April in Review

April was a crazy month - not a lot of reading, but a lot going on. I am hoping to find some quiet times in May to read and relax.

Books Completed:

1. My One and Only by Kristan Higgins

2. The Martini Diet by Jen Sander

3. Between Here and Forever by Elizabeth Scott

4. Decision Points by George Bush

5. Minding Ben by Victoria Brown

6. Wear This, Toss That! by Amy E. Goodman
7. The Love Market by Carol Mason
8. The 10 P.M. Question by Kate de Goldi
9. Forget Her Nots by Amy Brecount White
10. The Kitchen Daughter by Jael McHenry

Where Are You Reading update:

Martha's Vineyard

Philadelphia, PA

New York (2)

Milford, IN

Midland, TX

Newcastle Upon Tyne, England
New Zealand
Charlottesville, VA

How was your month?

Review: The 10PM Question by Kate de Goldi

Goodreads: Twelve-year-old Frankie Parsons is a talented kid with a quirky family, a best friend named Gigs, and a voice of anxiety constantly nibbling in his head: Could that kidney-shaped spot on his chest be a galloping cancer? Are the smoke alarm batteries fast? Has his cat, The Fat Controller, given them all worms? Only Ma, who never leaves home, takes Frankie's worries seriously. But then, it is Ma who is the cause of the most troubling question of all, the one Frankie can never being himself to ask. When a new girl arrives at school -- a daring free spirit with unavoidable questions of her own -- Frankie's carefully guarded world begins to unravel, leading him to a painful confrontation with the ultimate 10p.m. question.

Kritters Thoughts: A short little read that was interesting, but just didn't hit me right. A story of a boy trying to find himself. He realizes that his family isn't perfect and how that affects who he is and will become.

I can't pinpoint where exactly I didn't fall in love with this book - but for some reason, I just didn't enjoy. To keep it short and simple, I think there is an audience for it, but maybe not an adult female, maybe this book is more for a younger male audience - so I would send this book off to that group.

Rating: not such a good read

Pages: 187

Cover Challenge April-June: Morning, Afternoon and Evening

Review: Decision Points by George Bush

Goodreads: In a gripping, never-before-heard detail, President Bush brings readers inside the Texas Governor's Mansion on the night of the hotly contested 2000 election; aboard Air Force One on 9/11, in the hours after America's most devastating attack since Pearl Harbor; at the head of the table in the Situation Room in the moments before launching the war in Iraq; and behind the Oval Office desk for his historic and controversial decisions on the financial crisis, Hurricane Katrina, Afghanistan, Iran, and other issues that have shaped the first decade of the 21st century. President Bush writes honestly and directly about his flaws and mistakes, as well as his accomplishments reforming education, treating HIV/AIDS in Africa, and safeguarding the country amid chilling warnings of additional terrorist attacks. He also offers intimate new details on his decision to quit drinking, discovery of faith, and relationship with his family.

Kritters Thoughts: An educational read that opened my mind about the wars we faced while Bush was President and helped me understand the decisions that he had to make in 8 years in office. Whether you are a Republican, Democrat or just an American, this book is a worthy read for those who want to see a behind the scenes look of Bush's presidency and the world that he had to deal with.

I read the headlines, but didn't completely understand the history behind the conflicts in Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan. After reading this book, I think I know more about the history and the steps that our government took to help these countries build a better democracy. I had no idea that not all of our conflicts were related to 9/11 - yes, maybe I am not the most newsorthy follower, but I am a reader, so maybe I get my facts a little late.

As a DC resident, I have been thoroughly enjoying reading all the books that have a political realm because I know feel surrounded by it all. I think all readers would enjoy this account of Bush presidency, whether you agree with all the decisions he made - this read helped understand all that went behind the decisions he had to make.

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

Pages: 497

Cover Challenge April - June: Singles

The Life O'Reilly Giveaway

Giveaway closed

A giveaway for a signed copy of The Life O'Reilly by Brian Cohen. Check out my review here at Kritters Ramblings on April 8, 2011.

Review: The Love Market by Carol Mason

Goodreads: When a marriage ends and a first love reappears, Celine Lewis is about to learn that moving on is as complicated as going back.

Three years after seeing her first love, Patrick, quite by chance in London, Celine's ten-year marriage to Mike is over and she is running her own business, called The Love Market, a professional matchmacking service in Northern England. She's coping with the unanticipated heartbreak of a marriage ending, and her quirky twelve-year-old daughter who seems to blame her for the split.

Then, out of the blue, Patrick emails. Tempted to find out if all the old feelings can possibly still be there, she's thrown into tailspin again when Mike has an unusual proposition for her, forcing her to question whether a divorce really means it's over.

