Review: American Mother by Gregg Olsen

Publisher: Thread

Pages: 497

Format: audiobook

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  At 5.02 pm on June 5th, 1986, a call came into the local sheriff office in the small town of Auburn, Washington State from Stella Nickell. Her husband Bruce was having a seizure. As the officers arrived on the scene, Bruce was already dead.

Forensics identified that Bruce had consumed headache pills laced with cyanide and in an attempt to cover her tracks, Stella saw to it that a stranger would also become her next victim of the cyanide-tainted painkillers.

What would drive a seemingly normal outgoing and popular mum and wife to kill?
As the investigation began to unfold, Stella’s daughter Cynthia notified federal agents of her mother’s crimes. But she didn’t reveal everything…

Kritters Thoughts:  In 1982, there were murders that were tied to Tylenol pills in Chicago, IL and just four short years later across the country in the state of Washington a copycat of sorts happened.  A woman who was very unhappily married figured that murder was easier than divorce and laced pills with cyanide, but not only did they kill her target another woman was also killed.  

While this book for sure described the events of 1986, but it also went back in time to give the reader an extensive amount of background knowledge that gave context as to why everyone ended up where they did - by no means an excuse for Stella's actions.  For me, this book moved a little slower and maybe spent a little too much time in the past and could have spent more time in the present day of 1986.    

My second Gregg Olsen book and I have read both via audiobook and I really enjoy taking in nonfiction via audiobook.  

Rating:

Review: A Fatal Inheritance by Lawrence Ingrassia

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.

Pages: 320

Format: audiobook

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  Weaving his own moving family story with a sweeping history of cancer research, Lawrence Ingrassia delivers an intimate, gripping tale that sits at the intersection of memoir and medical thriller Ingrassia lost his mother, two sisters, brother, and nephew to cancer—different cancers developing at different points throughout their lives. And while highly unusual, his family is not the only one to wonder whether their heartbreak is the result of unbelievable bad luck, or if there might be another explanation. Through meticulous research and riveting storytelling, Ingrassia takes us from the 1960s—when Dr. Frederick Pei Li and Dr. Joseph Fraumeni Jr. first met, not yet knowing that they would help make a groundbreaking discovery that would affect cancer patients for decades to come—to present day, as Ingrassia and countless others continue to unpack and build upon Li and Fraumeni’s initial discoveries, and to understand what this means for their families. In the face of seemingly unbearable loss, Ingrassia holds onto hope. He urges us to “fight like Charlie,” his nephew who battled cancer his entire life starting with a rare tumor in his cheek at the age of two—and to look toward the future, as gene sequencing, screening protocols, CRISPR gene editing, and other developing technologies may continue to extend lifespans and perhaps, one day, even offer cures.

Kritters Thoughts:  I will always enjoy taking in non fiction via audio.  This book accompanied me on many trips to the grocery store and hours cleaning my sweet home.  

Lawrence Ingrassia is not only a journalist, but a subject matter in his book.  He comes from a family that has been greatly impacted by cancer and through telling his family's story he is able to share how cancer research slowly came about to find that there is some hereditary nature and some testing for genes to predict if a patient is more prone to developing cancer then others.  

There were so many moments when I was reading this book that I kept remembering that this research was happening during my lifetime and I was so disappointed at the many lives that were affected by the slow progress of research.  AND those many people that didn't know about the preventative tests that could have given them information where they could have made different decisions with their lives.  When we are in a time where information is swirling 24/7 at the highest speed, to know that there is medical information not getting into the hands that need it, was sad to read about.  

After finishing this book, it made me want to look and find more non fiction medical books to dive into.  

I read the audiobook version of this one and the narrator was great.  He shared the story with feeling and compassion in providing very difficult stories of these families who have been so gravely impacted by cancer.  

Rating:

Audiobook Challenge 2024: 3 out of 24

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from Netgalley.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Review The Churchill Sisters by Rachel Trethewey (audiobook)

Publisher: St Martin's Press

Pages: 320

Format: audiobook

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  Bright, attractive and well-connected, in any other family the Churchill girls – Diana, Sarah, Marigold and Mary – would have shone. But they were not in another family, they were Churchills, and neither they nor anyone else could ever forget it. From their father – ‘the greatest Englishman’ – to their brother, golden boy Randolph, to their eccentric and exciting cousins, the Mitford Girls, they were surrounded by a clan of larger-than-life characters which often saw them overlooked. While Marigold died too young to achieve her potential, the other daughters lived lives full of passion, drama and tragedy.

