What Amy Hatvany said about Your Perfect Life

In case you hadn't heard, Amy Hatvany is da' bomb! We adore her, even though every single one of her books have made us cry UGLY--it's her heartfelt, honest writing that gets to us every time. (FYI--she'll be on the site tomorrow to celebrate the release of her latest, Safe With Me.)  OUT TODAY! We were ecstatic when she read Your Perfect Life and jumped up and down when she said this about it:

"Sassy, heartfelt, and smart, Your Perfect Life is a clever take on switched identities that will make you think hard about the choices you've made in your life and what matters most to us all in the end."

And because we love Amy's blurb so much, we are giving away a copy of Safe With Me! Just leave a comment to be entered to win.  The contest will close on March 8th at 8am PST.

A Tale of Two Fan Pages

Once upon a time, there were two girls who had a Facebook fan page they adored with over 6k likes.  The only problem? They were about to change the name of their website so they knew they should change the name of their Facebook page too. So they traveled far and long to see the wizard of Facebook (or maybe they just filled out an online form) and humbly requested a name change for their Facebook fan page.  But sadly, their cries for change went ignored. So they went ahead and created a new Facebook fan page and were thrilled when almost a thousand of their closest friends came over right away. But then, the wizard of Facebook changed his mind (as he often does) and he granted their original wish to alter the name of their Facebook page.  So then, Liz and Lisa were forced to throw themselves onto the mercy of their loyal and wonderful (did we mention loyal and wonderful?) readers to help them solve this problem.  So everyone banded together and moved over to one Facebook fan page (this original Facebook fan page) and we all lived happily ever after. THE END. So long story short--we have one fan page too many and we need YOUR help!

Please, come over and like this Liz Fenton & Lisa Steinke Facebook fan page.  It will be the place where, moving forward, we'll be posting ALL giveaways, news, etc. And, because we are complete giveaway WHORES, we're going to add a little incentive to entice you and your friends to help us out.

Just like this Facebook fan page, then share the link to this Facebook fan page either on Facebook and/or Twitter (make sure to tag @lizandlisa) and leave a comment on this post letting us know you did and you'll  be entered to a bundle of TWENTY books by your favorite authors. Yes, you read that right. TWENTY BOOKS. The contest will close on Sunday, March 10th at 8am PST.

In sum: We are going to close this Facebook fan page. We want everyone to like and share the link to this Facebook fan page. And we will be forever grateful!

Thanks so much!

Guest Post: Author Erika Robuck and Fallen Beauty

We're turning the site over to one of our favorite authors today--the incredibly talented Erika Robuck.  Her latest, Fallen Beauty is out March 4th! (And just for the record, it's AWESOME and you should pre-order a copy RIGHT NOW.) Today she's dishing on the fashion, fabric and design in Fallen Beauty. And we've got ONE copy of Fallen Beauty to give away!  Leave a comment and you'll be entered to win.  Contest will close Sunday, March 2nd after Noon PST.

Fashion, Fabric and Design in FALLEN BEAUTY

“The pleasure of working with exquisite fabric filled my nights as a lover would. I’d fantasize about the work all day, the feel of the silks, velvets, furs, the glint of shiny silver lines in crumpled silver fabric, the sheen of moon blue spread over my lap like light on a snowy field…” FALLEN BEAUTY

Writing has become a bit like method acting for me. I have to take on the character to effectively convey her. Sometimes that means visiting places she has gone, drinking drinks she has tried, or reading the books she has read. Other times it means engaging in her profession. The protagonist of FALLEN BEAUTY is a seamstress, and my ability to sew is crude. From my youth, however, I have enjoyed designing and choosing clothing and fabrics, so I brought my knowledge of this to my character’s commission: to create a poetry reading tour wardrobe for Edna St. Vincent Millay.

Edna St. Vincent Millay—discovered while barely out of her teens for her poem Renascence, and the third woman to win the Pulitzer for her poetry—was trained in the theater and enjoyed dressing in elaborate costume. She was known to wear layers of jewel toned velvet with long trains to her performances, and this was especially dramatic considering she was under five feet tall. She sold out thousand seat auditoriums in the 1920s and 30s and made $30,000 a year at her peak. By all accounts, her readings were hypnotic, and though small in stature, Millay’s presence was commanding.

My seamstress designs many ensembles for Millay, but the photo depicts two cloaks that are particularly important to the story. Both are inspired by poems of Millay, as is my character, and the themes of the novel are heavily influenced by those of THE SCARLET LETTER. It seemed appropriate that the reader would come to know a sensual woman like Millay through another sensual woman deeply connected to her craft through fabric and design.

I had great fun pretending to be a seamstress working for a scandalous Bohemian poet, but when the novel was finished, I was left in awe of Millay and longed for the “second Renascence” of this now obscure poet. It is my deepest hope that I am able to resurrect new interest in Millay through FALLEN BEAUTY.

Thanks, Erika!

Best Books of the month--February editon

Brrrr...Are y'all sick of the Polar Vortex yet? Here are the books that are keeping us warm while we wait for the sun to show up again.... And to cheer you up form the winter blues, we've got a few to give away--leave a comment and we'll choose the winners after Noon EST on Sunday February 23rd.

Data, A Love Story by Amy Webb

The Scoop: After yet another online dating disaster, Amy Webb was about to cancel her JDate membership when an epiphany struck: It wasn’t that her standards were too high, as women are often told, but that she wasn’t evaluating the right data in suitors’ profiles. That night Webb, an award-winning journalist and digital-strategy expert, made a detailed, exhaustive list of what she did and didn’t want in a mate. The result: seventy-two requirements ranging from the expected (smart, funny) to the super-specific (likes selected musicals: Chess, Les Misérables. Not Cats. Must not like Cats!).

Next she turned to her own profile. In order to craft the most compelling online presentation, she needed to assess the competition—so she signed on to JDate again, this time as a man. Using the same gift for data strategy that made her company the top in its field, she found the key words that were digital man magnets, analyzed photos, and studied the timing of women’s messages, then adjusted her (female) profile to make the most of that intel.

Then began the deluge—dozens of men wanted to meet her, men who actually met her requirements. Among them: her future husband, now the father of her child.

Our thoughts: A MUST read before navigating the tricky world on online dating!

Giveaway: ONE copy!

Must Love Dogs: a New Leash on Life by Claire Cook

The Scoop: Life after divorce for Sarah Hurlihy used to consist of juggling her job as a preschool teacher with the demands of her interfering family. But after a rocky start, Sarah and John Anderson have shared six months of dating bliss. Now their relationship is basically on hold because Sarah's brother, Michael, and his dog, Mother Teresa, are staying with her. And John's new puppy, Horatio, hates Sarah. With a passion.   Michael hopes absence will, in fact, make his wife Phoebe's heart grow fonder. Sarah hopes she can do her sisterly duty and send Michael on his merry way before she ends up single again herself. John hopes Sarah and his puppy can work things out before it's too late. Sarah's bossy big sister, Carol, hopes both Michael and their father will start dating again.   When Phoebe packs up their daughters and heads home to Savannah, Georgia, Michael follows her from Marshbury, Massachusetts, and the Hurlihy clan tags along for reinforcement. Including Dad, who has finally upgraded his Smith Corona to a laptop and already has a date with a woman named Sugar Butt.

