The Party Crasher - Sophie Kinsella

Sophie Kinsella's newest  book is The Party Crasher. 

This latest is a stand alone. And it's also the perfect read for a dreary, rainy day. 

Kinsella always creates a lovable lead character. In this case, its Effie. Now, she is an adult, but when you find out your parents are divorcing and everything you remember about your childhood may not be true, and your cherished family home is up for sale, well, it's devastating. How can her brother and sister be so accepting of their father's new girlfriend Krista? When Krista decides to throw one last party at Greenoaks, Effie doesn't receive an invitation. But, that's not going to stop her from attending....

And this is how it begins - Effie sneaks onto the grounds, into the house, hides in cupboards, attics and most spectacularly - underneath the dining room table. I totally remember hiding under a table as a youngster, hidden by a long tablecloth! I laughed out loud so many times while  reading The Party Crasher. 

So, with all the creeping about, Effie hears her own name being mentioned - more than once. Her clandestine skulking offers up a different picture than she had painted for herself. Or does it?

At it's heart, The Party Crasher is all about families and friends - the good, the bad and the ugly. Kinsella explores those relationships with humor, candor and wit. Indeed, I'm sure each reader will find something or someone that they can identify with. And it wouldn't be a Kinsella novel without some romance! There's a lovely will they, won't they storyline that is written just right.

The Party Crasher was perfect escapist, laugh out loud, heartwarming read sprinkled with some truths we can all identify with. See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Party Crasher. 

The Twelve Dates of Christmas - Jenny Bayliss

I needed to escape Covid for the day and was looking to get lost in the pages of a feel good, heart-warming read. The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Jenny Bayliss was the perfect (and seasonal) choice!

I adore British rom-com cozies with all of the required elements - a quaint little village full of interesting shops and shopkeepers, quirky residents that are quite familiar with each other's business, a lead character that immediately endears themself to the reader, a supporting cast that have their own stories and more. And that 'more' is of course, romance!

Kate has reached that point in life where she is looking to settle down. All she needs is the right person. So....enter the Twelve Dates of Christmas - with twelve different men.

Kate is such a great lead - I liked her immediately. She's fun, a great friend and daughter and very giving. I have to say, her jobs are intriguing - a fabric designer for Liberty and a baker for the local cafe. (Bayliss herself worked as a baker and I have to say that Kate's creations were mouthwatering!) The supporting cast is just as likable. The 'Knitting Sex Kittens' were delightful! I liked that there were sub plots running through the book as well.

The descriptions of the homes, businesses and traditions of the village made me want to move to  Blexford. 

The dates are quite funny, but not every match is successful. The reader can see this clearly and we know the person she really should be with. And that's the fun of these rom-coms - the 'will they, won't they' tension, the missed cues, missteps and misunderstandings. And a happy ending is guaranteed.

I was quite surprised to find that this was Bayliss's debut novel. It was well written, engaging and just plain fun to read. I can see this one as a movie.I look forward to and I'm looking forward to her next book. But for now, here's an excerpt of The Twelve Dates of Christmas. This would be a great stocking stuffer for yourself or a friend! 

(The Christmas timing of the book is a bonus, but you would enjoy it at any time of the year.)

You've Been Volunteered - Laurie Gelman - Q and A and Giveaway!!

I'm today's stop on the blog tour for Laurie Gelman's new Class Mom novel - You've Been Volunteered! (If you're looking for a fun - and funny read, this one's for you!) Laurie was kind enough to answer a few questions.....and I have a fabulous giveaway as well!

Tell us about your background and when you decided to become a writer.
I had been a broadcast journalist before and partially during my time as a mother, so I had always written in some form - mostly “just the facts ma'am” pieces for the news. I decided to try my hand at writing when I realized I was going to need something to do now that my daughters were growing up.

 What was the inspiration for the Class Mom novels?
The inspiration for the books comes from my own horrifying, pride-swallowing, butt-chapping experience as the mom who volunteers in the classroom.

 Any favorite authors influence your writing?
Tina Fey is most definitely one of my favorite comedic writers, but I think I took my fiction cues from Lianne Moriarty.

Do you have a connection to Kansas City? Why are both novels set there?
I've never been but I plan to go this summer! I set the book there because it is close to the geographic center of the US. I wanted everyone to be able to relate to Jen's trials and tribulations.

What do you hope readers take away from your novels?
All I hope is that they get a good laugh. Moms always need one.

What’s next – for Laurie Gelman and for Jen Dixon?
Well, Laurie Gelman is going to be dealing with her daughter leaving for college and writing the third Class Mom novel. As for Jen Dixon...we'll just have to see.


"Laurie Gelman was born and raised in the Great White North. She spent twenty-five years as a broadcaster in both Canada and the United States before trying her hand at writing novels. The author of Class Mom, Laurie has appeared on Live With Ryan and Kelly, Watch What Happens Live, and The Talk, among others. She lives in New York City with her husband, Michael Gelman, and two teenage daughters." You can connect with Laurie on her website and follow her on Twitter and on Instagram.

