Valentine's Day Exclusive Group Chat With the Authors of “Valentine Delights Anthologies”

To continue the marathon of special posts, I am so thrilled to do first of its kind group chat on my blog. I hope you guys will enjoy! So, let’s meet the authors of Valentine’s Delights Anthologies (read my review here) as they share their idea of a perfect Valentine’s Day, all-time favourite romantic movie and book, with the readers of “The Review Girl”.

You can also win these anthologies and enter in the giveaway by clicking here. 

Okay, let’s move on and read how these writers celebrate Valentine’s Day and what it means to them. Make sure you sit with a hot blueberry muffin and tea, like me! Hee Hee! Sorry, no sharing, this yummy muffin is all mine! :-)


Liberty Blake
http://libertysspells.blogspot.com/

What is your perfect Valentine's Day like?
For me the perfect Valentine's Day is walking along a deserted beach with the man I love. Laughing at life and exchanging hugs and kisses.

What is your all-time favourite romantic movie?
Bringing Up Baby is my favorite romantic movie. Nobody does romantic comedy better than Katharine Hepburn. The costumes are gorgeous and Cary Grant…(sigh)

What is your all-time favourite romance book/novel?
Friday's Child by Georgette Heyer. No matter how many times I read this book it makes me laugh and it makes me cry. The dialogue is witty. It is a madcap romance between two young people who learn what love is.

Jillian Chantal
www.jillianchantal.com

What is your perfect Valentine's Day like?
A nice fire, some Lindt chocolates, and my significant other.

What is your all-time favourite romantic movie?
Sense and Sensibility- Colonel Brandon could read me some poetry any time.

What is your all-time favourite romance book/novel?
Dr. Zhivago.

Denise Moncrief
www.denisemoncrief.blogspot.com

What is your perfect Valentine's Day like?
If my husband surprised me with an overnight stay at a bed and breakfast, my day would be practically perfect. Sleep late, a dozen yellow roses (I know, but yellow roses are special to me), and of course, Godiva chocolates. I won't sleep late; it's a workday. He'll get me the roses and the chocolates, because he always does, but he'll never think of the bed and breakfast. It's not a surprise if I have to tell him, right? Oh no, he was looking over my shoulder when I wrote this.

What is your all-time favourite romantic movie?
Ooh, that's a tough one. I can't choose just one. When Harry Met Sally or How To Lose a Guy in Ten Days. I can think of at least five more go-to movies when I need a romance fix.

What is your all-time favourite romance book/novel?
This is tough choice, too. Gone With the Wind and Rebecca are my classic choices. Something contemporary? I really loved The Other Eden by Sarah Bryant.

Jennifer Daiker

http://jennifer-daiker.blogspot.com/

What is your perfect Valentine's Day like?
Avoiding restaurants. I love a heart shaped pizza, a mini bottle of champagne, and my hubby.

What is your all-time favourite romantic movie?
I adore romantic comedies though they are forever changing. For the moment: The Proposal (though Crazy, Stupid, Love is a close second). What can I say, I have a thing for Ryan's (don't tell my husband *wink*.

What is your all-time favourite romance book?
It Had to Be You by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. She's a genius and I've yet to dislike anything she's written.

Maggie Devine


What is your perfect Valentine's Day like?
My perfect Valentine’s Day would be a dozen red roses, a heart shaped box of chocolates (I know, cheesy but it's Valentine’s!!) and a romantic dinner...sigh...and if he gift wrapped a 16 hand Friesian horse, I would marry him that day!!

What is your all-time favourite romantic movie?
Above all else it is Pride & Prejudice. First the BBC version with Colin Firth followed by the more recent one with Kiera Knightly

What is your all-time favourite romance book?
"The Promise" by Danielle Steele - I read it cover to cover one night at the cottage. My mum found me on the sofa in the morning still reading - I couldn't put it down! She was horrified.

Ceri Hebert
www.cerihebert.com

What is your perfect Valentine's Day like?
Sleep in. Spend the day outdoors, either by a lake or the ocean followed by dinner at our favorite little Italian restaurant. A movie then home to a quiet kid-free house for a little us time.

What is your all-time favourite romantic movie?
Three way tie between PS I Love You, Phantom of the Opera (Gerard Butler is fantastic in both) and the Keira Knightly version of Pride and Prejudice. 

What is your all-time favourite romance book?
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Darlene Henderson
www.dandwh.wordpress.com

What is your perfect Valentine's Day like?
Any day is Valentine's day when I'm in love and I get chocolate.

What is your all-time favourite romantic movie?
The Lakehouse. I can't watch it over and over again because I sob.

What is your all-time favourite romance book?
Favorite romantic book Gone With the Wind. I have loved Rhett Butler since I was ten years old.

W. Lynn Chantale

What is your perfect Valentine's Day like? 
My perfect Valentine’s Day is spending time with my wonderful husband. This year we’re going on a mystery/dinner train, but that’s a tame date compared to what we’ve done in the past.

What is your all-time favourite romantic movie?
My favorite romantic movie is An American President. I just love how Andrew Shepard (Kirk Douglas) fumbles his way through a romance with lobbyist Sydney Ellen Wade (Annette Benning) while trying to remain president.

What is your all-time favourite romance book?
This may surprise you, but I don’t have one.


Shannon O’Brien
http://shannonobrienauthor.wordpress.com/

What is your perfect Valentine's Day like?
Husband cooking me dinner, kids being good and leaving me alone, and a loooong soak in the tub with a glass of wine and a book. But if Edward Cullen showed up, I'd expect a steamy night at the Four Seasons. Just sayin'.

What is your all-time favourite romantic movie?
Toss up between Hope Floats and The Notebook

What is your all-time favourite romance book?
Rosemary Rogers, Sweet Savage Love (stole it from my mom's bookcase when I was 15). Ginny and Steve *sigh*.

