Women's Fiction / Chick Lit

[Michelle]

Which authors do you like who come under this type of genre?

I read a book by Cathy Kelly a while ago, and really enjoyed it, and I'm trying another of hers at the moment. I find that they're sometimes a little slow, but then I'm used to horrors and thriller alot of the time, so they would feel a little different to me.

I like a decent storyline, preferably with something a little unusual, and I don't always want a perfectly happy ending. Has anyone found any books like that, that I might enjoy?

I know we have a few members who like Sophie Kinsella - does she come under this genre? Are hers always humorous books?

[Margo]

I'm reading Where Rainbows End by Cecelia Ahern, and I feel this comes under this genre. I'm loving the book, and yes I think Sophie Kinsella is a chick lit too. I loved her undomestic goddess book. :mrgreen:

[Angel]

I've read all but one of Cathy Kelley's and that one is waiting to be read.

I agree about Cecelia Ahern - I've just Where Rainbows End from the library this morning :)

I would also add Catherine Alliott, Maeve Binchy and Penny Vincenzi. Not to mention Rowan Coleman (The Accidental Mother)

[Michelle]

Who's your favourite, Angel?

[Tiger]

Mum's eating her dinner, but she says Cathy Kelley's her favourite.

[Michelle]

LOL Thanks Tiger! :D

[Kell]

I'm never sure what is classed as Chick Lit, but Ive read The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella & really enjoyed it - it was light-hearted & fun.

[Tiger]

:wink: Your welcome, Michelle! LOL

[Maureen]

I think Penny Vincenzi has a way with sagas, and Marian Keyes has a way with humourous stories.

[southernlady]

Oh, I have a favorite here. Altho you almost have to be from the Southern USA to truly appreciate her books.

Haywood Smith (http://www.haywoodsmith.net/) The Red Hat Club and The Red Hat Club Rides Again

I just can't wait to see what the next one reads like...they are the most enjoyable books.

You see, I'm a RedHatter and altho her books are NOT sanctioned by the Red Hat Society, they are a good read and very true to the South. Liz

[Michelle]

She's one of Mamacita's favourites aswell, I believe?

[southernlady]

Yes, and SHE has gotten to meet Haywood Smith. Liz

[Sassenach]

I like Deborah Wright's books. "Under My Spell" is my favourite.

Synopsis: Cara is 25 years old and beautiful, intelligent and kind. She's also a witch. Unsure of her feelings towards magic and desperate to escape the clutches of her overbearing mother, she takes a 'proper' job as a nanny for the Wilkins family. But things don't go quite as she has planned. Cara moves in to the Wilkins' home and before long the whole family come to rely on her as a source of fun and excitement in their lives. But Nick and Andie Wilkins' marriage is falling apart so Cara sets about trying to reconcile them. When her benign attempts to fix things result in Nick flirting with her and Andie contemplating an affair, Cara can't resist any longer. She resorts to the magic she's been trying so hard to give up and soon the whole house is in uproar ...

[Mamacita]

Ahh, yes, I've met the divine Ms. H...she's actually a dear friend! Sadly, she's now a displaced Belle, living in--horrors!! The belt buckle of yankeedom--Boston! ;) I'll get to see her in a few weeks, though.

Favorite WF authors...well, Haywood, obviously, but I have several others I like, as well.

Deborah Smith
Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Jill Marie Landis
Jennifer Cruisie
Patricia Gaffney
Vicki Lewis Thompson

are a few that come to mind just now.

For me, endings don't necessarily *have* to be happy...just satisfying. If I can finish the book and feel like I've just sat through a movie, then I consider it well written. When the characters, the setting and the plot just leap off the page at me, yeah, that's what I like. :)

I'm in the middle of reading "Undomestic Goddess" right now, and finding it a bit slow-going. So far, it's had its funny moments, but I'm having a bit of trouble suspending my disbelief that a lawyer could just happen to stumble upon probably the stupidest, blindest rich couple in the country...and is able to convince them she's a Cordon Bleu chef.

I'll keep reading, then let you know my final verdict. :)

[jake]

It's a genre I came across by chance in that a friend gave me one of Kinsella's 'Shopaholic' books. It was a light fluffy read and I enjoyed it. In fact I've got another 'Shopaholic' on my TBR shelf and have just bought Bergdof Blondes and The Nanny Diaries from Amazon.

