Review: The Girl Who Disappeared Twice by Andrea Kane

Goodreads: If she had only turned her head, she would have seen the car containing her daughter, struggling to escape her kidnapper. Despite years determining the fates of families, family court judge Hope Willis couldn't save her own. Now she's grasping at any hope of Krissy's rescue. She calls Casey Woods and her team of investigators, Forensics Instincts.

A behaviorist. A techno-wizard. An intuitive. A former Navy SEAL. Unconvential operatives. All with unique talents and reasons for joining Casey's group.

Able to accurately read people after the briefest encounter, Casey picks up signs of a nervous spouse, a guilty conscience, a nanny that hides on her cell. She watches as secrets creep into the open.

But time is running out, and the authorities are bound by the legal system. Not Casey's team. For they know that the difference between Krissy's coming back alive and disappearing forever could be as small as a suspect's rapid breathing, or as deep as Hope's dark family history.

Kritters Thoughts: Another great thriller that kept me turning pages until the end. Although, with this one I think I found the perp a little ahead of when I wanted because I was able to put the pieces together as they came instead of all at the end. I will not spoil the book because I think that it was semi easy to come to the conclusion as to who was a part of the crime.

A story wrapped around this family with a mom and dad who aren't the most attentive parents due to their high stress full time jobs find themselves looking for their daughter who has been kidnapped. The twist is the mother herself had a twin that was kidnapped at the early age of 6 years old. I loved the eeriness that kidnapping happened twice in this woman's life and how ironic that her name is Hope.

A psychological thriller that made me wonder how it was done instead of who because I cracked the code! I would pass this book along to those who enjoy the thrillers, no gore or mess, just a who dun it!

Rating:absolutely loved it and want a sequel

Pages: 400

Cover Challenge Jan-March: 1,000th Day of School

Review: The Summer We Came to Life by Deborah Cloyed

Goodreads: Every summer, Samantha Wheland joins her childhood friends - Isabel, Kendra and Mina - on a vacation, somewhere exotic and fabulous. Together with their mixed bag of parents, they've created a lifetime of memories. This year it's a beach house in Honduras. But for the first time, their clan is not complete. Mina lost her battle against cancer six months ago, and the friends she left behind are still struggling to find their way forward without her.

For Samantha, the vacation just feels wrong without Mina. Despite being surrounded by her friends - the closest thing she has to family - Mina's death has left Sam a little lost. Unsure of what direction her life should take. Fearful that whatever decision she makes about her wealthy French boyfriend's surprise proposal, it'll be the wrong one.

The answers aren't in the journal Mina gave Sam before she died. Or in the messages Sam believes Mina is sending as guideposts. Before the trip ends, the bonds of friendship with her living friends, the older generation's stories of love and loss, and Sam's glimpse into a world far removed from the one in which she belongs will convince her to trust her heart. And follow it.

Kritters Thoughts: Well, an interesting read. I would have to begin to say that there is a definite audience for this book - I just don't think I am it.

A deep philosophical look at friendship, death and how those friendships shape who we are took me on a ride of like and dislike. I think after finishing it, I am on the side of the fence of not absolutely enjoying this one. Although, I love to read about women friendships and crave to hear about how we as women affect each other in good and bad ways - this book just didn't grab me and make me want to be a part of their circle.

With death as a main focus, I continued to have negative thoughts. I didn't enjoy connecting the "other" world with the reality. Call me a realist, but I couldn't make the connection.

Again, I think there will be some readers who will enjoy this one. I am just left with thoughts that this book was not for me.

Rating: enjoyable, but didn't leave me wanting more

Pages: 320

Cover Challenge Jan-March: Seasons in the Sun (Summer)

Review: Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt

Goodreads: As a fourteen-year-old boy who just moved to a new town, with no friends and a louse for an older brother, Doug Swieteck has all the stats stacked against him. So begins a coming-of-age masterwork full of equal parts comedy and tragedy from Newberry Honor winner Gary D. Schmidt. As Doug struggles to be more than the "skinny thug" that his teachers and the police think him to be, he finds an unlikely ally in Lil Spicer - a fiery young lady who "smelled like daisies would smell if they were growing in a big field under a clearing sky after a rain." In Lil, Doug finds the strength to endure an abusive father, the suspicions of a whole town, and the return of his oldest brother, forever scarred, from Vietnam. Together, they find a safe haven in the local library, inspiration in learning about the plates of John James Audubon's birds, and a hilarious adventure on a Broadway stage.

