A Perfect Dish Series by Tawdra Kandle

"Best Served Cold" – Book 1
"Just Desserts" – Book 2
"I Choose You" – Book 3

I liked the first book because it took me back to college days a little. It was nice to reminisce and I felt like the characters learned something and matured. The main character was Julia, her roommate, Ava, is the main character in the second book.

The second book took 5 chapters to get going, because the first 5 chapters basically repeated events from the first book through the main character's (Ava's) point of view. This book was far steamier than the first book as well. Not a lot of learning in this book, but there is some redemption of a character that appeared in the first book as well.

The third book, picked up a little better in terms of less rehash... past events were explained, but not repeated like in book 2. We still don't get to hear much about Julia in this book. Ava and her man are the main characters again. I'm not sure why the author didn't work Julia's story in a little more since there was some drama and the "voice" of the book switched between Ava and her man, so why not add in Julia too? The author gave us a little bite into the next couple she tends to write about. I'm not sure if their story will be part of this series or not. I suppose we will find out!

Overall, I liked the series, I have just read a lot of books I've liked more.

"1225 Christmas Tree Lane" By Debbie Macomber

I was bored. I liked the actual story about the main character and her ex husband. However, there were all of these other characters that took the 10 puppies and their families plus side stories that had nothing to do with the main story. Well, towards the end, 2 of the puppy families integrated into the main story. I've not read books by this author before, and to be fair, I sort of started by reading the last book of her series. I'm guessing this book sort-of summarizes and gives follow up to the characters that are the main characters in the previous books. Since I seem to like seeing characters reappear later in a series, I might have enjoyed this book more if I had started from book 1; lesson learned.

While I would classify this as "Romance", it was in no way steamy... if that's what you're looking to read.

Copied the following list from Wikipedia:

Cedar Cove Series

1. 16 Lighthouse Road, MIRA Books 2001
2. 204 Rosewood Lane, MIRA Books 2002
3. 311 Pelican Court, MIRA Books 2003
4. 44 Cranberry Point, MIRA Books 2004
5. 50 Harbor Street, MIRA Books 2005
6. 6 Rainier Drive, MIRA Books 2006
7. 74 Seaside Avenue, MIRA Books 2007
8. 8 Sandpiper Way, MIRA Books 2008
9. 92 Pacific Boulevard (MIRA Books, September 2009)
10. 1022 Evergreen Place Fall 2010
11. 1105 Yakima Street MIRA Books 2011
12. 1225 Christmas Tree Lane MIRA Books 2011

• A Cedar Cove Christmas MIRA Books October 2008

• "Christmas in Cedar Cove" MIRA Books 2010 (Omnibus: 5-B Poppy Lane, 2006 and A Cedar Cove Christmas, 2008)

"The House on Mermaid Point" (Ten Beach Road Novella Book 3) By Wendy Wax

I didn't realize this book was part of a series by Wendy Wax. I just checked it out from the library and read it, but when I went to type this post, I discovered there are more! Great news for me because I've read several of her novels.

Wendy Wax seems to write such strong female characters and I'm thinking that is what I like about her books. This book was no exception. Before I found out this was a series, my only complaint was not knowing what happens with some of the characters' side stories. (1 starting a relationship, 1 debating marriage, etc...?) Now that I know there is more to come, I'll just hang tight and read the previous books. ;)

An excerpt:

"But making her own decisions and charting her own path? That might be frightening, but it was also exciting. With each new experience she felt stronger and a step closer to becoming the person she’d never even dreamed she might be."

"The Rocky Mountain Heiress Collection" By Kathleen Y'Barbo

The full title of this book is: "The Rocky Mountain Heiress Collection: Three Inspirational Romances: The Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper, Anna Finch and the Hired Gun, The Inconvenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck"

I enjoyed all 3 stories and liked how they were all connected. I think my favorite was the one on Eugenia Cooper. Nice to read a period piece from time to time.

An Excerpt:

"Sometimes what a person wishes for is neither what they really want nor what they need. Sometimes, it’s the wishing that’s the best part."

"The Accidental Bestseller" by Wendy Wax

A very fun read! I had forgotten why Wendy Wax was on my list of authors to read again, but now I remember. She just has a way with telling the story that keeps you engaged and invested with the characters. The characters often have tough problems, but reading about them doesn't weigh you down. Her books are worth checking out.

A fun excerpt from the book:

Sometimes when you have to eat an elephant, the biggest problem is finding someone to take that very first bite.” A smile took over her voice, the first Lacy had ever heard from her. “Bon appétit!” – Wendy Wax in "The Accidental Bestseller"

"My Fair Lazy" By Jen Lancaster

This type of book is apparently not my cup of tea. I would read a few chapters and be bored out of my mind, then read a page that would me have me laughing really hard, then back to board, repeat. The parts that had me laughing reminded me of my sister for some reason (she should read this book in all of her spare time!) I think I may have been more interested in the story if it didn't read so much like a normal person's life? I don't know.

"The Dominant Blonde" By Alisa Kwitney

This book is a very light read. It is fun and steamy and I flew through it. A definite recommend if you want something not too serious... a beach read even.

"Lisa Maria's Guide for the Perplexed" By Susan Hubbard

Another $1 purchase that worked out for me. This was a cute book about a young lady that is a little lost in the love world. She seems to have the same problems over and over and in this case they cause her to move back home. She learns a lot of lessons while there.

