tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73481611803254011792024-03-14T02:17:29.845+08:00i am not a bookworm!My experiences, adventures and love affair with books.Gurlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786636457565228373noreply@blogger.comBlogger453125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348161180325401179.post-78474034340381518642020-08-24T15:38:00.001+08:002020-08-24T15:38:08.365+08:00Starfish (Starfish #1) by Lisa Becker | A Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoqKRtvl70tn1a6_H3nCudSaIVS28sa-8gg_TP4cJtwiw6bpgRiJ4aDGEvJixNlt8OF9llffGuxrTUpDzYoX4BDSneI_BA8Q7TMEagOecQpb_bIJjHYRBwn3ioJw4JUsojgc4EBeAZzzI/s1600/IMG_0125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Starfish (Starfish #1) by Lisa Becker | A Book Review by iamnotabookworm!" border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoqKRtvl70tn1a6_H3nCudSaIVS28sa-8gg_TP4cJtwiw6bpgRiJ4aDGEvJixNlt8OF9llffGuxrTUpDzYoX4BDSneI_BA8Q7TMEagOecQpb_bIJjHYRBwn3ioJw4JUsojgc4EBeAZzzI/s640/IMG_0125.jpg" title="Starfish (Starfish #1) by Lisa Becker | A Book Review by iamnotabookworm!" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Lisa Becker is another author who sends me messages on Instagram every time she has a new book. I readily agree to read and review her books because they're always fun and delightful to read. Her characters are very real which most readers could relate with. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b>Starfish</b> is a rock star romance as described on the cover. I am not sure why but I really love reading rock star romances. I guess, it's a hidden fantasy of mine to end up with a rock star or some celebrity. I do have a few in mind. It's a situation akin to shooting for the moon but then what would you know? There are a lot of ordinary people who are married to rock stars and popular icons. Who knows, right? I am still single. What are the chances that I would actually end up with my favorite Korean drama actor? Dream on. Anyone can dream, right? Dreaming is free anyway. Calling Lee Jae Yoon, Lee Dong Wook, Jung Il Woo.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Talking about rock stars, I've always had a crush on Alex Band of The Calling, Jason Wade of Lifehouse and Danny O'Donoghue of the Script. Aside from the fact that I love their songs and they're very talented, these guys are good for the eyes too. I've just started getting into K-pop too. Yes, I know, a bit late but I'm catching up. I really love CNBlue. I love alternative rock and their songs sound like that though they identify themselves as more of a pop rock band. I am so impressed by Jung Yong Hwa's ability to entertain and engage the audience in their concerts. He comes up with these ideas like playing the drums and have the other members do other things too. I would love to watch them play live if they ever come here to the Philippines. Jung Yong Hwa are you hearing this? I am actually listening to CNBlue while writing this review.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This is a story of Brad and Marin. Brad, obviously is the rock star. Marin is the ambitious intern who dreams of working for a big tech firm. Unfortunately, she ends up getting a four-month internship as the PR of a rock band who is hailed to be the next big thing - the Kings Quarters. I think Marin's job of being a PR girl for the Kings Quarters actually sounds incredible. Going on tour with the band is like a dream come true, right? I wouldn't refuse if I were presented with a rare opportunity as that. Aside from it being a new experience, it's also interesting to know if all the myths and popular beliefs about how the rich and famous live and breath would be true. I would take it as an in-depth investigation or an immersion. But not Marin, she wasn't very thrilled with the assignment. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">What I love most about the story is how Marin proved that she can be really good at her job. Yes, it wasn't what she really wanted but she ended up enjoying it even though it was a challenge at first, especially with the band members. In the end, she proved to be so valuable and essential to the existence of the band. Not to mention, she got close to the band members and yes, fell in love too. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Brad is a very interesting lead male character. I find it refreshing to meet someone who would rather do coding on a computer than be in the limelight being a rock star. He'd rather have his inner nerd shine than bask in the fame and limelight. It's very humble and very endearing. Very few people would give up being popular than enjoy peace and quiet. It's very rare to find someone like that especially in this age of social media. Every one wants to be popular or want to go viral. Every one wants to take a shot at being an instant celebrity at any expense. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This story tells of behind-the-scenes activities of what rock bands are famous for - yes, sex, drugs and alcohol. Fortunately, not all of the members enjoy all that. Some have grown tired of it. Some have outgrown it. Some just wouldn't grow up hence, the after parties are still a must. Of course, you can't exclude the people who want to take a bite of the popularity of the band and use it to their benefit. There's jealousy and intrigue and all other dramas too. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I give this book 4/5 beanboozled jelly beans. This was a very fun read. It's like reading the real lives of rock stars with all the things that come with fame and money. It's not all that glorious as we are all made to believe. There could be conflicts and most of the time, not all bands are actually allowed to write the songs they want to write. Most of them have to conform to some marketing idea or branding image they have to portray. Yes, it's all about the money. This made me think about how western bands are way different from Korean pop or music idols. Korean pop idol aspirants have to train for years before they debut. A K-pop band or group has to live together in a dorm to develop team work among members. The size of the dorm would indicate how the group is doing. If they just started, they would be sharing a very modest or even a cramped space. They also have go through a lot and I guess, that keeps them grounded. Just like BTS, they were the underdogs. They were often bullied in reality shows they guest in when they first started. But look at them now. They endured all that and remained focused on their goal. They were the first ever Korean or Asian band to make it to the Billboards. It's probably one of the reasons why the ARMY would die for them because they've given their all (meaning they worked hard with no hanky-panky or no shortcuts) just to get to where they are now, yet remained humble. They don't feel so entitled as what some celebrities are. Sometimes they even forget they're celebrities. And yes, I like BTS. I root for them. Aside from being talented, they're also just ordinary people who worked hard to achieve their dreams yet never forgetting where they came from. </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Just remember: Laundry. Laundry is always there. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: blue; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Lisa Becker, Starfish - </span> </div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Thank you again, Lisa Becker for the review copy. I will be posting reviews soon for the other books you gave me. </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Other books by Lisa Becker: </span></div>
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<a href="https://iamnotabookworm.blogspot.com/2018/10/clutch-by-lisa-becker-book-review.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Clutch</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://iamnotabookworm.blogspot.com/2020/07/the-subway-girl-by-lisa-becker-arc-book.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">The Subway Girl</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Dear Future Self (review coming soon)</span></div>
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Gurlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786636457565228373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348161180325401179.post-22070188685636037972020-08-24T13:32:00.004+08:002021-07-13T17:40:47.032+08:00Excess Baggage (Babes of Brighton #1) by Laura Barnard | ARC | A Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNxW_gtJJb4WiPyA-hfS0uBJDU9PDm3eHaEn7SMnRlwakWmzs30SikM_aX2phQuTYnfE6xh0CGhNV_U9eIRaiIkIkiF2R5U79IpGj9vta8rccMkssAVTueDviSvU1GbKB72q5hk8-voZs/s1600/IMG_2263.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Excess Baggage (Babes of Brighton #1) by Laura Barnard | ARC | A Book Review by iamnotabookworm!" border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="640" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNxW_gtJJb4WiPyA-hfS0uBJDU9PDm3eHaEn7SMnRlwakWmzs30SikM_aX2phQuTYnfE6xh0CGhNV_U9eIRaiIkIkiF2R5U79IpGj9vta8rccMkssAVTueDviSvU1GbKB72q5hk8-voZs/s640/IMG_2263.jpg" title="Excess Baggage (Babes of Brighton #1) by Laura Barnard | ARC | A Book Review by iamnotabookworm!" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Every time Laura Barnard has a new book coming out or she wants to relaunch one of her books, she always sends me a message through Instagram and asks if I want to be a part of the launch or review the book. I always say yes because her stories are always hilarious and the characters are very real and imperfect. I find some of her characters irritating at first and then you will end up rooting for them. There was one story where I wasn't sure if I liked the main character but I really enjoyed the whole book which actually speaks a lot about the ability of the author to keep her audience. So, I was just thrilled when she asked me again to read and review this book. <i>Excess Baggage</i> was released August 18, 2020.</span></div>
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">This book is another one with a very clumsy and imperfect main character in it. Erica is far from being perfect. I think she has the misfortune of always embarrassing herself in front of the guy she likes. The situations she gets herself into are the stuff that would mostly go viral on the internet if they were caught on camera that should never see the light of day. Yes, I feel so sorry for her every time this happens. Her character reminds me of Lindsay Lohan's character in 'Just My Luck. '</span></div>
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">This is a second chance romance every one would wish would happen in their life except for the accidents that happen to Erica. She's like an accident magnet which reminds me of one of my bestfriends who happen to fall most of the time. At least, my friend only got scratches and a little blood here and there. Unlike Erica whose minor accidents are pictures you can't un-see.</span></div>
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">This story had me thinking if I like Erica's character at all. I am not sure but I sure do wish she'd end up with Jack. I think Erica's character wasn't so striking except for holding her head high every after embarrassing situation she's into. But aside from that, I don't find a lot of other things endearing in her character. This story is at times hilarious but it came to a point where it felt predictable, especially where Erica is involved. I would most likely could tell when something embarrassing would happen to her again. </span></div>
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">I give this story 2.75/5 loosely tied bikini tops. Though the story is very easy to read and you would want to finish it in one reading, I felt it to be so predictable. Of all the stories of Barnard that I've read, this is probably the less engaging of all. I wasn't so taken with the story. There were very few points of interest that would make you wonder what's going on like what Jack's hiding. But other than that, you pretty much would know how the story would end or when Erica would humiliate herself again. So, this was okay but I've read her other stories and they were more entertaining and delightful than this one. I would have given this a lower rating but I remember there were some parts, though very few, that had me curious. Jack's character is also a saving grace for this story. He's everything you would want in a guy and he's very protective and patient with Erica. I am glad that his feelings for Erica is as sure as the next moment Erica will embarrass herself. Realizing this was the first book in the series, and I've read book three, is I guess a good thing. Bagging Alice, book three, is way more hilarious and more fun to read. I like the cover of this book though. </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">All I know is that the butterflies that have been lying dormant in my stomach have come back to life, flying around screaming 'He's here! He's here!'</span></div>
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="background-color: #3d85c6; color: white;">- Laura Barnard, Excess Baggage (Babes of Brighton #1) - </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><i>Thank you again, Laura Barnard for the advanced review copy. I look forward to reading your other books. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Other books by Laura Barnard: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><a href="https://iamnotabookworm.blogspot.com/2018/11/bagging-alice-by-laura-barnard-arc-book.html" target="_blank"></a><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><a href="https://iamnotabookworm.blogspot.com/2018/11/bagging-alice-by-laura-barnard-arc-book.html" target="_blank">Bagging Alice (Babes of Brighton #3)</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><a href="https://iamnotabookworm.blogspot.com/2019/07/the-debt-and-dormat-by-laura-barnard.html" target="_blank">The Debt and the Doormat (The Debt and the Doormat #1)</a></span></div>
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Gurlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786636457565228373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348161180325401179.post-70475091644972294372020-08-24T11:22:00.001+08:002020-08-24T11:22:37.097+08:00Circus of the Dead (Circus of the Dead #1) by Kimberly Loth | ARC | A Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu4Nq2iOdWTSMdNuyzTGdiWYdDSqLbOQEH1dtdLXOUzwUKwINXKeQ_j8Hnor5C7IKSqKiMeKijANJqJvBSUtgPbixXqyMpCOsd62ThSyQnVIpEEfRoS8SyMSNIM-nZiBcMoPTKNzq-Ei0/s1600/IMG_2087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Circus of the Dead (Circus of the Dead #1) by Kimberly Loth | ARC | A Book Review by iamnotabookworm!" border="0" data-original-height="582" data-original-width="640" height="582" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu4Nq2iOdWTSMdNuyzTGdiWYdDSqLbOQEH1dtdLXOUzwUKwINXKeQ_j8Hnor5C7IKSqKiMeKijANJqJvBSUtgPbixXqyMpCOsd62ThSyQnVIpEEfRoS8SyMSNIM-nZiBcMoPTKNzq-Ei0/s640/IMG_2087.jpg" title="Circus of the Dead (Circus of the Dead #1) by Kimberly Loth | ARC | A Book Review by iamnotabookworm!" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It's been a while since I last read a Kimberly Loth. I have missed her stories. They've always been so fascinating and intriguing. Waiting for the next book in the series was a pain and a form of torture. But it always ends up all worth the effort because it's always full of surprises that come from nowhere. I will always be an avid fan of her stories. And with this new book, I was reminded of how I have always enjoyed her stories. How her characters have made me hopeful and inspired in spite of all the hardships and stresses in the world. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b>Circus of the Dead </b>is just what it says. A circus full of horrors. Nasty clowns whose goal is not to make someone happy but miserable. A real deadly circus where there's always someone who ends up dead. There are ghosts and vampires too. It's not a place of fun, not unless you're a masochist or a sadist or think that seeing blood is fun. It's a place for the morbid and people who have a death wish. How Callie ends up in this horrible place is unfortunate. What was supposed to be a fun summer vacation with his Uncle in New Orleans, turned out to be a living nightmare she might not get out alive. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This story reminds me of <i>Stephen King's Bazaar of Bad Dreams</i>. The only bright spot in the whole story is Callie who is full of spunk and will never give up. I guess, if it were someone of lesser strength and personality than she is, that person would have succumb to all the temptations already just to end everything. But not Callie. I root for her. Every attempt that she tries to get out of the island, I totally want it to succeed. Unfortunately, some greater magic is at work here that Callie has yet to understand in order to beat it and get out of the island and back to the loving arms of her family. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I think the story is a bit relevant in this current time because with the Covid-19 pandemic, we are all like Callie, trapped in an island in New Orleans and finding a way to get out back to sunny California. And like some of the visitors of the circus, sadly, some people did not know that the time they spent at the circus, whether they were there out of curiosity or due to peer pressure, is actually their last time on earth. And like Callie, we try our best to stay alive in this forsaken island while biding her time until she can think of a way to get out for good.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The Circus of the Dead, just like the current pandemic reminds us of what's important in life. Family, friends and just the basic necessities. All else are unnecessary and we can do without. We will survive if we keep our wits and take one day at a time. And just like Callie, learn about the surroundings, the people and never lose hope. For Callie, she has to stay alive to get out of the island. She can't lose sight of that goal. She has to remind herself of that every day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I did enjoy the story even though it's a bit morbid and gruesome. But then again, every reader is forewarned. The title itself tells you that. Read at your own risk. But even so, as I have said, Callie's character is just so strong and she's a fighter. I think she was purposely lured to this place because there's something in her. I am not sure if she has a certain special ability of supernatural kind but she is special. And I would hate to say it but Samuel would rue the day he met Callie. I have faith that Callie will beat all odds and get out of the island and maybe bring back sunshine and hope to all the cursed inhabitants there also. But that's just me looking so far ahead. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I give the book 5/5 gutsy fire dancers. This book is not for the faint and chicken-hearted. If you are a fan of Stephen King, you'll definitely love this story. If you've been following Kimberly Loth as I have, this is another story to be excited for. This type of story coming from Loth does not surprise me at all. With her talent of coming up with incredible and fascinating tales of adventures, I, in a way have expected she will likely come up with this one. I am excited and psyched as to what other horrors and blocks Callie has to go through in order to finally be back to the real world and be with her family again. I am also sure that Callie, with her mindset and attitude, will never let anything defeat her. She will find a way. I know she will. I guess, the best thing about Loth's stories are her characters. They're simply not to be messed with. They would find a way to beat the enemy or find a way to go around the obstacle. And I have a feeling that Callie's the type who can think out of the box. With that kind of thinking, I know she will outsmart Samuel. I bet on it. Watch out Samuel!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">He's got that look that is dangerous but devastatingly handsome. The kind of guy who is sure to treat you like crap and yet, you run back to him because his kisses curl your toes.</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Not very good clowns unless their mission in life is to make everyone else as grumpy as they are.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: red; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Kimberly Loth, Circus of the Dead #1 -</span> </div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Thank you again, Kimberly Loth for the advanced review copy. I have missed you. I'm looking forward to the next books in the series.</span> </i></div>
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Gurlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786636457565228373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348161180325401179.post-78191115424797108872020-07-29T09:13:00.004+08:002021-07-13T17:57:04.602+08:00Beyond the Pale by Jennifer Millikin | ARC | A Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKHjhCkqWxvIOqGuGsWSZe9CKonViMx1KHekjgavn3U7ts-Vt1oEzbMYh__WTkz3OCfUEmz-uW6mxIjriNqHlDvIty-vdHnzj4v4jv-3wOj8avcwternrRGXiSpGu86sz8UHMgt2YW8Z0/s1600/image1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Beyond the Pale by Jennifer Millikin | ARC | A Book Review by iamnotabookworm!" border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKHjhCkqWxvIOqGuGsWSZe9CKonViMx1KHekjgavn3U7ts-Vt1oEzbMYh__WTkz3OCfUEmz-uW6mxIjriNqHlDvIty-vdHnzj4v4jv-3wOj8avcwternrRGXiSpGu86sz8UHMgt2YW8Z0/s640/image1.jpeg" title="Beyond the Pale by Jennifer Millikin | ARC | A Book Review by iamnotabookworm!" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">I got stressed by a customer I was talking to at work today so I baked bread. I've been practicing to bake bread without yeast. I got the recipe from Pinterest and so far, it has been good. Today, I still used half the recipe but then the bread turned out a little bit salty. I then realized that I used the full measurement for the salt in the recipe instead of half. Fortunately, the bread is still edible. I think I'm good. </span></div>