[Michelle]

Angel, I see mixed reviews for Cathy Kelly on Amazon, so which of hers do you recommend? I've read Just Between Us, which I really liked. And right now I'm reading Someone Like You, which, although quite good, is a little slow for me.

Sassenach, Under My Spell looks like one to look out for.

Can anyone recommend anything that has a really interesting storyline.. something out of the ordinary?

[Louiseog]

Louise Dean A Perfect Ten was chick lit but made me think a bit more.

[Mamacita]

I'm just starting the 4th book in a series by Vicki Lewis Thompson..."Talk Nerdy To Me".

The first book, "Nerd In Shining Armor" was a real departure from the usual romantic comedies that have been out on the market.

The heroine is Tennesse hillbilly living in Hawaii. The hero is the computer nerd who works in her office.

The two of them get stranded on a deserted island after their small plane is hijacked. Her "live off the land" skills help them to not only survive, but they manage to have a pretty good time playing Robinson Carusoe until they're rescued.

In this newest installment, the heroine is a nerdy inventor who accidentally blows up her home lab and is "rescued" by a Harley-riding engineer, even though she insists she does NOT need rescuing.

Hubby just finished reading it...yes, he LOVES women's fiction b/c he says it helps him understand the female mind a little better! LOL!...and he said it was a great read from start to finish.

[knitnurse]

It's a genre I came across by chance in that a friend gave me one of Kinsella's 'Shopaholic' books. It was a light fluffy read and I enjoyed it. In fact I've got another 'Shopaholic' on my TBR shelf and have just bought Bergdof Blondes and The Nanny Diaries from Amazon.


I played 'live bookswap' last night on another site and won 'Shopaholic ties the knot'. I've never read one chick lit book I don't think so I'm keen to give it a go. I've heard this one's good :)

[jake]

Oh knitnurse, it's brilliant, I loved that book. Quick, light, trashy read, I'd definitely recommend it :)

[Michelle]

I saw a Maeve Binchy book that looke quite good today, so I picked it up - Nights of Rain and Stars. I decided I should give her a try. :)

[Angel]

Michelle wrote

Angel, I see mixed reviews for Cathy Kelly on Amazon, so which of hers do you recommend

I quite enjoyed Best of Friends. I find that none of her books are fast moving though

[Janet]

I've weaned myself off chick lit in the last few months, but will still always read any new books by Marian Keyes, Jane Green, Sophie Kinsella and Judy Astley!

[jake]

I see you are reading Life Swap Bagpuss, is it any good. I've picked it up a couple of times and perused the back.

[Janet]

I'm only on page 60, but at the moment, I'm finding the writing style rather patronising. I normally really enjoy her books though, so I'll stick with it. I don't want to put you off, so I'll post a proper review when I've finished it (or comment if there is already a thread about it). I don't want to judge it badly after so few pages! :)

We're going to discuss it on another forum I visit (a Neighbours one, not a book one!) so I've got to finish it before 30 June!

[jake]

I've just finished reading Bergdorf Blondes. Quick, trashy, fun read. Loved it.

[Angel]

Katie Fforde's Flora's Lot really is within this genre. I really enjoyed this one - a real book to sit back and relax with especially when you don't want to think, analyse or reflect on.

[Sugar]

Maureen mentioned Marian Keyes and I would agree. I haven't read much chick lit for a while (i've been having a crime phase) but I would be happy to pick up another by her.

How about Pauline McLynn? Her "Woman on the Bus" is a great book.

[Sarahrob]

Louise Dean A Perfect Ten was chick lit but made me think a bit more.

I thought this had some good ideas, but I couldn't warm to any of the characters so didn't really enjoy the book.

[Inanna]

Recently swapped 'Brown Owls Guide To Life' which looks like a lovely read :D

[Sarahrob]

You are right Inanna, it looks lovely. Let us know what you think (I might have a look at that one myself!).

[Inanna]

Will do, may read it next :wink:

[Icecream]

I do not kow anything about this genre. Would someone explain it to me please? x

[Michelle]

From Wiki:
Women's Fiction (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women%27s_fiction)
Chick Lit (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chick_lit)
:)

[Icecream]

Thanks Michelle..

[Cerridwen]

I don't normally read Chick Lit but, after reading some of the conversations here I succumbed and got The Undomestic Goddess today :D

[Inanna]

Its good Cerri, it'll give you a good giggle if nothing else :wink:

[Icecream]

I did have a thing for the silhouette sensation series when I was younger. They are classic girly love stories, but also a bit naughty though..

