Cover Image: The Selling Point

The Selling Point

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Member Reviews

Really enjoyed this heartwarming adventure. Action packed, emotional roller-coaster filled with witty and engaging charters, heart racing twists and thrilling turns. Great read from beginning to end and so hard to put down.

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“The answers are in the stars, little one, her mom would say. All you have to do is look up and listen with your heart.”

The Selling Point is the second book in the Chammont Point series by Marci Bolden. Returning to Chammont Lake in Eastern Virginia was like a breath of fresh air. Being reacquainted with Jade, Darby, and Taylor was like taking a retreat with your best friends sharing all the ups and downs of life with those you trust the most.

Last time we were together in the last book, we focused on Jade Kelly’s story and how she ended up in Chammont Point. This time around we focus on Darby Zamora. She’s a bit eccentric wearing old fashions with a pop of color to showcase her very own unique style. Growing up she was bullied and made to feel like she didn’t matter which lead to her insecurities about herself. This followed her into her adult life with the different jobs that she tried. She was always trying to find her niche (selling point). She therefore starts her online store, Undo Wedding Boutique, trying to sell castoff wedding dresses that she sewed herself but never sold because of cancelled engagements. She’s asked to be a guest on the Noah Joplin Show and in hopes this will increase her sales. She shares stories that are tag lines that go along with each dress but it’s taken the wrong way so she much reconcile herself. Will she come up with a plan so people will realize that she didn’t intend to hurt anyone?

My heart really empathized with Darby. I also went through a period of time dealing with bullies in junior high. So this story really hit home for me. Insecurities can follow you through adulthood making you feel like you don’t matter because words do hurt. Luckily Darby has two great friends that are there for her and help her get through her hurt feelings. They even go to a local ice cream shop to bond over ice cream and help Darby feel better. These friends show mutual support through all their successes and mistakes. I’ve learned friends never judge you in the wrong way. Mrs. Bolden did a very good job describing the true meaning of friendships.

I can’t wait for the next book in the series that will focus on Taylor. She’s struggling with her job and trying to find jobs that will pay decently. I’m looking forward to more adventures amongst these three friends that are like sisters to one another. I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley through Pink Sand Press. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review. All opinions stated here are my own.

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This is the second book in the Chammont Point series. Even though this is the second book and I have not read the first, I had no issue reading this as a stand-alone book.

I love Marci Bolden and I was excited to read this book. I have to say I found the main character, Darby, annoying. She admits she wants to do as little work as possible. She has several failed businesses and is currently running a website called the Un-do. She sells wedding dresses that she made where the weddings didn’t take place. She uses the stories of the jilted brides (no names) to sell the dresses.

For someone who was bullied in high school Darby is completely oblivious that she has become a bully. I found her extremely annoying and oblivious. On the other hand I love her two best friends! They are two friends that anyone would be lucky to have,

This is not my favorite book but if you are a fan of Marci Bolden give it a read.

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An enjoyable cosy read! Three friends Who are always there for each other always looking out for each other always have each other's back.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Thank you so very much to the author, Marci Bolden, the publishing company, Pink Sand Press, and NetGalley for an early read of this book for my honest review.

This is the 2nd book in the series, however it can be read as a stand alone book. I love the women in this series, and I feel that they are very relatable to get to know.

I enjoyed how the author showed through the book, how mistakes in life were made, but that in reality everyone makes mistakes--we are all human.

Ready for #3.

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Sometimes our enthusiasm can cause us all to do something we should have thought through before jumping. Darby is full of enthusiasm and I love her.

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oh my goodness, this is such a sweet book! i really really enjoyed this one! it is such a sweet and heartwarming book. please pick it up as soon as you can! thank you so much, net galley!!

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I did not know what to expect when l started reading this book. It was completely different to the types of books that I normally read. It was modern and about three friends.who help each other. I was not disappointed and will look out for more of these types of books to read.

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The Selling Point by Marci Bolden is the second book in the Chammont Point series. In this story, we see the unique Darby Zamora take center stage. She has marched to a different drum. First as an outcast in high school to the brightly dressed free spirit adult, Darby has always worked jobs that suited her unique way of life. Success hasn’t been a sure thing. With many different failed ventures under her belt, she is always looking for and willing to do the next job to reinvent herself. A former bridal seamstress, Darby gave up making custom gowns as her heart was always too big for her pocketbook. Until she comes up with an idea that would make the old new again: The Un-Do Wedding Boutique with the tagline of Her bad luck is Your great deal. Selling dresses online in her bridal consignment shop has been a success. People are lining up to buy the dresses as well as desperate brides are trying to sell their unused wedding items. It is such a success that she is featured on a popular podcast. But Darby is about to pay a steep price as someone takes offense with Darby’s use of her story to sell dresses. She must face the harsh realities of life and business. With the help of her friends, Jade and Taylor, will Darby be able to reassess her business, herself, and find her selling point?
I loved Darby with her willingness to be so vibrant in a subdued world. But that vibrantness covers a deeply hurt and wounded soul. I related to her story as she tries to justify her actions, insisting she never intended to hurt anyone before realizing that her intentions may have been good, the results still caused pain. Throughout the story, I wanted to reach through the pages and hug Darby and fight by her side as she tries to save her business and ultimately herself. We often think of bullying as a schoolyard problem but adults still suffer from bullying known today as cancel culture. I understood the outrage against her use of the brides’ embarrassing and heartbreaking stories, I didn’t understand the argument against Darby selling the dresses she made for these weddings. But when someone has been so deeply hurt, they will take their pain out on anyone, regardless if they deserve it or not. I also loved the friendship between the three unlikely friends: Jade, the straightlaced, motherly type who is still reeling from her own heartbreak (featured in book 1) and the gruff Taylor, who has had her own share of heartbreak and disappointment (her story will hopefully be featured in the upcoming book 3). Overall, I enjoyed the story of being true to yourself, friendship and finding your purpose. I highly recommend The Selling Point.

