CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR INDUCTEES FOR 2013
Chick Lit Central ’s inductee for 2013 is …
We chose Jane Porter for the Hall of Fame this year because there is just so much to love about her. Not only is she an amazing and talented writer, but she’s also very kind and down-to-earth, as well as generous to her readers. Back in 2011, we spotlighted Mrs. Perfect for an ICLM project we were doing at our blog and she found out and offered to give copies of the novel to anyone who commented! She also hosts gatherings for her readers when she’s on tour, instead of just speaking at a book store. These gatherings are more intimate and she takes the time to get to know all her readers. She is as wonderful in person as she is on “screen.” Jane posts regularly on her blog asking readers their thoughts, talking about her life outside of writing, and featuring other authors. She does some amazing giveaways, as well! She also is very personable with her readers via Facebook and Twitter. Her chick lit novels are amazing. Jane makes each of her characters seem so real and accessible. She shows us their flaws, while also giving them a strength that allows us to cheer them on through their struggles. Her latest series, “The Brennan Sisters,” is proof of this ability to connect with her readers through her novels. Jane was even lucky enough to have one of her novels made into a movie … Flirting with Forty. It’s a cute and fun adaptation of the story. Not only does she write chick lit, but she has a plethora of romance novels for readers to check out as well.
Here are some thoughts about Jane from one of our readers and frequent guest reviewers, Marlene Engel: “Jane Porter is by far my favorite author. Her books draw you in and make you feel like you’re living the story. She has the ability to make you feel like she’s speaking directly to you through her words. Jane is not only a very talented writer, she also truly loves her fans.”
Chicklit Club ’s inductee for 2013 is …
The first time I read a book by Melissa Hill, I actually gasped out loud when I got to the twist. “Never saw that coming either,” I thought to myself as I got to the climax of my second book from this Irish author. “Why am I The Last to Know?” By the third book, I was determined to suss out the twist – well in advance. But that was merely Wishful Thinking. And Please Forgive Me but she got me on book four too. And all these years later, I am STILL trying not to let her cunning mind get the better of me! Never Say Never! Besides the trademark twist, with a Melissa Hill novel you are also guaranteed of getting an absolutely absorbing story full of warmth, dramatic tension and charming characters. And for a chick lit lover, that’s more precious than Something from Tiffany’s.
PS Before I Forget, the other Something You Should Know about Melissa Hill, who published her first book in 2003, is that she also writes forensic thrillers with her husband, Kevin, under the pen-name Casey Hill.
Chick Lit Is Not Dead ’s inductee for 2013 is …
Our 2013 Chick Lit Hall of Fame nominee is author Claire Cook. She is the bestselling author of nine novels, her tenth, Time Flies is out this June. Claire is a true inspiration, having written her first novel at age 45 in her minivan! Her bestselling novel, Must Love Dogs, was made into a movie starring John Cusak and Diane Lane. We love Claire’s fresh and funny narrative, her characters jumping out on every page of her delightful books!
Novelicious’ inductee for 2013 is …
I bought my first Jill Mansell book at the charity shop. It was called Kiss and the cover was a photograph (http://www.trashionista.com/2008/01/book-cover-jill.html) of a woman holding a phallic-shaped microphone with a suggestive expression on her face. In spite of the cover the book became a firm favourite. When I finished Kiss, I was excited to discover that there were more Jill Mansell novels in the world. I eagerly consumed them, loving the way I was completely transported and entertained each time. I think what makes Jill Mansell stand out from other authors is the utter trust you feel when you pick up one of her books; you absolutely know you’re safe in the hands of an expert storyteller. You’d think that after twenty-five books the ball might have dropped even slightly on just one of them. But no. I’ve read every one, and I’ve always emerged from the last page with the terrific feeling you get in your belly when you’ve read a bloody good story. A Jill Mansell book never lets you down. Jill Mansell is one of the best (and most dedicated) romantic comedy writers in the world. Her books are full of life, hilarity and characters to fall in love with. Novelicious couldn’t be more pleased to induct Jill Mansell into the International Chick Lit Month Hall of Fame for 2013.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR INDUCTEES FOR 2012
Chick Lit is Not Dead’s inductee for 2012 is …
To us, Jennifer Weiner is the QUEEN of chick lit. From the moment we read Good In Bed years ago, we knew we had found what would become one of our all-time favorite authors. Her talent for developing strong women characters has been proven over and over with her other bestselling novels such as In Her Shoes, Goodnight Nobody, Best Friends Forever, Then Came You and Fly Away Home and more. She is fun, smart and sassy and is always willing to defend the chick lit genre to those who believe it’s just a bunch of fluff. Jennifer Weiner is not only a gifted writer, but also a wonderful role model for writers everywhere.
