Review: Chasing Amanda by Melissa Foster

Goodreads: Nine years ago, Molly Tanner witnessed a young girl's abduction in the busy city of Philadelphia, shifting her occasional clairvoyance into overdrive. Two days later, the girl's body was found, and Molly's life fell apart. Consumed by guilt, Molly escaped the torturous reminders in the city, fleeing to the safety of the close-knit rural community of Boyds, Maryland.

Molly's life is back on track, her son has begun college, and she and her husband have finally rekindled their relationship. Their fresh start is shattered when a seven-year-old girl disappears from a local park near Molly's home. Unable to turn her back on another child and troubled by memories of the past, Molly sets out to find her, jeopardizing the marriage she'd fought so hard to hold together. While unearthing clues and struggling to decipher her visions, Molly discovers another side of Boyds, where the residents - and the land itself - hold potentially lethal secrets, and exposes another side of her husband, one that threatens to tear them apart.


Kritters Thoughts: A gripping novel that will keep you in your seat reading until the whee hours because you MUST find out how it will all unfold. A story of 3 lost girls and the woman who has visions as to their whereabouts and how they ended up stolen from their families. A suspenseful book with just a hint of some paranormal twists. I definitely had a hard time putting this one down when it was beyond my bed time! There were a few slow spots that I would have speed up a bit and a lot of searching in the woods for the little girl, but as a whole this book sped along like a train.

I think the one thing that I absolutely loved was the description of the characters and places. I could really picture each character and feel their personalities - they became lifelike. The setting - Boyds, MD was unqiue and described with such detail that I felt as though I could picture it right in front of me. A distinct city with a rural setting that allowed for certain events to occur that could never have happened anywhere else.

As with every suspense, I rate a book as to how far in advance I find out who dun it or if they are in the story at all. I think I realized the captor at the best moment, because I spent the rest of the book trying to confirm my hunches. A perfect amount of hints were given along the way, but nothing too blatant.

A suspenseful book that is definitely worth the grab. A book for both genders and most ages to read whether it be in the middle of summer or curled up in the winter.
Rating: absolutely loved it and want a sequel

Pages: 377

July-Sept 2011 Challenge: Real or Not

Review: Inappropriate Men by Stacey Ballis

Goodreads: Sidney Stein (size 24) is as ready for sex as the next woman, but her husband, Mark, hasn't been interested in years. Love-starved Sidney then falls for inappropriate man No. 2, her father's business partner, with whom she begins an illicit affair, only to break it off when she realizes he will never, ever leave his wife. "The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it," said Oscar Wilde, quoted in one of the chapter headers, and Sidney does just that, plunging into a new world of email dating, phone sex, and more.

Kritters Thoughts: Short and simple - did not like this one. Way too much language, sex and the like. I was just darn annoyed that a married woman honestly started an affair with another guy.

If you are a fan of the vulgar, this one is for you.

Rating: not such a good read

Pages: 352

July-Sept 2011 Challenge: RDI

Off the Shelf Challenge 2011: 16 of 50

Guest Post - Melissa Foster author of Chasing Amanda

Melissa Foster - author of both Megan's Way and Chasing Amanda and founder of The Women's Nest. A current resident of Maryland, with another book almost complete - Come Back to Me. She is back on the blog with a guest post for her blog tour for Chasing Amanda.

Without further ado - here is Melissa Foster.

How Reading Makes Me a Better Writer

Reading is fundamental - that's what teachers have been touting for years. I've never questions the prospect of reading being essential. I've been a reader since I was just a tyke. I've preached the importance of reading to all of my children, and can't imagine how many hours would be empty if reading was not a part of our lives. What I hadn't really thought about was how reading would make me a better writer.

I'm often asked who my favorite author is and what books I have enjoyed. My standard answer is that I have many favorite authors, and that I glean something from every book that I read. This is true, and I will explain why.

Even those books that may not have a storyline that I find compelling offer something that I can learn from. Whether I'm picking up on different ways to describe scenarios or characters, or learning which writing styles I might want to steer away from - it all helps to enhance my writing. Increased vocabulary is another benefit to reading. I always have my handy-dandy electronic dictionary nearby to look up words I may not have heard of before.

