*Guest Blogger Carilyn Platt for Bookworming Tonight*~ Results May Vary by Bethany Chase

As I am still caught up in all things newborn my TBR list is moving at a snail’s pace.  Thankfully I have my book-sister from another mister 🙂 Carilyn Platt from Bookworming Tonight who has the same exact taste in books as me and just an all around amazing gal!  I am so LUCKY to have her guest blog for me today as there are some books I want to give some love too before summer comes to a close!  If you have yet to check out her blog then you are missing out!  She frequently posts about the hottest reads and is always on point with her reviews.  She read Results May Vary by the fabulous Bethany Chase and shared her love for the book and thoughts below!  This is Chase’s second novel and once again is getting amazing praise.  Chase was called “a great new voice in fiction” by Emily Giffin.  If Ms. Giffin gives her stamp of approval then you know Chase is in a class of her own 😉

 

Results May Vary by Bethany Chase 

 

First let me just say how honored I am to be guest-blogging for one of my favorite book bloggers. She is on maternity leave, and naturally still reading, but I know she needs a rest and nothing makes me happier than to help her out as a reading assistant.

I read Bethany Chase’s RESULTS MAY VARY and it was full of twists and turns. And, scandal, in-laws, sisters, not so much parents, romance, and, work, work, work. The novel opens with Caroline, a curator at an art museum, who is at a photographer’s gallery opening, with her husband and as she is admiring one of his pieces, she gasps as she recognizes that one of the subjects in an image is none other than her husband – in a comprising position with another man.

The story follows Caroline as her life unravels, how can she trust her husband, how she leans on her best friend, a guy who she went to college with, sharing the information with her younger sister, colleagues and what next. Where there is one lie, perhaps there are others. Who can she trust.

Does art imitate life? An artist friend’s work seems to mimic what is going on in Caroline’s life and the world around her. Have we all been in a maze at some point, trying to find our way?

Words of wisdom learned on the internet from the character you least expect it: “People can only give you what they have.” I hope this is not a spoiler and you will forget this as soon as you read it and most definitely before you start the book. It will absolutely be a takeaway after you read the book.

I love a novel that is intricately woven and you can’t wait to turn the next page because you are so invested in each character and can’t wait to find out what they are going to do next. While there is heartbreak in RESULTS MAY VARY there is also hope.

Bethany Chase

 

About Carilyn Platt:

For the Love of Bookworms

By day, I’m a publicist, a mom and a wife. By night, I’m a mom and a wife, and a bookworm too. I look forward to sharing my love of books with you, sweet book lovers. When you find an eye cream or a terrific concealer, please do let me know, because these dark circles are getting harder to cover up. The books just keep getting better and sometimes, this bookworm can’t put her books down to get enough sleep. I know, I know. 

Thanks so much Carilyn for taking the time to stop by Bliss, Beauty and Books !  Stay tuned readers as Ms. Bookworming Tonight will be guest blogging again and please visit her page and show her some bookish love!

 

 

Weightless by Sarah Bannan

Happy September 1st!  I hope you all enjoyed the summer and read lots of amazing books!  This was one of my busiest summers with reading and the launch of the book portion of my blog!  I have been lucky enough to read many amazing books and can not wait to see what the fall holds.  I have my sights set on some great books which of course will be reviewed on my blog!  I will be continuing my “Blissful Beach Bag” picks until the first day of fall as you never know, we could have an Indian summer here in Boston.  For my eleventh pick, I chose another debut author Sarah Bannan and her novel Weightless.  This was a raw look at high school and the ruthlessness of teenagers.  Unfortunately this book is the perfect portrayal of the world we live in with all of the social media that is at our disposal.  It was a fantastic debut for Bannan and surely something parents of teens should read.