[jake]

I've gone mad the last few days reading nothing but chick lit! I loved Bergdorf Blondes and am loving (and almost finished) The Nanny Diaries.

However I got a pile of 'gorefest' today, so it'll be service as normal soon :mrgreen:

[kitty]

I really enjoyed reading Patricia Scanlan books for a while, was always at the library.
The best I thought was Mirror Mirror and Promises Promises as they follow on from each other. Only problem was that it took me two weeks to get my hands on the second one cause it was always out.
I also enjoyed some Jill Mansell books too, although you can normally guess what going to happen at the end which put me off a bit.

[Mamacita]

Just finished, "Seven Sunny Days". Thanks, Michelle! :D

I enjoyed the book. Chris Manby is getting really good at characterization. I do wish she'd been able to give us more setting, though. In my mind, it was set at your generic beach resort, and I couldn't really "see" Turkey.

I liked the fact that the characters weren't your typcial "ditzy" girls acting in a capricious, ditzy way.

I liked how, with each character, there was great motivation for acting how they did, except for Sally, she was just a %itch-on-wheels and didn't deserve the happy ending she got. :D

If I had to rate it on a scale of 1-10, I'd give it an 8. It's a great, light summer read, but not exactly a keeper.

But I'm keeping this copy b/c it was a birthday present!

[Janet]

Did Seven Sunny Days start off with two of the girls planting something unmentionable on this board in the luggage of one of the girls so that it got found by customs? The title rings a bell, but I'm not sure whether I've read it or not!

[Mamacita]

Yes, it did! :) Very funny scene, but horribly, horribly embarrassing...

When my daughter and her dh arrived in the Dominican Republic for their honeymoon, they were chosen for random bag inspections...and some "toys" were found. DD wanted a hole to open up in the floor and swallow her.

Yes, I know waaaay too much, but she thinks nothing of sharing TMI stuff with her mom! :oops:

[Michelle]

:lol: I share alot of stuff with my mum, but that would have been far far too embarrassing!!

You read that book quickly! :D

[steffee]

I'm surprised this thread doesn't have more posts than it does.

Who writes the Undomestic Goddess then?

[Janet]

I'm surprised this thread doesn't have more posts than it does.

Who writes the Undomestic Goddess then?
Sophie Kinsella. She also wrote the 'Shopaholic' series. :)

[steffee]

Oh, like Shopaholic Ties the Knot and stuff? Cool. :)

[muggle not]

I am not quite sure this fits the topic category but I like books by Dorothea Benton Frank, i call her books "Beach Reads". They are enjoyable and easy to read, nothing heavy.....and btw, I am a male. :)

[Kell]

Apparently there's a whole genre that's now called "Lad Lit" (or sometimes D*ck Lit - LOL!). I've recently read I, Lucifer by Glen Duncan which is, apparently, classed as Lad Lit & I loved it... & btw, i'm a female - LOL! ;) I think that these books have a wide appeal - they're easy to pick up & get into & usually filled with characters to whom we can easily relate which makes them all the more engaging. They're often humorous, which is very attractive in a light read, & although some of them have a "deeper" meaning, you don't have to tax your brain in order to get whatever it is the author's trying to say.

[Janet]

Apparently there's a whole genre that's now called "Lad Lit" (or sometimes D*ck Lit - LOL!). I've recently read I, Lucifer by Glen Duncan which is, apparently, classed as Lad Lit & I loved it... & btw, i'm a female - LOL! ;) I think that these books have a wide appeal - they're easy to pick up & get into & usually filled with characters to whom we can easily relate which makes them all the more engaging. They're often humorous, which is very attractive in a light read, & although some of them have a "deeper" meaning, you don't have to tax your brain in order to get whatever it is the author's trying to say.
One of the men on our forum swears by Mike Gayle - he calls them lads-lit!

[steffee]

I thought Mike Gayle was chick lit.

[1sillywabbit]

:) I also like 'Sophie Kinsella's nice light fun reads
have enjoyed some of Jane Green's books to....

Wabbit x :wave:

[Louiseog]

That is what is so daft about calling books chick lit, they are supposed to be marketed at young women but most of the time they are good stories for everyone and if they had a different cover ....

[Mamacita]

Hmmm, I haven't seen anything objectionable about most of the so-called "chick lit" covers...I'm sitting here staring at "Undomestic Goddess"...just a yellow jacket, the title and authors name in blue, and a cartoon briefcase with cooking utencils sticking out...

