The Six: Scarlett by Samantha March (Book Review)

The Six: Scarlett by Samantha March
Book 2: The Six Series
Publisher: Marching Ink LLC
Publication Date: PB - October 12, 2018 / eBook October 19, 2018
Format: Paperback - 168 pages
               Kindle - 2575 KB
ISBN: 978-0997532784
ASIN: B07J9HWPFM
Genre: Chick Lit / Women's Fiction



Buy The Book:
Amazon
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Buy The Series: The Six
Book 1: The Six: Kristy
Book 2: The Six: Scarlett
Amazon
Goodreads



Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review.



Book Description:

Scarlett Walsh is twenty-something, single, and lonely in Chicago. Still reeling from an unexpected breakup that left her broken-hearted, Scarlett relies heavily on her group of girlfriends to help heal and move forward. But her friendship with BFF and long-time roommate Tinsley Thompson has turned toxic, and Scarlett is on the brink of moving out – and causing more friction to the already rocky friendship. Wishing to avoid drama amongst their close group of girlfriends, Scarlett attempts to stay focused on her job as a vet tech and the excitement of being a first-time puppy mom instead of confronting Tinsley. The rift between the two friends continues to grow – until a dark secret is shared that will rock the decade-long besties.

This second book in a six-part girlfriend series continues the stories of Scarlett, Breely, Nora, Lauren, Kristy, and Tinsley, and takes readers on six individual stories about relationships, career choices, personal conflict and the bond of friendship.



My Book Review:

In The Six: Scarlett, the second book in The Six, a six-part girlfriend series, author Samantha March continues to introduce the readers to six girlfriends, with the focus on twenty-five-year-old Scarlett Walsh, mixed with updates on her five best girlfriends: Breely Laver, Nora Wellington, Lauren Begay, Tinsley Thompson, and Kristy Martin.

The reader follows Scarlett as she deals with a growing troubled relationship with her longtime best friend and roommate Tinsley Thompson. Scarlett and Tinsley have been best friends for ten years since high school and roommates since college. But within the past year, their relationship has changed, and it has been getting more toxic by the day. Scarlett is tired of being a doormat and being the recipient of Tinsley's rude behavior and playing second fiddle to the revolving door of guys that Tinsley hooks up with and brings home. Scarlett hates confrontations so she works extra shifts as a vet tech and avoids going home as much as she can, she feels awkward and uncomfortable in her own home and deserves more from their friendship. In addition to her troubles with Tinsley, Scarlett had been in a two-year relationship with boyfriend Cole Klauer and they had made plans to move in together, but six months ago Cole broke up with Scarlett without giving her a reason, and she is still emotionally trying to move forward from the breakup. So with all these emotional issues swirling around, Scarlett decides to move out of their apartment and get an apartment of her own when she was given the chance to adopt one the veterinarian clinic client's female Yorkshire Terrier puppies. Scarlett's decision causes more tension and a bigger rift with Tinsley, and when a dark secret comes to the surface, will their friendship be even more seriously damaged?

The Six is a fun friendship series! Author Samantha March weaves an entertaining chick lit/women's fiction tale that embraces the bonds of female friendships, and the pursuit of personal life goals and choices while in the mid-late twenties. Set in Chicago and told in the first person narrative, I loved following Scarlett's story as she embraces her vet tech job, becomes a puppy mommy, and deals with the challenges in her personal life. You can't help but admire how Scarlett handles her friendship/roommate issues with Tinsley, and how she finally stands up for herself and reclaims her self-empowerment and decides to move forward with her life.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention how much I enjoyed getting to know a bit about each of the six friends, in addition to the quirky friendship dynamic amongst the six girlfriends. The author gives the reader enough of an insight into each of the girls' lives that it makes you want to get to know them more. The girls are so different, but they complement each other so well, it makes you think about your own little group of girlfriends. Finally, at the end of the story, the author gives you a tantalizing sneak peek look into book three: Lauren's story, and how the dynamic of the friends' group is about to change.


RATING: 5 STARS 

About The Author

Samantha March is a published author, blogger, and has been passionate about creating stories since a young girl. After starting her blog ChickLitPlus in 2009, she set out to make a childhood dream a reality and published her debut novel in 2011. She now has seven published novels – Destined To Fail, The Green Ticket, Up To I Do, A Questionable Friendship and Defining Her – and one holiday novella, The Christmas Surprise, Kristy, and Scarlett books 1&2 in The Six series. In addition to her bookish pursuits, she is also a beauty blogger with a growing Youtube channel and shares her love for makeup and beauty in review and tutorial videos. When she isn’t reading, writing, or creating videos, you can find her cheering for the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Cubs. Samantha currently lives in Iowa with her husband and Vizsla Aries.