Weightless is about a girl, Carolyn, who starts at a new high school in Alabama. Carolyn is the quintessential new girl good looks, great clothes, smart and the interest of many of the boys.  Carolyn is reserved at first in her new school as she is kind and concerned about her grades and sports.  She isn’t sure which group she fits into as all the girls are envious of her.  Shane, the schools most popular boy is taken by her and they start to hang out- problem is he just broke up with Brooke, a popular, not to be messed with cheerleader.  One thing leads to another and they begin dating.  When someone gets a hold of Carolyn and Shane together they film a detrimental video which goes viral.  This video starts a tailspin of gossip and backlash destroying Carolyn.  Carolyn’s good girl image is tarnished yet no one really knows who is to blame.  Is everyone responsible for her downfall including teachers and parents?  Or is this destruction at the hands of a few jealous teenagers?

Like I had mentioned before this book tells a tale of the reality we live in today.  We hear all too many times about social peer pressure and the influence of social media on kids and teens.  Bannan writes so honest and real I felt like I was reading a news article.  Weightless is anything but, containing heavy content and realistic details.  There is an ease to each page which made it a quick read but one that is memorable and thought provoking.

*Weightless was sent to Bliss Beauty and Books for review purposes

A Window Opens by Elisabeth Egan

This is not going to be like all the reviews posted before.  I am not going to sum up the book.  Instead I am going to tell you all the things I loved about this book and why you need to read it.  A Window Opens by Elisabeth Egan is a book that will leave you cheering, thinking and you may just possibly reevaluate your life and what is important!  It is a book that fits so perfectly within todays society and what our expectations are from mothers, fathers, sons and daughters.  Point and case there need to be more people in this world like the main character Alice Pearse.  She is the voice that we need today to snap up back to whats important as time is of the essence and life is too short.

Alice Pearse is a mother.  Alice Pearse is a daughter.  Alice Pearse is a wife.  Alice Pearse is a friend.  Alice Pearse is a career woman.  Do any of these titles relate to you?  If so you need to read this book.  Alice deals with what we all struggle with and that is how much of a role should our career play in our lives.  If you work full-time is that too much and how do you find that balance?  If you work part-time is that too little and not rewarding and setting a good example?  As mothers our first job whether you work or not is being a mom.  Our priorities are our children and we will do anything for the better of them.  But in today’s society some mothers are sent out to be the primary breadwinners, basically taking on two full-time jobs.  With this comes a struggle.  A struggle for balance and time.  Alice is more than willing to take on what’s best for her family as most of us are.  The mold is that men go to work and the women are home taking care of the kids.  That was then.  Today more and more woman are taking the reigns and its AMAZING.  We are shattering glass ceilings.  But what does that entail and what do you have to sacrifice?  With or without kids we all have to sacrifice something and struggle to juggle.  This raises that good old question of why can’t we have it all?

Alice Pearse is a woman who we all know or actually just might be.  She has that inner conflict of I need to be wife, mom, daughter and friend all the while working full-time and commuting.  Where is the time for anything?  This story depicts that conflict as well as real-life scenarios that men and women alike experience.  This story made me laugh and cry, a breath of fresh air.  I know as a new mom I see how you can beat yourself up over things and I am always taking into consideration how can this better me as a mom.  Alice Pearse is one of the best characters I have met in a long time.  She is absolutely someone I would love to have coffee with and get sage advice.  She is organized chaos and genuine kindness all in one.  I wanted to commend her and then yell at her all at once 🙂  Moral is read this book.  It may just make you think about your life in a different way.  End Summer or start off school season right with my tenth “Blissful Beach Bag” pick!

Visit Elisabeth on her social media sites to keep up to date on her amazing works: Facebook, Twitter and Website

*This book was sent to Bliss Beauty and Books for review purposes.

Pretty Baby by Mary Kubica and a BOOK GIVEAWAY

i just finished Pretty Baby by Mary Kubica which has been on all the best books of the summer lists and now I know why.  I have not read her other novel, I know, The Good Girl but it is sitting in my TBR pile and I am excited to start it.  Mary is a phenomenal writer and this book was nothing short of fantastic.  I love a good summer thriller and this one was especially sweet because I haven’t read one in a while.  From the fast-paced, twist and turns to the complex web of a storyline it is without a doubt my ninth “Blissful Beach Bag” pick.