Liv Rancourt
http://liv-rancourt.blogspot.com/

What is your perfect Valentine's Day like?
It would somehow involve The Inn at Langley, on Whidbey Island in Washington State. I accidently stayed there one night last summer - that's what God made American Express for, after all - and it was so incredibly luxurious and relaxing that I can't wait to go back. I can imagine sitting out on our lanai, wrapped up because of the February cold, sipping wine and watching the waves, with the fireplace burning and the stereo playing. The restaurant has the best food on the planet. Yep, sign me up for that one.

What is your all-time favourite romantic movie?
I'm a loser. I'd rather read the book. How 'bout the scene at the end of the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie when Will & Elisabeth finally kiss?

What is your all-time favourite romance book?
The Iron Duke by Meljean Brook. Steampunk and romance and yum! It was my favorite book of 2011, and I've re-read it at least three times. I have it on my Kindle, and I also have a paper version so I can lend it out. Anyone want to borrow it?

Clara Waibel
www.pomadness.blogspot.com

What is your perfect Valentine's Day like?
Just me and him, blankets, some hot chocolate and a movie on the TV. Oh, and snow outside.

What is your all-time favourite romantic movie?
Come on people, 'PS: I Love You'. 

What is your all-time favourite romance book?
'The Time Traveller's Wife', which turned out to be an ok movie.

Thanks to all these authors for sharing their Valentine's Day ideas with me. I loved knowing about you all, such varied and interesting answers! I would especially like to thank the publishers at “Still Moments Publishing” for arranging this exclusive group chat with so many lovely authors for this special post. 

Want to read sweet romantic books? 

Then, click here to win some amazing books as part of "Valentine Special Giveaways" going on “The Review Girl”.

Valentine's Day Special Book Review & Giveaway: Valentine Delights "Be Mine"

Book: Valentine Delights "Be Mine" (Short Story Collection) 

Genre: Chick Lit, Romance 

Authors: Liberty Blake, Jillian Chantal, Jennifer Daiker 

Cover Critique:

The cover is breathtaking with its deep red silk wrap and red rose, makes for a perfect Valentine’s Day gift! So tempting and beautiful packaging. I love it!

Book Blurb:

First Story: “The Coroner’s Heart” by Jillian Chantal
Making a Valentine’s Day candy heart from Jell-o is easy for this coroner, performing an autopsy on a real heart is even easier, but what happens when her own heart is at risk?

Second Story: “Latte Love” by Jennifer Daiker
When Charlie's secret admirer orders more than just a steamy latte this Valentine's Day, the secrets have never been sweeter.

Third Story: “Change Of Heart” by Liberty Blake
After the night they spent in the hot tub, Melody believed her new man wanted a relationship, but now it was Valentine's Day and not even a phone call. Did he have a change of heart?

Review:

This is my first review of a short story collection. I have read short stories in my college days but it has been a while since I picked an anthology of short stories, it seems I have been too busy reviewing one novel after another. So, when I read it in the afternoon along with my tea and snacks, it turned out to be the ideal accompaniment!

It was a perfect change of pace from the usual long sittings to finish up 400 pages of a novel, especially when I did not have much time to invest in a full-length book but still wanted to relax myself with a cosy reading. These light-hearted and sweet short-length stories turned out to be just what the doctor ordered.

Let’s start with the first story. “The Coronary Heart” begins right in the middle of the things - as the characters are introduced and thrown in the mix of events to build up the romance for the climax. I loved how the writer sets the pace of the story, with the urgency essential to move the story to a fast forward while pulling in the reader for a dose of romance.

The increasing sexual tension between Elspeth and Adam set against the backdrop of a murder investigation is powerful and engrossing. The witty retorts, biting sarcasm and flirtatious charm of Adam are simply irresistible. He is definitely the most memorable character (hero) who is not portrayed as a hunk of beef but with an attractive personality that every woman vies for.

This is, without doubt, my favourite story among the other stories in the book. It is not all sugary sweet but has a tangy flavour which I devoured! It is commendable how the writer packs such a gripping tale in so less words. A must-read for lovers! Since there are three different stories in this book, I will mark them individually. “The Coronary Heart” gets 10/10 from me.

Moving on to the second story in the book: “Latte Love” is full of sweetness and warmth with a little bit of suspense. I enjoyed the close friendship between Charlie (the heroine) and Zoe (her female room-mate), which made me feel it was more of a chick-lit than a passionate tale of romance. Usual girly fun and typical chick-lit plot!

The story is written from first person perspective which I felt limited the reader’s view, maybe because I wanted to know more about the mystery guy, Michael. It is my personal view but I think the story might have been more appealing if the reader would have been able to get into the head of Michael or the writer would have given him more space with a bit more romantic dialogue and scenes between Michael and Charlie.

It was an okay read, quite predictable. Had it been a stand-alone chick-lit novel (it had all the elements to turn into one!), I would have given it 9/10. But since I was expecting strong love connection as the outcome of a romance tale, with less girlish talk, I will rate it 8/10.

“Change of Heart”, third story in this special collection for Valentine’s Day, was full of fiery passion and sizzling romance between Mike and Melody. In spite of “hot and spicy” love scenes (which came as quite a surprise to me!), the story flowed nicely reeling in all the emotion required to make it a convincing tale. It was sensual yet unique in terms of plot and I thoroughly enjoyed the supporting cast, which did not distract from the actual story but lead it towards the meeting between the hero and heroine.

My most memorable scene would be, when Melody decides to give a free box of chocolates along with the dozen roses to an old man who wishes to give “sixty long-stem roses” to his wife, Rose. So adorable! There is another brilliantly written scene between Melody and her ex, when she hits him in the groin as he tries to molest her. I liked the fact that in spite of having difficult scenes that needed to be written with a lot of care and precision (so they don’t get repulsive yet remain believable), the writer managed to pull them off successfully. I would rate this story as 9/10.

My final verdict: This collection is full of different flavours from sweet and bubbly to juicy and spicy tales, oozing with love and warmth. A tasty treat for Valentines! Not to be missed! Pick this book to read with your partner for a romantic evening together.