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Amazon Author Page
Chick Lit Plus - Blog
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The Six: Kristy by Samantha March (Book Review)

The Six: Kristy by Samantha March
Book 1: The Six Series
Publisher: Marching Ink LLC
Publication Date: PB - May 9, 2018 / eBook May 23, 2018
Format: Paperback - 174 pages
               Kindle - 2384 KB
ISBN: 978-0997532760
ASIN: B07D8XSZ8N
Genre: Chick Lit / Women's Fiction



Buy The Book:
Amazon
Goodreads



Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review.



Book Description:


Kristy Martin is twenty-something, single and living it up in Chicago. She has a crew of close girlfriends to keep her social calendar active, and is celebrating finally securing employment in her chosen field. While always free-spirited, Kristy is getting tired of the revolving door – or more accurately, bed – of random guys and failed dates, and comes up with a plan to get her act together when it comes to the opposite sex. That idea is quickly shot down by her bestie Breely Laver and replaced with a bet she can’t refuse – a free trip to Paris with her yoga instructor BFF if she can go six months without sex.

Enter in charming, sexy, delicious Grey Grahl. Kristy tries to navigate a spicy new relationship without giving away her bet, while also dealing with an incredibly sensitive crisis at her job. Her first year as a full-time elementary school guidance counselor starts off with a devastating situation with a young student, and Kristy finds herself struggling to stay above water in both her professional and personal life. With her girlfriends as a support system, Kristy navigates troubled times at the school and agrees to come clean with Grey.

This first book in a six-part girlfriend series introduces you to Kristy, Breely, Nora, Lauren, Tinsley, and Scarlett, and takes readers on six individual stories about relationships, career choices, personal conflict and the bond of friendship.




My Book Review:

In The Six: Kristy, the first book in The Six, a six-part girlfriend series, author Samantha March introduces the readers to twenty-five-year-old Kristy Martin and her five best girlfriends: Breely Laver, Nora Wellington, Lauren Begay, Tinsley Thompson, and Scarlett Walsh.

The reader follows Kristy as she begins her first year as an elementary school guidance counselor and how she deals with some very serious social issues, in addition to the quirky friendship dynamic amongst the six girlfriends, and a decision made in changing her personal relationships with guys - she is tired of hookups and one-night stands, and is looking for a serious relationship with the right man, aka "the one"!

What a fun start to a new friendship series! Author Samantha March weaves an entertaining chick lit / women's fiction tale that embraces the bonds of female friendships, and the pursuit of personal life goals and choices while in the mid-late twenties. Set in Chicago and told in the first person narrative, I loved following Kristy's story from starting a fulltime career as an elementary school guidance counselor to the challenges in her personal life. You can't help but admire how she handles the serious social issues at school and snicker at the challenge that best friend Breely throws her way - no sex for six months and she'll take Kristy on an all expenses paid trip to Paris! Kristy accepts that deal, but who knew that it would turn out to be a sexually frustrating challenge when she meets twenty-six-year-old occupational therapist assistant Grey Grahl, the man who might turn out to be "the one" that she's been looking for!

I thoroughly enjoyed the blossoming relationship between Kristy and Grey, their quick connection and how they handled the "no-sex challenge" had me giggling and left me smiling. I would be remiss if I didn't mention how much I enjoyed getting to know a bit about each of the six friends. The author gives the reader enough of an insight into each of the girls' lives that it makes you want to get to know them more. The girls are so different, but they complement each other so well, it makes you think about your own little group of girlfriends. Finally, at the end of the story, the author gives you a tantalizing look into Scarlett's story ... hmmm ... so it leaves you wondering if she will be the focus of book number two.


RATING: 5 STARS 

About The Author

Samantha March is a published author, blogger, and has been passionate about creating stories since a young girl. After starting her blog ChickLitPlus in 2009, she set out to make a childhood dream a reality and published her debut novel in 2011. She now has six published novels – Destined To Fail, The Green Ticket, Up To I Do, A Questionable Friendship and Defining Her – and one holiday novella, The Christmas Surprise, and Kristy, book 1 in The Six series. In addition to her bookish pursuits, she is also a beauty blogger with a growing Youtube channel and shares her love for makeup and beauty in review and tutorial videos. When she isn’t reading, writing, or creating videos, you can find her cheering for the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Cubs. Samantha currently lives in Iowa with her husband and Vizsla Aries.