Novelicious’ inductee for 2012 is …
I was 19 when I first read a Melissa Nathan book. Not doing well at university and experiencing the symptoms of bipolar disorder that had not yet been diagnosed, I spent a lot of time escaping into bright and colourful-looking books that I hoped would take me away from real life. Pride, Prejudice and Jasmin Field (later re-packaged as Acting Up) was one of those books. I gobbled up the tale of Jasmin and Harry and their charity theatre production of Pride and Prejudice. I was surprised and pleased that the writing was much sharper than the chick lit I had been reading at that point, and it felt nice to really laugh at a time when laughing didn’t come easily.
Melissa Nathan became one of my go-to authors (these are the authors whose books I anticipate and buy in hardback if I can) and I eagerly bought each of her books the minute they were released. The book, for me, that really shows Melissa at her best is The Nanny; a real fairytale of a novel, full of warmth, vivid, eccentric characters, surprises and belly laughs. The scene where Josh breaks into his own house and Jo, thinking he’s a burglar, wallops him makes me chuckle just thinking about it. The Nanny is a perfect example of what chick lit should be and the reason why readers like you and I get so fangirlish about the power of the genre (and dedicate whole months to it!).
I found out that Melissa Nathan had passed away from breast cancer when I bought her book, The Learning Curve, and read the acknowledgments – a heartbreakingly beautiful letter to her family. Melissa was only 37.
Before she died, Melissa specified a criteria for the Melissa Nathan Award, a prestigious accolade for writers which places as much emphasis on the comedic values of a book as the romantic ones. Do read the criteria link – it outlines perfectly what we look for in a new favourite book and is put better than anything else I’ve seen.
At this time, the Melissa Nathan Foundation was also established, offering support to families in crisis. The foundation has helped charities such as The Willow Foundation, Honeypot, and The Bone Cancer Research Trust, and has provided Sunshine Buses to schools with disadvantaged children. If you’d like to donate to the Melissa Nathan Foundation, you can email info@melissanathan.com.
I am proud to induct Melissa Nathan into the International Chick Lit Month Hall of Fame. She understood exactly what us chick litters want from a novel, did it herself with aplomb (if you’re a newer chick lit reader, I urge you to pick up one of her novels) and has given other writers who do it well, the opportunity to be recognised and honoured by their peers.
Thank you, Melissa.
Chick Lit Central’s inductee for 2012 is …
Jane Green lives on the east coast of the US but hails from the UK, which explains her beautiful accent. She is the author of 13 bestselling novels, dealing with real women, real life, and all the things life throws at them, with her trademark wisdom, wit and warmth. Her first novel, Straight Talking, was written in 1996 and told the saga of a single career girl looking for the right man. It made it into a bidding war and became a hit in the UK, turning Jane into an overnight success. The success got even sweeter when her second novel, Jemima J, became an international bestseller. Cosmopolitan called this cheerful, updated Cinderella story “the kind of novel you’ll gobble up in a single sitting”. The mere mention of Jemima J manages to elicit a sigh of happiness from anyone who has read it! Over time, Jane’s novels have matured along with her, graduating to more complex, character-driven stories that explore the concerns of real women’s lives, from marriage (The Other Woman) to motherhood (Babyville) to midlife crises (Second Chance). Her latest, and equally fantastic novel, Another Piece of My Heart, is about a relationship between a stepmother and stepdaughter and the boundaries that get crossed along the way. In addition to her novels, Jane writes a daily blog www.janegreen.com and contributes to various publications, both online and print, including Huffington Post, The Sunday Times, Wowowow and Self. She’s also a foodie and passionate cook, and her food descriptions in her novels sound absolutely scrumptious! We love Jane’s writing style and are already clamoring for her next novel!