Our thoughts: We are delighted with this new series by the lovely and talented Claire Cook!

Giveaway: ONE eCopy AND ONE signed paperback copy!

The Wedding Bees: A Novel of Honey, Love and Manners by Sarah-Kate Lynch

The Scoop: Sugar Wallace did not believe in love at first sight, but her bees did. . . .

Every spring Sugar Wallace coaxes her sleepy honeybee queen—presently the sixth in a long line of Queen Elizabeths—out of the hive and lets her crawl around a treasured old map. Wherever the queen stops is their next destination, and this year it's New York City.

Sugar sets up her honeybees on the balcony of an East Village walk-up and then––as she's done everywhere since leaving South Carolina––she gets to know her neighbors. She is, after all, a former debutante who believes that manners make the world a better place even if they seem currently lacking in the big city.

Plus, she has a knack for helping people. There's Ruby with her scrapbook of wedding announcements; single mom Lola; reclusive chef Nate; and George, a courtly ex-doorman. They may not know what to make of her bees and her politeness, but they can't deny the magic in her honey.

And then there's Theo, a delightfully kind Scotsman who crosses Sugar's path as soon as she gets into town and is quickly besotted. But love is not on the menu for Sugar. She likes the strong independent woman she's become since leaving the South and there's nothing a charmer like Theo can do to change her mind . . . only her bees can do that.

Our thoughts: Charming with a capital C!

Giveaway: ONE copy!

The Last Letter From Your Lover by Jojo Moyes

The Scoop: A Brief Encounter for our time, The Last Letter from Your Lover is a sophisticated, spellbinding double love story that spans decades and thrillingly evokes a bygone era. In 1960, Jennifer Stirling wakes in the hospital and remembers nothing—not the car accident that put her there, not her wealthy husband, not even her own name. Searching for clues, she finds an impassioned letter, signed simply "B," from a man for whom she seemed willing to risk everything. In 2003, journalist Ellie Haworth stumbles upon the letter and becomes obsessed with learning the unknown lovers’ fate—hoping it will inspire her own happy ending. Remarkably moving, this is a novel for romantics of every age.

Our thoughts: Lisa LOVES LOVES LOVES JoJo Moyes and devoured this one up!

Giveaway: ONE copy!

Confessions of Wild Child by Jackie Collins

The scoop: Lucky Santangelo. A fifteen-year-old wild child ready to discover life, love and independence. Daughter of the notorious Gino, Lucky discovers her mother's murdered body floating in the family swimming pool at the tender age of four. Since then Gino has kept her protected from life closeted in their Bel Air mansion. But in Jackie Collins' Confessions of a Wild Child, Lucky finally breaks free, and running away from boarding school the adventures begin. Boys, sex, drugs and rock n' roll - Lucky explores it all in preparation for the strong, kick-ass woman she eventually becomes. Delve into the world that Lucky rules!

Our thoughts: Fun, fun FUN!!!

Giveaway: ONE copy!

Happy Reading!

Joshilyn Jackson giveaway and cool fiction sampler!

Hey y'all! We're super stoked to have a copy of Someone Else's Love Story by Joshilyn Jackson to give away-- We LOVED this quirky and heartwarming novel!

The scoop

Someone Else's Love Story is beloved and highly acclaimed New York Times bestselling author Joshilyn Jackson's funny, charming, and poignant novel about science and miracles, secrets and truths, faith and forgiveness; about falling in love, and learning that things aren't always what they seem—or what we hope they will be.

Shandi Pierce is juggling finishing college, raising her delightful three-year-old genius son Nathan, aka Natty Bumppo, and keeping the peace between her eternally warring, long-divorced parents. She's got enough complications without getting caught in the middle of a stick-up and falling in love with William Ashe, who willingly steps between the robber and her son.

Shandi doesn't know that her blond god Thor has his own complications. When he looked down the barrel of that gun he believed it was destiny: It's been one year to the day since a tragic act of physics shattered his world. But William doesn't define destiny the way others do. A brilliant geneticist who believes in facts and numbers, destiny to him is about choice. Now, he and Shandi are about to meet their so-called destinies head on, making choices that will reveal unexpected truths about love, life, and the world they think they know.

And there's MORE!

New York Times bestselling novelist Joshilyn Jackson is presenting the New Voices in Fiction Sampler: Summer Selection. This FREE e-book sampler is a curated volume of excerpts from new and upcoming titles by debut fiction authors you’ll want to get familiar with early on. It's FREE on Kindle, Nook and Kobo!

It includes:

An Introduction from Joshilyn Jackson and an excerpt from her latest novel, Someone Else's Love Story, on sale now. And excerpts from: The Girl Who Came Home by Hazel Gaynor, Up at Butternut Lake by Mary McNear, The Pearl That Broke Its Shell by Nadia Hashimi, Memory of Water by Emmi Itäranta, The From-Aways by CJ Hauser, Thorn Jack by Katherine Harbour, Last Night at the Blue Angel by Rebecca Rotert, Don't Try to Find Me by Holly Brown, Ice Shear by M.P. Cooley, The Home Place by Carrie La Seur, Season of the Dragonflies by Sarah Creech

So leave a comment here for a chance to win Someone Else's Love Story. We'll choose the winner on Sunday February 16th after 3pm PST.  And now head over and download that sampler!

What Claire Cook said about Your Perfect Life

Another week, another blurb from one of our favorite authors, Claire Cook! She's written some of our favorite books, including Must Love Dogs.  And have you heard?  There's a new series: Must Love Dogs: A New Leash on Life is only .99 when you buy as an ebook NOW though Valentines Day!  So don't wait--make sure to get your copy ASAP! We've read it and it's AWESOME. So obviously, we were thrilled when Claire read and enjoyed Your Perfect Life. Here's what she had to say:

“Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke blend their voices seamlessly and hilariously and remind us that even though the grass often looks greener under our friends’ lives, nobody gets happily ever unless they go after it. Your Perfect Life is clever, quirky, fresh, and ultimately, empowering!”

Thank you, Claire!  We heart you to pieces!  Muah!

