my best friend

“My Best Friend”

Best friend? Probably my best friend is one of my schoolmates. Her name is Andrea and I met her at my boarding school. How we are friends? Well, we have the same interest and hobbies, as far as I remember. We love to talk about books and movies for sure. I still remember we loved Spice Girls as well as Backstreet Boys and of course, who’s not? We even had the GIRL POWER motto! She and I always talking and laughing about anything and books always brought us together. She reads a lot than I was before. I read, but not that much an avid reader. She introduced me a lot of good authors like Christopher Pike and R.L. Stine. My interest of being bookworm grew since then and also because she's a very good influencer and I'm very much an excellent influencee. She gave me Stephen King’s book entitled Carrie once as my birthday present, but it was too depressed and sorry Andrea, I never finish it!

We have the same height, chubby cheeks, only that I have bigger bones. Many said we were like twins. It never bothers me and I think she’s not either. She has a very nice personality and wonderful sense of humor but she can also get a little depressed from time to time. Since both of us are Gemini which is known as The Twin, I also have the same personality like her. Well, kind of. When one of us is having a bad time, we comforted and listened to each other. We also hate people. Oh yes we did. Wait, I think we had the hate list. Of course, it was just a list that never been written and we even made fun of them behind their back, but only between us. Oh, before I forget, we were in all-girls school, so you know that girls can be mean sometimes, as ‘rock and stone may break our bones, but not the words’ will never works. Words always break our heart but we were cool about it, since we have each other! However, I’m not saying that our friendship is forever smooth. It rocks sometimes but we survived and forgot sooner than we thought. That is not the best part to remember but it did bring us closer even more.

Did she really change my life? No. Neither did I ever change her. The reason is we completed each other. We have each other and I’m just glad I met her or maybe glad her to find me. She inspired me to be me. I don’t know if I ever inspire her. She is my high school, after all, literally speaking. Soon we were separated as we finished our secondary school. We furthered our studies, she went to Manchester and I’m still here, in Sarawak. It has been eight years we’ve been together, and four years ago was the last time we met, we still jumping and hold hands like we used to be. Believe me; we've never contact each other very much. Of course, we called, chatted, and emailed but still, not that much. Last time I really talked to her was last night! Even after four years we last met, our conversation jumped straight to the matters we want to talk. Not how are you? Are you fine? No. It was like, you know what? I hate writing my thesis! Bang! We have our separate lives now, but the bond between us always there, in our heart. One thing for sure, she will be there whenever I need her; Andrea.

*I wrote this after I opened MPH newsletter of “My Best Friend” Blogging Competition 2010 on my email. I thought, why not? Since I have to answer interview form from a blogger interviewing me about my reading root, who inspires me to read at my early age, and all. Well, Andrea did inspired me to love reading.

**Andrea is her pen name. It’s not her real name and I want to keep it that way. She used to write short stories and I’m her no. 1 reader. She is an excellent writer. And we are going to meet this September and yes, we're going to gossip!

friday 56 #11

Blood Engine (Blood Engine #1) by T. A. Pratt

“I found out about your frog-monster,” Hamil said. “An Aztec deity, though ‘primordial earth-monster’ might be a better term, called Tlaltecuhtli.”

“I won’t be able to pronounce that without practice,”Marla said. “I’ll just call him Mr. Toad if I run into him.”




It's an Urban Fantasy genre book and I downloaded free from Goodreads. Click HERE to download.

Credit: Tonya @ Story Time With Tonya and Friends hosted this fun weekly meme. Click HERE to join the fun!

giveaway around blogsphere #3

I found some interesting giveaways around the corner whilst visiting other cool bloggers. All giveaways are INTERNATIONAL!

1) 2011 YA Releases Giveaway

6 Winners can chose any from the list;

Wake Unto Me by Lisa Cach
The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney
Delirium by Lauren Olive
Angelfire (Book #1) by Courtney Allison Moulton
The Gathering (Book #1) by Kelley Armstrong
City of Fallen Angels (The Mortal Instruments, #4) by Cassandra Clare

Click HERE to enter.