Chicklit Club’s inductee for 2012 is …
Sophie Kinsella is known for introducing Rebecca Bloomwood, self-confessed shopaholic, to the world. Under her real name Madeleine Wickham, she had already published several novels including The Gatecrasher and The Wedding Girl. But her experiences working as a financial journalist helped inspire her most famous character – a British girl who just couldn’t stay out of debt no matter how many times she hid her credit card in the freezer. The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic (aka Confessions of a Shopaholic) was published under the pen name in 2000. Since then Becky has been the subject of another five novels and made it to the big screen in 2009, portrayed by Australian actress Isla Fisher as an American. Other memorable characters from Sophie include domestically challenged lawyer Samantha from The Domestic Goddess; Lara and her ghostly great-aunt Sadie from Twenties Girl; and mobile-phone addict Poppy from I’ve Got Your Number. The genre of chick lit just wouldn’t be the same without her input.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR INDUCTEES FOR 2011
Novelicious’ inductee for 2011 is …
Back in the year 2000, Jenny Colgan released her debut novel, Amanda’s Wedding, and firmly established herself as the funniest writer in a genre choc-a-bloc with funny writers. For the past 11 years, Jenny has captivated readers with her spot-on comedic observations, quirky, lovable characters and the rare ability to create romantic relationships you root for as if they were real.
A firm defender of the genre, Jenny writes the kind of novels that make her the author you’d most want to take out for hijinks and wine drinking. She’s the very epitome of a classic chick lit heroine; clever, funny, bold, beautiful, warm-hearted and talented to boot. Novelicious hearts Jenny Colgan very much and reckons they will for a long time to come!
Chick Lit is Not Dead’s inductee for 2011 is …
When lawyer turned author Emily Giffin burst on to the scene with Something Borrowed in 2004, the positive word of mouth about her novel set the publishing world on fire. It soared to the top of the New York Times bestseller list because of Giffin’s incredible talent for writing characters that make poor choices in such a way that we still root for them to succeed – which makes her books absolutely irresistible! And Hollywood agreed – Something Borrowed has been made into a major motion picture starring Kate Hudson and John Krasinski. How appropriate that it came out May 6, during International Chick Lit Month! Emily has continued to develop flawed but loveable characters and engrossing plots with bestsellers Baby Proof, Love the One You’re With and Heart of The Matter. Beloved on Facebook by her growing legion of fans, Emily continues to show us why Chick Lit is SO not dead.
Chicklit Club’s inductee for 2011 is …
Since the publication of her debut novel, Watermelon, in 1995, Marian Keyes has gone on to become known as the queen of chick lit. The Irish author has a knack of creating amazingly complex and endearing characters who resonate with readers the world over. Rachel’s Holiday, in which one of the Walsh sisters battled drug addiction, was one of the first novels to demonstrate that chick lit didn’t necessarily mean fluffy. She has never shied away from dark, often taboo, subjects, with domestic violence raised in This Charming Man. But despite addiction, death and adultery figuring prominently in her stories, Marian always employs her deft touch of humour. Her most recent novel (her 10th), The Brightest Star in the Sky (2009), took a more mystical approach, with a spirit entering the lives of some Dublin neighbours. Known for her own battles with alcoholism and depression, Marian is currently taking a break from writing. As she writes in Last Chance Saloon, “show me a person who doesn’t have a past and I’ll show you a boring bastard”.
great choices! i haven’t read anything by jenny colgan, but i’ll have to check her out if she ranks up there with emily and marian! i hope marian will feel better so she can write again. i miss her stories!
Congratulations to the inductees! It looks like this is the first group to be inducted. I’ve read and loved all of these authors and look forward to more joining their ranks!
How about adding a 4th inductee via popular polling? We can nominate authors and then vote on them from either this website or the blog sites?
Like that idea, Chanpreet! Will definitely consider it for next year.
I love chick lit for its fluff, sometimes seerousniss, humor, fashion, and all things girly. It is my favorite genre. What’s not to love about books written by women for women?
Can I just say how utterly chuffed and delighted I was to get this. Honestly, I am going to be totally insufferable when my husband gets home. It is a total honour, especially from you guys, who REALLY know their stuff.
Lots and lots of love and thanks,
Jenxxxxxx
Great choices!!!
Congrats Ladies!!