Author Blog
Amazon Author Page
Chick Lit Plus - Blog
Facebook
Twitter
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Defining Her by Samantha March (Book Review / Contest Giveaway)

In association with Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours, Jersey Girl Book Reviews is pleased to host the book release day event for Defining Her by author Samantha March!

Book Review

Defining Her by Samantha March

Publisher: Marching Ink LLC

Publication Date: March 11, 2017

Format: eBook - 304 pages

               Kindle - 1402 KB

               Nook - 182 KB

ASIN: B06XK5SF6Q

BNID: 2940157592998
Genre: Women's Fiction

Buy The Book:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

Goodreads

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

Book Description:

Nellie Hawthorne is a woman who has it all. A devoted husband, her own business, a wealthy lifestyle. But the Nellie she is now is much different from her past. A past filled with abuse, addiction, and men. Nellie’s carefully constructed new life is suddenly in jeopardy when a blast from the past emerges in her small town and her overbearing mother-in-law starts pushing for grandchildren and questions start being asked. A budding new friendship presents itself at an opportune time, and a once friendless Nellie finds herself growing closer to Prue Doherty.

Prue Doherty is the quintessential good girl. Always making the right decisions, always playing it safe. Until she meets a man that could change all of that. Still reeling from a devastating breakup and betrayal that had her fleeing from Chicago and settling into suburb life with her mom close by, Prue finds herself in a damaging funk. But everything changes when she befriends Nellie Hawthorne.

Nellie is trying to escape her past. Prue wants that perfect future. While both women strive to change their lives, they continue to cling to the past. But what defines us? Who we were then . . . or who we are trying to be now? Lies, manipulation, and deceit are woven throughout the pages of this edgy women’s fiction novel, with an ending you won’t see coming.


Book Excerpt:

From Chapter 1
Nellie

                I pulled up the schedule and minimized it to a small square, dragging it up to the top of my screen. I loved keeping an eye on the appointments, seeing the client name turn purple upon checking in, then yellow when their room was cleaned after they were finished. Our salon had three Versa Spas and sixteen regular tanning beds, all varying in speed and power. Mondays could be a fairly busy day, as people have their high hopes for the week, their mental to-do lists of how to get it started off right. Even during summer season the tanning salon stayed busy. Heaven forbid one of the suburbanites looked less than stellar taking their children to the pool or their summer activities and camps.
                I blew out a breath. I could feel my old self threatening to peek through my carefully worked on new persona. My Mrs. Hawthorne persona. I wasn’t the old Nellie. I wasn’t.
                I turned back to the computer, watching the check-ins and check-outs start to happen. I scanned the schedule again. Mostly familiar names in there. One in particular stood out to me on that day. Prue.
                I clicked on her profile, which opened up the client information, including their photo we scanned from their driver’s license. Yep, it was the woman I’d been observing the past . . . oh, two weeks or so. Cute blonde bob, though longer now than in her picture. Bright green eyes. Petite. I remember being the one to give her the tour when she first joined as a member. I towered over her, and I’m 5’7.
                She stuck out to me because she seemed so . . . sad. Something in her piercing green eyes stuck out to me that day. I didn’t know what her story was and I knew it wasn’t my business. We all deal with our own shit in our own way. But something . . . just gave me a pause. I never really had an empathic bone in my body, and I wasn’t the girlfriend type. I tried doing that whole have chicks on my side that I can count on and have each other’s backs years ago and that didn’t pan out. Nah. It’s just me and Harrison now. And our neighbors and Harrison’s work friends and the girls at the salon, but these are all acquaintances or employees. Not friends.
                Working on a graphic for the Labor Day sale distracted me from my thoughts, and I forgot about Prue and much of anything else. I worked on a color scheme that popped, a layout that was aesthetically pleasing, and squeezing in all the pertinent details to the sale. At noon on the dot, my phone gave a chime. Time to break for lunch. If I didn’t schedule my reminders, I would forget to eat all together. And yes, I cared about my body and my health and I worked out, but I did not skip meals. I was not anorexic or bulimic, thank you so much. I was healthy.
                I drove to the deli and picked up a typical lunch—turkey and cheese on wheat bread, loaded with spinach, green peppers, lettuce, a few pickles, and low-fat Italian. I asked for an apple and, back in the office, grabbed a Smart Water out of my personal mini fridge. I watched YouTube videos while I ate—everything from how to perfect my winged liner to design tips to music videos. This was my time to zone out. To forget work and deadlines and schedules and invoices and just chill.
                At ten to one, I started cleaning up my mess. Throwing my wrappers away. Wiping up some apple juice dribbled next to my MacBook. Clicking out of YouTube and getting back to the daily schedule. And, just like clockwork, I watched Prue’s name become highlighted. She tanned Monday and Thursday at one o’clock each day. Ten minutes a time, though she stayed in the room for nearly twenty.
I headed out to the front desk, while Kerri took off for the day. The next employee, Sasha, was scheduled at two o’clock, so during this hour, I sat out front and checked people in and out and cleaned rooms. I loved my job. My career. My business. And while no, I didn’t need the salon to help us financially, I loved having a schedule. A normalcy to a life that had rarely seen any. A purpose.
“Have a good rest of your day, Kerri. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Sure thing, Nellie. Catch you on the flip.” Kerri waved enthusiastically and headed out the door, gaudy pink Coach purse slung over her shoulder, already thumbing away on her ginormous cell phone. I made a mental note to buy my best and favorite employee a real designer purse this year as her Christmas bonus. Coach was so . . . basic.
I shook my head as I took a seat behind the reception desk. Listen to me! Coach was basic. How so much could change in so little time. If you had told me this would be my life at twenty-nine not even ten years ago, I would have laughed in your face. Or tried to rob you.
I looked up when I heard a noise and saw Prue approaching the desk, head down, car keys in hand.
“Thanks for coming in!” I said cheerily, a smile on my face.
She glanced back at me, just for a moment, but I saw the tears slipping down her face before she managed to put her sunglasses on. “Thanks,” she practically whispered, before she was gone.
I frowned, looking at the screen. I checked out her room on the computer, then proceeded back to room 8 to give it a clean. Wiping down the bed, I couldn’t stop thinking about this particular client. Why was she giving me the vibe that I should . . . help her? Offer her a shoulder to cry on or at least just someone to talk to? Maybe she was like me and never had a real friend she could count on. Maybe I could be that person for someone. Maybe making a new friend was just what I needed right now. To remind me that I had changed my life for the better, and I could still be that better person. Maybe the timing was perfect, what with my past threatening to return. This was the life I ran away to. I had to keep it together.