Liz & Lisa's Book Club: Twisted Sisters by Jen Lancaster

Y'all know how much we love on Jen Lancaster. In fact, we gushed about her just yesterday, the day her latest novel, TWISTED SISTERS, was released. Three words: BUY. IT. NOW. We can't say enough times how lucky we feel that Jen and so many other talented authors have not only taken the time to read our novel, but have also praised it. (Thank you, thank you, thank you, lovely ladies!). In the coming weeks, we will reveal who else gave us a glowing review. But today is about Jen and her tenth book, TWISTED SISTERS! Yes, we just wrote TENTH. Let's take a moment of silence to praise her for that! We loved her novel so much we chose it for our book club pick of the month. It's funny. It's thought-provoking. It's the perfect book to read if you need an escape from the weather or whatever else you're hatin' on right now.

And guess what? We have one copy to give away (US). Just leave a comment to be entered to win. We'll select that lucky someone on Sunday, February 9th after 3pm PST.

Here's the scoop: Reagan Bishop is a pusher. A licensed psychologist who stars on the Wendy Winsberg cable breakout show I Need a Push, Reagan helps participants become their best selves by urging them to overcome obstacles and change behaviors. An overachiever, Reagan is used to delivering results.

Despite her overwhelming professional success, Reagan never seems to earn her family’s respect. Her younger sister, Geri, is and always will be the Bishop family favorite. When a national network buys Reagan’s show, the pressures for unreasonably quick results and higher ratings mount. But Reagan’s a clinician, not a magician, and fears witnessing her own personal failings in prime time. (And seriously? Her family will never let her hear the end of it.) Desperate to make the show work and keep her family at bay, Reagan actually listens when the show’s New Age healer offers an unconventional solution…

Record Nielsen ratings follow. But when Reagan decides to use her newfound power to teach everyone a lesson about sibling rivalry, she’s the one who will be schooled…

Where you can read more about Jen: Facebook, Twitter  and her website.

Liz & Lisa's Book Club: Twisted Sisters by Jen Lancaster

1. In honor of your novel, TWISTED SISTERS, you've been posting "twisted" photos during the month of January. What's been your favorite picture?

I love the shot of my dogs posing with a copy of the book.  It’s really hard for dogs to look “fierce” wearing matching cableknit turtlenecks and posing in front of a floral wallpaper backdrop, but Libby and Hambone manage to pull it off.  Miss Tyra Banks would give the girls extra credit for smizing, too.  They have definite Top Model potential.

2. Your hilarious novel includes sibling rivalry, body-swapping and reality TV. How did you think of the plot?

To fully answer this question, I have to explain that I would rather die than write a love scene.  DIE.  There’s not enough bourbon in the world to keep me from giggling like a twelve year old at the thought of penning anything vaguely sexy.  (So, no, there will never, ever be a Fifty Shades of Bitter book.)  Because romance is off the table, I’m constantly trying to look at relationships outside of the sexual realm.  And, really is there anything more fascinating than the way women relate to other women?  Plus, I wanted to explore the nuances of what it might be like to have a sister.  (My theory is it’s like having a best friend you occasionally hate.)  I also had such fun with the magical realism element of Here I Go Again that I was anxious to try it again, hence the Freaky Friday aspect.  And reality TV?  Well, I wish I could quit you, reality TV, yet here we are.

3. The cover is brilliant, as was your last. You are on an awesome cover roll! What's the story behind this cover? And while we're at it, how did you think of the title and when in the writing process did you come up with it?

Thank you!  (I happen to think YOUR new cover is pretty awesome, too.)  This one is my all-time favorite.  In the beginning, the covers of my memoirs were mostly text-based.  To differentiate between the fiction and non-fiction, we wanted to diversify the brands, so the art department tried something new.  As someone who often buys a book for the cover (I know, I know), I was thrilled when this option was presented because it sums up the story so succinctly.

4. You are a huge Breaking Bad fan. Now that you've finished binge watching that show, what's next? Or what have you started that you recommend?

I plowed through seven seasons of Weeds over the summer after inhaling Orange Is the New Black.  (Jenji Kohan, you’re the best.  Call me!)  I’m currently binge-watching The Good Wife and now I’m mad at all my friends who clearly didn’t insist strongly enough that I watch this show.  The one thing that’s making me absolutely crazy is that for as well as they nail Chicago politics, they’ve completely biffed the logistics.  Why would the Cook County State’s Attorney live in Lake County?  Why would a realtor in Oak Park list a house in Highland Park?  And hot dog vendors?  On the street in this city?  No.  And how come no one ever walks around in Chicago team shirts or has a mustache?  The tiny details annoy me, I guess largely because they get all the larger points right.

5. You're very open with your fans on social media. But is there something they might be surprised to know about you?

After writing seven damn memoirs, I’m not really sure there are a lot of surprises left.  People know how much I love husband and my friends and how I spoil my pets.  I always share reading/watching/listening suggestions and they’re kept abreast of whatever my hobby-du-jour is, such as my current obsessions with refurbishing old furniture and learning Italian and growing roses.  I guess they don’t know I just ordered a bunch of supplies to start building my own terrariums?  So, terrariums.  When I start to yammer on about terrariums, please, everyone, do your best to seem surprised.

Thanks, Jen!

What Jen Lancaster said about Your Perfect Life!

We've been lucky enough to get endorsements about Your Perfect Life from SEVEN authors that we love--and we're so excited about it we can barely control ourselves.  And, to celebrate over the next few months, we're going to reveal them one at a time and give away copies of their books! *Can we get a woot woot* To kick things off, we're starting with the wonderful Jen Lancaster--someone that we've always looked up to. She's talented.  She's freaking awesome. And you guys know how much we've boned out on her over the years.  So, imagine how we felt when she read an advanced galley of Your Perfect Life--AND ACTUALLY LIKED IT. In short-it was UH-MAZING.

Here's what Jen had to say about Your Perfect Life:

"Your Perfect Life has all of the ingredients that I love in a book—relatable characters who make me laugh out loud, a delicious, page-turning premise, and sweet and surprising insights about the    perfect life may be the one you've already got."

We're so stoked about what Jen had to say that we are giving away a copy of her latest novel, Twisted Sisters! (Out TODAY!) Leave a comment here and we'll choose the winner after 1pm on Sunday, February 9th.

40 going on 80?

Most of you know that I'm a Cali girl who was dragged here kicking and screaming willingly moved to the Midwest five years ago for love. And while I joke and get surly about the weather, the weather, and did I mention the effing weather? (I will slay you Polar Vortex!), all kidding aside, it was the best decision I've ever made. I now have a beautiful family and a writing career- two things I've always dreamed of having. But back to the weather.

I think y'all know how bad it's been, well, everywhere. To put it in perspective, when it's 21 degrees outside, we now consider that a "good" day.

So when I saw that another Polar Vortex was fast approaching, first I cried, then I told my husband I needed to get the hell out of Dodge immediately if not sooner. And that our destination must be somewhere WARM. Thankfully, he's just as over the snow and ice and cold as I am, so we headed to Florida where we have family. And while even sunny Florida, wasn't as sunny as usual, it was at least 60 degrees warmer there than home. So it was a win. But it was also a win for another reason. It turns out, I'm destined to live in a retirement community maybe sooner than I thought. I discovered I'm 40 going on 80--in a good way! And if you ask me, 80 is the new 40!