Uve got to read jenny colgans books.the cupcake cafe was the best ever.read it in two days, its now going round the office.my.colleagues just finished it and were both depressed!!marian keyes another great writer.we need more of u lol
What about Sophie Kinsella?
But Marian’s great too! I loved Anybody Out There. Just can’t find This Charming Man. Grrrr.
Cheers, a great read – added to favourites so will check back for new content and to read other people’s comments. Cheers again.
These are excellent authors of chick lit! I love chick lit with all my heart…lol! But seriously!
Meg Cabot is my all time favorite…well one of them!
Amazing authors who have raised chick lit to an entirely new level….fun,entertaining & yet so touching….these books tickle you in the right parts…;-)
Great choices have read books by all these authors except for Emily Griffin and Melissa Nathan but that will be rectified shortly lol xx
Love finding new authors to love- thanks!!!
Melissa Nathan is new to me, and how sad to learn that she passed away at such a young age. I will definitely be checking out her books.
i have read most of these authours but i will say kinsella is the most dear to my heart!
Finally! A well crafted post. If this was a facebook status, I will seriously
hit the like and share option.
Out of all the chick lit books on the market, one of the many that stands out for me is ‘Jemima J’ which I read years ago with a big smile on my face, so I’m really pleased to see Jane Green on your list. You’ve made brilliant choices with all the authors in your Hall of Fame. I’m also delighted to see an Irish writer up there! Great writing from my little country!
Great choices!
I absolutely love chick lit! It is my go-to genre when I want to read a good book. Every time I see a new novel out by each of these wonderful authors, I grab it up. The smiles these ladies give their readers is priceless. My heartfelt thanks to each and every one of them for sharing their talents with their readers. Congratulations, Ladies!!
Congratulations to all the authors! Jane Porter is awesome!
Great group of authors! I have read books by most of them & I totally agree with your choices!
Truly honored to be featured amongst this wonderful selection of authors, many of whom are my own faves. And major props to whoever came up with the brilliant description above featuring so many of my book titles, so clever! Thanks so much again xx
Congrats Jane! I’m so excited for you!
Major congrats to all the inductees, especially Jane.
What a wonderful group of authors to praise! I already knew about and love Jane Porter and her books, blogs,events, etc., but it is great to read about so many others too! Will definitely check them all out. Thanks so much for keeping us informed, and congratulations to all!
Congratulations to all the great authors. I especially love reading Jane Porter and love what you write about her.
Congrats to all these great authors! I will have to say my vote goes to Jane Porter. Love her books and she is just one awesome author and mother!
Fabulous site, and congrats to all inductees! Thanks to Jane Porter for directing readers to this site, so readers can learn about other authors! Congrats to all!
Congratulations Jane. Your book bring me pleasure and are so well written and special.
Congratulations to all. I haven’t read some of your work but it sounds like I need to check out some more new to me authors. I have read Jane’s work & loved it!
congrats to all the authors! I really like reading Jane Porter’s books! So happy for her!
Congratulations to all inductees! My all time favorite author is Jane Porter, so I’m cheering very loudly for her today.
Love that you are honoring Jane Porter. Everything you said about her is true … she is a wonderful writer and wonderful to her readers as well. If you ever have the chance to attend one of her gatherings don’t pass it up! Congrats, Jane!!
Jane is my all time favorite author. Congrats Jane! You truly deserve this!!!
Congratulations to everyone! I love Jane Porter and her books!
Thank you for introducing me to some authors I did not know!
Congrats to all!! You all deserve this and more!!
Congrats to Jane and the other winners on your blog. I love Jane’s writing and now I have a few more authors I need to check out too!
Jane Porter is awesome👍
Congratulations to all the inductees. This is very much deserved! Dee
Congratulations to Jane Porter, Melissa Hill, Claire Cook and Jill Mansell. I have read some of your books and have some more reading to do.
whoot whoot jane porter is the most talented author..i live and breathe her books
Congratulations to all of the authors who have been nominated. There are one or two I’ve not read, but I’ve enjoyed all the rest, but especially Jane Porter.
Jane Porter is such a good writer. I am so glad she was nominated. I enjoy her books.
So excited to see Jane Porter as an inductee for 2013, she is a great author and a fun FB friend. Thanks for all you do at Click Lit to make sure those deserving are recognized.