Most of the chick-lit covers seem to trend toward cartoons... Now, if they were like the historical romance covers, I'd worry a bit...

[Michelle]

I've just finished The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic. A good enjoyable read.. but wouldn't it be nice if life just sorted itself out like that?! :roll:

[Louiseog]

BBC 4 9pm tomorrow a history of chick lit.

[1sillywabbit]

BBC 4 9pm tomorrow a history of chick lit.


:tyou: will watch that :tv:


Wabbit xx :wave2:

[mrstrecool]

i really like Katie Fforde. Her books all follow quite a similar theme but in different settings so I try not to read them straight after each other. "Restoring Grace" is my favourite, it was a real feelgood story.

[1sillywabbit]

:morning:

I may have said this before.. :oops:
But if you like 'Sophie Kinsella' she also writes as 'Madeleine Wickham'
And they are Really good reads... :read:

She's written

Sleeping Arrangements
A Desirable Residence
The Wedding Girl
The Tennis Party
Swimming Pool Sunday

Wabbit xx :wave:

[Angel]

Louise wrote

BBC 4 9pm tomorrow a history of chick lit.


Just watched this and enjoyed it. Interviews with Sophie Kinsella, Katie Fforde, Marian Keyes, Jilly Cooper to name but a few. What really pleased me was that Jane Austen and teh Bronte sisters were right up there at the top :D

[1sillywabbit]

Louise wrote

BBC 4 9pm tomorrow a history of chick lit.


Just watched this and enjoyed it. Interviews with Sophie Kinsella, Katie Fforde, Marian Keyes, Jilly Cooper to name but a few. What really pleased me was that Jane Austen and teh Bronte sisters were right up there at the top :D

:banghead: Missed :cry: it :badmood: forgot :grr:

Wabbit xx :roll:

[Angel]

Part 2 is on next week when heroes and heroines are discussed

[1sillywabbit]

Part 2 is on next week when heroes and heroines are discussed

Ohhh is it, :jump: thanks, will put a reminder in my phone NOW!..

Wabbit xx :thanx: :wave:

[Michelle]

I thought I'd add Carole Matthews to this discussion, as she's had quite a few books published each in both the UK and the US.

I read With or Without You a while back, which I enjoyed.. it had a decent storyline, and some good humour. I've just started A Whiff of Scandal, and that's also good.. one chapter in particular had me laughing last night!

Has anyone else tried her? If not, I'd really recommend her. :)

[Pilgrim]

I'm never sure what is classed as Chick Lit, but Ive read The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella & really enjoyed it - it was light-hearted & fun.

I'm not sure either. One of Anne Perry's series is about a Thomas Pitt but several females (related by marriage or birth) are strong characters. Also, she describes women's clothing in maybe too much detail and not just to set the Victorian period. This was bothersome at first but now I'm thinking it does help to paint a picture and I've gone back to read more.

[Gyre]

Hello...

I really enjoy the shopaholic series by Sophie Kinsella, the next installment comes out in two weeks. I have read other Sophie Kinsella books as well, 'Can you keep a secret', etc, I also like Marian Keyes, I have a few of her books now, I really enjoyed 'The other side of the story', Lisa Jewell, my favourite book being 'Ralph's Party'. I have only read one Sheila O'Flanagan book and that was 'Isobel's Wedding'.

:readingtwo:

[Sofia]

I really like the shopaholic ones...I picked up Can you keep a secret at a used book shop...haven't read it yet though...also enjoyed the undomestic goddess...hilarious!

[Gyre]

'The Undomestic Goddess' was hilarious, I also recently discovered Sharon Owens (there was a pack of two of her books for sale in Asda), which were 'The Teahouse on Mulberry Street' and 'The Ballroom on Magnolia Street'.

Both of them were good reads, chick literature at their best, I think I would invest in some more of her books.

:readingtwo:

[buzzybee]

Two of my favourite authors for quite a while now have been Fiona Walker and Jill Mansell. Many a time have I had a strange look from my husband when they make me laugh out loud.

I have to say that I have probably read most if not all the books mentioned on here as I am such a fan of Chick Lit book and if you saw the collection I have (three huge boxes in the loft one downstairs in my study!) you would understand why my husband keeps asking me not to buy any more!!! :lol:

[buzzybee]

I thought I'd add Carole Matthews to this discussion, as she's had quite a few books published each in both the UK and the US.