Another advantage of reading is to enjoy the escape. Believe it or not, even writes need an escape from writing, and time to rejuvenate our own thoughts.

The next time you hear that reading is fundamental, I hope you will smile and think to yourself, What can I learn from this book?

Interested in writing, or simply want to chat about books? Drop me an email: thinkhappygirl (at) yahoo (dot) com.

Thank you to Melissa for sharing her thoughts. I am a reader and a blogger and always love to hear about other's thoughts on reading and the impacts it can have throughout one's life.

Blogfest Giveaway Winner

Congrats to Alex Connolly for winning my Blogfest 2011 Giveaway!

Review: The Ice Queen by Alice Hoffman

Goodreads: Be careful what you wish for. A small town librarian lives a quiet life without much excitement. One day, she mutters an idle wish and, while standing in her house, is struck by lightning. But instead of ending her life, this cataclysmic event sparks it into a new beginning.

She goes in search of Lazarus Jones, a fellow survivor who was struck dead, then simply got up and walked away. Perhaps this stranger who has seen death face to face can teach her to live without fear. When she finds him, he is her opposite, a burning man whose breath can boil water and whose touch scorches. As an obsessive love affair begins between them, both are forced to hide their most dangerous secrets - what turned one to ice and the other to fire.

Kritters Thoughts: A book that flowed like a stream consciousness - which unfortunately I wasn't a fan of. The story overall was intriguing, but because of the writing style, it wasn't my favorite.

The use of strong adverbs made me fall in love with her descriptions of the "effects" of lightning strike survivors. I adored the relationship between the brother and sister and how the early death of their mother affected the both of them in two totally different ways. But through these likes, I still had a hard time reading and enjoying this one.

I would only recommend this book to those who love things that are artsy. Imagery and visualization would be key when reading this book.

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

Pages: 211

Cover Challenge April-June: The Royal Flush

Off the Shelf Challenge 2011: 13 of 50

Review: Lipstick Jungle by Candace Bushnell

Goodreads: Lipstick Jungle weaves the stories of Nico O'Neilly, Wendy Healy and Victory Ford, numbers 8, 12 and 17 on The New York Post's list of "New York's 50 Most Powerful Women."

But this 21st Century New York, and to get ahead and stay ahead, these women will do anything, including jeopardizing their personal and professional relationships. Take for example, Nico, editor-in-chief of Bonfire magazine, who betrays her boss to rise to the top of the entire magazine division at media mega-giant Splatch-Verner. As president of Paradour Pictures, Wendy may be poised to win an Oscar for her 10-year labor-of-love, Ragged Pilgrims, but her marriage is in shambles and her children care more about a $50,000 pony than their mother. And for single, 43-year-old fashion designer Victory, pleasing tough critics may be more important than ever finding the real relationship she's convinced herself she doesn't need.

Kritters Thoughts: First, I must admit that I haven't had the pleasure of reading Sex and the City, so this is my first adventure with Candace Bushnell. I thoroughly enjoyed this book with three females as the center. I loved that each character was unique, but their friendships with each other were genuine and I could imagine how they became friends and why they stayed friends.

A story of their adventures in New York and the trials that women face. I absolutely adored how the women in this story were successful and powerful. It was interesting to read how the men in their life reacted to their successes. I enjoy reading books were the men are put into a different position and how the dynamics of the family must change due to the role reversals.

A great chick lit that made me want to continue reading Candace Bushnell. A must read for all chick lit fans.

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

Pages: 496

Cover Challenge April-June: All Made Up

It's Monday, What are you Reading? (30)

A Monday that starts the longest week at work. 11 new employees start on Monday, visitors in the office on Thursday and the board will be in the office on Friday, I saw all this because it means that this week will be super crazy. And on top of all of this - the boy starts his first week of on the job training on the evening shift, so life is just taking me for a wild ride. I hope I can hold tight for now.

A meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey.