Kritters Thoughts: What a great YA read. A wonderful little novel told from the perspective of a young man who is caught in a very interesting family. Although, I don't usually read YA, I like the break from my normal reads to take me out of my comfort zone and this took me out a little more because it was from the thoughts of a young boy on the verge of high school. I am definitely a typical female lead in a book reader.

Ok back to the review - I loved this read. The range of emotions from laughing, crying to utter shock, this book was deep yet not unrealistic. I could picture this family and everything that this young boy went through, I could see it happening. The writing was something to get used to, but I felt as though Doug was really speaking - not someone speaking for him.

I would only pass this book onto those who already read YA books, as this may be a little out of reach for readers who don't already read this genre.

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

Pages: 368

Cover Challenge Jan-March: LOL

Review: Romantically Challenged by Beth Orsoff

Goodreads: When LA entertainment lawyer Julie Burns becomes convinced that finding The One is "just a numbers game," she sets out on a dating frenzy. From chance meetings and blind dates to dating services and the wonderful world of the Internet, Julie will try anything to meet her man. And in the process, she discovers a secret or two about the single life: Sometimes love sneaks up on you when you least expect it - and even the worst first impression can have surprising results.

Kritters Thoughts: A great cute little read that kept me chuckling and reading til the end. The story follows a successful LA lawyer who is listening to her internal clock, but still having a hard time finding the guy who checks off everything on her must have list.

I loved that this book read different than most when the main character is in pursuit of the perfect guy. I couldn't pick out the guy she would end up with until very close to the ending. The different dates she went on were more than entertaining!

A cute little read that I would recommend to the lady readers who need some cute fluff between those deep emotional reads!

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

Pages: 352

Cover Challenge Jan-March: Valentine's Day

Review: The Life O'Reilly by Brian Cohen

Goodreads: On the outside, Nick O'Reilly has it all: a high-flying legal career, as a partner at an elite Wall Street law firm, and financial security, with an apartment overlooking Central Park. Having grown up in a working-class family, as far as back as Nick can remember this was his dream. But at the age of thirty-six, after several years of sacrificing his personal life for professional gain, Nick has started to ponder his future and consider the mark he wants to leave on society both professionally and personally - his legacy.

Kritters Thoughts: The Life O'Reilly is a must read and I will be anxiously awaiting a second novel from Brian Cohen. A wonderful read that I finished in under 24 hours. A story full of love, real life and heartache - it made me think what I hold close to my heart and where I put my priorities.

It was refreshing to read a book that was written by and about a man. I read so many books where the females are the central characters and I was reminded that it is nice to flip the page and hear a story from the male point of view. I loved reading the feelings and emotions that a man feels for a woman.

A great read that I would recommend to readers who love a sweet story.

Rating: absolutely loved it and want a sequel

Pages: 276

Cover Challenge Jan-March: Have a Seat

Off the Shelf Challenge 2011: 10 of 50

Review: Savor the Moment by Nora Roberts

Goodreads: Wedding baker Laurel McBane is surrounded by romance working at Vows wedding planning company with her best friends Parker, Emma, and Mac. But she's too low-key to appreciate all the luxuries that their clients seem to long for. What she does appreciate is a strong, intelligent man, a man just like Parker's older brother Delaney, on whom she's had a mega-crush since childhood.

But some infatuations last longer than others, and Laurel is convinced that the Ivy League lawyer is still out of reach. Plus, Del is too protective of Laurel to ever cross the line with her - or so he thinks. When Laurel's quicksilver moods get the better of her - leading to an angry, hot, all-together mind-blowing kiss with Dell - she'll have to quiet the doubts in her mind to turn a moment of passion into forever . . .

Kritters Thoughts: Another cute book in the Bridal Quartet. I absolutely loved the first two books in the series and am sad to start book 4 and see the end of the series.

The four friends with their unique personalities just keeps me reading and reading. It has been some time since I read the first two books and I was back in the story in the first paragraph with little catch up needed. This book centered around the cakes of their wedding business. Laurel a hard working independent woman has been crushing on Parker's brother since childhood. Finally, they are on the same page in this book and their romance unfolds.

Full of love, romance, and all things girlie - these books are a must grab for days indoors or out by the pool. I can't wait to crack open the 4th book, it is on my nightstand ready!