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Beyond the pale is an idiomatic expression which means outside the bounds of normal or acceptable behavior. For me, this would also des</span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">cribe the kind of friendship the three main characters of this story have. Lennon Davies. </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Finn Jeffries.</span> <span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Brady Sterling. <span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Outrageous and intolerable. </span>Finn and Brady are bestfriends since grade school. In third grade, they met Lennon. She became the third member of the group. From then on, they were inseparable and have always been there for each other through thick and thin, but all that changed when something happened on the night of their high school graduation. These three went on their separate ways until their paths crossed again when Lennon's mom died. When Lennon goes back to Agua Mesa, Finn and Brady are bound to be there too. What would their reunion be like? Are things going to be like they were before? </span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">I remember feeling varied emotions when I was reading this story. It invoked a lot of feelings. I mostly felt for Lennon. She has a crappy home life. She doesn't feel loved by her mom. But I think, she also has the best friends in the whole wide world - Finn and Brady. These two would bring down the moon for her if she asks them to. That's how thick these three are. Their friendship is to be envied. </span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Of all the books of Millikin that I've read, this is probably the most shocking and most surprising. On the first chapter alone, I already felt the tension, the apprehension and the drama that is going to unfold. I was pulled helplessly into the love triangle and the intertwined and complicated relationship of these three main characters. I felt like their reunion is going to bring back old wound, things that were left unspoken will be hinted at and things that were left alone or were swept under the rug will likely to be unearthed. I felt that electrifying and live tension in the air. It felt like I too was walking on eggshells. </span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">I would say that this story had me asking a lot of questions after it ended. I had this sudden urge to find and talk to someone who've just read the story and ask, "WHAT THE F%%% JUST HAPPENED?" (<i>Yes, all in CAPS.</i>) We have to compare notes. I had to go back to the last few pages or probably the last two chapters to make sure I got it right and that my reaction was justified. And I did get it right. I wasn't hallucinating or even imagining. That was the part that did me in. That was the part which made this book "Oh, so beyond the pale." Until now, months after reading this book, I still feel like at a loss. I still can't believe it. It made me ask myself, "what if I were Lennon, would that experience shape me to be a better person or mess me up more? Would it change the way I see life in general? Would I be thankful for it or would it make me loathe myself? These are just a few of the questions running through my head. At the same time, I was also in awe as to the lengths one would go in the name of friendship and love. And I don't blame them. If I were Brady or Finn, I would have probably done anything in my power to save Lennon from any more heartaches and desperation. I think, for once in our life, we all experience that one moment where we are called to do something beyond the pale. Something that is maybe beyond the bounds of reason. I call it something you do or a decision born out of a moment of temporary madness. Or if you're insane most of the time, something you do on a very rare lucid interval. Something you might actually regret but if you're asked if you would do it again, you would still do it without a moment's hesitation. It's one of those decisions which you might not ever dream of making but then you will commit to it again, a thousand times over because you know you're doing it for someone you love more than your life. I have once been on that kind of situation and I would say, if I had to go through that again, I'd still do it - a thousand times over. Just like a hero willing to go through that painful and gruesome death over and over again even in the next lifetime, only because he knows that the sacrifice would be so worth it.</span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">With that said, I give this book 5/5 Lincoln's. The five-dollar bill is so significant in this story because it somehow marked the start of that unbreakable bond between Finn and Lennon. Who Lennon ends up with is also one of the many questions I asked. Who could the lucky guy be - Finn or Brady? I had my own bet and how I came up with that was by imagining "if I were Lennon", which actually happened a lot in the course of reading this story. I think, you won't get the full experience of this wonderful tale if you've never ever felt like you were actually Lennon. It's a requirement. At some point, you not only need to empathize with Lennon but you have be her in order to fully understand the dynamics between the characters and the essence of the story. You have to experience Lennon at some point and only then are you allowed to judge how and why the characters are who they are. If you were just a bystander unable to partake in the intimate experience, then you have not fully grasped the intention of this book. So yes, it would take a while for you to debrief after reading this. You will end up with a lot of questions as I have. And believe me, you will try to analyze the events of the story like it's the most important thing in the universe because you have to make sure that you understand what's really written between the lines and what has been implied. Yes, this is probably one of the best-written stories that had stayed with me days or even months after because I can't seem to get over it. It sticks with you like that stubborn gum in your shoe that you can't seem to wipe off.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Maybe that's how life goes. Perhaps we aren't a collection of the hearts we break, the love we fail into, or the experiences we have. We start out whole, and as we go through life, we carve out pieces of ourselves and leave them behind. Maybe we pick up the pieces of others, and stitch them onto us, until we are a fabric made of everyone else.</span></blockquote>
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<i><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Thanks again, Jennifer Millikin for the ARC. I had a great time reading this story and I think this is your best story yet.</span></i> </h3>
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Gurlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786636457565228373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348161180325401179.post-29817093432773081222020-07-27T05:09:00.000+08:002020-08-31T15:40:57.484+08:00The Subway Girl by Lisa Becker | ARC | A Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I can't seem to sleep nights anymore on weekends. I</span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">hav</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">e become used to sleeping in the mornings since I started working again on a night shift. Yes, thankfully I have work again. My last project ended last April and fortunately, there was an opening on another team and my manager thought of me. I started working again about two weeks ago. It's a blessing in this very trying times. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>The Subway Girl</b> is set in New York. I remember riding the subway and seeing a very cute guy. We even stole a picture of him. That was about ten years ago. That was my first time in the US and my first time to experience The Big Apple. Finally get to be see the city up close and get personal with it. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I remember it was early morning. It was our first time to ride the subway. We were on our way to The Museum of Natural History. We saw this very cute guy with curly hair sitting right across from us. We thought, what a great way to start our day. We got lucky.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">A hopeless romantic.</span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #181818; font-family: &quot; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">A cynical web show producer.</span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #181818; font-family: &quot; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">An unscrupulous cameraman.</span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #181818; font-family: &quot; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">A sleazy businessman.</span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #181818; font-family: &quot; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">An aspiring actress.</span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #181818; font-family: &quot; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">A womanizing best friend.</span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #181818; font-family: &quot; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">A scheming ex-girlfriend.</span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #181818; font-family: &quot; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; display: inline; 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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">These lives intersect when an average guy is awed by a gorgeous mystery woman on a New York subway and vows to meet her.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This is how the blurb goes and it does aptly summarize the story. The title alone promises you a sort of adventure of hopefully finding love on the subway. Exciting, right? Yes, my thoughts exactly. You woke up that day clueless as to what the day would bring and ending up possibly meeting the woman of your dreams on your commute to work on the A train wearing a pink beanie. <span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">How romantic is that? I would say, anything can happen.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">The possibility of meeting your future husband or wife on a train is not far off. Actually, when we were in New York, I think I had the same thoughts. What if I meet someone special here in New York - a city that never sleeps may actually be a city of endless possibilities? That was when I was a bit younger and still hopeful about love. Now, I have accepted the reality that I might actually grow old alone. I am okay with that as long as I still get to travel. These past few years, being back in Cebu after spending about 8 years in Manila, I think I love living alone. My sister even told me that I have been so used to living alone that's why I don't have enough patience to deal with</span><span style="color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">my father. True. But I do admit, there are still times I daydream of meeting that person who can love me for all my amazing qualities and not run away when my hideous self shows its presence. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Right after reading the first chapter, I came up with this theory that I think this story won't end like a fairy tale - Ryan, the main character, will not live happily ever after with the pink-beanie subway girl. This story should be better than that. I just have</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">a feeling. A very strong feeling that the pink-beanie girl will not be a good fit for Ryan. I just knew. It's probably because she was wearing that pink beanie. That gave it away</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">. Hahahaha. I hate pink. But kidding aside, I just knew that for a good love story to work, it should come with obstacles. It can't just end up with Ryan getting the girl that easy. Well, it wasn't actually. He had to actually wear his heart on a sleeve for all the world to see.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I really liked that the story did turn out as I hope it would be - Ryan actually meeting pink beanie but realizing that she's not all that pretty. And that little did he know that love is just right there staring him in the face for months. Okay, I admit, his search for pink beanie paved the way for him to meet the woman he should be with. But again, thanks but no thanks. Fate does work in mysterious ways. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When Ryan meet Angie, the woman who's going to help him find the Subway Girl, I know something good is bound to happen. I'll leave it all at that. I don't want to spoil anything.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">One of the things I really like about this story are the smart and funny refe</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">rences to books, movies and songs. I learned a new word from this story - Beetlejuice. I haven't seen the movie but I think it's very smart to say "I think we beetlejuiced her." I would love to use this sentence in my conversations with friends one of these days. Watch for it.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I give this book 4/5 cute Kewpie dolls. I did enjoy this story. Especially because it didn't turn out as what everyone would expect. I love you Lisa Becker for making this story as it is. I was rooting for Ryan to finally find the subway girl and also wake up to reality. It turned out, all the effort of finding the girl was not wasted because while he was trying to sort out through the hundreds or thousands of responses claiming they were the subway girl, in the process he found the girl he should be with. He got to be friends with her and relied on her. He got to be himself. He didn't have to try to impress her or try to win her beca</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">use she already</span> g<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ot to see Ryan in his best and worst days. No one could resist the natural and genuine charm that Ryan has. He's a gentleman, smart and </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">what you see is what you get. What else could you ask for in a man? If it was me, I'd be set for life. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Here's one of the other things I like about the story. I totally agree with Angie on these. I don't know but I really hate having to join the bouquet toss when attending weddings. I always find an excuse to go to the bathroom when that part comes. I just don't like it. I am not exactly sure why but the idea just doesn't sit well with me.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> T</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">he only wedding I did that was my sister's wedding and only because I was obligated. So, maybe Angie summed it up correctly. I refused to be a part of such barbaric ritual. Marriage is not a requirement. I can be happy even if I am single. Happiness is a set of mind. It's an attitude. You don't need another person to be one. I guess, that's why some marriages don't work because they go into it thinking the other person can make their bitter lives sweet. But don't get me wrong, like I said, I do still wish to find someone I can spend the rest of my days with, grow old with, travel with and carry my groceries. But yes, I'm not totally a fan of flying flowers either.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="display: inline; float: none; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: blue; color: white;">- Lisa Becker, The Subway Girl -</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Thanks again, Lisa Becker for always thinking of me whenever you have a new book. I always enjoyed your stories. I am also happy that in a way we think alike - it's okay for Ryan not to get the subway girl. It's a really brilliant idea. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">By</span> <span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">the way, I don't have a copy of <i><b>Links</b></i> yet. I've read the blurb and would want to read and review the whole book. Would you please send me a copy? I am begging you, please. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbxmiTHe0B8zDJN4TQVqwFT2i7XlmwhGFuYYZzugn953j94gDWQcKiBR-qm-9bSeTD84OdNojLSGgxhcRN44IUf7LNquxOTVTDitBAvphpk6iJESwKAZLmy9nF2yZ7J8zVQl35xSmfaAg/s1600/CECE1C6B-64C0-472D-A161-C8088CBC1657.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="772" data-original-width="772" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbxmiTHe0B8zDJN4TQVqwFT2i7XlmwhGFuYYZzugn953j94gDWQcKiBR-qm-9bSeTD84OdNojLSGgxhcRN44IUf7LNquxOTVTDitBAvphpk6iJESwKAZLmy9nF2yZ7J8zVQl35xSmfaAg/s400/CECE1C6B-64C0-472D-A161-C8088CBC1657.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Gurlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786636457565228373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348161180325401179.post-13849795401028178222020-07-27T02:33:00.002+08:002021-07-13T18:06:59.188+08:00Leah and Rhea (Spell #1) by Melissa Hines Helms | A Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">It's the fourth month since this pandemic has wreaked havoc and in a way, rearranged and disrupted our lives. I lost work for about two months and fortunately, I got reassigned to a another project about two weeks ago. That is something to be thankful for in this time of chaos in my country because of government officials doing a bad job. Instead of prioritizing the need to resolve and end Covid19, they are playing gods and flexing their powers to suppress freedom. It's a very sad reality. It's like another dictator is sitting in his throne and anyone who dares speak a wrong word will be thrown out to the dungeon or will forfeit his life. </span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">In the midst of all these stressful events happening, I'd still like to think that good will always triumph over evil. That my country, no matter how horrible the situation its facing, is still a land of people who will fight for freedom, equality and end corruption. Like all the heroes who came before us, I believe this little archipelago in the Southeast is still home to a lot of men and women who will never ever let this country and our brave ancestors down. And I am one with that fight even if sometimes I want to just go and live somewhere else, if only migrating to another county is that easy. The events in my country are discouraging and you can't help but think about a very dim future. But as always, Filipinos are optimistic and we often look at the brighter side of things. We are also too forgiving which is also a curse because most of us tend to forget the wrongs done in the past and some of these perpetuators of those wrongs are again back in the government pillaging the country</span>'s<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif"> coffers for personal gain. </span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">So, with the stress that's leeching all the positivity everywhere, I decide to just read books, listen to uplifting and relaxing music and watch K-dramas or movies that are projecting good vibes. Leah and Rhea is one. These two fairies will go against the mighty and powerful witch who put a spell on the whole forest. These two little beings will risk their lives to save the forest and their animal friends. Yes, this might be another David and Goliath story but it's a lot cuter and kid-friendly. </span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Lea and Rhea are twin fairies who never discovered what their magic were. Their parents became stars in the sky when they were young. They never had anyone teach them about magic so all they have to do to survive is use their wits and of course, fly. That, at least, is something very useful for a fairy. </span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">This is a really good bedtime story for kids. It speaks of the bond of sisters, friendship, risking one's life for the good of the many and bravery. The story is not so unique but it got its point across. Good will always triumph over evil and nothing is really over until you stop trying. Our two friends, met very helpful and interesting characters along the way in their search to find the ingredients to reverse the spell of the evil witch Matilda. These characters are Khuno and Bunny who are rabbits; Win the Winking Willow Tree, Felda, Matilda's sister who is fortunately the good sister and the last older fairy; and finally, another fairy who can't talk - Troy. These characters helped the sisters make the reverse potion, bring back the whole forest to life and ended Matilda's reign of terror.</span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">I actually enjoyed reading this book. I remember, I was a bit down and I wanted something to cheer me up. This book did it. It somehow uplift my spirit. It is so straightforward.</span> I<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">t is so easy to read. It is also like a coming of age story for both of our fairies. These two fairies who don't know a single magic and has never left their forest has to reverse the curse that Matilda cast on the whole forest. As a consequence of ripping out the reverse spell from Matilda's book, Rhea was also affected by a curse. To save everyone and her sister, Leah and Rhea had to go separate ways to continue on their quest. These two had never been separated their whole lives so it was a very scary thing. But they each succeeded in their own task - Rhea to prepare the reverse spell and Leah to find the last and elusive ingredient for the spell to work. In the end, the evil is vanquished and the whole forest woke back to life. </span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">I give this book 4/5 pairs of colorful fairy wings. If I were a kid, I would surely love this book if I have</span> <span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">read it when I was younger. It was very straightforward and all the language and tone of the story was very fitting for young audiences. If I have kids, which I still don't, but in the future, I would surely tell them of this tale. There were no very violent or gruesome scenes. It was filled with exciting adventures, if only the fairies were not pressed for time or fighting for their lives. I think this would make a good animation. I really had fun reading this book and it somehow made me forget about my worries, if only for the moment. I was rooting for the twin fairies to succeed and that only happened because these two refused to give up even if the odds they were up against were too much for them. This too applies in real life. You can't give up unless you give your all. You can't say you will fail if you haven't tried anything. And if by chance, you really fail, at least you gave your all. That alone speaks volumes. You won't look back with regret because the greatest tragedy is not moving an inch when you know you could have done something even if that does not guarantee the results. That's life. Nothing is guaranteed. You do your best and if you fail, you get up and try again. </span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">I could not find any quotable quotes in the story but I will let you in on how this story came about. This story came to Melissa when she was doing her undergraduate studies and was working part-time as a nanny for an adorable four-year old girl named Grace Farver Needlman. Grace had a terrific imagination as most kids do and Melissa needed to come up with engaging stories everyday for their drive home from preschool. And that's how Leah and Rhea's adventures started.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><i>Thanks again, Melissa Hines Helms for the review copy. Sorry the review took ages. </i></span><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif"><br /></span></div>