*****

2) The Catchy Name Contest

Deepali is looking for a catchy name for her blog!
I suggested one but I don't think mice is that good. Maybe you can come up with better suggestions for her. You can suggest as many as you want!

$10 to shop at Book Depository
or
Silent Blade, by Ilona Andrews ebook

Click HERE to enter

*****

3) Amanda @ My Life With Rats and More is hosting a very generous, cool and awesome (all best word to think of) giveaway!

Prize? 1 winner will win $100 GC of winner's choice (ANYTHING!) or JUST ANYTHING! This way the winner can get exactly what they want *wink*

Heads up to her blog now and enter!
This giveaway is open WORLDWIDE and ends August 15th!

Click HERE for more information.

*****


4) Leanna @ Daisy Chain Books is giving away
Love Lies Bleeding and Blood Feud by Alyxandra Harvey

Click HERE to enter. Ends August 6th, 2010.

5) 20 Follower Giveaway


Mary @ Sparkling Reviews is giving away lot of books to choose.
Ends August 10th

french fried by chris dolley

Title: French Fried
Author: Chris Dolley
Pages: 229 (pdf)
Rating: 4/5

Summary (Goodreads):

Animals behaving badly, other people's misfortunes and the most bizarre true crime story ever. French Fried is the unfortunately true account of Chris...more Animals behaving badly, other people's misfortunes and the most bizarre true crime story ever. French Fried is the unfortunately true account of Chris Dolley’s first eight months in France and has been described as ‘A Year in Provence with Miss Marple and Gerald Durrell. Just when Chris and Shelagh think nothing more could possibly go wrong, they discover that Chris’s identity has been stolen and their life savings – all the money from their house sale in England that was going to finance their new life in France – had disappeared. A bank account had been opened in Chris’s name in Spain to take the proceeds. Then they’re abandoned by the police forces of four countries who all insist the crime belongs in someone else's jurisdiction. The French say it’s an Irish crime as that’s where the money was held. The Irish say it’s French as that’s where all the correspondence came from. The British say it’s nothing to do with them even though forged British passports were used to open the bank account in Spain. And the Spanish are on holiday – and can’t even think about investigating any bank account for at least four weeks. So Chris has to solve the crime himself. But unlike fictional detectives he has an 80 year-old mother-in-law and an excitable puppy who insist they come along if he's going anywhere interesting - like a stakeout.

My Say:

While this is my first time ever reading a true crime memoir, I found it very very interesting and I totally love it! Since I always love crime/ suspense/ thriller or what-so-ever close to that genre, this one is not hard to adore straight away. The good thing is, it's hilarious! Have you read a hilarious true crime memoir in your life? Well, this one is a good start. Very good.

First few chapters are full of unfortunate events happened to Chris. He can't speak French fluently, the wind roof off his horse transporter, his new house has serious plumbing system, with 5 toilets everywhere; next to each room, under the stairs, anywhere that you think that it is impossible. Then it got worse from there. I felt sorry for him for all those circumstances but I couldn't help myself laughing or have a big grin while reading all the silly stuff he thought about his house and his fate in France. When I read the part when he's investigating with his wife, mother-in-law and oh-so-energetic dog with him, it was even more funny and that is very exciting to read someone else's adventures!

I was very astonished with how he composed his adventures and made it very exciting and told in serious way but I felt is very funny to read his misfortunes. Or maybe he was so lucky to have all the exciting unfortunate events happened to him. Even every chapters of his story has a very interesting and intriguing unfortunate title! I was hooked up, fully absorbed and felt like he's telling his story personally to me, very convincing! The last part is a blast for me when he told about his football game, how he scored and brought victory to his team. It was something like a closure to all his unfortunate events which it finally has ended.

I'm fully recommend this true crime memoir to whoever loves memoir. It is fun, a light reading and you can finish it in one sitting. Satisfaction assured.