Diana, intense and diffident; Sarah, glamorous and stubborn; Mary, dependable yet determined – each so different but each imbued with a sense of responsibility toward each other and their country. Far from being cosseted debutantes, these women were eyewitnesses at some of the most important events in world history, at Tehran, Yalta and Potsdam. Yet this is not a story set on the battlefields or in Parliament; it is an intimate saga that sheds light on the complex dynamics of family set against the backdrop of a tumultuous century.

Kritters Thoughts:  There are a few reasons why this audiobook completely worked for me.  First, I love listening to non fiction, I haven't been able to find the right fiction genre to work for me in audio form, still on the hunt.  I also love all things royal or royal adjacent and Winston Churchill was surely royal adjacent and to hear more about his family was so interesting.  I also love history, so to hear about Winston's daughters but also more about the events of the time was just great.  

About this book.  I went into this book knowing nothing about Churchill's family from his wife to his daughters, so all of this book was new information to me.  To hear about the strong women that were in his family and the things they did to support him and his efforts, but also the way he encouraged each of them to have their own avenues - I loved it!  I knew nothing about his wife and while this book didn't focus on her, she made appearances and this book inspired me to go find out more and read more about the woman who stood beside such an influential man.  

This book accompanied me on car rides to run errands, many hours cleaning the house, and some time prepping the garden for this year!  I love how an audiobook can join you in life and it feels like you are accomplishing so many things at once.  

Rating:

Audiobook 2024 Challenge: 2 out of 24

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from Netgalley.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Review: One in a Millennial by Kate Kennedy

Publisher: St Martin's Press

Pages: 336

Format: audiobook

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  From pop culture podcaster and a voice of a generation, Kate Kennedy, a celebration of the millennial zeitgeist

One In a Millennial is an exploration of pop culture, nostalgia, the millennial zeitgeist, and the life lessons learned (for better and for worse) from coming of age as a member of a much-maligned generation.

Kate is a pop culture commentator and host of the popular millennial-focused podcast Be There in Five . Part-funny, part-serious, Kate navigates the complicated nature of celebrating and criticizing the culture that shaped her as a woman, while arguing that great depths can come from surface-level interests.

With her trademark style and vulnerability, One In a Millennial is sharp, hilarious, and heartwarming all at once. She tackles AOL Instant Messenger, purity culture, American Girl Dolls, going out tops, Spice Girl feminism, her feelings about millennial motherhood, and more. Kate’s laugh-out-loud asides and keen observations will have you nodding your head and maybe even tearing up.

 

Kritters Thoughts:  Were you born between 1981 and 1995?  Did you survive Y2K?  Do you know the exact musical melody of dial-up internet?  THEN you must listen to this book immediately!  

Kate Kennedy was raised in Richmond, VA and made me laugh out loud and even cry a few tears while listening to her dive back into time and recount all the things that millennials have survived and maybe even why we are who we are!  Her cultural references made me laugh at myself so hard and I immediately followed her on instagram and subscribed to her podcast like the fan girl millennial that I am!  

I knew before starting this book that non fiction is my pure wheelhouse of audiobooks, so I knew that I would want to listen to this one and I was right!  Listening to Kate Kennedy share her own words and hear her laugh at herself and choke up was just the right addition to my commutes and hours of house chores.  While I want to branch out this year in my audio listening, it was nice to start the year with one I knew that would be a home run. 

My first audiobook of the year and although I completely loved it, it took me a weird amount of time to finish it!  Made me realize how much I want to find more time in my days and weeks to make audiobooks a priority.    

Rating:

Audiobook 2024 Challenge: 1 out of 24

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from Netgalley.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Review: Rabbit Hole by Kate Brody

Rabbit Hole
by Kate Brody

Publisher: Soho Crime

Pages: 374

Format: audiobook and ebook

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  Ten years ago, Theodora “Teddy” Angstrom’s older sister, Angie, went missing. Her case remains unsolved. Now Teddy’s father, Mark, has killed himself. Unbeknownst to Mark’s family, he had been active in a Reddit community fixated on Angie, and Teddy can’t help but fall down the same rabbit hole.

Teddy’s investigation quickly gets her in hot water with her gun-nut boyfriend, her long-lost half brother, and her colleagues at the prestigious high school where she teaches English. Further complicating matters is Teddy’s growing obsession with Mickey, a charming amateur sleuth who is eerily keen on helping her solve the case.