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<br />Gurlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786636457565228373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348161180325401179.post-9342834266247030452020-04-11T14:17:00.013+08:002021-04-14T13:32:17.373+08:00Reckoning Daze by Michael Beaulieu | A Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX2dRPGkXHD1yKQPg9SC9mmbWfaYtwsMh4byJTNvpgXPf-kSzKMqYqdwYFUKVJofOmCCM6-Va__PBEVLSF_rkYxR4sYSMoGHV4f6zhuaJERQ8halR96GiIVUUYKpBAPOYCa911Y-libVc/s1600/DSC09829as-min.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Reckoning Daze by Michael Beaulieu | A Book Review by iamnotabookworm!" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX2dRPGkXHD1yKQPg9SC9mmbWfaYtwsMh4byJTNvpgXPf-kSzKMqYqdwYFUKVJofOmCCM6-Va__PBEVLSF_rkYxR4sYSMoGHV4f6zhuaJERQ8halR96GiIVUUYKpBAPOYCa911Y-libVc/s640/DSC09829as-min.jpg" title="Reckoning Daze by Michael Beaulieu | A Book Review by iamnotabookworm!" width="640" /></a></div>
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Today is Black Saturday for us Catholics. Aside from that, the world is facing a pandemic - Covid 19. A flu like virus that started in Wuhan, China and is now wrecking havoc all over the world. In the Philippines, there are now about 4,100 cases and 1.7 million across the globe. The death count has reached over 102,000 worldwide and 221 in my country. We are all asked to stay in our homes and only go out to buy food and other necessities. Some offices have closed and employees are required to work from home. For others, no work, no pay. It is expected, I really hope not, that after this crisis, a lot of companies will be suffering losses and the economy will be in recession. This pandemic has brought a lot of uncertainties but it has also reminded us of a lot of the simple things we have ignored. This virus reminds us of the most important things in life like family and having just the basics is enough. All other things are either unessential or irrelevant. I hope we all could learn a lot from this scary experience. I hope that when this is over, we will be kinder to each other and to the environment. For us Filipinos, I pray that after this, we may learn to choose very wisely our leaders in the government. This pandemic has clearly shown what type of leaders we have and unfortunately, they haven't been doing a lot of what's expected from them. Only a very few, sadly, I can count with my fingers, that are exceptions. This I pray. Amen.
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Reckoning Daze. The author sent me this to review along with another young adult book on witchcraft. I have read this on the later part of 2018<span style="font-family: "verdana";"> but as you may have noticed, my reviews are very few. I am still struggling until now, of almost two years in my work, of trying to find the right balance between being on a night shift and still be able to do other things. Reading is so easy for me. I can read any time but writing reviews is a totally different thing. It requires a lot of thinking and I found that being on a night shift, most of the time, drains me of all energy when I get home. The only thing to do is sleep. With this quarantine going on and working from home, hopefully, I'd be able to write a few reviews to make a dent on my already overwhelming list. Also, for this weekend, I will try to do as much. So, good luck to me.</span>
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As far as I can remember, this story was a bit hard to read. Hard because the main character seems to have it bad. Really bad. Yes, she's an actress and we have this concept that celebrities have a grand life. Well, not all. Lindsay's history and experiences are very harrowing and traumatic. At first, it will appear that the story is going nowhere. It seemed like the main character is intentionally destroying herself. I asked myself if there's an end to this. Fortunately, all my questions were answered before the story ended and thank the book gods, it ended well. The reason for Lindsay's destructive behavior was finally unveiled and her life is like a horror movie. It's sort of a miracle that Lindsay is still alive after all she'd been through. Her being anorexic, I think, is a result also of her tragic experiences growing up. I think, all root causes of all disorders go back to childhood and is related to family issues and domestic violence. I am just thankful that this story has a good ending. In the end, I was also rooting for Lindsay to find her strength amidst the chaos that is her life. </span></div>
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I think, part of Lindsay's recovery could be attributed to her one best friend Liz. She was always there for her through the good and the bad. She was always dependable and I think that was one thing that kept Lindsay sane also. That she still has one loyal person she can hang on to. Yes, friendship and love does move mountains. Same here for Lindsay. Liz's friendship has helped her in her recovery. But the most important thing of all is of course - self-love. Our self should be the most important thing. It's different from being selfish. Loving one's self is treating yourself with dignity and respect. </span></div>
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One of the things which resonate with me in this story is self-love. I could honestly say, I don't love myself enough which would directly relate to having a healthy self-esteem. Thank God, I am not self-destructive as Lindsay but I know that I don't love myself enough. I am not sure how to explain it but sometimes I feel like I can't even live with myself. I don't wish to be someone else but I wish that I were always as confident as my other friends. Growing up, I was bullied. I feel like I was a bully magnet, even in college and in some of the companies I've worked for. Sad truth is there are always people who are bullies. They like to make people feel less to make them feel more. What I hate about these situations is realizing that the people you thought were your friends were actually not. So now, I don't worry about not having too many friends. I am happy with just a few knowing these are people I can count on through the distance and no matter what happens. I am proud to say, I have found my people. Get rid of all the negative people in your life. You don't need them.</span></div>
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I give this book 3/5 bitter pills. I honestly don't want to read this story again. It leaves goose bumps and a very uneasy feeling. It's so harrowing to think that what happened to Lindsay here may actually be happening to someone in real life. That's just too mean. No one ever deserves that kind of life, no matter what s/he has done to contribute or to pave the way for those things to happen. One time is enough for me. I don't want to relive Lindsay's experience again. One time is enough and they've been imprinted in my brain. I don't want to read these kind of stories again where tragedy after tragedy strikes the hapless main character. I want him or her to at least fight. To not just let all these bad things happen to her one after the other. To just lay there. To not always be the victim. Again, I am just thankful that Lindsay finally found the courage to end all her suffering. To do something. I think that was what I was waiting for all along. For her to move, even just a tiny bit. To do something, to not let all these people walk all over her. To stop the abuse. And I understand, it was no easy feat. I think it took all of Lindsay's sanity and strength to do that which is very admirable. So, I hope to all those suffering from domestic violence and all other forms of abuse, please seek help. Reach out. I am sure, there is going to be one kind and generous soul who will see right through you and help your plight. You just have to extend your hand and let that other person pull you out. Do not ever think that you deserve that kind of life. No one does, ever!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #e67c73; font-family: "courier"; font-size: medium;">I think he's been listening. He's just answering my prayers by repeatedly delivering the exact opposite of what I want.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: #e67c73; color: white; font-family: "courier"; font-size: medium;">Anorexia is the purest form of self-destruction.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #e67c73; font-family: "courier"; font-size: medium;">I almost wish I could just binge and purge. But you don't choose your disorder, it chooses you. Sometimes I wonder if it's like being gay or lesbian, if it's not something inside of you, part of your genetic make up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="background-color: #e67c73;"><span style="color: white;">- Michael Beaulieu, Reckoning Daze - </span></span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier";"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Thank you again, Michael Beaulieu for the review copy. Sorry for the long overdue review.</span> </span></h3>
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Gurlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786636457565228373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348161180325401179.post-340757513439991822020-01-06T14:12:00.002+08:002021-04-14T13:40:24.635+08:00Terminal 19 by L. R. Olson | A Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Yesterday, I watched the movie Ford versus Ferrari starring Matt Damon and Christian Bale. It's based on a true story of Ken Miles, Carol Shelby and the Ford GT40. The only car to ever defeat Ferrari and won 4 straight years in Le Mans. Le Mans is a 24-hour car race and Ferrari always won it. It was a very inspiring story of two people who broke records and who refused to give in to bureaucracy and just followed their guts against all odds. It's a story of friendship, of the great drive to be better and to never give up in spite of everything stacked against them. </span></div>
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">How the movie relates to this book? Just like our two heroes in the movie, Miles and Shelby, Hope is also battling something a lot bigger than her nineteen-year old self - cancer. She was diagnosed five years ago and she has given up hope of ever be cured of it. It's ironic, right? Being her name is hope, but she has come to terms that she may just have two or three years tops to live. Her family and friends on the other hand, refuses to even think of that eventuality. </span></div>
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">So, as she might not have more years to live, Hope decided to actually do something she had long wanted to do - travel to Scandinavia. Why Scandinavia of all </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">places? She had family there. Her dad was from Denmark. Aside from that, she just had this urgent need to go there. So, she kind of guilt-tripped her Mom to allow her to go and besides, she's meeting her cousin Faith there also. She's not exactly alone. In terms of the risk of her dying in another country, well, that might be a possibility but she refuses to dwell on that. She will have the best time of her life, if this is going to be her last. And besides, it been years ago when she last had an attack. The doctor said her cancer is on status quo. Meaning, no improvement and it's not getting worse. </span></div>
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">So, off she went to Copenhagen and on her first day, she met a Scandinavian hottie. Yes, like model hot who for the first time in a long time made Hope embarrassed. He made her feel normal after a long time. She had gotten used to being examined by doctors wearing next to nothing that being embarrassed has become a bit alien to her. This trip, Hope wants to be anonymous, just like any other tourist. And best of all, people don't have to know that she's sick. She can be normal or pretend to be normal for a month and experience new things. To feel alive again because it's been a such long time she felt truly alive. </span></div>
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Ahhh...this story is so full of hope that I too wanted to rush off and go to Scandinavia. To feel as alive as Hope felt, experiencing the sights, sounds and smell of Denmark, Norway and Finland. And finding my own Scandinavian hottie would be just the icing to it all. I wouldn't even complain. My own Christian or Thor. My wanderlust and thirst for new adventures and experiences was fueled by this story. If only. Maybe someday. </span></div>
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">This story just proved that when you step out of your comfort zone, it's when amazing and unexpected things happen. Just like Hope, going to Scandinavia was the best thing she did and if she'd only known that it was the best for her, she would have done it sooner. Scandinavia did amazing things to Hope, including to her illness. Happiness and joy are the best cure and Hope has found hope again. Hope to believe again that she might live longer. Heck, she wants to live longer and do more. She knows she can do more. </span></div>
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">This is </span>a story of going beyond our limits and believing that life has a way of surprising us in the best way possible. Yes, it sucks most of the time, but when it gives out surprises, nothing will ever make you be ready for it. There's nothing else you can do but thank the universe for being generous and for being the lucky recipient of that fortune. So, if you're going through something horrible and impossible right now, fear not, it's not going to be permanent. The universe will find a way to make up for your misfortunes as long as you keep hoping and have an open mind. Nothing is set in stone and the tides may yet turn in your favor. </div>
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">So, with that said, I give this book 5/5 Danish kroner. Yes, this Danish coin was the key to hope meeting Christian who helped bring hope and sunshine to her almost fading life. And their first meeting was embarrassing yet funny. This story, in more ways, will make you alive and cry at the same time. But mostly, hope. You will hope that you too may find or experience something as incredible as what Hope experienced in Scandinavia. That like Hope, even if it would be the last days of your life, something amazing will blow you away and that you will no longer fear dying because you have truly lived, even for a moment or for a few days. It's in the satisfaction of knowing that I may have lived only once but hell yeah, I lived. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><br /><span style="color: blue;">It reminded again that death doesn't just affect the dead. It affects the living much, much more.</span> </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-weight: normal;">Thanks again, ebooksforreview, I am a reader and L. R. Olson for the review copy. I am sorry this review took forever. </span></h3>
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Gurlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786636457565228373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348161180325401179.post-89668982553715385112020-01-02T14:00:00.001+08:002020-01-27T19:00:29.890+08:00The Artisan Heart by Dean Mayes | A Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Happy New Year everyone! May the year 2020 bring in more blessings and adventures. May the new decade be filled with abundance and love. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Christmas and New Year was a bit solemn for us because my brother-in-law had to be admitted to the hospital. What we suspected as just a spike in blood sugar and a slight stroke turned out to be a tumor in the brain which is blocking the fluids from draining and is growing near the brain stem. He had to undergo an operation immediately than risk a coma. Thankfully, we were able to borrow money for the operation. He was operated on the 26th to put a shant on his brain to drain the fluids and to lessen the building pressure. Another operation will be performed in a few days to remove the tumor which is benign and is just level one when tumors are concerned. Apparently, there are four levels or stages. At least, that's one thing we are thankful for and that we found it early, least he would just drop down into a coma while in the loo. That's how critical the situation would have been. We continue to pray that the next operation would be as smooth and there would be no complications and that he would make a faster full recovery. So, for those who will be reading this, please help pray for my brother-in-law. Thank you in advance.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When I chose this story as the first story to be reviewed for 2020, I did not have any conscious reason except that this should have been reviewed last year. After telling you about what our Christmas and New Year's celebration were like, I realized that this book has a lot of relevance to our experience mostly because the story is about a doctor. So, my telling you about my brother-in-law's case is actually a good introduction to this story or about the main character - Dr. Hayden Luschcombe.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Hayden is a very skilled pediatrician. He can easily spot things that most doctors would miss, thus is a very valuable asset to the hospital he works for. But after a very painful betrayal of his wife, he lost his cool while attending to a burned child at the emergency room and had an altercation with the child's father. He was suspended and might lose his license to practice. It was like Hayden's whole world came crushing down on him. His marriage is in shambles after he caught his wife cheating and now his career is lost as well. Worst, he had nowhere to go. No friends to find solace or comfort. His last and only resort was to go back to the one and only other place he knew - Walhalla. His hometown.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I had to reread the earlier parts of this story that led to Hayden's misfortunes. I had to make sure I had it right. What was imprinted in my consciousness was the part where Hayden spent in Walhalla after he lucked out, which is probably most of the story and the most amazing part. It turned out, life has a way of working out and for Hayden, it was Walhalla. Walhalla, along with its very kind-hearted people, had helped Hayden get back on his feet and rediscover his first love - woodworking. Aside from being a very good doctor, Hayden is a very skilled wood worker. It was in Walhalla where he found the strength and the inspiration to get his hands working again and create wooden masterpieces. It was also the place where he comes to terms with his past and his present and eventually, consider plans for his future.