When coffee shop owner Zoey Everwood takes her obsession with ex-boyfriend Braden too far, everyone—except Zoey—is convinced a bit of fun in the sun at the Moment of Zen Wellness Resort will help her get over him once and for all.
But Zoey's relaxing vacation turns out to be anything but peaceful when she meets Shane Lawson, a resort guest who bears a striking resemblance to Braden. And things get even more complicated when the resort's owner starts spilling secrets about Zoey’s aunt Nessa, the woman who raised her. Add a snarky Wellness Coordinator and Nate Holmes—Shane's grumpy friend—to the mix, and you've got the recipe for a perfect tropical storm.
When Zoey comes back home with a new husband instead of tacky souvenirs, she must convince everyone she hasn't completely lost her mind. As Zoey and Shane struggle to keep the magic alive outside the resort, Zoey discovers that she isn't the only one having trouble letting go of the past. And when Nate drops a bombshell that changes everything, Zoey must decide if the old saying is true—what happens at the Moment of Zen stays at the Moment of Zen.
*Please note that this novel was originally published in October 2013 by MARCHING INK, LLC.
Cat Lavoie is a chick lit writer from Montreal, Canada. She loves writing fun and quirky romantic comedies,
A fan of all things feline, Cat loves cats and hopes to someday have a house full of them in order to officially become a crazy cat lady. (But one or two cats will do for now.)
If she isn't reading or writing, Cat enjoys listening to podcasts (mostly comedy and true crime) and watching way too much TV. She fell in love with London many years ago and hopes to go back one day. Cat is currently at work on her next novel.
To connect with Cat and find out more about her books, visit CatLavoie.com and follow @CatLavoieBooks on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Although it’s been almost a year since Braden broke Zoey’s heart, she can’t seem to let him go. While at her best friend’s wedding, Braden informed Zoey that he wasn’t the settle down and get married type. Then he proceeded to tell her that he no longer wanted to date her. Any normal person would take such news and try to move on. Not Zoey! She not only checks Braden’s voicemail and e-mail messages … hey, he should’ve changed the password, right? … but she also shows up at a restaurant knowing that he’d be there on a date. Concerned with how Zoey has been obsessing over Braden, her friends and family plan an intervention. They all take turns telling her that it’s not natural or healthy to act the way she has been and that they are sending her away on a little vacation. A vacation intended to rid Zoey’s head and heart of Braden. Hesitant at first, Zoey finally agrees. How bad can it be spending a week in Mexico sipping cocktails on the beach?
But when Zoey gets to Mexico, she quickly finds out that this vacation is going to be anything but relaxing. The resort she’s staying at is an alcohol, caffeine, and cell phone free zone. If that’s not bad enough, the guy on the plane who could be Braden’s long lost twin, is also going to the same resort. How can she try to rid Braden from her head when this guy looks just like him? Not to mention, everywhere she turns, he seems to be there. Can Zoey make the best of this “vacation” and rid herself of Braden? Or will the efforts of her family and friends be all for nothing?
Zoey & The Moment of Zen is a fun book with an amazing cast of characters. I loved the humor and found myself laughing out loud several times throughout the book. The author does a great job captivating my attention right away and holding it throughout the book. I really enjoyed reading this novel and highly recommend it to others. This winter, why not transport yourself to Mexico with Zoey and warm yourself up with this amazing story?
To say Zoey is having trouble getting over her ex-boyfriend Braden is a huge understatement. A year after the day he unexpectedly broke up with her during their best friend's wedding, Zoey still dreams about the day he will come back to her. She breaks into his voicemail/email and even stalks him on a date with another woman. When Zoey breaks down after an unexpected run-in with Braden in a grocery store, her friends stage an intervention and send Zoey to The Moment of Zen resort in Mexico so she can finally let go of the past and move on. Imagine their surprise when Zoey returns from the vacation married to Braden's doppelganger Shane.
This book was fantastic. Seriously, I loved it! I read and loved the author's debut novel, Breaking the Rules but I think I might have enjoyed this one even more. Cat Lavoie writes quintessential chick lit and allows you to feel part of her main character's journey. One of the author's greatest strengths, in my opinion, is her ability to make you feel her protagonist's journey right along with her. Just like the twist in Breaking the Rules had my heart beating out of control, I felt like my heart was breaking during the grocery store scene in this book. Zoey was a great main character - human and flawed - something I appreciate in chick lit. I have no desire to read about character's who always do the right thing and never have negative emotions. While I enjoy the fiction aspect of these books, I don't want to read about perfect characters who would never exist in real life and, instead, like to read about characters with whom I can relate even if doing so is painful at times.
