Read Alike: Sophie Kinsella

Sophie Kinsella has already been the topic for a Friday Read Alike post, but I recently read her latest book, I've Got Your Number and loved it so much I couldn't resist a revisit!

Ms. Kinsella is best known as the author of the Chick Lit series following Shopaholic Becky Bloomwood. For those not in the know Chick Lit novels focus on a twenty or thirty something woman as she struggles to balance career, romance, family, and her own peace of mind. Always character-driven, often funny, typically deal with serious issues and personal growth, and don't always have the happily ever after of a Romance.

I've Got Your Number falls closer to the Contemporary Romance end of the spectrum, with a focus on the developing romantic relationship between the characters. Poppy Wyatt has her life figured out. She has a career she loves, close friends, a wonderful relationship with her family, and she's about to check a perfect marriage off the list, when her cell phone is stolen. She takes possession of a phone abandoned in a trash bin by Sam Roxton's former assistant, and Poppy's life becomes complicated.
 
For more lighthearted contemporary romances, check out these authors:

Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie
Ms. Crusie is best known for her hilarious romances and intelligent, quirky heroines, though in recent years her pen has turned toward the supernatural. But for a fast-paced, sexy read, Bet Me is a sure winner. At bar, shortly after getting dumped and weeks from her sister's wedding, sensible Min Dobbs overhears her ex bet Cal Morrisey that he can't get Min to sleep with him.

Stay by Allie Larkin
Ms. Larkin's debut novel, Stay, has humor, romance, and a large German Shepherd named Joe. After the man she's been dreaming of for years marries her best friend, Savannah spends the evening with a bottle of vodka and wakes up to realize she's ordered a dog from the internet. Joe's new vet is attractive and available, but then the newlyweds find that married life isn't all a honeymoon.

Big Girls Don't Cry by Cathie Linz
Ms. Linz is known for the humor and witty banter to be found in her upbeat romances. Her heroines are independent and capable, and her heroes often have a military background. Start with Big Girls Don't Cry, Leena has returned to her small hometown from life as a plus sized model in Chicago to work as a receptionist for the local veterinarian, Cole. Cole is, of course, the boy Leena punched in high school for making fun of her weight.

Just One of the Guys by Kristan Higgins
Ms. Higgins' humorous romances feature independent heroines and colorful, supportive secondary characters. She's also known for writing in the first-person. Start with Just One of the Guys, Chastity, the only daughter in a family of macho guys (firefighters, military heroes, etc) is witty, athletic, capable, and intelligent, but unlucky in love. Possibly because the man she's always loved treats her like a sister.

It Had to Be You by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Ms. Phillips’ contemporary romances often feature bad boys who are bad in all the best ways who find their match in her strong heroines. Funny, fast-paced, and more than a little steamy, her novels are fun without being fluff. Start with It Had to Be You, the first in her series of novels centered around a fictional Chicago football team. Phoebe has been encouraging her reputation as a flighty socialite, and the team’s coach is less than pleased with her arrival.

A few Romantic Comedies available on DVD
The Holiday
Two Weeks Notice
His Girl Friday
Friends With Benefits
Sweet Home Alabama 

Please stop by the Recommendations Desk on the first floor, check out NoveList Plus on the library's website, or visit W. 11th & Bluff next week for more reading suggestions. Or submit a Personal Recommendations request, and we'll create a reading list just for you!