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Aside from Hayden, the two other inspiring characters in this story are the mother and daughter pair - Isabelle and Genevieve Sampi. Isabelle is a very talented baker. She could bake delicious and mouth-watering goodies. While reading this book, I could imagine the delicious aroma of bread baking and I can't help but miss the relaxing and uplifting mood baking brings to me. It's a very good form of stress relief which I have missed badly. I haven't done a lot of baking lately. But last New Year's eve, I got to relive the high of baking again because my sister asked me to make a banana cake when she saw that we had too many bananas that had gone too ripe. They were leftover from the hospital given by friends who visited. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">One very memorable scene in this story is how Hayden and Genevieve first met. It was a very hilarious one. The pint sized Genevieve packed a very mean kick and Hayden's unfortunate groin could attest to that. Also, Genevieve is deaf. She was so surprised that the doc is really good at sign language. These three souls (Isabelle, her daughter and the doc) turned out to find solace in each other and fix whatever is broken within themselves. As fate would have it, Walhalla is definitely the "Valley of the Gods" as it is called because these three people have found the healing they needed to start life over. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This is a very touching story which tugged at my heart in so many different ways. I emphatized with Hayden. With him losing it and going ballistic with the parent was to me a very classic human reaction. I can understand his frustration and if I were in his place, I would have done the same thing. I would have creamed that abusive father till he admits to what he did to his own child. But then, society and values require us to be the bigger man, damn it! To be rational in a very frustrating situation. What the heck, right? But then, with the doc ending up in Walhalla, a place where he remembered he was loved, was a way for him to find hope once again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Love, hope and that dreams do come through if you work hard enough, are the main themes of this story. In spite of the very unlucky start of Hayden, with his marriage and career ending, he found comfort and hope in the welcoming and very kind arms of Walhalla. He then resolved to fix his messes, starting with his parents' cottage. I guess, for some of us, whose issues aren't as tangible or the damage can't be literally fixed or put back together, we have to start the healing with the things that we can manually do something about. With Hayden, it was the cottage, then his dad's last wood work and then when he felt better enough about himself, he started fixing his life. The story tells us to take one thing at a time because to take on everything at once is too overwhelming. Instead of making things better, we may end up doing more damage. No one came back from the ashes in one go. Even the phoenix requires time to build strength and start the embers before rising to its rebirth. One step at a time because healing is gradual. It doesn't take overnight. It's a slow process. For others, much slower, depending on the person's drive to make things better and how much the emotional, physical and mental damage is. And it doesn't hurt also to have people who believe in you. That no matter how much you messed up, they believe that you can pull through because they've seen you when you were at your best. They have faith that you are a lot bigger than your messes. You can be better. You can do a lot better.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I give this book 5/5 doctor's bag. It's a very good story of starting over and doing what we truly love. And it couldn't be just one thing but we could be passionate about many things. Just like Hayden, he doesn't have to choose between being a wood craftsman and a doctor, he could be both. He could do well with a chisel and a stethoscope. He's skilled at those two things. He could heal people with compassion and create works of art with wood with a passion. He could be an artisan doctor. He only has to be reminded of the joy that woodworking brings to him and from there he could feel better. To learn to forgive himself and start over. With that in mind, I hope that whatever our misses in 2019, we leave it there. We start over this year just like Doc Hayden, Isabelle and Genevieve and make a better life than the one we had the previous year or the years before that. To just aim to be better. Cheers to new beginnings and to living life with a passion and living our passions. If you have not found your passion or anything that makes you feel so alive, then find it!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: yellow; color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- Dean Mayes, The Artisan Heart -</span><span style="color: #cccccc;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-weight: normal;">Thank you again Dean Mayes and Netgalley for the review copy. Sorry, this review took a whole year to come out. Happy New Year!</span></h3>
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<br />Gurlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786636457565228373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348161180325401179.post-32244412113107878292019-10-17T04:08:00.000+08:002020-07-29T06:27:21.096+08:00Beyond the Pale by Jennifer Millikin | Release Blitz <img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-49013" height="243" src="https://www.inkslingerpr.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/BEYONDTHEPALE_LIVEBanner-1024x390.jpg" width="640" />
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Today we are celebrating the release of a new, standalone title from Jennifer Millikin. </h2>
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BEYOND THE PALE is <a href="http://bit.ly/beyondthepalebook" rel="noopener" target="_blank">available now to purchase or read for FREE as part of Kindle Unlimited</a>, and you will not want to miss this love story! </h2>
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Be sure to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/jennifermillikinreadergroup/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">follow Jennifer</a> for exclusive updates about the book.</h2>
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<strong>Read it now as part of Kindle Unlimited</strong></h2>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">CLICK HERE: <a href="https://bit.ly/beyondthepalebook" rel="noopener" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/beyondthepalebook</a></span></strong></div>
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<strong>Beyond the Pale by Jennifer Millikin </strong></h1>
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<strong>Available Now | Contemporary Romance</strong></h2>
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<strong>Read it now as part of Kindle Unlimited</strong></h2>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">CLICK HERE: <a href="http://bit.ly/beyondthepalebook" rel="noopener" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/beyondthepalebook</a></span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My whole life I’ve known Finn Jeffries and Brady Sterling would be my undoing.
The three of us were inseparable, but growing up with two boys as your best friends comes with it’s own certain type of growing pains.
As a child, Finn was wild and free, and grew up to be a devilishly handsome man with a smirk that frustrated me as much as it did other things to me.
Brady was brave and loyal, and the kind of man he grew into didn't surprise me a bit: devoted and gallant, with a handsome, trustworthy face that made my heart beat faster.
We went our separate ways for college, but now it’s eight years later and a pact we made back then has brought us back to our hometown.
Back to the complicated situation we ran from.
Back to the love triangle we never really escaped.
I love them both, and it’s time for me to make a choice.
I’ve always known one of them would be my forever, I just never knew which one.
And I still don’t.
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<strong>Add the book to <a href="https://bit.ly/2Ggy6vG" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></strong></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><strong>Jennifer Millikin</strong> is a contemporary fiction author of five full-length novels and a contributor for Scottsdale Moms Blog. When she isn't writing she can be found cooking, hiking, or in downward dog.
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Gurlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786636457565228373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348161180325401179.post-75326671323685847502019-10-06T19:50:00.001+08:002021-04-14T13:50:38.603+08:00One Small Thing by Erin Watt | A Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">I won this book from a giveaway on Instagram. I read this a few months ago but I have been feeling so tired lately, actually these past few months, that I have rarely written reviews. I kept thinking, this weekend, I'll write some reviews because I am way behind but when the weekend arrives, I am just too exhausted to do anything that requires any conscious thinking. I'd rather do anything that requires lesser brain usage because I just don't have the energy left. That has been my days lately. I am not sure if it's a health issue or night shifts are just too taxing and the added stress caused by concerns at work just took all the fight in me. </span></div>
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">So, with all those things I've said above, this book reminds me that when everything seems to be going downhill or nothing seems to be going as planned, think of one small thing to make you get through the day. Just one small thing. And it usually works. I've tried it. </span></div>
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">The book cover says: A Boy. A girl. An impossible situation. These three things exactly sum up this book. What that impossible situation is will definitely blow your mind. It's tragic. It's cruel. You wouldn't wish it to happen to anybody. But it happened to Beth. And just when she thought that their lives couldn't get any worse, she was wrong, because the person who caused everything in her universe to shift from its axis is the same one she wants to spend time with. The only one who seems to understand her. But her friends, her parents and everyone is telling her to stay away from him. What should she do? Follow her heart and break her parents' heart even more or break her own heart?</span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">This story has left me breathless, even hours after finishing it. It broke my heart the same way Beth's heart broke to a million pieces when her sister died and her family fell apart. There seems to be no going back from that. The pain is so immeasurable and comprehensible only to those who have experienced the death of a loved one. Pain that has no plan of ever going away or receding. It's as permanent as the changes it has brought to the lives it has touched. That's how Beth and Chase' life seems to be going until they met and suddenly there seems to be hope. Everything that has lost its color seems to take its hue again. The sun, which seemed to be absent for some time has decided to take a peek from the dark skies again. It looks like everything might just turn out to be all right. Or was it just wishful thinking?</span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Beth and Chase' life changed in an instant due to one very tragic event. These two didn't know that the instant connection they have is actually going to be either strengthened or broken by the one tragedy they were both victims of. Fortunately, what most people thought should keep them apart was actually the one thing they could actually share to help deal with the pain and the loss. These two found strength in each other instead of destroying each other further. </span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">I think the most admirable character in this story is Chase after the tragedy. When he came back, he was a different person. He grew up while he was away because he had no choice. And in order to survive, he has to dig very deep into himself and find the strength to last each day. One small thing each day is all he needs to survive another day. And that was what he did. He tried, even in his very desperate situation, to find that one small thing each and every day that would give him the strength to keep living for one more day. And that alone is true strength of character for someone at a young age, barely an adult, who had to go through something unfortunate. Hope, even in the most dreary and darkest room is still hope. No matter how tiny or minute it is.</span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">This story may start out as tragic and bleak but it's actually very full of hope. Even when it looks like Beth and her family's life is all going to be looking gray because of the tragedy they experienced. But the truth also has a way of making everything all right. Maybe not back to the way things were but at least, the hatred would be lessen and all the pain would at least be relieved. And then finally lead to healing and forgiveness. </span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">I give this book 5/5 doors. Yes, the door is very significant in this story. It represents the last vestige of freedom Beth has that her parents took away. When that door was taken down, they might have as well taken Beth's life. That was how bleak the story of Beth's life is shaping up to be. Until she met Chase. This book will definitely destroy you. That was what it did to me. I cried like Rachel was my sister and Beth was my only other surviving relative. My heart broke every time Beth's did. But in the end, the story will also build you back up. Repair all the damage it inflicted because that's how love is. That's how love works. It makes the impossible possible and the hopeless alive again.</span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">This story left a permanent mark in my heart and in my head. Every time my day seems to be gloomy or everything is out of control, I think of this book. I'm reminded to remain calm even if I'm more tempted to get hysterical. This story reminds me to think of that one small thing, one tiny good thing that I want to happen or that had happened. That somehow makes the day a little less overwhelming and it helps give me some small measure of strength to at least go through the rest of the day. That "one small thing" idea is actually very powerful. And I want you, the one who happens to read this, to do the same thing when life seems to press you to smithereens. Think of that one small thing and the world won't feel too scary at all on days when you'd rather die than live.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-weight: normal;">Thank you so much @nadirasworld for hosting this giveaway which led me to win this book. Maybe the universe knows that I badly needed to learn from Chase. Thank you also Erin Watt for writing this very inspiring story and for that one small thing idea. You have just made a difference in this world because of it and I hope that more people will be inspired to follow that kind of mindset. We all need it.</span></h3>
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Gurlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786636457565228373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348161180325401179.post-27167891281970994662019-10-06T12:52:00.004+08:002021-04-14T14:39:23.964+08:00Dreaming of an Arabian Carpet by Igor Martek | A Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkiauE2zFL28szBn2s4a07qaDTLRIgk5v2cV9th5ifOdyfbVXyK6wwGLL_hIoNNY6_9oa0M8H8owpKSylzZh7onar1-l71crA676WO7A8b5dsxU6dO_0xskYt7c2-yBLbPmlMyml3jWv4/s1600/DSC_5486a-min.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dreaming of an Arabian Carpet by Ian Martel | A Book Review by iamnotabookworm!" border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkiauE2zFL28szBn2s4a07qaDTLRIgk5v2cV9th5ifOdyfbVXyK6wwGLL_hIoNNY6_9oa0M8H8owpKSylzZh7onar1-l71crA676WO7A8b5dsxU6dO_0xskYt7c2-yBLbPmlMyml3jWv4/s640/DSC_5486a-min.jpg" title="Dreaming of an Arabian Carpet by Ian Martel | A Book Review by iamnotabookworm!" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Happy Sunday everyone! Wishing you all have a relaxing weekend. September has ended and October is here. Meaning, Christmas is right around the corner. September was my birth month. I am thankful that I am way past singing "Wake me up when September ends." Life is a lot better. I am looking forward to the next year because I have a few good things lined up and planned. True, another year has been added to my age but I'd like to think that I am </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">wiser. I've mastered the art of tolerance even when the situation tests the limits of my sanity and patience. I've also mastered indifference so as not to get overly stressed over situations I have absolutely no control of. Good or bad, that's a totally another discussion.</span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">So, anyone of you watched Aladdin already? I've watched it online but haven't gotten to finish it. From what I've seen so far, it's good. Why am I asking about the movie? Well, the title of the book for this review is saying about a magic carpet which automatically makes me think of Aladdin right away. But this book does not speak of magic or genies or flying carpets but rather the land where all those are from - the Middle East. The land rich with oil, of desert and of sandstorms and for people from third-world countries, a land of opportunities.</span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Ricky, a Filipino, the main character in this story represents a lot of Filipinos who left their homeland in search of greener pastures and better opportunities. For Ricky, that's Hong Kong and then Kuwait. In this story, Ricky, represents the better lot of Filipinos who made it big and became successful in their career abroad. He's successful in his career which landed him a chance to work in Kuwait. His sister though isn't very fortunate. Like all other educated and college graduate Filipinos, his sister ended up as a domestic helper in Hong Kong. Much worse, she was mal-treated by her boss. </span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">The story centered around Ricky's inability to see things beyond what they are. I feel sorry for him because he can't seem to see if people are telling him the truth or not. Or maybe, he hasn't just grown mature enough to see how he's easily manipulated, especially when it comes to the women in his life. In fairness to him, he exactly knew what he needs to do but I think he lacks the conviction to actually do it. That's the biggest flaw in his character. </span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Ricky and Breeze' relationship, right from the onset, is obviously doomed to fail. Ricky had no idea that he was actually targeted by Breeze because she thought with his position in the company, he could easily be the ticket who could take Breeze and her family out of poverty. Breeze manipulated him and took advantage of his feelings for her. When he seemed to be not useful anymore, she dropped him quicker than a hot dimsum. </span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">I especially hated Breeze and the people she represents. Yes, poverty allows us to do things out of necessity and desperation but there should be limits. Breeze' obsession with escaping her poor life just knows no bounds. She'll do just anything, even cheat, lie and do much worse if it means she could wear expensive clothes and expensive things. The sky is the limit and nothing could stop her from getting what she wants. Oblivious Ricky was no match for her.</span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">What I liked about the story is how Ricky came to realize his losses after Breeze dropped him. He realized what Breeze was after all along and he also realized his worth, what he can do and the things he needed to do which he should have done before. The story ended with a very happy note, with Ricky and her elder sister from Hong Kong reunited in the Philippines. They can work on the dreams they used to talk about as kids and finally have the lives that they deserve, not dependent on another person who he thought could add meaning to his life but by leaning on and repaying back the love that had helped him become successful in his career. Dreaming of an Arabian Carpet reminds us of the most important things in life. Love, family and friends. Sometimes we try to look for love elsewhere, only to find it in our simple beginnings - in the care and dedication of our siblings and family, and the time to return the same love, nurturing and comfort they've given to us when they badly need it. And this is true enough for Ricky. All the success in the world, the large salary he's getting and all the rich people he comes in contact with could never silence the one thing his heart has kept telling him to do. It was time to man up and be the man in the family. Finally! Good job, Ricky.</span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">I give this book 4/5 flying carpets. How the author explained why the story was called Dreaming of an Arabian Carpet is probably the best part of the story. The insights into the Muslim and Arab culture is also very educational. I was so disappointed in Ricky's character the whole part of the story and I even wonder how he'd be able to redeem himself. I could easily overlook his failed relationship with Breeze. He was just too trusting and he refuses to see what's been nagging him subconsciously. But his sister is a another story altogether. He knows he needs to do something for his sister, Eunice and he knows it's absolutely within his power but he just simply put it off. The breakup with Breeze was actually the best thing that happened to him because it opened up his eyes to the most important things. Family.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPMoHq76BA3PshAfQNMxbqmYDSyEdnDFlSXwTCPBXDh3vEQn4NfJbEoJYbHMJXtR7xkP5s__o3F01p2adSBiDRyQq1PIaahSEdMyK1xSkY6j-zsfE7t2rgt_r0laQJ-ORsoQvEcpggE6I/s1600/4c.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="184" data-original-width="947" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPMoHq76BA3PshAfQNMxbqmYDSyEdnDFlSXwTCPBXDh3vEQn4NfJbEoJYbHMJXtR7xkP5s__o3F01p2adSBiDRyQq1PIaahSEdMyK1xSkY6j-zsfE7t2rgt_r0laQJ-ORsoQvEcpggE6I/s640/4c.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">I was actually thinking of using lychees but I really hated Breeze' character so I don't want to use the lychee as an allusion to her though the story about the Lychee Park is a good story.</span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">One thing I also noticed and I also read it in one other review, is that the story was lacking a little humor. The story was a bit too serious and a little light touch would have made it a lot better. I enjoyed it but a sprinkle of little fun and sunny parts would have made it more. Probably, a little less sad because the part about the flying carpet need not only be the one happy thing about the whole story altogether.</span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">One character in the story who I really like is Walid. He's Ricky's friend who is rumored to be a bastard son of a Kuwaiti royal. I like his honesty. He has no qualms about stating the bullshit and admitting to his faults and the faults of his people. Here are one of the things he said:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: red; color: white; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">That's what's wrong with us. Our wealth is a curse. It prevents us from doing anything for ourselves.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Truth is never what you know. It is how you know. Real truth is a journey. It transcends the fizz of details that come and go along the way.</span></blockquote>