Finally, the romantic aspect of this book was slow and subtle and I loved it. I stayed up late after a party to finish it because I couldn't bear going to sleep without knowing how it ended.
Bravo Cat Lavoie for another amazing chick lit book!!
It was a pretty easy read but as a person who value the spiritual side of life as well as reflection and personal growth, I could not tolerate the characters blatant disrespect for that. And the characters at the Zen resort were totally unbelievable (a yoga instructor who laughs at his students for example), as were the main characters. Zoe was the most immature heroine I've come across in a long time, and the fact that the hero was a spitting image of her horrible ex that she'd stalked for the last year was the final straw for me.
The immaturity of this book baffles me, and the worst part is that I'm not one hundred percent sure that it's not the authors' views on these issues that spill over in this book.
In case anyone ever wondered... I love chick lit. I do. It's my favorite genre over any other genre. This book is true chick lit, and I adored it. I loved the plot twists and turns, I loved the subplots. Cat has brought together a fabulous cast of characters. They were all so well developed, I felt like I knew them personally.
I finished the book quickly and now wish I would have savored it more. Oh well, guess I will have to read it again!
I was instantly engrossed by this wonderfully entertaining read, so much so that I didn’t want to put the book down and buzzed through it in a couple of days! Author Cat Lavoie’s “voice” is just so charming, and her breezy writing style reminds me of my all-time favorite Chick Lit author, Sophie Kinsella, although I actually think that Lavoie’s characters go a bit deeper than Kinsella’s. Heroine Zoey Everwood is a bona fide mess when this novel opens. She’s completely obsessed with Braden, the boyfriend who dumped her ages ago, to the point that she listens to his voice mail messages and lies in wait at places she knows he’s going to be. This unhealthy fixation is ruining her life and culminates in a very humiliating public breakdown (That scene was brutal! I felt so badly for poor Zoey.) Her friends, family and co-workers (She owns/manages a coffee shop, along with her aunt.) are so concerned for her that they arrange an intervention. Zoey agrees to be shipped off to a wellness resort so that she can purge herself of her self-destructive, Braden-loving ways once and for all, and that’s where the fun begins!
On the plane to Mexico, Zoey finds herself sitting next to Shane, who looks a lot like a certain ex of hers. Shane’s baggage includes a very cranky best friend (his traveling companion) and a horrible-sounding ex-fiancée who broke his heart. Naturally, Zoey and Shane make a love connection while vacationing in paradise, but can they trust their feelings and can they sustain the romance once they’re back to their real lives? It’s a compelling question and one that is not easily answered as the story plays out.
The really great thing about this book is that the ending wasn’t a foregone conclusion. Cat Lavoie is a master of the final act plot twist (She had a doozy in her first book.), and she manages the same in ZATMOZ. I love that she keeps readers on their toes! I will say that I was very happy with how things turned out for Zoey. It was great to see her gain confidence and maturity throughout the book and learn how to make good decisions for herself.
If you like the funny, the romance, and really well-drawn characters, then this is the book for you! It’s already gone on my Fave Reads of 2014 list, and I’m already eagerly anticipating Lavoie’s next novel.
A wonderful read! The premise was so unique I knew this was a must read half way through the description. Cat Lavoie did a wonderful job of creating a cast of characters it was easy to care about. All the elements of a great read are here - well crafted characters, solid pacing, unique plot idea and great writing. Highly recommended!
This book was a boat load of fun. I laughed a lot, I liked the leading pair and the late book twist which i must say I saw coming. Still there was some unhealthy obsession with the ex. The reason they broke up was the only twist I didn't see coming which changed the perception a bit. So kudos to the author on that. The inevitable delay in the twist leads to less time with the main pair, so that's a bummer. Still, I loved this book.
I'm no different from any other reader. I judge a book by its cover and I judge its content by reading the back cover. Then I decide if I'm going to invest 6-10 hours of my life reading it. If I know the writer, the decision to read or not to read can be made without seeing the book, because I trust the work the writer produces. Much like music fans following their favorite musicians. You know what you like.