Currently Reading:

Unbelievable by Sara Shepard

Chasing Amanda by Melissa Foster (got sidetracked on this one, starting it again - so good)

Next on the TBR pile:

Wicked by Sara Shepard

Blank Slate by Heather Justesen

In My Mailbox (38)

A very fun two weeks in my mailbox and a few bags from my mom and Aunt Gloria. It is always fun to get a note from my aunt with books that she has read and is ready to pass on. And then to meet up with my mom for an author signing and get two grocery bags - always a good time!

Just some pictures this week, as this weekend is jam packed and I have quite a lot of reading to get to for the next month!

A meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren.

For Review:

That Day in September by Artie Van Why

Before Ever After by Samantha Sotto

Winnings:

The Orphan Sister by Gwendolen Gross

Paperbackswap or Bookmooch:

Confessions of a Serial Dater by Michelle Cunnah

Pushing 30 by Whitney Gaskell

Gifts from my Mom and Aunt Gloria:

Hissy Fit by Mary Kay Andrews

Petite Anglaise by Catherine Sanderson

You Have to Kiss a Lot of Frogs by Laurie Graff

The Last Beach Bungalow by Jennie Nash

Bufflehead Sisters by Patricia J DeLois

Case Histories by Kate Atkinson

Shadow Baby by Alison McGhee

The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs

Light on Snow by Anita Shreve

Durable Goods by Elizabeth Berg

All He Ever Wanted by Anita Shreve

What was in your mailbox this week?

Review: Life in Spite of Me by Kristen Jane Anderson

Goodreads: She wanted to die. God had other plans.

Overwhelmed by wave after wave of emotional trauma, Kristen Anderson no longer wanted to live. One January night, determined to end her pain once and for all, the seventeen-year-old lay across train tracks not far from her home and waited to die.

Instead of peace, she found herself immersed in a whole new nightmare.

Before the engineer could bring the train to a stop, thirty-three freight cars passed over her at fifty-five miles per hour. After the train stopped and Kristen realized she was still alive, she looked around - and saw her legs ten feet away.

Surviving her suicide attempt but losing her legs launched Kristen into an even deeper battle with depression and suicidal thoughts, as well as unrelenting physical pain - all from the seat of a wheelchair. But in the midst of her darkest days, Kristen discovered the way to real life and a purpose for living.

Kritters Thoughts: An emotional story that from the very beginning is hard to hear, but well worth the read. A young woman who while a teen decides that her life isn't worth living and through a last minute thought lays herself down on railroad tracks. As she is telling the story - we all know she survives, but to hear her story about recuperating and living a different life is beyond interesting.

Whether you believe in the healing power of Christ and that God can intercede into daily lives, this book is worth the read to understand how depression can hit when you least expect and how far down one may go. It was refershing to hear a true story where she battled depression and had ups and downs - but life did end up on the up.

To parents of teens - this may be a rough ride because you may become overly cautious about the signs you could possibly see in your own teen. To the non parents, this is still a story for you about how depression can take hold of someone and send them down a road that no one would suspect.

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

Pages: 202

July-Sept 2011 Challenge: JAS

Review: Confessions of a Call Center Gal by Lisa Lim

Goodreads: Madison Lee is a fresh college grad, ready to take on the world of print media. But she has zero luck landing a job. Unemployment is at ten percent and on the rise. Desperate and left with no other options, she accepts a position as a service rep at a call center in Pocatello, Idaho. At the Lightning Speed call center in Spudsville, Maddy plunges into the wild and dysfunctional world of customer service where Sales is prided over Service and an eight hour shift is equivalent to eight hours of callers bashing her over the phone. Oh sure, the calls are bad. But Maddy manages to find humor on the phone and off the phone. And with all the salacious drama behind the calls, there is never a dull moments at the Lightning Speed call center. Lately . . . Maddy has been pining for her smolderingly gorgeous co-worker Mika Harket. Now things are heating up on the phone - and elsewhere.

Kritters Thoughts: A hilarious comedy with some snark and punk. I fell in love with our maine character Maddison from the very beginning and just couldn't wait to find out where she was headed. Her fun adventure included curious characters, a prime location - the dreadful floor of a customer service call center and witty banter. I flipped right through the pages wanting to know what kind of caller would be on the line next or what insane corporate mandate would come down the pipeline.