The Villages in Florida is a retirement community so large that it has it's own zip code! And as far as I'm concerned, it's one of the happiest places on Earth! And I think I fit in perfectly. Here's why:

1. I drive a mean golf cart!

In The Villages, golf carts are the main mode of transportation. And while I may or may not be known to drive above the speed limit in my regular car, I am perfectly content cruising along at 15mph in a cart. You can take it from your home anywhere you need to go--including to one of several "squares" where you'll find everything from a movie theater (with low sodium popcorn--more on that in a minute!) to Barnes and Noble (maybe we'll be back to do a signing for YOUR PERFECT LIFE?).

2. The early bird gets the worm!

I rise early and I go to bed early. Early bird special? I'm your woman! Dinner at 5 and bed by 9? My perfect day!  Not to mention, they have all-day happy hours! And City Fire had great food and awesome live music! Plus, it was refreshing to watch so many couples dancing together. You just don't see that anymore!

3. I found the perfect shower cap to protect my blow out.

Forget those flimsy caps they give you at a hotel (that's what I'd been using). To really protect your tresses (you know how I milk those blow outs) you need one like I have pictured. A dime a dozen down at The Villages! Maybe a little upsetting for the hubs to look at, but if it extends the life of my hairstyle, I'm willing to deal with his horrified face!

4. Unsalted popcorn at the movies!

I'm a finicky eater to put it simply. So being able to find unsalted popcorn, lactose free ice cream and gluten free meals everywhere feels like being back in L.A. again (man how I took the healthy food options for granted while I was there!). I was in hog Heaven as I ate my plain kernels while watching Philomenia (very apropos that it stars Judi Dench who is  insanely talented and still going strong at age 79!).

5. Zumba in the sunshine!

Down in the square you can take a Zumba class while basking in the sun (this was the one 78 degree day). For me there is no better combination than sunshine and exercise. I could live here...Hmm...

xoxo

Our chat with Stephanie Evanovich + giveaway!

Today's guest: Stephanie Evanovich Her latest: Big Girl Panties

(Out in paperback today!)

The scoop: Big Girl Panties by Stephanie Evanovich is a rollicking and poignant romantic comedy about a young widow who decides to get in shape...and winds up getting her groove back—and a whole lot more!

Holly Brennan used food to comfort herself through her husband’s illness and death. Now she’s alone at age thirty-two. And she weighs more than she ever has. When fate throws her in the path of Logan Montgomery, personal trainer to pro athletes, and he offers to train her, Holly concludes it must be a sign. Much as she dreads the thought of working out, Holly knows she needs to put on her big girl panties and see if she can sweat out some of her grief.

Soon, the easy intimacy and playful banter of their training sessions lead Logan and Holly to most intense and steamy workouts. But can Holly and Logan go the distance as a couple now that she’s met her goals—and other men are noticing?

Our thoughts: A hilarious and fun read. Just what we needed to kick off 2014!

Giveaway: ONE copy (US). Just leave a comment to be entered to win. We'll select the winner on Sunday, January 26th after 3pm PST.

LIZ & LISA CHAT WITH STEPHANIE EVANOVICH

L&L: How did you come up with the idea for Big Girl Panties? And what's the story behind the title? (We love it!)

Stephanie: Thanks for the love!  BGP was an idea born during my own journey into personal training after being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.  I started working with trainers in the attempt to increase my fitness level without further injuring my joints. I've had about seven trainers since I started my experiment in 2002 and somewhere along the line, I came to the realization, these guys are hot!  And since a good trainer really takes all the guesswork out of it (everything from what exercises you do to the heaviness of the weights, even the counting) it really frees up a lot of time for a mind to wander. I had gotten tired of  thinking about all the ways I'd like to make my trainer suffer (just cause they're hot doesn't mean they aren't kicking your butt), so I tried turning to warm romantic thoughts instead.  I have to admit, not only did I get enough material for a book, it really turned my workouts from a revenge-filled hate fest to something rather enjoyable.  As for the title, it was actually suggested by my agent.  Once I stopped giggling, I thought it was perfect.  What woman hasn't heard or used the phrase "put on your big girl panties" when being faced with a challenge?

L&L: What books are you reading now?   Stephanie: I just finished Vintage by Susan Gloss.  It completely charmed me, I really enjoyed it.  It won't be out until early 2014.  Totally one of the main perks of the job...scoring the occasional Advanced Reader Copy.   L&L: What is something your readers would be surprised to know about you?

Stephanie: I am a rabid fan of the band Fall Out Boy.  I think everything about them is amazing.  In 2007, I paid an outlandish sum for a single ticket - front row seat on the isle (at the PNC Arts Center, for all my Jersey friends) to the Honda Civic Tour, that they were headlining.  I told everyone my reasoning was, I didn't want to worry about having to stand to see the bands when all the young whippersnappers stood up, which wasn't exactly a lie. I still smile thinking of all those enthusiastic concert goers on their feet and me, Mid-Life Mom, occupying the best seat in the house with my feet comfortably resting on the stage and politely clapping at the end of each song.

L&L: Do you have any New Year's resolutions you'd like to share/what are the odds you'll stick to them?

Stephanie: My resolution for 2014 is to try and step up my game in regards to social media. Back in July, when I first started my book tour for BGP, I posted a pic to my then 130 followers on Twitter that included a little joke about hoping the GPS on my rental car was as good as it claimed.  Well, the rental car company answered the Tweet, and it blew my mind.  Since I am old enough to remember rotary dial phones, the technology completely overwhelmed me. I spent the next week looking behind shower curtains to make sure someone from the rental car company wasn't actually following me.  And it turned me into a total social media wallflower. A writer who is afraid to write stuff is probably a terrible combo. Next year is the year I conquer that fear and embrace all the great things social media has to offer.  Odds I'll stick to it?  Considering I either will or I won't, I guess it's safe to say 50/50.

L&L: What can you tell us about your next novel, The Sweet Spot?

Stephanie: The Sweet Spot is the backstory to the secondary characters in BGP, Chase and Amanda Walker.  A prequel, if you will.  How they met, how they fell in love and how a scandal put that love to the test.  A lot of readers really took a liking to them.  When I suggested them for my next book and got the go ahead, I was thrilled.  I think they are just so much fun.  I hope you will too.  :)

Liz & Lisa's Book Club: What Nora Knew by Linda Yellin

Hey y'all!  Today we're introducing another new feature we hope you'll love--Liz & Lisa's Book Club! Each month we'll highlight one UH-mazing novel and give away a copy. To kick it off, we've found an author we think you'll really love--she's hilarious and her narrative is quirky and funny---Linda Yellin!  Her novel, What Nora Knew (out tomorrow, January 21st!) is a breath of fresh air--we could not put it down. Any fan of Nora Ephron will devour it! And when you read her answers below, we think you'll fall a little bit in live with her the way we have!