This is the first book I've read by Cat Lavoie and I've decided I no longer need to see her covers or her jacket copy to decide whether I'll read one of her books. I've learned she's a very competent writer - the kind I read quickly and smoothly and I like the level of flaws she adds to her characters and I find the internal life of her characters to be very realistic.
But let's get back to those first impressions. The jacket copy. Zoey & the Moment of Zen has great elements readers will love: a main character with a cool name (Zoey) who has a cool job. Zoey owns a coffee shop - Everwood's Coffee Shop - probably smells good with all that Everwood Signature Breakfast Blend in the air. Zoey's headed on a super cool vacation at a spa resort in Mexico named Moment of Zen. I'll go pack my bags. Family secrets? Awesome. Love those. Snagging a husband while on vacation? Um. Hello? I'm reading this thing. Better grab a cup of tea.
First impressions of the book once I started reading? Open to the first chapter - Zoey is a completely realistic character. Flawed, loveable, in pain. Like someone you'd know in real life, perhaps even, Zoey will remind you of yourself. She's still not over Braden a year after their break-up and after using her best friends to snoop on Braden at a restaurant, she ends the night hacking into his email. Ruh-roh! Been there done that. Okay, actually, I haven't been there or done that, but many readers have and for that - I applaud the writer. She's given us a "human" character that promises to misbehave and show lapses in judgement. Delicious. Who wouldn't want to read that?
You want more conflict? The coffee shop belongs to Zoey but is co-owned with Nessa, her aunt, because Zoey was too young (five years old) to run her parents' coffee shop when they died. They disagree with the direction the coffee shop should take and face a decision to expand or stay the same. Zoey crumbles inside when they discuss how they should move forward and what Zoey's dead father's visions were for the shop. This personal pain clouds her business decisions and may lead to a break-up of the business partnership between Zoey and her aunt, Nessa. Zoey is wounded in love and in life. When she forgets to feed her cat she realizes she's a horrible cat mother.
Oh, yeah. And then there's that bit about marrying some guy named Shane while on vacation. And then that bit about a box and the possibility that there's a pattern to pained love that more than one person in the story is following. And that bit about . . .
You'll have to read the book. Like I said, the writing is smooth and comfortable. It's easy to lose yourself in the story and then lose track of time. True story: I lost track of time reading this book and forgot to pick my kids up from school. I was ten minutes late. Zoey's a horrible cat mom. I'm a horrible human mom. Won't happen again, kids. I promise. (Fingers crossed.)
This review was first posted on my book blog, Julie Valerie's Book Blog at julievalerie.com Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
I received this book as part of the CLP blog tour.
I loved the premise for Cat Lavoie's second novel, Zoey & The Moment of Zen. From the moment I heard about it, I knew I wanted to read it! Who hasn't had a relationship end before they were ready? Who hasn't stalked said ex and done something to try and get them back? This story is so real, so relevant to most people. Zoey Everwood is just your average woman who can't let go of her boyfriend, ex-boyfriend. And when you think you've found the one, why would you let go? Wouldn't you do anything you could to get that person back?
Well, Zoey does. She listens to his voicemail messages, she reads his emails, and she shows up at places she'll know he'll be. One day, she takes it a bit too far when she ropes her best friend into the scheme. Her best friend, who has been married for a year and at whose wedding the "breakup scene" took place. The final straw is when Zoey collapses in the grocery store when she finds out her ex-boyfriend, Braden, is getting married................and his fiancee is pregnant!
So Zoey is sent away to the Moment of Zen Wellness Resort to spend a week in the sun and reevaluate her life. Zoey's goal, as her best friend and aunt declare, is to get over her obsession with Braden and come back a healed woman ready for a new relationship. But how is that supposed to happen when Zoey is sitting next to Shane, the spitting image of Braden and he's spending a week at the same resort as Zoey?
What follows is much hilarity, some ah-ha moments and some seriously sentimental moments. Zoey, Shane and Shane's friend Nate are met at the airport by Jude, the snarky Wellness Coordinator. I have to say, he was my favorite character. His part in the book is relatively small, but I felt like his impact was huge. He sets the tone for much of Zoey's visit to the resort. He seems to be everywhere, know everything and have a snarky remark for it.
