One, that his childhood home looks like a palace; two, that he grew up riding in more private planes than cars; and three, that he just happens to be the country’s most eligible bachelor.

On Nick’s arm, Rachel may as well have a target on her back the second she steps off the plane, and soon, her relaxed vacation turns into an obstacle course of old money, new money, nosy relatives, and scheming social climbers.

Thoughts

I CANNOT believe how amazing this book was!!! Totally floored. Totally in love and completely gobsmacked by the awesomeness of this. I am totally obsessed with the movie, so I was kind of expecting to like that better (it rarely happens, but sometimes if I love the movie, the book falls flat). But that was not the case. This book neither ruined the movies for me, or made me never want to read the books again. I now have a double obsession, both for different reasons.

Like the movie, this book is funny, pithy and quite brilliant. Yet, there is a lot more darkness amongst the pages than in the movie. Far more manipulation and horrible activities performed by the elite that are suddenly thrust into Rachel’s life. And a more insidious approach to her relationship than the movie has. This isn’t so rainbows and puppies at the end of the story. But, in being so, it is also way more realistic and, in many ways, relatable (because who hasn’t had issues with in-laws?)

It’s incredibly obvious that Kwan has come from this society. There is a sense of intimate knowledge and understanding of how this community lives that would only be available to an insider. One that was a great piece of cultural information. Even if the anthropologist in me will never have access to such a cultural group, and, after reading this, really doesn’t want to. One of my favourite aspects of this is the fact that there are footnotes explaining all of the language, preferences and activities of the Singapore elite. It gives an extra layer of information and cultural understanding that I previously wasn’t expecting. They’re also funny and a little bit disparaging. Kind of like having the movie version Oliver’s voice as a running commentary throughout.

This book is intense, unique and completely impossible to put down. It’s not one that I will forget any time soon. It is also one that will make you want to pick up China Rich Girlfriend immediately afterwards. At least, that’s what I did. Because seriously man, I wanted to see what happened next!!!

<- More Kevin KwanChina Rich Girlfriend ->

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A Veiled Deception by Annette Blair

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover a veiled deception

Title: A Veiled Deception
Author: Annette Blair
Series: A Vintage Magic Mystery #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Cozy mystery, Mystery
Dates read: 8th September – 15th October 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime
Year: 2008
5th sentence, 74th page: “Bummer,” I said, and she smiled.

Synopsis

With years of experience working for a top New York designer, Madeira Cutler has learned to appreciate the clean line, rich texture, and elegant draping of a finely crafted garment. It’s not until Maddie goes home to Mystick Falls, Connecticut, for her sister’s wedding, however, that she discovers her understanding of fashion goes much deeper…

Before the accessory shopping and fittings can begin, the festivities hit a snag when Maddie finds her sister’s nemesis strangled with the bride-to-be’s veil. In between opening her own vintage clothhing shop and keeping the wedding on track, Maddie’s determined to perform her own investigation to clear her family’s name. She soon finds that her best witness may be an antique wedding dress that magically unveils to her the secrets of those who have worn it. But if the gown doesn’t talk fast enough, the lives of everyone Maddie loves will surely fall apart at the seams.

Thoughts

This is my first ever “cozy mystery” book and I truly had no idea what to expect. After all, what in the heck even is a cozy mystery? And how does this fit into my normal taste in books? I mostly just bought A Veiled Deception because I loved the other books I read by Annette Blair. Turns out that cozy mysteries are something that I really enjoy, and now I can’t wait to explore the genre even further!

There is nothing like the bond of sisters. We drive each other nuts, bully each other, make each other mad. And, at the end of the day, love each other ridiculously. And would do literally anything for each other. Madi just decides that she’s going to solve a murder to help show her love. Luckily, she eventually does, and there’s a happily ever after moment, but there’s a few touch and go moments as you try to figure out who the actual culprit is.

I’m really not interested in fashion. Or makeup. Or really anything even remotely in that field, so the quotes at the beginning of each chapter, and some of the intricacies of the story didn’t really pull me in. Yet, I loved this insight into an entirely new world. I’ve never read a book which explores this aspect of life which is often glorified on TV. There is something fun and unique about it. Add that to the fact that it is a vintage wedding dress and a psychic gift that help to finally solve the murder… completely priceless.

This is one of those incredibly, wonderfully easy reads that I like to have in my reading list. They’re a great late night adventure that doesn’t take on too much emotional and mental impact. But it’s not overly simplistic – there is just a tangible innocence and love to the storyline that Blair is able to uniquely bring to life. And now I can’t wait to sink my literary teeth into the next book in the series, Larceny and Lace.