I have some quasi call center experience from a previous job and boy was it fun, the characters that I spoke with on the phone. Just ask my cubie mate Maria, man we had some doosies! But I digress. I laughed completely out loud at some of the calls she took both from how crazy people can be to the reality that there are people out there who makes these kinds of calls every day. I gained some perspective on how far being nice on the phone can get you somewhere with a customer service agent.

Lim's characters were both funny and heartwarming. It was such fun to get to know each character and I loved how true and geniune they each were down to their bones. I think I have one of each in my life! I think she correctly described the people that we can all interact with on the job whether we want to or not!

Although I didn't read this at the beach, I think this would be a perfect addition to the beach bag this summer - a cute and light read that will keep you laughing throughout. I may have been reminded a little of Jennifer Lancaster's spunky humor, but I will never compare one author truly to another!

Rating: perfect beach read

Pages: 259

July-Sept 2011 Challenge: Numerology, Part 2

BlogFest 2011

Welcome to BlogFest 2011!

I will be giving away a great chick lit price pack to include:

2books - Declaring Spinsterhood by Jamie Lynn Braziel

101 Reasons to Shop by Jessica Waldorf

and a fun scarf that will go with any outfit!

Just fill out the form below to be entered into this giveaway.

Giveaway ends at midnight on July 17th.

Wordless Wednesday

It's not Wednesday, but her bday was yesterday and I had a post scheduled, so a little delayed!

Happy Birthday to Miss Charlotte -

the best reading partner, tv critic, and pup a girl could have had for a roommate for 6 months!

(she is still with us, she was just demoted to pup since the boy is home from the academy)

Review: Unleashed by Emily Kimelman

Goodreads: Joy Humbolt is not a huge fan of people and after getting fired from her latest stint as a barrista she is becoming dangerously close to unemployable. So when Charlene Miller offers Joy her dog-walking business on the exclusive upper east side of Manhattan, Joy is happy to accept, despite a suspiciously quick transaction. But Joy's world is turned upside down when she discovers one of her clients murdered and Charlene gone. Joy can not help but become caught up in her employers lives.

With the help of a rouge Police Detective Joy enters her clients sphere of power and influence searching for the killer. Usually a loner, Joy is disturbed by how much she likes it in their world. These people make the rules but are not bound by them. When tragedy strikes IT becomes clear just how much Joy shares with those she is meant to serve.

Kritters Thoughts: A roller coaster ride that ends up with a few dead, but our heroine on a completely different career path. The twists and turns were fun to follow, while you chase after Joy as she hunts down a killer. Through an undercover NYC S&M club to a few gay and lesbian bars - this story took the reader through every neighborhood in New York City.

I loved the peaks and valleys of the story, from high intensity chase scenes in underground tunnels to the slow moments where she is trying to figure out her next step, it was all believeable and a fun ride. At times I was wondering how everyone was connected, but I believe in the end the puzzle pieces all matched.

The one change I would make was the chapters - at times choppy and short, I didn't understand the spacing of when a story ended and the next began. At the same time I loved how each chapter had a name - what a fun addition which you rarely see.

A great thrill ride for those who are not faint of heart. A little gore and some language may keep few readers at bay - but those who like a fun ride will definitely enjoy this one.

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

Pages: 326

July-Sept 2011 Challenge: Numerology, Part One

Wedding Writer Giveaway

Congrats to Michelle Lawrence the winner of

The Wedding Writer Giveaway!

Review: Then Came You by Jennifer Weiner

Goodreads: The lives of four very different women intertwine in unexpected ways in this new novel by bestselling author Jennifer Weiner. Each woman has a problem: Princeton senior Jules Wildgren needs money to help her dad cure his addiction; Pennsylvania housewife Annie Barrow is gasping to stay financially afloat; India Bishop yearns to have a child, an urge that her stepdaughter Bettina can only regard with deeply skepticism until she finds herself in a most unexpected situation.

Kritters Thoughts: Another great story by Jennifer Weiner. A story with women at the center and the issue of bearing child - whether the inability or the women who help those who can't, I felt that this book was a great tribute to how women can create communities with very little in common. With each chapter based on a different character - it was easy and enjoyable to get to know each one and then see their stories mix and mingle.