Zoey is so real. She's flawed, she's lovable, she's confident one moment and scared to death the next. All she wants is to be loved for herself, to find that one person she can connect fully with and to live the rest of her life with that person. And when you come to the end and you read who she chooses...it'll knock your socks off, leave you melting and wanting more!
I really enjoyed this novel and hope at some point there is a follow-up to the story. I highly recommend Zoey & The Moment of Zen, it's fun reading and perfect for a cold, rainy day or a weekend when you can snuggle up on the couch and let the day go.
It's been over a year since Zoey Everwood's ex-boyfriend Braden broke up with her, but she can't seem to let him go ... in fact she has a stalker like obsession with him! When her obsession goes way overboard, Zoey's family and friends convince her to go away to the Moment of Zen Wellness Resort in Mexico, in the hope that she can put Braden and her obsession with him behind her, and move forward with her life. But for Zoey, getting in touch with her inner zen isn't the only thing she finds at the resort, she comes home with Shane Lawson, a Braden look-alike as her new husband!
Zoey & The Moment Of Zen is a thoroughly entertaining chick lit story that will keep the reader laughing-out-loud! In her second novel, author Cat Lavoie weaves a fun tale that follows Zoey Everwood's journey filled with zany antics, hilarious trials and tribulations, and well-meaning lapses in judgement. It's so easy to get drawn into Zoey's story: the humor, drama, and poignancy wraps itself around the reader and holds them captive until the surprising conclusion.
Zoey is a sassy, flawed, and realistic character who is likable and easy to relate to. You can't help but feel for Zoey as she struggles with her obsession with her ex-boyfriend and the realities of romance and marriage, and hope it all works out well for her in the end. With a engaging cast of secondary characters; witty dialogue and humorous interactions; a richly detailed description of the settings; and a storyline full of drama filled romantic twist and turns; Zoey & The Moment Of Zen is an enjoyable and perfect chick lit story to escape into on a long cold winter's day!
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.
In Zoey & The Moment of Zen by Cat Lavoie, Zoey is still hung up on her ex, Braden, after a year. She is still hacking into his email and voicemail. Before her obsession turns her into a full-blown stalker, Zoey is sent to the Moment of Zen Wellness Resort by her family and friends, who are convinced that time away will help her move on with her life. Reluctant and wanting to get this trip over with, Zoey gets on the plane, where she meets Shane, Braden’s doppelganger, and finds out he is heading to the same resort with Nate, his cranky and borderline alcoholic best friend. How is she supposed to get over Braden when she’ll be seeing his twin for the next week? And when she comes home married, she now has a whole new set of problems.
After having the pleasure of reading both Breaking Rules and now Zoey & The Moment of Zen, I have to say that Cat Lavoie is becoming my new favorite author. Like her last book, this one was completely unpredictable. I honestly didn’t know what was going to happen until it happened, which is so refreshing for the chick-lit genre. And this book had so many different layers. There is Zoey and her obsession with her ex, her relationships with her family and friends, her role as owner of a coffee shop, and her journey to becoming the more confident and happy person everyone knows she can be. I also absolutely loved Zoey, flaws and all. She was such a realistic character that you can’t help feeling for and rooting for in all the craziness that is her life. And there sure isn’t a shortage of supporting characters that you will either love or hate. Zoey & The Moment of Zen is an entertaining, fantastic book that I recommend to any chick-lit fan. Cat Lavoie is an exceptional writer who has written two books that are better than a lot of the popular chick-lit books I see in bookstores these days. I hope to see more from her. I will be impatiently waiting for the next one!