Bewitched by Mickey, Teddy begins to lose her moral compass. As she struggles to reconcile new information with old memories, her erratic behavior reaches a fever pitch, but she won’t stop until she finds Angie—or destroys herself in the process.

Kritters Thoughts:  My first book of 2024 and while I for sure finished it, it was just an ok book from my point of view.  A book that could be described as much more character driven then plot and had a very slow roll.  I have found over my years of reading that I tend to lean and enjoy those books where the characters are great, but there is definitely some plot movement with great pacing.  

Teddy Angstrom's father has committed suicide and this is the second mystery that she is trying to solve.  The first is the ten-year-old mystery of her older sister's disappearance.  Teddy wonders if the two are related and why her father has chosen now to end his life.  She heads to reddit, the chat boards, and old school sleuthing to try to gather the clues to solve it all.  

For me, when I read the synopsis I felt as though the book was leaning towards the real mystery of it all and while that is the heart of the story, this book is more literary fiction and coming of age as Teddy is really trying to find herself without two of her family members in her life.  

The book was very raw and real, and to warn the sensitive readers, this one had some scenes that while appropriate for the book, could make you blush.  I personally don't have someone that I would recommend this book to, but I hope with describing it this way, a reader could find it for themselves.    

As for the audiobook, the narrator was great, it felt as though Teddy herself was telling her story and I enjoyed listening to the story.  I did have the ebook version and was glad to read in that medium also, and especially enjoyed the reddit parts in "print" was it was easier to follow the flow of the chat.  

Audiobook 2024 Challenge:  1 out of 24

Rating: 

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from Netgalley.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Review: Being Henry by Henry Winkler

Being Henry

by Henry Winkler

Publisher: Celadon Books

Pages: 256

Format: audiobook

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  Henry Winkler, launched into prominence by his role as “The Fonz” in the beloved Happy Days, has transcended the role that made him who he is. Brilliant, funny, and widely-regarded as the nicest man in Hollywood (though he would be the first to tell you that it’s simply not the case, he’s really just grateful to be here), Henry shares in this achingly vulnerable memoir the disheartening truth of his childhood, the difficulties of a life with severe dyslexia, the pressures of a role that takes on a life of its own, and the path forward once your wildest dream seems behind you.

Since the glorious era of Happy Days fame, Henry has endeared himself to a new generation with roles in such adored shows as Arrested Development, Parks and Recreation, and Barry, where he’s revealed himself as an actor with immense depth and pathos, a departure from the period of his life when he was so distinctly typecast as The Fonz, he could hardly find work.

Kritters Thoughts:  An audiobook that I finished the end of 2023 and one that I loved.  

The first words that come to mind for most readers when you hear the name Henry Winkler are . . . THE FONZ!  Known for a character he played in his late 20s, Henry Winkler has spent many years trying to play characters that were not The Fonz.  Recounting the fun days of Happy Days and the trying time after where his professional life was many ups and downs and a lot of anxiety.  

While I may not have watched Happy Days, I can remember watching a few episodes with my parents and loving the Grease like air of the show.  I fell in love with Henry Winkler while reading this book.  I loved his recounting of those Happy Days, but I loved more his behind the scenes stories of all of the sets and projects he worked on.  And even more than that I loved hearing about his love story and his friendships that were made in and out of the Hollywood life.  

After reading this book, I was encouraged to go look up other celebrity memoirs and listen to them in 2024 as I do housework, walk the dogs, and spend time in my garden! 

Rating:

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from Netgalley.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Review: Christmas Presents by Lisa Unger

Christmas Presents

by Lisa Unger

Publisher: Mysterious Press

Pages: 260

Format: audiobook

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads: Madeline Martin has built a life for herself as the young owner of a thriving business, The Next Chapter Bookshop, despite her tragic childhood and now needing to care for her infirm father. When Harley Granger, a failed novelist turned true crime podcaster, drifts into her shop in the days before Christmas, he seems intent on digging up events that Madeline would much rather forget. She’s the only surviving victim of Evan Handy, the man who was convicted of murdering her best friend Steph, and is suspected in the disappearance of two sisters, also good friends of Madeline’s, who have been missing for nearly a decade. It’s an investigation that has obsessed her father Sheriff James Martin right up until his stroke took his faculties.