<- More Annette BlairLarceny and Lace ->

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The Scot, the Witch and the Wardrobe by Annette Blair

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for the scot, the witch and the wardrobe book cover

Title: The Scot, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Author: Annette Blair
Series: Accidental Witch Trilogy #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 4th – 6th September 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2006
5th sentence, 74th page: Damn it!

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide
Synopsis

He sought his birthright

Long ago, Rory MacKenzie’s Scottish ancestor lost the bewitching woman he loved and regretted it forever. Before he died, he sent her his greatest work of art, a beautifully carved unicorn, as a token of his eternal devotion. Now, Rory is determined to reclaim the unicorn and restore his clan to glory.

She fought her birthright

Like all the women in her family, Victoria Cartwright has inherited the key to the mysterious wardrobe in the family attic. Legend says that only the girl who possesses the magic of her ancestor can reveal the treasure within. But Vickie refuses to believe she is any sort of enchantress.

They both got more than they bargained for…

When Vickie unexpectedly opens the wardrobe, the unicorn makes her dreams come true – until the handsome Rory shows up with his own plans for the unicorn, and for Vickie…

Thoughts

This is a beautiful, fantastic, breathtaking end to a beautiful little trilogy. It has the same level of cute, sweet, heart-happy overload of the first two books. But with just that little bit of extra magic thrown in to spice the pot. There’s nothing like fate, destiny and a magical spell or two to help sweep along the romance. To a beautiful Scotsman. With a serious attitude problem.

It’s hard to find someone who will accept you for who and what you are. Even when you don’t have the extra burden of magical powers. And a man who is inherently terrified of that extra something that this woman possesses. Vicky and Rory’s constant tango as they both try to come to terms with her magic is kind of a beautiful symbolism of the battle which many of us go through to find someone who just accepts us for us.

I have a Scottish background, it’s diluted, but it’s enough that I’m constantly fascinated by any character from the country. There is something weird about it that seems to keep drawing me back in. Which, of course, is why I immediately found Rory fascinating. He is a cantankerous Scottish hermit with a HUGE chip on his shoulder. All things that will immediately draw me in. Partnering him with an absolute sweetheart like Vicky and intertwining their lives with foolish ancestors and a prophecy or two was just brilliant. I found myself completely drawn in by the title, let alone when the story started…

Unlike the first two books in this series, The Scot, the Witch and the Wardrobe ties much tighter to family and history. Kira and Mel are both in difficult family situations, but they are a backdrop to the main storyline. Vicky’s family on the other hand act as a major plot twist and moment. Their relationships not only drive Vicky’s attraction to Rory, but also provide her with a moment of power that she would have been otherwise unable to achieve. Sisters are wonderful, and irritating, and quite possibly going to drive us all completely insane. But they are also the people who give us the most strength. And I think that Vicky’s discovery of her family reflects that perfectly.

 <- My Favorite Witch ReviewSex and the Psychic Witch Review ->
Image source: Fantastic Fiction

My Favorite Witch by Annette Blair

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for my favorite witch book cover

Title: My Favorite Witch
Author: Annette Blair
Series: Accidental Witch Trilogy #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 4th September 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2006
5th sentence, 74th page: They made eye contact, sizzling eye contact, if he was any kind of judge.

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Synopsis

HE SWORE OFF WOMEN. SHE SWORE OFF MEN…

Jason Pickering Goddard’s career as a playboy hockey star comes to a dramatic halt when he tragically damages his legs in a car accident. Swearing off women, he decides to stand in as Director of Special Events at the Pickering Foundation in the interim – knowing his celebrity status will greatly help the foundation’s foster home for boys.

BUT NEITHER EXPECTED THIS KIND OF MAGIC.

A sexy witch cursed by a cheating ex-fiance, Kira Fitzgerald has closed the book on men. But a new chapter in her life opens when she’s appointed as Jason’s coordinator. The clash of their strong personalities ignites Jason’s competitive streak and sparks an inner fire that threatens to melt the ice around his heart – a slow warm-up that weakens Kira’s own defenses. And there’s not a spell strong enough to save her…

Thoughts

I’ve been waiting for this book to arrive on my doorstep for ages! I just loved The Kitchen Witch so much, and I couldn’t wait to read about one of her friends… I really wasn’t disappointed. So much so that I stayed up all night finishing this. Unable to put it down… I suppose having a good book by your side is one moment in which insomnia can actually work for you…

Kira only makes a brief appearance in The Kitchen Witch, but it’s enough that you are completely drawn in and want only what’s best for her. She has a great vulnerability and innocence covered in this incredibly tough outer layer. The fact that she’s been quite seriously burnt in the past, actually made me think of my own sister, which just made me want to hug her and find her a good man all the more… which of course happens. Because this is a romance. And it’s cute and why would you have a romance without a great, hunky lead to partner with the vulnerable, independent woman?

