GuideReviews Index
'Best Friends Forever' by Jennifer Weiner - Book Review
Best Friends Forever, a new novel written by bestselling author Jennifer Weiner, is a charming and deeply satisfying read about the unexpected reunion of two estranged best friends. Like Weiner’s other novels, Best Friends Forever is an absorbing novel that’s perfect for beach reading, but it’s also emotionally resonant and takes unexpected turns.
'Certain Girls' by Jennifer Weiner - Book Review
Cannie Shapiro, the memorable heroine of Jennifer Weiner's smash bestselling chick lit novel, 'Good in Bed,' returns in Weiner's newest novel. In 'Certain Girls,' Cannie is married, her daughter Joy is on the brink of teenage-hood, and Cannie is still dealing with the fallout of writing a bestselling book about her life.
'The English American' by Alison Larkin - Book Review
The English American is Alison Larkin’s first novel, and it’s a work of fiction drawn from the author’s own experience as a young English woman who meets her biological parents, two eccentric Americans. Part chick-lit story about finding love, part emotional exploration of the lasting effects of adoption, The English American is a charmingly-written novel.
'Body Surfing' by Anita Shreve - Book Review
Anita Shreve’s previous novels, including The Weight of Water and A Wedding in December have established her as an immensely successful writer—Oprah’s Book Club endorsement of The Pilot’s Wife didn’t hurt either. Her latest release, Body Surfing, is even more appealing than her previous works. This moving story of a young woman who bonds with the family she works for will engross readers, thanks to Shreve’s skilled writing.
Shopaholic & Baby by Sophie Kinsella - Book Review
Shopaholic & Baby is the fifth installment in Sophie Kinsella's popular Shopaholic series. Fans of the series will be delighted by Becky Brandon's adventures in pregnancy, but if you didn't like the first books, you'll probably be frustrated by Shopaholic & Baby as well.
Second Chance by Jane Green - Book Review
Second Chance was written by Jane Green, the best-selling author of chick-lit favorites like Mr. Maybe and Jemima J. Second Chance doesn’t break any new ground, but it’s a solidly written story about friendship and second chances that will keep readers interested.
Because She Can by Bridie Clark - Book Review
Bridie Clark, the author of Because She Can, is a former editor with years of publishing experience. She’s writing what she knows in her debut novel, which follows a young editor working at a controversial publishing house under a tyrannical boss. Because She Can is about getting what you think you want and realizing it’s not all it was cracked up to be.
Dear John by Nicholas Sparks - Book Review
Dear John is trademark Nicholas Sparks--romantic, sappy, sad and redeeming. If you like Sparks' previous novels, you will probably enjoy Dear John, a love story about an army sergeant who falls in love shortly before 9/11. Sparks' writing is smooth and easy, but the characters and plot are not particularly memorable. Recommended for those who like sappy romantic comedies (or tragedies, in Sparks' case), but not for those who like a little meat in their reading.
Dance of the Gods by Nora Roberts - Book Review
Dance of the Gods, the second book in Nora Roberts' Circle Trilogy, continues the story of the circle of six commissioned by Morrigan in Morrigan's Cross. Dance of the Gods provides further character development, a new (and more interesting, in my opinion) romance, and a page turning plot. I enjoyed it even more than Morrigan's Cross, and wanted to start the third book, Valley of Silence, as soon as I put it down.
Valley of Silence by Nora Roberts - Book Review
Valley of Silence by Nora Roberts is the last and best book in Roberts' Circle Trilogy. All the development from Morrigan's Cross and Dance of the Gods comes to a climax in Valley of Silence as the circle of six reaches the final showdown with Lilith and her army of vampires. Valley of Silence focuses on Moira and Cian, two of the most complex and interesting characters in the Trilogy. Their romantic struggle adds another element of tragedy and suspense to the narrative.
Morrigan's Cross by Nora Roberts - Book Review
Morrigan's Cross by Nora Roberts is the first book in her 2006 paranormal Circle Trilogy. The goddess Morrigan commissions a group of six to fight the demon Lilith and her army of vampires. Morrigan's Cross was released straight to paperback, so I did not expect much from the story. I was, however, pleasantly surprised.
The Guy Not Taken by Jennifer Weiner - Book Review
The Guy Not Taken is a well-written collection of short stories about sympathetic, relatable characters. Fans of Jennifer Weiner’s previous works, including bestsellers like Good in Bed and In Her Shoes will find much to admire in these stories, which deal with women, relationships, families, and emotional struggles. Other readers, though, might find that there’s too little substance in each story to really absorb the reader the way her novels do.
Anybody Out There? by Marian Keyes - Book Review
Anybody Out There is the latest release from Marian Keyes, a new addition to the ongoing series about the five Walsh sisters from Ireland. If you’re a fan of Keyes’ other light-hearted but well-written chick lit novels, including Sushi for Beginners and Last Chance Saloon, Anybody Out There will not disappoint.
Queen of Babble by Meg Cabot - Book Review
Queen of Babble by Meg Cabot is a lighthearted story about Lizzie Nichols, who moves to England to live with a boy she knew for one day at college. Not surprisingly, he doesn’t turn out to be quite who she remembered, and she treks across Europe in search of other friends. "Queen of Babble" refers to Lizzie’s tendency to babble, and she struggles to keep from telling other people too much. Queen of Babble is a quick and easy read, perfect for an afternoon at the beach.