Harley Granger has a gift for seeing things that others miss. He wasn’t much of a novelist, but his work as a true crime author and podcaster has earned him fame and wealth—and some serious criticism for his various unethical practices. Still, visiting Little Valley to be closer to his dying father has caused him to look into a case that many people think is closed—and some want reopened. And he has a lot of questions about the night Stephanie Cramer was killed, Ainsley and Sam Wallace disappeared, and Madeline Martin was left for dead, bleeding out on a riverbank.

Since Evan Handy went to jail, three other young women have gone missing, most recently a young college dropout named Lolly. Five young women missing in the same area in a decade. Are they connected? Was Evan Handy innocent after all? Or was there some else there that night? Someone who is still satisfying his dark appetites?

As Christmas approaches and a blizzard bears down, Madeline and her childhood friend Badger return to a past they both hoped was dead—to find the missing Lolly and to answer questions that have haunted them both, discovering that the truth is more terrible and much closer to home than they think.

Kritters Thoughts:  A book I read solely via audiobook and what I believe to be my first thriller audiobook experience and will absolutely not be my last!  Not my first Lisa Unger book, so I knew before going in that I was probably going to enjoy, but to experience in a different medium was fun to try.  

The main character is a bookstore owner, a future dream of my own, and she is living in the same small town that she was raised, but is trying to forget and hide some things of the past.  BUT in walks a famous author who has a history of digging into things of the past and putting together podcasts to uncover secrets of the past.  Madeline Martin may be a bit worried as to what Harley Granger may find and what she may have to confront.  

Listening to the book was such a fun experience.  To listen to a thriller and have the same joy of wanting to keep reading and reading and not stopping was awesome!  I kept cleaning parts of my house and sitting in my car while running errands so I could continue listening to this riveting thriller.  

Rating: absolutely loved it and want a sequel

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from Netgalley.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Review: It Happened One Christmas Eve by Jenn McKinlay

It Happened One Christmas Eve
 by Jenn McKinlay

Publisher: Dreamscape Media

Pages: 121

Format: audiobook

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  Claire Macintosh is about to get engaged to a man she doesn't love at the holiday gala she is hosting as director of the Museum of Literature. Her mother, Hildy Macintosh, has made it clear that if the museum is to continue to receive the enormous donations from the family trust that Hildy has approved all these years then Claire will marry the man Hildy has chosen for her and start to produce some grandbabies. At forty and single, Claire feels she has no choice. But when the horse and carriage arrive at the gala with the driver dressed as Santa to deliver Claire's engagement ring, she just can't go through with it. She hijacks the horse and carriage with Santa still on board and escapes!

Reporter Sam Carpenter thought he was being so clever convincing his friend to let him step in as Santa so he could get up close and personal to the subject of his upcoming magazine expose. He is completely unprepared for the events that unfold and finds himself dashing through Central Park with a runaway would be fiancé. Now the only way to save his story is to broker a deal with Claire Macintosh. In exchange for his help in getting her to her cottage in Maine by Christmas Eve, she'll grant him an exclusive interview. As their journey takes a series of unexpected twists, turns, and misadventures, both Claire and Sam realize that there's more than their careers on the line. And it's going to take a Christmas miracle to find their happily ever after.

Kritters Thoughts:  Claire is on the cusp of an engagement that would set her life down a very certain path when all of the sudden she decides to take a different route.  A man who has been on the perimeter of her life now becomes a main character as Sam Carpenter a reporter who has written about her and her family helps her escape and this book is their adventure.  

I love all those road trip adventure books, but only every so often.  It was fun to combine that sub genre with a little Christmas cheer.  I think what helped this book the most was their lack of funds and the inability to get them, so forced some creativity for them to get to their destination.  Of course, this was an easy enemies to lovers romance where I felt like the enemies part was believable and their romance wasn't too quick as they had some history leading into this adventure.    

This was a great audiobook read while driving during the lead-up to the holidays and then while decorating the house.    

Rating: absolutely loved it and want a sequel

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from Netgalley.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Review: True Crime Story by Joseph Knox

True Crime Story

by Joseph Knox

Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark

Pages: 400

Format: eARC and audiobook

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  The thrilling story of a university student's sudden disappearance, the woman who became obsessed with her case, and the crime writer who uncovered the chilling truth about what happened...

In 2011, Zoe Nolan walked out of her dormitory in Manchester and was never seen or heard from again. Her case went cold. Her story was sad, certainly, but hardly sensational, crime writer Joseph Knox thought. He wouldn't have given her any more thought were it not for his friend, Evelyn Mitchell. Another writer struggling to come up with a new idea, Evelyn was wondering just what happened to all the girls who go missing. What happened to the Zoe Nolan's of the world?