Escapism at its best Looking for something to curl up with on a rainy afternoon or while you’re lazing under the sun umbrella? This is the book you need. Zoey and The Moment of Zen is a light, fun, and immensely enjoyable read from Cat Lavoie. Now, don’t get me wrong – when I say light I don’t mean that in a derogatory way. In this book, it’s a good thing. The plot is easy to follow, the twists while not always unexpected are well paced and there is nothing complicated about the story at all – which allows you to fall into it and not be distracted back tracking to keep details straight. This is escapism at its best – and I loved every moment of it. Excellent characters I am a self confessed caffeine addict so I loved Zoey from the moment I met her. She owns a coffee shop and can spot a decent cup of joe from a hundred paces. She’s smart and sassy (always good in a heroine) but she’s also a little self absorbed, whiny, and sometimes just not that good at knowing what’s good for her. In other words – she’s absolutely normal. I admit I do have a preferences for heroines who are not perfect. In one scene Zoey is looking for something to wear and searching desperately for an outfit that doesn’t have sunscreen stains. Who hasn’t been there? Seriously – it’s not just Zoey and me right? The supporting cast are just as likeable but the clear winner in the supporting cast stakes has to be Joel, the spa coordinator. When they make this book into a movie – and they will – I sincerely hope Joel will be played by Sean Hayes of Will and Grace fame. Taking her place Cat Lavoie has an easy to read style and a lovely chick-lit voice, not unlike Emily Giffin. In fact I think Lavoie may be a worthy contender for Giffin’s crown as Chick-Lit Queen. I’m certainly looking forward to reading more of her work. (My full review can be found on www.justheardreadseen.com)
I’m glad that I had opportunity to read this breathtaking book. I’m speechless, I enjoy so much reading this book that I couldn’t say any word… Zoey and Braden have been together since college, after wedding of Dar and Dex, Zoey’s best friends, Braden suddenly broke up with her. What? Why? They supposed to be next. One year she going crazy and can’t make herself not to think about him. All people in her life are concerned about her: Nessa, her aunt; Dar and Dax even her employee Owen, but Zoey don’t listen to them and keep torturing herself. The things go very wrong when Dar and Dax finding that she makes them to go in one restaurant just because Braden supposed to come to meet someone. If she just make herself not to listened Braden’s voice mail and don’t read his e-mail she wouldn’t have been in trouble. Dar and her aunt Nessa buy her ticket to Mexico and booking in The Moment of Zen Wellness Resort, to make her to forgive about her broken heart and Braden and be herself again. One week in resort with snarky coordinator Jude and some new friends Zoey back at home with secret half revealed about her aunt and with craziest thing that she ever done. Zoey is perfect main character, she makes me laugh, she makes me cry and she definitely makes me to think that she is completely out of her mind. I adore her with all her flaws, cause I have those flaws and every woman have those flaws. The author done perfect job inventing Zoey and her life without the ex. The acts that Zoey does and her obsession with her ex are written as real life happen. Zoey does everything that one woman with broken heard does including even stalking. This book is perfect I put it on my Favorite list, I recommend it, and because it gives you drive from US to Mexico, it gives you trip from romantic hell to heaven and it gives your breath away.
I like to think I know a thing or two about zen. I am a yoga teacher, after all. And I’ve been to more than a few yoga retreats where bliss is served up morning, noon, and night. But more importantly, I chose to go to those retreats. Zoey, on the other hand, is forced to spend some time at a wellness center in Mexico after obsessing far too long over her ex-boyfriend. I have to say I really laughed at Zoey’s experience with a snooty Zen-master determined to get her caffeine-swilling butt to yoga class. It made me nostalgic for my early days practicing yoga where I struggled to stay upright almost as much as Zoey. But this novel is much more than Zoey’s foray into a Downward Dog lifestyle. It’s also about a broken heart and the ways in which we try to cope with lost love. There were times I cringed at Zoey’s choices (breaking into her ex’s emails for example), but I could understand her actions. I may have even done something similar a decade or so ago. (But that’s another story). Cat Lavoie has a fabulous Chick Lit voice that draws you in and keeps you turning the pages. And Zoey is a charming, yet flawed heroine that you just can’t help but cheer for. She’s not perfect, and that’s what makes her so real and so likeable. She drinks too much coffee, eats cupcakes for breakfast, and marries her ex-boyfriend’s doppelganger on a whim. Who hasn’t done that? Er…well, maybe not all of that. And as Zoey struggles to settle into married life under the disapproving glare of her aunt and best friend, you really feel the emotional tug-of-war right along with her. Lavoie is really a very talented author and in her second novel, she offers up a query: Is finding a new love really enough to get over an old love? You will have to read it to find out!
Did I enjoy this book: This was a fun read that kept me reading until the end. I wanted to see how it ended.
I wanted Zoey to find happiness, after I got past the first four chapters. I thought she was kind of pathetic and weak. She was definitely a stalker. I thought the way she let her aunt control every decision at her coffee shop was weak. We hit chapter five and I was laughing out loud. The ceremony had me cracking up.