Love Jane Porter! Will be writing down the names of all of these other authors for some good “new” reads! Yea!
Congratulations to Jane love her books .Love to read them over and over
Besides Southern Lit, Chick Lit is my fav. Congrats to Jane Porter for recognition and award.
Jane Porter is absolutely fantastic!
I see some great books listed. Congratulations to all.
Jane Porter is an amazing Author! Congrats to her!
congrats all inductees especially Jane Porter she totally is awesome!! congrats ladies well deserved
Each of you offer a buffet of treats in each story. Congratulations to one and to all. Here’s to lifting my glass to honor you. Cheers!
Congratulations Ladies! Chick Lit is my favorite genre and it’s so nice to see them get the much deserved recognition!
Jane Porter is one of my favorite authors! Thanks for putting her in the Hall of Fame! She has suggested other authors/books on her website, and I will check out these authors, too, while I wait for a new book by Jane. So many good books – I love it!
Really great class of honorees this year! Thanks, Jane, for sending us here for a peek. Although I’ve read Jennifer, Jill, and Emily, too! Congratulations to all of you.
LyndeeH
Congrats to all! I have found so many new authors thanks to Janes blog. Way to go Jane!
Congratulations Jane!! A lot of Authors and books to check out!!
Congratulations to all the inductees!
Love these choice!
Congrats to all !!
So exciting to read about such accomplished writers! Special congratulations to Jane Porter who enticed me, via my son’s gift of “Odd Mom Out”, to open my world of reading to the luxurious expanses of non-fiction. Jane continues to enhance my literary world by introducing authors on her website.
Congrats to a great group of amazing Authors!!
Jane Porter is the BOMB! Love her books!!!!
Congrats to all the inductees. I’ve read Sophie Kinsella and Jane Porter so it’s a real pleasure to meet the other inductees and put their books on my TRL.
Carol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com
Such great choices! I think I found what I’ll be reading this summer. Props to Jane Porter for sending me over here via her blog
congrats jane porter! chick lit hall of fame! very cool! woot! woot! <3
So many wonderful authors and I love Jane Porter most!
Her novels speaks straight from the heart and I have read almost all of them!
Congratulations to all of the authors! So many of my favorites are here. I’m not familiar with all of the authors here, looks like my TBR pile just got a whole lot higher. Thanks Jane Porter for sending me here.
Congratulations to all inductees!!
My vote is for Jane Porter. She’s up against some wonderful authors!
i love jane porter!!! everything she writes is absolutely amazing…my favourite author
Congratulations!!! You are in great company!
SO many of my favorite authors here, but I’m rooting for Jane Porter who swept me away this year with her Brennan series!
Congratulations!
congrats everyone, WTG Jane
Congratulations to all the inductees. You are all deserving of the honor.
Congrats!
Yay to all these amazing ladies! Girl power!!
I have read moSt of the authors and can’t wait to read the one’s I haven’t
Congrats to all these ladies, especially Jane Porter!!
These are all fantastic -
So happy for Jane Porter. Definitely my favorite chick lit author.
Congrats ladies! Thank for such GREAT books.
Love Jane Porter – love her books!! So glad you nominated her!!
Congratulations to all of you!
Congrats to you all !! i have read some of these authors and some haven’t yet
Congrats to all the authors! My vote goes to Jane Porter. I’ve just added many authors and their interesting books to my summer read list!
I’ve read a few of these, but not enough. The books almost all sound good.
Congrats & good luck to all.
Congrats Jane! You deserve the acknowledgment. You are my favorite author.
Melinda Garza
I love your books Jane!!! Congratulations!!!
Love Jane Porter! Congratulations Jane, and to all the other inductees, you are in fine company!
Congratulations to all these authors. I have read most of them and totally appreciate how their words and books can take us away from all the chores and our daily lives and give us such pleasure. I appreciate the Janeblog and being introduced to new authors by Jane Porter. I also read jane Green;s posts on Facebook. A young woman on a plane many years ago told me to read Jane Green. Both Jane’s books get better and better all the time. I have read most of Jennifer Weiner’s as have two of my daughters. Congrats ladies, you all deserve this!
I love jane porters books and will check out the others asap!
What an amazing group of ladies picked….Jane Porter, you rock!