My Book Review:

Will be added on Tuesday 4/4!



ALL OTHER TITLES BY SAMANTHA MARCH ARE JUST 99 CENTS FOR A LIMITED TIME! Samantha March on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2mFKkog

About The Author

Samantha March is an author, editor, publisher, blogger, and all around book lover. She runs the popular book/women’s lifestyle blog ChickLitPlus, which keeps her bookshelf stocked with the latest reads and up to date on all things beauty, fashion and fitness. In 2011 she launched her independent publishing company Marching Ink and has five published novels – Destined to Fail, The Green Ticket, A Questionable Friendship, Up To I Do and Defining Her, and one holiday novella, The Christmas Surprise. You can also find her on Youtube sharing beauty reviews and creating makeup tutorials. When she isn’t reading, writing, or vlogging, you can find her cheering for the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Cubs. Samantha lives in Iowa with her husband and Vizsla puppy. 


Author Blog
Amazon Author Page
Chick Lit Plus - Blog
Facebook
Twitter
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Contest Giveaway

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Virtual Book Tour

 Defining Her by Samantha March ~ Virtual Book Tour Event Page

Tour Schedule:

March 20 – ChickLit Goddess – Review & Excerpt

March 20 – Dandelion Inspired – Review

March 21 – Spunky N Sassy – Novel Spotlight

March 24 – Beauty Books and Cats WithBrooke – Review

March 24 – T’s Stuff – Excerpt & Q&A

March 27 – Karan Eleni – Review & Excerpt

March 28 – Authors and Readers Book Corner – Excerpt

March 31 – Hey Said Renee- Review

March 31 – Granny Loves to Read –  Excerpt

March 31 – Novel Escapes – Interview

April 3 – Book Lover in Florida – Review & Excerpt

April 3- Rainy Day Reviews – Review & Excerpt

April 3  - Jersey Girl Book Reviews – Review & Excerpt

Defining Her by Samantha March (Book Release Day Event / Contest Giveaway)

In association with author Samantha March, Jersey Girl Book Reviews is pleased to host the book release day event for Defining Her!

About The Book

Defining Her by Samantha March

Publisher: Marching Ink LLC

Publication Date: March 11, 2017

Format: eBook - 304 pages

               Kindle - 1402 KB

               Nook - 182 KB

ASIN: B06XK5SF6Q

BNID: 2940157592998
Genre: Women's Fiction

Buy The Book:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

Goodreads

Book Description:

Nellie Hawthorne is a woman who has it all. A devoted husband, her own business, a wealthy lifestyle. But the Nellie she is now is much different from her past. A past filled with abuse, addiction, and men. Nellie’s carefully constructed new life is suddenly in jeopardy when a blast from the past emerges in her small town and her overbearing mother-in-law starts pushing for grandchildren and questions start being asked. A budding new friendship presents itself at an opportune time, and a once friendless Nellie finds herself growing closer to Prue Doherty.