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="background-color: red; color: white;">- Igor Martek, Dreaming of an Arabian Carpet -</span></div>
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Thanks, Igor Martek and Netgalley, for the review copy. I was very curious to know if you were a Filipino. I actually had to Google it. Thanks for being able to find the life of Ricky a good subject for a book. I know Ricky represents a lot more than just being a Filipino working in the Middle East but thanks for giving a life to his story and sharing it with the rest of the world. More power to you and I hope that you write more stories such as this that captures real-life and its struggles. </span><br />
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Gurlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786636457565228373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348161180325401179.post-33426824986362115642019-07-09T14:56:00.000+08:002020-06-01T15:53:48.663+08:00I Am Marcus Fox by Bryon Cahill | A Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It's Monday again. Those in the US or those working for US companies, we had a long weekend. I didn't go out of town. I just stayed home and relaxed since I was feeling under the weather. My all-cure for all ailments is sleep. I did just that and watched movies and Korean dramas online. I was also able to write two reviews. Good, but not that good. I was hoping to write more but I felt so uninspired. Anyway, here is another one.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The book -<b> I Am Marcus Fox</b> is an action-adventure. That's what it seemed at first. It seemed like a real-life story but might be too impossible to believe. It's somewhere between fiction and real life. Some events are just too plausible to be actually true. The book started really good. How Marcus Fox was abandoned by his parents and got miraculously saved and adopted by an African couple. He grew up to be a strong man loved by his adoptive parents like their own and then tragedy struck again. It was going well until he got to the part where he battled a shark which felt too unbelievable. I was doubtful about that part. There were other similar scenes in the story which will make you question - "Is this a real story or pure fiction born out of the author's imagination?" In a way, I got confused because in the first few parts you were made to believe that this is a tragic story of a boy who had the misfortune of being born out of crazy and criminal parents. Then along the way, the story seems to blend together reality and fantasy because then Marcus suddenly does these feats that you can only see in the movies. It suddenly felt like a bunch of kids talking about a movie they've watched together and were not satisfied with it that they then decided that the main character should have done this and that. Injecting feats that require supernatural or superhuman abilities which is what happened here.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In a way, even if some parts bordered on impossible, it has a way of getting the reader hooked. I read it in one go. Unbelievably, I didn't put it down though I had times where I had my eyebrows raised and had wrinkles pinned on my forehead. The story has a way of pulling you in and make you root for Marcus Fox to finally have a good life. That's one of the merits of the story. You will wish all his troubles will come to an end and that he will finally live a life he deserves after all the perils and heartbreaks he has to go through. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I give this book 3/5 sharks.The part with the shark is where I couldn't get over. It's crazy. In the end, I am still unsure if this is part-true embellished with fiction or pure fiction skirting the limits of fantasy. I am still a bit confused what to make of the story. It started really good and the bones of a really satisfying read is there but I can't seem to take it all seriously. Or maybe, it's meant to be that way. It doesn't have to be boxed into what kind of story it is. As one of the reviews on Amazon say, "It's skirting the realm of fantasy and realism." That sentence perfectly sums it up. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Would you want to read this book? I can't answer that. As I have said, I am unsure. The beginning and some parts of the story were very solid. I just wished it was more believable. If this was meant to be a fantasy, it wasn't really hitting it. If this was just meant to feel more like an action-adventure, then it's so over-the-top. The best answer to the question is to read it yourself and tell me what you think. I may be wrong about all of it but that's how the story felt like to me. Or maybe, I just don't do well with realism like </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Murakami's Hear the Bird Sing. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #e69138; color: white;">- Bryon Cahill, I am Marcus Fox -</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-weight: normal;">Thanks again, Bryon Cahill, for the review copy. Sorry, it took months for the review to come out. </span></h3>
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Gurlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786636457565228373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348161180325401179.post-89730387858280637712019-07-06T19:53:00.000+08:002019-12-04T07:38:22.645+08:00Chronicles of the Anti-Christ by J.M. Harrison | A Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I actually had a hard time starting this post. It's not that I don't know what to say about the book but it's more of saying something that will eventually lead to the story. What recent event would somehow relate to the story? I could actually think of one. The recent incident in the sea involving a local fishing vessel that was allegedly intentionally hit by another fishing vessel but albeit bigger and belongs to a foreign nation who's not supposed to be fishing within our territorial waters. This is currently a very hot issue since our head of the nation clearly stated in his interview that we should just let them be if we don't want another world war. Who wants one, right? But there should be other ways in which we can insist our sovereignty and rights without resulting to firearms and violent means. It doesn't have to end in a war. Anyway, there's a lot that could still be said about this topic but it's also causing me headaches. So, I'd rather not delve deeper into it and it's probably more suited to another platform. But I am thankful to those who are standing up and protesting in front of the embassy of that foreign nation. Go on and never stop until they hear our voices. We are done being ignored and treated like we are insignificant. And to all those lawmakers who are also fighting for our government to make a stand, please don't ever tire of fighting. If there's a need for every Filipino to rally and make a stand, then let's do that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Chronicles of the Anti-Christ</i></b>, how does the above relate to this book? Well, it's about fighting for what's right and just. Fighting for what's good, even if you are pitted against a very powerful opponent. Never lose hope. Just keep fighting! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This book talks about the anti-Christ. And guess where that anti-Christ would come from? From whose seed would that person rise from? Make a guess. If you thought of Hitler, then you are on the right track. From all the conquerors, dictators and villains that have ever lived, I think Hitler is hailed the most vicious, greedy and evil. He killed millions of Jews and more. So, this story's proposition that the next anti-Christ would likely come from his bloodline is not too far out. It's actually the mostly likely possibility. I do agree.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I can't exactly remember if I read this book in one go or I stopped somewhere. All I could remember was how the story held some truth and the likelihood of it really happening. I hope never. That possibility ever becoming a reality is very grim, even if this was set in the US. The likelihood of another dictator and lunatic plotting world domination as his life goals is a very dark future. I hope it doesn't ever come true even if it won't happen in this lifetime. I hope the world would never again know of any dictator or megalomaniac dead set on having the world for his own or for any other self-serving purpose. It's dreadful to just even think of it and this story clearly paints that horrible picture. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">But with the way things are happening, especially with my country, it's not going to surprise me if another dictator comes into the open and proclaim his life's mission. At the same time, I'm also hopeful that there will be brave men and women, just like in this story, who will resist and find ways to outwit the Goliath and foil his grand plans. There will always be people who will risk their lives to expose the conspiracies and evil plans just to save many more. My country is a land of heroes, from Lapulapu to Dagohoy to Bonifacio to modern nameless Filipinos who are fighting for justice and equality every day. This little and may be insignificant country to some, will never run out of fearless men and women who will risk everything to keep our freedom and sovereignty. Even if we are beset by countless problems from all directions, our faith, our hope even in the hopeless will continue to give us the strength of character to fight. Don't ever underestimate your enemy. Remember, the littlest ants sting the most.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So, again, this story painting the possibility of an anti-Christ is not far from reality. It's very believable. Harrison paints a dystopian America in this book but also very remarkable and very brave characters who will also stop at nothing to keep this new anti-Christ's plan from ever coming true. This is a very engaging story which will make you fear the worst but also hopeful because there are people who will save the day. And like most stories, the good always wins. No matter how battered and wounded, the hero will keep rising to his feet. He will fight to his last breath. This story also illustrates that no matter how formidable the enemy could be, but if all people, no matter how common or lowly, if they band together and stand up for </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">one common goal, then the possibility of defeating the enemy is not impossible. There is always strength in numbers. And when more than two heads are working, then better and brighter ideas are likely to come out. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I give this book 3.5/5 phoenix. The two main characters here - Jacob and Arianna represent real people. Jacob, who's too close to Martin Voors refuses to believe that he could be the evil incarnate hiding behind a very charismatic persona. Arianna, a fearless reporter who survived a rape and still, she never let that deter her from getting to the truth. These two characters made the story hopeful and I root for them. Sometimes, beating the enemy also requires beating him at his own game, breaking the rules and sometimes even a gentle persuasion or blackmail would do. Desperate situations call for even desperate and crazy measures. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">I cannot consider myself a true Christian. I have done too many things that cannot be forgiven even by Christ, but I sympathize with them. </span></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- J.M. Harrison, Chronicles of the Anti-Christ - </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-weight: normal;">Thank you again, J.M. Harrison for the paperback copy. Sorry, it took 48 years to post this review.</span></h3>
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Gurlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786636457565228373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348161180325401179.post-38437472080700220832019-07-06T16:08:00.000+08:002020-07-16T03:15:10.201+08:00The Debt and The Doormat by Laura Barnard | A Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It's a long weekend because of the July 4th. I work for a US company so I also enjoyed the long weekend. I was feeling under the weather for the last two days so all I did was binge watch Korean dramas and movies. I was planning to write my very overdue book reviews but was feeling so uninspired. I have written very few reviews this year because when I get home from work, all I want to do is sleep. And on weekends, all I want to do are activities that do not involve brain function. Don't get me wrong, I love to write but it has been quite hard for me to find the time to really sit down and channel my emotion and thoughts. I guess, when you feel like you lack sleep and so stressed, it's a bit hard to focus. And I take writing my book reviews seriously. I need to be able to capture the emotions I felt when I read the book and convey it to the readers (to a few who read this blog). So, here I am again, trying to speak my thoughts. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So, <b>The Debt and The Doormat</b>, I received this last year. I also read it last year, just haven't gotten around to posting a review. I was supposed to review the other books but it turned out I didn't have any pictures yet so I have to just review another one. I chose this book because this was so fun when I read it. This is a romantic comedy set in the UK. Yes, the voices of the characters when I was reading this were in British. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The main character of the story is Poppy. Honestly, I am not sure if I like Poppy. Her character is not exactly the most admirable book character I have encountered but she had her good points too. Most of the time, I feel sorry for Poppy, especially with her obnoxious Mom. She can't seem to be honest with her Mom or if she did try, she was brushed aside. Yes, it seemed like it's so easy for people to not take her seriously and walk over her. Poor Poppy. Even her best friend, Jazz, seems to not take Poppy seriously sometimes, though she loves Poppy dearly. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">All in all, this was a fun read yet there would be times that you would feel irritated with the way the characters are acting. Sometimes you want to knock on their heads to put sense into the them. Poppy and Jazz' characters are not exactly lovable but you will feel like you want to get involved in their lives and help them. That's how the story was to me. I felt like wanting to be one of the characters and tell Poppy to stand up for herself and tell Jazz to grew a pair and start becoming a responsible adult. Good thing that these two actually developed and become better people by the end of the story. But a lot has to happen, mostly to Poppy, to make her see that people have been walking all over her and she just let them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">One of the most delicate situations in this story was the one involving infidelity and the people involved are related to Poppy. She had caught the cheating couple and the dilemma is to tell the partners of these two what's going on. If I were Poppy, I would have told my brother. The truth will surely hurt and maybe destroy their marriage but I won't stand and just let my brother be made a fool. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I think the flaw in Poppy's character is that she was unsure of herself, which most of us are also. But then again, even so, we have to know our strengths also. We have to know our values. What things do we love most and we should stand up for those things. We shouldn't let people just trample on them or destroy them. Somewhere, we have to draw the line where being nice and being such a pushover ends. But then, some people don't even realize that they've been taken advantage of. That they've been made a doormat. I guess, if I were one of Poppy's friends, I would have told her already. Of all the characters here, only one person was honest and cared enough to tell Poppy. It was Ryan. I would have done the same thing Ryan did. I would tell Poppy over and over how she's encouraging people to walk all over her. She should push back. I know her heart is in the right place but sometimes you have to tell people off. I am just happy that at the end, it all worked out for Poppy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I gave this book 4/5 doormats. As I have said, Poppy is not the best character I've ever read but the whole book was entertaining that even if I have to read it again for the second time to make sure that I write my review right, it still felt like reading it for the first time. It was as entertaining as I remembered it. And that means a lot to me because I don't exactly reread books. To me rereading books either mean two things- one is I didn't understand the story or the book wasn't very memorable. The other is there is a need for me to read the story again because I badly needed to be reminded of how the story made me feel and I needed to feel that emotion in that very moment. There are stories that I have to reread because I needed to feel good about myself. I very rarely reread books. I reread this book because I am unsure of some of the details. Again, not liking Poppy's character so much, I had to be reminded of why I felt that way. With that said, I am not saying that this is not a worthy read. It is. I enjoyed it so much and the fact that Poppy's character bothers me so much is in itself evidence that the story got to me. Me being involved in Poppy's well-being is saying that I do care for Poppy although I wished she were firmer in her convictions. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Maybe it won't be that bad to fancy someone a little bit. It might actually be good for me. He might be like medicine to me, a bit of a remedy. I just hope he doesn't turn out to be poison.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: #0b5394; color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- Laura Barnard, The Debt and The Doormat -</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-weight: normal;">Thank you again, Laura Barnard for the review book. </span></h3>