“I would like to thank Still Moments Publishing house for sending me a free copy of this book, for the purpose of reviewing it on my blog. You can buy this book directly from their website, by clicking here.”

Valentine’s Day Special Giveaway!!!

International

Open till 4^th March, 2012

Prize:

“Valentine Delights Anthologies Bundle”: includes TWO E-books:

Valentine Delights: Be Mine

 Valentine Delights: Kiss Me

Both these anthologies will be given to ONE very lucky winner!

See this tempting trailer to get a glimpse of these anthologies:

Want to win these delicious reads???

Then, just write a genuine comment about my review of "Valentines Delights: Be Mine", to enter this giveaway. Please leave your e-mail address along with the comment, so I can contact you if you win!

That’s it! You do not need to be a follower to participate, but if you follow and share this giveaway, it will be highly appreciated.

Good Luck Everyone! :)

NOTE:

One entry per person. Only genuine comments will be published and counted for the entry. The winner will be chosen through Random.org and notified through e-mail by “The Review Girl”. It is the responsibility of the publishers to send the books to the winner.

I would like to thank the publishers, “Still Moments Publishing” for giving two books to one lucky winner for this wonderful giveaway!

Coming Soon:

Exclusive Group Chat with the Authors of these Anthologies

Valentine's Day Special Author Interview & Giveaway with Juliette Sobanet

Wishing my lovely readers a very "Happy Valentine's Day" with this delicious box of chocolates! 

Join me in this fun post on Valentine's day filled with loads of chocolates and romance ideas to brighten your day! 

If you day-dream about falling in love in the most romantic city of the world, Paris and dig funny, romantic chick-lit, then Juliette Sobanet is one author you must check out! With her latest release, “Kissed in Paris”, she is all pumped up to celebrate Valentine’s day with my readers on “The Review Girl” by giving away free copies of her book (check out special giveaway at the end of this post!). 


Not just this, we are chatting about her perfect Valentine’s day, favourite romance reads, movies and much more! She is sweet, she is hilarious and she loves chocolates! Drooling already? *wink*

RG: Welcome to my blog, Juliette! I will start with a straight-forward question. Why chick-lit?
I love reading and writing chick-lit because it’s a great way to escape at the end of a long, busy day. There’s nothing better than pouring a glass of wine, curling up on the couch, and being swept into a funny, romantic story that makes me forget about my troubles.

RG: Is chick-lit “fun and romance” or about “chicks” who are “beauty with brains”? How do you think it is different from regular women’s fiction?
I think a strong chick-lit novel can encompass all of the above. Well-written chick-lit stories are fun and romantic with engaging heroines who may seem to have it all, but who clearly need to work through their issues over the course of the book. Chick-lit is lighter than regular women’s fiction, and this light-hearted, humorous nature should only enhance the quality of the book. Don’t we all need a good laugh every now and then?

RG: I could not agree more! I am a big sucker for chick-lit that provides a right blend of romance and comedy. In the majority of chick-lit, the character of hero is limited or sometimes half-sketched, do you think it affects the overall depth of story or it’s no biggie?
Since chick-lit novels focus primarily on the woman’s journey, it is understandable that in some stories, the hero may not be as well developed as the heroine. But I do feel it’s important to develop the hero’s character as much as possible because there needs to be something beyond his good looks to make the reader fall in love with him.

RG: I agree. In spite of female being the main protagonist, to carry the story forward, all the secondary characters including the hero, have to play their part, otherwise it does get dreary and the reader may not feel “connected” to the story. As a reader/reviewer I find such stories, one-dimensional. Moving on, tell us about your books. Can you give us a sneak peak into your latest book? 

In my debut novel, Sleeping with Paris, we follow a sassy, young French teacher on her wild romp through the City of Love where she is determined not to fall in love. But with a slew of Parisian men at her doorstep, including a mysterious new neighbour who feeds her chocolate in bed, it seems as though Paris has other plans. As a Valentine’s Day treat, this novel is FREE on Amazon for today!

My second novel, Kissed in Paris, was released this week, just in time for Valentine’s Day! It’s a romantic, action-packed story about a straight-laced event planner who takes a last minute business trip to Paris only days before her wedding and gets duped by a French con-man in the process. Her only hope at clearing her name from a looming police investigation and making it to her wedding in time lies in the hands of a rugged, undercover agent who has a few secrets of his own.

RG: If you could be one character from your books, who would you choose to be and why?
Tough choice, but ultimately I would choose Charlotte from "Sleeping with Paris" because her main love interest, Luc, feeds her chocolate in bed. What woman could turn that down?

RG: Chocolates are good enough to make any woman weak at the knees! *wink* So, where do you get ideas for your stories and characters?

I spent a year and a half studying in France, so many of my ideas originated from my experiences abroad. Also, my girlfriends serve as a never-ending source of inspiration on dating topics, relationships, and love.

RG: Do you have any upcoming books/projects? Will it be chick lit or some other genre?

I am currently wrapping up the edits on my third novel, “Dancing with Paris”. It's “Midnight in Paris” meets “Moulin Rouge” with a bit of mystery and a lot of romance. While it will still appeal to fans of the chick-lit genre, the murder mystery aspect of the story may reel in a whole new type of reader.

RG: Sounds intriguing! List 3 suggestions/writing tips for those who want to venture into writing fiction.

1. Learn your craft. Write, re-write, and edit until you’ve written the absolute best book you could write. Then . . .

2. Submit to contests for feedback and ask other writers to critique your work. Then...you guessed it, keep on editing and re-writing! Don’t get discouraged—this process is supposed to take a long time.

3. Never give up! Have faith that you’ve stumbled upon this writing path for a reason, and your stories will find a home one day. And once they do, all of the hours you’ve spent writing and re-writing will be totally worth it.

RG: Valentine’s Day is being celebrated the whole month of February on my blog and I am asking every special guest who appears on my blog, about their perfect valentines. So, let’s talk about your idea of romance. What is your perfect Valentine's Day like?

