Sandra L. Ceren

I recently read Stolen Secrets by Sandra Levy Ceren. The book follows Dr. Corey Cohen as she experiences a psychologist's nightmare when a possible breach of confidentiality is brought to her attention and a client disappears. Dr. Cohen has a list of suspects, all she has to do is discover a way to find her patient and whodunnit, preferably before harm comes her way.

Though I was unfamiliar with the author, I enjoyed her writing style and that she didn't bog down the plot with too much exposition. Although some terms from psychology are used, the book was written in a way that could be understood by the average person. The characters were well-developed and I enjoyed their interactions with one another as the story progressed. The book was a fast read and I never found myself wondering when the story would end, but wondering what would happen next as I attempted to determine who was culpable of the misdeeds.

I would give the book four out of a possible five stars, possibly a little higher than that. I look forward to reading the other books in the series.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good whodunnit or to anyone who enjoys a psychological thriller (in the literal sense of the term) and I don't think you'll be at all disappointed.… (más)

This is a very insightful and helpful book. It gives practical advice on what a counselor can do to best help their clients. There are many illustrations that give various points of view, giving one a better understanding of personality traits and how clients might possibility respond in various situations.
There is a very nice breakdown on what a 10 session premarital program might look like, sharing the importance of both single and joint counseling sessions. There are personality and relationship quizzes to take and then great details given concerning answers those particular questions. There is also included an all important chapter on "Communication and Conflict Resolution." The author lists the role of the listener as well as the presenter and the importance of both. This is vital within the life of any marriage and very helpful information. Then role playing situations are staged allowing each individual to see how the other person may feel in a given situation. This is helpful to allow one from being so opinionated and more open minded to what their partner may be going through. Giving one a different perspective or point of view would be huge to avoid difficulty within a marriage.
There are case studies included that will help one to see the various type of situations that a couple could face and options of how they could be handled in a positive manner. There are some partners who will not change no matter what and there are examples of that as well.
Also included is a great resource section that allows the reader to dig in further concerning a particular topic or issue that they would like additional information about. The detailed premarital quiz at the end of the book could be invaluable to better understanding one's future mate, thus allowing the opportunity to cut down on future frustration.
I would recommend this book to premarital counselors as a great resource. Author Sandra L. Ceren, PhD. does a fantastic job of helping one to consider many items that could be overlooked that would allow one to avoid costly mistakes.
5 of 5 stars… (más)

This is the second book I read from this author, and I enjoyed them both quite a bit.
I have to start out by saying that the author is a great storyteller, and does a splendid job introducing the characters in her books, and this one was no exception. She does a tremendous job with detail, sometimes, I think maybe to much for some readers, as the only issue I have with this book, is that it seems it starts to read more like a textbook, then a mystery novel. As much as I enjoy learning and reading facts and watching shows that explain disorders, serial killers, all those crazy psychological documentaries, and books, I feel that this specific series leans a little more towards that realm, then a mystery novel.
Which is not an issue with me personally, but I believe potential readers may want to know that along with a good, solid story, comes a lot to be educated on and as much time as the reader enjoys this book, they will possibly feel they are in a college classroom, at times.
I would normally say a "women's sleuth", or a "mystery novel", would make a good "beach read' or one of those books you read at your lunch breaks, or at home in bed. I can't say that with this one, for all readers, because this may require some re reading and or backtracking. But either way, it is a fine book with a fabulous character, Dr. Cory, who will end up being one of your favorite private investigator's when you are halfway through the book.
Dr. Cory, and Ben Fortuna, met previously, and partner up to start investigating a case, involving an anorexic, young woman, and her Iranian husband. The husband is a prominent petroleum engineer who has a special method that grabs the attention of a desperate oil company executive, who will stop at nothing, to steal his secret method. This story picks up right from the beginning, and possesses all of the good stuff a mystery should have, terrorism, murder, kidnapping, international disasters, and even a little bit of a love story:)
The story itself is most certainly a thriller, full of suspense, and full of edge of your seat drama. The characters are easy to like, Ben is just charming, and the love that he and Dr. Cory share is just so sweet and innocent and will make you smile!
I like this idea of the psychologist turned investigator, what better profession then these 2, to go hand in hand. I also like how the author's own experience is tied in with this series.
I would recommend this book to anybody who loves a good mystery novel, and also likes to read a book by somebody who has done their homework, (Sandra Levy Ceren, certainly has the experience to cover this!)

** I received a copy of this book in return for my honest review **… (más)

I found this book to be a very easy read. Even though I have studied psychology there were no terms in the book that would make it difficult for anyone to understand. Even if you have not studied psychology. There was plenty of intrigue including a little romance going on. It was kind of a mild romance book wrapped up in a mystery.

While I couldn’t relate to this book in real life that’s okay. It was still captivating as mysteries should be. It kept my interest and once I got to the middle of it I found it hard to put down because I needed to know what was going to happen next.

There were several kidnappings and abductions along with murder and attempted murder in the book. And of course the budding romance between a psychologist and a private detective. All coupled with trying to figure out the inner workings of an anorexic/bulimic mother of two who was under an extreme amount of stress with her children missing and then her husband as well.

I did not read the first book in this series, Stolen Secrets, but I was still able to follow along without a problem. The characters were all introduced very well in this book and you did not need to read the other book to be able to understand what was going on. I am hoping to get a chance to read this other book though. If I do I will be sure to review it here.

While it’s not the best mystery I have read I definitely recommend it for anyone who enjoys a mystery. Especially if you’re looking for a light and easy read.… (más)