New Books You May Have Missed - Chick Lit edition

In 1996 when Helen Fielding released her novel Bridget Jones' Diary - no one anticipated exactly how big a literary phenomenon the book would become. Not only did that novel become a huge international bestseller, it spawned a movie, a sequel (which was also made in to a movie) and whole copycat genre.

Chick Lit - books that give a humourous glimpse into the lives and loves of young (generally single and career oriented) women have become a staple of library and book store shelves. As its popularity continues, the themes and focus of Chick Lit have broadened to include older women, married women, new mothers and more. With all these themes and variations, not to mention the sheer number of new titles being published every year, it can be hard for fans to keep up. I've been keeping an eye on new Chick Lit releases of late - here are a few that crossed over my desk in the last few weeks.

Love Struck by Chantel Simmons: from a Canadian author, the story of a young career woman named Poppy who discovers that her husband is having an affair. If you think the married element is a twist on standard chick lit fare, wait until you hear the real twist: her husband is struck by lightning and his short term memory - including his recollection of the affair - is lost. But it's what Poppy does next that will appeal to your inner Bridget Jones. The publisher says "In the vein of her popular debut novel, Stuck in Downward Dog, author Chantel Simmons brings us a funny, heartfelt story about losing the perfect life—and finding a real one."

Hope in a Jar by Beth Harbison: "Twenty years ago, Allie Denty was the pretty one and her best friend Olivia Pelham was the smart one. Throughout high school, they were inseparable...until a vicious rumor about Olivia— a rumor too close to the truth—ended their friendship. Now, on the eve of their twentieth high school reunion, Allie, a temp worker, finds herself suddenly single, a little chubby, and feeling old. Olivia, a cool and successful magazine beauty editor in New York, realizes she’s lonely, and is finally ready to face her demons. Sometimes hope lives in the future; sometimes it comes from the past; and sometimes, when every stupid thing goes wrong, it comes from a prettily packaged jar filled with scented cream and promises."--Publisher description.

How Not to Make a Wish and When Good Wishes Go Bad by Mindy Klasky: the first two books in a series that combines Chick Lit fun with a bit of mischievous magic. As if work and romance are hard enough for the young single gal, what happens when you bring a genie into the mix? Of the second title in the series Publisher's Weekly Magazine said: "Klasky continues her adorable As You Wish series with this nearly cinematic romantic comedy.... With broadly comic characters, even pacing, and a charming romance, this cozy evening's read will leave readers smiling." The third installment is due in October.

Getting Mad, Getting Even by Annie Sanders: Annie Sanders is actually Annie Ashworth and Meg Sanders, two British journalists and writers who have worked together on several fiction and nonfiction titles. In Getting Mad, Getting Even, two friends Flick and Georgie run an agency to help busy women with the tasks that can't get to - everything from walking the dog to booking their weekend plans. But their agency's mandate takes a turn for the strange and hilarious, when jilted women begin to ask them for help getting their revenge.