Jersey Girl Book Reviews: Cards From Khloe's Flower Shop by Isabella Louise Anderson (Author Guest Post / Book Review / Contest Giveaway)

In association with Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours, Jersey Girl Book Reviews is pleased to host the virtual book tour event for Cards From Khloe's Flower Shop by author Isabella Louise Anderson!

Author Guest Post

WRITING UNDER A PSEUDONYM

As some of you might know, I write under a pseudonym. When I first started writing, there wasn’t anything to think about because it’s something I’ve always wanted to do. As someone who is not a fan of my birth name, I’m proud of my middle and (married) last name being on the cover of my books.

While some authors write under a different name to protect their job, their families, or whatever the reason might be, for me that’s not the case. It’s more of the face that hiding behind my given name allows for to write what I want without judgment. Not that I think people would, but rather I’m quite hard on myself sometimes, so by having another name makes it easier—it makes me feel like I’m famous in some way—as silly as that sounds. It also allows me not to be as shy—especially when writing a sex scene, (I’ve even dabbled in some erotica writing, which was quite fun but don’t expect me to be publishing any of it anytime soon). By having a pseudonym, it also gives me the chance to allow another part of me to come out—a secretive part that I share only with my characters when writing, and, then, of course, when the book’s published, my audience.

Will I ever write under my given name? Have you ever thought about writing under a pseudonym? If so, why or why not? Do you think it would help or hurt your writing?

For now, I’m happy to say that I’m going to continue writing under Isabella Louise Anderson, a name I’m honored to be known by in the book world and thank you to my fans for all your support with my books.

About The Author

Isabella Louise Anderson grew up with a book in her hand, and to this day nothing has changed. She focuses her time on featuring other writers on her blog, Chick Lit Goddess, along with organizing Goddess Book Tours, and is a member of the Romance Writers of America.

She lives in Dallas with her husband, enjoys spicy Mexican food, margaritas, gin on the rocks (with a splash of lime). She loves spending time with family and friends and cheering on the Texas Rangers. Not only is Isabella an author, she’s also a Scentsy consultant and hoarder.

Isabella is the author of The Right Design and Cards From Khloe’s Flower Shop. Her short story, Meet Me Under the Mistletoe, was featured in Simon & Fig’s Christmas anthology, Merry & Bright. She’s currently working on another book.

Author Website

Amazon Author Page

Chick Lit Goddess Website
Facebook Author Page
Facebook Chick Lit Goddess Page
Twitter - Author
Twitter - Chick Lit Goddess
Google+
Instagram
Pinterest
Snapchat username: mrsanderson1981
Goodreads

Book Review

Cards From Khloe's Flower Shop by Isabella Louise Anderson
Publisher: Chick Lit Goddess
Publication Date: eBook - January 15, 2017 / PB - January 22, 2017
Format: Paperback - 290 pages
Kindle - 2347 KB
Nook - 488 KB
ISBN: 978-0991416738
ASIN: B01N4ORRBR
BNID: 2940157554101
Genre: Chick Lit / Contemporary Romance / Women's Fiction

Buy The Book:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Goodreads

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hasted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.

Book Description:

As the owner of a successful florist shop, Khloe Harper trusts her instincts. She has a strong bond with her family and friends, but after being betrayed by her last love, she's kept herself at arms’ length from romance. When dashing entertainment attorney Derek Thomas walks into her store, Khloe’s interest is piqued. What at first seems like a business relationship quickly turns into romance, and Derek slowly plucks away the petals she’s been hiding behind. Just as Khloe lets down her guard, she discovers that Derek may not be worthy of her love after all.

Frumpy Connie Albright has a faux fascination with an imaginary man named Walt, thinking that by sending herself flowers from him she’ll feel less out-of-place with the “mean girls” she works with. When she comes face to face with her possible prince charming and thinking she might have a happy ending, when a truth is revealed, she wonders if she’ll ever have a Cinderella story.

A recently widowed senior, Gabby Lewis, isn't ready to give up on love—which means releasing herself from survivor's guilt and taking a chance on finding happiness and companionship again. After signing up for an online dating site for senior citizens, much to her surprise, she’s matched with Harry, an energetic and loving man, who quickly eases himself into her heart. Will Gabby take the leap of falling in love again, knowing it’s possible to have two loves of her life?

As each woman’s story develops through flowers and cards sent from Khloe's shop during the Fall months, they begin to learn that love can only truly blossom when you trust your heart.

My Book Review:

In Cards From Khloe's Flower Shop, author Isabella Louise Anderson weaves a delightful tale that follows three women's journey of self-discovery and finding an unexpected second chance at love.

Thirty-one year old flower shop owner Khloe Harper has trouble trusting men after her heart was broken by a betraying ex-boyfriend. But when sports / entertainment attorney Derek Thomas enters her shop, it has her thinking that maybe it is time to give love another chance.

Sixty-five year old widow Gabriella "Gabby" Lewis lost her husband Charlie to a sudden heart attack. After forty-five years of marriage and moving past the grief of losing her soulmate, Gabby still believes in love and wants to be in love again. Gabby signs up on the Second Chances online dating website and makes an unexpected connection with lonely widower Harry Hoffman.

Medical data entry clerk Connie Albright has always felt like an outsider and ignored by everyone. Connie has major self-confidence issues and has never experienced being in love. Connie has created an imaginary boyfriend named Walt Goldman and sends bouquets of flowers to herself at work once a week, in order to get her co-workers to notice her. When her mean co-workers want to see a picture of Walt, Connie has no option but to continue with the charade, so she signs up on an online dating site searching for the perfect Walt Goldman. When Connie connects with Walt, her fantasy becomes a reality until the truth behind her charade is revealed leaving Connie to figure out how to get back her happily ever after.

Cards From Khloe's Flower Shop was such a fun novel to read! I enjoyed following Khloe, Gabby, and Connie's journeys as they each discover how to open up their hearts to serendipity and the unexpected chance at finding love. Just when you think each of the women's journeys to finding love will be all hearts and roses, the author throws a wrench in the mix with enough drama to keep you turning the pages. But the best part of this delightful book is how each of the women's stories are interwoven with Khloe's creation and delivery of wonderful bouquets of flowers and the special personal messages on the cards that speak volumes. While I enjoyed all three stories, I felt the most connection with Gabby and Harry's story, it is a heartwarming and downright feel good story that simply made me smile from ear to ear. From taking a risk, beginning again, and finding self-confidence, Khloe, Gabby, and Connie will each discover that by learning to open up their hearts, they could find hope, true love, and happiness.

Cards From Khloe's Flower Shop is a wonderful novel about finding love and happiness that will leave a smile on your face.

RATING: 5 STARS