Rating: absolutely loved it and want a sequel (glad there is a 4th book to read!)

Pages: 339

Cover Challenge Jan-March: Groundhog Day

Review: Always Looking Up by Michael J. Fox

Goodreads: In May 2000, when Michael J. Fox quit Spin City, the television sitcom he'd made famous, the degenerative effects of Parkinson's disease left the world-famous actor without an arena or a profession. "I found myself," Fox writes, "struggling with a strange new dynamic: the shifting of public and private personas. I had been Mike the actor, then Mike the actor with PD. Now I was just Mike with PD? Parkinson's had consumed my career and, in a sense, become my career. But where did all of this leave me?"

Kritters Thoughts: April is National Parkinson's Disease, so let's take this spring month and think of those who are afflicted with this disease. As this hits close to home for me with a grandmother that is battling each day the shakes and quakes in her little body, I am inspired by the actions that Fox has taken to make awareness and forward movements to finding a cure.

Now for my review of the book - an amazing book with an uplifting message. I had never read anything about Michael J. Fox's personal or professional life, so this entire book was a joy to read because it wasn't anything that I had heard before. Divided in sections, I thought it was laid out interesting, but I had a hard time because within the sections it still wasn't absolutely chronological.

The stories of his family, siblings and children, were touching and made me feel like it showed him as a whole human being. I loved hearing about his political pursuits, I had no idea how involved and how he crossed the political lines - how respectable.

Go find this at the library or at the local bookstore - a great uplifting read with the best message - hope in the midst of any struggles. I would recommend this book to all readers, young and old, male and female.

Rating:absolutely loved it and want a sequel

Pages: 276

Cover Challenge Jan-March: His

Review: Wish by Alexandra Bullen

Goodreads: For broken-hearted Olivia Larsen, nothing can change the fact that her twin sister, Violet, is gone . . . until a mysterious, beautiful gown arrives on her doorstep. The dress doesn't just look magical; it is magical. It has the power to grant her one wish, and the only thing Olivia wants is her sister back.

With Violet again by her side, both girls get a second chance at life. And as the sisters soon discover, they have two more dresses and two more wishes left. But magic can't solve everything, and Olivia is forced to confront her ghosts to learn how to laugh, love and live again.


Kritters Thoughts: What a great tween read! A story about a girl who is in desperate need of guidance, so in pops the ghost of her recently deceased twin. She finds that with her sister by her side she can fit in better at her new school and overcome anything that is in her way.

A girl trying to get through high school without the person closest to her is a story worth reading for the young and young at heart. The author writes from her perspective - it was cute and quaint to hear from a young girl what bothers her and affects her on a daily basis. I enjoyed taking a trip back to those days in my mind and comparing my stress then to now - what a difference.

I would pass this book along to my younger group of readers. The older may enjoy, but I would warn that is definitely not geared for us as an audience.

Rating: perfect beach read

Pages: 336

Cover Challenge Jan-March: St. Patrick's Day

Review: The Wednesday Sisters by Meg Waite Clayton

Goodreads: For thirty-five years, Frankie, Linda, Kath, Brett, and Ally have met every Wednesday at the park near their homes in Palo Alto, California. Defined when they first meet by what their husbands do, the young homemakers and mothers are far removed from the Summer of Love that has enveloped most of the Bay Area in 1967. These “Wednesday Sisters” seem to have little in common: Frankie is a timid transplant from Chicago, brutally blunt Linda is a remarkable athlete, Kath is a Kentucky debutante, quiet Ally has a secret, and quirky, ultra-intelligent Brett wears little white gloves with her miniskirts. But they are bonded by a shared love of both literature–Fitzgerald, Eliot, Austen, du Maurier, Plath, and Dickens–and the Miss America Pageant, which they watch together every year.

As the years roll on and their children grow, the quintet forms a writers circle to express their hopes and dreams through poems, stories, and, eventually, books. Along the way, they experience history in the making: Vietnam, the race for the moon, and a women’s movement that challenges everything they have ever thought about themselves, while at the same time supporting one another through changes in their personal lives brought on by infidelity, longing, illness, failure, and success.

Kritters Thoughts: A wonderful book filled completely of the relationships between women - the ups and downs. I absolutely fell in love with the group of women and was sort of jealous of their relationships. The men in their lives made an appearance, but the women held the centerpiece

Most of the time these books are told from each of their perspectives, but I was absolutely thrilled that it stayed from the perspective of the one character. I think that a sequel could be made and Clayton could take the group through their next phase from another person's voice.