Heidi is married to Chris and they have a daughter Zoe.  They live a pretty normal life.  Everyday when Heidi goes to work she sees this young girl and her baby.  The baby is always in distress and the young girl, presumably the mother, is always disheveled and absent looking.  Heidi knows they need food and shelter.  She decides that she will offer her home to them and provide some warmth and care to the baby.  Meanwhile her husband is struggling to stay faithful and their daughter is in the tumultuous teen years.  The young mother, Willow, and her baby Ruby, accept Heidi’s offer of food and a roof over their head.  Chris, skeptical, is determined to find out who Willow is and why she is without a home.  He wonders what secrets she may be hiding.  Zoe wants nothing to do with them and thinks her mother is crazy to take them in.  But Heidi shelves her fear that Willow is someone harmful and takes comfort in this precious little baby.  Heidi is battling her own demons from past pregnancy issues so this baby is just what she needs.  Heidi eventually starts to question Willow and what her back story is.  Heidi becomes obsessed with Ruby and old wounds began to open.  Lines start to blur and the reader starts to wonder who is putting who at jeopardy Heidi or Willow?

This book is everything you would want in a nail-biting summer read.  Just when the reader thinks they have figured it out Kubica throws in another twist.  The content was deep but the writing was so fluid that the pages just flew.  I loved each character the complexities they brought to the story.  This being Kubica’s second novel she is just getting started and I am excited to see what other stories she has to tell!  absolutely run out and grab this book.  You will not be disappointed.

Mary Kubica

*Pretty Baby was sent to Bliss, Beauty and Books for review purposes.

**INSTAGRAM AND GIVEAWAY**

I am at 99 for my Instagram Followers!  Once I hit 100 followers I will be starting a running book GIVEAWAY!  Please head over to my Instagram page and “Follow” me!  More details on the contest will be posted this week!  Happy Reading 🙂

The Summer of Good Intentions by Wendy Francis

Happy Weekend readers!  I always find myself finishing up books on Thursdays and ready for a new read by Friday.  This week I read the amazing Wendy Francis’, The Summer of Good Intentions.  Not only did I love this book but I had a personal connection to it as well.  In this book one of the characters gets diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, something I have had for the last 8 years.  I am super healthy, something I attribute to a positive attitude and lifestyle, and one wouldn’t even know that I had it.  I like to think that I have MS but yet MS does not have me.  I loved that this story focused on the importance of relying on family and friends for strength when we are dealt a bad hand, as this has always been the case for me.

The Summer of Good Intention takes place on Cape Cod.  It’s summer and Maggie, Jess and Virgie are more than ready for some vacation time with their families as each sister is facing their own problems.  Maggie, is happily married with great kids but is at a point in her life where she can’t let go of the fact that she will not have any more children.  She gathers information on adoption and decides that this vacation will be a great time to bring it up with her husband.  Jess is at a crossroads in her marriage and feels as though the love is gone.  She goes on this vacation with an affair on her mind.  With two great kids she knows she has done wrong but isn’t sure her marriage can survive.  And then there is Virgie who left her amazing boyfriend home and knows this vacation is exactly what she needs.  She is taking a break from a stressful career that she thinks is having a strain on her health.  Aside from all the sisters and their issues, there are their parents, Gloria and Arthur.  Gloria decides this trip would be the perfect time to introduce a new man to her family while Arthur just wants to keep the traditions going from the vacations past, if only he can remember them.

Wendy Francis

This story has all the main ingredients for a perfect summer read.  You will laugh and cry while Francis weaves together family, love, tragedy and triumph all together for a memorable story.  The characters will last with me not just for the personal connection but because they are people who you know in your every day life, people you can relate to.  I am so happy that Francis brought some awareness to the MS community as well.  This is a disease that affects thousands of people everyday and the more awareness we can bring to it the closer we will be to a cure.  I am so happy to say this is my eighth “Blissful Beach Bag” pick.  Happy reading and soak up these last dog days of summer!