Evelyn began investigating herself, interviewing Zoe's family and friends, and emailing Joseph with chapters of the book she was writing with her findings. Uneasy with the corkscrew twists and turns, Joseph Knox embedded himself in the case, ultimately discovering a truth more tragic and shocking than he could have possibly imagined...

Kritters Thoughts:  A book that throughout felt like a piece of non-fiction as the twists and turns of this "case" unfolded and I tried to find out who would want this young woman with a bright future to be gone - there were many likely suspects!  Zoe Nolan went missing one night from her apartment building in Manchester and there are many people who could be involved with her disappearance.  An author Evelyn Mitchell is interested in investigating and writing a book and along with Joseph Knox they bring this story to life, but some of that is fiction and some non fiction!  

I knew very little before going into this book and I hope to keep that way for you as I loved my reading experience going in blind and not knowing where this book will go.  I read this book mostly via audiobook and I completely recommend reading this one that way as they had a great cast of characters that really made this book come alive.  And also, reading in this form made it feel as though this book was a series of podcasts episodes and for me that was a big plus.  I have a hard time with audiobooks and listening to it as if each chapter was a podcast worked so well for me!

Rating: definitely a good read, but can't read two in a row

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from Netgalley.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Review: The Multi-Hyphen Life by Emma Gammon

The Multi-Hyphen Life

by Emma Gannon

Publisher: Andrews McMeel

Format: audiobook

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  If you've been itching to convert your craft into a career, your side-hustle into a start-up, or just want to think about work-life balance in a new way, then The Multi-Hyphen Life is for you.

In The Multi-Hyphen Life award-winning British author-podcaster Emma Gannon explains that it doesn't matter if you're a part-time PA with a blog, or an accountant who runs an online store in the evenings—whatever your ratio, whatever your mixture, we can all channel our own entrepreneurial spirit to live more fulfilled and financially healthy lives.

Technology allows us to work wherever, whenever, and enables us to design our own working lives. Forget the outdated stigma of “jack of all trades, master of none,” because having many strings to your bow is essential to get ahead in the modern working world. We all have the skills necessary to work less and create more, and The Multi-Hyphen Life is the source of inspiration you need to help you navigate your way toward your own definition of success. 

Kritters Thoughts:  A book I enjoyed via audio which was narrated by the author.  Emma Gannon has been on my radar with her podcast as I follow other UK influencers that are in her circle.  When I saw this book was coming out, I was intrigued to hear her thoughts on how people my age can approach their work lives in different ways than our parents did.  

There were many moments where Emma's thoughts on work life really vary from my experience and the work life that I enjoy, but I appreciated hearing her side of things as they challenged my traditional viewpoints.  

And on the opposite side there were things she discussed about a side hustle that doesn't need to pay, but can bring value to your life and I immediately thought about books and this blog and although it doesn't pay the bills, it does bring me joy and an outlet for some of my time and energy.  

This was a short and quick listen and I enjoyed dipping in and out of it.  I always like it when the author reads their own work as they can emphasize the moments in the book that matter to them most.

Rating: definitely a good read, but can't read two in a row

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from Netgalley.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Review: The Valedictorian of Being Dead

The Valedictorian of Being Dead

by Heather B Armstrong

Publisher: Gallery Books

Pages: 272

Format: audio

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  Armstrong shares her story of living with debilitating depression and the radical treatment she underwent to cure it. For years she controlled her depression with a mixture of prescriptions, but when their effects start fading, Armstrong experiences an 18-month period of deep depression fueled by suicidal thoughts. Scared of what will become of her and the possibility of losing custody of her daughters, Armstrong opts for a month-long experimental treatment. One of only 3 people participating, she receives 10 doctor-administered treatments, each of which induces a coma that leaves her brain-dead for a short period of time.


Kritters Thoughts:  Let me give the disclaimer that I listened to this book on audio and I am so thankful I did because hearing this story straight from the author in her voice was so impactful.  I completely cried a few times in the book and I would recommend you make time to listen to this one.  

Heather B Armstrong is a single mother of two daughters and while managing two daughters and a full time job without a partner is enough for anyone to handle, she also is battling extreme depression that isn't easily managed with medication.  She doesn't want to be alive, but at the same moment has never considered suicide or how she would want to exit earth because she cares too much for the future of her children.  