Disclaimer: I received the review copy courtesy of the author, Chris Dolley. Though I received the book in exchange for review, these are my honest opinions and in no way will ever reflected my review.

*Credit: This review is taking part in Radiant Reviews, hosted by Crissie @ Chrissie Corner. Click HERE for more information

WWW +Wo Wednesday #2

This week's most anticipated pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins (August 24th, 2010)

"This thrilling final installment of this ground-breaking trilogy promises to be one of the most talked-about books of the year."

Everyone is talking about it. I'm excited too! Ehem, I don't even read the first 2 yet. LOL



What did I recently finish reading?

Dear Dylan by Siobhan Curham

Very sweet read and very endearing. You can even finish it in one-two hour!

*I've downloaded it free from HERE.






What am I currently reading?

Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy #3) by Richelle Mead

I'm just halfway through it but it's getting better and I love it!








What am I going to read next?

Vampire Kisses by Ellen Schreiber

I just read a few pages and I find kind of funny and very interesting. Maybe a little intriguing.





*Credit: "Waiting On Wednesdays" is hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

**Credit: "WWW Wednesdays" is hosted by MizB over at Should Be Reading.

teaser tuesdays: vampire kisses

Vampire Kisses by Ellen Schreiber

The official welcome sign to my town should read, "Welcome to Dullsville—bigger than a cave, but small enough to feel claustrophobic!"

page 5




Credit: Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Click HERE for more information.

giveaway flash: weathered too young by marcia lynn mcclure

Linda Weaver Clarke is hosting an interview and giveaway with Romance Author Marcia Lynn McClure at her blog. Whoever interested on winning a copy of the book; Weathered Too Young, simply leave a comment with your email about the interview at her blog. Click HERE to enter! Ends August 2nd, 2010 and it's International.

A little snippet of the book

“Escape into adventure, mystery, and the captivating kisses of Marcia Lynn McClure romance! Enjoy books by Marcia Lynn McClure.”

When Lark appears on the Evans’ porch, Tom instantly hires her to keep house and cook for himself and his cantankerous elder brother, Slater. It doesn’t take long for Slater Evans—handsome, brooding and twelve years Lark’s senior—to unknowingly capture her heart. Lark’s true age is not the only truth she has kept from Slater and Tom Evans. Darker secrets lay imprisoned deep within her heart. However, secrets are made to be found out. Would Lark discover the love she’d never dared to hope for?

buying time by pamela samuels young

Title: Buying Time
Author: Pamela Samuels Young
Pages: 414
Rating: 4.5/5

Summary (Back cover):

Waverly Shaw is a down-on-his-luck lawyer who stumbles upon a potentially lucrative business just when he's about to hit rock bottom. In his new line of work as a viatical broker, Waverly comes to the rescue of people in desperate need of cash. There's a catch, however, his clients must be terminally ill and willing to sign over rights to their life insurance policies before they receive a dime. Waverly then finds investors to advance them thousands of dollars—including a hefty broker's fee for himself—in exchange for a significant return on their investment once the clients take their last breath. The stakes get higher when Lawrence Erickson, who's bucking to become the next U.S. Attorney General, hires Waverly to broker the insurance policy of his cancer-stricken wife. But Waverly's clients start dying sooner than they should, and Erickson—who has some skeletons of his own to hide—is unwittingly drawn into a perilous web of greed, blackmail, and murder. With two determined federal prosecutors hot on his trail, Waverly is on the run, and this time he might need some life insurance.

My Thought:

Superb! Buying Time is definitely a fast pace read and it's a page turner. I was fully absorbed in the story even though at first I thought lots of it kind of cliff hanging and left you wondering but turn out it makes sense in the end. It has two sides of stories which I keep asking myself; what's the link? One is planning on murder while another is guilty but both of them are quite victims of themselves by being framed. The characters are quite unexceptionable and disagreeable from the start. However, that conflict between characters towards the end or half through of it starts to link and it related to each other. I also realize that each main characters have personal issues and quite disturbing; drug dealers, a mental federal judge, materialistic wife, pressured husband, pushy in-laws, a pervert US Attorney General candidate, desperate dying people and the list could go on. But this really works in this novel. It is exciting, thrill and realistic. The best thing that I can find in the author is that, there's no hero. Each character has their sides of very interesting story of their own and for me, it's something cool when the story is not only or just about a person. It's about every person in the book.