Prue Doherty is the quintessential good girl. Always making the right decisions, always playing it safe. Until she meets a man that could change all of that. Still reeling from a devastating breakup and betrayal that had her fleeing from Chicago and settling into suburb life with her mom close by, Prue finds herself in a damaging funk. But everything changes when she befriends Nellie Hawthorne.

Nellie is trying to escape her past. Prue wants that perfect future. While both women strive to change their lives, they continue to cling to the past. But what defines us? Who we were then . . . or who we are trying to be now? Lies, manipulation, and deceit are woven throughout the pages of this edgy women’s fiction novel, with an ending you won’t see coming.



ALL OTHER TITLES BY SAMANTHA MARCH ARE JUST 99 CENTS FOR A LIMITED TIME! Samantha March on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2mFKkog

About The Author

Samantha March is an author, editor, publisher, blogger, and all around book lover. She runs the popular book/women’s lifestyle blog ChickLitPlus, which keeps her bookshelf stocked with the latest reads and up to date on all things beauty, fashion and fitness. In 2011 she launched her independent publishing company Marching Ink and has five published novels – Destined to Fail, The Green Ticket, A Questionable Friendship, Up To I Do and Defining Her, and one holiday novella, The Christmas Surprise. You can also find her on Youtube sharing beauty reviews and creating makeup tutorials. When she isn’t reading, writing, or vlogging, you can find her cheering for the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Cubs. Samantha lives in Iowa with her husband and Vizsla puppy. 


Author Blog
Amazon Author Page
Chick Lit Plus - Blog
Facebook
Twitter
Google+
Instagram
Pinterest
SnapChat
YouTube
Goodreads

Contest Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Christmas Surprise by Samantha March (Book Review)

The Christmas Surprise by Samantha March

Publisher: Marching Ink LLC

Publication Date: October 29, 2016

Format: eBook - 77 pages

               Kindle - 689 KB 

ASIN: B01M8OU8JO

Genre: Holiday Novella 

Buy The Book:

Amazon

Goodreads

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

Book Description:

Juliette Mabry is a happily married stay-at-home wife and mother...until there appears to be trouble brewing in her nearly ten-year marriage. Juliette takes it upon herself to find out if her husband is up to no good, but does she want to know the truth? Everything is revealed on Christmas, and Juliette is in for her biggest Christmas surprise.


Book Excerpt:

Chapter One

“Isn’t twerking just having sex?”

“Who told you that?”

“No, that’s not it at all!”

“I could have sworn I heard the TV say twerking was just sex. What the hell is it then?”

“It’s a dance . . . style. Thing. It’s like . . . it’s like this.”

“What? You look like you’re having a seizure.”

“Hey, I thought it was pretty good!”

“Oh, if the rest of the PTO moms could see us now!”

I laughed to myself in the stall, doing a final check of my social media accounts on my cell phone. What? I’m a mom to a toddler. Having alone time in a bathroom stall is the highlight of my day. I was getting ready to exit and join the great twerking debate, when I overheard the next part of the conversation.

“Anyway, back to the original subject. Do you think it could be true?”

“I don’t think so. They seem happily married.”

“Are you sure? She’s never really seemed. . . right for him. To click with him. You know?”

I wrinkled my brow as well as my Botox injections could let me. Was someone having an affair? I wondered who it could possibly be! My mind started to race with all the candidates before I told myself to calm down. Having an affair was no laughing matter.  I knew that matter than most.

“I just hate seeing families split up. And he’s so adorable.”

Okay, someone who was definitely married, and had a son. I doubt she was calling the husband adorable.

“But after what Carolyn did, are you really that surprised?”

Wait a minute. Were they talking about Carolyn, my best friend? So what, she had an affair. Okay, it was a bad deal. Her husband was the town sheriff, and she got caught sleeping with her gardener. It was so Desperate Housewives of her! Not in a good way, of course. But that was last year, and the tension was somewhat resolved. Carolyn and John even played nice at their daughter Claudia’s wedding a few months back.

“You have to admit, she is pretty fake. I know every time she’s nice to me to my face, I know she is just waiting to catch me slipup and say something she can twist around and report back to others. He probably is fed up with her. I wouldn’t be shocked.”

I heard the sound of paper towels being pulled out of the dispensers, and the women’s voices fade as they left the community bathroom at the pre-school, leaving me standing in my stall in shock.