Going out to a romantic dinner with my husband, then eating loads of delicious chocolate together. (Oh, and if he wanted to take me to Paris for a Valentine’s Day surprise, that would be nice too:)

RG: That is one heck of a perfect Valentine’s! I am jealous! *laughs* Okay, it leads me to my next question, What is your all-time favourite romantic movie?
The Notebook. I love that movie so much. And I know he’s going to kill me for saying this, but my husband loves it too.

RG: What is your all-time favourite romance book/novel?
Not sure if this is allowed, but since I’m so engrossed in the love story I’m creating in my third book, "Dancing with Paris", I have to go with this one. It’s a love that must survive incredible obstacles—time travel and murder to name a few. I can’t tell you how it ends though . . . you’ll just have to read it when it comes out!

RG: It does count when the story is so tempting! What is your all-time favourite romantic place? (I am guessing favourite romantic place would be Paris, but still curious to know from you.)
Paris is definitely high on the list, but ultimately I have to go with Annecy. It’s a fairy-tale town located in the French Alps, and with winding cobblestone streets and a sparkly blue lake surrounded by gorgeous snow-capped mountains, it’s simply breathtaking. I can’t wait to take my husband there one day. Maybe for Valentine’s Day next year?

RG: Complete these sentences:

· Romance is...the passion of life. Without it, what are we doing here?

· Life is...a wild ride. Hang on and eats loads of chocolate along the way.

· Chick lit is...fabulous, sexy, and fun. Mix with chocolate and wine and you’ve got a perfect night ahead of you!

RG: Oh my! You are making me crave chocolate right now! How about we share a lindt (your favorite chocolate!) Yummy! *laughs* Is there any such thing as "food-gasm"? *wink*

RG: Thanks so much for such a lovely conversation, full of laughs and yummy chocolates! Great to have you on my blog for Valentine's Day. Wish you all the best for your books.

About the Author:

Juliette Sobanet is a graduate of Georgetown University and New York University in France, and she has lived and studied in both Paris and Lyon. She is currently a French professor in the Washington, DC area where she lives with her husband and their two massive cats. When she's not writing, she's eating chocolate, practicing yoga, or scheming on when she can travel back to France.

Author’s website: Chocolate for Writers – http://www.juliettesobanet.com/

Visit her website, stalk her on Twitter or “like” her page on Facebook!


Purchase links for her books:

Amazon link for “Sleeping with Paris”: http://www.amazon.com/Sleeping-with-Paris-ebook/dp/B005TNM736/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpi_1

Amazon link for “Kissed in Paris”: http://www.amazon.com/Kissed-in-Paris-ebook/dp/B0075MR85G/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1328745414&sr=1-2

Valentine’s Day Special Giveaway!!!

International!

Prize: Kissed in Paris (E-book)

To: Three (3) lucky winners

Open till 26^th February, 2012

To Enter,

CLICK HERE!!!

Good Luck Everyone! J

NOTE: 

The results will be drawn through Random.org. 

The winner will be notified through e-mail by “The Review Girl”. 

Thanks to my lovely friend and amazing author, Juliette Sobanet, for this wonderful giveaway. 

Before signing off, I would like to thank all my followers, for their support and love, as I have reached 500 mark today. Thanks so much everyone! xxx 

To express my gratitude, I am having lots of giveaways to give you chances to win fantastic books. Happy reading everyone!

To take part in other Valentine’s Day Special Giveaways on my blog, click here. 

Valentine’s Special: How to find Affordable Romantic Getaways: Guest Post by Shereen Rayle

Valentine's Day Special Post @ The Review Girl

Do you want to know the tricks and tips for a great but budget-friendly romantic holiday this Valentine's? Then, look no further. Shereen Rayle, who is not only a great travel writer but also knows how to save the big buck while not cutting down on the fun, has joined me on "The Review Girl" today telling us how and what to do, to please your Valentine even with a tight budget. Let's welcome her! 

Guest Post: 

Affordable Romantic Getaways for You and Your Valentine 

By Shereen Rayle (Travel Author)

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, many people are racking their brains for what to get for their sweetheart. You want to show them how much they mean to you, but coming right off of the Christmas holidays, money can sometimes be tight this time of year. Maybe you’ve even socked some money away, but still haven’t come up with any great ideas with what to do with it. A romantic getaway is always an appreciated gesture and enjoyable for both of you. It doesn’t have to bust your budget to be luxurious, though. With just a bit of planning, your trip can feel like a million dollars without even coming close.


Pick an affordable destination.

Winter is an excellent time to plan a trip, because it’s the off-season for most touristy spots and is a great time to snag a bargain. They’re practically giving away rooms and incentives. Some of the best locations to choose from right now are:

· Mexico, where all-inclusive resorts are really trying to lure vacationers to idyllic spots like Punta Cana, Cabo and similar beachfront locations.

· The Caribbean has more all-inclusives fighting for your dollar by dropping rates and adding big bonuses, like room upgrades, kids stay, play and eat free and resort credits. There are also huge cruise deals for the Caribbean right now. Sail from under $200 per person! 

· South America is a non-traditional romantic getaway for those that love nature, but also the conveniences of a modern city, like Quito, Ecuador.

· Las Vegas is high on the list of budget destinations, since you can usually get a solid deal on a package or even purchase airfare and hotel separately for amazing prices. There are so many things to do in Vegas that are cheap or free, which can be paired with a candle-lit dinner and a fantastic show to cap off a fun holiday. It’s also perfect for those that can only slip away for 2-3 days.

· Europe is ideal for the romantic at heart and right now airfare and hotel rates are at some of the lowest of the whole year. If you can find a bargain, you can spend your days walking along the Seine and eating baguettes in Paris with your valentine. Choose some affordable activities – like visiting Notre Dame and Musee D’Orsay – so you can splurge on a ride to the top of the Eiffel Tower.

Walk more. 

Walking gives you a chance to spend more time with your significant other, get some fresh air and see more of the city. Tell them you want to take a stroll and hold their hand…and also save money over taxis and public transportation. 

