Susan McBride’s 5 Loves and a Dud

by Liz

We are totally diggin’ discovering the things our fave authors love.  And we especially like finding out what they think is a major freakin’ dud! So far, we have agreed wholeheartedly!

Today we have the lovely Susan McBride.  She’s the author of The Cougar Club (love the title!) and her latest, Little Black Dress, just came out!  We’re thrilled that she’s sharing her loves and duds and think Little Black Dress is hella fun.

Here’s the scoop on LBD: Two sisters whose lives seemed forever intertwined are torn apart when a magical little black dress gives each one a glimpse of an unavoidable future.

Antonia Ashton has worked hard to build a thriving career and a committed relationship, but she realizes her life has gone off track. Forced to return home to Blue Hills when her mother, Evie, suffers a massive stroke, Toni finds the old Victorian where she grew up as crammed full of secrets as it is with clutter. Now she must put her mother’s house in order—and uncover long-buried truths about Evie and her aunt, Anna, who vanished fifty years earlier on the eve of her wedding. By shedding light on the past, Toni illuminates her own mistakes and learns the most unexpected things about love, magic, and a little black dress with the power to break hearts . . . and mend them.

Sounds fab to you?  Then leave a comment and you’ll be entered to win one of FIVE copies!  We’ll choose the winners on Sunday, September 11th after 6pm PST.  Good Luck!

CHICK LIT IS NOT DEAD PRESENTS…SUSAN MCBRIDE’S 5 LOVES AND A DUD

5 LOVES

1. My husband, Ed. Oooh, smooches! (I know, grab the barf bag!) I can’t help it. I love the guy to pieces.  Not only does he get my wacky sense of humor, but he built me a computer—swoon! Plus, he looks hot in his hockey gear AND he rescues me from giant spiders, which seals his place at the top of my list.

2. Print books.  Yes, I’m a tech-dinosaur.  I still have an old flip-phone without a touch screen. It even has a teeny-tiny antennae molded onto it.  I still write checks and don’t bank online.  So it’s probably not surprising that I’m not enamored of e-readers.  I love the smell and feel of a brand-new book, the kind you could smack a fly with and not have broken pieces falling at your feet.

3. Manicures and pedicures with paraffin.  I could wax poetic about going to the day spa, sitting in the massage chair, and having my hands and feet pampered.  It’s my very own mini-vacation since I don’t have much time for real ones.

4. Trees.  I call myself a “tree person,” because I need to be surrounded by green.  Not only do trees block the view of neighboring houses, but they produce oxygen, make shade, and birds like to hang out in them.  I could never live in the desert (well, if I did, I guarantee you I’d be PMS-grade cranky on a daily basis).

5.  True friends.  Having gone through more than a few stinky health scares in the past six years, I’ve really learned who my true friends are. They’re the ones who support me through thick and thin, understand who I am—warts and all—and love me anyway, and constantly assure me that my crazy family isn’t any crazier than theirs.  What would I do without them?

Dud

Politics. Blech! I can hardly turn on the local news or read a paper anymore without gagging on all the sordid details of what’s going on in the Gubmint.  It’s pretty clear that everything politicians need to know they learned in kindergarten:  more precisely, on the playground, teaming up with lobbyists for kickbacks–I mean, kickball–and bullying the weaker kids.  Somebody needs to call a time-out and bring in the real grown-ups to solve things.

Thanks Susan!  xo, L&L

To read more about Susan, head on over to her website or find her on Facebook.

Wanda Z September 5, 2011 at 6:28 am

I like all your loves…and even your dud!!! I bet I’d love the book too. Count me in!

adina September 5, 2011 at 7:28 am

sounds like a great end of summer read!

jonica motoike September 5, 2011 at 7:31 am

I can’t wait to read LBD!!!!

Jencey Gortney September 5, 2011 at 7:36 am

What a great giveaway to have start the Labor Day. This book sounds great!

Margaret September 5, 2011 at 7:38 am

I have been anticipating this read! Couldn’t wait for it’s release! Keeping my fingers crossed for this one!