Someone was having an affair. It was affecting a married family. I was married. I had been married to my husband Christopher ten years this January. They had a son, an adorable son. Call me biased, but I thought my son Colin was pretty freaking adorable. He skipped my red hair gene, thank the good Lord, and instead was a spitting image of Christopher – dark floppy hair (already it did the flop!) shiny brown eyes and one fierce dimple in his left cheek. He was in pre-school, was four years old, and was the true light of my life.

The people involved were also somehow connected to Carolyn, my best friend. And apparently people thought “she” whoever she was, was a fake. And maybe liked to spread rumors.

Now, I don’t think badly about myself. I’m a good person. I’m a good wife, and I’m a damn good mother. I’m a good friend to those who are actually my friend. But yes, I liked to. . .  be in the know. I took it upon myself to be the eyes and ears of our small little town of Delany, Maine. Especially after the tragedy that rocked us two years ago, there needed to be a lookout. And I designated myself that person right after Portland’s death. But I scaled back a lot on poking myself into business I didn’t belong to in the past couple of months. And I never meant to spread rumors, and I wouldn’t even think about telling lies. But was I fake? I didn’t think so. Sure my boobs were. And my nose. But that was my outside persona. Inside I was a good and real person.

They weren’t talking about me . . . were they?

With a start, I realized I was still standing in the stall, cell phone in hand opened to Facebook. I felt a little ill, but knew I had to get out of the bathroom and start my day. It was silly to worry. They weren’t talking about me. The similarities were a coincidence. But I would make it my mission to find out who they were talking about. 

Book Review:

What could be a better way to end the holiday season, then to read a delightful holiday romance novella?!

The Christmas Surprise by Samantha March is a heartwarming holiday themed novella filled with intriguing drama, romance, friendship, marital relationships, and the magical spirit that comes with the Christmas holiday season.

Set in Delany, Maine, the reader will easily get swept away as they follow stay-at-home wife and mother Juliette Mabry's misguided quest to find out if there is trouble brewing within her ten year marriage to Christopher. Juliette has always been the eyes and ears of their small town, and one of the town's biggest gossips, but when her overactive imagination starts to work overtime when it comes to her marriage, Juliette gets a Christmas surprise from Christopher that will teach her the true meaning of love and the holiday season.

This is a wonderful holiday themed romance novella that can be read in one afternoon. I could understand the quandary that Juliette felt when she overhears gossip about a rumor of a possible affair involving a father who has a son, which leads her to question Christopher's long hours at work. But when Juliette realizes that the she has a wonderful marriage and family life with Christopher and Colin, she is taught a valuable life message about love, friendship, and the hurtful nature of rumors and gossiping.

The Christmas Surprise is a lighthearted holiday romance novella that captures the essence, spirit, and magic of the Christmas season, it will warm your heart, and leave a smile on your face.


RATING: 5 STARS 

About The Author

Samantha March is an author, editor, publisher, blogger, and all around book lover. She runs the popular book/women’s lifestyle blog ChickLitPlus, which keeps her bookshelf stocked with the latest reads and up to date on all things beauty, fashion and fitness. In 2011 she launched her independent publishing company Marching Ink and has four published novels – Destined to Fail, The Green Ticket, A Questionable Friendship and Up To I Do. You can also find her on Youtube sharing beauty reviews and creating makeup tutorials. When she isn’t reading, writing, or vlogging, you can find her cheering for the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Cubs. Samantha lives in Iowa with her husband and Vizsla puppy.


Author Website
Amazon Author Page
Chick Lit Plus - Blog
Facebook
Twitter
Google+
Instagram
Pinterest
SnapChat
YouTube
Goodreads

The Christmas Surprise by Samantha March (Book Release Day Blitz / Contest Giveaway)

In association with Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours, Jersey Girl Book Reviews is pleased to host the book release day blitz event for The Christmas Surprise by author Samantha March!

About The Book 

The Christmas Surprise by Samantha March

Publisher: Marching Ink LLC

Publication Date: October 29, 2016

Format: eBook - 77 pages

               Kindle - 689 KB 

ASIN: B01M8OU8JO

Genre: Holiday Novella 

Buy The Book:

Amazon

Goodreads

Book Description:

Juliette Mabry is a happily married stay-at-home wife and mother...until there appears to be trouble brewing in her nearly ten-year marriage. Juliette takes it upon herself to find out if her husband is up to no good, but does she want to know the truth? Everything is revealed on Christmas, and Juliette is in for her biggest Christmas surprise.