A topic that is still working on becoming acceptable as conservation - infertility and everything that is involved in it. Suragocy, egg donation and the inability to have children is the center of each of these women's stories and I have always be intrigued by this subject that women have to deal with it on a daily basis. Some women worry that their significant other may leave them if they can't have children and some have worries when it comes to trying to help. I think this is a topic that we should continue to talk about because with each conversation the stigma will slowly diminish and women can feel more confidant in the decisions that they may have to make to create a family.

Without spoiling too much, there was one part of the book that my conservative friends and followers may not be too keen on. If you are one of those - please keep reading, the whole of the story is way more impactful while bypassing one part.

Another bestseller from Jennifer Weiner that will be enjoyed by women of all ages.

Rating:absolutely loved it and want a sequel

Pages: 400

July-Sept 2011 Challenge: Brand Spankin' New

*Review copy provided by Simon and Schuester Galley Grab.

Review: Lot's Return to Sodom by Sandra Brannan

Goodreads: The Strugis Motorcycle Rally is no place for button-downed citizens - unless they're trying to hide a murder.

Sharp-witted Liv Bergen can't avoid becoming embroiled in murders, it seems. Her family's hometown of Sturgis, South Dakota, is quickly becoming the Sodom of the Black Hills during the dog days of summer as it hosts the infamous rally of grizzled hard-core motorcycle bikers - half a million of them. Crime comes too close for comfort when Liv must solve the mystery of a beautiful young townie to clear her brother's name.

Live witnesses the vile death of another young woman, and during her investigation of both crimes she attracts the uninvited attentions of the menacing leader of Lucifer's Lot - the baddest of the bad biker gangs. Her quick wit and pragmatic thinking are all that stands between her and certain elimination.

FBI Agent Streeter Pierce is back on the trail, working undercover to find the murderer and a shadow criminal called the Crooked Man. When he and Liv cross paths, sparks are flying, literally.


Kritters Thoughts: Another great Liv Bergen mystery. A little less gore, but definitely left me on my seat trying to figure out who the killer was and the hows and the whys. Again I spent the entire book trying to narrow down my options to find the killer at right towards the end I had two in mind, but the clues sent you a different way. Again the killer was in the book the entire time and didn't come out of left field - love it.

Brannan expertly loops her character Bergen into this next investigation. This book begins just after the completion of the first book and her therapy from her injuries. I absolutely believed the way she ended up in the middle of this investigation and felt as though it was completely smartly done.

Something that may be minor, but I enjoyed was that this book could be a stand alone. There were a few references to book number 1, but I felt as though anyone could grab this second in the series and enjoy it on its own.

I think any reader who loves the suspense and wants to piece together the puzzle to finish with a killer that no one would have guessed in the beginning would enjoy this one. I am anxiously awaiting for the next appearance of Liv Bergen.
Rating: absolutely loved it and want a sequel

Pages: 288

July-Sept 2011 Challenge: J A S

It's Monday, What are you Reading? (29)

Another Monday is upon us and this week may be a long one - with a family dinner on Monday and book club at One More Page on Tuesday, I may be zonked by Wednesday! So for this week, this is what is on my reading agenda.

A meme hosted by The BookJourney.

Currently Reading:

Unleashed by Emily Kimelman

Next off the TBR pile:

Chasing Amanda by Melissa Foster

Review: In the Belly of Jonah by Sandra Brannon

Goodreads: The first in a series, the book expertly lays the groundwork for Liv Bergen, amateur sleuth, and her love interest, FBI Agent Streeter Pierce. Liv becomes involved in the investigation of the murder of Jill Brannigan, a summer intern at the limestone mine Liv manages near Fort Collins, Colorado (a breathtaking setting that unwittingly becomes an accessory to crime). In doing so, she inadvertantly puts her friends, her family, and herself at risk of being swallowed in the belly of a madman bloated with perverse appetites for women, surrealistic art, and renown. Perhaps a bit too daring (and at times irreverent) for her own good, "Boots" as Liv's eight siblings call her, soon realizes she has a knack for outsmarting and tracking down the Venus de Milo murderer - and she enjoys it! As the gripping plot of In the Belly of Jonah unfolds, Liv Bergen takes her place alongside the best female crime-solvers as a woman with smarts, self-confidence, and intuitive savvy.