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Gurlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786636457565228373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348161180325401179.post-6922548112816733382019-05-19T14:55:00.000+08:002020-07-16T03:22:11.951+08:00All the Hidden Pieces by Jillian Thomadsen | A Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It's halfway of May already. It's summer here in the Philippines and it's scorching hot. We haven't been to the beach yet. My summer did have a good start. I went to Korea last April and it was spring there but it felt like it was still winter. The air was still freezing cold. I had a blast though. I had a lot of first experiences in South Korea which I will treasure for the rest of my life. I felt so alive and it's been quite a while since I've felt like that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So, this book is a suspense-thriller. At first glance, you may think that it's a bit of drama. I thought so. The title seems to suggest that some secrets are about to be uncovered. Major drama, right? Well, not too far out. This book is really a revelation. There's family drama, I give you that. Yes, secrets are about to be revealed and more.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I know I've said in my previous posts that I am a mystery, suspense, thriller fan. It's my favorite genre. The guessing game and the excitement keeps me glued to the stories. And being such a big fan, I have become familiar with some of the things that come with thriller stories. I then start to formulate my own theories as to how the rest of the story will unfold or who the killer is or what the big mystery is about. Unfortunately, in this book, my experience and great affinity with mysteries wasn't very helpful. This is a very riveting story and a few suspects were thrown in but were actually too far from what really is going on. And that's the best part. I love that a story could throw me out of my wits and keep me wondering. And at the end of it all, I was flabbergasted because it was totally different. It's a satisfaction every reader loves, to be thrown out of the loop yet the ending is way way much better for it. I crave that kind of high. This story delivered it all with much gusto and much more.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Nothing could have prepared me for this story. The blurb may have been a bit longer than usual but there's more to it. You would think that it has summarized the story in all its essence but you are very very wrong. There's more and much more. I love it! That's why it's good to read blurbs to at least know what you're walking into. But it's much more satisfying, like ice-cold water after a parching walk under the sun, to read each page and find out that there's a great deal more to know. It's an adventure in itself going through each page and be more confused and horrified that all your theories had to be scrapped. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It's a great satisfaction to realize that the author is a master and has played you cruelly in her hands. Cruel because you can never figure it out for yourself. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I had the time of my life reading this book. I never put it down. I had to finish it if I wanted to maintain my sanity. I need to find all the hidden pieces and where each character fits into the story. The ending was so far out of my thoughts that it was a relief and really satisfying to finally know. Ah, what a great adventure it is having to accompany Detective Hobbs and be as astounded as she is when the truth finally hit her. It was wow! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I can't say enough how I have enjoyed this story and how I was confused and bewildered by the turn of events. I was actually happy to be confused and be out of my wits figuring it out. It's one of the best things about this book. You will never know. So, I gave this 5/5 puzzle pieces. Everything just fits perfectly.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">There was something about accepting an apology so many years after the fact that made it insufferable. It was like the nominal payment of a library fee many years after the book had been destroyed in a horrible fire - long after the fine was written off.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: #8e7cc3; color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- Jillian Thomadsen, All the Hidden Pieces - </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-weight: normal;">Thank you again, Jillian Thomadsen for the review copy. I'm looking forward to your next stories that would make me confused yet satisfied at the end.</span></h3>
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Gurlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786636457565228373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348161180325401179.post-1069645570632432402019-05-19T13:50:00.000+08:002019-07-06T15:19:22.268+08:00Be A Better You by Inte and Chiara Alfonso | A Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It's been a while since my last post. April had been a very busy month both at work and in my personal life. I went to South Korea. It's been a while also since the last time I got to travel abroad. I'd say, it's one of the most memorable trips ever. There were a lot of things I got to do and experiences that are bound to help me face whatever challenges ahead. The best thing is I got to be the best version of myself again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Be a Better You</b> is a book I won in Goodreads. It 's a self-help book in finding yourself, being a better version of yourself and how to be just better in whatever aspect of your life. The things written here are not new. I'm sure, you've heard and read them already but what's different is it's given in small and very practical doses. No lengthy explanations or examples, plus really really cool artworks for each nugget of wisdom. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I think the most important nugget of wisdom that I want to share from the book is about loving one's self. I know I don't think I love myself enough. I have to remind myself that putting myself first is not wrong and loving myself is not being selfish. I think the author also agrees that this is the most important thing because he put it in the very first part of the book. It's first and foremost and above all else, because if you love yourself, then you are secure and confident in everything you do. You're sure of yourself that you don't have to feel jealous or envious of others' success or fortune. You'll feel happy for them instead. I say that I don't love myself enough because I have self-esteem issues. I grew up so shy and so unsure of myself. Being bullied didn't help too. I felt like I was an easy target for ridicule and insults. I don't know why. I mostly keep to myself. I have friends but only later in life did I really get to understand what real friends are. Real friends make you feel better about yourself. They help you be better and accept you no matter who you are. There are no conditions. They love you for all the good and the faults and through the happy days and the difficult ones. That's why, I don't exactly spend much on material things but rather on experiences. I wanted to be enriched by traveling and meeting new people. Reading helps a lot too. Clothes and jewelry does not make a person but kindness, humility, integrity and respect for others do. So, here is the quote:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #bf9000; color: white; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Therefore the most important thing about love is that you love yourself. Why is it important to love yourself, because once you love yourself you know what love is and then you know how to love others. </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Like the above quote says, if you are happy, you mostly likely want people around you to be happy. Misery loves company. If you are miserable, almost often, you would want people around you to be miserable as well. Most of the time, more miserable than you are. That's why some people would try so hard to pull people down with them because they are so unhappy. Seeing people happy is an eyesore to them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Be a Better You is a very concise and easy to read book. It's very handy and very practical. It doesn't talk of very technical concepts. It is a very good guide to living everyday life and how to be a better person each day. Lastly, I do agree with what the author says about having things to live by, mainly principles to follow. This is very basic and as you try to follow each principle everyday, it will be so ingrained in you that it would be second-nature. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So, with that said, I give this book 3.5 paper cranes. Why paper cranes? Because the cover is that of an origami crane. I know of a story wherein if you make a thousand paper cranes, whatever you wish for will come true. I think this story also symbolizes what this book stands for. That if you practice to be better everyday, then nothing is going to stop you from achieving your goals, reaching your dreams and be the best of what you can be. No one becomes a champion overnight. Constant practice is the key. Practice makes perfect. Everything good and fulfilling comes with hard work.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-weight: normal;"><i>Thanks again, Inte and Chiara Alfonso and Goodreads for the book. </i></span></h3>
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Gurlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786636457565228373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348161180325401179.post-85507998839342091792019-04-01T10:37:00.000+08:002019-04-01T10:49:26.565+08:00Blood Rose by Danielle Rose | ARC | A Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
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It's Monday again and March has just ended. Another month is here. Another new beginning, another chance to start over, just like this story. The main character is in a way forced to leave home and start over in a way far different from what she knew. She had to live and trust strangers because the worst thing happened. She had become what she hunted and loathed the most.</div>
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Guessing from the title, you wouldn't think this is a paranormal story but the cover does say that it is. With that ball of light, it's kind of a giveaway, right? The main character, Avah, was the chosen one of her people. She was supposed to lead and be the most powerful witch. One who can master all the elements but that changed. And now, she felt so alone and abandoned by her family. Cast out because she failed them. Now, she's forced to live like the people she was born to destroy and she's one of them now. There's no turning back. What a cruel fate, right?</div>
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Yes, this book is another vampire versus witches story but what sets it apart is the part that Avah could still be the chosen one of her people. She could still be what she was meant to be. Only now, she's got a boost. She's a better version of herself even if it's not what she wanted. She had to live and the choice presented itself, so she took it. I guess, this is just how her life is meant to be. This is how fate wanted it to be and she had to learn the new way to live to prove to her family that she's still the same though physically she's not anymore. </div>
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There are a lot of surprises in this story. Even the ending was a surprise and it explained the title which to me is a revelation in itself. How Avah's character had to grow here is very interesting. How she had to embrace a new way of life yet still feel like she could still be her old self and tap into those abilities is very important. The core of her being, her essence, is still there and that's what makes her so dangerous and deadly. As I have said, she got a boost and now her abilities as a witch just got intensified and amplified. </div>
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This is a very interesting and engaging start to a very intense series. Avah's character transformation alone is already very powerful and this book just started. What more could it offer in the next installment? What revelations could it still unravel? Yes, I am expecting to be blown away in the next book. I expect the same intensity, if not, more. From here on, I don't know how the story would go or turn. I can't get a glimpse of the mind of the author. This is beyond me. My detection abilities don't work here as much as reading a thriller or a suspense. This is supernatural and there are a lot variables here. Any minute, a new character could be introduced and my theories would all be undone. That is if I have one and I don't. I am working blank here and I look forward to be surprised and amazed in the next adventures of Avah and her new found friends.</div>
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With that said, I give this book 5/5 very red roses, as red as pulsating blood. Thanks again, Oftomes Publishing and Danielle Rose, for the ARC. Sorry for the delayed review. I've read this late of 2017, a few days or weeks before this was released but I was not able to post a review right away. I know it's very late but here it is. I really enjoyed this. Thank you so much!</div>
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">All I want is to take this fragile part of you that you so generously share with the world and protect it. Shade it from the sun yet hide it from darkness.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: yellow; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- Danielle Rose, Blood Rose -</span><br />
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Gurlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786636457565228373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348161180325401179.post-47818737379952776322019-03-15T01:59:00.004+08:002021-04-14T15:17:58.600+08:00The Emergent Threat (War Eternal #2) by J. F. Cain | A Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Right now, I'm not in any particular mood, so I think I can go ahead and finish this review. Alex and Aranes. These two are beings that have been with each other for years or maybe centuries. The only problem now is Alex can't remember his past or how he is related to Aranes. What he does remember is he's drawn to Aranes helplessly. </span></div>
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">This story continues the battle between good and evil. Here, Alex is starting to remember his past and why he's now on earth. What he's supposed to be and what's his role in the overall scheme of things. Aranes gave up everything for him and now he must do the same for her and to make sure that Lucifer does not succeed in his plans of dominion over heaven and earth. There are a lot more revelations here. Some are a bit disappointing because it may seem like Lucifer got the upper hand. The same way as the other characters were surprised by the revelations, I was too. </span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">One other notable character in the story which I think seems to be a wild card when you look at the bigger picture is the fallen commander of the Powers- Abriel. I am not really sure where his loyalties lay. I think he may still be playing the field. I think he has something up his sleeve which is probably the real reason why he's currently in Lucifer's lair. I'm going to go ballistic if this theory ever comes true.</span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">So, there's a lot of things to look forward to in the next book. I can't wait to see what will happen next. A lot of things is going on and it seems that some of Lucifer's minions may have their own agendas. Of course, they're evil, they each had to look out for their own hides. Their selfish desires will always come before whatever Lucifer's main goal is. With that said, I give this book 4.5/5 pairs of black wings, reminiscent of Abaddon. I didn't want this book to end. I wanted to have more. I didn't like ending in this installment. It bodes for very dark things to come. But then again, I'm still rooting for the good angels to defeat the darkness. Just like how St. Michael's is represented in his statue - holding down Lucifer at his feet, defeated. I'm hoping in this series, it would be Abaddon who's going to rip Lucifer apart again. Just like in their previous encounters. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thanks again, J. F. Cain for the review copy. I'm really sorry for the delayed review. Thank you so much for your patience.</span> </span></h3>
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Gurlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786636457565228373noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348161180325401179.post-53407652417191356862019-03-13T10:54:00.004+08:002020-08-29T01:21:39.324+08:00Good On Paper by Jennifer Millikin | ARC | A Book Review <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>GOOD ON PAPER by Jennifer Millikin is live! </b></div>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Natalie Shay never imagined a day like this would come. She did what she was supposed to do: graduate college and marry her handsome, popular college sweetheart. With the ink still drying on their divorce papers, Natalie tries to move on from an ending she thought would be happy. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">When she feels a spark with her stubborn, charming best friend Aidan Costa, Natalie's life becomes even more unrecognizable. Aidan has been her best friend for years, stood beside her when she got married, and has a notorious aversion to relationships. As confusion and denial overwhelm them, their spark grows. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Held back by a secret he has been keeping his whole life, Aidan decides to ignore his feelings for Natalie. Natalie's discovery of his secret pushes them past the boundaries they've carefully constructed around their friendship. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">For Natalie, this could be a second chance at her happily ever after. But when a person from Aidan's past reappears, everything he has built with Natalie is threatened.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Of all the books of Jennifer Millikin that I've read, this is probably the lightest. I've read two other books of the author which squeezed my heart dry. This one, started out sad but there were a lot of funny and sweet moments along the way. And true enough, Aidan is the epitome of a male best friend. He would do anything for Nat. Everything. I ended up wishing Aidan were</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> mine.</span></span></div>
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Natalie. I never felt sorry for her divorcing her husband. It's a relief that finally she's free of the situation that's slowly killing her. I think what broke her heart most was the fact that she chose the wrong person. A person who's only good for the time being but not for the long haul. She was blinded by the physical and the superficial qualities of Henry that she never actually took a deep examination of what she really needs. She was too hang up on not ending up like her parents that she forgot to see what's really important. That love is beyond the physical. It encompasses beyond what could be seen and touched. That love is far beyond physical chemistry or sexual compatibility. It's so much more. Love should be felt to the farthest nerve endings and to the deepest marrow of our bones. It should be able to transcend all the physical, emotional and mental barriers. If you really love the person, you embrace all of him/her, including all the baggage and what else. </div>
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Having a best friend is like having one soul in two bodies. That's why it's no wonder that a lot of best friends end up with each other. It's inevitable. It's like the most natural thing. The same thing with Nat and Aidan. No matter how they try to ignore their feelings for each other, it's going to manifest and takeover. And they were powerless to stop it. </div>
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Aidan. When he said that he doesn't believe in love, I didn't believe him. I know deep down that he still does. He was just waiting for it to finally happen to him. He was waiting for someone or Nat to prove him wrong. To prove him that you don't choose love, it chooses you. That's why you have to do even the impossible and the improbable just to heed it. And that's exactly what happened to both of them. More so with Aidan because he was so confused on what to do about his feelings. He was in denial that he's capable of loving nor a love like he feels for Nat is possible. </div>
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What I really love about the story is Aidan being the absolute example of a male best friend. He's always there for Nat. He knows Nat completely. He knows how Nat's mind works. He knows what could make Nat feel better and he's also honest when Nat needs a doze of reality. Their relationship or friendship should be everyone's relationship goal. </div>
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On the flip side, I think Aidan's idea of love is a bit simplistic which I also get. To Aidan, love should be two-way. It shouldn't make one sacrifice for the other. There should be no compromise. It should be win-win, like one of the 7 Habits by Stephen Covey says. Like what his mom said, "Because you love the person, you would do anything to make him happy. " But then again, at what expense? I think this is the part which Aidan did not get and why lie? To him, love shouldn't be complicated. But in reality, it's not always that simple. </div>
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With that said, I was so happy and relieved that these two finally realized what they're missing and what they badly need - each other. Not just as best friends but partners for life. So, though I was expecting to have my heart broken and cry buckets, which did not happen, I still had a good time reading this. Like I've said, I was psyched to breakdown and then be put back up because that's usually how Jennifer Millikin's stories are like. But still, this is a really good story. It's a feel good story. A deviation from her usual but still very good. I just probably needed a good cry so I was hoping this one will make me. But no tears were shed but I'm still a happy camper. </div>
