GLASS SLIPPERS, EVER AFTER AND ME by Julie Wright

Can the fairy tale bring Charlotte the happiness she’s looking for, or was he always there to begin with?

A modern, reimagined Cinderella story.

When aspiring author Charlotte Kingsley finally gets published, she thinks all her dreams have come true. But the trouble begins when her publicity firm reinvents her quirky online presence into a perfectly curated dream life. Gone are the days of sweatpant posts and ice cream binges with her best friend, Anders, replaced instead with beautiful clothes, orchestrated selfies, and no boyfriend. Only, that carefully curated fairy tale life is ruining her self-esteem and making her feel like a fraud.

When a bestselling author takes Charlotte under her wing—almost like a fairy godmother—she helps Charlotte see the beautiful person she already is and the worth of being authentic. But is it too late to save her relationship with Anders? The clock is quickly ticking towards midnight, and Charlotte must decide between her fairy tale life and the man she loves, before he's gone forever.


 Opening line:
""If fairy godmothers existed, there would never be an empty space in the freezer where the ice cream goes.""

What a great way to start the book! Julie Wright is witty, smart and a fantastic creator of characters. She knows how to pull in the reader, make them laugh, cry and swoon, all in one book.

The main character, Lettie, is funny and hopeful and a writer. Her best friend, Anders, is a drool worthy Swede, who lives just down the hall. They both support each other as they each pursue their dreams. Dreams can come true, they just don't always come true in the way the characters wanted, which of course means, they have conflict, and discussions, and sassy times.

Thanks to netgalley for the early read!

MIDSUMMER NIGHT Six Fantasy Novellas A Timeless Romance Anthology

Six Fantasy Romance Novellas in one collection:

Featuring Wall Street Journal bestselling author Charlie N. Holmberg, with Julie Wright, Annette Lyon, Jane Redd, Amber Argyle, and Luisa Perkins.

Midsummer Night is a Timeless Romance Anthology® book


 Illusions of Love - Charlie Holmberg 
Opening line:
"Even if Celtin Dereng were a magicless, talentless pauper, Aster would still be in love with him."
This was almost a Cinderella story, complete with magic and a beautiful dress. But the people who love us, love the real us, no illusions needed.


Dancing with the Moon - Julie Wright 
Opening line:
""I found a ghost!""
A brave young woman and a lost ghost. Arell is the lost, confused ghost. Grace is the woman who can help him solve his mystery.


The Truest Treasure - Annette Lyon
Opening line:
"Ritva, the village healer, finished her examination and turned from the bed, Where Saara's sister lay sick and weak, getting worse all the time."
Will Saara be able to find the help she needs to heal her sister from the grief that's plaguing her soul?
Will Timo find the treasure he's hunting?

The Isle of Rose - Jane Redd
Opening line:
"Cornelia Tea Rose read the note a second time, then a third time."

When Cornelia's older sister decides to elope instead of marrying the man chosen for her, Cornelia is forced into a disguise to marry. What she didn't realize is that she would be thrust into the middle of a mystery, and that Lord Moss might be worth marrying.

Lady of Shadows - Amber Argyle
Opening line:
"Caelia stood before her family table in the back of the manor house."


Fire and Fountain - Luisa Perkins
Opening line:
"It was going to rain any moment."

#Fallinginlove ~ Author Julie Wright ~ $25 Giveaway

 

   

Lies Jane Austen Told Me by Julie Wright Ever since Emma read Pride and Prejudice, she's been in love with Mr. Darcy and has regarded Jane Austen as the expert on all things romantic. So naturally when Emma falls for Blake Hampton and he invites her home to meet his parents, she is positive an engagement is in her future. After all, Blake is a single man in possession of a good fortune, and thus must be in want of a wife.