Kritters Thoughts: A story that quietly unfolded between a family that is being torn apart. Set in Northern England, this family unit of three is facing divorce and a new lifestyle that will forever change their lives. The child in this story is just the right age to have opinions on the matter of the family, but young enough to have no ability to stop what is going on or get away from it all. The other outlying characters were vibrant and full of life without overpowering the true center of the story.

As I don't tend to read books outside the United States, I put this book off and then debated about even starting it. I was wrong to do this. A sweet book that made me earn to know that the love that I have is true and real and wonderful. I ached for her when she wasn't sure how she really felt about the man she was divorcing - Mike and the man that caught her eye so long ago - Patrick. To be honest, my heart flipped and flopped as to whether I wanted her to return to Mike or just fall for Patrick. I will not divulge as to whom she ends the book with, but I will say that I enjoyed the journey and am glad she is with who she is with.

I would pass this story along to all my female readers who enjoy reading a love triangle and want to find themselves wrapped up in this woman's life. A true gem that I am glad I found.

Rating:absolutely loved it and want a sequel

Pages: 336

Cover Challenge April-June: What's Your Sign? (Leo)

It's Monday, What Are you Reading? and Giveaway winner

Another Monday has begun, with great weather it is a little hard to head into the office. I am excited about my reading and what next weekend holds, so Monday must begin.

Currently reading:

The Kitchen Daughter by Jael McHenry

Next on the list:

The Civilized World by Susi Wyss

Congrats to the My One and Only Giveaway winner - Pam K.

In My Mailbox (30)

Happy Easter! I have had two good weeks in the mailbox and I know the next few will be great because I have had some great review offers come my way - so excited!! Hopefully my reading will pick up as well.

A meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren.


Gift from mom:
Keeper of the Light by Diane Chamberlain


Trip to Barnes and Noble (bargain racks!):
Columbine by Dave Cullen
When Will There Be Good News? by Kate Atkinson

Bookmooch:
Flies on the Butter by Denise Hildreth
Singletini by Amanda Trimble


For Review:
The Kitchen Daughter by Jael McHenry
Wear This, Toss That! by Amy E. Goodman
White Sleeper by David R. Fett
In the Belly of Jonah by Sandra Brannan
Lot's Return to Sodom by Sandra Brannan
The Gray Zone by Daphna Edwards Ziman
The Social Climber's Handbook by Molly Jong-Fast
Arms Wide Open by Patricia Harman

What was in your malibox?

Review: Wear This, Toss That! by Amy Goodman

Goodreads: It costs us not to look our best!

Dressing poorly costs us interviews, first impressions, money . . . and a whole lot more. But you can look good all the time, asserts Amy E. Goodman, the magazine maven and style expert who's a regular on NBC's Today show. Her one-stop fashion and beauty book cuts through the information overload to teach you how to dress to impress whatever your age, lifestyle, or size - while staying true to yourself and your budget.

Who can afford clothes and makeup that don't fit or flatter? Since every piece needs to count, Amy uses snappy, clear comparisons to show you how to regain control of your wardrobe and beauty shelf by simplifying your choices. Then Amy builds beyond the essentials, walking you through your closet, rack by rack, shelf by shelf, and drawer by drawer, telling you what to wear and what to toss. By sorting through the items you already have and taking inventory of what you need, you can build upon what you own and finally create the winning total look you've always dreamed of!

Kritters Thoughts: What an excellent book to read and keep on hand - this is definitely one I am putting on the keep shelf. Although I am pretty good, not excellent, but pretty good and getting rid of clothes that haven't been worn in awhile; I am terrible about the amount of clothes that come in the door (no comment from the peanut gallery). I find something that fits and I assume that I will never see it again, so I order 3 more in different colors or just 3 more. So, I must admit that my closet could use some tossing - especially now that police uniforms are on their way, a little stressed.

Ok, to review the book and not my closet. A great go to book to determine what should stay and what should be evicted from the closet. I skimmed through the parts that I may already have a handle on, but I spent a lot of time on the beauty section. Sweet and concise, the beauty section was a great overview of what products could be added to your shelf and routine and would could be deleted. Then the accessories, a great section that would help any woman pair down or amp up what they use to beef up their wardrobe and a particular outfit. All in all, this book definitely helped set priorities in my closet and made me want to sit down in it and evaluate the situation.

A purchase for anyone graduating college and heading into the work world or may be in a style or closet rut. I think everyone could grab a tip or idea from this book.

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

Pages: 224

Cover Challenge April - June: What the #$%^?