The Selling Point is available in eBook

The Chammont Point series
The Restarting Point, book 1, is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook
The Breaking Point, book 3, coming soon

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Even though this is the second book in the Chammont Point series and I have not read the first, I had no issue reading "The Selling Point" as a standalone. I was immediately captivated and stayed totally involved in all that was happening from beginning to end. I liked Darby Zamora and enjoyed her dynamic with her best friends, Jade Kelly and Taylor O'Shea and shared all their ups and downs with them. If you enjoy well written fiction about true friendship, you will enjoy this book. I received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

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The author continues the stories of three friends pushing through life and this one focuses more on Darby. I could feel her hesitation in everything and understand her predicament. I love that the story focuses on the friendships but also, of life. Life is not easy and there are moments where we feel like everything is going wrong. The author does a great job of bringing the balance to the story and giving us a feel-good story while also leaving us wanting more.

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The Selling Point is book 2 in the Chammont Point Series. This is a great addition to the series which is about 3 women on life journeys that haven’t quite turned out like they planned.

This is Darby’s story and she’s quite a character…quite frustrating and stubborn actually. She has come up with a new business idea that sounds great but she does not execute it in the best manner. Her friends Jade and Taylor try to help her see what she could have done differently but Darby digs her heals in. While both Jade and Tiffany are going through their own turmoil they do their best to help Darcy.

To be honest…I would not have been as patient with Darby. But she eventually understands what she needs to do…actually the three of them learn some good lessons.

I requested an arc and I’m leaving my honest review.

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I enjoyed this story of Darby, second of three books in the series. A bit repetitive at times, going over Darby's actions as a business owner, how she might be guilty of profiting on other's hard times. Darby has a lot of baggage from her high school years and the death of her Mother. Her 2 best friends see her through her hard times, as she takes a painful look at who she really is. Love the story of friendship and love the ending..Can't wait for book 3!

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One question? When does book number three come out! I love the women in this series! Darby, Taylor and Jade are so relatable and their friendship is one for the times. They are all so unique, their personalities completely different from each other and their friendship is so strong. They have each other’s backs through and through. They compliment each other well, each brining their own strengths and weaknesses to the friendship.

In book #2 we get to know Darby on a whole new level, and understand where her insecurities come from. Her quirky style, her depression and how she truly feels about herself. You go on quite the emotional roller coaster with Darby and her friends.

We get to see her friends rally around her, support her and make sure she is taken care of. This book hits on some very hard topics and the writer did a great job making the reader feel what Darby was feeling and rooting for her to overcome the obstacles that standing in her way.

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Recommend this for anyone that enjoys a light, quirky women’s fiction.
What can I say about one of the main characters, Darby? I have to say….I just got to the point where the story seemed to drag on and on just a bit too much with her situation. Her best friends, Jade and Taylor offer Darby moral support throughout the story. Loved the friendship they have with each other.
A enjoyable summer beach read that will keep you entertained.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.

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EXCERPT: Darby was more than halfway through her thirties. Shouldn't she have a better grasp on life by now? Shouldn't she have a clearer idea of who she wanted to be and how to actually become that person?

Other people her age had careers, families, schedules that held them accountable. Darby had two slightly dysfunctional best friends and a disaster of an online business.

Damn it. Her life was a joke.

ABOUT 'THE SELLING POINT': Darby Zamora has always gotten by with work that suits her unique way of life, but success hasn't exactly come easy. A former bridal seamstress, Darby gave up making custom gowns years ago. Her heart was always too big for her business's pocketbook, until she comes up with a way to make an old business new again: The Un-Do Wedding Boutique.

Selling dresses online in her bridal consignment shop has merchandise flying off the virtual shelves. People are lining up not only to buy the dress overstock that Darby's been holding onto, but she has new clients desperate for her to help them re-sell their unused wedding items.

But success comes at a steep price when ghosts from her past resurface and make Darby and her new company confront harsh realities of life and business. With the help of her friends Jade and Taylor, Darby is forced to reassess her business, rediscover herself, and ultimately find her selling point.

MY THOUGHTS: I loved The Restarting Point, the first book in this trilogy, and The Selling Point is every bit as good. I loved that this is centred on Darby, the flamboyant, fun, throwback to the 1950s.

