One Small Thing by Erin Watt | A Book Review

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. 

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. 

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?

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?

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

I lean into him, borrow his strength, because now that the seal is off, I can't stuff any of this back inside the bottle. 

The pain stretches its tendrils, traveling through my veins until every part of my body aches and shudders under its burden. 

- Erin Watt, One Small Thing -

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.

The Sister Pact by Stacie Ramey | A Book Review

It's been a week since my last post. I have read quite a few books since but haven't been able to post any reviews. I have been feeling kind of down lately. And to top it all, my phone had gone bonkers. The LCD is not working and the service center can't repair it since it will be phased out. So, I will be DIY-ing it. I had to order the tiny screw drivers online so I could open the phone. Yes, I fancy myself a technical support girl. I actually worked as a TSR for an internet service company for almost two years. I help customers setup and troubleshoot their internet connections -DSL, WIFI and there was even dial-up. I'm crossing my fingers that I could get my phone to work again with the help of videos from YouTube.

Sister Pact is the third book that had me crying straight in a row. I had no idea I would have puffy eyes for three straight days. It was a very cleansing exercise. It's been a while since I cried really hard. The first of these books that had my tear ducts on overdrive was of course, Love and Gravity and the second was a story about a dog's bucket list which I still need to post a review. The book was like Marley and me. I bet, you cried while watching that movie too. Hatchiko was the most heartbreaking movie with a dog, for me.

I got this book as a prize from the author's giveaway. Thank you so much, Stacie Ramey for this very amazing book. This is one of the most touching reads ever. I think my blanket was wet with tears and snot because of this book. This had me weeping because of the deep and raw emotions it portrayed --love, disbelief, guilt, pain and heartache. I think this is similar to Colleen Hoover's Losing Hope but I think this book is more painstakingly heartbreaking. Probably, because the voice of the story is coming from a sister. The special relationship between sisters. The pact between sisters. 

I also have an elder sister and I can easily step into the shoes of Allie, the baby sister. I also admire and look up to her. When I was younger, I used to want to go with her when she went out with her friends. I always wanted to tag along but was not always possible. I can't remember ever fighting with my sister when we were younger. It seemed like we always got along or maybe she was just so patient with me or I was just being a very obedient little sister. I think she was probably the first person who treated me like a real adult growing up. I think she was the one who taught me to be responsible. And now that we are grown up, guess what? Almost all of her friends are my friends too. Yes, I am now an automatic plus one in her meet up and dinners with friends, even though she is now married and have two kids. 

So, it's not rocket science to feel so drawn and involved in this story. Having a sister for a best friend is the greatest ever. I for one, would do anything for my sister. I have once given up a job in Manila to move back to Cebu so I can support her and I would do this a thousand times over just to be there for her. And I think that was what this story was saying. A sister would do everything for another. That is just how sisters love each other. Allie wished she was able to do something for Leah. The excruciating pain, tormenting guilt and being blind-sided was too much. There were a lot of what-ifs, if-onlys, and should-have- beens that Allie wished she could have done for Leah. She wished she could have eased whatever Leah was suffering and fought with her whatever it was that she was battling with. It felt like a part of her had gone with Leah when she left. Like she was sawed in half and the half that was left was no longer useful or functional. 

I also know how it feels like to be Leah. How it felt like to be smothered in darkness and feeling like it's never letting up. To be powerless and weak. To be consumed by desperation and the only way out is to think of ways how to put an end to the torment and say goodbye to the suffering. To wake up to mornings yet still felt like the night was never over.

I give the book 5/5 lip balm. You should read this book. It reminds me how fortunate it is to have a sister and thank God we are close. If we weren't, I think I will try to get us closer after reading this. Yes, we have friends who are like sisters but it still couldn't compare to having a sister for a best friend. The affinity by blood, ensures that no matter how bad things will go, someone will always have your back. And even if they have given up on you, they still can't just leave you because you are family. Family is everything. When everyone else leaves, your family will have to stay whether they like it or not. It's not a choice. There was never a choice. Love bonds them to you and you to them. That's how it should be, ideally.

This one feels as if it's about pain. A driving rain kind of pain. Relentless. Unyielding.

She said sometimes that the darkness is so heavy, she couldn't see a way out of it. 

