The Perks Of Being A Book Addict discussion

Hey guys! I've just joined. I was wondering if anyone had good recommendations for some smart chic lit books? I'm writing my first romcom "A Trail of M&Ms", and trying to broaden my readership, have a better grasp of the genre. I've read some, but like others have said, some are stupid, some are just over the top with certain content, etc. Anyone know of really GOOD chic lit books?

How about House for all Seasons, The Memory Trap, The Light Between Oceans? Just a few I've read and enjoyed this year. All by Australian authors

I'm not a huge fan of chic lit but I really enjoyed Bridget Jones' Diary and the sequel. :)

I always enjoy Belinda Jones' books because they have a very lovely descriptive part next to the romance that makes the reader feel as though they're actually visiting the country the story is taking place in. Sure, they're summer reads, so to speak, but I like the more realistic edge to it.

Then there is Sophie Kinsella's stand alone novels - not the Shopaholic series - for some good chick lit, especially "Can You Keep a Secret?" and "I've Got Your Number".

Catherine Alliot, Maryan Keynes, Olivia Goldsmith, Penny Vinchenzi.

The undomestic goddess

Cuban Sun- strong female character!Cuban Sun

PS- it's free on Kindle now

Thanks guys! I'll definitely be checking those out. I just recently heard that the stand alones from Kinsella are good--so perhaps the library has them. Thanks so much for your help!
Ha...family is definitely going to tease me on my ever expanding library list...well, LISTS. ;D

There are some very good chick lit books by Irish authors, e.g. Cathy Kelly, Sheila O'Flanagan, Maeve Binchy, etc. Also I am reading Nicky Pellegrino's books at the moment, set in Italy, and they are fab chick lit. Hope the writing goes well for you x

Oh thanks! Can check those out too. ;D

The Honey Queen by Cathy Kelly is good.

When I read ChicLit I enjoyed "Amanda's Wedding" by Jenny Colgan and Sophie Kinsella's "Can You Keep A Secret". I recall "Talking to Addison" by Jenny Colgan was also good.
Another was "When Girl Meets Ape", although I don't remember the author and I'm not sure how much I liked that one. I know I LOVED "Amanda's Wedding", but I'm just not sure if I'd still like it now - that was my opinion eight years ago.

Wow. Lot of answers! You guys are so nice. Thanks for taking the time to share those!

You might want to try Elin Hilderbrand, Karen White, Patti Callahan Henry for some good reads and Jennifer Weiner.

Alisa Valdes "The Dirty Girls Social Club" and "Make Him Look Good" there's some chick-lit, romance, social issues and the major underlying theme of female friendship. Very good books

Yay! More authors to check out. Thanks everyone!

I have just finished all of Nicky Pellegrino's books - I found one at a book exchange and took it home and was immediately hooked, couldn't put it down. Nicky's descriptive text of Italy and Italian food transports you there from first page to last. Highly recommend and cannot wait for her new book in the next month or so :-)

I adore Meg Cabot's books queen of babble. Smart books about a girl in the wedding industry.
I also like Ali Mcanamara From notting hill... to new york.
They are silly yes as most of chic lit are. But they are also full of interesting info about clothing history, and Ali's books are fast paced with humour and moviememorablia.

I like Elin Hildebrand, Jennifer Weiner, Helen Fielding and Liane Moriarty. Also - shameless plug for my own chick lit book just out:

Thanks for all your added suggestions, guys!

I recommend Mid Life Love. It's a smart book about a recently divorced, older, woman and the younger man who wants to date her. :)

Elin Hildebrand writes very engaging books - good for the beach!

Marian Keyes very funny with a twist, like a life lesson in each of her books - Rachel's Holiday is her best (my opinion)

Would also like to suggest Catherine Brophy - she is an Irish writer. In honor of her birthday in June, she had a free download of her book "Burning Bright". I read it and it was hilarious!!

If you go to her profile page, it still may be available. I couldn't locate it on the regular Goodreads search.

Ooh, I'll have to check those out! Thanks!

I know I am late to this and I am not sure if this falls in to what you are asking
But So Far from God by Ana Castillois a great novel it has a Magical Realism running through it and and it both horrifying and wondrous story of a Mother and her three very different daughters.

New to the group but looks like a fun, active bunch. I recently finished The Silent Wife, maybe not "true" chick-lit. But, very well-written and a good story. Recommend.

Currently reading
I like Luanne Rice novels.

Oh! I think I got a Luanne Rice novel from the thrift store--what a coincidence!

And I think I've heard of The Silent Wife...I think I have it on my wish list....

The So Far From God sounds really intriguing. Thanks for the suggestions, guys!

Elora wrote: "Oh! I think I got a Luanne Rice novel from the thrift store--what a coincidence!

Which one did you get Elora?

Oh...it was The Geometry of Sisters. I have it on my shelf, so hopefully I'll be able to get to it soon!

I've read that. I'll be interested to hear what you think.