Weekly Short: Cupid On Deck

I really enjoy Nancy Scofano's stories. There is something comforting about her writing. You may recall I compared her novel True Love Way to comfort food mac 'n' cheese. Cupid on Deck was another fun read. And as a short story, it is perfect for a Saturday afternoon pick me up.

Louise is alone on Valentine's Day and agrees to a "blind date" of sorts. Her friends have booked a 1920s themed dinner cruise and she thinks she's there with Nate, until he shows up with a date of his own.

As a single gal myself I could just feel the despondency of Lou, but I was also a bit jealous of the party she was attending.

If being stood up on Valentine's Day isn't bad enough, Lou is a bit of a klutz. However, it might just be the thing lands her in the arms of Landon. Is it just a chance encounter that will have them going in separate directions when the boat docks?

There is a lot packed into this short story and it will have to running a full gamut of emotions. For those who still want to believe in fairytale romance, then pick up Cupid on Deck by Nancy Scrofano.

Buy the book at Amazon

Book Info:
Cupid on Deck by Nancy Scrofano, ebook, published February 2013 by Bloomwood Books
Read: March 2013
Source: author

Girl Who Reads is an Amazon advertising affiliate; a small fee is earned when purchases are made through the above links. A free book was provided by the source mentioned in order to provide an honest review.

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Nancy Scrofano: Author Influence (guest post)

Today, I'm happy to welcome Nancy Scrofano to Girl Who Reads. If you missed my review of her new book True Love Way, click here. 

Author Influence: Why I Admire Hester Browne’s Novels

There are many wonderful writers, especially in the chick lit/women’s fiction genre. One particular author influenced me so much that her novels compelled me to write chick lit, too. That author is Hester Browne. She has written five novels, including the three books in The Little Lady Agency series, The Finishing Touches, and Swept Off Her Feet.

When I read her first book, I said to myself, “This is exactly what a romantic comedy should be.” She always gets it spot on, and I’m never disappointed when I read her novels. Hester Browne expertly crafts stories that anyone can relate to. I can see myself in all of her main characters in some way, which brings me even closer to the story. I feel like I know her characters, like they could be friends of mine. The relationships in her novels are believable and written incredibly well. Browne really distinguishes her characters, conveying them with fresh, witty, heartfelt dialogue. She writes with such exquisite detail to draw readers in, making them feel like part of the characters’ world. Browne expertly develops romantic relationships in all of her novels and always delivers charming, unique stories that inspire me. Whenever I close a book written by Hester Browne, I always want more. She knows exactly how to create a happy ending that is satisfying, yet still leaves the reader wondering about the characters. Her books leave lasting impressions, an extraordinary feat for an author.

When I write, I write for myself, but I also write to entertain people and somehow affect them with the story I create. If a reader continues to think about my novel and my characters and even re-reads my novel, like I do with Browne’s novels, then I would be overjoyed. I hope that readers will connect to my novel and enjoy it as much as I enjoy Hester Browne’s novels.

While I was writing and editing my debut novel, True Love Way, I re-read The Little Lady Agency three times and Swept Off Her Feet twice. They were like guides on how to write great chick lit. I have studied Browne’s books and her writing style because I think they are the best in the genre. For anyone who wants to write chick lit or even for authors who already write in the genre, read Hester Browne’s novels. For readers who want to read fantastic romantic comedies, read Hester Browne’s novels. I know I will continue to learn from them and be inspired by them. And I can’t wait to read what she writes next!

About the Author:

Nancy Scrofano is the author of True Love Way and writes book reviews for a prestigious book review magazine. Additionally, she is the founder and managing editor of The Chick Lit Bee, a book blog that promotes and celebrates women’s fiction. Nancy is at work on her next novel. For more information, please visit http://www.nancyscrofano.com.

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Amusing: True Love Way

True Love Way by Nancy Scrofano
ebook, ARC
Published April 2012 by Simon & Fig
ISBN: 9780985352004
Read April 2012
Get it: Goodreads, Powell's Books, Amazon

What a fun read True Love Way turned out to be. I enjoy chick lit but it is always a fine line for me between the good and not so good. From the start I liked the cover and really hoped it would be funny and not a downer (though chick lit is suppose to be fluffy, sometimes it leaves me a bit depressed). I'm happy to say True Love Way is amusing. And definitely a book I'd like to read again, soon.

I loved Marlo. Her love of old television shows really endeared her to me. I grew up watching reruns of Happy Days, Brady Bunch, Three's Company, etc. It was fun to see snippets and shared memories from beloved TV shows. Oh! I almost forget Marlo idolizes Lucy so much she dyed her hair red.

True Love Way is your predictable chick lit: The love triangle-ish story line was quickly identified by all but the main character. However, this was not a negative. Instead, there was something comforting about knowing how the story would play out. (There were enough unique nuggets hidden within to keep you interest). Like a the great sitcoms of old (kind of like The Cosby Show - when Rootie was still cute).

Macaroni and cheese in a white bowl. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Maybe I liked this book so much because I've been referencing movies and television shows so much with my book reviews. I kind of envied Marlo's vivid dreams. The best I came up with this weekend was making macaroni and cheese.

It was so comforting in fact that I'm putting it in my Get Well Kit. You know I'm single so when I'm sick I have to take care of myself (I'm sure moms have something similar for themselves). My Get Well Kit has all the essentials to make me feel better and keep me entertained while I lay on my death bed (Okay, I'm a bit melodramatic) and I keep it within easy reach so I only have to get out of bed once. My kit includes:

• The Basics (tissues, meds, etc.)
• Food & Drink (juice boxes so I don't have to worry about a pet knocking it over and Progresso Chicken Noodle Soup - I love the carrots)
• Movies (Harry Potter and Don Knotts' Shakiest Gun of the West)

I've never included a book before. However, while reading True Love Way I knew it would be something that would cheer me up, but not take a lot of energy. Summer vacation is coming up and you'll want an amusing read while laying by the pool or traveling the country. Make sure you have a copy of True Love Way in your comfort kit.

Please stop back by tomorrow when I have the author Nancy Scrofano here for a guest post.

You can enter to win a paperback (US/Canada) or an ebook (International):