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I give this 4/5 reams of paper. The lesson learned from this story is be wary of those people who appear perfect or good in paper, because that's just they are - good only in paper. When it comes to scrutiny and going beyond, they won't pass. No matter how perfect they look on the outside but if the inside is hollow, there's never going to be anything you can do to fill that or improve what's beyond repair.<br />
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I had a hard time deciding what quote to put here. I have highlighted a lot as there were so many nuggets of wisdom here. If I could put them all in here, I would. But these are the ones that really really speak to me: </div>
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<span style="background-color: #7f6000; color: white; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">What I do know is every single person has a tapestry. And every tapestry looks different. Some tapestries will have four or even five marriages. Some will only have one, or none. Who's to say which one is better? Who's to say that either one of them is bad?</span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Sometimes, the very best in life is what's taking place in the background while we are busy focusing on what we think is right for us.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: #7f6000; color: white;">- Jennifer Millikin, Good On Paper - </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-weight: normal;">Thanks again, Jessica Estep of InkslingerPR and Jennifer Millikin, for the ARC</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">. </span></h3>
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<span id="gmail-m_-7346227962531026319gmail-m_8642216943151038404gmail-m_-3330256759444290497gmail-docs-internal-guid-3a8832a5-7fff-69e5-8b56-b452e276f157" style="font-family: sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Jennifer Millikin</b> is a contemporary fiction author of five full-length novels and a contributor for Scottsdale Moms Blog. When she isn't writing she can be found cooking, hiking, or in downward dog. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.jennifermillikinwrites.com/" target="_blank">Website</a> | </span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/JenniferMillikinwrites" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://twitter.com/jenmillwrites" target="_blank">Twitter</a> |</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/jenmillwrites/" target="_blank">Instagram</a></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> | </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14441655.Jennifer_Millikin" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">|</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2B08sZl" target="_blank">Amazon</a> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">| </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jennifer-millikin" target="_blank">Bookbub</a></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">|</span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/jennifermillikinreadergroup/" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">Reader Group</a></div>
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Gurlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786636457565228373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348161180325401179.post-26547501056576153192019-02-23T03:30:00.001+08:002019-03-11T11:22:53.924+08:00The Night by Matthew Murphy | A Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDZ-dklm3qLtmIdwL13EoHNxWPUTSX8TWbUf5940qJHF01su1_MyDr9Ph3vRw_RdVMssd46YcPVOhAR63bExE9Z8LDlioAZGoZx1xOqn-BiaPEvFsgrSuNpueutEtlW6BVEMKGvi4y_aw/s1600/DSC_5537a-min.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Night by Matthew Murphy | A Book Review by iamnotabookworm!" border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDZ-dklm3qLtmIdwL13EoHNxWPUTSX8TWbUf5940qJHF01su1_MyDr9Ph3vRw_RdVMssd46YcPVOhAR63bExE9Z8LDlioAZGoZx1xOqn-BiaPEvFsgrSuNpueutEtlW6BVEMKGvi4y_aw/s640/DSC_5537a-min.jpg" title="The Night by Matthew Murphy | A Book Review by iamnotabookworm!" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I have been behind in my reviews so I thought </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">of finding a way to be able to catch up, even </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">just a few posts. I came up with an idea </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">that it would be a lot easier for me to </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">come up with reviews if I start with </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">the stories that I can easily recall </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">from the top of my head. So, I wouldn't </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">be writing the reviews as to the order </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">of how I received the books or what I read </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">first but rather which one I can </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">remember very clearly and easily. So, this story </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">is one.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I was actually almost tempted to give up </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">on this book - <b>The Night</b>. The start was </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">so slow and so sleep-inducing that I'd </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">wanted to just write it off. Good thing, </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I didn't because halfway through, the book </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">started to get really interesting. New </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">characters were introduced which gave </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">life to the story. Exactly what I have </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">been waiting for. Something to get me </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">out of my near stupor. I was glad, I did not </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">just stop when I was so tempted to. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This story is about Chicago. The old </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Chicago. The dangerous neighborhood and </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">where the whites and the black people </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">don't mix. The blacks are still treated </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">as lesser people. And like in most cases, </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">in times of trouble and difficulties, </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">some courageous soul rose up and stood up </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">against the cruelties and injustices. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In this story, there are actually two </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">and then the whole neighborhood of blacks </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">made a united front to stand against </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">the person who took advantage of them </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">for the longest time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The main character here, Clive Baxter, a </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">soldier who just came from war, comes </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">home hopeful for a new start. But instead, </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">found that there are worst things </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">happening aside from the war. Worst of </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">all, it's right in his home. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I was disappointed with Clive's character </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">on the first few pages. He started as </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">a very strong character, full of hope </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">and ready to live the rest of his life </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">far from the war zone but he ended up </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">with the wrong crowd and doing things </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">against his convictions. He knew that </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">what he's getting into is wrong but he </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">still did them. I know his conscience </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">bothered him and I am just relieved that </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">he managed to get out and tried to change </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">things. That is the Clive Baxter that </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">was introduced in the beginning of the </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">story and I wanted the same person to be able to </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">come out of the chaos, if not stronger, </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">even if the odds were so much against </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">him. I think that's the true measure of </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">a strength of a man. A real man.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So, even if I was partially disappointed </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">of how the first few chapters of this </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">story went, the ending had saved it. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It was a real struggle for me getting </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">to the end. I had to keep telling </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">myself to keep going. I had to. I had to </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">finish the book because even if it seemed </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">that it might not go anywhere, I still </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">have to get to the end to be sure I give </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">it a fair review. With that said, I give this book </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">3/5 German World War II coats. The ending was the saving </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">grace and if not for it, I would have </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">totally given this a one or two rating. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Add the fact that I can easily recall </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">the two most interesting characters in </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">this story. Being able to do that </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">is a big plus for me. It means that the story or the characters in the story made an impression on me. The story gave me an experience that could not be easily forgotten or have drawn real emotions out of me which is what every reader is looking for in every story.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">I didn't know him any more than any son knew his father. You look up to him. You never realize his faults until he's gone.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;">I know they say being in a war makes </span><span style="color: white;">a man a believer and all that, but I saw first-hand what religion can bring. All those bodies of dead Jews piled in them holes in the ground. What if they don't believe? What if their religion didn't exist? I don't know. I guess, another reason to kill them would've been found.</span></span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">You leave the army, then realize you never can. The war follows you. The war reminds you that it managed to control your soul. It continues to cling, gripping you.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #999999;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">-</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Matthew Murphy, The Night -</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-weight: normal;">Thanks again, Matthew Murphy, for the review copy. </span></h3>
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Gurlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786636457565228373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348161180325401179.post-67471933979210651082019-02-23T00:41:00.003+08:002021-08-27T23:23:12.039+08:003 Hour Dad: Reading is Believing by Adam T. Hourlution | A Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMrDcDbJN6B_jRUWGnvNEZve7NKJfT2x7kkIRISLHzOfFGaWo3sm0uh-GathXybyPN4kpsPkZrrF-xM9vlfiCpOgVTDL-MIjsEVJFB8QPBiWLbkooCkQScpa7fL_UIcxGW7N7U5cyTlfE/s1600/DSC_5474a-min.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="3 Hour Dad by Adam T. Hourlution | A Book Review by iamnotabookworm!" border="0" data-original-height="1190" data-original-width="1600" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMrDcDbJN6B_jRUWGnvNEZve7NKJfT2x7kkIRISLHzOfFGaWo3sm0uh-GathXybyPN4kpsPkZrrF-xM9vlfiCpOgVTDL-MIjsEVJFB8QPBiWLbkooCkQScpa7fL_UIcxGW7N7U5cyTlfE/s640/DSC_5474a-min.jpg" title="3 Hour Dad by Adam T. Hourlution | A Book Review by iamnotabookworm!" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">This is an author's request. He contacted me via this blog and asked to review this book. </span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">At first, I wasn't sure what to make of the title of this book. <span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><b>Three-hour dad</b></span></span>. What does that even mean? Does that mean being a dad for just three hours. That does not sound good to me.</span></div>
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">As it turned out, <span style="background-color: white;"><b>Three-hour Dad</b> </span>means the author, being the dad referred to in </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">the title, only found out he was going </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">to be a dad three hours before his wife </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">gave birth. Yes, they didn't realize that </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">his wife was in labor until they've gotten </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">to the hospital because they suspected his wife had appendicitis. Amazing, right? Or you'll wonder, how </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">is that possible?</span></div>
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">It was explained in the book how the </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">unexpected pregnancy happened. How his </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">wife never noticed any of the symptoms or </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">never had any of the symptoms of a </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">woman who's pregnant. It seemed like an </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">anomaly or more like a miracle. </span></div>
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">This book came to be because the author </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">wanted to document that very special and </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">unique experience, including the overflowing </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">and unexpected kindness they got from </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">friends, co-workers and other people. As </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">the couple didn't know that they were expecting, </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">they were not prepared also. There were no </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">baby clothes shopping, or a crib to be assembled. </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">None of that ever happened. When the author </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">called in his office to inform that his wife </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">was in labor, his office mates and boss were </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">just as surprised. The office mates rallied </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">together and chipped in and bought baby </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">supplies and clothes for the coming baby. </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Friends also were very excited for the </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">couple that they too bought baby things </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">to give to the couple and to welcome the </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">new baby properly. The couple was so </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">overwhelmed by this flow of kindness. They </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">never expected that their friends would </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">be so generous and help them get everything </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">ready for the baby instantly. It gave them courage to be ready to be instant parents.</span></div>
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">And with this very touching experience, </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">the author decided that he too could </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">pass on the same kindness to others. He </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">decided that a random kindness or any </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">small act of kindness goes a long way, </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">just as it greatly helped his new family. </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">So, with this in mind, he set out to do </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">just that. Time and time again, he would go </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">out into the streets and approach an </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">unsuspecting stranger and give him a </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">gift card to use for groceries or any </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">other needs. You can watch a video of the </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">same act <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw3gg58HBdHZmUap0VuJRWg" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a>. Proceeds from the sale of this book also goes to helping more people. So, go and buy your copy now. It would go a long way.</span></div>
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">But you might ask, why tell the world that </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">he's helping people. Why not just do it and not publicize it? He took a video not because he </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">wants to publish that he's giving people </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">this and that, or he wants to become popular, or be the next thing to be trending on social media. He posted a video because </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">he wanted more people to be moved and </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">join in the random act of kindness </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">movement. He wants it to become a </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">lifestyle - that everyone will show </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">kindness to strangers, especially strangers, whether it'd be </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">small or not. He wants to start a </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">kindness revolution. He wants to make </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">kindness very popular that it will no </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">longer be a novelty. A time when </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">kindness will be just as ordinary as </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">saying hello or probably as easy as </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">blinking an eye. Oh, I would love to </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">see that happen in this lifetime.</span></div>