But when it turns out that what Blake actually wants is more of a hook-up than a honeymoon, Emma is hurt, betrayed, and furious. She throws herself deeper into her work as CMO of Kinetics, the fastest growing gym franchise in the nation. She loves her work, and she's good at it, which is why she bristles when her boss brings in a consultant to help her spearhead the new facilities on the East Coast. Her frustration turns to shock when that consultant turns out to be Blake's younger brother, Lucas.

Emma is determined not to fall for Lucas, but as she gets to know him, she realizes that Lucas is nothing like his brother. He is kind and attentive and spends his time and money caring for the less fortunate. What she can't understand is why Lucas continues to try to push her back into Blake's arms when he so clearly has fallen as hard for her as she has fallen for him.

Realizing that her love life is as complicated as anything Jane Austen could have dreamed up, Emma must find a way to let Blake know that it's time for him to let her go and to let Lucas know it's time for him to love her back.

AMAZON * Deseret Book

 

 









   

"Wright does contemporary romance right in this diverting novel with just enough heft."-Publishers Weekly

"Employing her own deliciously dry sense of wit, Wright deftly pays homage to the inherent romantic wisdom found in Austen's classic novels in this delightfully fun and refreshingly sweet contemporary romance."-Booklist

"Modern, clever, and funny, Wright's novel is a smart remix of tropes from Austen's work. Lies Jane Austen Told Me is a satisfying and sweet contemporary romance that knits together romantic classics with modern manners."-Foreword Reviews

  

 

  



 


 


 


   

 
Author Julie Wright Julie Wright (1972-still breathing) was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. She's lived in LA, Boston, and the literal middle of nowhere (don't ask). She wrote her first book when she was fifteen. Since then, she's written twenty three novels and coauthored three. Julie is a two-time winner of the Whitney award for best romance with her books "Cross My Heart" and "Lies Jane Austen Told Me" and has also won the Crown Heart award. Her book "Death Thieves" was a Whitney finalist for 2016. She is agented by Sara Crowe.

She has one husband, three kids, two salamanders, one dog, and a varying amount of fish (depending on attrition).

She loves writing, reading, traveling, hiking, playing with her kids, and watching her husband make dinner.









   
 

   


Giveaway Details Ends 10/1/18 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal or gift codes via Amazon.com. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


   a Rafflecopter giveaway

Delilah's Desserts by Melanie Jacobson, Heather b. Moore, Julie Wright

Welcome to Tangerine Street

Tangerine Street is a must-see tourist stop with a colorful mix of one-of-a-kind boutiques, unique restaurants, eclectic museums, quaint bookstores, and exclusive bed-and-breakfasts. Delilah's Desserts, situated in the middle of this charming collection of shops and cafés on Tangerine Street, is a bakery that offers a different variety of desserts each day. The emotions that Delilah bakes into these desserts have a strange effect on customers, sometimes altering the course of their lives . . .


  
A Taste of Magic by Melanie Jacobson
"Delilah stepped back from the giant mixes and brushed a stray lock of her hair out of her face."

The Art of Love by Heather Moore
"Roxy Randall hated her name all through elementary school."

Much Ado about Cupcakes by Julie Wright
"KC glanced at her watch before taking a sip of her lemon-infused water."

I LOVE the stories from Tangerine Street!

LIES JANE AUSTEN TOLD ME by Julie Wright

Ever since Emma read Pride and Prejudice, she's been in love with Mr. Darcy and has regarded Jane Austen as the expert on all things romantic. So naturally when Emma falls for Blake Hampton and he invites her home to meet his parents, she is positive an engagement is in her future. After all, Blake is a single man in possession of a good fortune, and thus must be in want of a wife.

But when it turns out that what Blake actually wants is more of a hook-up than a honeymoon, Emma is hurt, betrayed, and furious. She throws herself deeper into her work as CMO of Kinetics, the fastest growing gym franchise in the nation. She loves her work, and she's good at it, which is why she bristles when her boss brings in a consultant to help her spearhead the new facilities on the East Coast. Her frustration turns to shock when that consultant turns out to be Blake's younger brother, Lucas.