Book Excerpt:

Chapter One

“Isn’t twerking just having sex?”

“Who told you that?”

“No, that’s not it at all!”

“I could have sworn I heard the TV say twerking was just sex. What the hell is it then?”

“It’s a dance . . . style. Thing. It’s like . . . it’s like this.”

“What? You look like you’re having a seizure.”

“Hey, I thought it was pretty good!”

“Oh, if the rest of the PTO moms could see us now!”

I laughed to myself in the stall, doing a final check of my social media accounts on my cell phone. What? I’m a mom to a toddler. Having alone time in a bathroom stall is the highlight of my day. I was getting ready to exit and join the great twerking debate, when I overheard the next part of the conversation.

“Anyway, back to the original subject. Do you think it could be true?”

“I don’t think so. They seem happily married.”

“Are you sure? She’s never really seemed. . . right for him. To click with him. You know?”

I wrinkled my brow as well as my Botox injections could let me. Was someone having an affair? I wondered who it could possibly be! My mind started to race with all the candidates before I told myself to calm down. Having an affair was no laughing matter.  I knew that matter than most.

“I just hate seeing families split up. And he’s so adorable.”

Okay, someone who was definitely married, and had a son. I doubt she was calling the husband adorable.

“But after what Carolyn did, are you really that surprised?”

Wait a minute. Were they talking about Carolyn, my best friend? So what, she had an affair. Okay, it was a bad deal. Her husband was the town sheriff, and she got caught sleeping with her gardener. It was so Desperate Housewives of her! Not in a good way, of course. But that was last year, and the tension was somewhat resolved. Carolyn and John even played nice at their daughter Claudia’s wedding a few months back.

“You have to admit, she is pretty fake. I know every time she’s nice to me to my face, I know she is just waiting to catch me slipup and say something she can twist around and report back to others. He probably is fed up with her. I wouldn’t be shocked.”

I heard the sound of paper towels being pulled out of the dispensers, and the women’s voices fade as they left the community bathroom at the pre-school, leaving me standing in my stall in shock.

Someone was having an affair. It was affecting a married family. I was married. I had been married to my husband Christopher ten years this January. They had a son, an adorable son. Call me biased, but I thought my son Colin was pretty freaking adorable. He skipped my red hair gene, thank the good Lord, and instead was a spitting image of Christopher – dark floppy hair (already it did the flop!) shiny brown eyes and one fierce dimple in his left cheek. He was in pre-school, was four years old, and was the true light of my life.

The people involved were also somehow connected to Carolyn, my best friend. And apparently people thought “she” whoever she was, was a fake. And maybe liked to spread rumors.

Now, I don’t think badly about myself. I’m a good person. I’m a good wife, and I’m a damn good mother. I’m a good friend to those who are actually my friend. But yes, I liked to. . .  be in the know. I took it upon myself to be the eyes and ears of our small little town of Delany, Maine. Especially after the tragedy that rocked us two years ago, there needed to be a lookout. And I designated myself that person right after Portland’s death. But I scaled back a lot on poking myself into business I didn’t belong to in the past couple of months. And I never meant to spread rumors, and I wouldn’t even think about telling lies. But was I fake? I didn’t think so. Sure my boobs were. And my nose. But that was my outside persona. Inside I was a good and real person.

They weren’t talking about me . . . were they?

With a start, I realized I was still standing in the stall, cell phone in hand opened to Facebook. I felt a little ill, but knew I had to get out of the bathroom and start my day. It was silly to worry. They weren’t talking about me. The similarities were a coincidence. But I would make it my mission to find out who they were talking about. 

About The Author

Samantha March is an author, editor, publisher, blogger, and all around book lover. She runs the popular book/women’s lifestyle blog ChickLitPlus, which keeps her bookshelf stocked with the latest reads and up to date on all things beauty, fashion and fitness. In 2011 she launched her independent publishing company Marching Ink and has four published novels – Destined to Fail, The Green Ticket, A Questionable Friendship and Up To I Do. You can also find her on Youtube sharing beauty reviews and creating makeup tutorials. When she isn’t reading, writing, or vlogging, you can find her cheering for the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Cubs. Samantha lives in Iowa with her husband and Vizsla puppy.


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HUGE GIVEAWAY TO CELEBRATE! 