Although, I don't tend to enjoy some of the more historical parts of books, I loved how it worked into their lives. They attended rallies and were affected by the history of the times.

I really enjoyed this book, it was so easy to get into and I was sad to say goodbye to these women. The women folk would definitely enjoy this book for the relationships and the events that affect their lives.

Rating: absolutely loved it and want a sequel

Pages: 320

Cover Challenge Jan-March: I Love Books

Off the Shelf Challenge 2011: 8 of 50

Review: Dirty Sexy Politics by Meghan McCain

Goodreads: Meghan McCain came to prominence as the straight-talking, progressive daughter of the 2008 Republican presidential candidate Senator John McCain. And her profile has only risen since the election ended in favor of the other guy.

As a new role model for young, creative, and vocal members of the GOP, she's unafraid to mix it up and speak her mind. In Dirty Sexy Politics she takes a hard look at the future of her party. She doesn't shy away from serious issues and her raucous humor and down-to-earth style keeps her positions accessible.

Kritters Thoughts: Meghan McCain writes this book to show a different side of the behind the scenes view of the 2008 Presidential campaign - I am glad she shared her story. While I think this book had moments where she was very negative, I think in the end she was able to effectively give her viewpoint as to where the malfunctions in the organization occurred.

Her sass and opinions were apparent throughout the book which I enjoyed because I felt that she was being honest instead of putting rose colored glasses on every situation. I followed her blog loosely and I was fascinated to find out that this was the sole avenue of the campaign to reach out to the younger generation - a fatal flaw, I agree with McCain when she questioned their communications tactics.

I believe her main reason for writing this book was to question who the Republican party is and how they have come to define themselves as such. I absolutely agree with her questions - I was once a card carrying member of the Republican party, but as they have gone uber conservative, I have shied away from the organization. Where will the Republican party be if they don't continue to grow their base with the younger crowd?

I would absolutely recommend this book. A short read that was quirky and insightful into how a family is impacted by a national campaign.

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

Pages: 208

Cover Challenge Jan-March: Take a Vacation

Review: Going Rogue by Sarah Palin

Goodreads: One year ago, Sarah Palin burst onto the national political stage like a comet. Yet even now, few Americans know who this remarkable woman really is.

On September 3, 2008 Alaska Governor and vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin delivered a speech at the Republican National Convention that electrified the nation and instantly made her one of the most recognizable women in the world.

Palin paints an intimate portrait of growing up in the wilds of Alaska; meeting her lifelong love; her decision to enter politics; the importance of faith and family; and the unique joys and trials of life as high-profile working mother. She also opens up for the first time about the 2008 presidential race, providing a rare, mom's-eye view of high stakes national politics- from patriots dedicated to "Country First" to slick politicos bent on winning at any cost.

Kritters Thoughts: In all fairness, I decided to read this book after reading Game Change and wanting to hear from the horse's mouth her experience in the 2008 election. The election didn't show up until the very end, so I will start by saying - I enjoyed the first two parts of the book.

Part one - Palin tells of her absolute and unending love for her state - Alaska. I felt like she was writing a love story to Alaska and writing a book trying to convince everyone to move. Me and my dislike for cold weather - I am not convinced!

Part two - Palin's political career pre-2008 election. I found this to be the most interesting part, basically because she was able to brag about her successful career in both the mayor and governor's offices. A great local politician, I believe Palin made a great impact in Alaska. She enacted several initiatives that will benefit Alaska for years to come, but maybe she should have stayed focus on what worked.

Part three- The part that was full of excuse after excuse and left me feeling like I was listening to someone whine, complain and find fault in everyone except herself. I wish I had skipped this part because I could have left with a great feeling of "wow, she has done a ton in her short career," except I left thinking "wow, I don't want her to be President ever." I kept reading this part, hoping that I would become a fan and potentially support her if she made any future runs towards a higher office. I was not convinced because I felt like she kept pointing fingers in every which direction, instead of looking in the mirror and stating that she made some mistakes along the way.

The book - yes, I would recommend it. I loved reading about her family and career in Alaska. Did it make me feel like I would support her future endeavors? Nope, don't think so. Unfortunately, I think she wrote this book in order to gain some support for some future career aspirations.