All in all, the book is excellently well-written, strong plot line and have solid characters. Other than that, it is well-researched, and a lot of information on viatical policy and prior reading the book, I think this viatical has a lot of ethical issues. While I'm not familiar with the viatical policies, reading this book really broaden my mind on new perspective and learn something new. I really recommend this book to your TBR list or read it very soon if you have the same interest as mine. No regret assured.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Buying Time by Pamela Samuels Young from the publisher for Pump Up Your Book Promotion as part of the tour. Receiving a copy in no way will ever reflected my review and these are my honest review.

Credit: This book review is link up to Book Review Party Wednesday - Thriller Addition at Cym Lowell Blog. Click HERE for more info.

mansfield park by jane austen

Title: Mansfield Park
Author: Jane Austen
Pages: 448 (pdf from Goodreads)
Rating: 3.5/5

Summary:

Born into a poor family, Fanny Price is raised amid the daunting splendour of Mansfield Park by her rich uncle, Sir Thomas Bertram. Treated as an inferior by most of the family, Fanny forms a close attachment to her cousin Edmund, the only person to show her kindness. With the departure of her uncle to the West Indies and the arrival from London of the fashionable Henry and Mary Crawford, flirtation and romantic intrigue abound. As Fanny becomes increasingly uncomfortable with the conduct of her companions, she finds herself isolated and forced to face the conflict between her sense of propriety and social expectation.

My Thought:

I hate when I forgot to write book reviews right away. It seems that I forgot what I had in mind right after I finished the book. This one is included in that category. Yeah, I forgot. But I have to write it's been a few days I have not posting any book reviews. My bad.

Mansfield Park is actually quite different from any Austen books that I've read recently. Her heroine still either too poor or too rich but not seems like another Cinderella story which by means here, she kind of like a slave. Austen didn't really mention the word but it looks more like it. It may sound a bit exaggerating, but Fanny sometimes got my nerves when she did all the works like she have to do it because she thinks she must and never stood up for her own sake. I mean, come on, at least, be a bit strong than that. Or was it actually Austen wanted to portray, a naive woman that very weak and dependent? And her shyness, I don't know. It seems too much. Maybe it's too classic that I missed the point.

However, at least I like the not so romance part of Edmund and Fanny. Edmund is likely a good man, decent, dapper and not that handsome I think, but he is kind very and tolerable. Sometimes, I think he's not encouraging Fanny to stand up for herself, but at least he was there for Fanny and like always in any Austen book, they finally realized they love each other. Other than that, there was a lot a flirtations in the book. Everyone seems like to flirt and it sounds funny for me and make it least boring.

It is absolutely Jane Austen most complicated story I've ever read. I think I will re-read it again. To harness my understanding of classic literature perhaps. My friends, have you read Mansfield Park? If so, what you think this one compared to other Austen's book? I would love to hear your thought!

WWW +Wo Wednesday #1

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

The Lost Saint by Bree Despain (December 28th, 2010)

A family destroyed. A love threatened. An enemy returns.

Grace Divine made the ultimate sacrifice to cure Daniel Kalbi. She was infected wi...more A family destroyed. A love threatened. An enemy returns.

*Look at the magnificent blue nail polish. It's gorgeous!





What did I recently finish reading?

A Prisoner of Birth by Jeffrey Archer

Very engaging and keeps you teetering precariously on
the edge of your mind!






What am I currently reading?

French Fried by Chris Dolley

One man's move to France with his wife, too many animals and an identity thief

It really funny to know the characters having difficulties communicating in France. I even checked the words in dictionary!

Charbon? Pourquoi?


What am I going to read next?

Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy #3) by Richelle Mead

I can't wait to read this exciting book. The previous 2 books really hooked me up!