Tiny Little Thing by Beatriz Williams

Happy August fellow readers and book lovers!  Summer is flying by and I am finding the books are only getting better.  Tiny Little Thing by Beatriz Williams ended my July with a bang!  Set in Boston, as am I, this is on the top of my list for one of the best books this season!  It was also my first read by Beatriz Williams…I know where have I been?  She is absolutely amazing and I can not wait to get my hands on another one of her novels.

Tiny Little Thing takes us back to 60’s, set in Boston, revolving around politics, a little mystery and love.  Christina “Tiny” Hardcastle is married to Frank who is running for political office.  Together Tiny and Frank are the epitome of the perfect political couple.  They are brought to Cape Cod for the summer where Tiny receives a photograph in the mail bringing back a part of her past.  Frank’s cousin Caspian is the Vietnam vet who helps Frank complete his impeccable political front but also has ties to Tiny.  Does he have anything to do with Tiny’s mystery mail?  Struggling to figure out who is out to get her as well as maintain her trophy wife status, Tiny confides in her sister Pepper.   Pepper is as spicy as her name and is hiding her own secrets as well, naturally being the perfect partner in crime.  They need one another as the Hardcastle family is not one to hide secrets from.  Everyone is watching.

A little bit mystery and a whole lot of love story, Tiny Little Thing is literally the perfect summer read and my seventh “Blissful Beach Bag” pick.  Tiny Hardcastle is one of the best characters I have met in a book in a long time.  She is strong, elegant and persistent.  Williams’s story and characters challenge the times and makes the reader think.  I loved the sister dynamic between Pepper and Tiny and hope there is a story for Pepper somewhere down the road.  Williams certainly left that door open.  For all the lastest updates follow Beatriz on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

*Tiny Little Thing was sent to Bliss Beauty and Books for review purposes.

Summer Secrets by Jane Green

Well we are in the height of summer and the books are at their best!  I was so excited to received a copy of Summer Secrets by Jane Green as I have been a fan of hers for years.  Typically with her books I am captured within the first chapter and this book did not disappoint.  Summer Secrets is a mix of love, family and the drama it entails.  It’s the perfect choice for my sixth “Blissful Beach Bag” pick!

Cat lives a fabulous life with great friends and amazing job.  Through her glamorous nights and fabulous social life she is struggling to realize she is an alcoholic.  She knows she needs help and decides to meet with her mother, who was the most prominent figure in her upbringing, as her dad was controlling and cold.  During this lunch her mother uncovers a life changing secret that she has kept from Cat her whole life.  This secret brings Cat to Nantucket to meet family she never knew she had and her alcoholism starts to spiral.  The story goes between London and Nantucket and you share in Cat’s struggles and heartbreak.  Cat’s alcoholism and behavior causes some damage and harm to the people she loves and its her mission to heal all open wounds.

Set against a beautiful summer setting, Summer Secrets is another one for the sand and sun.  Green creates and develops  characters and relationships that you can feel through the pages.  Even though Cat is flawed and makes poor decisions I found myself rooting for her in the end.  We all make mistakes but its the actions we take to fix them that make us who we are and I saw that in Cat.    Once again Green shines with a story that will hook you from the first line.  Visit Jane on her site here: www.janegreen.com

The Vacationers by Emma Straub

As I have mentioned in previous posts we are in “beach-read” season!  I had heard so many amazing things about The Vacationers by Emma Straub and was thrilled to receive a copy from Riverhead Books!  What can I say other than that it met all my expectations and more.  I love books that transport you to an exotic location and this did not disappoint as I felt like I personally took a two-week trip to Mallorca.  Pack your bags blissful readers, this is one perfect, beach, page-turner!

