Who dropped the Bombshell?: Aunt Sophia's Lessons for Bombshells by Lisa Cach Book Review

Grace Cavanaugh is off to visit her eccentric Aunt Sophia for the summer in this rollicking romp of chick lit proportions. Aunt Sophia is a former B-Movie star, whose sensuality and diva drive may send Grace ready to high-tail it to the nearest funny farm, but Sophia sees a spark of herself in the lackluster Grace and sets aside her personal time to transform this average girl into a ravishing beauty.

Grace is game for this challenge which gives her plenty of research for her upcoming Women's Studies thesis surrounding beauty. Sophia does offer Grace a little added incentive that gives her the romantic challenge of her life.

Mix in two handsome and charming men, a friend still simmering over Grace's lack of affection to her wiles and the pacific paradise of California for a lesson in "bombshell-tude".

I am still reading this book. I enjoy Aunt Sophia's feisty fire, but feel that the storyline and characters are too cliched and played out to hold my attention (which can happen with many chick lit writer's storylines). While I intend to finish this book, I am beginning to become irritated by Grace's clinical research notes and Declan's male chauvinistic bravado.

Update: I've finished reading this novel and I have to say I enjoyed the twist and turns of the final chapters of the book. I was actually surprised by demure Dr. Andrew's plan, Sophia's shocking secret and the sincerity of ever brash Declan. All in all, it was a decent book with a good ending. I feel they could have left out some of the gratuitous happenings, but all in all it turned out okay.

Golden Opportunity: Everything I Need to Know I Learned From a Little Golden Book by Diane Muldrow

What do you think of when you open up a Little Golden Book? Chances are you think of home cuddled up next to a favorite relative giddy to hear another story.

 Little Golden Books reflect hope, instill cheerfulness and  create a moral compass through charismatic and innately good characters which give this cold, cruel and sometimes downright rotten world a glimmer of safety and warmth.

Everything I Need to Know I Learned From A Little Golden Book by Diane Muldrow  makes even the least sentimental and rigid personalities long for a hug from their mothers or reminds them of heartfelt past remembrances.

Each page contains a lovingly rendered illustration from some of Little Golden Books most cherished tales. A chubby little elephant from The Saggy Baggy Elephant greets you with an impish smile and children swirl across the pages in bright shades of blue, red and yellow in a gleeful parade.

The words inked and message spoken through a gentle and direct voice, speak of the importance of savoring life to its fullest, worrying less, and truly living.

One of my favorite sections of the book bears an image of two children strolling on a beach with the simple statement "look up". This alerts us to the fact that we live in a big world whose actions are beyond our control, but can be contained and enjoyed by just being present.

If you are looking for bibliophile's valium, you've found it. Leafing through this story gives readers a "golden" opportunity to be wowed by the little things in life.

Source: Amazon.com Image 

Book Review: I've Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella

Physiotherapist Poppy Wyatt is walking on air! She has a comfortable job and is all abuzz over her upcoming nuptials to the brilliant and dashing college professor, Magnus Tavish. To Poppy life can get no better... that is until a dastardly fire drill during an elegant champagne tea changes everything. 


Her stunning family heirloom engagement ring which Magnus had given her is lost during the dizzying mayhem of the fire drill. Frantic Poppy grabs her cell and starts contacting all of her friends who had been trying on the ring during the tea. After searching the hotel premises with no luck and questioning cleaning crews and staff she feels absolutely hopeless. When she doesn't think things could get any worse, trouble comes a knocking! Her cell phone is burgled by a passer-by. 


As a catastrophic feeling of dread begins to settle in Poppy's heart, she spots a cell phone in a trash can at the hotel. The only problem is that the cell belongs to Sam Roxton of White Globe Consulting's  PA (personal assistant), Violet, who hurriedly quit her job and dashed off to a modeling gig. Poppy then proceeds to use her "borrowed" phone's number as a main contact number for the hotel and police in case they find her engagement ring. 


Long story short: Poppy somehow manages to convince hard-as-nails and blunt businessman Sam Roxton to let her use his former PA's phone and send him all of the texts and messages that she receives that are addressed to him. 


This happy-go-lucky story continues in an upbeat manner which is the cornerstone of all Sophie Kinsella novels. While the novel is improbable and ditsy at times (ex. What businessman would let a total stranger use a company phone? and why is a well-rounded, efficient, reliable and intelligent woman so terrified of her over-educated future in-laws?)


Even though Ms. Kinsella's formulaic writing style has become slightly stale the nuances and fast paced dialogue boost its readability. Suave additions such as a bribery scheme at White Globe Consulting and juicy confessions of Mangus's past dalliances make up for any lackluster qualities. All and all an enjoyable and light story that is a perfect beach read!