Brittany September 5, 2011 at 7:38 am

So excited to read this!!!

Michele w. September 5, 2011 at 7:40 am

I refuse to bank online too!

Sound’s like a great book.

Jane Cook September 5, 2011 at 7:41 am

I’ve been hearing ‘buzz’ about LBD all over the web – can’t wait to read it!! thanks for the ‘list’

gina mashai September 5, 2011 at 7:46 am

Awesome job once again! You nailed it. I agreed withe everything you said. Especially about the books.I can’t get into e-readers either.

Nina September 5, 2011 at 7:52 am

It’s nice to know I’m not the only one to consider politics a dud! ;) Have heard so much about this book! Channeling good energy that I win it! Haha.

Elise September 5, 2011 at 7:54 am

I love these…especially #2! There really is nothing better than a new book with pages that you can actually turn. :)

Kim W. September 5, 2011 at 7:57 am

Really excited to read this one!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lisa J September 5, 2011 at 8:06 am

Sounds like a good book… And I especially agree with the dud!

Annette K September 5, 2011 at 8:17 am

Sounds great. Looking forward to reading it. :)

Ms. Dawn September 5, 2011 at 8:19 am

I love Susan’s 5 love choices. Even more so, her DUD!! Agreed. I’m guessing I would LOVE her book! Definitely want to read it.

Pauline Tilbe September 5, 2011 at 8:21 am

I have always loved reading but admit that it’s not the books that excite me or comfort me, it’s the stories.

Heather Gray September 5, 2011 at 9:34 am

Love the list! I would LOVE to win this book! Thanks for the chance!!

Jean Shen September 5, 2011 at 9:36 am

Print books for me too. Can’t wait to check out this book.

Jean Shen September 5, 2011 at 9:36 am

Print books for me too. Can’t wait to check out this book.

Jean Shen September 5, 2011 at 9:36 am

Print books for me too. Can’t wait to check out this book.

Kate September 5, 2011 at 9:46 am

I have had this on my list for some time now! Please throw my name in the hat!

I completely agree with the DUD of politics! It’s to the point that I don’t even bother looking at the news! Why bother!

Thanks, Ladies, for having Susan on your site!

-Kate @ Musings

Maureen September 5, 2011 at 9:51 am

Interesting book, would love to win a copy!

diana September 5, 2011 at 10:08 am

Sounds like a great read!! I totally agree w/ your love of pedicures & parafin!

Susan McBride September 5, 2011 at 10:27 am

Thanks for the great comments, ladies! It’s such a pleasure visiting with Liz and Lisa–and everyone!–at Chick Lit Is Not Dead. Too bad we can’t go out for mani-pedis together. I have a feeling we could all use a few hours at the day spa right about now. ;-)

Kimmi September 5, 2011 at 10:31 am

I agree completely with all your likes and your dislike….except your husband Ed, who although I’m sure is lovely, I’ve never met. :)

Jennifer H September 5, 2011 at 10:53 am

All excellent choices – you’re very lucky to find a guy like Ed. The book sounds wonderful – if I don’t win I’ll pick one up for sure!

Linda Kish September 5, 2011 at 12:02 pm

I like your list, even tho I don’t know Ed. I take your word on that one.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Kathy September 5, 2011 at 12:03 pm

Can’t wait to try it!

Jessica September 5, 2011 at 1:31 pm

love love love her number 2! People keep telling me since i love to read, i should get an e-reader but i refuse. I love the feeling of a new book in my hands. Thanks for the opportunity to win. It sounds like a great book!

Jenn B September 5, 2011 at 2:33 pm

I have heard many good things about this book. Would love a chance to win!

karenk September 5, 2011 at 2:48 pm

looking forward to reading susan’s latest novel :)

Laura September 5, 2011 at 5:38 pm

Susan, I think I have that same cell phone. The one that is so retro that it’s actually cool again?!
Sounds like a great premise for a book. Congrats on the release of LBD!

Colleen Turner September 5, 2011 at 5:40 pm

This does sound great! I am already intrigued to learn what happened to Evie’s sister. And I love print books too….let’s go paper books!!!!

