I love having the opportunity to read new books right before they’re released and today I’m excited to share my review of a recently released novel called ‘Messing with Matilda’ in addition to an exclusive interview with the author Cat Lavoie!
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My Review – Messing with Matilda by Cat Lavoie
What a fun read! This is an author to watch out for. Great chick-lit vibe and an easy fun read. I loved the character development and the cast of characters; I can’t pick a favorite because I loved them all!
One of the main themes of the novel is the idea that sometimes you have to let things go and move on with your life. Trying desperately to make great memories for the past continue to push past their expiration date isn’t good for anyone involved. I strongly believe in fate, destiny and the power of the right timing. For example, if it weren’t for certain major events that happened in this novel, the outcome in the end would’ve been drastically different.
It’s important to realize that there’s two sides to every story and everyone has a different perspective on where they’re coming from. It’s also important to remember not to judge others and often times people’s behaviors are a result of their personal experiences or in reaction to the way they’re treated. Try to understand someone’s history before you make assumptions about who they are and where they’re coming from.
I’m hoping that there will be another book and it will be a series because I would love to read Amy’s story next… maybe even Amber’s story too.
My Rating: 5/5 Stars
I received a complimentary review copy from the author. My review reflects my own opinion and I was not paid to review this. Receiving free books does not affect my review opinions or ratings.
Author Interview with Cat Lavoie
What inspired you to write Messing with Matilda?
I love a good opposites attract story! I had the character of Silas Flynn—the quirky and laid-back bartender who’s still pining for his ex—in the back of my mind before the character of neat-freak Matilda Hart was even born. When this story started coming together, I knew I wanted these two characters to interact.
If your novel was being turned into a movie, who would you want to see playing the lead roles?
I love this question! My dream cast would be…
Matilda: Jenna Coleman
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1982510/
Silas: Johnny Flynn
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1926865/
Evie: Krysten Ritter
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1269983/
Amy: Sarah Hyland
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0405103/
Amber: Anna Camp
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2319871/
What is your favorite thing about being a writer?
I love creating a world for my characters and becoming completely immersed in their lives. At the beginning, I’m in control of everything, but they always take over at some point. (Which often leads to me scrambling for my phone or a notebook to jot down a line of dialogue that randomly popped into my head!)
What are the things you can’t live without in your kitchen?
Coffee machine, milk frother, Instant Pot.
What are the things you can’t live without in your wardrobe?
Cardigans, T-shirts, a few pairs of comfy cat-print pajama bottoms (also known as “my writing pants.”)
What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?
My very first job was teaching “the internet” to teenagers for the summer. I think it was circa 1999. The dial-up connection kept dropping and I think it was obvious I had no clue what I was doing. Thankfully, I can laugh about it now.
What would we find if we looked in your handbag right now?
You’d find: an iPad, a day planner, makeup bag, reusable tote, my wallet, and a few pens.
What would you be doing if you weren’t an author?
I love animals, so I’d like to think I’d be working with animals in a vet’s office or a rescue shelter.
What is your favorite inspirational phrase or quote?
One of my favorites is by Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail.”
A few of your favorites…
Animal: Cats—especially my kittens, Paddington and Molly.
Season: Fall
Movie: Love, Actually
Author: Jane Austen
Scent: Anything citrus
Color: Pink
Food: Cheese
Word: Happenstance
Location: London
Dogs or cats? Cats! (But I love dogs too!)
Coffee or tea? Coffee
Summer or Winter? Winter
Sleep in or get up early? Get up early
Apple or PC? Apple
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Messing With Matilda by Cat Lavoie
Published by Cat Lavoie on April 4, 2018
Genres: Chick Lit, Romantic Comedy
As a professional organizer in New York City, Matilda Hart wages war against chaos and clutter on a daily basis for her clients—and she vows to never let it invade her own well-ordered world.
But when her boyfriend decides to deviate from the path she’s been planning for them, Matilda’s perfectly structured life begins to crumble. She reluctantly finds herself back in the tiny hometown she fled a lifetime ago—determined to lay low and avoid running into anyone she used to know. So why is she reconnecting with her former best friend and putting up with the bridezilla antics of Amber, her high school nemesis?
When Matilda is tasked with keeping the bride-to-be’s heartbroken ex away from the ceremony, she discovers she has history with the man who’s trying to sabotage the wedding. Matilda quickly realizes that teaming up with cute and quirky—but hopelessly devoted—Silas Flynn could be mutually beneficial. He needs help wooing the woman he considers the love of his life and Matilda can’t pass up the chance to finally get back at the meanest of the mean girls by assisting Silas in his attempts to disrupt her wedding.
Will everything go according to plan for this mismatched pair? Or will working so closely together make uptight Matilda and laid-back Silas lose sight of their common goal?
One thing’s for sure—things are about to get messy.
Get yourself an e-copy of Cat’s new book and check out all her other ones too!
About the Author: Cat Lavoie
Cat Lavoie is a chick lit writer from Montreal, Canada. She loves writing fun and quirky romantic comedies and is the author of BREAKING THE RULES, ZOEY & THE MOMENT OF ZEN, PERI IN PROGRESS and MESSING WITH MATILDA.
A fan of all things feline, Cat loves cats and hopes to someday have a house full of them in order to officially become a crazy cat lady. (But one or two cats will do for now.)
If she isn’t reading or writing, Cat enjoys listening to podcasts (mostly comedy and true crime) and watching way too much TV. She fell in love with London many years ago and hopes to go back one day. Cat is currently at work on her next novel.
To connect with Cat and find out more about her books, visit CatLavoie.com and follow @CatLavoieBooks on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
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Short-Link: https://wp.me/p9w9Yy-r3P
Thank you so much for having me, Arielle! That was a super fun interview! 🙂 I’m also thrilled you enjoyed Matilda and now you’ve got me thinking about Amy getting her own book! lol
Thanks for hosting a spot on Cat’s tour!!! <3