Mini Reviews

What’s the difference between “Women’s Fiction” and “Chick-Lit” anyway? I suppose Chick-Lit has a negative connotation (Um hello? Chick?) and it’s also a bit fluffy and shallow at times. But it’s also fun. A harmless guilty pleasure. Was the term “Women’s Fiction” coined because of that rep, or is it something entirely different?

I have read hundreds, if not thousands of books by this point in my life, from all sorts of genres including the one I’m talking about today. What I’ve learned whether the books are good or bad, is that in each genre there are books that I consider more literary than others. Science Fiction for example has a myriad of subcategories and some are more cerebral with deeper meaning and some are just fun. Is that what Women’s Fiction is? The more literary, meaningful big sister to Chick-Lit?

Regardless, I find both titles slightly offensive no matter the defining qualities. It’s not like there is a contemporary genre called “Men’s Fiction” or pardon my language, Dick-Lit? Can you imagine if there were?

Anyway feminist rant aside, I’ve been reading loads of fantastic contemporary fiction lately and whether it’s Women’s Fiction or Chick-Lit, they’ve been amazing so I wanted to share them with you all.

Confessions of a First-Time Mom by Poppy Dolan *****

Stevie’s life has changed beyond recognition since having her first baby. Stevie loves being a mum, but between the isolation and being vomited on five times a day, she really wishes she had someone to talk to.

With husband Ted working hard to keep the family afloat, Stevie really doesn’t want to burden him with her feelings. Turning to the internet, Stevie starts the anonymous First-Time Mum blog and blasts the rose-tinted glasses of parenthood right off her readers.

In the real world, Stevie meets the formidable Nelle and gorgeous Will, along with their own little treasures, and starts to realise that being a ‘perfect mum’ isn’t everything. But when the secret blog goes viral, Stevie must make some tough choices about who she wants to be, and whether she’s ready for the world to know the truth…
A perfect laugh-out-loud read for fans of The Unmumsy Mum, Gill Sims and Emma Robinson.

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My Thoughts…

This is hands-down the funniest book I have read in ages! It’s the British humor I love and if you’re a parent, especially a first-time parent, it’s 100% relatable. This one is laugh out load funny, well-written, clever and as a blogger, I found it particularly entertaining!

Surprise Me by Sophie Kinsella *****

After being together for ten years, Sylvie and Dan have all the trimmings of a happy life and marriage; they have a comfortable home, fulfilling jobs, beautiful twin girls, and communicate so seamlessly, they finish each other’s sentences. However, a trip to the doctor projects they will live another 68 years together and panic sets in. They never expected “until death do us part” to mean seven decades.

In the name of marriage survival, they quickly concoct a plan to keep their relationship fresh and exciting: they will create little surprises for each other so that their (extended) years together will never become boring. But in their pursuit to execute Project Surprise Me, mishaps arise and secrets are uncovered that start to threaten the very foundation of their unshakable bond. When a scandal from the past is revealed that question some important untold truths, they begin to wonder if they ever really knew each other after all.

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My Thoughts…

I adore Sophie Kinsella! I’ve been a devoted fan since the Shopaholic books and she rarely disappoints me. Sure some are better than others but I generally love all of her books.

This one is no exception and if you’re a fan of her brand of funny, outlandish heroines, and far-fetched family drama, then you will really enjoy this one.

Secrets in Summer by Nancy Thayer ****

The queen of beach books (The Star-Ledger) returns to the shores of Nantucket in a novel about one memorable summer when flirtations flourish, family dramas play out, and scandalous secrets surface.

Memorial Day weekend means that seasonal visitors have descended on the glamorous island of Nantucket. For year-round resident Darcy Cotterill, it means late-night stargazing in the backyard of the beautiful house she grew up in and inherited from her beloved grandmother. It s also Darcy s chance to hit the beach and meet her new summertime neighbors. But the last person the thirty-year-old librarian expects to see staying next door is her ex-husband, Boyz, along with his wife, Autumn, and stepdaughter, Willow.

Darcy must also navigate the highs and lows of a new romantic relationship with local carpenter Nash Forester even as she becomes smitten with handsome vacationer Clive Rush, a musicologist in town to write a book and visit family. And she finds herself pulled into the concerns of Boyz, Autumn, a charming elderly neighbor, and an at-risk teen.

As the season nears its end, Darcy must decide her next move: retreating to the comforts of her steady and secure island life, or risking it all for a chance at true happiness.

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My Thoughts…

I just finished this book last night and I really enjoyed it. It’s the first book I’ve read by this author and I’m definitely going to read more.

This is the quintessential “beach” read and it’s perfect for warm summer evenings, or lazy days at the pool. It has romance, drama, and comedy, really what more can you ask for? It did lose a star because I felt the ending was a bit rushed but overall, I’d happily recommend it.

Anyhoo, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this genre or tell me what you’re reading right now. I’m totally loving these types of books at the moment 🙂