Kritters Thoughts: What a thriller! I have had this book on my shelf with the sequel for a few weeks and I was just able to work it into the schedule. A woman in the mining industry who is holding her own amongst the men ends up in the middle of not one but two murder investigations that are clearly linked, but how?

With each thriller/suspense that I read I love the genre even more. This one definitely held up to those big name suspense authors. A little on the gory side, but packed full of who dun its. I found myself in the middle of the book waffling between two characters and I just couldn't put my finger on the real culprit. I loved this. Nothing irks me more than the person who is the killer only popping up in the end of the book with no way to guess of his involvement.

Brannan effortlessly weaves the killer in and out of the reader's thoughts, while giving hints but no definite clues. A must read for those who love a good suspense but watch out because the reader has a bird's eye view when the murders occur.

Rating:absolutely loved it and want a sequel

Pages: 288

Off the Shelf Challenge 2011: 15 of 50

Review: Room by Emma Donoghue

Goodreads: To five-year-old Jack, Room is the entire world. It is where he was born and grew up; it's where he lives with his Ma as they learn and read and eat and sleep and play. At night, his Ma shuts him safely in the wardrobe, where he is meant to be asleep when Old Nick visits.

Room is home to Jack, but to Ma, it is the prison where Old Nick has held her captive for seven years. Through determination, ingenuity, and fierce motherly love, Ma has created a life for Jack. But she knows it's not enough...not for her or for him. She devises a bold escape plan, one that relies on her young son's bravery and a lot of luck. What she does not realize is just how unprepared she is for the plan to actually work.

Kritters Thoughts: Another book that I delayed reading due to all the hype that preceded its release and after the release. I am glad I waited, but absolutely thrilled that the ladies of one of my book clubs picked this book out to read this year. I didn't read any of the reviews before diving in.

Now onto my review - A heart wrenching tale of a mother who is trying with all her might to protect her son from her kidnapper, but at the same time keeping him from knowing what is in the outside world that he is missing. Esentially she has made a world for him so he doesn't understand that his situation is different from anyone else's "normal." Some may think this weird of her - I find her to be heroic to not expose her son to the reality of the world they are trapped in while making sure that is enjoying their current status.

Without spoiling the ending for those of you who have not had the opportunity to pick this one up - the second half is very different from the first. I am still struggling as to which half I enjoyed more.

Because this book is written from Jack's perspective, the story is much easier to handle. At times I had a difficulty understanding what he was describing because I couldn't always get his 5 year old mind set and language. As I don't have children, I may not react to this book as my mom and sister will, but I think both groups should read and will enjoy this one.

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

Pages: 321

July-Sept 2011 Challenge: Happy Birthday!

Review: The Secret Society of the Pink Crystal Ball by Risa Green

Goodreads: In a world where nothing is certain, a little magic couldn't hurt . . . right?

When Erin Channing's favorite aunt dies, Erin is bequeathed a pink crystal ball and a set of weird instructions. Granted, Aunt Kiki (aka Aunt Kooky) always lived "outside the box." But now Erin and her two best friends are convinced that the pink crystal ball holds the key to their future- or at least the key to getting dates . . . .

Consider your fate to be sealed . . .

Kritters Thoughts: A cute read worth grabbing off the bookshelf. A girl is given "power" through a crystal ball where she can help change her future, thanks to her aunt who has recently passed away. I fell in love with this YA book from start to finish.

An easy read with a main character and sub characters that grab your attention from the first page. I was drawn to these three girls and loved their differences, but knew their friendship was genuine even with their different family backgrounds. I loved the ups and downs of the plot that seemed realistic, yet with a twist of magic the story kept evolving.

The play on "Mean Girls" was a great addition to the plot. The dueling girl groups with funny nicknames were hilarious and the voodoo dolls and trickery between them was just fun to read.

A great light girlie read that was perfect for a day by the pool.

Rating:absolutely loved it and want a sequel

Pages: 320

Cover Challenge April-June: Bling! Bling!

Off the Shelf Challenge 2011: 14 of 50