Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Review and Giveaway of Hollywood Carwash by Lori Culwell

(From the back cover)
College drama student Amy Spencer dreams of starring in independent films. When her roommate signs her up for a mysterious "television projdect" audition, she blows away the competition with her girl-next-door looks and impressive acting chops, inadvertently getting a starring role on a majore TV show and going from Michigan teen to Hollywood starlet overnight.
   To keep the part she didn't even know she wanted, Amy finds herself taking a spin through the "Hollywood Car Wash" to maker her more marketable. First, she'll have to lose twenty pounds (don't ask how). Then it's new clothes, new teeth, blonder hair, new friends, and a megastar, high-profile boyfriend (though hers comes with a big secret. Bombarded by jealous, two-faced colleagues, overeager plastic surgeons, and manipulative network executives, Amy slowly learns that the only way to survive in Hollywood is to lose her identity. Will Amy get too caught up by the glitz or will she get a grip on her life before it's too late?

REVIEW
I have to say, this has been sitting on my desk for a bit waiting to be reviewed. ( I know my bad) Yesterday I was ready for something light, fresh and with no dark turns. I picked this up and thought, what the heck I'll give it a try. I normally don't read light whimsical type stuff and that is what I saw this as to be. (by the cover) Once I started reading though, I seriously didn't want to put it down, not even to feed the kiddos or take them to soccer practice (evening knowing I could sit back down and read for the hour we were there) But being the good mom that I am I did put it down when absolutely necessary. But when I wasn't reading I was wondering what was going to happen next. How far was Amy willing to go to be a success, how much of herself was she willing to lose to keep herself in the spotlight, to keep the money coming in so she could support her family. This was a very well written story of a young girl caught up in the whirlwind of Hollywood and finding herself and her backbone through the journey. This story makes you stop and think, how far would you go to provide for you family and make sure they are well taken care of.  A great story of a young girl getting caught up in the glitz and glamour and coming out a more empowered woman in the end.
Lori did a great job with this story and I hope to see more from her. A great summer read! I give this one 5 stars (which as you know I don't give out often) but the fact I didn't want to put it down, I could empathize with the protagonist and that I loved how it ended it totally deserves it.

Now to the fun part, Lori sent me a copy to read and I enjoyed it so much I want to share it with you. The best part is....drum roll please...it is a SIGNED COPY. So for this giveaway it will require a little more than simply leaving a comment.

TO ENTER:

1. Must be a GFC Follower
2Leave a comment telling me who your favorite young starlet is right now. (leave your email addy in comment)

EXTRA ENTRIES
1.Blog about this giveaway (leave a comment with the link)
2. Share this giveaway on Facebook (leave a comment with the link)
3. Follow us on Twitter  @YourNeedToRead
4. Tweet about this giveaway (leave a comment with the link)
    don't know what to tweet, we made it easy for you Win a free signed copy of Hollywood Car Wash by Lori Culwell @YourNeedToRead http://bit.ly/o57oIy 



open to US Residents ONLY 
Ends September  7th