Rating: enjoyable, but didn't leave me wanting more

Pages: 432

Cover Challenge Jan-March: It's All About the (Clothing)

Review: The Accidental Billionaires by Ben Mezrich

Goodreads: You may think you know the story of the Facebook phenomenon, but you haven’t heard the whole story and never like this. Recreating the unbelievable rise of the world's biggest social network—not to mention the planet's youngest billionaire, Mark Zuckerberg—Ben tells a captivating story of betrayal, vast amounts of cash, and two friends who revolutionized the way humans connect to one another—only to have an enormous falling out and never speak again.

Eduardo Saverin and Mark Zuckerberg were two geeky, socially awkward Harvard undergrads who wanted nothing more than to be cool. While Eduardo chose the more straightforward path of trying to gain acceptance into one of the school's ultra-posh, semi-secret Final Clubs, Mark used his computer skills by hacking into Harvard's computers, pulling up all the pictures of every girl on campus to create a sort of "hot-or-not" site exclusive to Harvard. Though the prank nearly got Mark kicked out of college, he and Eduardo realized that they were on to something big. Thus, the initial concept of Facebook was born; what happened next, however, was right out of a Hollywood thriller.

Kritters Thoughts: From the true story in the news to the movie - I have seen and heard everything about the history of how Facebook was started and the person Mark Zuckerberg is. The news covered everything from a very logical side where everyone's opinions were shared. The movie definitely did not side with Zuckerberg.

The book - a whole different story (pun intended). Seeing as some of the people involved decided not to partake in the interviews, I felt that this book was very one-sided. I think it should have be renamed - Eduardo's story because the author definitely interviewed him and the story was really based on him and his adventures. A co-founder of facebook and its first investor - he is also on the list of people who Mark screwed over on his way to becoming the youngest billionaire.

I would pass this book onto those who are interested in the facebook story and want to hear something different from what was told in the movie and in the news. A great read with an interesting take on the story of facebook.

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

Pages: 288

Cover Challenge Jan-March: From One to the Next

Review: Savvy Girl by Lynn Messina

Goodreads: Seventeen-year-old Chrissy Gibbons has landed her dream job - a summer internship at her favorite magazine, Savvy. Being an intern is hard work, but the job becomes a little more fun when Chrissy is befriended by her glamorous fashion editor who takes her to all the best parties. As the summer winds down, though, Chrissy realizes that in the whirlwind of parties and boys, she's been neglecting what could be her big break in the magazine business: an opportunity to compete against other interns to become Savvy's first teen columnist. Chrissy struggles to come up with a winning subject for her column - and in the process, she discovers what is most important to her.

Kritters Thoughts: A YA read that after completing I sit on the fence of whether I really enjoyed it or may be a little disappointed. One thought, I was confused the entire time as to the age of the character and the mishaps that she found herself in. I think her character could have been a hint older and I would have found it more believeable. But on the other side, I loved the storyline - a girl trying to tackle growing up and finding herself in the midst of an adult world, while trying to make the most of the moment of her lifetime.

I couldn't grasp the roles of her parents and their abilities to disregard her late night activities and behaviors that are well beyond her age group. Although, I fell in love with her best friend and the co workers that made up the majority of the story.

So to make it short and sweet, this was a cute read that I would pass onto my younger crowd of readers. I would say to those of my age group - a great light read in the middle of those deep reads.

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

Pages: 256

Cover Challenge Jan-March: It's All About the . . . (Purse)

Review: The Source of All Things by Tracey Ross

Goodreads: Tracey Ross never knew another dad. Her biological father died when she was just seven months old, so the arrival of a stepfather four years later seemed to fill an empty spot in her life. For years, she thrived on his presence and the trips the family took in the unspoiled mountain wilderness of Idaho. All that changed suddenly when she was eight. As if awakening into a nightmare, she experienced the first of dozens of sexual attacks by the man she most trusted. This piercing m emoir recalls those nighttime visits, but stretches far beyond those loathsome moments, recounting the emotional struggles that Tracey experienced even into her adult years. In a poignant section, she recreates the recent meeting in which she confronted her betrayer. An unforgettable memoir of a brave woman's recovery.

Kritters Thoughts: A memoir that was I excited to receive, but was disappointed as I read it. A story of abuse and forgiveness, but I had the hardest time wrapping my head around the events that happened in this woman's life. At many points I had to continue to remind myself that this was a true story and this woman exists.