*Credit: "Waiting On Wednesdays" is hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

**Credit: "WWW Wednesdays" is hosted by MizB over at Should Be Reading.

teaser tuesdays: shadow kiss

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
- Grab your current read
- Open to a random page
- Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
- BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!
- Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead is book 3 in Vampire Academy Series. I write the last sentence of the book. Sorry ;p


Turning away, I stared at the long road winding off ahead of me. I sighed. This trip might take a while.

"Then start walking, Rose," I muttered to myself.

I set off, off to kill the man I loved.

page 443.

giveaway flash: confessions of a completely insane mother by kersten campbell

Linda Weaver Clarke is hosting an interview and giveaway with Author Kersten Campbell at her blog. Whoever interested on winning a copy of the book; Confessions of a Completely InSane Mother, simply leave a comment about the interview at her blog. Click HERE to enter! Ends July 26th, 2010 and it's International.

A little snippet of the book

"Confessions of a Completely InSane Mother" is a book full of humorous stories about life with five kids and a mother who is far from perfect. Author Kersten Campbell said, “It has always been my belief that we, as women, need to laugh more. Mothers experience some of the most stressful working conditions on the planet, and stress can be dangerous to women’s overall health and longevity. Humor can reduce stress.” A reviewer wrote about her book, "I seriously laughed until I cried.”

a prisoner of birth by jeffrey archer

Title: A Prisoner Of Birth
Author: Jeffrey Archer
Pages: 616
Rating: 5/5

Summary (Goodreads):

Danny Cartwright and Spencer Craig never should have met. One evening, Danny, an East End cockney who works as a garage mechanic, takes his fianceé up to the West End to celebrate their engagement. He crosses the path of Spencer Craig, a West End barrister posed to be the youngest Queen’s Counsel of his generation. A few hours later Danny is arrested for murder and later is sentenced to twenty-two years in prison, thanks to irrefutable testimony from Spencer, the prosecution's main witness. Danny spends the next few years in a high-security prison while Spencer Craig’s career as a lawyer goes straight up. All the while Danny plans to escape and wreak his revenge. Thus begins Jeffrey Archer’s poignant novel of deception, hatred and vengeance, in which only one of them can finally triumph while the other will spend the rest of his days in jail. But which one will triumph?

My Final Verdict:

Very engaging and keeps you teetering precariously on the edge of your mind! The first time I read the book, I can't stop! I know it's 600 plus pages but seriously, you'll regret if you put it down. From the first page until I flipped the last page, I feel fully satisfied. The plot of the story is very neat, flawless perhaps, and it's of course how you would like it to end. The main character is well developed, strong and not too heroic. Because if it is, then it would be too much for a normal man to survive like well-build hero. Danny is not a hero. He's just a regular man which need to escape from a crime he didn't commit. He used the breakthrough he had which I think it was brilliant! The story is a fast pace, very intriguing and towards the end, when you hope he will escape forever, and live in a life of someone dead, then come the favorite part. The twist of how the brilliant escape finally discovered. One thing for sure, revenge is not everything. But how you avenge is quite something. I enjoyed the book utterly and it is one of the best book written by Archer. In fact, I love all his books. If you think this is not your kind of book, perhaps you should think twice. It's way better.

**I re-read this book and kind of scheming it. I'm doing a little research to compare with a book I'm reading currently at the moment which I also like it as well.

vampire a go go by victor gischler

Title: Vampire A Go Go
Author: Victor Gischler
Pages: 141
Rating: 4.5/5

Summary (Amazon):

Allen Cabbot is saved from flunking out of graduate school by the extremely difficult Prof. Evergreen, who invites him to join a research project in Prague. Almost immediately, Allen finds himself tangling with Battle Jesuits, a Society of Witches and a vampire, and he learns that Evergreen's real goal may be the philosopher's stone. The feisty ghost of 16th-century alchemist Edward Kelley serves as narrator, complaining about the picture on his Wikipedia entry while explaining the history behind Allen's adventure.