We have ONE copy for giveaway!  Leave a comment and you'll be entered. Winner will be chosen after noon on January 23rd. US and Canada only.

Here's the scoop: Molly Hallberg is a thirty-nine-year-old divorced writer living in New York City who wants her own column, a Wikipedia entry, and to never end up in her family’s Long Island upholstery business. For the past four years Molly’s been on staff for an online magazine, covering all the wacky assignments. She’s snuck vibrators through security scanners, speed-dated undercover, danced with the Rockettes, and posed nude for a Soho art studio.

Fearless in everything except love, Molly is now dating a forty-four-yearold chiropractor. He’s comfortable, but safe. When Molly is assigned to write a piece about New York City romance “in the style of Nora Ephron,” she flunks out big-time. She can’t recognize romance. And she can’t recognize the one man who can go one-on-one with her, the one man who gets her. But with wit, charm, whip-smart humor, and Nora Ephron’s romantic comedies, Molly learns to open her heart and suppress her cynicism in this bright, achingly funny novel.

Where to read more about Linda: Her website, Facebook, Twitter, and GoodReads.

Liz & Lisa's book club: What Nora Knew by Linda Yellin

1. We loved WHAT NORA KNEW! What was your inspiration for the book? Are you a huge fan of Nora Ephron's? My first book, SUCH A LOVELY COUPLE, was about my first husband, and my second book, THE LAST BLIND DATE, was about my second husband. I ran out of husbands so I had to write about somebody else I love. And, yes, I love Nora Ephron.

2. In the novel, Molly is quite skeptical about romance after a bad divorce. What about you?  Are you a romantic? That’s the funny thing about skepticism. You’re skeptical…you’re skeptical…then you meet the right guy and – boom! - you’re a romantic. I hated dating. I was terrible at it. I wanted to skip ahead from the getting-to-know-you part to the order-in-a-pizza-and-watch-TV part.

Molly interviews couples making out on subways, couples buying engagement rings at Tiffany’s, single guys playing Frisbee in the park. Like her, I couldn’t figure out what everyone else seemed to figure out so easily. The first time my husband Randy called (of course, he didn’t know he was my future husband; I had to point that out to him several months later) – I was at home watching TV and eating a pizza. So really, it was the perfect beginning. And now I am a total romantic.

3. Molly subjects herself to many different ways of meeting people in order to research her article.  What's your take on speed dating, online dating, etc?  One of the great perks of being a journalist is that you can pretend you’re researching an article, when really you just want to meet guys. Speed dating fascinates me. It must be either the ultimate trust-your-gut experience, or a great way to have men reject you every five minutes. Maybe both.

And then there’s online dating. Ah, yes. I met Randy right before it became popular. I often wonder if a computer would have matched us up. I lived in Chicago and he lived in New York, so I’d have had to request: looking for someone within a 700 mile radius - which let’s face it, sounds pretty desperate. But – and I’m quite proud of this - I’ve written several profiles for girlfriends and so far I’ve reeled in two husbands and two serious boyfriends. I get the fun of online dating without having to actually date.

4. What's your favorite Nora Ephron movie?  (Ours is When Harry Met Sally...) Oh, me, too. Definitely. Ditto. I totally agree. When Harry Met Sally. High five. Group hug. Absolutely.

5.  What's up next for you? At the moment I’m recruiting anyone I’ve ever met in my entire life to come to my Barnes and Noble reading on January 28^th. Which is why I expect a major New York snowstorm on January 27^th.

Thanks, Linda!

Best books of the month!

As we mentioned recently, our website has a new name and also a new direction. (And to celebrate, we're giving away a majuhly awesome sauce prize. Details here!) But some things will never change. Like the fact that we heart spreading the love for our fellow authors and their books. So, each month, we'll be featuring a list of the best books we're reading and giving away copies too! (Obvs!) Details on how to be entered to win below.

So, here's a list of what we're devouring in January. Some novels that we think you should definitely add to your TBR list! And please feel free to share the books you're lovin' on too!

1. The Comfort of Lies by Randy Susan Meyers (Out in paperback: January 28th)

Five years ago . . . Tia fell into obsessive love with a man she could never have. When she became pregnant, Nathan disappeared, and she gave up their baby for adoption. Caroline reluctantly adopted a baby to please her husband. Now she’s ques­tioning whether she’s cut out for the role of wife and mother. Juliette considered her life ideal: solid marriage, two beautiful sons, and a thriving business. Then she discovered Nathan’s affair. He promised he’d never stray again, and she trusted him.

Now . . . When Juliette intercepts a letter to her husband that contains pictures of a child who deeply resembles him, her world crumbles once more. How could Nathan deny his daughter? What other secrets is he hiding? Desperate for the truth, Juliette goes in search of the little girl, and before long the three women are on a collision course with consequences that none of them could have predicted.

Our thoughts: Loved it just as much the second time around!

Giveaway: One copy (US). Just leave a comment to be entered to win. We'll select the winner on Sunday, January 19th after 3pm PST.

2. Because of You by Kathryn Starke (Out now.)

Lilly never wanted to settle, not in her education, her career, and especially not in her relationships. She observes the countless number of couples in her circle of family and friends, but she has always been unsure if marriage is for her. At thirty-one, she is convinced she has finally found the man of her dreams. But on her actual wedding day, she shares a conversation with a mysterious stranger in a hotel elevator. Suddenly, she begins to question her “happily ever after.”

An instant connection with this stranger leads her to doubt what and who she believes in. She recalls flashbacks of her courtship with fiancè Patrick and begins to wonder if she is indeed settling for the first time in her life. Lilly struggles internally with her decision and begins questioning her future. Will she marry Patrick or will she ultimately start her search for love all over again?

Our thoughts: A sweet novel that you can devour in one sitting.

Giveaway: One copy. Just leave a comment to be entered to win. We'll select the winner on Sunday, January 19th after 3pm PST.

3. Keep Calm and Carry a Big Drink by Kim Gruenenfelder (Out now.)

 In Keep Calm and Carry a Big Drink, Kim Gruenenfelder's delicious follow-up to There's Cake in My Future, Seema, Nic and Mel are back, adjusting to their new lives as a bride-to-be, a mother-to-be, and a recently single girl looking for love

It's been almost a year since Mel, Nic and Seema pulled their magical charms out of the cake at Nic's bridal shower and most of their happily-ever-afters seemingly came true. Seema is about to marry Scott in an elaborate three-day affair. Nic is glowingly pregnant. And Mel... well, Mel feels as if she accidentally veered off the rails of her life at some point and isn't sure how to get back on. She recently became single again, she's been threatened with a layoff from her teaching job, and she has to find her own place now that Scott is moving in with her roommate, Seema.