Emma is determined not to fall for Lucas, but as she gets to know him, she realizes that Lucas is nothing like his brother. He is kind and attentive and spends his time and money caring for the less fortunate.

What she can't understand is why Lucas continues to try to push her back into Blake's arms when he so clearly has fallen as hard for her as she has fallen for him. It isn't until Lucas reveals to Emma that he was adopted into the Hampton family that she begins to understand his loyalty to Blake as well as his devotion to the child April-she is Lucas's biological niece.

Emma opens up to Lucas about the feelings of abandonment she has harbored ever since she was a child and her mother left the family. As she helps Lucas deal with his past demons, she is able to exorcise some of her own.

Realizing that her love life is as complicated as anything Jane Austen could have dreamed up, Emma must find a way to let Blake know that it's time for him to let her go and to let Lucas know it's time for him to love her back.

 Opening line:
"Jane Austen is a horrific liar."

LOL!
That is a great opening line. And for Emma Pierce, the sum of her romantic relationship.
Emma is a Marketing guru in a successful health club company. Her boyfriend is hot and rich. Her BFF is supportive and funny. Emma's got a great life! Until she breaks up with said boyfriend because he was having dinner with another girl. Not wanting to hear his excuses, she stomps off only to be approached by the younger brother, Lucas.
They rest, as someone likes to say, is history. Lucas is hired as a temporary consultant to Emma's company and they are thrown together as partners. Of course, this leads to thoughts and ideas and both fighting the attraction because Emma is his older brother's girlfriend and Emma because she's on the rebound. But they push each other away more because they both feel inadequate with all the baggage they emotionally carry.
The Emma comes through her tough times is beautiful and she learns to trust and let someone close to her. It's a fun, romantic story with ups and downs and a bit of kissing.
This is a great read for anyone wanting a good, clean romance!

Thanks to netgalley for the early read!

5 STARS

PS I LOVE the cover!

The Boardwalk Antiques Shop ~ A Tangerine Street Romance

Another great, romantic anthology by fabulous writers. The first story sets the scene with Jennifer inheriting an antiques shop she didn't want but grows to love. She falls for the Studly realtor as well. 

Abbie is an impulsive antique buyer and can't help herself when she sees something in the shop window that reminds her of her childhood. The only problem is when the Corporate walks in and demands the same items. Abbie isn't one to back down though and words soon fly. Who will end up with the items? And who will fall in love?

The story is about a sewing machine, two grandmas and, what else? Love!

The stories are well-written, the characters are easy to love and root for and the writing is superb. 

Want a good, clean romance to read over the weekend? Boardwalk Antiques is your book. Three different writers, three different romantic stories. I give it FIVE stars!

I received an ebook for an honest review. And honestly, I love this anthology!

The Boardwalk Antiques Shop
 A Tangerine Street Romance (a novel in three parts)

 Welcome to Tangerine Street Tangerine Street is a must-see tourist stop with a colorful mix of one-of-a-kind boutiques, unique restaurants, eclectic museums, quaint bookstores, and renowned bed-and-breakfasts. The Boardwalk Antiques Shop is an exclusive shop where every antique has a story, and each story possesses the gift to match true love. The customer who buys an antique also buys its story and soon discovers that its story unites the past with the present, creating an unexpected romantic future… “Where Every Antique has a Story”

MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE: Jennifer is newest owner of The Boardwalk Antiques Shop, inherited from her aunt. When Jennifer arrives in Seashell Beach, her first priority is to meet with a realtor to sell the place. She laughs out loud when she discovers the realtor’s name is Mr. Studly. But the more Jennifer gets to know Paul Studly, the more she finds reasons to stay and run the antiques shop herself.

SOLVING FOR X: Abbie is only a little bit obsessed with antiques, okay, a lot. So when Holden, an out-of-town business executive, tries to purchase the tin soldiers that Abbie’s had her eye on, Abbie refuses to back down. The antiques shop owner issues a challenge: whoever comes up with the best story for wanting the soldiers, will become the new owner. Abbie isn’t about to let some fancy executive beat her out, no matter how charming he is.

