Guest Author - Casey Manes

If you love wit, a hint of romance and smart chick lit, "Fashionably Late" is for you. Author Beth Kendrick delivers with characters readers can relate with and offers a realistic plot and story line without stepping over the line into far-fetched.

The book details the life of Becca, who ends an engagement with Kevin to head to Los Angeles in search of her dream of becoming a fashion designer. She moves in with her sister and courageously attempts to break into the industry, hoping to overcome the competition she faces. Along the way, she finds herself surprised at how intense things can get in the race for the big break.

Amidst her attempts at trying to make her dream come true, money gets tight. So to ensure she doesn't go hungry Becca is forced to land a restaurant job. Meanwhile, former fiance Kevin is waiting in the wings back in Arizona, smugly believing she will come to her senses and return to him after some time passes.

No such thing.

It wouldn't be chick lit without the good girl winning in the end. Enter Connor. A certain dashing young man that Becca meets along the way. They enjoy a friendly rapport, joking back and forth often. But Connor doesn't come across as the settling down type.

Amidst the frustrations of trying to make her dreams come true, Becca finds herself grappling with what she truly wants, how to make that happen, and defining happiness on her terms.

The characters in "Fashionably Late" seem true to life. They certainly aren't perfect, but unlike some chick lit, that teeters on the brink of plain hard to believe, this book is brains mixed with beauty. Plenty of realistic imperfection readers can relate with and a great mix of laughs, romance and wit.

If you're a fan of Beth Kendrick or just seeking out a smarter, more realistic version of the chick lit genre, this is a good choice.

If you've ever made a decision only to discover it's not what you truly longed for, or dreamed of stepping out of your comfort zone and making dreams a reality, you'll relate well with the character of Becca and the snafus she drags herself through all in the name of love and in the pursuit of following her heart.

Other chick lit books by Beth Kendrick you might enjoy include:

Nearlyweds

In One Year and Out the Other: A New Year's Story Collection

Exes and Ohs

My Favorite Mistake