My Say:

Hillarious! I never read anything by the author before but when do some research (well, you know browsing the webs and all) he's actually has another book Go Go Girls Apocalypse which is also good. I wish I have the copy and read it straight away! He writes the book without saving anything best for the last since I think he's giving it best in every page. Every chapters serve you with a very fast pace and it has good simplicity on the writing. I love it straight away. The characters are predictable but it's good because I find nothing wrong with it. Some adventurous scenes are like in a graphic novel which you can simply imagine and laugh! It's not very perfect, but it's perfect enough which every details of the book increase my interest to know more and keep on turning the pages. The writer know how to write scripts with humors; wry and quite dark. However, there's a few boring moment but it still okay. Maybe the interesting parts is that he includes vampires, werewolves, witches, ghosts, alchemists, zombies, just name a few, in the story. That is maybe what I need for a while apart from every books I've read recently seems those creatures are very 'in' and gives a very good impression. But in this book, you'll get the real thing.

It's a light reading and I think you might pick it up and love it at once. Well, maybe it is if you like paranormal and think this might be what you need for something real.

the thin executioner by darren shan

Title: The Thin Executioner
Author: Darren Shan
Pages: 496
Rating: 4/5

Summary (Goodreads):

In a brutal nation of warriors, Jebel’s family holds the highest honor: his father is executioner. But Jebel is considered too thin to compete to replace him. Humiliated and furious, Jebel vows to regain his honor in a quest to petition the fire god for invincibility. The journey is long, filled with unknown monsters. And by the end of it Jebel isn’t quite sure what he wants anymore. In Darren Shan’s imaginative first standalone novel, he explores themes of religious tolerance and cultural understanding, and champions the idea that peace is often the bravest choice of all.

My Thoughts:

This is a book that really drawing me in! Darren Shann never fail to attract my attention of reading his books. I like his Cirque Du Freak books and this one is also is a very good premise. It starts with an awful beginning as the head rolling and also the sound of how the head cut from the neck of the prisoners. I thought, "I'm not good with with this dreadful reading stuff". Turn out, it is not so bad at all.

Thin executioner is actually introducing us a very thin young man who is on a quest with his slave to a far away on highest mountain to harbor a fierce God to give him a superhuman strength so that he could prove to everyone back ta home that he's also worthy man to be honored like his two brothers. However, the quest with his slave open his eyes about the outside world since he's been thought that his tribe is very respectable tribe compared to others. His character is so arrogant, proud, selfish, and he likes to snort. While he's slave/companion is very humble, obedient, sometime very optimistic for a slave. He's also very patient with Jebel's grunts and sulking. Every characters are well described and yes, they are quite interesting. Shann imaginations in his writing is very impressive.

The book has a fast pace, likely a page turner, imaginative, interesting, alluring your interest and imagination. It may sound quite disturbing whenever Jebel remembers how the executions stuff, heads rolling and everything but I ensure you that the book has so much to give. The story itself is very adventurous, engaging and very consistent excitements. Although they have quite a lot of adventures in a very short period like in 2 or 3 chapters, every adventures ends with a good closure, very well put and no cliff hanger.

It maybe sounds a bit weird, but I really enjoyed reading the book, very much. And I should tell you this, I was quite frustrated with the ending but it was satisfying once you know why, and I think it is for the best. A very good twist.

teaser tuesdays: vampire a go go

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
- Grab your current read
- Open to a random page
- Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
- BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!
- Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

I'm reading Vampire A Go Go by Victor Gischler and wow, I'm hooked!

I’m not the hero of this story.

There are a number of important things you need to know up front. Pay attention.

I’m not the hero of this story, but I am the guy telling it. It has to be me. I’m in a unique position.

