Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Give books!


Can you believe it?  It's almost holiday time!  The malls are starting to play Christmas music, and I've already started buying Hanukkah gifts for my kids.

Every year I puzzle over what to get friends and family.  I love to get people things that they wouldn't normally get themselves, things they would really love.  So, what better thing to give than books?  I love to read, love books, and every time I gift someone with a book, it's always a hit.

We've got a fantastic group of writers here on the Girlfriends Book Club blog, so here are a few of my favorites:

I loved Laura Spinella's PERFECT TIMING.  I even reviewed it over on Brenda's Book Briefs, my monthly column for LI Woman Magazine.  It's the story of Isabel Lang, a woman trying to hide from her past at the local radio station where she works, and Aiden Royce, the one who got away, who's now the world's largest rock star.  

Fans of romance will gobble this one up in one sitting.

I love everything Ellen Meister writes, but I think I have a new favorite in FAREWELL, DOROTHY PARKER.  It's the story of timid movie reviewer Violet Epps, who gets an otherworldly visit from her idol, the great wit Dorothy Parker.  With Mrs. Parker in her life, Violet soon has the courage to speak up and get what she wants, and she even rubs off a bit on her sprit friend.  Booklist called it "magical fun" and I can't help but agree.

Fans of women's fiction and humor will love this book.

I can't believe it took me so long to read something by Jess Riley.  I had a copy of her debut novel, DRIVING SIDEWAYS, on my TBR pile for ages.  I started with her short story, CLOSER THAN THEY APPEAR, and I read it in one sitting.  The story of two people destined to meet-- the characters were real, and smart, and funny.  It didn't take me long to then tear through the entire Jess Riley oeuvre.

Fans of quirky, smart stories will absolutely fall in love with Jess Riley's writing.  All of it!

But really, all of our girlfriends are truly amazing.  I love reading the work of my fellow girlfriends-- it's such an honor to be with such a talented group.  Also loaded up on my Kindle and reading for reading:

SEARCHING FOR TINA TURNER by Jackie Luckett (for fans of Terry McMillan), A SEMESTER ABROAD by Ariella Papa (for those of us who traveled abroad in college-- or just wish we had), and LITTLE WOMEN AND ME by Lauren Baratz-Logsted (for fans of the classics).



So, what are you waiting for?  Start buying!!


I’m the author of SCOT ON THE ROCKS and JACK WITH A TWIST. My third novel, RECIPE FOR A HAPPY LIFE, was published by St. Martin's on July 2, 2013. My fourth novel, THE LONELY HEARTS CLUB, will be published by Polis Books in January 2013.

My work’s also appeared in the New York Post and Publisher’s Weekly. You can find me at brendajanowitz.com or on Twitter at @BrendaJanowitz.





15 comments:

  1. Thanks so much, Brenda!! Girlfriend support goes such a long way! I'm actually looking forward to getting a signed copy of Farewell, Dorothy Parker! I still can't believe Ellen signed every page individually! That's dedication--and a great gift!

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    1. Thank you, Laura. It was quite an experience ... I learned how to cope with actual writer's cramp and raw fingers! xx

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    2. Thanks for writing such a great book, Laura! :)

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  2. Thank you Brenda.
    It's so funny how I was composing my holiday post in my head the other day and thinking about your book.
    We really are lucky to be in such great company.

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    1. Yes, Ariella! I couldn't agree more! Such a wonderful group!!

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  3. Thank you so much for the plug, Brenda. Much appreciated!

    I loved Laura's PERFECT TIMING, too. What a terrific book! And Jess's sounds great. I look forward to reading it.

    I hope anyone reading this will also consider putting RECIPE FOR A HAPPY LIFE on their wish list/gift list. It's so touching and so charming. A perfect book for anyone who likes to read insightful stories about relationships ... not just romance, but mother-daughter, grandmother-granddaughter, etc. xo

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    1. But of course, Ellen! You know I'm your biggest fan. You will love Jess Riley's books. So quirky and smart.

      And thank you for the shout out! Means so much coming from you-- so delighted you enjoyed my book!!

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  4. Brenda, thank you so much! I'm honored to be included here. I'm going to be making my own holiday shopping list soon, starting with books by the fabulous friends and writers on this blog! xo

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    1. Hey Jess, I gave Closer Than They Appear a shout out on FB yesterday! It looks like a terrific story!

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    2. Yes, Jess!! What a wonderful group!!

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  5. Brenda, thank you so much! I'm honored to be included here. I'm going to be making my own holiday shopping list soon, starting with books by the fabulous friends and writers on this blog! xo

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  6. My son read this boon he tell me this book pages was of fun and your review also very good about this book thanks for share it free grammar and punctuation checker online .

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