Chic-lit/Romance chat

[mumof2sarah]

Just that really,,, I've been on a few different threads and feel like a lot of people don't seem to read chic-lit so when I do post on them no one ever replies lol.

So I thought I'd start a thread for anyone that does read this genre.

I've just finished Alphabet Weekends by Elizabeth Noble - it's the second time I've read it and I really enjoyed it.

I'm a few pages into another Elizabeth Noble book called The reading group and I'm already wanting to know more about the characters. I love her style of writing where she kind of drip feeds the stories as it being surprises through out. Although when I've had a bad day/sleep I do sometimes struggle to keep up with who's who.

My favourite author is Sarah Morgan I think I've read every single one of her books and I can't wait for her next one to be published. My aim is to read a book a week this year. I have set up a little reading corner in my room with a lovely throw, a mat for my cup on the bedside table and a new lamp so when the kids are in bed I can read in my room. There's no TV in there so I won't be tempted to watch something instead. I hope someone reads this and does join in with my chic lit rambles

[BlackAmericanoNoSugar]

I love a good chick lit novel. I do read other stuff, but for escapism and a guaranteed happy ending chick lit is great.

I'm off to have a look at Sarah Morgan and Elizabeth Noble as I haven't read any of their stuff. I like Jennifer Crusie and Susan Elizabeth Phillips. I don't like weak or weepy heroines, or ones who are illogical and continuously make stupid decisions. The type of stories that I like are the ones where the heroine is strong and prepared to fight her own battles, but by the end has softened a bit to be able to accept the give and take of true love.

[mumof2sarah]

@BlackAmericanoNoSugar I'm going to have a look at those authors too 👏🏻 thank you

[BlackAmericanoNoSugar]

The best ones are Ain't She Sweet by Susan Elizabeth Phillips, and of Jennifer Crusie's books Welcome to Temptation, Bet Me or Fast Women are good places to start.

[mumof2sarah]

Thankyou 👏🏻 I picked up the one I've just started and a katie fforde one today from a local charity shop so will order one of those other ones online to be delivered (I don't like reading from a screen need to be holding the book) so as soon as I've finished these it's there waiting x

[Frouby]

I love good chic lit. Some people can be a bit sniffy about it but I read for pleasure and it's my downtime.

Have you read any of Jane Greens early stuff? I love Jemima J and Mr Maybe. Sone of her more recent stuff is a bit meh. Anything UK set tends to be good but I never really enjoyed the stuff she did set in America which is where she now lives.

Adele Parks early stuff is good. I love Lisa Jewell and Freya North. And Marian Keyes is fantastic.

I am struggling to find new authors I like though I must admit. Lots of stuff seems to be poorly written and frothy and predictable. Just because it's chic lit it doesn't mean it should be poorly written.

[ParkheadParadise]

Adele Parks early stuff is good. I love Lisa Jewell and Freya North. And Marian Keyes is fantastic

Agree 100% also love Jane Green
@Frouby you have great taste in books

[mumof2sarah]

@Frouby I love all those authors 😍

[Frouby]

Aww thanks.

I used to read 3 or 4 a week when I was young, free and single. And often reread my favourites.

I have found some crime books sort of read a bit chic litty. The Vera series and the Shetland series all have really good main characters and as well as the murders and crime stuff there are also lots of characters and relationships around the main character.

[Matilda2013]

I love that alphabet weekends book! I seen this on the other thread but it’s so busy just now I forgot to comment! Paige Toon is good for chick lit as well as the others mentioned and Elizabeth Noble has another one called Things I Want My Daughters to Know.

[mumof2sarah]

@Matilda2013 YAY 👏🏻👏🏻 not one other person has said anything about enjoying that book. I've never read Paige toons books, have heard a lot about them though so may try one xx

[mumof2sarah]

@Frouby I think it's the Shetland one I tried and didn't enjoy it but I'm into proper lovey Dovey easy reads ATM. I may give them another go to at one point. I'm determined to read a book a week this year

[Matilda2013]

Also books by Melissa Nathan I loved! Especially The Nanny

[CakeIsMyFavouriteAndBest]

I'm a chic lit reader too, my favourites are Marian Keyes (could read Rachel's Holiday constantly) Lucy Diamond, Milly Johnson and most recently discovered Lucy Dillon.
Always looking for good authors as I seem to be rereading these and Jill Mansell and Katie Fforde books and I'm waiting for their new releases all the time!