Use daily deal sites. 

No matter where you are in the world, there is a daily deal site that services a major city near you. Groupon, Living Social and others offer 50-90% off activities, dining, tours and more things you’ll want to do, but maybe can’t find money in your budget for. Now you can! Signing up is free and easy. Choose your preferred destination and check your email each day for discounted deals.

Purchase a city pass. 

Almost every big city that attracts tourists has a pass that gets you into all their best attractions (and some fun and obscure ones) at a considerable discount. Your honey will love you even more for being budget-conscious and not having to wait in ticket lines for anything. That means more time to enjoy your destination with each other. Some even include transportation or dining. For a start, check out CityPass, SmartDestinations and VisiTicket.

Find discount codes on Broadway Box.

If you’re looking to take in any shows or tourist attractions, but maybe won’t do enough to make a city pass worth the money, check out Broadway Box and get promo codes for discount prices on everything from Blue Man Group to visiting the Statue of Liberty to staying near Disney World. Visiting Orlando, Vegas, London or New York? Broadway Box should be your first stop on the web.

With so many ways to save your dollars, you’ll be able to stretch the budget you have even further. The love of your life will surely wonder how you managed it all. Of course, then you have to figure out how to top yourself next year, but by then you’ll have had a whole year to plan.

About the Author:

Shereen Rayle is author of the blog Shereen Travels Cheap and a book of the same name. For years she has been planning her own vacations using the Internet to extend her limited budget as far as possible and shares the tips and tricks she has learned, along with useful sites and products, to help others get the most out of their travel dollars. And to further inspire budget travelers everywhere, she finds terrific travel bargains and posts them each day on her Facebook page.

RECAP:

Valentine's Special Movie Reviews: 

Review Girl's Top 5 Favorite Romantic Movies of All-time

Valentine's Special Author Interview & Giveaway

 with Lynda Renham

Valentine's Special Author Interview & Giveaway 

with Sherryl Woods

Valentine’s Special Movie Reviews: Review Girl’s Top 5 Favorite Romantic Movies of All-time!

Valentine's Day Special Post @ The Review Girl

There were so many movies in my list of favorites that it was hard to decide which one should I leave and which should I pick and on which position. After some hard decisions, I chose these five movies, based on their romance quotient, and the ability to keep me glued to the seat providing me thorough entertainment. I have seen these movies hundreds of times as they leave me feeling energized and high-spirited. So, here are my top 5 picks!

Dirty Dancing (1987)

I am an 80’s child and this iconic movie gripped my senses since I saw it the first time, more importantly that was my first lesson in adult relationships empowered by lust and love.  Such a nostalgic feeling attached to it!
The role of Jeniffer Grey (Baby) as a freshman who learns to do some “dirty boogie” with a handsome much-older guy, is utterly addictive and holds limitless charm. Though stereotypical, this movie possesses this cult status for making dirty boogie a winner at every dance party! Who can forget the evergreen song, "Time of my life"?

This movie gets its classic appeal due to the sensual dance moves which became the signature style of 80’s. The female audience could not resist the hunk Patrick Swayze (well, that includes me too!). It just serves all the romance and passion to get a stamp for being a “guilty pleasure”. For all these reasons and for churning out the best soundtracks ever, this movie sits on No.1 position in my all-time favourite collection of movies, a must-watch on Valentine’s Day!

An Officer and A Gentleman (1982)

Unlike Patrick’s role of a sensitive dude in “Dirty Dancing”, this film showcases a hero who is tough and a little cold around the heart (well, not exactly stone-hearted!). Our dashing hero Richard Gere (Zack Mayo), falls in love with a spunky and seductive girl but finds himself torn between his duties as a cadet and a lover. He finally learns to come out of his shell and becomes an absolute “gentleman” as well as an excellent cadet. If you are a die-hard Richard Gere fan (like I am!), this movie should sit on your shelf forever, for this reason alone.

Besides delicious Richard, the concept of army life so well-portrayed, with the tussle between professional and love life, is a treat to watch. The acting by all the cast is brilliant and I just never get tired of seeing it again and again. It has got so many memorable scenes but the best is when Richard picks the girl in his arms, it is just so irresistibly sweet and sexy at the same time.  The sexual scenes are choreographed artistically and do not gross me out.

For me, this movie rates high because of its compelling and involving tale, delicately handled by the director, complemented beautifully by superb performances from its actors. Gaining No.2 spot on my list, this classic film is a must-watch for romantics who like to see some authentic action and adventure too.

When Harry met Sally (1989)

This movie presents the ultimate dilemma, can men and women be just “good friends”? What starts as a platonic relationship between friends of opposite genders, does it “always” lead to “more”? Why I love this movie? Because when I watched it the first time, I was facing this problem too (I guess, we all do, at some point in our life!). Well, this is not the only reason I selected this film as No.3 for my Top 5 chart. I love the way the story unfolds, in bits and pieces and the natural flow of dialogues. I love the girl-next-door charm and spontaneous acting of Meg Ryan. Just can’t stop laughing on that scene when she executes “fake orgasm” sitting in a restaurant. Hilarious!

Billy Crystal’s acting as Harry is flawless! I love how average looking, just another guy on the block, the hero is. Something that I can relate to! I love the igniting chemistry between the hero and heroine, it does not start with animal sex but has something more deep and meaningful to it! This lends the movie its authenticity, its originality and makes it stand-out among other romantic movies of that time. Watch this movie, if you love someone whole-heartedly with all his/her flaws and annoying habits!

Jerry Maguire (1996)

One of the best roles played by Tom Cruise (Oh! His infectious smile!), this movie shows how Jerry, a successful agent has a major falling down. In that time of struggle, there is no one with him, except his secret admirer, Dorothy (played by Renee Zellweger). Why don’t we get to see such original and real characters in movies, anymore? The strength of this movie lies in ordinary people placed in ordinary situations and making the best out of the worst.