Nic thinks Mel just needs a new cake charm to bring her good luck. . . and decides to rig the cake pull at Seema's bridal shower. Desperate for travel, Mel asks for the passport charm. But, once again, the cake proves to have a mind of its own, and she pulls a charm she doesn't want, and can not use. Rather than be bound by the charm's prophecy, Mel realizes she, and she alone, is responsible for her destiny. A spur of the moment decision takes her to Paris and then Maui, where she finds herself on an adventure that she never could have imagined, experiencing the trials and tribulations of a life suddenly and perfectly unplanned. And, along the way, she begins to learn that, however nonsensical it may seem, the cake is never wrong...

Our thoughts:  A delicious sequel!

Giveaway: One copy (US). Just leave a comment to be entered to win. We'll select the winner on Sunday, January 19th after 3pm PST.

Welcome to Lizandlisa.com!

Out with the old and in with the new, YO! We're ringing in 2014 by making some BIG changes around here. 

What's in a name?

Disclaimer: We may have changed the name of our website, but that doesn't mean we don't still LOVE Chick Lit is Not Dead. Or that we're not still huge fans of books BY women FOR women. Nothing will ever change either of those things.

We've had an amazing time here at CLIND (it’s been 5 years!) bringing you the best of the best in books while sharing our own journey. But as the saying goes...all good things must come to an end. And we felt it was time to focus a bit more on our own writing.  DON'T WORRY, we'll still be featuring other authors and books (more on that in a minute), but we'll also be dishing on our own adventures and keeping you up to date on our book signings, giveaways (of course!) and a lot of other fabulous things!  (On that note: GoodReads is giving away FIVE copies of Your Perfect Life RIGHT NOW!)

And WE have a giveaway here too! It’s pretty good, if we do say so ourselves. If you follow both our newsletter and NEW Facebook page, you’ll be entered to win a $100 Amazon.com gift card. To be officially entered, just leave a comment here letting us know you did both. We’ll select the winner on Sunday, January 18^th after 3PM PST.

Bottom line: Lizandlisa.com will be THE place to be! We'll keep things fresh by hosting a monthly book club and by sharing the books we’re currently loving. And we'll also have some exciting contests in conjunction with the release of Your Perfect Life!

So, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter here.  And don’t fret, we promise not to get all stalker-ish on y’all. Pinky swear!

We really want you to like us

And, as we mentioned, we’re also switching our Facebook page--so pretty please, come like our brand spankin' new Liz Fenton & Lisa Steinke page—that’s where we’ll be sharing all the scoop on Facebook as we move forward!

That’s What She Said

Over the next few weeks,we’re going to be sharing some bangin’ advance praise Your Perfect Life has received from some of our favorite authors—and we’ll be giving away a book from each of them!  Stay tuned!

All the places we want you to come find us!

On Facebook here!   On Twitter here!  On Pinterest here!  On Instagram here!

To put Your Perfect Life on your GoodReads wishlist, click here!

And you can pre-order Your Perfect Life here.

Thank YOU.

Each and every one of you that has supported us.  We will miss CLIND, but are excited to see what comes next!  Thanks for hopping on and taking the ride with us.

2014: Bring it on!

What a year 2013 has been! From turning 40 to our publishing deal with Atria/Simon & Schuster to getting through all five seasons of Breaking Bad, it's been a year of big things. And as I bid 2013 adieu tonight while watching the ball drop in Time's Square from the comfort of my couch, I'll be thinking about the things--big and small--that I'm most excited about in 2014.

Oh and because we had to do ONE LAST GIVEAWAY this year, leave a comment about what you're excited to do in 2014 and be entered to win a bundle of surprise books! We'll choose the winner on Sunday, January 6th after 12pm PST.  Happy New Year, everyone!

1. Juicing!

Yes, you read that right. I'm that wife who asked for and is ecstatic she received an appliance for Christmas. A good friend said to me, of course you did, you're forty and you're a mom! Welcome to the club.  The hubs and I are so overly-excited about the endless possibilities this juicer will bring us you'd think we'd just won the lottery. I'll definitely be reporting back on the kale, carrot and ginger concoction I plan to try first.

2. More binge watching

We just watched the finale of Breaking Bad two nights ago. (So. Effing. Brilliant.) And I may never watch TV the same way again. In fact, I know I won't. Not having to wait a week to find out what Walter White was going to do next was one of the best things that has ever happened to this highly impatient person.  The only question is what TV show should I binge on next? Recommendations, please!

3. More blowouts

I know Liz and I have talked incessantly about and posted, er, a lot of pictures of our obsession with having someone else blow dry our hair--DryBar, oh how we love you! This blowdry thing *might* have even ended up in the book we're currently writing: The Status of All Things. I realize I'm not J-Lo and probably don't need as many blowouts as I think I do (you know, like 3-4 a week), but if any of you know a way for me to wash my hair as little as possible while still making it look great, please let me know! I smell a dry shampoo obsession coming in 2014.

4. Changes to our website

2014 will mark the 5th anniversary of this site. That's cray-cray! Oops, forgot that's one of the 7 things I'm supposed to stop saying because I'm over forty.  Anyway, be on the lookout for a redesign as well as new features! And important news about our new domain name! Stay tuned...

5. Getting published

This is so big that Liz and I don't have the words for it yet. In fact, we probably never will. All we can continue to say is we're grateful to be living our dream and so happy to have your support and  that you put up with our shameless plugs. Like these:

• You can pre-order our book here. 
• You can subscribe to our newsletter here.
• You can follow us on Instagram here.
• You can follow us on Twitter here.
• And then there's Pinterest too.

See you in 2014!

On being thankful by Liz

Thankful--It's an easy thing to say, but I think like anything in this over-sharing world we live in, it's easier said than done, as we watch others share the best part of their lives on social media.  I'm not gonna lie--it can be hard to feel thankful for the wireless phone charger your husband got you (Sorry, honey, I do love it! Very convenient!) when your college roommate's husband has a Lexus with a big red bow sitting in her driveway Christmas morning like the commercial or is being swept off by private plane somewhere fabulous. (Really great gift ideas, btw!) Or maybe someone has lost ten pounds while your metabolism sits idle.  Whatever it is, it makes us question our own lives, no matter wonderful they may be. It's a theme we're exploring in the The Status of All Things, the book we're working on right now, which will be released in 2015 with Atria/Simon & Schuster. But like anything, being thankful is an art, one that must be practiced each day, something that we will probably fail at often--because it's human nature to focus on what we don't have, especially these days.  But as long as we can pull ourselves back up, if we can take a deep breath from the insanity of our day-to-day to stop and be present, to find the silver lining, we make progress. And honestly, it just makes life much more enjoyable to see the bright side.  There's no worse feeling than jealousy--it eats up the best part of ourselves. It robs us of the joy in our own lives.

