Check It Out: Chick lit books are great summer reads

It’s a fabulous summer of reading for those who love chick lit.

With so many titles being released in 2012, it’s going to be hard to choose what book you should check out at the library to take with you for a little relaxing downtime at the beach. Rest assured, though, that none of the following titles will disappoint.

The popular authors of this genre who we’ve all come to love — Emily Giffin, Sophie Kinsella, Beth Harbison and Jennifer Weiner — have all released new titles this year that are picking up some serious interest among avid readers. Which one will you choose first?

Giffin, a fan favorite who penned titles such as, “Something Borrowed,” “Something Blue” and “Baby Proof,” recently released “Where We Belong,” a story about a past decision playing a significant role in the discovery of self.

Marian Caldwell’s life is perfect, at least that’s what she tells herself and those around her. She’s got it all: the job, a great relationship and her health. She has a secret, though, and that secret is about to knock on her door and turn her world upside down.

Eighteen-year-old Kirby, looks for answers that Marian never expected she’d have to give. Both are on a journey of finding out the truth of who they really are and just exactly who they want to become. Giffin knows how to pull on readers’ heartstrings, and does it again and again in this latest release.

Fans will be captivated as she unfolds the story of Marian and Kirby’s search for a place to belong.

The widely popular author of the Shopaholic series, Kinsella, released a new title at the beginning of 2012 called, “I’ve Got Your Number.” This book takes the art of texting to a whole new level!

After losing her phone and her heirloom engagement ring, Poppy Wyatt is freaking out. When she just so happens to find a discarded phone, she picks it up and starts using it as her own. What she doesn’t know is that the owner of the phone wants it back, and is quite possibly the most difficult, stubborn, yet most handsome man she has ever met.

Their texts begin as a fight over personal property, but soon they turn into something more as she accepts a position with his company as his assistant. Just how far will Poppy go in this flirtatious text game she’s begun with another man? How long can she keep the secret from her fiancé and soon-to-be in laws that she’s lost her ring?

Kinsella takes readers on Poppy’s hilarious journey through out the pages of this latest bestseller.

Harbison, the author of the amazing Shoe Addicts Anonymous series, has written another stellar hit, “When in Doubt, Add Butter.” Thirty-something Gemma Craig is a private chef who is very good at taking care of others, so much so that she sometimes forgets to take care of herself. She is an independent woman trying to find her way in life, and as Harbison weaves together a strong storyline as each chapter progresses, she also develops a character that readers will relate to as they watch her embark on a growth journey toward finding herself, even if life is not exactly like she had always planned.

Weiner’s latest book definitely lives up to the title, “The Next Best Thing.” Weiner never drops the ball as readers have seen in her past releases, and this is especially evident in her ever so famous titles “Good in Bed” and “In Her Shoes.” Her books engage readers, bring to life characters that are relatable, and give readers stories that stay with them long after the final page.

In “The Next Best Thing,” lead character Ruth Saunders’ is overcoming traumatic events of her childhood in the hopes of realizing her dreams of getting her script turned into a sitcom to be aired on national television. She faces the ups and downs of healing from her past while taking chances for her future. But are fame, fortune, and a new Hollywood lifestyle just what Ruth needs to find her true self?

Check out these titles and so much more at the Newport Beach Public Library. As for beach reading this summer, we’ve got you covered.

CHECK IT OUT is written by the staff of the Newport Beach Public Library. All titles may be reserved from home or office computers by accessing the catalog at https://www.newportbeachlibrary.org. For more information on the Central Library or any of the branches, contact the Newport Beach Public Library at (949) 717-3800, option 2.