This movie made me laugh out loud when there were scenes between Cuba (arrogant football player) and Tom (as an agent trying to make him see his potential). Though the movie focuses mainly on Jerry’s career, it does not ignore the feelings of a woman who is longing for a partner that could love her unconditionally and pamper her. I think besides Tom, Renee shines in her role delivering outstanding performance. I cried like a baby when Tom and Renee meet at the end. Simply adorable! Here is my most loved scene from the movie, makes me cry every time!

Oh! And how can I forget the cute bond of father and son between Renee’s little son and Tom. Just watch this movie if you have missed it somehow! It rates high on cuteness quotient and is filled with memorable scenes. You won’t regret it!

P.S. I Love You (2007)

This movie made me believe in the eternal nature of “true love”. It made me see how “death” is not the end of everything, it could lead to a new beginning too. A young widow receives surprise letters from her dead husband telling her to move on with her life without him. With a strong plot, this movie utilizes its actors’ potential to the fullest and tests them. Surprisingly, Hilary Swank as Holly (widower) does not overplays or underplays the role, just the perfect amount of grace and sadness, occasional smile here and there. I did not notice Gerard Butler before this movie (now I do! A yummy feast for the eyes!). He definitely makes an effort to keep up with the mature acting of Hilary and does not disappoint.

Among contemporary romantic films, this movie remains my favourite and deserves to be on the No.5 position, because of its fresh approach to the subject of undying love. Caution: get ready for a lot of tears!
But for now, enjoy this ultimate sweet love song from the movie!

So, these are my all-time favorite romantic movies. I see them every Valentine’s Day with my hubby. Well, it may sound crazy but it has developed into a kind of ritual to watch these one by one (romantic movies marathon!) curled up in sofa with a bag of tissues handy. Do tell me are any of these movies, your favorites too? What are you watching this Valentine’s Day?

Valentine’s Special: Author Interview & Giveaway With Lynda Renham

As you all know by now, I am celebrating Valentine's Day with special posts and giveaways, all over the month of Feb, so here I am today with yet another exclusive interview. 


Meet Lynda Renham, who has a knack for writing novels injected with a punch of humour and sweet romance. Are not her books the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day? I think so! :-) With an amazing success of “Wedding Cake to Turin”, she is now back with her latest novel, “Croissants and Jam”. Mouth-watering and delicious…right? Want to know more about her books, then read on! 

At the end of the post, along with the Valentine's special giveaway for my readers, there is a little surprise for you too, my friend, Lynda! Hope you like it! :) Okay, let's move on to the interview now! :)


RG: Why did you think of becoming a writer?

LR: I’ve always enjoyed writing. My mother was fond of telling everyone that I wrote a good composition. I always was a good liar. I spent most of my teenage years living in my own little world.

RG: You write books which can be classified as “romantic comedies”. Why did you choose to write in this genre?

LR: It was a great way of expressing my quirky humour. I have a tendency to laugh at everything. I also think laughter is a great healer and a wonderful way to banish the blues. I love reading comedy also. It is a genre that gives me pleasure both reading and writing it.

RG: What books have you published so far and what are they about?
LR: Here is a little about my books:

‘Wedding Cake to Turin’

When Charlotte is sent by her boss to deliver a wedding cake to Turin little does she know what she will be letting herself in for. Torn between feelings for her boyfriend and a new man that she meets at the airport, she embarks on a journey of hilarious situations, finding herself mixing with the rich and famous and the Italian Mafia. Charlotte has to decide just how much she is prepared to do for love but does the man she love truly love her? Charley's journey to find love is both hilarious and touching. 

‘Diary of Rector Byrnes’

The Spencer's are an affluent family. Robert is a successful solicitor with his own London practice. Gina leads a life of luxurious contentment until a tragedy strikes on their son's birthday, resulting in their move to the English country village of Millbridge. When the Spencer's arrive at Millbridge, Virginia meets Rector Byrnes, beginning an emotionally charged and passionate relationship. Jonathan Byrnes is in a vulnerable position struggling with his wife's inner demons, and his own loss of faith, and with no one to confide. Virginia is consumed with hatred towards God and a disgust of life but they find comfort in each other's weakness with dramatic consequences. 

‘Croissants and Jam’

Annabel Lewis (Bels) has two days to get to her wedding in Rome but her journey is beset with one disaster after another as fate takes its turn. Will the stranger she meets on the way get her to her wedding on time or will he change her life forever? Come with Bels on her humorous romantic journey to see if she marries Mr Right or if destiny takes her in different direction.

RG: If you could be one character from your books, who would you choose to be and why?
LR: I would choose to be Bels, from the novel ‘Croissants and Jam’ because Christian sounds dead gorgeous and a lot of fun and I love Italy.

RG: Where do you get ideas for your stories and characters?
LR: Life. I watch, listen and then exaggerate :-)

RG: List 5 suggestions/writing tips for those who want to venture into writing fiction.
LR: 1) Write what you know about

2) Be ruthless with your editing.

3) Always be aware of what your reader wants

4) Never even think of giving up

5) Enjoy the experience of writing

RG: Do you think that book blogs play a vital role in getting the books across to readers?
LR: Absolutely. They are invaluable and I owe a lot to many book blogs. I publicly thank you.

RG: Printed books vs. E-books. What’s your take on this?
LR: There is always room for progress and E books are the future. I love my kindle. I also love the feel of a book. I think it is great that we have both.

RG: How much time did it take for you to complete one book?
LR: With editing, about a year.

RG: What was your routine for writing?
LR: I worked part time until recently, so I would get home from work, prepare some dinner and then dive into my summer house. A lovely cosy room in the summer and there I try to write a thousand words a day. Although in the summer I am easily swayed from the word processor by the lovely birds that come into the garden.

RG: How do you balance your family life and your writing commitments?
LR: My husband is my best critic and my biggest support. It never feels like balancing but more like team work. I guess that the art of balancing is sharing.