As a whole I enjoyed the book. I didn't understand her ability to forget and allow her parents to continue on unpunished and unaffected by the events that happened in her family. They were able to sweep everything under the rug - how?

The other thing that threw me for a loop was her moving around - she moved and moved and moved. I don't know what I would have done, were I in her situation, but the constant moving would have made me go bonkers.

Because I didn't understand how the family worked, I didn't care so much for the book. I respect the fact that it is a memoir and true, but I just couldn't enjoy the book. I would recommend it to those who enjoy memoirs - this one will be hard to get through at times due to the subject of the book.

Rating:enjoyable, but didn't leave me wanting more

Pages: 320

Cover Challenge Jan-March: It's All About the . . . (Shoes)

Review: Fools Rush In by Kristan Higgins

Goodreads: Rewarding job as a local doctor on Cape Cod? Check. Cute cottage of her very own? Check. Adorable puppy suitable for walks past attractive locals? Check! All she needs is for golden boy and former crush Joe Carpenter to notice her, and Millie will be set.

But perfection isn't as easy as it looks - especially when Sam Nickerson, a local policeman, is so distracting. Sure, he needs a friend after being dumped by Millie's fortune-hunting sister, but does she really need to enjoy his company that much? He is definitely not part of her master plan. But maybe it's time for Millie to start a new list . . .

Kritters Thoughts: A great little read. This is my second Kristan Higgins experience. I have to admit, my first experience was better. From the beginning, I found the story to be predictable, cute, but I could see where we would end up.

A great little story about a hometown girl who returns as a successful woman ready to start a career and nab the boy she has been wishing for since high school. It was sweet and I loved her story, but I felt like I was watching a horror movie and kept saying things out loud to coach her to where she ended up.

I would recommend this book to those ladies who are inclined for a light and fluffy read, where you may be way ahead of the characters.

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

Pages: 384

Cover Challenge Jan-March: Furry Friends

Review: Love You More by Lisa Gardner

Goodreads: Who Do You Love?

One question, a split-second decision, and Brian Darby lies dead on the kitchen floor. His wife, state police trooper Tessa Leoni, claims to have shot him in self-defense, and bears the bruises to back up her tale. For veteran detective D.D. Warren it should be an open-and-shut case. But where is their six-year-old daughter?

Kritters Thoughts: An amazing thriller that kept me reading through all the twists turns and ups and downs. I didn't anticipate the final result until it unfolded right before my eyes with 20 pages left to go.

There are times when I fall deeply in love with a character, whether they are good or bad, but throughout the entire book I couldn't put my finger on my feelings towards Tessa Leoni. At times, I thought she was conniving and just plain horrible, but at the turn of a page I cared for her deeply and wanted so much for her to be absolutely and purely innocent.

I loved the relationship between the two detectives - D.D. Warren and Bobby Dodge. What a team and you knew from the beginning that these two cared deeply for each other and were the best of coworkers and friends.

A great book that I would absolutely pass onto both the males and females. A suspenseful story that keeps you reading until the last page.

Rating:absolutely loved it and want a sequel

Pages: 368

Cover Challenge Jan-March: Seasons in the Sun (Winter)

Review: Tell No One by Harlan Coben

Goodreads: David Beck has rebuilt his life since his wife's murder eight years ago, finishing medical school and establishing himself as a pediatrician, but he's never forgotten the woman he fell in love with in second grade. And when a mysterious e-mail arrives on the anniversary of their first kiss, with a message and an image that leads him to wonder whether Elizabeth might still be alive, Beck will stop at nothing to find the truth that's eluded him for so many years. A powerful billionaire is equally determined to make sure his role in her disappearance never comes to light, even if it means destroying an innocent man.

Kritters Thoughts: A suspenseful ride that kept me hooked to my Nook for two days straight. A great break from my normal reads, I was swept into this story from page one and 200 pages later was still absolutely engulfed in the story.

A mystery that unfolds 8 years after the death of Dr. David Beck's wife. The truths unravel piece by piece to expose what really happened that evening by the lake. I have to be honest I thought had a hunch and was putting it all together when the whole flipped upside down on me. Coben had me thinking I was sure of the ending and then he quickly changed everything and put it on the one person who I felt was beyond innocent.

A book picked out for book club - now I will be definitely picking up some more reads by this author. I would pass this book along to all of my friends, male and female, who love to read the who dun its and try to figure out how all the pieces fit together.