 A STITCH IN TIME: When Cate learns that antiques dealer Henry Lancaster has purchased the sewing machine left to her by her grandmother, Cate is determined to get it back. What she isn’t counting on is that Henry has just as much claim as Cate. And it doesn’t help that Henry is good-looking and apparently single. Getting to know Henry becomes an unexpected surprise, sending her life into a sudden detour. 

Other books in the Tangerine Street Romance series: The Fortune Café Links to The Boardwalk Antiques Shop:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Boardwalk-Antiques-Tangerine-Street-Romance-ebook/dp/B00OOGGCW6/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-boardwalk-antiques-shop-julie-wright/1121029753?ean=2940150266605

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23293471-the-boardwalk-antiques-shop?from_search=true

iBooks on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id957382523

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-boardwalk-antiques-shop

 Scribd: https://www.scribd.com/book/252348590/The-Boardwalk-Antiques-Shop-A-Tangerine-Street-Romance-2

Olivia by Julie Wright

The Robbins household looks perfect from the outside: no dust, no stains, no wrinkles. Yet a glimpse into its heart reveals no laughter, no closeness, no joy. Olivia thinks that if she keeps everything tidy and serves delicious meals on time, family life is bound to get better. But when her husband, Nick, misses their anniversary, she realizes no amount of domestic success will compensate for failure in their marriage, or for her own failure to develop her identity, always busy as a mother, wife, and neighbor, she has forgotten how to be a unique and vibrant individual. Determined to make a change, Olivia joins a local book club, where she nurtures new friendships and explores new ideas. But her growing confidence falters when Nick declares his independence, and while her new friends lovingly encircle her with support, only Olivia can reach into the depths of her fledgling self to find the faith, hope, and love her troubled family needs.

First line:
"He wasn't coming home."

First thing I have to say is how brilliant four author friends are to create The Newport Ladies Book Club! I'm looking forward to reading each book from four different ladies/perspectives/characters.

Olivia is the first book of the series and is written by Julie Wright.
Poor Olivia Robbins! Life is not what it looks like in her home. Her husband works more and more away from home; the children feel his absence; and Olivia cleans.
When he ditches her on their anniversary night, she realizes something or someone (mostly her husband, right??) need to change. While out walking off her anger she comes across a flyer beckoning her to take it. A book club is just what she needs to reconnect with other women after giving so much of herself to others.
At the club she meets other women who look put together on the outside, but like her, are having personal troubles. And as she reaches out to others, Olivia learns she can stand on her own and do good in her family.
In the beginning, Olivia was driving me crazy blaming all the problems on her absent husband. Seriously, like 70 pages of whining. A few chapters later I realized why Julie was writing the beginning that way. Olivia started realizing maybe she had contributed to the situation as well.
I hoped the couple would stay together and work out their marriage. This story might feel like true life as other women feel like Olivia.
I loved how Olivia reached out to her husband's two children from a previous marriage. She learns that when you reach outside yourself you are truly blessed. Olivia doesn't stand by anymore, hoping not to offend her husband. She takes steps to be a better person/mother/wife.
I enjoyed the books the book club picked and their discussion. This book made me want to start a book club!
This book kind of reminded of Band of Sisters by Annette Lyon (who is another contributor to this series).
I look forward to reading about the other ladies from the book club!

Likes:
Olivia's growth
Books chosen by book club

Dislikes:
Olivia's whining
Couldn't read fast enough!

Rating: PG
L: No
S: No
V: No

4 STARS

Here is the link to their website!

The Newport Ladies Book Club

How does this series work anyhow?? 

