A Crowded Marriage by Catherine Alliott

A crowded marriage implies one ... one crowded marriage (ha ha ha - channelling my inner Count here. And throwing in a little foreshadowing) And in this fun, British romp, Catherine Alliott must have been channelling her inner Shakespeare. That's what this novel reminded me of: a zany, mixed-up, laugh-out-loud, Shakespearean comedy - with totally understandable language.

I fell completely in love with Imogen and her whacked-out family. They were so lovable that their foibles managed to make them seem relateable and endearing rather than just bizarre. I could totally see myself caught up in the same sorts of ridiculous situations Imogen found herself in.

What was bothersome about the characters was their total inability to face the truth in each of their lives. This did make for some hilarious moments but it also, occasionally, made me want to shake some sense into them. I was also not fond of the underlying theme that threaded its way through the novel.

Despite some serious moments, 'A Crowded Marriage' is not a book to be taken seriously. I would have been thrilled with a different ending but the ending, as it sits, works OK too.

Looking for something to read while you lay out in the sun this summer? 'A Crowded Marriage' by Catherine Alliott may be just the thing. If you'd like to win a copy, check out tomorrow's post. BIG announcement - HUGE giveaway (that's more foreshadowing).

The Luxe by Anna Godberson

If you love a good romance with a little suspense thrown in but aren't fond of explicit sex scenes then this is so the series for you!! Set at the turn of the century (1800 to 1900 NOT the last one) it follows the fortunes and fates of the up and coming new money, old money trying to hold to traditions, and the lower class trying to change their lives for the better. Sounds like a lot to try and keep up with but it totally works!

Chick lit check list:

1. fiction that explores the issues of modern womanhood - well, not so much, I guess. It is set in the late 1800's. 
2. features young adult women who are primarily career driven - almost all of the protagonists in this novel are young adult women, so that is covered. Are they career driven? Tricky question. Considering that a woman's career in the upper class of the day was to marry well, then I'd say yes.
3. protagonists that are addicted to shopping and how they look - well, that's a resounding yes. Imagine having a servant whose entire job description was 'make me look good'. Corsette's and dressmakers who bring the fabric to you and then make sure you have the perfect dress for any occasion. How come we don't do that anymore?? (well, not the corsette part)
4. romantic plotline oh, more than one. The book is totally stuffed full of them!
5. written by a woman for women that's an easy yes.
6. post-feminist even not really knowing what the heck this means, I think I can confidently say no. Pre-feminist more like.

So I can give this one a 4/6 on the chick lit scale. More chick lit than not. Maybe by  the end of the month I will have found the perfect chick lit book. If I do, I'll have a giveaway and the winner can have her (or his - I don't judge) choice of any book I review this month. If you are interested, you might want to start suggesting books you think will bring in the perfect score!

Blood Ties by Kay Hooper

To those of you that really, really don't like change, I apologise. (something expert bloggers say I should never do - but it feels right) For this month only, as we focus on 'chick lit', the reviews will follow the 'chick lit check list'.

1. fiction that, often humourously, explores issues of modern womanhood  There is some, rather dark, humour from time to time in the novel. It is a tricky thing to insert humour into a story about a serial killer torturing and ... well ... killing people to taunt the SCU (a special, psychic unit of the FBI ). Not a laugh out loud kind of humour - more of a 'I can't believe he said that but I still have to chuckle' humour. Does Kay Hooper explore issues of modern womanhood in Blood Ties? It's a reach but, if we consider one issue of modern womanhood to be how to use your psychic powers to capture the bad guy without being killed in the process, then yes. (Not buying that one, eh? Ya - me neither) 
2. features young adult women who are primarily career driven YES!! The women in this novel are all in their 20's or maybe 30's but no older. They are also all gorgeous and fit and psychic. The females in the SCU focus all of their energy on using their various psychic powers to be the best FBI agents they can be. 
3. protagonist is addicted to shopping and how she looks NO. Although Hollis is gorgeous without trying, not once during the entire investigation does she go shopping or stop to do her hair. She does look in the mirror once or twice and cringe at how tired she looks. Does that count?
4. may or may not involve a romantic plot line Blood Ties has sub-plots that are the most romantic of plot lines. (Back me up on this, girls.) Greek god like men, amazing looking and totally ripped, who can read the minds of the women they are 'connected' to. So they always know what their women are thinking and feeling and what they need from their men. And the men are there to support the women, in every instance, without criticism, and jump in if they need to play the rescuer. When Hollis over uses her powers to the point of collapse, Reese DeMarco is right there to carry her to bed and protect her with his shield until she is rested. (and no, that is not a euphemism)
5. written by women for women Despite the violence and action involved, this is not a 'man's book'.
6. post-feminist The women in Kay Hooper's novels are not bra-burners but they are strong, likable and can take care of themselves and those around them.

Although this book is not the first in the series, it can easily stand alone. I like that Ms Hooper has started adding footnotes and an afterword that help the reader to keep up with who's who, what they can do and which book in the series features them in a 'starring' role.

So is it chick-lit. I say yes. And it's a fun read besides.