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">With all that said, this book is worth </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">your time. Reading through the author's </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">personal miracle is just a wonderful </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">feeling. That in spite of the problems </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">and issues we are facing now and the world </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">in general, there are still miracles </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">that happen. There are still a lot of </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">good things and good people. That there </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">are still a lot of good hearts that could </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">be moved and kindness that is </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">absolutely deadly. Deadly because i</span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">t will kill all selfish and self-centered thoughts. Y</span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">ou </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">will feel so grateful and thankful that </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">you can't help but pass on the deed. You can't </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">help but be kind also. You can't help </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">but do the same kindness to someone </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">and seeing the surprise and delight in that person's </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">eyes is the greatest high one could ever experience. A thousand ways more potent than any drugs ever invented or any herbs ever discovered. Believe me, I have been a recipient </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">of kindness a dozen or more times and true </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">enough, the saying "<i>Kill them with kindness</i>," </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">is absolutely true. I think I have died a dozen times and more and this is probably my 20th, 50th or 100th life.</span></div>
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">I give this book, 4/5 sets of cute baby </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">clothes. A child is a gift, just as any </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">amount of kindness is a gift to anyone. </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">To the giver, what you give may not be </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">much but to the receiver, who's desperate, </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">you might just have saved him or saved </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">his day. So, go on and spread the kindness. </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Any little thing done out of pure </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">generosity, thoughtfulness and willingness to help will </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">go a long way. It might just be what </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">that person needs. Hope, even just a </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">tiny spark is still hope. And in a </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">dreary, desolate and desperate world, </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">hope can light it up, even the darkest of corners.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">UCO - Unidentified Crying Object</span></blockquote>
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="background-color: black; color: yellow;">- Adam T. Hourlution, 3 Hour Dad -</span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Thank you again, <i>Adam T. Hourlution</i>, for </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">the review copy. I salute you for starting </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">this kindness revolution. You are not alone. I know many others also tried and are still trying to achieve this very lofty and noble goal. I hope you </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">will continue to inspire more people </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">to join this movement. I know I am one </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">and I have always been thankful for all </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">the kindness that came my way. I try to </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">do random kindness as much as I can </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">because I know how it feels to be in </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">need and desperate. One little spark is all a person needs.</span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">You can also visit the author's website <a href="http://3hourdad.com/aboutme" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39093294-3-hour-dad" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>.</span></span></h3>
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Gurlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786636457565228373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348161180325401179.post-71655381215172455052019-02-22T05:30:00.003+08:002021-08-27T23:27:02.004+08:00Super Me by Jessica Dazzo | ARC | A Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1JQd6s3-w3hgg6CNK2y07zWtLeWUJ738Tcz78s9Qbw5W-OQ98PQyBUYwA55UZrbFvhORevqN2dcAsCF_2sUCLlV0MP5v0vuSc-AwnsKlv8eSzZp9TsjUpPcn6TrgSy-Sdpb3ZYbRRZo/s1600/DSC_5576a-min.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Super Me by Jessica Dazzo | ARC | A Book Review by iamnotabookworm!" border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1JQd6s3-w3hgg6CNK2y07zWtLeWUJ738Tcz78s9Qbw5W-OQ98PQyBUYwA55UZrbFvhORevqN2dcAsCF_2sUCLlV0MP5v0vuSc-AwnsKlv8eSzZp9TsjUpPcn6TrgSy-Sdpb3ZYbRRZo/s640/DSC_5576a-min.jpg" title="Super Me by Jessica Dazzo | ARC | A Book Review by iamnotabookworm!" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">I got this from the Contact Us from of this blog. The author's husband, Mike, reached out and asked if I wanted to review his wife's book. </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">I agreed, so here it is. </span></div>
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">I would like to apologize to Jessica and Mike Dazzo for taking a long time to get this review posted. </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">I appreciate your understanding.</span></div>
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">I've read this about a few months ago, more like sometime in 2018. So, when I was writing this review, I was trying to remember what stood out for me in this story. </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Unfortunately, I couldn't remember. Yes, I came up blank. I can't even remember what the story was about and why it was called <b>Super Me</b>. </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">So, the ending was I have to browse through the book again. Reading through my highlighted passages but still nothing seems to jump at me. </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Last resort was to reread the book from the start. I know, it's ridiculous but it's my bad because I didn't write a review right away and my mind </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">have gone through a few holidays. It seemed like it had archived all the data and I can't seem to retrieve them. Or maybe, it's because the book </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">did not really leave a strong impression or imprint on me. Well, rereading the book will definitely prove or disprove that assumption. Let's find out.</span></div>
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">So, the story started with the main character- Faye, hearing things differently. Actually, the story started with Faye hearing the name Lucan. </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Yes, she thought it was weird but when it started to happen very often, she stared thinking that her own mind is betraying her. </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">And here's the fun part, a cute boy with the name Lucan transferred to her school. Is that coincidence or what? </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">The troubling part is the name is the reason that mostly gets her embarrassed. One time, they were in class and she was asked to read for a character in Romeo and Juliet </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">and she read something in the book that goes, "my Lucan" which was not actually what was written in the book. </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">She was so humiliated that she can't get out fast enough from the classroom. </span></div>
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">So, how did it feel rereading this book? It actually felt like the first time. I can remember that I exactly felt the same emotions reading some of the sad parts of this </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">story and going teary-eyed again. I mostly remembered the emotions, although what the story was about and how it went only came to me when I was more than </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">halfway through my second reading of the book. I am not sure why I have no retention of the story. I might have probably slept-read through it the first time. </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Even as I tried to read some reviews to refresh my memory, nothing really stood out and sparked my memory. So, to be honest, I did not regret </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">rereading this book. It was all worth it because the story has a way of making you involved. It was a way of making you a part of Faye's </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">struggles. They're real enough that you won't say that this is all too much teenage drama. I do admit, the supernatural part was a bit </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">unexpected. Yes, I too think that Faye's mind was betraying her. That she might have a mental condition. Good thing, though that it was far </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">from that. </span></div>
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">In spite of the fact that the book left me no impression or anything as a point of recollection for me, I actually enjoyed reading this one for the second time. </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">And believe me, I don’t' like rereading books or watching a movie for a second or third time. Though I did that about a time or two. I can't exactly </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">remember what movie that was that I re-watched but I did it because I want to remember how the story went. Yes, I only do redo's when my </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">memory seems to be failing. But I will definitely say, I have a very sharp memory. I can remember faces and names of classmates from grade school and some other </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">things. Having said that, I do believe that this story was written with enough dose of reality in it or as real as it gets. I know I caught myself a few times on the brink </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">of crying. I just had to check myself because I was at the office when I was reading again this story. Don't worry, I really had nothing to do. I am waiting for another set of accounts to be worked on which were still be coming. I have hit my target on the first set of accounts and had only three problematic ones to follow up on. </span></div>
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Anyway, I give this book 4/5 pairs of well-worn and comfortable snow boots. The story has a way of making you comfortable with Faye. At the same time, you will feel </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">all her struggles to the point that you will feel uncomfortable. You will think of Faye as your friend and hope for the best that she will eventually be </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">able to deal with all her issues. I won't call them "teenage drama" because calling it drama would be downplaying the seriousness and gravity of her situation. </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">She has a lot to deal with including raising her mom who I think has a lot of growing up to do and should pay more attention to Faye. </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Faye deserves a better mom. It felt like she's the female version of Atlas with a lot of things thrust on her very young and vulnerable shoulders. No kid should be parenting a parent. That's definitely messed up and felt like the world has fallen off its axis. Sad but it's a reality to some teens. </span></div>
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">And why can't the world just go on pause for a second so I could have a breather?</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-weight: normal;">Thank you again Mike and Jessica Dazzo for the ARC. Again, sorry for the very delayed review.</span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"> </span></h3>
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Gurlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786636457565228373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348161180325401179.post-88796542127818147962019-02-15T00:58:00.004+08:002019-02-15T01:00:03.195+08:00Marrying Mr. Valentine by Laura Barnard | Release Blitz<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fweyueOJn-XZZd6i-v0gsx3kViREcKR0qdEzt0GfH_zRTi5DM5F18q_qweYQHBVUpJMUw2UgqJqi5Ne5ggZnztYI7CdpA-bQ86Buc4DNMPIKtjC1Bk_-zrKIrZ84Sv1vIOVzpfMbKtg/s1600/Mr+Valentine+eBook+image+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Marrying Mr. Valentine by Laura Barnard | Release Blitz by iamnotabookworm!" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="974" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fweyueOJn-XZZd6i-v0gsx3kViREcKR0qdEzt0GfH_zRTi5DM5F18q_qweYQHBVUpJMUw2UgqJqi5Ne5ggZnztYI7CdpA-bQ86Buc4DNMPIKtjC1Bk_-zrKIrZ84Sv1vIOVzpfMbKtg/s640/Mr+Valentine+eBook+image+%25282%2529.jpg" title="Marrying Mr. Valentine by Laura Barnard | Release Blitz by iamnotabookworm!" width="388" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: 12pt;">Title:</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Marrying Mr. Valentine</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Author:</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> <b>Laura Barnard</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Publish Date:</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> February 14, 2019</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Marrying Mr Valentine is now available to read for FREE via Kindle Unlimited </span></div>
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<b><i style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">F</i><i style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">ind out if Nicole is willing to put her heart and career on the line for the delicious Mr Valentine.</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #181818; font-size: 12pt;">Nadine Roberts smiles for everyone, but beneath it she hides a heartbreaking past that only a few know about. Throwing herself into her new career; wedding planner at The Duck & Goose, a property recently purchased by newlyweds Florence and Hugh, has helped distract her from her loneliness.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #181818; font-size: 12pt;">When a teary bride suddenly cancels her upcoming wedding Nadine looks to the two year waiting list. Clara Blumenkrantz and Hartley Valentine. It’ll have to be a quick turnaround, but what’s the worst that can happen, right?</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This should be like every other wedding she plans, but the magnetism she feels towards Mr Valentine disrupts the orderly life she’s worked hard to carve out.</span><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Can she ignore her intense desires and be a professional? Or will she open up her heart to the one person that has the power to break it? And in doing so endanger not just her job, but her venue’s reputation?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Amazon Best Seller Laura Barnard lives in Hertfordshire, UK and writes romantic comedy or "chick lit" as it's so often described. In her spare time she enjoys drinking her body weight in tea, indulging in cupcakes the size of her face and drooling over hunks like Jamie Dornan, Ryan Gosling and Leo Di Caprio.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She enjoys wearing yoga pants and reading fitness magazines while sitting on the sofa eating chocolate. She's a real fan of the power nap, loves setting her friends up together and of course READING!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #111111;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She writes not to get rich or famous, but because she LOVES writing. Even if one person tells her they enjoyed her book it makes the midnight typing worth it!</span></span></div>
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Gurlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786636457565228373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348161180325401179.post-65985615632803396002019-02-04T13:32:00.000+08:002020-04-24T02:37:19.714+08:00Millioniare B&B by Robin Daniels | Release Blitz<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Millionaire B&B</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Author: </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Robin</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Daniels</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Releases:<i> </i></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">February 1, 2019</span></b></div>
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<b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"> </span><span style="color: #38761d;"> </span><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MWHP4PY" target="_blank">Amazon</a> </span><span style="color: #38761d;"> </span></span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sadie is a successful romance author. She can
write a swoon-worthy man with the best of them but can’t seem to find one for
herself. Miles is the cute and wealthy heir to Copeland Press, Sadie’s
publishing house. It’s hard to find a woman in his social circle who
appreciates a down-to-earth book nerd.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">When a twist of fate has Miles and Sadie double booked in the same vacation rental, they decided to share the cabin. Even though Miles isn't Sadie's type, she can't deny the chemistry between them. Sadie's down for a flirty fling but Miles has other plans. He's got a huge crush, and just one week to convince Sadie they were meant for a happily ever after.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Content Advisory:</span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></b></span></i></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #333333; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">This is adult fiction and as such is steamier than my YA books. This
book would not fall into the “clean and wholesome” category but is very tame
compared to traditional adult romance. It includes heated/descriptive kisses
and inner dialogue, innuendo, references to sex, implied sexual relationships,
one fade-to-black scene, mild language and some drinking. There are no F words
and there is no written sex. MPAA guidelines would put it at PG-13.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Robin
loves writing romantic comedy because she’s a sarcastic goofball who constantly
cracks jokes. She believes in funny fluff and happy endings. Robin lives
outside of Phoenix with her husband, five children and naughty labradoodle
puppy. You can find her in her home office nursing a giant Diet Coke or online
at: </span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.authorrobindaniels.com/" target="_blank">Website</a> | </span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/robindanielsbooks" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://twitter.com/RobinD_writer" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/robindanielswriter/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> | </span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“What’ll it be?” I
looked at Miles after grabbing Ethan’s beer and a Diet Coke for myself. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“What do you
have?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I leaned over and
hung on the refrigerator door, surveying its contents. “Corona Light, some
cheap boxed wine, orange juice, Diet Coke, Dr Pepper, milk, water.” Miles
hadn’t answered, and when I turned back, I caught him dragging his gaze away
from my butt. “French vanilla creamer…” I teased, boring my eyes into him. He
knew he was busted, but he played it off smoothly.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Miles chuckled. “I
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">was</i> going to say Dr Pepper, but you
may have just sold me on the Coffee-Mate.” I grinned at his witty comeback, and
his face lit up. Then he winked, and my heart skipped a beat. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There are all
kinds of winkers in this world: the squinty winker, the rapid winker, the
slow-motion winker, the blinker, the can’t-get-my-eye-closed-all-the-way
half-blinker, and my least favorite, the over winker. Like Goldilocks, I
decided Miles’s wink was just right.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“I’d have pegged
you for a beer man,” I replied, handing Miles a Dr Pepper.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“I’m
actually more of a wine guy. But I’ve just learned that wine with hamburgers is
gross, and I’m trying to impress you.” I pressed my lips together. Was he
teasing me or flirting with me? Because it sounded like a little of both.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />Gurlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786636457565228373noreply@blogger.com0