Nessa was too bossy and overprotective. I understand why and I appreciate her love for Zoey. But she needed to see Zoey as the 30-year-old woman that she was, not as the 5-year old orphan. Dar was a good friend. Their friendship wasn’t perfect and I liked that. We all have friends that we fight with but who we are still there for. Shane was a good guy, but damaged. He was a bit on the crazy side. There were times I really liked him, and times when I wanted to boot him. Nate was fantastic. I think he was my favorite character. He was funny and made me laugh a lot. He had a sweet, caring side as well.
The story was good. Some of it was far-fetched, but it made for a great story. I also thought the end wrapped up a bit too quick and easy. The ending made sense and it worked. I just wanted a bit more. However, the end left me with a smile and that giddy feeling. So, it’s all good. I love a good happy ending.
Would I recommend it: I would recommend this book. It was a fun, light chick lit read.
Will I read it again: I will not.
(I received a copy of this book for review purposes.)
I hadn’t planned on reviewing anymore books this year, but when the opportunity came to read Cat’s second book, “Zoey & The Moment Of Zen”, I jumped at the chance. Since I read her first book, Breaking the Rules, I’ve been a huge fan.
After reading the first chapter of “Zoey & The Moment Of Zen” on a Saturday morning, I was hooked. In some ways, I felt that I could relate to Zeoy. She seemed like a wonderful girl, she just had a hard time letting go. I loved the how she just went with the flow and left to go to the resort, because I really think she wanted to go.
The wellness instructor had me rolling my eyes the whole time, but I liked that about his character. It showed how serious he was about being zen, especially when he took their phones away. Shane seemed like a nice guy, but he seemed a little mysterious. As for Nate, I really didn’t know what to think of him in the beginning. He seemed like a jerk, but he ended up being a nice guy.
From the beginning to the end, there were a lot of ups and downs in this book, yet the most surprising thing was at the end and who she ends up with, (no, I’m not giving you any spoilers). I would’ve liked to have seen more of them together, so that I know Zoey was really happy, just because I liked her so much.
Cat Lavoie has done it again! If you’re looking for a book to make you laugh and cry, this quick and fun read (which I finished on Sunday night), is the book for you!
Such a fun book that will have you laughing and enjoying yourself. A great way to escape your own life.
Zoey is still in love with her ex Braden who dumped her a year ago at her best friend Dar's wedding. Dar and Dex have the perfect marriage. Zoey misses having someone in her life and stalks Braden only to find out he is getting married and has a baby on the way. After a breakdown, her friends and aunt decide to send her away the the Moment of Zen Treat in Mexico so she get her life back on track and forget Braden.
Is it an illusion or is Braden on the same plane with Zoey going to Mexico? Nope, just a look-a-like. They sit together and become friends only to find out they are both going to the same place. Shane is supposed to be going on his honeymoon. Unlikely friendships are started and lots of comical moments with Zoey, Shane and his friend Nate (who tags along in place of the should be bride).
When Zoey comes home married to Shane, everyone has to question the reason why.
How do they make this relationship work not knowing each other very well? Or, does it? I really enjoyed this book and would recommend anyone to read it. It was easy to read and lots of fun.
I received this novel as part of CLP Blog Tour, and I absolutely LOVED this novel. The story begins with the main character, Zoey Everwood, having dinner with her best friends, Dar and Dex. During the dinner, they spot Zoey's ex-boyfriend, Braeden, and they automatically know that it's not just a coincidence that Zoey chose that restaurant. After having a meltdown in the store, Zoey's family and friends ship her off to The Moment of Zen resort where she meets her new husband and discover a secret about her Aunt Nessa. What I love about this novel, is that Cat made the characters completely realistic. I saw Zoey as one of my best friends. Throughout the entire novel I was very protective of Zoey and I hated the way she would be treated by Nessa and Dar sometimes, but I realized it was all out of love. Just when I learned to come with terms of what I thought was Zoey's fate, Cat shocks me with an ending I was hoping for, but wasn't expecting! Overall, this was a great novel that had me constantly saying, "I'm going to read one more chapter before I start my homework!" Stop EVERYTHING you're doing and BUY this novel TODAY!!
I first became a fan of Cat Lavoie's after reading Breaking the Rules. That book was so awesome. She set the bar high with such a strong debut, but her follow-up novel absolutely lived up to my hopes and then some. Zoey & The Moment of Zen has all the elements that make an excellent chick lit read: quirky characters, hilarious and sometimes cringe-worthy embarrassing moments, strong friendships, sexy guys, romantic elements, twists and turns, and some mouth-watering descriptions of cupcakes!