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

Pages: 352

Cover Challenge Jan-March: Orange cover

Review: Ask Me About Mary Kay by Jackie Brown

Goodreads: In December of 1963, grief over the recent assassination of President Kennedy gave rise to a heightened sense of urgency to "grab the brass ring now." So it was that on a snowy day in Dallas, a legal secretary looking for a brighter future for herself and her family answered an ad placed by a new company, Mary Kay Cosmetics.

Jackie rose through the ranks of Mary Kay Cosmetics as no one else did. Jackie's successes in selling and recruiting laid the foundation for a cosmetics empire and she herself became the gold standard for new recruits.

This is the story the public has never heard. The real story that fills in the gaps left by other published reports. It is a story of loyalty and betrayal, joy and heartbreak, recognition and disappointment, heady success and depressing failure. Ultimately, it is also a story of tragedy, and Jackie Brown is the only one who can tell it.

Kritters Thoughts: A great behind the scenes look at how this iconic company was started and where it went amongst controversy and drama. We all know the name Mary Kay, but few have heard where it all began. Who knew that behind the Mary Kay empire, stood women who helped build it customer by customer just to watch one of their mentors fall due to promises not kept.

I absolutely loved reading this book. It read like fiction and I had to keep reminding myself that it was all true. Although I know it came from one person's point of view, so there is another side of the story - there must be some truth to her version. Jackie Brown was cheated out of commission, customers and confidence. I couldn't believe how much drama and backstabbing occurred in the beginning years of Mary Kay Cosmetics.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves to read a true story, but with all the feeling of a fiction read. I think all women would love this drama filled read!

Rating:absolutely loved it and want a sequel

Pages: 394

Cover Challenge Jan-March: How Do You Go? (car)

Off the Shelf Challenge 2011: 7 of 50

Review: Girls Night In by Assorted Authors

Goodreads: In this must-have short-story anthology, Jennifer Weiner revisits one of her Good in Bed characters (and tells the story from, ahem, his point of view), Jill A. Davis (Girls' Poker Night) offers a darkly humorous take on starting over in New York and working with "the Elizabeths," Sarah Miynowski (Milkrun) tempts fate (and an on-again-off-again boyfriend) and Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez (The Dirty Girls Social Club) considers how different the words lady and woman are when paired with cat. Girls' Night In features stories about growing up, growing out of, moving out, moving on, falling apart and getting it all together. So turn off your cell phone and curl up on the couch; this is one Girls' Night In you won't want to miss.

Kritters Thoughts: A collection of short stories from the best of the chick lit genre. If you read any chick lit, I would say this is worth picking up. I liked taking a break every little bit to read a short story that I could get into quick and then come to the conclusion in just a few short pages. I think I should do this more often, adds variety to my reading.

Although there were some stories that I wished were full blown novels, there were some that I was glad would be ending quickly. Without going and dissecting each story, I would say that the majority were at least a little enjoyable.

Pick this one up at your local library or used book store, but you may not keep it around for long.

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

Pages: 352

Cover Challenge Jan-March: Purple cover

Off the Shelf Challenge 2011: 6 of 50

Review: How to Get Divorced by 30 by Sascha Rothchild

Goodreads: It's an age-old story. Girl meets boy. Girl marries boy. Girl decides she is way too young to be struck in nuptial mediocrity.

When Sascha realized that the one person she didn't want at her thirtieth birthday party was her husband, she knew that it was time for the relationship to end. So, like the hordes of others of her generation for whom starter marriages are as common as Louis Vuitton knock-offs and $5 Starbucks lattes, they got divorced. With wit, moxie, and honesty, Sascha spills about the horrible ex-boyfriends, awkward dates, drugs, a near-death experience, and memories of growing up in an unconvential household that led to her short-lived marriage.

Kritters Thoughts: A snarky humored memoir that I just couldn't get into. I picked this up because I have read and loved memoirs that are filled of hard funny truths. This one - just didn't work for me.

I knew from the beginning that the man she married would not be there in the end. But from the beginning of the relationship, I saw the doomed ending - she should have never married him in the end. There were so many deal breakers that she just let go by, where I would have made an abrupt stop to the relationship. I can't get started about her family life, oh my goodness.

I have to be honest, I would only recommend this to those who have the heart to by pass her mishaps and rough humor to enjoy a true story.

Rating:not such a good read

Pages: 310

Cover Challenge Jan-March: Foodie