Get entered:

https://gleam.io/VqgUJ/the-christmas-surprise-release-giveaway

Book Release Day Blitz Event

The Christmas Surprise by Samantha March ~ Book Release Day Blitz Event Page

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Jersey Girl Book Reviews
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All I Want For Christmas (A Holiday Novella Collection) by Laura Chapman, Cat Lavoie, and Samantha March (Book Review)

All I Want For Christmas (A Holiday Novella Collection) by Laura Chapman, Cat Lavoie, Samantha March
Publisher: Marching Ink LLC
Publication Date: November 11, 2015
Format: Paperback - 358 pages
               Kindle - 753 KB
               Nook - 419 KB
ISBN: 978-0996427678
ASIN: B017GFLWBW
BNID: 2940156675241
Genre: Holiday Novella Collection


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Disclaimer: I received a copy of the novella collection from the authors/publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a book review program hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours and Marching Ink LLC.



Book Collection Description:

Making Christmas by Laura Chapman 

While settling into a new career in a new community, Ivy is determined not to let the holiday season pass her by. Enter the grownup advent calendar: twenty-four days of festivities to celebrate Christmas. What begins as a bit of fun turns into a mission to spread cheer when she meets Everett. After learning about his bad Christmas attitude, she invites him to join her quest. Despite his initial reservations, Everett quickly gets caught up in the spirit of the calendar. But when new feelings surface and are impossible to ignore, Everett’s inner curmudgeon threatens to put a damper on the whole experience.


Nine Ladies Dancing by Cat Lavoie 

Casey Ellis is the last person who should be planning her office’s holiday party. Convinced she’s plagued with chronic Christmas bad luck, Casey isn’t interested in tempting fate. But when putting on a party planner hat seems like a good way to get closer to her longtime crush, Casey takes charge—and braces for impact. When things start to fall apart—just like Casey knew they would—will she run and hide, or will she learn that bad luck can sometimes turn out to be Christmas magic in disguise?


The Christmas Surprise by Samantha March 

Juliette Mabry is a happily married stay-at-home wife and mother...until there appears to be trouble brewing in her nearly ten-year marriage. Juliette takes it upon herself to find out if her husband is up to no good, but does she want to know the truth? Everything is revealed on Christmas, and Juliette is in for her biggest Christmas surprise.


What Happens at Midnight by Laura Chapman 

Romantic comedy junkie Natalie lives out those fantasies in real life three New Year's Eves in a row when fate throws her together with the same handsome stranger. A heartbreaking turn of events leaves her swearing off of love, forevers, and the holidays (bah humbug). That is until the mystery man from her past reappears years later. Over a holiday season, Natalie struggles to reconcile the whimsical notions of her past with the practical sensibilities she has worked so hard to develop. With the countdown to a new year looming, she must decide whether or not she is willing to give happily ever after another shot.


My Book Review:

There is nothing better to end the holiday season then to read a delightful holiday romance novella collection.

All I Want For Christmas authors Laura Chapman, Cat Lavoie, and Samantha March weave a wonderful collection of four holiday romance novellas that easily keeps the magic and spirit of the Christmas season alive for their readers.

Each of these lighthearted novellas feature a holiday themed story filled with drama, romance, friendship, and the magical spirit that comes with the Christmas holiday season. The reader will easily get swept away into each of these stories, they read like a mini Hallmark Channel movie, delightfully sweet but leaving you wanting more! So cuddle up on the couch with a cup of hot cocoa, and let the four novellas in All I Want For Christmas whisk you away on an enjoyable holiday ride!


RATING: 5 STARS 

About The Authors

Laura Chapman is the author of First & Goal, The Marrying Type, Hard Hats and Doormats and the Autumn and Tuck series, which appear in Merry & Bright and A Kind of Mad Courage. A native Nebraskan, she loves football, Netflix marathons, and her cats, Jane and Bingley. Until she fulfills her dream of winning a fantasy football championship (and marrying Clay Matthews), you can find her in a bar penning her next novel.

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Cat Lavoie lives in Montreal, Canada with her tempestuous cat, Abbie. Her debut novel, BREAKING THE RULES, was published in August 2012 by Marching Ink. ZOEY & THE MOMENT OF ZEN was published in October 2013. PERI IN PROGRESS will be published in October 2015.

If Cat isn't reading or writing, she's most likely watching too much TV or daydreaming about her next trip to London.


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Samantha March is an author, editor, publisher, blogger, and all-around book lover. She runs the popular book/women’s lifestyle blog ChickLitPlus, which keeps her bookshelf stocked with the latest reads and up-to-date on all things health, fitness, fashion, and beauty related. In 2011, she launched her independent publishing company, Marching Ink, and has four published novels—Destined to Fail, The Green Ticket, A Questionable Friendship, and Up To I Do. When she isn’t reading, writing, or blogging, you can find her cheering for the Green Bay Packers. Samantha lives in Iowa with her husband and Vizsla puppy.


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