Venus Buzz
What are people saying about VENUS ENVY?
Special features and awards:
VENUS ENVY was chosen as a Book Sense Notable, January 2007, by the American Booksellers Association!
I was featured in the cover story of Publishers Weekly, October 23, 2006, issue:
Looking for a New Love: 10 romance authors make their debuts
Reviews:
After several heartbreaking experiences, Rachel Greer has sworn off dating forever. Then a chance encounter puts Rachel in the path of the goddess Venus, banished to Earth by an angry Zeus who further punishes her by forcing her to serve as fairy godmother to young women needing love in their lives. McKelden’s Venus is the epitome of the chick-lit cliché—shallow, manipulative, and obsessed with shoes, shopping, and men—the better to contrast with the gentle, altruistic Rachel, who, much to Venus’s chagrin, volunteers at a soup kitchen for fun. Venus wants to get away from Rachel and Rachel wants Venus out of her apartment, but the only way to get Venus to leave is for Rachel to find her true love. He’s not hard to find, but the trick is for Venus to help Rachel let go of her past and give in to love—which she does, because she’s a goddess with a lot of tricks up her sleeve. Fans of chick lit with a lighthearted paranormal element (think MaryJanice Davidson) will find much to enjoy in this debut. Recommended.—Nanette Donohue, Champaign P.L., IL Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. – Library Journal Magazine
“The story puts a fresh spin on the classic fairy godmother story.” And “McKelden’s sharp sense of humor pulls plenty of weight.” – Publishers Weekly
“Debut author McKelden is undeniably talented, milking a fun plot for all it’s worth.” 3 stars – Romantic Times
“Quirky and clever take on the Cinderella story.” – Fresh Fiction
“VENUS ENVY is a great twist on the fairy godmother storyline. It was laugh-out-loud funny, and reading about the budding friendship between Venus and Rachel is as enjoyable as the romantic storyline. A fantastic debut novel by Shannon McKelden, I look forward to more of her work.” – Romance Junkies
“Witty, funny, and truly original, McKelden’s romance is a standout.” – Booklist
“Loved it from the first line. One of the most fun debuts I’ve read, full of delightful snark and lots of heart!” –Melissa Senate, author of See Jane Date and Love You To Death
“Great Zeus! [Venus Envy] is Mount Olympus-sized fun!”—Lauren Baratz-Logsted, author of How Nancy Drew Saved My Life, Vertigo, and Angel’s Choice
“Delicious fun! A sparkling, laugh out loud treat.” –Gena Showalter, author of Jewels of Atlantis
“Eat your heart out, Cinderella. McKelden will dazzle readers with her brilliant twists on the beloved fairy tale. Venus Envy is fun, snarky and divine!”–Susanna Carr, author of Lip Lock and Ex, Why and Me.
“Take some Greek mythology, add a dash of fairy tale and a big dollop of Cosmo, and you get the cocktail that is Venus Envy — a cute story for anyone who’s ever gotten in her own way when it comes to love.”–Cathy Yardley, author of Couch World
“Witty, charming, and surprisingly touching. Don’t miss this delightful novel!” –Beverly Brandt, bestselling author of Match Game
“Sexy, clever and fun, Venus Envy is absolutely delightful from beginning to end. Author Shannon McKelden has talent to spare.” –Jane Porter, author of The Frog Prince