Week In Review is a new, weekly feature on Chick Lit Reviews where we write mini reviews on the books we’ve read over the past seven days.With so many books to read it gives us the chance to let authors know our thoughts on books, with short, magazine-style reviews. Do leave a comment, or write your own blog post (crediting chicklitreviews.com for the idea), and let us know what you’ve read this week! Enjoy!
My Best Friend’s Girl by Dorothy Koomson
When Kamryn Matika finds out her ex-best-friend Adele is dying and wants her to adopt her five-year-old daughter Tegan, Kamryn doesn’t know what to do for the best and can barely get her head around her friend dying, when she finds herself suddenly looking after a grieving five-year-old and suddenly becoming a mother. As Kamryn tries to get over her friend’s death - and the betrayal that rocked their friendship when Adele slept with Kamryn’s fiance Nate and had his baby, Tegan - she finds herself learning what it takes to become a mother and what’s involved when adopting a child. When she also finds herself answering to a new boss, Luke, at work, Kamryn doesn’t know if she’s coming or going, and when Tegan gets attached to Luke she finds herself becoming closer to him, too. My Best Friend’s Girl is a beautifully written novel about what people are willing to do to people who have betrayed them. I really enjoyed the relationships that are forged within the book, particularly between Kamryn and Tegan and Tegan and Luke. It’s a must-read for fans who love a good story, you won’t be disappointed. (Leah)
From Notting Hill With Love… Actually by Ali McNamara
Scarlett O’Brien has always been in love with the movies and lives her life as if she’s starring in her very own rom-com. When she gets the chance to house-sit in a Notting Hill mansion she sees the opportunity to re-create her very own movie scenes and as she spends more time in Notting Hill, she finds herself growing closer to Sean, her neighbour which would be great, if she wasn’t already engaged to David. As she finds herself starring in a love triangle, will Scarlett be able to choose the right man for her - will it be David, her very own Mark Darcy or will it be Sean, the smooth-talking Daniel Cleaver? I fell in love with From Notting Hill With Love… Actually from the very first page and found it very difficult to put down. It’s funny, it has a fantastic plot, it pays homage to some stunning chick flicks and the characters are incredibly real. It is, without doubt, one of my favourite books of 2010 and that final chapter is the best final chapter I have ever read. The book is an absolute must for all rom-com movie fans, you’ll love it. (Leah)
A Weekend With Mr Darcy by Victoria Connelly
When Katherine Roberts and Robyn Love decide to attend a Jane Austen conference at Purley Hall in Hampshire, they’re both running away from problems in their respective lives. Katherine is fed up with men whereas Robyn is wondering what happened to the love between herself and boyfriend Jace. Katherine is heading to the conference hoping to meet Lorna Warwick, a penpal of hers and famous author but she’s going to be in for a surprise and Robyn is just looking for a break from Jace. But nothing turns out as it seems and love, it seems, can be found in the strangest of places, particularly where Jane Austen is concerned. I really enjoyed A Weekend With Mr Darcy despite not being a fan of Jane Austen (I’ve never read any of her books). Most of the book takes place over a weekend and it’s interesting just how much we learn throughout the weekend the characters spend together. I couldn’t stop flicking through the pages as romance ensued and secrets were kept and I can’t wait for the next book in the Jane-Austen inspired series! (Leah)
The (Im)Perfect Girlfriend by Lucy Anne Holmes
I loved Lucy Anne Holmes debut novel ’50 Ways To Find A Lover’ so I was quite excited to read this one and see if Holmes could make loveable heroine Sarah Sargeant manages to find herself happiness once more. It’s not vital to have read the previous book to really enjoy this one, although it of course helps because things are hinted that happened in the previous book, but to be honest I didn’t remember some of it and it didn’t stop me enjoying it. It’s a funny story of Sarah’s foray into acting in Hollywood, the demise of her relationship with her boyfriend, and the scrapes she manages to get herself into, although I did find parts of it a bit too crass for me and not what I expected in a book like this. None the less, it was still a very enjoyable, light-hearted and funny read, and I would recommend it. (Chloe)
The One That Got Away by Lucy Dawson
Having loved one of Lucy Dawson’s previous books (What My Best Friend Did) and really disliked the other (His Other Lover), it was quite hit and miss about whether or not I would really enjoy this one or not, but luckily I absolutely adored it! I was put off by the cover when I first saw it because it’s not one I would pick up at all, but the story inside is absolutely fantastic, so it’s definitely a case of don’t judge this book by its cover. The story is the tale of Molly Greene who is happily married to her husband Dan who she loves, but makes a huge mistake when she sends her ex Leo a message through Facebook asking how he is. It triggers off a chain of events that threatens to ruin not only Molly’s marriage to Dan, but the rest of her life she’s built up too. It’s a great read that will keep you guessing until the end, and will certainly make you think twice about contacting ex’s on Facebook. You have to read this to find out just how far Leo will go to get Molly back. Brilliant! (Chloe)
The Queen of New Beginnings by Erica James (Guest Review by Aymara)
The first half of the book is funny, emotional and captivating. Unlike some of Erica James’ other books, you don’t have to read up to chapter 3 to become engrossed. The characters are cute, eccentric, funny and distinguishable from the usual cast of characters that authors seem to draw from their cupboard of tricks. And you feel quite attached to them. For example, we’re introduced to Clayton Miller (the principal male protagonist) as a lonely man who spends his time typing out his obituary with a certain amount of glee. And then there’s Alice, who has an interesting past which is the best part of the book. Unfortunately, the last few chapters of the book reduced my ecstatic raptures and admiration. The revenge dished out became too convenient, opportune and rather extreme. If there was less of the revenge (or at least if it didn’t seem so easily contrived) than it would have been much more realistic and given the ending some depth. Additionally, the ending seemed rushed and detached, as though the author had run out of steam. But overall its a brilliant read and you’ll enjoy it. (Aymara)
The Making of Mia by Ilana Fox (Guest review by Aymara)
Brilliant, funny and with lots of revenge. However, not an original script (Jane Green did something similar in Jemima J: A Novel About Ugly Ducklings and Swans – although her book was pretty much a clichéd and far less interesting story – The Making of Mia is like the improved version). This book has lots of laugh out loud moments, a brilliant manifestation of girl power (albeit a chick lit way rather than a feminist serious way), a well plotted revenge and some romance. No clichéd dark, tall and handsome knight saves the day. This is about women claiming the top spot for themselves and with loads of fun. The ending could have been much better though. Everything fell into place a bit too nicely, a bit too pat. And the girls are far too successful to give their success credibility. And sadly, like many authors Ilana Fox unfortunately rushes her “happily ever after” ending. But otherwise a good book and I highly recommend you read. (Aymara)
When Dominique Delahaye marries Brendan Delahaye at the tender age of 19 whilst pregnant everyone says that it’s only a shot-gun wedding and it won’t last. Twenty years later and Brendan and Dominique are still going strong, along with daughter Kelly. They’re the hottest couple in Cork, appearing in the magazines and newspapers frequently, as Brendan’s building business hits fantastic and dizzy new heights and as Dominique frequents charity functions and becomes known as ‘Dazzling Domino’. 
