Book Review: "That's (Not Exactly) Amore" by Tracey Bateman and Book Giveaway!

Contest is closed - see first post for the winner!

I'm giving away THREE books today: The Entire Drama Queens Series by Tracie Bateman! This includes today's books plus the first two books in the series Catch a Rising Star and You Had Me at Goodbye. Leave a comment with your email address so I can contact you if you win. I'll pick a name and announce the winner on Wednesday, August 20. US addresses only. Good luck!

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
That's (Not Exactly) Amore
FaithWords (August 14, 2008)
by
Tracey Bateman


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tracey Bateman published her first novel in 2000 and has been busy ever since. There are two other books in the Drama Queen Series, Catch A Rising Star (#1) and You Had Me At Goodbye (#2)

She learned to write by writing, and improved by listening to critique partners and editors. She has sold over 30 books in six years.
She became a member of American Christian Fiction Writers in the early months of its inception in 2000 and served as president for a year.


Tracey loves Sci-fi, Lifetime movies, and Days of Our Lives (this is out of a 21 year habit of watching, rather than enjoyment of current storylines.

She has been married to her husband Rusty for 18 years, has four kids, and lives in Lebanon, Missouri.

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Laini Sullivan lands a job designing Nick Pantalone's coffee shop, there are two problems: one, Nick's nephew Joe hates all of her ideas and two, Laini has to admit he's right--she's a disaster at design. Still, she can't risk losing the job. To compromise, Joe brings in help on the project, while Laini continues to bake the goodies that keep his customers lining up.

Their relationship is moving along, so when new guy Officer Mark Hall implies that Joe's family is tied to the mob, Laini doesn't want to believe it. But things spin out of control when she meets the family, including "the uncles," who seem to confirm Mark's suspicions. To make things worse, Nana Pantalone makes it clear Laini isn't the kind of girl she has in mind for her grandson. Laini's not sure if she should give Joe the benefit of the doubt or just set her sites on Mark and fuhgetaboutit.

"Tracey draws us into the world of family and friendship with a few surprising twists along the way Bravo!"
~RACHEL HAUCK, author of Diva NashVegas and Sweet Caroline

If you would like to read the first chapter of That's (Not Exactly) Amore, go HERE

Always go with what your heart tells you to do

Tracey Bateman's chick lit books keep getting better and better. They are fun to read and you walk away with a better sense of the characters and yourself. Oh I loved reading about the food in this book. If I had been Laini's roommate, I think I would have gained 20 pounds just smelling the food from the kitchen. I wish I could eat her cinnamon rolls or her stuffed sandwiches. I think Laini is my favorite of the three friends because she acts the most like how I would in her situation. There are many hilarious situations throughout the book. I especially loved the cattiness between Nancy's friend and Laini as they nonchalantly fight over Joe. There are also somber scenes especially involving Laini with her new step family. I was worried at first that there were going to be two good guys for Laini to choose from (you notice how that always happens? When you want a guy they are nowhere to be found, as soon as you stop looking they swarm and fight over you.) Luckily the victor is proclaimed and yes there is a happy ending. I'm sad that this series is over. I loved reading about these three friends and their totally relatable (well maybe not Tabby's) single lives. I know I'll be definitely on the lookout for Tracey's next chick lit series.

That's (Not Exactly) Amore by Tracey Bateman is published by Faithwords (2008)