- Stacie Ramey, The Sister Pact -

The Chocolatier's Wife by Cindy Lynn Speer | A Book Review

I won this book in a giveaway. Actually, I was an alternate winner. The one who originally won this declined the prize much to my delight. This book proved to be a real treasure. Thanks again, Cindy Lynn Speer.

Oh, I just love chocolates. I love dark ones, especially. Mint dark chocolates are just irresistible. Hmmmm... It would be heaven to be a chocolatier's wife. I would have easy access to chocolate and would love making chocolates for sale. I am starting to get into baking and chocolate making is right in that area.

This book is as delectable as chocolates. The story was as smooth as chocolate that melts in the mouth. I devoured it with much pleasure. 

What I like about the story is the way the two main characters readily accepted their custom of having a lifetime partner being chosen for them. I admire William's honesty and dedication to write to Tasmin. In this way, he invested in a friendship which later developed into a commitment and loyalty that they both shared. His blind faith and confidence that Tasmin is the one for him, was very commendable. All his efforts put forth into  getting to know Tasmin and developing a friendship has greatly paid off.

I think writing and getting handmade letters is very romantic. The effort put into creating the letter, regardless of length, is just so sweet. There is beauty in seeing the cursive and strokes on a piece of paper. I think the last time I wrote a letter that got sent through post was way back in high school. I kept in touch with a best friend in grade school by sending her letters and cards. Little did I know that my correspondence meant a lot to her. Her parents were going through a difficult time in their marriage and my letters, in some way, gave her a semblance of normalcy and calm during a very chaotic time in her teenage life. 

All relationships need effort and nurturing. If all guys are like William, then, we ladies would all be worry-free. I think loyalty and commitment to a relationship are very important. Whether it be in friendship or any other kind of relationship. Tasmin and William are both prime examples of this virtue.

I give this book 5/5 bars of chocolate. I simply wasn't able to put down this book until I reached the last page. This tale is just so fascinating. I think the story got me at the mention of chocolate. It sort of gave me a promise that I was in for a sweet and magical journey. 

...those who listen at doors hearing things they would rather not.

- Cindy Lynn Speer, The Chocolatier's Wife -

The Marrying Type by Laura Chapman | Audio Book | A Book Review

This is another audiobook I won in a giveaway. Thank you again, Laura Chapman.

The Marrying Type is a story of second chances in love. 

I love stories about weddings or brides. I have some romantic bones in my body too. I love going to weddings, where I am invited, but I usually find an excuse to skip the bouquet-throwing part. I don't want to catch the bouquet, not that I don't want to get married but I don't want to be the center of attention. As much as possible, I try not to draw attention to myself.

Yes, this is a feel-good happy-ever-after story. It was a delight to be treated to all the things happening behind-the-scenes on an expensive wedding. I believe, weddings are one occasion where it is often well-planned and prepared for but something always goes wrong, no matter how small. It pays to have a wedding planner who thinks on her feet and is suited up for any catastrophe whether it is man-made or not. And I think Elliot Lynch is just the type. When I get married and needed a wedding planner, I would surely want Elliot. Too bad her family is not as dedicated as she is to their business.

I think this story would be really amazing if made into a movie. Catherine Heigel would make a good Elliot. She's one actress who can play any role in a romantic comedy. I always enjoyed all her movies.

I remember I was crying when I was listening to this story. It was not about the story but I do know some parts were really infuriating and tear-inducing. I was crying because it was a day after Christmas and it just dawned on me that this was not the Christmas I wanted at all. Well, not the life I wanted to be dramatic. It was just that this has been a very discouraging two years. It felt like I lost myself and I am just a bystander watching the events unfold in my life on the sideline. I felt like I was not really involved and had no say with how my life is going. Thankfully, I have an alternate life in books. Books have been my lifeline and I am slowly trying to get to the surface at my own pace. I am trying to view the past year and a half as a sabbatical. A time of figuring out what I really want, my purpose. Of finding my confidence again. Of trying to store up enough courage and strength to face life's blows again.

So, this has been an amazing read, without going into the part where I was being emotional. I give this book 4/5 bridal bouquets. This was an endearing read and if I were in a relationship, I would have been induced to start preparing for my own wedding right away. Not to mention, the abundance of inspiring marriage and relationship quotes at the beginning of each chapter.