First no matter how you read this book, the honesty that Heather provides in her emotions and the lack of hope that she was living with was so unsettling.  But I could hear in her voice that her girls were the one small glimmer of hope that was what was able to push her to try this new therapy.  When she described the treatment I had to listen/read it again, I was so concerned by the depths that she was willing to go to feel better and the lack of medical research on the therapy - she was the third patient!!  

I loved how she structured the book.  It was mostly in chronological order with a bit of back story included when needed to get the reader up to date on her relationships with certain people.  To hear excerpts from her journal and her mother's writing was a great addition to see the personal experience up close.

I absolutely loved this book.  This is the type of book that I enjoy listening to and I hope to continue to listen to books that will broaden my horizon this year.    


Rating: absolutely loved it and want a sequel

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from Netgalley.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Review: Happily Ever After by Trista Sutter

Happily Ever After

by Trista Sutter

Publisher: Da Capo Lifelong Books

Pages: 264

Format: eARC

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  Trista Rehn was a pediatric physical therapist moonlighting as a Miami Heat dancer when she heard about casting for a new reality show—one guy getting to know twenty-five girls in the hope of finding a fiancée. As improbable and crazy as it sounded, Trista took the chance—and had her heart broken on the very first season of The Bachelor. But the next season, as the first Bachelorette, her fairy tale fell into place during a whirlwind courtship with poetry-writing firefighter Ryan Sutter and, eventually, a dream-come-true wedding on national TV.

In the midst of building a life with Ryan and raising two kids, Trista started to make a conscious effort to remember her favorite part of each day. And she’s made sure to post these thoughts, her own personal expressions of gratitude, almost every night on Twitter and Facebook—even on days she was dealing with fertility issues, a difficult pregnancy, family deaths, and other challenges that many of us face.

Sometimes it’s the smallest gestures and the most unassuming things that can have the greatest effects. Trista is often asked her secret to being one of the rare reality-TV relationships to make it to the altar and beyond. In this heartfelt book, she shares the simple yet profound keys to finding everyday happiness: gratitude and grace. From the blink-and-you’ll-miss-them moments we have with our kids, our spouses, our pets, or even strangers, to the more obvious lessons we pick up from reading the news or hearing an inspirational story, knowing how to recognize, accept, and be grateful for all of our daily blessings is truly what “happily ever after” means.

Kritters Thoughts:  Trista was the first bachelorette and is still married to the prince charming she met on the show.  This book is part memoir and life stories combined with a little self help and for me it was the perfect combination.  I enjoyed getting to know Trista and her life before, during and after the show and I really appreciated her perspective on gratitude and the different areas in one's life where extra gratitude could be a good idea.  

Each chapter took a different part of your life and she gave examples on how to add a little gratitude to improve that area of your life.  The two that made the biggest impact on me were relationships - both friendly and romantic and work.  Both giving and receiving at work are important and I don't know how to advise my boss that a little extra gratitude could be great, but I know how I can increase my giving of it at the workplace and hope that it can improve things.  

This book was published in 2013, so I wouldn't mind an update and/or another book from Trista on a completely different topic where she can share personal stories, but also teach a life lesson or two!   

I had the audio book from amazon and the ebook from Netgalley, so I was able to read this in both formats basically at the same time and I loved having Trista i my car reading me the book as I commuted.


Rating: absolutely loved it and want a sequel

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from Netgalley.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Review: A Year and Six Seconds by Isabel Gillies

A Year and Six Seconds

by Isabel Gillies

Publisher: Hyperion

Pages: 256

Format: audiobook

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  "A Year and Six Seconds" is the true story of "New York Times"-bestselling memoirist Gillies's vibrant yet bumbling efforts to pick herself up after her husband leaves her for another woman--and then of how she stumbles upon true love.


Kritters Thoughts:  Isabel Gillies has lived a life and she has written a few books to tell stories.  In this book she takes the reader through her separation, divorce and a big move for her and her two young boys to New York City to her parents' apartment.  There were moments were this book was hard to read because this is a hard moment in her life, but it was easy to read because the reader knows that she will end up in a good place.   

It was so interesting to hear her journey and one woman's experience through divorce and having two young kids to bring on that journey.  To get a real personal inside look into how all of the life changes happening at once and how she responds to it was really interesting to read.   

I listened to this story/her story and although it isn't narrated by the author I stuck with it and enjoyed it.  This is the type of story that I enjoy most on audio, so I am glad that I read it in this way.  I want to read more books like this in this way!  


Rating: definitely a good read, but can't read two in a row

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from Netgalley.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.