I love Jane Porter. I have read all of her books and some of most of the other authors, but I added the page to my favourite, because I want to check out the authors I never read.
Congratulations to all!
Congratulations to all! Jane Porter is one of my favorites, for all the reasons you mentioned. Great writer, great books, and really just so warm and personable and real with her readers. A very deserved honor!
Congrats to all! Absolutely adore Jane Porter! This list incudes some of my favorite authors, and some new ones that I will have to check out!
Congrats =). There are a lot of new authors for me which I will check out in the near future. But Jane Porter I know and I absolutely love her books.
Congratulations everyone!!
Some great favorites of mine & very pleased to meet those new to me as well.
Woot, woot, congrats to all!! Can’t wait to read something by Jane Porter, lately everyone’s been talking about her books.
Congratz to all!!! I read of several authors that I will be checking out now! So thanks!
Congrats to everyone! Great choices! I discovered Jane Porter through Chick Lit Central, and she’s quickly become one of my favorite authors
Congrats to everyone! What wonderful choices! I’m excited to read some of the ladies that I have not read.
Congratulations ladies. Awesome authors.
I was surprised by how many of these books I have read. It’s good to see them collected together for a well deserved pat on the back. Life can be hard but these authors’ books are like a big “refresh” button.
Congratulations!
Besides Jane Porter, I haven’t read any of these authors. I will be checking them out on Facebook. A couple of the books sound really good. My TBR list has just gotten bigger!
What a great idea – it is nice to see author’s recognized for their hard work!
Congratulations to Jane! A well deserved nomination. This is a great group of authors for you to be a part of!
It’s great to see these authors get the recognition they deserve. Congrats to Jane, BTW.
Wonderful authors here! Special congrats to sweet Jane Porter.
Many of my favorite authors are on the list!! Congrats to all, especially Jane Porter!!
I couldn’t think a better inductee! Congrats to Jane Porter who is always thinking of her fans, keep up the good work Jane!!!
Congratulations to Jane Porter, she is one of the most talented Authors I have read, her books take you away so feel you are in the story. I have reread her books many times waiting for new ones to come out !She is also so kind and generous to her fans. She makes us all feel valued and takes time to write personal notes.
Your very deserving of this Jane !
Jane Porter is the real deal and always amazes me with all the hats she wears…and wears them so well. She’s also a great juggler with her family and fans. My vote is with Jane. Congrats to all the nominees, a great honor.
They’re all such great authors! The best of the best! =] Congrats to Jane Porter, Melissa Hill, Claire Cook, and Jill Mansell for 2013!
Love Jane Porter! She seems like such a sweet person. Have not read the other ladies, but some of these books look real good. Thanks!
Look likes Jane is keeping good company, but most of us loyal JP folks already knew that. Congratulations!!
Jane Porter is one of my favorite authors and people. She deserves this honor. And, thanks to you, I now have some new authors to look for at the bookstore. Thanks!
If you haven’t read Jane Porter’s books do so immediately! You won’t be sorry. Her books are fabulous.
Congrats to Jane and and the other inductees!! Thanks so much for providing fantastic books for all of us to read! All of you are FABULOUS!!!!
There are a few writers I have not had the pleasure of reading – congratulations to all the inductees!
Congrats to the inductees!!!!
Congratulations to all the inductees. Now I have even more authors to put on my reading list!
Congratulations to all these wonderful authors! I thank you for all the great reading hours you have given me.
Some of my favorite authors! I look forward to reading some if the books by a couple of authors I’m unfamiliar with! Congrats ladies!
They obviously have good taste… I know and love almost all of the inductees and for that I don’t know, I will be adding them to my new authors to read list. Congratulations everyone!!
What a great list of wonderful, talented authors! Congrats to all of you , and especially Jane who I was lucky enough to meet in York PA! This makes me want to leave work right now (I wish) and go finish The Good Woman!
I love and have read the majority of the authors listed here. And for the couple I haven’t read, I will be looking them up!
All the hard work has paid off for some great ladies. Congratulations!
Great pics! Jane Porter is my all time favorite!!
Congrats to all you ladies. So many god books.
Jane Porter, I have to tell you I just finished The Good Daughter. Loved it so much. Cannot wait until sept. to read The Good Wife. Hate the waiting.
Love me some Jane Porter!!! Congrats to everyone!!