The Post family is about to embark on a two-week trip to Mallorca, Spain, a beautiful beach destination.  Like all families the Post’s are dealing with a few family issues that may interfere with their trip.  Jim Post just left his job at Gallant magazine due to some guilty pleasures with a young co-worker and his wife Franny is fully aware of this.  Franny organized this trip and as the matriarch will not let “that” ruin her trip, she just takes every spare moment to let Jim know he’s not off the hook.  Their younger daughter Sylvia just finished high school and college is on the horizon so she decides she wants to make this trip memorable and hopefully lose her virginity.  Bobby Post and his girlfriend Carmen as well as family friends Charles and Lawrence meet the others in Spain filling up this beautiful vacation home with laughter, drama and love.  A Spanish adonis and former tennis star are added into the mix and show up just at the right time for the Post family.  From finance and commitment issues to young love and parenthood everyone has their share of problems and Straub, so perfectly orchestrates the realities of many families.

I loved this book.  I loved the family dynamic and the complexities that are depicted within each character and the family as a whole.  I was taken back to a few of my family vacations and the stories that we can laugh at now.  The Vacationers is one not to be missed.  It goes way beyond the beach this book has heart and soul.  This is my fifth “Blissful Beach Bag” pick and is perfectly paired with a lovely sangria and sand or sun!

The Wrong Man by Kate White

Happy 4th!  I am starting my July reviews with a fabulous thriller.  I am a huge fan of Kate White’s and count the Bailey Weggin’s series in my top favorite books!  I knew that her newest book, The Wrong Man was going to be just as amazing plus there was something special about this book as there was going to be a character named after my daughter in it.  Yes, there was going to be a Chloe in the book!  Rewind.  We entered a contest last summer where Kate had requested readers to pose with her then novel, Eyes on You.  I sent a picture of Chloe with her detective hat and spectacles and we WON!  I was thrilled.  So reading throughout the book I was awaiting seeing her name pop up and it did, in a clever little way 🙂 Thanks Kate.  Like all of White’s books she leaves the most addictive cliff hangers at the conclusion of each chapter thus making the reader fly through this book.  I was so happy to read and review a mystery again.  It’s been awhile but they are oh so good.

The Wrong Man starts off with its main character Kit traveling for business in Florida.  Wanting a change of pace in this moment of life she decides she is going to do something spontaneous and fun.  She meets Matt Healy, also on business, who is mysterious, charming, the full package.  After a romantic dinner they both go back to the hotel and things develop from there.  They both have the mindset “no strings attached” and decide the next morning it was a great night and let’s leave it at that.  Kit is ok with this although there is a part of her that is drawn to Matt and wishes she could see him again.  She leaves Florida and heads back to New York but not before she gets call from Matt wanting to meet-up in NYC.  They decide the meet for dinner and Matt gives her all the details including where he lives.  Kit heads over there to meet him only to find out the man who lives there is not the man she had a fling with but yet his name is Matt Healy.  Let the mystery begin.

The Wrong Man is a thriller of deceit and murder.  From sunny Florida to gritty NYC, White takes you on ride filled with hairpin twists and turns questioning who can you really trust?  The spiderweb of characters and lies will have you hooked from the first page as in typical White fashion.  Whether this is your first or fifth novel of White’s she does not disappoint!  Without a question this is my fourth “Blissful Beach Bag” pick! Let’s keep our fingers crossed she is working on a Weggin’s mystery, I need a little Bailey in my life.

Miss Chloe in her winning picture as well as the new book.

*The Wrong Man was sent to Bliss Beauty and Books for review purposes.

Those Secrets We Keep by Emily Liebert PLUS Emily’s “Beauty Secrets”

I discovered Emily Liebert when I first read You Knew Me When which had me hooked from the first page. This is something I now find true of all her novels.  When I heard she had a new book coming out I knew I had to review plus I found out she was partnering up with It Cosmetics so it was a win-win, I mean I am blogging all things beauty and books here.  I was lucky enough to have to opportunity to not only receive an advance copy of her book but get the chance to ask Emily herself what her “Beauty Secrets” and “Author Beauty Bag” must-haves are !  I am over celeb make-up tips 🙂  Let’s learn what these stunning authors do to stay gorgeous!