I have to give a shout-out to Jude, the wellness guide, who was my favorite secondary character. His dialogue had me laughing out loud on several occasions.
Amidst all that is fabulous about Zoey & The Moment of Zen, I think perhaps the best thing about it is the character of Zoey. She's a little crazy (but hey, aren't we all?) and some of the things she did had me wanting to reach into the story to stop her, but all in all, I found her extremely relatable, witty and warm-hearted. Exactly the kind of person I'd want to be friends with in real life.
The time has come for an intervention. Oh yes....I know, I know. They can be overbearing and a pain in the butt....But something's gotta be done! It's been a year since Zoey's break up with her ex, and she can't let go! She's gone a bit- No wait strike that- MORE than a little bit obsessive because of it. Hmm.
Well first off, I want to be at the place on the cover! Umm, gorgeous setting! Intervene in my life anytime! Oh wait, I'm asking for it, aren't I? Okay, anyway, back to the story.
Zoey. Ahh. Sometimes I'm not sure what to think of her. Oh, she's way over the top, but dang it she makes for one heck of a fun read!
Full of fun, mishaps and of course that all important path to self discovery (And attempting to forget about her ex and stop with the obsessive behavior) Zoey and the Moment of Zen is the perfect afternoon read. On the beach, on the porch swing, anywhere. I'm looking forward to much more from this fantastic author!
Zoey & the Moment of Zen is such a fun, breezy, fabulous read. I gobbled this one up in a few short days and I absolutely loved it. Zoey is such a fabulous character to root for. Stuck in the past and hung up on her ex-boyfriend of a year prior, her family and friends stage an intervention in the hopes that she'll move on. Only things don't quite work out like they'd planned when Zoey takes her task of moving on further than they'd ever imagined. Pick this one up today for a fun, easy read. It's perfect for your beach vacation this winter - or, you know, making you want to hit the beach! I was salivating for sand between my toes many times during this one!
After loving Cat Lavoie's first novel Breaking the Rules, I was really excited to read this book and I was not disappointed. From the first page you are drawn into Zoey's world and all is not right; she's obsessed with her ex-boyfriend and nothing but an intervention from her best friend and her lovely aunt will cure her. The story then unfolds and Zoey is a lovely, likeable heroine whom I am going to miss... the men in her life are fantastic, believable characters... and most of all, I love Cat's writing style: it's direct, engaging and a joy to read. I'm sad it's over and can't wait to read more from this author.
I am such a huge fan of Cat Lavoie. Her first novel, "Breaking the Rules," is a book I recommend to everyone and now I have a new recommendation. I was hooked on "Zoey & the Moment of Zen" from the first page and laughed out loud many times. The eclectic and very real characters, humor, poignancy and settings had me tearing through the book in a day.
Lavoie excels at creating conflict and drama with the perfect resolution. I would honestly read anything she writes, and she is definitely one of my favorite authors.
I loved this book soooooo very much! I stayed up later than planned to finish reading it and read it all in just a few days. There were so many twists and turns. I loved the main character and loved how obsessed she was at first- it was so relatable and it made her so human (and I just find reading about emotional issues like that fascinating!). Her inner voice also made me laugh often. I loved this book so much; I immediately purchased the author's other book. So impressed! A very fun chick lit with deeper themes.
While Zoey is not my favorite of Cat Lavoie's heroines (so far that's Matilda, sorry!), the premise of this story was so over the top zany that I couldn't put it down - even if I was often groaning, rolling my eyes at Zoey or just wanting to shake some sense into her in many of those oh-no-she-didn't moments.
But the story was also laugh-out-loud funny, and I enjoyed Zoey's shenanigans immensely. Plus, I simply adore Cat Lavoie's style and voice. <3
A study suggests that alcohol or being drunk doesn't impair people's moral judgments. When giving situations for people to judge, the judgements they make when they're sober and when they're drunk are the same. That is to say, the excuse people say when they did something wrong, 'I'm sorry. I was drunk.' isn't a valid excuse.
Should I have given five stars? I’m not sure. Maybe 4 1/2. It’s a very fun and fast-paced story. I laughed a lot. I had the ending predicted very early on, but there were plot twists on the way that fleshed the book out nicely.