Kristen September 5, 2011 at 7:20 pm

Agree with the dud, too!

Lori September 5, 2011 at 8:03 pm

A little intrigue…sounds interesting!

Jenny Ryan September 5, 2011 at 11:18 pm

Ed sounds like a great guy. Any partner who will build you things that support your career is a keeper for sure!

Crystal September 5, 2011 at 11:34 pm

Sounds like a great book!

I love #2. I have an e-reader, but I agree that there is nothing better than the feel and smell of books. I still indulge in actual books quite a bit.

Maureen September 6, 2011 at 3:38 am

A little black dress to tell you your future sounds intriguing.

Jessica September 6, 2011 at 5:09 am

This book sounds really interesting. I would love to read it.

Heather September 6, 2011 at 5:45 am

Sounds like a good one!

Jen Daiker September 6, 2011 at 8:09 am

This was fabulous!!! I’m all for the husband love, th paper book and Manicures and pedicures with paraffin!!! Talk about a match made in heaven!

I’ve loved your previous books and this one is going to be just as enjoyable! Can’t wait to read it! I’m excited to have the chance to win it!

Melissa R September 6, 2011 at 9:11 am

Sounds like a great book!

faith September 6, 2011 at 10:03 am

This book has been on my TBR list for what seems like months!!!
kyfaithw at aol dot com

Susan McBride September 6, 2011 at 10:21 am

Man, you all are so sweet! Love all your comments, and I’m wishing each of you luck in the drawing for the five copies of Little Black Dress. I hope you enjoy LBD, whenever/however you read it! (Ah, Laura, “retro”–that’s what I need to call my antique cell phone! Thanks for that! ;->)

Emily F September 6, 2011 at 11:07 am

Sounds like a great read! Thank you the opportunity to win!

Liz September 6, 2011 at 2:51 pm

Susan, Thanks so much for being on the site! It was a pleasure! xo, L&L

Nina T September 6, 2011 at 5:40 pm

I too am a grand lover of books and not e-readers. I was just saying this the other day when debating on whether or not to get an e-reader. There is something about turning a page or dog-earing it. You can write in the margins too!

cindy r September 7, 2011 at 9:01 am

I love all Susan’s DOs and I agree most of our politicians, and certainly the lobbyists need a time-out, if not a BIG kick-out! BUT that’s another story! I love LBD and I hope Susan gets to come down to Miami, Florida on her tour! Thanks for another treat! cindy writeoncindy@yahoo.com

Mary September 7, 2011 at 9:39 am

What a facinating story line ! Would love to check it out.

Marybeth Whalen September 7, 2011 at 6:48 pm

I would love to read this book! Thanks for sharing your list with us Susan.

Susan - The Book Bag September 8, 2011 at 8:25 pm

Love all the Loves – especially the mani/pedi. I just recently discovered them and am so sorry I missed all those years that I could have been enjoying them. Oh well, I’ll just have to get them more often so I can catch up, right?

Thanks for this great giveaway – I am wanting to read this book so bad!

Shaz September 11, 2011 at 2:51 am

I agree with your loves and duds Susan. There is nothing quite like being able to hold a printed book in my hands and snuggle up with my son and read together. My son loves nothing more than to choose the books we are going to read each night. I also hate the thought of libraries closing and people not having the chance to visit a library and browse through books to choose and take home to read. My son and I love our weekly visits to the library.

Thanks so much for the chance to win a copy of your book. Please add me name to the draw.

Liz September 13, 2011 at 6:16 pm

Congrats to oreannie@xxx.com, jshen1216@xxx.com, BonSoleil75@xxx.com, dawn.nowakoski@xxx.com, mrsalimashai@xxx.com! they’ve each won a copy of Little Black Dress! Thanks to all who entered! xo

Kate September 14, 2011 at 7:02 am

YAY! I am very excited to read this book! Please let me know what I need to do next! Thanks to Susan for putting up her book and for the interview! It was great!
- Kate @ Musings

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