I read With or Without You a while back, which I enjoyed.. it had a decent storyline, and some good humour. I've just started A Whiff of Scandal, and that's also good.. one chapter in particular had me laughing last night!

Has anyone else tried her? If not, I'd really recommend her. :)

I finished reading "You Drive Me Crazy" by Carole Matthews not long ago and can highly recommend it.

[mcolettel]

I love Marian Keyes books, although don't usually read much chick lit.

[Janet]

I love Marian Keyes books, although don't usually read much chick lit.
Which is your favourite?

I seldom read chick lit now, but I loved Rachel's Holiday.

[The Library Nook]

I am reading Anybody out there and finding it a really sad one, I have read all the others but this is making me feel quite low.

[mrstrecool]

I really like Katie Fforde. I do find that each book follows a similar formula so I don't read them one after the other, but when I need cheering up she never lets me down.

I also like Jennifer Crusie, I'm enjoying Welcome to Temptation at the moment. Some of her books are a bit saucy, but a bit of sauce never hurt anybody!!! ;)

[Karen]

This thread hasn't been posted in since February, so I hope you don't mind me bringing it up again and if you do I'm really sorry.

I have to admit I love Chick Lit and I'm going through a bit of a phase just now. I do have to read other genre's in between though for a bit of a change, but I find chick lit really easy and lighthearted and find them great to read after a stressful day at work when you want something that flows easily without you having to think about things too much.

Some of my favourite chick lit authors are (in no particular order) - Jane Green, Melissa Hill, Cathy Kelly (didn't think much of her last one though), Sophie Kinsella, Carole Matthews (loved her latest The Chocolate Lovers' Club), Sheila O'Flanagan, Tina Reilly, Sarah Webb, Louise Bagshawe (her books are bit hit and miss though with some being better than others) and probably loads of others that I haven't mentioned.

After reading through this thread I see a few of you like Marian Keyes. I'm sort of on the fence with her books. I've only read a couple and although I thought they were okay, I didn't think they were that great.

Another book I loved, which isn't so much chick lit but more just general women's fiction is Pebble Cove by Mairead O'Driscoll. I was lucky enough to 'win' a copy at the beginning of the year and I absolutely loved it. Some of the girls who also got hold of a copy on another forum I'm a member of had mixed reactions to it because part of it is set in a neonatal intensive care unit and it does get a bit medical in some parts, but I personally thought it was a great read. Would definitely recommend it.

[Gyre]

I really like Katie Fforde. I do find that each book follows a similar formula so I don't read them one after the other, but when I need cheering up she never lets me down.

I also like Jennifer Crusie, I'm enjoying Welcome to Temptation at the moment. Some of her books are a bit saucy, but a bit of sauce never hurt anybody!!! ;)

I recently bought a Katie Fforde book Mrstre following your recommendation, so thank you, it was called 'Highland Fling':D:D

[Kell]

This thread hasn't been posted in since February, so I hope you don't mind me bringing it up again and if you do I'm really sorry.We never mind old threads being resurrected! Often all it needs is a new member adding their thoughts to a thread and a whole discussion gets picked up from one of their points. :)

[kitty_kitty]

I am reading Anybody out there and finding it a really sad one, I have read all the others but this is making me feel quite low.

I love Marian Keyes and found this very sad but excellent but i have recently lost someone to cancer and although it was my step mum i did find this book really touching and emotional but really funny as well.

Marian Keyes books are excellent they are very funny but often touch on real issue such as death, depression, alcoholism, drug dependancy etc

[Janet]

After reading through this thread I see a few of you like Marian Keyes. I'm sort of on the fence with her books. I've only read a couple and although I thought they were okay, I didn't think they were that great.
Have you tried Rachel's Holiday? It's by far and away her best book, imho. It's very thought provoking.

[Angel]

I also enjoy Cathy Kelly, Gillian Mansell, Katie Fforde, Maeve Binchy and Rosamunde Pilcher. Like a few others I can't really take to Marion Keyes - not sure why though.

[carm]

i must confess i loved the shopaholic series by sophie kinsella- rebecca brandon is a woman after my own heart!!

[Sofia]

i must confess i loved the shopaholic series by sophie kinsella- rebecca brandon is a woman after my own heart!!
agreed!!:D

[Karen]

Have you tried Rachel's Holiday? It's by far and away her best book, imho. It's very thought provoking.
Yep that is one of the ones I have read and well, I'm sorry to say I think if anything it put me off her books. I found it a little bit of a chore mainly because I didn't like the main character very much.