RG: Are you inspired by any particular author? Who is your favourite author?
LG: I have many. I love Louise Bagshaw and Ronni Cooper. I am also a big fan of Iris Murdoch and she is my inspiration.

RG: Among other author’s books, any character which you could relate to and you will always remember? What was the character about and how could you relate to it?
LR: I will always remember the character Elizabeth Quigley from Helen Van Slykes novel ‘The Heart Listens’ That book affected me deeply. The character Elizabeth was so human and infallible that you could not help relating to her.

RG: I believe that there are only two categories of books: good books and bad books. In your opinion, what are the qualities of a “good book”?
LR: A book that keeps you up at night.

Now, time for some fun questions:


RG: Share with us your favourite childhood memory.
LR: Ooh, that has to be when ‘Harold Hare’ magazine published my letter about my pet rabbit. I was thrilled.

RG: Tell us about the craziest thing you ever did in your life.
LR: Climb into the passenger seat of my husband’s microlight. He was not my husband then and I very much wanted to impress him. I was terrified the whole flight but never told him. I later came to love it, of course.

RG: How do you relax when you have free time?
LR: Watch a movie without doubt.

RG: Complete these sentences:
· Love is...eating a salad when you really want chips because you don’t want to get fat for the one you love.

· Life is... In my case, a series of calamities.

· Writing is...Fun, fun fun.

RG: Thank you, Lynda for a lovely chat. It was a great pleasure having you on my blog just in time for Valentine's Day. Wish you all the best for your books and of course, since it is your birthday, here is something special for you to enjoy!:)

About the Author:

At the present time Lynda is an associate editor and contributor for ‘The Scavenger Online Magazine’ where she is known for her strong political features on the Middle East. The Scavenger has a readership of 20,000. Lynda also has a following on Facebook and maintains a humorous blog. Lynda contributes to other blogs and has written articles for Woman’s Own and other magazines. In addition, Lynda has taken part in BBC radio discussions on infertility and involuntary childlessness, having found herself unable to have children in her first marriage. Lynda is the founder of the ‘Childless Support’ group.

About her Books:

‘Wedding Cake to Turin’ is a romantic comedy which was published as a paperback and on Kindle. The novel was launched in January 2011 under the name of Lynda Renham and held the number one bestseller spot for all paid Kindle books for several weeks. The novel has stayed in the top ten paid kindle humour bestsellers for over six months with readers eager for Lynda’s next offering. Following the success of Wedding Cake to Turin Lynda has written Croissants and Jam, a second romantic comedy. As Lynda has a wicked sense of humour and is a prolific writer we can expect many more to follow! Meanwhile Lynda eats tangerines at an alarming rate while craving chocolate.

Stalk her on Facebook, Twitter and website, by following the links given below:

www.renham.co.uk

http://www.facebook.com/events/218296888246766/

http://www.facebook.com/lynda.cook

https://twitter.com/#!/LyndarenhamCook


To buy her books on Amazon, click here.

To buy her latest book, Croissants and Jam, click here.

Valentine’s Day Special Giveaway!!! 

2 (Two) Paperback Copies of “Croissants and Jam” 

Open to US/Canada/UK/ Europe 

Open till 19th Feb, 2012 

To enter this giveaway, 

CLICK HERE!!!

Good Luck everyone!!!

NOTE: 

The results will be drawn through Random.org. The winner will be notified through e-mail by “The Review Girl”. Thanks to Lynda Renham and her publisher for organizing this wonderful giveaway. It is the responsibility of the publisher to send the book to the two (2) lucky winners.

To take part in other Valentine's Special Giveaway on my blog, click here.

Valentine’s Special: Author Interview & Giveaway With Sherryl Woods

Valentine's Day Special Post @The Review Girl

“Love is in the air” with Valentine’s Day approaching, so I thought why not talk to Sherryl Woods, who writes lovely “contemporary romance” series. She is here to talk about her latest release, The Summer Garden. It is the final installment in the “Chesapeake Shores” series. I am pleased to announce that I also have a wonderful giveaway of this book. So keep reading till the end of this post to enter for your chance to win 1 (one) paperback copy of this book. Okay, so let’s hear it from her: 

1. Describe your book in five words or less.

Satisfying finale for the O'Briens!

2. How did the title for your book come about?
Several pivotal scenes in the book take place in Nell's beautiful garden. For me, “The Summer Garden” evoked that setting.

3. What was the inspiration behind your book?

Luke, the last of the O'Brien grandchildren, needed his own story. I wanted to explore what it would be like to be the youngest in a family of over-achievers and, of course, all readers of the series knew he couldn't possibly end up with the manipulative Kristen Lewis. In Moira, I hope I found the perfect challenging soulmate for him.

4. At what age did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I'm still trying to figure out if that's what I want to be. I certainly didn't have an inkling it was a possibility until I was into my 30s!

5. Who are some of your favorite authors?

I love lots of the writers who write books similar to mine -- family and community oriented stories with a distinct voice and some humor. Among my favorites are Jan Karon, Carla Neggers, Robyn Carr, Debbie Macomber, Susan Wiggs, JoAnn Ross. I also love a number of mystery series, including those by Sue Grafton, Earlene Fowler, Earl Emerson, and most recently Louise Penny.

6. What are some of your favorite books?


I suppose on my all-time favorite list I'd put Little Women and the Little House on the Prairie series, which take me back to the days when my Mom read to me. Recently I was blown away by “The Help” and sobbed my way through the closing pages of a wonderful upcoming book by Emilie Richards called “One Mountain Away”.

7. What advice do you have for people who want to get into the writing business?


Put your butt in a chair and write! Then be prepared to re-write. Listen with an open mind to criticism. And find one professional -- agent, editor or a fellow writer -- whose advice you trust implicitly. For me that's been my agent, Denise Marcil, with whom I've worked almost my entire career.

8. What is your favorite scene in the book and why do you love it?


Without going into details that could spoil it, I'd have to say the final scene. For me it was the perfect finale -- lots of emotion, a few chuckles, maybe even a tear or two!