In her newest novel, Those Secrets We Keep,  Liebert centers around 3 women- Sloane, Hillary and Georgina.  Each battling their own secrets they all decide to take a girls getaway to Lake George.  Sloane who is struggling in her marriage, decides a little time away from home is just what she needs.  Hillary, a close friend of Sloane, is at a crossroads in her life where she is wondering if she is cut out for motherhood.  And then there is Georgina who is a free spirit and ready to bring the fun to Lake George but yet running from something bigger than herself.  What starts out as a way for all of them to unwind turns into a visit with a past love for Sloane which begins all kinds of problems that began so many visits ago.  What they all thought they could leave behind follows each of them leading them to rely on one another.

Those Secrets We Keep is my second pick for my “Blissful Beach Bag” picks!  It is the perfect summer read and a must for your beach bag.  Liebert once again depicts the bonds between woman and the value of true friends.  Her voice is so distinct throughout all of her novels which makes her feel like an old friend herself.  It is clear she knows the ingredients to create a sold sisterhood.  This book had twists to keep the reader guessing page by page, I did not want to put it down.  Besides the ebbs and flow of friendships, Liebert brings marriage and the importance of communication between one another.  She shows you that once these lines are blocked we all are susceptible to keeping secrets.  Liebert is a strong female author and her books are not to be missed.  I can’t wait for her next novel and hope to meet her on her next tour if she stops in Boston!

* Bonus:  Emily is sending her readers an amazing gift once you purchase the book.  As mentioned before she has partnered up with It Cosmetics. If you order “Those Secrets We Keep”, Facebook message her your receipt and she will mail you a fabulous make-up bag with a few amazing eye products!  Visit and ‘LIKE’ her page here!

Emily’s Top 5 Beauty “Secrets”

 

• At least eight hours of sleep. I swear by it. My husband makes fun of me for going to bed so early, but I never have dark circles under my eyes!

• Pure Barre. It’s a mixture of yoga, Pilates, and ballet. I was hooked after my first class. About a year later I became a teacher! It makes me physically toned and strong, which helps me feel beautiful.

• Tinted moisturizer. My makeup artist Emily Rosnick introduced me to it. She said to never leave home without applying a thin layer. It evens out your complexion and affords you a hint color.

• Tan Towels. One of my closest friends recommended these to me. They’re easy-application towelettes that produce a streak-free, sunless tan within hours. The result is glowing skin that looks natural.

• Tweezerman’s Point Tweezer. This is my go-to instrument. I kid you not, I’ve performed small “surgeries” with these. (They’re amazing for extracting splinters) I’m also a bit eyebrow obsessed. I like to get every last microscopic hair. But do use them at your own risk. They’re sharp!

Author on Tour: Make-up Bag Musts

 

When I’m on book tour and can’t always stick to my exercise routine or get at least eight hours of sleep, it’s important to have my beauty arsenal close at hand. In order to ensure that I’m event and camera ready, these are my must-haves in the way of skincare and makeup:

Skincare

 

• SkinMedica Facial Cleanser
• SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum
• SkinMedica TNS Eye Repair
• SkinMedica Ultimate Daily Moisturizer (for daytime, with SPF 20!)
• SkinMedica TNS Ceramide Treatment Cream (for nighttime)

Makeup

 

• Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer
• Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer
• Chantecaille Future Skin Foundation
• Chanel Correcteur Perfection Concealer
• Smashbox Hydrating Perfecting Powder
• Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Bronzer
• Nars blush and eye shadow
• Laura Mercier eyeliner
• Great Lash “Blackest Black” Mascara

*Those Secrets We Keep was sent to Bliss, Beauty and Books for review purposes.