So I'm going to challenge myself to be truly thankful this holiday--to not just say the words, but to actually feel the lightness inside that comes with enjoying your good tidings, rather than worrying about what's coming next. I'm going to take in the last moments of my son's belief the magic of Santa Claus, savor the sweet voices that sing Silent Night at the school performance, I'll even try to enjoy Charlie, our stupid effing Elf on the Shelf! (Which I totally suck at, btw. Pretty much the most boring elf. EVER.) When the hubs takes my hand as the kids tear into their gifts on Christmas morning, I promise that I'll squeeze it back and rejoice in the life that we've built, even if it's not even close to perfect.  It's still ours.

And in case I forget, I've complied a list of things I can reference.  You know, when my kids have a sugar-induced meltdown on the way home on Christmas Eve, or when they break the remote control helicopter I spent a month researching ten minutes after they open it. This being thankful shit is hard, yo!

I'm thankful for: Pink scattered clouds at sunset, star-filled skies, the way my daughter sings at the top of her lungs without fear, the little skunk patch in back of my son's head, Apple products, Orange is the New Black on Netflix, Justin Timberlake's hotness, a bookshelf full of books I haven't discovered yet, Bose headphones to tune out my lovely children while I write, the way my mom still wants to solve all my problems, the incredible enthusiasm the dogs have when I pull in the driveway, my friendships with my girlfriends, that I get to write, that people will actually read something I wrote, the way my husband still looks for me across a crowded room, Sushi, iTunes, homemade tamales, Facebook, because I love keeping in touch with people, SmartWater and for all of you that took a moment to read this.

Happy holidays!  Whatever you celebrate, I hope it's beautiful. xoxo

What are you thankful for?

Liz & Lisa's Favorite Books of 2013

With so many wonderful books to choose from, it was incredibly hard to narrow down our list this year!  Here are the ones that made us laugh, cry, the ones that kept us up at night.  Tell us--do you agree?  What were your favorite books of 2013?

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

When a brilliant yet socially awkward professor of genetics designs a scientifically valid survey to find his future wife, he finds that love and science don't have much to do with each other at all.

Our thoughts: Incredibly quirky and ridiculously charming!

Heart Like Mine by Amy Hatvany

Grace gets much more than she bargained for when the man she's engaged to gets full custody of his two children after their mother dies under mysterious circumstances.

Our thoughts: Beautifully written and incredibly intriguing--our fave from Amy Hatvany thus far.

The Best of Us by Sarah Pekkanen

An all expense paid trip to Jamaica for a group of old friends seems like the invitation of a life time.  But as a hurricane bears down on the island, things will come out that force everyone to to evaluate their friendships and themselves.

Our thoughts: MAJOR page turner alert!  We loved this one!

The Love Wars by L. Alison Heller

Molly Grant is a divorce lawyer in a powerful law firm whose life turns upside down when she decides to secretly represent the estranged wife of a powerful media mogul who's being taking advantage of.

Our thoughts: A perfect debut--a lot of fun with a healthy dose of heart.

Here I Go Again by Jen Lancaster

Twenty years after ruling her high school, Lissy Ryder's life isn't exactly going her way--she's been pink slipped at her job and dumped by her husband.  When she gets a chance to go back and change things, will she get it right this time?

Our thoughts: Fabulous and fun--we loved every minute of this adventure.

Forever, Interrupted by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Elise couldn't believe her luck--she found the perfect man on New Year's Day and had eloped by May.  When he's tragically killed nine days later, she must confront the mother-in-law who isn't even aware she exists.

Our thoughts: Beautiful and gut wrenching at the same time--you will be touched by this incredible debut.

All the Summer Girls by Meg Donohue

All the Summer Girls is the story of how three former best friends, their lives rapidly unraveling, are reunited at the beach town of their past--where the ambience of summer encourages them to explore new experiences they would never otherwise attempt.

Our thoughts: A charming story about friendship--Meg had us at page one!

Covet by Tracey Garvis Graves

Claire is slowly disconnecting from her own marriage--her husband, once laid off and now gone four nights a week, doesn't seem to see that their relationship is slowly drowning. When Claire meets Daniel, he seems to offer all the things she's searching for, and soon she finds herself in way over her head.

Our thoughts: Written in a simple yet poignant narrative, we were mesmerized by Covet--it strikes right at the core of the challenges of love, family and fidelity.

Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy by Helen Fielding

Our girl is Bridget is back, and life hasn't exactly turned out the way she thought it might. Struggling with navigating raising two children on her own and being back in the dating scene, she's still the hot mess we fondly remember.

Our thoughts: Like catching up with an old friend, this book will make you laugh, cry and shake your head several times.  But just sit back and enjoy the ride.

Morning Glory by Sarah Jio

Fleeing an East Coast life marred by tragedy, Ada Santorini settles on a houseboat in Seattle. She discovers a trunk left behind by Penny Wentworth, a young newlywed who lived on the boat half a century earlier--Penny’s mysterious past and her own clouded future are destined to converge.

Our thoughts: As always, Sarah delivers in this wonderful mystery--you'll be hooked from the very beginning!

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Set over the course of one school year in 1986, this is the story of two star-crossed misfits—smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try. When Eleanor meets Park, you’ll remember your own first love—and just how hard it pulled you under.

Our thoughts: One word: DELIGHTFUL. Trust us on this one.

Lake Como by Anita Hughes

After finding her husband in a compromising position, Hallie escapes to beautiful Lake Como to spend time with her half-sister. But just as Hallie is beginning to find her footing on Italian soil, she uncovers a family secret that upends all the truths she’s believed about herself, and calls into question the new life she’s built in Lake Como.

Our thoughts: Fun and frothy, we loved spending time in Lake Como and think you will too!

Flash Giveaway! Josie Brown's Totlandia: The Onesies

Giveaway: Two e-copies of Totlandia: The Onesies by Josie Brown The scoop: As summer sizzles in Totlandia, emotions boil over for the newest members of Pacific Heights Moms & Tots Club, whose trust in each other is sorely tempted by Bettina and her club politics.

When Jillian's vindictive joke backfires, she learns the true meaning of forgiveness.

Jade’s betrayal puts her in a dangerous downward spiral with no bottom in sight—until she finds friendship and redemption where she least expects it.

Lorna faces the biggest trial in her marriage, and makes an important decision that may end it for good.

While Ally may regret the choices made she to get accepted in the club, her exile puts new opportunities in her path, thanks to Brady and his ceaseless desire to win her over—with Barry's help, who is playing his own little game with the Top Moms Committee.

But it's Bettina who suffers the ultimate punishment—one that changes her life, and the livelihood of the club, forever.

Our thoughts: This series is so much fun!

Just leave a comment to be entered to win. We'll select the winners on Sunday, December 15 after 12 PM PST.

Lu Ann Cahn's 5 Firsts and Lasts

Today's guest: Lu Ann Cahn Why we love her:  Absolutely love the concept of this book! Talk about a kick ass way to deal with your life being in a rut.