As with the first book, I laughed, I cried, and shook my head at the antics of these three friends. Darby is one of those delightfully enthusiastic people who never stop to think things through. She jumps into her projects feet first, only to find herself neck deep in quicksand. She did it with her rental cottage, and now she's done the same with her online bridal boutique selling wedding dresses that were never worn. Thank goodness she has the sensible Jade and practical Taylor to keep her on the straight and narrow.

I love the way these three have each other's backs. As well as Darby's downfall, Jade and Taylor also face their own problems and, without fail, they are always there to provide support for one another. I love the way they spend time together, strengthening their bonds, and making memories. Whether they're eating icecream, or drinking margaritas, laughing, or mopping up tears, they are doing it together.

I would have liked to have seen a little more of Parker, who makes an appearance early on in The Selling Point, after having her baby, but then just disappears.🤷‍♀️

I hope that you are busily writing #3 in the Chammont Point series, Marci. I am eagerly awaiting it.

⭐⭐⭐⭐.3

#TheSellingPoint #NetGalley

I: @marciboldenauthor #pinksandpress

T: @BoldenMarci #PinkSandPress

#contemporaryfiction #romance #sliceoflife #womensfiction

THE AUTHOR: As a teen, Marci Bolden skipped over young adult books and jumped right into reading women's fiction and romance novels.

Marci lives in the Midwest with her husband, two teenaged kiddos, and numerous rescue pets. If she had an ounce of will power, Marci would embrace healthy living but until cupcakes and wine are no longer available at the local grocery store, she’ll put that ambition on hold and appease her guilt by reading self-help books and promising to join a gym “soon.”

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Pink Sand Press via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Selling Point by Marci Bolden for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com

This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage.

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The Selling Point is the second book in the women’s fiction Chammont Point Series by Marci Bolden concerning three women who form a tight friendship. Honestly these three are perfect friends but ones I wouldn’t expect to be so. The first book was Jade Kelly’s story, how she came to Chammont Point, how she met Darby Zamora along with Taylor O’Shea and why she stayed there. Three more different women couldn’t be found but they always have each other’s back as they experience the growing pains of new beginnings while overcoming the past.

None is more crippled by her past then Darby Zamora. On the outside she looks cheerful and carefree but on the inside she has unhealed wounds from cruel school bullies and her mother’s death years ago. My heart went out to this young woman whose own thoughts seem to hold her hostage. Good thing she had Jade and Taylor not just to set her straight but to stand by her side and hold her up too. I will admit that she was thoughtless in her marketing concept for her bridal consignment shop, The Un-Do Wedding Boutique. However, Sue’s reaction was too far out of the normal range. Some serious therapy is needed for her.

I haven’t read anything by Marci Bolden that I didn’t like, The Selling Point is no different. However, I did think a lot of the story focused on Darby’s internal mental battles and the need to comfort herself with food. Neither are healthy. Taylor is the opposite of Darby so it will be interesting to see how her story goes next.

4.5 Stars
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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I enjoyed it but didn’t love it and feel it’s probably because of my age (older). Darcy has low self esteem and constantly questioning herself and things she has done to hurt others. I do enjoy the ladies friendship with each other. Will be curious of the next in series as this one just felt it was Darcy whining. Thanks for the author and publisher to allow me to read an ARC.

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This is the second book in this series but could be read as a complete standalone. I absolutely LOVED the first book and enjoyed this one but not as much as the first one. The writing is amazing and the story itself is great but I wasn't sure why Darby all of a sudden seemed like a high school girl. She didn't seem like that in the first book, so not sure what happened to her but I still enjoyed this story. I feel like these three friends have gone through so much together and I love how they stick together through it all and really have each other's backs. Everybody should have friends as good as Jade and Taylor and Darby. I know I want friends like that! I absolutely cannot wait for book three (Taylor's book) to find out more about Taylor and get a better understanding of how she operates and why. She may just end up being my favorite! This would make a great beach read or before bed read as it's not super deep or extremely though provoking where you want to keep reading or stay up hours to ponder what you are reading. Ms. Bolden is a fantastic writer who writes very realistic stories and creates beautiful stories and characters for her readers to cherish.

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The Selling Point is the second novel in the Chammont Point series. In the first we did a deep dive into Jade's life after her husband left her. This book is about Darby and her unusual wedding dress company. Darby started the Un-Do Wedding Boutique as an online consignment shop to sell the wedding dresses that she had made for brides whose weddings were cancelled. The tagline for each dress included the story on why each bride was jilted. All was well until she went onto a podcast and told some of the dress stories, then onto another that made her look heartless and vicious for repeating and profiting from the brides' tragedies.

Darby handles this mess with the help of her best friends Jade and Taylor. These ladies have known each other for a year, but have become sisters...the kind of friends every woman wants! I enjoy spending time with them, they have become like family...and have made me realize that summer is almost over and I haven't been to a lake or down the shore yet! An excellent summer read that can be read as a standalone but is really better if you've read the first book! Thank you to the author, Pink Sand Press and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

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