Normally I want to punch people in romances because of their incredibly stupid decisions. The vast majority of the time, the reason that they can’t work is because one of them is just epically dumb. Not so much with this story, don’t get me wrong, there were some silly decisions made… but they came from a place that I could completely understand and relate to. So much less frustrating when you can truly understand the characters’ flaws and insecurities… even if they’re still a little dumb.

This is one of those perfect books for when you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, overworked and just plain stressed. It’s not overly intense, but there is enough happening that you are fascinated by what will happen next. You know that eventually the leads will end up together, so you’re not upset by that. But there’s enough concern that you want to make sure this isn’t the one romance in which there is no happily ever after… my only actual complaint about this book is that now it’s over and I have to return to the real world…

 <- The Kitchen Witch ReviewThe Scot, the Witch and the Wardrobe Review ->
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Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han

Book Review, , , , , ,
Overview
Image result for always and forever, lara jean book cover

Title: Always and Forever, Lara Jean
Author: Jenny Han
Series: To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before #3
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Contemporary, Easy reading, Romance, Young adult
Dates read: 28th June – 24th July 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: Scholastic
Year: 2017
5th sentence, 74th page: We three probably won’t ever live in the same house together again.

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Synopsis

Life is good for Lara Jean.

She is head over heels in love, her dad’s finally getting remarried and her sister Margot is coming home for the summer.

But change is looming. And Lara Jean can’t ignore the big life decisions she has to make – where she goes to college for one. Because that would mean leaving her family – and possibly the boy she loves – behind.

When your heart and your head are saying two different things, which one should you listen to?

Thoughts

I wasn’t sure what to expect from the last book in this trilogy. P.S. I Still Love You annoyed me in a number of places, so I thought that I probably needed to take a break from Jenny Han’s writing. But, recently I felt that stirring on interest again and I picked up this book. I’m really glad that I did. There was a nice sense of completion in this story that you didn’t get from P.S. I Still Love You. And it was a nice way to send Lara Jean off to adulthood and college…

As someone who had a high school sweetheart at the end of school, I understand how confusing it can be to decide whether or not to stay together when you’re both going your separate ways. I did a bit of a Margot in that I decided that I wasn’t going to University with a boyfriend. But, I also wasn’t in love with him like Lara Jean is with Peter. She’s very realistic about their immaturity and the likelihood of surviving a long-distance relationship. But she’s also unwilling to give up someone she loves so dearly and truly. It was something that was relatable I think to anyone who experienced the first gleanings of love when they’re a teenager.

I’m not used to softer heroines in the stories that I read. Mostly they’re women who are incredibly tough, unwilling to let others in and really not willing to give up anything for the men that they love. So it was a very different change of pace to read about a young woman who was actually willing to alter her plans in life to suit a man. Although, as a wonderful redemption, she doesn’t actually do this in the end, but finds a nice compromise for both of them. It’s a nice way to finish up a series that is all about finding yourself and first love – it doesn’t have to end, and it doesn’t have to be all about the boy, you can find a compromise in everything.

If you’re looking for a feel good, easy read, then this is definitely the book and the series to pick up. There are moments when you really want to see what silly decisions the characters make next, but nothing immensely drastic and uncomfortable. Just enough spice to keep you turning the pages, but not enough that you can’t sleep at night if you have left the book unfinished. It certainly left me with plenty of comfortable, happy feelings when I turned the final page. And now I’m looking forward to picking up another of Jenny Han’s books to give my something the same comfortable feelings of contentment.

 <- P.S. I Still Love You ReviewTo All the Boys I’ve Loved Before Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

The Kitchen Witch by Annette Blair

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for the kitchen witch annette blair book cover

Title: The Kitchen Witch
Author: Annette Blair
Series: Accidental Witch Trilogy #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 3rd – 12th July 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: You never told me what a delicious sense of humor your mother had.

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Synopsis

Is she a good witch or a bad witch?

With a flip of her raven black hair, a flash of her topaz eyes, and a shake of a stick, rumored witch Melody Seabright has cast a spell on single dad Logan Kilgarven. What else can explain what’s happening to him? Logan, a television producer, can’t seem to concentrate on anything since he met his enchanting new neighbor…

Logan hopes she is bad, VERY bad.