Her latest: I Dare Me: How I Rebooted and Recharged My Life By Doing Something New Every Day

The scoop: One woman’s quest to do one new thing every day of the year, what she learned, and what we all can gain from her journey...

In 2009 veteran journalist and eight-time Emmy award winner Lu Ann Cahn was feeling angry and frustrated. The economy was tanking. Her job was changing. Budgets were being cut. She resented the new technology and social media she was being asked to embrace at work. In a word, she felt “stuck.”

Cahn’s daughter encouraged her to try blogging, and after some thought, she decided to write about trying something new every day for a year. Little did she know, that "Year of Firsts" would change her outlook on life. For 365 days Cahn made a point of doing something she had never done before, some as simple as performing an old task in a new way, some creative and extreme:

Riding a mechanical bull Eating a scorpion Speaking to a complete stranger on the street Smoking a cigar Shoveling horse manure Zip-lining across a crocodile-infested Mexican lake Spending a day in a wheelchair Walking her dog backwards Taking a drum lesson from a famous 80s rocker

In the process she discovered that "firsts" were the antidote to “stuck.” I Dare Me is Cahn’s journey, but it's more than just a memoir. It challenges readers to confront their own fears, and encourages them to try their own "firsts."

Our thoughts: Be prepared to be inspired!

Giveaway: ONE copy of Lu Ann's book!  Just leave a comment to be entered to win. We'll select the winner on Sunday, December 15th after 12pm PST.

Where you can read more about Lu Ann: Her website

LIZ & LISA PRESENT...LU ANN CAHN'S 5 FIRSTS AND LASTS

1.KISS

First kiss? Boy, this is tough.  I think my first "boy" kiss was in the 6th grade. My friend had a slumber party in her basement and a group of guys from school crashed it without her parents knowing. Spin the bottle? I think that's how  I was smacked with my first kiss.  I do remember I didn't sleep that night....delicious.

Last kiss? Easy. My husband insists I don't leave the house or go to bed without a kiss. It's a good policy especially when the you-know-what is hitting the fan.  Those kisses keep me grounded.

2. BOOK

First book? The Cat in the Hat.  I'm pretty sure I had every single Dr. Seuss book. I wish I kept the originals. I loved them all.

Last book? I'm reading Elizabeth Gilbert's "The Signature of All Things".  It doesn't matter what she writes.  Her words are "butter".

3. RISK

First Risk I took? When I was in fifth grade I sang "Climb Every Mountain" from The Sound of Music to my class for a "talent day" with no music.  Haha. I  wish we had video back then.  Thank God we didn't though.  I actually thought I could sing and I had no evidence until years later that I couldn't.

Last Risk I took? My book, I Dare Me, is all about taking risks so I try to take them frequently.  The last one that terrified me was about a week ago when I did my first Power Point Presentation. It turns out talking and clicking isn't as tough as I thought it would be.

4. AHA MOMENT

First AHA moment? In high school I took a creative writing class and the teacher told me I was a good writer.  I believed her.

Last AHA moment? A dear friend of mine just read my book and said it made her laugh out loud and made her happy.  I believed her.

5. HELL YA! MOMENT

First Hell Ya! moment? When I told my personal story of having a delayed diagnosis of an aggressive breast cancer on TV to all of Philadelphia in 1991 and hundreds of women went to get their first mammogram.

Last Hell Ya! moment? When I walked off the Kathie Lee and Hoda Today Show set with my daughter last week.  I didn't even have a glass of wine but it felt good.

Thanks, Lu Ann!

7 Seconds in Heaven with Stacey Ballis

Today's guest: Stacey Ballis Why we love her: She writes delicious novels!

Her latest: Out to Lunch

The scoop: A touching and hilarious novel from the fabulous Stacey Ballis about best friends, true love, and the joy of food—for fans of Jen Lancaster, Jennifer Weiner, and Emily Giffin...

Jenna has lost her best friend. With Aimee gone so tragically young, Jenna barely knows where to turn. Aimee was the one who always knew what to do—not to mention what to wear. The two built a catering company together and had so much in common—well, except their taste in men. Jenna never understood what the successful, sophisticated Aimee saw in Wayne, with his Star Wars obsession and harebrained business schemes.And gained her best friend’s husband… But Aimee has left a shocking last request: Jenna now has financial custody of the not-so-merry widower. True, Wayne needs someone sensible around to keep him under control, but what was her dear departed friend thinking?The thing is, as she gets to know Wayne better, his latest moneymaking idea actually starts to intrigue her. Her attractive new lawyer boyfriend doesn’t approve of it—but then, Wayne doesn’t approve of her attractive new lawyer boyfriend. Now Jenna has to figure out what direction her life is going to take next. And she can’t help asking herself: What would Aimee do?

Our thoughts: Our favorite of all seven of her novels! Yes, she's written seven!

Giveaway: TWO copies of Out to Lunch!   Just leave a comment to be entered to win. We'll select the winner on Sunday, December 15 after 12 PM PST.

Where you can read more about Stacey: Her website, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.

LIZ & LISA PRESENT...7 SECONDS IN HEAVEN WITH STACEY BALLIS

1.  I have two tattoos, and one of them was my mother’s idea and on her dime.   And no, you can’t see them.

2.  I once sprained both of my ankles at the exact same time.  Because I’m gifted like that.

3.  Despite being passionately in favor of gun control, when I was at camp I was a Ninth Bar Sharpshooter with a 22 caliber rifle, and just three targets shy of the Expert level before I realized it made me a member of the NRA, and I stopped shooting.  I’m still kind of good at a carnival tho.

4.  While you will most often find me listening to the 70s and 80s stations in the car, my favorite single piece of music is Dvorak’s Symphony for the New World.  It’s also my dad’s favorite.  We discovered the coincidence when I was in my 20s.

5.  I know all the words to Don McClean’s American Pie.  ALL OF THEM.

6.  I often keep my wallet and cell phone in my bra so I don’t have to carry a purse.

7.  I’m completely addicted to television procedurals of the legal, police, and spy variety.

Thanks, Stacey!

Flash Giveaway! Jamie McGuire's A Beautiful Wedding: a Novella

Giveaway: One copy of Jamie McGuire's A Beautiful Wedding: A novella The Scoop: Why did Abby pop the question?

What secrets were shared before the ceremony?

Where did they spend their wedding night?

Who else knew about it . . . and didn’t tell?

Everything about Abby and Travis’s elopement was top-secret . . . until now. Fans of Beautiful Disaster and Walking Disaster will get all of their questions answered in this whirlwind tale of the wedding day (and night!)—and as with all good stories, this one will definitely have been worth the wait.

Our thoughts: Fans of Beautiful Disaster and Walking Disaster's Travis and Abby will devour this novella!

Leave a comment to be entered--we'll choose the winners on Sunday, December 15th after 3pm PST.