And the giveaway? I have a copy of You've Been Volunteered, a fabulous “Ron’s Gym and Tan” T shirt, and the chance for Laurie Gelman to Skype with the winner’s book club! Enter using the Rafflecopter form below. Open to US only, ends August 24/19.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

See what other bloggers had to say - here's the full schedule. Follow the conversation at #You’veBeenVolunteered, #ClassMom, @lauriemgelman (Twitter), @lauriegelman (Instagram), @HenryHolt (Twitter), @HenryHoltandCompany (FB), and @HenryHoltBooks (Instagram).

Star- Crossed - Minnie Darke

It's summer at last and the back deck reading has begun. Minnie Darke's latest novel, Star-Crossed, makes for absolutely perfect summertime reading.

Nick and Justine grew up together. There was that moment when it might have been more than friendship, but it passed and their lives moved on without each other. They're adults when their paths cross again. Could it be fate? Ordained by the stars?

Nick makes many of his decisions by reading Leo Thornbury's horoscopes. "But Nick trusted Leo Thornbury. If he followed the astrologer's advice, things worked out."

And guess who just happens to work at the magazine that carries those horoscopes? Uh huh - Justine. And what if she, you know, slightly altered Nick's Aquarius advice every month? "It was only a horoscope in a magazine. What harm could changing it do?"

What a fun premise! And I loved Justine. She's kind, funny and a person you'd love to know. The road to love is a bumpy one. The missed cues, mistakes and miscommunications between her and Nick will have the reader just hoping that true love can triumph. But will Justine's meddling divert the way things are supposed to be?

This is the main plot line, but here's the part I really liked. Changing the horoscope for one person isn't reality. Many others also read them and follow the advice. Darke has written so many vignettes featuring supporting characters. Their lives and loves were just as addicting and well written. (I enjoyed them all, but have a special place in my heart for Brown the dog). And I loved how they interconnected.

I really enjoyed Star-Crossed! A touch of magic, a generous helping of romance, a dash of what if and some wonderful writing make for a fluffy, fun read. See for yourself - here's an excerpt of Star-Crossed.  (And admit it - you've read your horoscope haven't you?!)

The Accidental Beauty Queen - Teri Wilson

I was looking to take a break from my usual murder and mayhem and listen to something light, fluffy and fun. Teri Wilson's newest novel, The Accidental Beauty Queen, was the perfect fit.

Charlotte loves her job - she's an elementary school librarian. Her identical twin Ginny has made beauty pageants her life's work so far. She's desperate to win the one elusive crown she's never been able to claim - Miss American Treasure. This is the last year for a chance before she ages out. When she suffers an allergic reaction to a face mask, she refuses to opt out. Instead......yup, you guessed it.....she asks her identical twin Charlotte to step in until she can participate. Which Charlotte reluctantly does.....

I really liked Charlotte as a lead character. (And not just because she loves books and all things Harry Potter!) She's warm, funny and personable. I enjoyed her inner dialogue as she attempts to navigate the world of pageants - and more. The relationship with her sister, her family - and that judge on the panel. (And I laughed when I read the name of that judge - Grey Beckham - conjure up any mental images?) But most importantly - Charlotte herself.

The Accidental Beauty Queen was fun for me. I always enjoy the yes/no/maybe so of a rom-com read. I enjoyed Wilson's spin on this and the unique setting. Not being familiar with pageants, I was surprised that the upper age limit for participation does indeed include those in their late twenties.

Joy Osmanski (a perennial favourite of mine) was the reader. It's hard to explain, but her voice is fun and lively. Her reading is very expressive and she absolutely captures the tone of the book. Her voice matched the mental image I had created for Charlotte. It's clear, easy to understand, well enunciated and pleasant to listen to. Hear for yourself - listen to an excerpt of The Accidental Beauty Queen.

Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating - Christina Lauren

Every so often, I need to step away from the murder and mayhem that populates most of my reading. I found my latest light, fun escapist listen in Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren.

Hazel. Well, Hazel could be easily (and accurately) described as 'over the top'. She says what she thinks, does what she wants - most often without a filter. Josh. Calm, thoughtful and the complete opposite of Hazel. The two meet at college and surprisingly become friends. And life moves on. Could their relationship move to a different level as well?

The yes, no, maybe so of this possible relationship is filled with quirky situations, humorous moments, fun dialogue - and yes, romance. Do opposites really attract?

Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating is told through both Josh and Hazel's viewpoint. It was fun to be a fly on the wall, privy to what both were thinking, often about the same situation. Now, here's the thing - as much fun as Hazel is, I did find her a bit overwhelming as the book progressed. I was more enamoured (okay reader crush) of Josh. Yup, he's everything you would want in a boyfriend. We also get to know the families of Josh and Hazel. I found these relationships and characters charming and heartwarming.

Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating is narrated by two readers -  Todd Haberkorn and Jayme Mattler. Both readers were excellent. Mattler's voice has a young, fresh tone with a nice little gravelly undertone. She's very expressive, interpreting the character perfectly and creating a vivid mental image of Hazel for me. Haberkorn's voice also has a tone that suits the character. It's easy to listen to and again painted a vivid mental picture of Josh. His voice has a lot of movement and brings the story to life. It has a soft, mellow tone that suits Josh's pace. Listen to an excerpt of Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating.

I can absolutely see this one as a rom com movie. This was a first read/listen of Christina Lauren for me, but it certainly won't be the last.