The author's secondary story about the main character's sister could have been a little more developed in my opinion, but since it wasn't the main story, I was still happy with the book. I'd call it a fast, fun read!

"True Colors" By Kristin Hannah

Kristin Hannah has done it again. She has written a heart-warming story about 3 sisters and other friends/relatives that are part of their lives. There is much drama and romance as well as some courtroom adventures. This book is definitely a page turner and a tear-jerker. I loved it!

"Confessions of Super Mom" By Melanie Lynne Hauser

I also bought this book for a little under a dollar at that same bookstore that was going out of business. This was a good buy and the author's first book. It was cute and had a good story line. There is apparently a sequel ("Super Mom Saves the World"), so I'll have to add it to my "to read" list! :)

"Beverly Hills Tutor" By Libby Keatinge

Bought this book for a little under a dollar at a bookstore that was going out of business. I'm glad I didn't pay much more than that. I know I'm being a little harsh, since this was this author's first book and all, but it needed a little help. The book itself wasn't bad per say, but it needed to be longer. There were several opportunities for more character development and even more opportunities for fun little side stories. I think the author has potential, but there is defiantly room for improvement. (Not that I could do any better, I'm sure.)

"Off The Record" By Jennifer O'Connell

Bought this book for a little under a dollar at a bookstore that was going out of business. Turns out it was a good buy. I'd describe this book as humorous, light reading (which is my favorite, btw!)

"Hostile Makeover" By Wendy Wax

I decided I needed a break from George RR Martin's "A Song of Fire and Ice" series. I picked up this book that I bought about a year ago. It was definitely lighter reading and in fact, took some adjustment after being deep into the previously mentioned intense series.

"Hostile Makeover" was a great book and relaxing to read. Reading it was like a vacation. I enjoyed how characters from her previous book, "Leave it to Cleavage" got sprinkled into the story. Overall strong female lead story.

"The Sisters" By Nancy Jensen

This is the first book I've read by Nancy Jensen; she is a very good author. She knows how to pull and pull on your heartstrings. I wouldn't recommend this book if you are looking for something light and fun to read. If you like to read books that make you cry – as I know some people that do – this is a book for you. There are so many calamities that befall the women in this book, it is a wonder they survive, but survive they do. It is a strong female lead story and definitely a drama. It is also a lesson to communicate with the people in your life because secrets may change your path and the path of others who follow you.

Thank you to the friends that bought this book for me!

"Madame Mirabou's School of Love" By Barbara Samuel

Fun book! I learned not to listen to romance novels at work though... the room feels too hot! Steamy portions aside... this book had a unique character. She is a 40-something living in Colorado, low on cash and she works in the restaurant and perfume business. It seems like so many chick-lit books are written about 20-somethings in New York or London with some job based in fashion and they have tons of cash. Refreshing & recommended!

"Baby Needs a New Pair of Shoes" By Lauren Baratz-Logsted

Cute book. The main character, Delilah, has an addictive personality (meaning she gets addicted to everything!) In this book she starts to gamble so she can buy Jimmy Choos. I won't tell you where else the story goes, but it is a good, light read.

I think I bought this book because it was recommended by a company when I was buying another book... I guess they got their recommendation right this time. :)

"Pink Slip Party" by Cara Lockwood

I bought this book strictly on the fact that I have read other books by Cara Lockwood and enjoyed them. Plus the fact that the main character designs for a living may have had a little influence on me as well.

The author writes the character and her friends in a way that I would not describe all persons that went to art school to be. The characters mess up a lot, there is mention of drinking and drugs and there is quite a bit of laziness in there too. However, there are funny points to the exaggerations, so I still liked the overall story, I just don't want anyone to think that because I'm a designer that I am like the character in the book. One of my favorite lines in the book is when the main character describes a job recruiters favorite 3 words to hear from her, "art major, unemployed". It made me laugh because after a year of looking for more continuous work, I've noticed that the non-art related world sometimes just doesn't understand what types of rolls a creative person would be good for. Overall thumbs up, give it a read!

"The Man of My Dreams" By Curtis Sittenfeld

I checked this audio book out from the library on a whim. I knew nothing of the author, and it was probably the second or third book on the shelf that I randomly read the synopsis.

I haven't read that many books that I would describe as chick-lit that were written by a man, but I have to say that I was impressed by the way the author described the female lead's feelings as she went through life. The book was really good overall. The language is a little crude at points, but it feels true to the characters.

"Table Manners" By Mia King

The main character, Deidre McIntosh, from "Good Things" (an earlier Mia King novel) comes back in this book, but she is facing all new challenges. This book is less steamy than "Good Things" and you don't need to have read "Good Things" to follow this novel.

Really enjoyed this heartfelt book and I definitely recommend it. I have yet to try any of the recipes given in either book... one of these days!

"Sleeping Arrangements" By Madleine Wickam (aka Sophie Kinsella)

A book about 2 Britich families that end up accidentally vacationing at the same house in the mountains of Spain. Was it really an accident, or something more... things get pretty complex for a couple of characters in this book. Entertainment Weekly said it best, "A rare breed of beach read that's breezy but doesn't wriggle out of difficult adult choices."

Overall good read; glad it is now part of my library to read again one day.