Review: Minding Ben by Victoria Brown

Goodreads: Set in the lead-up to the racially turbulent summer of 1991 and Brooklyn's Crown Heights riots, this troubling and touching novel chronicles 18-year-old Grace's move from Trinidad to New York City in search of work and new opportunities, but her Sunday-through-Friday life as a live-in nanny is all the more stark when set against her weekends with a dirt-poor family that needs her just as surely as her demanding employers. Cinderella's wicked step-family have nothing on married-into-money Miriam, who runs Grace ragged with selfish demands, or haggard, penny-pinching Sylvia, stuck in a wretched apartment back in Brooklyn with three kids and unemployed baby-daddy Bo. Everyone shares desperation: Grace for a green card, Sylvia for a future, Miriam for acceptance.

Kritters Thoughts: A good read, but I sit on the fence as to how much I truly liked it. A story about a nanny in Manhattan who is originally from Trinidad and her struggle to find her place. I loved the cast of characters that surrounded Grace, but I am torn as to whether I liked her. I felt at times that her character didn't truly act her age and at times it was unclear as to what age she truly was. Beyond that - the family she worked for became a clear picture in my mind and I found the other nannies that became her friends were unique yet similar.

There is one thing in particular that on a personal level, I didn't enjoy. When the nannies all joined at the park, they would fall into their authentic accents. While I find it interesting, it was hard to read. I may have lost a few things because sometimes I just couldn't get it.

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

Pages: 352

Cover Challenge April-June: Tried and New

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

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? (18)

A much better week in reading since I was home back on my normal routine, but was definitely distracted by car issues and cleaning the casa.

A meme hosted by Sheila at BookJourney.

Currently Reading:

Minding Ben by Victoria Brown

Next off the TBR pile:

The Kitchen Daughter by Jael McHenry

The Ramble: Signing and Dinner with Meg Waite Clayton (delayed)

So this ramble is a little delayed - mostly due to work and life.

A few weeks ago, I and mom had the awesome opportunity to go see Meg Waite Clayton at our local Borders AND then go to dinner with her and a few bloggers and authors and friends.

What a great experience! Meg was gracious, friendly and down to earth. It was so fun to meet and talk to the person behind the books. I had read The Wednesday Sisters and mom was in the middle of The Four Ms. Bradwells - so what a treat to talk to an author while reading her books.

Hopefully, we will be doing more of these bookish adventures!

Review: the Martini Diet by Jen Sander

Goodreads: Good food and drink is good for you, so why deprive yourself? The most self-indulgent people (those who never miss their morning lattes and evening martinis, dine at the best restaurants, and indulge in weekly massages and facials) are as thin as they are spoiled. This book will reveal the reasons why some of the most indulgent people are also the happiest and the healthiest and help readers learn how to indulge themselves thin!

The book includes well-researched and fun-to-read information on the following: Why science is the indulgent dieter's best friend; Why red pepper in spicy foods, the flavonoids in chocolate, the endotheilin-1 in red wine, and more all help you lose weight and keep it off; Why hot sex is good for your heart; How to eat fat and be skinny; Why massage might be better than running for decreasing the appearance of cellulite; When to say no to a salad and yes to another glass of red wine.

Kritters Thoughts: An interesting new take on dieting and eating habits. Indulge in the good things, but keep your hands away when it is meal time. I read this book intrigued by a new concept on how we can change our lifestyles for the better without cutting out all the good stuff.

I think my biggest take away was when she said it sort of repetitively - eat the best of the best. Sometimes I choose cost of quality and maybe even end up choosing more calories and less healthy options because of it. So I would like to spend less money and get less food, but better food. I believe that I can tend to buy too many groceries because I don't have a food plan for the week - with a plan, I could probably end up spending less money and also get the better quality options.

A great read for the female audience who may have already read a book or two on dieting and would like a different take on it all.

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

Pages: 192

Cover Challenge April-June: Drinks, Dinner & Dessert

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

My One and Only Giveaway

This giveaway is now closed.

One winner will recieve a copy of the read My One and Only by Kristan Higgins.

Check out my review and author Q & A on the blog yesterday (April 12th). Also go to Kristan Higgins website to see what others books are available.


Contest ends April 22nd.

Interview with Kristan Higgins - My One and Only

An author who has provided many a women with great stories of life and love. I had the great opportunity to send Kristan Higgins some questions and here are here answers . . .

1. What do you find yourself rambling about?

What don't I ramble about is the easier question. Dogs, weather, what's for dinner, ideas for books . . . but mostly people, I'd say. I love doing personality analyses of people I'll never meet . . . I was watching the Oscars, for example, and gave a character breakdown of James Franco to my companions based on absolutely nothing other than his cute smile and the very few facts I know about him. I guess it's a good thing if you're a writer.