When Logan agrees to help Melody find a job at his TV station, he never expects the culinary-challenged siren to land her own cooking show. Her charisma keeps things bubbling on the set, and behind the scenes, things are starting to steam up between them. Logan knows he can’t resist her charms – but is there more to their attraction than the here and now? If only he had a crystal ball to show him…

Thoughts

I can’t believe how much I loved this story. It was a fantastic journey. So incredibly sweet and beautiful. The cuteness of the storyline was balanced by the humour, fun and wit that was peppered throughout. It made it almost impossible to put down and forget about. And now I have to wait a month until the next story in this incredibly adorable series to arrive…

From the title of this book and the shelving on Goodreads, I was expecting a cute, chic lit romance with a paranormal spin. It wasn’t like this at all. In fact, other than the fact that it was set in Salem and Melody likes to dress as a witch, there was nothing paranormal about this story at all. Which kind of made it all the more perfect and relatable. It was much, much, much easier to picture falling across a guy like Logan when he is actually a normal, human male…

Lately I feel more and more intrigued by stories of blended families and step-parents coming on the scene. Or really, just the beginning of any family. Partly because these stories tend to be about people my age (mid-twenties) and I think partly because it’s something new and different. An experience that I haven’t had, so I want to read about it. The fact that Melody first falls in love with the boy, and then the father is kind of the perfect version of one of these stories.

My mood runs the gambit of stories. But, lately, with having a lot of study to do and being down sick for the past week, I’ve been immensely glad to sink my nose into some gorgeous contemporary romances. This is the exact fit for these tales. It’s cute and sweet, there are troubles, but you know that they will be overcome and there will be a happily ever after. It’s the perfect kind of story for when you’ve had a stressful day / week / month and just need to restore your faith in humanity…

<- Never Been Witched ReviewMy Favorite Witch Review ->
Image source: Amazon

Legally Blonde by Amanda Brown

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for legally blonde book cover

Title: Legally Blonde
Author: Amanda Brown
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Book to Film, Chic lit, Contemporary
Dates read: 7th – 8th June 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Sphere
Year: 2001
5th sentence, 74th page: Why might we not want a trial… uh, to start up that soon?

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Synopsis

This blonde is anything but dumb…

Elle Woods, University of Southern California socio-political jewellery design major, is blonde, spoiled and desperately in love with Warner Huntingdon III. But when Warner announces he’s dumping her to go off to Stanford, Elle decides that a little thing like law school won’t come between them. Anything Warner can do, she can do better.

Elle’s Stanford misadventures begin badly, and it seems the one place blondes definitely don’t have more fun is law school. But then Elle’s asked to defend one-time fitness queen Brooke Vandermark on a murder charge. Seizing the opportunity to prove her worth to Warner and her fellow classmates, she vindicates all who are blonde at heart with a tip any Cosmo girl should know.

Legally Blonde was made into the hugely successful 2001 film starring Reese Witherspoon.

Thoughts

I only recently found out that this was a book. And man am I glad that I picked it up. Like the movie, the book is a fun, easy read. Very cutesy and, in many ways, completely unrelatable (I’m not exactly a “Legally Blonde” kind of girl). But it was fun. And easy. And I read it over the course of less than 24 hours. Like I said, it was just so damn cute and easy.

This is one of the few cases were I actually liked the movie a bit more than the book. Reese Witherspoon just does such a phenomenal job of bringing Elle Woods to life. And she’s impossible not to love. The Elle Woods who comes to life on the pages is completely lovable too. But she’s not quite as adorable, and a lot more superficial. Kind of annoyingly so at times. But her optimism and naivety kind of makes up for the stereotypical blonde image…

One of the biggest differences between the book and the film is that many of the characters have different names. Their personalities are also a little more two dimensional, but still relatable. But the law lessons are more intense. You can tell that Amanda Brown actually went to law school. Studied the monotony that is apparent on the page. And she obviously also enjoyed some parts of the law, since these are the bits that are much better explained. In some parts I actually wanted to go to law school myself! But only in some… I like my degree.