[Frouby]

I loved things I want my daughters to know. But it's very sad.

The Last Days Of Rabbit Hayes by Anna McPartlin I think it is is a very similar read. I keep meaning to look at some more of her stuff. I think she has done quite a bit.

[Dozer]

I like Dorothy Koombeson too.

Have red some dire 99p “chick lit” books recently though, so it’s great to have some tips!

[KakunaRattata]

Ah yes, this is my lit place! I love Sarah morgan, have you read all her Mills and boon stuff too? I'm going to check back in later as getting told off for mumsnetting while we're watching a film but can I add Milly Johnson and Trisha Ashley in as my faves.

[ParkheadParadise]

I'm loving this thread, just had a look at my kindle I haven't read a book for a long time.
Here's some more to add to my previous post.
Tracy Bloom
Clare Dowling
Adele Parks

[mumof2sarah]

@KakunaRattata I've read nearly all her moons and boons books too. I just love her writing. I feel like I'm in the book when I read them, her descriptions are great. I'm constantly recommending her to other people. I have been known to dabble in some biography books in the past and books like "child called it" etc but I've always come back to Chick Lit and tend to stick just to this ATM x

[ladygracie]

I love Melissa Nathan books - I was really sad to read that she died very young. Love almost all the authors mentioned and some I haven’t heard of before.

[mumof2sarah]

You lot ❤️❤️❤️I love the fact people are liking this thread and I love the fact you're all recommending other authors. I feel sometimes if you recommend a chick lit novel or author it gets ignored so to have others who take it on board and send other ideas is actually boosting my reading energy levels.

KEEP IT COMING AND THANK YOU

[demirose87]

I love chick lit books probably more than any other type. My favourites are Jane Costello, Milly Johnson, Jill Mansell. Also really liked the Keeper of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan.

[Papergirl1968]

I have found my people!
I love chick lit but not too frothy. A good story with strong characters rather than merely dizzy heroine meets lantern jawed man, sparks fly and they fall in love...
Recently read Elizabeth Noble’s The Way We Were, which was good. Currently nearly finished Milly Johnson’s The Queen of Wishful Thinking, which I’ve really enjoyed.
Love Lisa Jewell, especially her more recent ones, Dorothy Koomson, again especially her most recent, Cathy Kelly, Patricia Scanlan, Sheila O’Flanagan, Marian Keyes, Lucy Diamond, and Harriet Evans.
Emily Barr and Amanda Prowse are also worth trying.
I’ve read a couple by Paige Toon and Jane Green.
Jodi Picoult and Diane Chamberlain aren’t strictly chick lit but they’re among my favourites.

[mumof2sarah]

Just finished book 2 of the year 👏🏻👏🏻

The reading group by Elizabeth Noble and I'm impressed. I had moments where I was confused (mainly through anxiety and child related problems where I probably wasn't even concentrating) but overall I really enjoyed it. Seeing the lives of these women connecting together the way they did and their stories being told in such a way was wonderful. That's the second Elizabeth Noble book I've read and I've got to say she's up there with Sarah Morgan to me.

I've been struck down with this Aussie flu today, luckily not as bad and what DP had it but I'm feeling rotten so spent all morning reading. I'm going to get stuff done now and then maybe start a new one this evening. Have a lovely day with hopefully a moment of reading time for you xxx

[mumof2sarah]

I'm bloody struggling to pick another book up since I've put down the reading group 😩 my anxiety has really upped its evil game and I just can't concentrate. I've got a Katie Fforde one to start The Perfect Match and it's just staring at me. I'm going to meditate once the babies are asleep and try again.

^How're you all doing with your reading?

What books are you all in the middle of ATM?xxx^

[MyAimIsTrue]

There's a Mumsnetter called Fiona Collins who writes chick lit. She's very, very funny. Her books are here. (Lots of writers on here!)