2. When looking at your female leads, do you put a piece of your presonality in each of your characters?

Sure. It's hard not to have a little bit of the author in every character, but especially the point-of-view characters. Definitely the sense of humor is shared, as well as an innate optimisim. Also a love of animals and food.

3. Kristan, I have read a few of your books, they are usually in the chick lit, romance genre. Would you ever write something that is completely out of your normal realm?

I might! Life is long, so you never know. I have a few ideas that are very different from what I currently write, but whether or not they'll ever see a publisher is another question altogether. I love what I write now - romance, chick lit, women's lit, romantic comedy - whatever you want to call it, I feel very lucky to be doing what I do. Very, very lucky.

4. What is next on your plate?

I just finished a book that will come out in November called Until There Was You and will soon start another book that'll be out next spring, currently called Untitled (do you love it?). I have some speaking engagements here and there throughout the year, as well as a big family vacation this summer to Glacier National Park.

Thank you so much to Kristan Higgins for her time and witty answers! I can't wait to see Until There Was You and Untitled on the shelves! (haha)

Review: My One and Only by Kristan Higgins

Goodreads: Divorce attorney Harper James can't catch a break. Bad enough that she runs into her ex-hubby, Nick, at her sister's destination wedding, but now, by a cruel twist of fate, she's being forced to make a cross-country road trip with him. And her almost-fiance back at home is not likely to be sympathetic. Harper can't help that Nick has come blazing back into her life in all of his frustratingly appealing, gorgeous architect glory. But in Nick's eyes, Harper's always been the one. If they can only get it right this time, forever might be waiting just around the bend.

Kritters Thoughts: My new favorite Kristan Higgins book. A story about a girl who has avoided love afer an intense break up and divorce. At first I didn't understand her apprehension towards love and commitment but as the story slowly unfolded - which I loved, I was able to completely understand her story and why she was the way she was.

I loved the unfolding love triangle and really wasn't sure where our main character would end up - which I love. Sometimes my favorite part of a book is when I guess wrong! I flipped and flopped back and forth as to which guy I thought may work better for her. I am still not sure if I like the road she chose, but I was glad that I didn't know too far ahead of time.

The ease of reading made me rate it as a perfect beach read - I was on my way to Vegas for a work trip and it was the perfect companion while travelling. Definitely a read for an audience of ladies!

Rating: perfect beach read

Pages: 384

Cover Challenge April-June: Averages

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? (17)

A long week in the work world at a trade show in Vegas. After arriving, I didn't read one page. I am hoping to get back on track and get reading this week!

A meme hosted by Sheila at BookJourney.

Currently reading:

Between Here and Forever by Elizabeth Scott

Next to come off the TBR pile:

Minding Ben by Victoria Brown

In My Mailbox (29)

A post for two weeks worth of mailboxes. They were both quiet on the mailbox front, but with a week in Vegas, it's a good thing. Before Vegas I was able to go to my favorite indie bookstore for a free galley giveaway - of course I had to come home with others too!

A meme hosted by The Story Siren.

A trip to One More Page bookstore: (free galley giveaway!)

The Slap by Christos Tsiolkas

Shine by Lauren Myracle

Forget Her Nots by Amy Brecount White

You Don't Love this Man by Dan DeWeese

Gift from my mom:

The Finkler Question by Howard Jacobson

Bookmooch:

Here Kitty Kitty by Jardine Libaire

Good-bye to All That by Margo Candela

For Review:

The Civilized World by Susi Wyss

What did you get in your mailbox?

Review: Kat, Incorrigible by Stephanie Burgis

Goodreads: Twelve-year old Kat Stephenson may be the despair of her social-climbing Step-Mama, but she was born to be a magical Guardian and protector of Society - if she can ever find true acceptance in the secret Order that expelled her own mother. She's ready to turn the hidebound Order of the Guardians inside-out, whether the older members like it or not. And in a society where magic is the greatest scandal of all, Kat is determined to use all her powers to help her three older siblings - saintly Elissa, practicing-witch Angeline, and hopelessly foolish Charles - find their own true loves, even if she has to turn highwayman, battle wild magic, and confront real ghosts along the way!

Kritters Thoughts: The first few words I would use to describe this little gem of a book is the girlie version of Harry Potter. Mixed with magic, witchcraft and a girl that doesn't fit in, I felt as though I was reading a sister story to that epic series.

I absolutely fell in love with Kat - she was cute and lovable, but not too sweet. With her two older sisters and older brother, I think this book can be described as a magical twist of Harry Potter meets Cinderella. It was such a great combination of story and plotline mixed with great characters.

I would recommend this read to the younger audiences - maybe middle school or high school. Although the book was not geared for my age group, I found it to be a delightful read.

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

Pages: 304