Legally Blonde is one of those books that I’ll pick up again and again. It’s the perfect balance of a good storyline, fun characters and accessible language that makes the words just fly by. And, since I’ve seen the movie so, so, so many times, I know what’s going to happen. So it’s perfect for those reading slumps or times of intense pressure where you just can’t quite seem to concentrate fully…

 <- Family Trust ReviewSchool of Fortune Review ->
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Christmas for One by Amanda Prowse

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Image result for christmas for one amanda prowse book cover

Title: Christmas for One
Author: Amanda Prowse
Series: No Greater Love #5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Christmas, Contemporary, Romance
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: Head Zeus
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: Juno nodded.

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Synopsis

As a child, Meg always dreamed of the perfect Christmas…

This year, she can make it come true for her own little boy. There will be turkey and all the trimmings, a glittering tree, and a stocking hung up by a roaring fire. Who cares if there’s no devoted husband in the picture? She and Lucas will be just fine on their own.

But then a chance meeting with a stranger in New York unravels everything she’s planned. Will Meg finally get everything she wished for? Or will she be alone this Christmas after all?

Thoughts

I bought this as part of the Black Friday sales, thinking it would be an interesting little Christmas read. I didn’t realise that it was part of a greater series until I was about halfway through, but it didn’t really matter since it stands by itself beautifully. And beautiful really is the best word to describe this novel. It is simple, easy, sweet and has the picturesque backdrop of Christmas in New York and London.

A lot of the romances that I’ve been reading recently involve a paranormal aspect of some kind. So it was kind of nice to settle into a contemporary romance that didn’t require magic and mayhem to make the storyline work. Rather, it was all about the love and romance between two people. And the fact that it could truly happen to anyone made it somehow sweeter. I love the realism in the story, and it made such a great break from these tales that involve a magical mating bond and fate, and destiny…

Most romances that I read feature a young adult (normally in their mid to late twenties) who might have a history, but aren’t significantly attached to anyone or anything. Now, I am in that age bracket, and I don’t have dependents that rely on me either, so I do enjoy the ways in which I can relate to these stories. BUT it was really nice and a great change of pace to read about a woman who has a son. Not only did this romance feature her and Ed, but it also meant that there was a constant extra stake in their relationship – the son.

Although this novel features Christmas, it isn’t necessary to read at that time of year. It is a great, sweet, kind and warm-hearted story that will be thoroughly enjoyable all year round.

 <- A Little Love ReviewWill You Remember Me? Review ->
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The Nanny Diaries by Nicola Kraus & Emma McLaughlin

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Image result for the nanny diaries book cover

Title: The Nanny Diaries
Author: Nicola Kraus & Emma McLaughlin
Series: Nanny #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Contemporary, Easy reading
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Penguin Books
Year: 2002
5th sentence, 74th page: I take a little bit of pleasure from the fact that Mrs. X is forced to lean across and pin the card on Grayer herself as she has the use of all ten of her fingers.

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Synopsis

Nan has a tricky relationship with her employer, Mrs X.
A non-existent relationship with Mr X.
But she loves their little boy to pieces.

In between looking after four-year-old Grayer and running a thousand errands for Mrs X, his rich, uptight Manhattanite mother, Nan is trying to have a life. There’s college, shopping, her friends, her cat George. And the gorgeous Harvard boy from the sixth floor…

But the X family’s dramas keep intruding – visits from Mr X’s predatory mistress, catastrophic family outings and, as a final straw, the case of the marriage-drawing panties. As Divorce looms, Nan realizes how attached she’s become to the Xs’ underloved son – and how nannying has become more than just a job.

Funny, touching and true-to-life, The Nanny Diaries is a modern-day Mary Poppins story – with attitude.

Thoughts

The last few seems to involve a lot of me watching old favourite movies and realising that they were originally a novel of some kind. And The Nanny Diaries was one of these… so it was immensely exciting to find the novel and bury my nose in it.

Although the key points of the storyline kept very close to the movie, there was a lot more sass and emotional turmoil throughout the novel. Mostly I loved the sass. Nan is completely aware of the position she’s put in, and she’s not impressed. Which of course, makes her incredibly pithy and sarcastic in many of her internal monologue moments. My biggest frustration with the movie was that the main character seemed to be a little more willing to handle the craziness of the X’s. Although she’s still more than willing to put up with this in the novel, she constantly crabby and has multiple mental-break-down moments. So much more realistic (but then, the books always are).

You can tell that The Nanny Diaries is written by someone who actually used to be a nanny. There is a level of realism and authenticity to the story that I would never be able to create. And it is a great introduction to a world that I know nothing about. And, honestly, never will. Normally when I visit foreign worlds in the pages of a book, it is off to some fantasy land like Narnia or Hogwarts. It was actually incredibly enjoyable to read a story that swept me away to somewhere far closer.

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