CROSS MY HEART by Julie Wright

The first man is Geoffrey--in Boston, which is Jillian's hometown. Hazel-eyed Geoffrey, the brilliant ad exec whom Jillian would've married if he hadn't stolen some of her best work and gotten her promotion as a result. The second man is Jack in Los Angeles. Insecure Jack, who signs Jillian up for a love study at a local university "just for fun" but secretly intends to find out if she still loves Geoffrey. Flaky Jack, who splits as soon as her brain neurons fire and emphatic yes. The third man is Allen on the airplane from LA to Boston, where Jillian's boss has ordered her to investigate the underhanded dealings of a competing agency and where Jillian's crazy parents still live. Allen, the electric-blue-eyed dentist who hates the advertising industry because his ex-girlfriend, Nicole, recently dumped him for some hotshot ad exec. Head spinning yet? Well, forget about love triangles--this turns into a full-blown love quadrangle that quickly becomes a high-stakes game with savvy players, snappy dialogue, and a plot that won't stop twisting...until another love study delivers surprising results.



Rating: PG
S: None
V: None
L: None


I've enjoyed reading Julie's books and seeing her writing become better and better. Plus, Julie's such a cute person! I mention that last sentence because it seems the main character, Jillian, has the same voice as Julie; funny, quick and witty.
Cross My Heart is a good, clean romance. Julie has written the characters in such a way that I found myself cheering for Jillian and Allen and wanting Geoffrey to dangle with the Labradors instead of Jillian. The characters grew throughout the book. I was so happy to watch Jillian come to terms with her past and move toward a happy future.
 Go forth and by this book for your BFF, your mom or sister. It would make a great gift!
I look forward to the next book, Julie!


Page 69 test:
""Are you okay?" His concern and gentle voice was a total polar opposite from the way he'd spoken to Nicole.
I shrugged.
"What's a nice girl like you doing here with those two anyway?" Allen asked once he had me in the chair.
I never really understood why dentists insisted on asking questions when they knew your mouth was filled with their hands and who knew what horrid, sharp, pain-inflicting tools.
I tried to articulate, but nothing intelligible came out.
"So what happened to you?"
"Ah riip on dowgs--"
He removed his hand from my mouth. "Sorry. What was that?"
"I tripped over a woman and her two huge Labradors. I think that's what they mean when they say dog pile."
"Dont' worry. I've seen worse, and I'm good with same-day repairs. I'll do a CEREC crown, and you'll leave here looking like nothing ever happened."
I hoped he was right since I had imagined I'd have to wait for them to cast a mold and order a crown from a factory somewhere. I didn't have weeks to wait to get my smile back.
"Are you friends with him?" Allen asked. "You work for the same advertising company or something?"

Eyes Like Mine by Julie Wright

William has been missing for two days. And even though the rest of the wagon company has decided they must continue on to Zion, Constance Brown refuses to go any farther until she finds her husband. All she can think about is the last time she saw him—he lovingly touched her face and then sang their baby girl to sleep. Will that memory be all Constance has to hold on to?

In a future time and place, Liz King is a teenager struggling to find her identity in the modern world. The embarrassment she feels because of her parents’ divorce and her family’s newfound financial problems turns to bitterness.

Through an inexplicable twist of fate, Constance and Liz are brought face to face. In this story of a family that transcends time, were these distant relatives brought together in order to help each other?

I admit, I read a couple of chapters into the book and put it down. I was annoyed with what I thought was another LDS time-travel-ancestors-will-make-you-see-the-light book. While Julie's book did have some of this aspect, there was much more to the story.

Julie is a gifted storyteller and was able to weave a story with with heartache, triumph and reconciliation. Not everyone got what they wanted but life isn't that way either.

Each of the characters had their own voice. I enjoyed the strong female characters!

I felt drawn into the King family through their trials. Not every family is perfect and sometimes singing about families being together forever is hard. People make stupid mistakes and broken hearts take time to heal. Support from loved ones is crucial in times of need.

The story took a few unexpected turns which helped heighten the stakes in the story and bring the changes needed in the characters.

The only downside for me was the how long it took the main character to admit she liked someone!

I think this is my favorite of Julie's books and the best one so far.