Review: Smitten

Title: Smitten
Author: Janet Evanovich
Pages: 256
Rating: 3.5/5

Single mom Lizabeth Kane isn't exactly construction material—she's never picked up a hammer in her life. But she desperately needs the job that builder Matt Hallahan is offering. And even though he knows better, Matt can't refuse her irresistible smile.

Matt Hallahan isn't exactly relationship material—he has always been too busy working on other people's houses to make a home of his own. And even though she knows better, Lizabeth can't stop thinking about the rugged carpenter.

Is the relationship Matt and Lizabeth are building solid—or more like a house of cards?

It's been over a week since I finished this book, so I have to say, my minds a little fuzzy when it comes to the details. I do know this. I liked it much better than The Grand Finale. I felt the story developed at a much better pace and it didn't feel nearly as rushed. Plus, the heroine, Lizabeth was much more normal than Berry (what the heck kind of name is that anyway?).

I also really liked the hero, Matt. He was really down to earth, and he really did love Lizabeth. Plus, I absolutely adored how he tried to protect her from the neighborhood flasher. One of my favorite scenes in the whole book involves Matt in hot pursuit of the flasher. Let's just say it involves minimal clothing and lots and lots of the neighbors.

I would definitely give this Evanovich try if you are looking for something light to read. While these books aren't the Stephanie Plum series, they are still cute and unique in their own right.

I was going to try and read all of Janet Evanovich's Loveswept books in March, but after two, decided a needed a bit of a break. Plus, my reading time has been severely hampered by the new job I took with the new company. Once I'm home at night, I barely have enough energy to get dinner done, clean up a bit, and take a shower. I've been in bed most nights by eight o clock. Hence the lack of posts, and the even bigger lack of reviews lately.

I think once I'm used to everything I'll be back on the reading mojo. Or at least I hope so. Learning new systems, and my work almost tripling has just been running me ragged!

March in Review

March was a very long month for me. There was a lot of stuff going on at work. All that has been settled now. I signed an acceptance letter with the new company, and will be moving to a new building and a new supervisor on Monday. I'll be able to leave all the gossip and hostility at the old place. I found all this out yesterday, and I can already feel the stress leaving my body. I finally know what is going on with that part of my life!

Reading wise, I hit a mid month slump and only managed to read one book in a week and a half. I was a little panicky because this year has been so good for me reading wise. After spending a quiet evening in the "library" (my really overcrowded spare bedroom that houses all my books) I decided to change up my genres a little bit and moved to contemporary romance. I guess that is all it took because I was able to read four in one week.

I managed to read nine books this month and I'm already 1/4 of the way done with the 100 Book Reading Challenge. In fact, I'm actually one book ahead of where I had wanted to me at the end of March (yeah me!). Also, I read two more books in the Harry Potter series in March, getting myself closer to my goal of completing all seven books before the new movie is released in July.

April will be a busy month for me because of spring. Michael and I always take a few evenings and weekends and edge all the flower beds, weed, trim, and mulch. Also, we are looking to expand the back bed this year and plant a few more trees. I'll take pictures when its all done and show everyone all of our hard work. We have managed to get the garage and basement cleaned and organized and ready for spring already so that is one good thing.

Another thing I really want to concentrate on in April is Michael and I's plans for the future. We have been trying to get pregnant now for about a year; however, during almost this entire time I have been under extreme amounts of stress at work. I'm really working on relaxing and enjoying Michael and I's time together this month. I'm hoping maybe the change in job and the change in my attitude will cause a change for us. If not, I'll be making an appointment with the Dr. in the near future to see what our options are.

Job Update...

Just a little update on the whole job front. My interview went extremely well. There's been a lot of changes within the departments at the company who bought us and these changes were definitely for the better. It was actually quite a postive experience and I think that taking this opportunity would be a wonderful thing for me. I heard today from my HR department that they are writing up an offer and will be presenting it to me next week so I will keep you posted!

Finally Some Answers...

I know in the past few months I've mentioned some of things that have been going on at work but I didn't go into a lot of details. However, some things happened at work today and I feel a little better talking about what is going on.

I used to work for a company (Company A) and left that job because of some of the people in the office and the whole atmosphere of the work place. I was younger and very intimidated by the older woman and not sure of myself - this was all before I was married, owned a home, met my husband. I left Company A three and a half years ago to work for Company B. I really loved Company B and was so happy with my decision.

In December of last year, we found out that Company B had been bought by Company A...I felt a lot of emotions that day but in the end decided that I would stick this out and see how things go before I made any major decisions. At the time of the acquisition, we were told that my department would be ok and no cuts would be made. However, as the months have passed, a lot of rumors have been flying regarding what is going to happen with the office I am currently located at and the central office of Company A. I've been on pins and needles for almost two months now, wondering if I'll have a job when I get to work. I knew something big was happening because the CEO, company lawyers, and other upper management have been in and out of our offices for weeks. I myself, had a meeting of sorts with some of the upper management, that I had hoped went well and showed my qualities.

Today,without any warning, Company A came in and laid off almost twenty of our employees including many within my department. I was the second person called to the main conference room where I met with the department head. I was told that they would like me to come and interview with them and that they believe I would be an excellent fit within their department. They said that they were impressed with my knowledge of my job and that I presented myself very well in all of the meetings that I was involved in.

In a way, I feel some relief. My interview is on Thursday and I'm a little nervous about it, but I feel confident that I will be fine. It will be odd to go back with this company, but its a different department and a different position then I was in before. Plus, I'm older and definitely more adept at handling different situations. If I don't like, I can always look for something else. Right now I'm just thankful that I still have a job and can still make my house payment.

What I do feel horrible about, is the people that I work with that didn't get good news. I'm the only one from my department right now that was given a go ahead. Others weren't told anything yet, or they were let go, including the other girl that worked as my supervisor/coordinator. I'll be keeping them all in my prayers during this difficult time. I don't feel as though I can be happy when so many others around me are suffering.

So, that's what is going on with my life right now. I'm on a roller coaster of emotions right now, and I'm so glad I have this blog to share my feelings with. It helps me to sort through everything when I can talk (type :) ) about it. So thanks for listening everyone and God Bless!