9. Did you model any of your characters after anyone in particular?


Not that I'll ever admit to!

10. How do you keep your characters fresh after so many books?

Whenever I'm creating characters for a new book or series, I approach them as I would a person I've just met, slowly peeling back layers and getting to know them. The world is filled with fascinating people and, as I'm constantly reminded, each one has a unique background or perspective.

11. What are you currently reading?


Louise Penny's latest, A Trick of the Light. I just finished Lover's Leap by Emily March.

12. If you weren't a writer, what would you be doing?


Retired!! I've already had three other careers -- journalist and critic, hospital program administrator, and bookstore owner. I'm not sure I have a new challenge left in me.

13. What is the hardest part of writing for you? What's the easiest?


Actually writing the story is the easiest. I love sitting down every day and getting caught up with my characters and the world they live in. The hardest is dealing with all of the many other aspects of publishing, all of which are incredibly important to the process of getting books into the store and sold.

14. If your book were turned into a movie, which actors/actresses would you like to play the main characters?

That's a really difficult question for me. I just want to meet Kevin Costner, but I'm not sure there's a role for him in this story!

15. Can you tell us three things about yourself that you can't find on the Internet?


Isn't everything somewhere on the Internet these days? If it's not, it's probably something I don't want revealed.

16. What do you love to do when you're not writing?


My favorite things are reading, which there's never enough time to do, gardening, which also involves the dreaded weeding, and going to the movies. I also enjoy the hard-fought Scrabble games I play with friends on various vacations. Sadly, though, I'm an easy mark. I always lose.

17. Is it difficult to write about another country, such as Moira's homeland, Ireland?


I doubt I would ever write about a foreign country if I hadn't been there. A recent trip to Ireland, though all too brief, gave me just enough of a feel for Dublin, at least, to feel totally comfortable writing about it.

18. You often write series/trilogies. Do you prefer that to stand-alone titles?


I absolutely love getting to create a world for a series or a trilogy and having the chance to go back and be with those characters over time. Once I've established that world and the people in it, the writing flows so much more quickly. That said, there are some stories that lend themselves to a stand-alone -- Flamingo Diner, Seaview Inn, Mending Fences to name a few. These all had serious topics that I felt worked most effectively in the stand-alone format.

19. Who is your favorite character from the Chesapeake Shores series?

I'd have to say Nell in many ways is my favorite. She's so strong and wise and non-judgmental. I've been fortunate to have some very wise older women in my life just like her.

20. The women characters you create are usually strong, independent-minded women. Are they based on anyone in particular?

Not on any one person, though I think my mom was definitely the role model for my own independent and strong-willed -- okay, stubborn -- personality, though many say I picked up a double dose of the stubborn gene from my dad. My aunt and my mom's friend -- all shared similar traits and were role models for me, as well, and perhaps for my characters.

21. Is there anything specific you would like to say to readers while we have you here today?

I absolutely love hearing from you, especially via my Facebook fan page. You can find link to that from my website -- www.sherrylwoods.com. You can also email me directly from the website.

22. What do you have coming up in the future?


I'm so excited about the return of the Sweet Magnolias this summer. Not only will there be three new books -- Midnight Promises (July), Catching Fireflies (August) and Where Azaleas Bloom (September) -- but there will be a Sweet Magnolias cookbook in September as well. It was written with a real southern chef, Teddi Wohlford, whose recipes have my mouth watering just thinking about them. If you love to cook and have been dying to try some of the delicious dishes mentioned throughout the series, this is your chance! Mark your calendars.

About the Author:

Sherryl Woods is the author of more than 100 romance and mystery novels, who grew up in Virginia. Over the years she had lived in Ohio and Florida, as well as California. Currently she divides her time between Key Biscayne, Florida and Colonial Beach, Virginia, the small, river-front town where she spent her childhood summers. A graduate of Ohio State University School of Journalism, Sherryl spent more than ten years as a journalist, most of them as a television critic for newspapers in Ohio and Florida.

Her first book, Restoring Love, was published in 1982 by Dell Candlelight Ecstasy under the pseudonym of Suzanne Sherrill. In addition to her more than 75 romances for Silhouette Desire and Special Edition, she has written thirteen mysteries — nine in the Amanda Roberts series and four in the Molly DeWitt series.

To know more about her writing, visit her website: http://www.sherrylwoods.com/index.html

About the book:

New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Sherryl Woods proves once more that home is always where the heart is.

Falling for “Maddening Moira” O’Malley was the unexpected highlight of Luke O’Brien’s Dublin holiday. So when she pays a surprise visit to Chesapeake Shores, Luke is thrilled...at first. A fling with this wild Irish rose is one thing, but forever? Maybe someday, but not when he’s totally focused on establishing a business that will prove his mettle to his overachieving family. Given Luke’s reaction, Moira has some soul-searching of her own to do. Scarred by her father’s abandonment, she wonders if Luke, with his playboy past, is truly the family man she longs for. Adding to her dilemma, she’s offered and amazing chance at a dream career of her own. Deep down, though, Moira knows home is the real prize, and that love can be every bit as enchanted as a summer garden. (Courtesy: http://www.sherrylwoods.com/current.html )

“The Summer Garden” (release date 31st Jan, 2012), can be purchased from these websites:
Amazon,
B&N
BooksAMillion.

Valentine's Day Special Giveaway: 

One Paperback Copy of “The Summer Garden” to the winner. 

Open to US and Canada only. 

Open till 14th Feb, 2012 

To enter the giveaway, all you have to do is be my follower on GFC and write your GFC name in the comment section below, along with your valid e-mail address (so I can contact you if you win!) Please note, if you are not a follower, your entry will NOT be counted for this giveaway. Only one entry per person. 

Good Luck everyone!!! 

NOTE:

The results will be drawn through Random.org. The winner will be notified through e-mail by “The Review Girl”. Thanks to Sherryl Woods and her publisher for organizing this giveaway. It is the responsibility of the publisher to send the book to the winner.