City Chic

Every girl needs a little boost getting out into the real world. Even mothers and women of all ages can always use some helpful tips on makeup, cooking, and fashion. So where can the average woman find such a handy helper?

In Nina Willdorf's City Chic there is a solution, guide, and tip for every independent, chic woman. Separated into four sections, this helpful book discusses new ideas for every aspect of a woman's life.

The first section is devoted to helping women make some home improvements. Willdorf suggest using light and color to improve and brighten the mood, look, and comfort in the house or apartment. There is an abundance of tips on finding good bargains on furnishing and how to turn antiques into something completely unique. Also included are some ideas on how plants and flowers can improve a home dramatically.

Section two begins with ways to get your daily dose of exercise, without spending a whole lot of cash. In fact, there are plenty of exercises that can be done without even having a gym membership at all. This section discusses the importance of maintaining a natural, healthy head of hair, and how to do it for less. A girl's makeup is important, too, especially when it comes to splurging, replenishing, and multitasking.

Selecting a signature drink is important for any city chic girl, and section three lists the tips on how to do so. Of course some drinks may be pricey, but there are tips on how to save in this area, as well. Food is just as vital and there are plenty of tips and tricks for whipping up some quick meals, weeding out your pantry cupboards, and coupon clipping. Just in case a girl wants to entertain, there is also a whole chapter devoted to it in this section.

Finally, section four is all about clothes, clothes, and more clothes. Willdorf discusses the importance of giving your closet and your clothes a makeover. Here, a girl can find fashion tips, trends, helpful investments, and naturally, how to spot the best sales by shopping without a wallet.

City Chic truly is "the modern girl's guide to living large on less." With guidelines for everything under the sun, this book will come in handy for any woman in any situation, and it won't even cost her a dime.

Lost Hearts in Italy

Isn't Italy home of some of the most romantic cities in the world?

In Lost Hearts in Italy, by Andrea Lee, this just isn't true for Mira Ward and Nick Reiver, the two yound newlyweds who moved to Italy for Nick's financing career.

Mira, being the adventurous woman that she is, was ecstatic to move to her ancient new home, especially with the man she loved more than anything in the world. On her plane ride there, while she dreams of her new life, she meets Zenin, a wealthy, Italian toymaker. Their chat is polite and friendly, but little does Mira know that Zenin sees more than that.

After Mira and Nick are settled into their new home, the old, Italian man, Zenin, begins to call her. Once again, there is more friendly and polite prattle as they discuss the life in Italy. When Zenin finally asks her for lunch and she accepts, things begin to change.

Although nothing is mentioned about a date and nothing sensual about the lunch is said, Mira expects that this is what Zenin wants. Even though she is married, she goes to this lunch with a full knowledge of what she's getting herself into.

After the disastrous lunch date, Mira makes it very clear that she does not want to see him anymore, but when Zenin begins calling her, she is forcefully swept into an improbable affair.

Many months pass and even when Mira and Nick have a little girl of their own, her affair with Zenin continues.

Lost Hearts in Italy, although quite an untraditional romance, is sophisticatedly written in three different perspectives. Full of passion, adultery, and foreign culture, this international triangle of love will have you choosing sides between moral justice and lust.