I know all the players, know how they mix and match and come together to make everything happen.

page 1.

p/s: Don't forget to enter a giveaway to win Bubba Goes National by Jennifer Walker. Click HERE for details.

giveaway flash: bubba goes national by jennifer walker

Linda Weaver Clarke is hosting an interview and giveaway with Author Jennifer Walker - Young Adult Fiction Novelist at her blog. Whoever interested on winning a copy of the book; Bubba Goes National, simply leave a comment about the interview at her blog. Click HERE to enter! Ends July 19th, 2010. Open to US and Canada addresses only.

A little snippet of the book

Bubba Goes National is about a 13-year-old girl, Leslie Clark, who finds an Arabian horse at a livestock auction. She takes him home, finds out he is immensely talented and starts taking him to horse shows. It is a dream come true when she takes him all the way to the National Championships, but along the way she has to deal with her snotty rich rival, Kate. Readers learn about the care and showing of horses and the value of hard work, but the book is not preachy

heartbeat by danielle steel

Title: Heartbeat
Author: Danielle Steel
Pages: 432
Rating: 5/5

Summary (Goodreads):

Bill Thigpen, writer producer of the No.1 daytime TV drama was so busy watching his career soar that he never noticed his marriage collapse. Now, nine years later, living alone in Hollywood, even without his wife and kids, his life and success are still reasonably sweet. Top-of-the-chart ratings, good-natured casual affairs, and special vacations with his two young sons. His life is in perfect balance, he thinks.

Adrian Townshed thought she had everything: a job she liked as a TV production assistant and a handsome husband who was a rising star in his own field. In as enviable life they'd worked hard for—the American Dream. Until she got pregnant. Suddenly all she had was chaos. And Steven's ultimatum. Him or the baby. The question was: did he mean it? He did.

Bill Thigpen and Adrian Townshed collided in a supermarket. And the very sight of her suddenly makes him want more in his life, a woman he really loves, a real family again. But does he need the heartache of another man's baby, another wife? Neither does. But they couldn't help it.

My Say:

I did it again. This is my third reading this book and I never feel tired of it. Heartbeat is a very heartwarming book. Steel's books might be a bit stereotype or a bit predictable but I love how it's written. But I think the truth behind the story is about second chance to love and to forgive ourselves. This book really swept my heart every time I read it. The friendship between Bill and Adrian brought them together and been meaning to start a whole new life. They shared their sorrows, supports each other and their friendship deepens into love. Even though I found it quite harsh to believe Adrian's husband divorced her just because she's pregnant, the storyline is believable and it really has strong plot line. It is quite a linear story with a little climax, but it is also very well developed till the end. I enjoy reading the book thoroughly and never get tired of it. It is also full of motivation, self-help, love, forgiveness and second chance to seek happiness. Maybe you'll think there's no hope and world will collapse, but you never know what will happen at the end of the day if you give up on life. It really teaches me that. I can read it over and over again, and I fully recommend you to read the book too.

dear followers giveaway winner!!! + a mini giveaway

First of all, thank you so much to all my awesome followers and during the contest, I have another 50 new followers! Yeay! I hope that you guys will stick around and endure the "boringness" of me. And I'm sorry to announce the giveaway winner a day late. Believe me, I forgot! But don't fret, because now I'm going to announce the winner of my Dear Followers Giveaway!

The winner of $10 Amazon GC for my blog
Dear Followers Giveaway is....

***drum roll***

Carrie @ In The Hammock Blog!

Congratulations to Carrie!!! I will email her and hopefully she replied me in 48 hours so that I can email her my $10 Amazon GC. If not, I'll pick another winner.

Thanks again to all who entered the giveaway! Anyhoo, I think I couldn't help myself to throw something extra for you. So, if you are interested, I'm giving away 2 digital copy (pdf format) from any of this 3 amazing paranormal books. This is to anyone who entered my Dear Followers Giveaway ONLY. Send me an email at darlyn225 at gmail dot com with "free giveaway" in the subject line and tell me which one is your choice. Then I will send it to you straight away. However, if you didn't enter the giveaway and you are a follower of my blog (if not, become one) and interested to have this, don't worry because you can still choose, but only 1 of the books! How is that sound? I think that would be fair enough. Before I forget, this open until July 20th, 2010 and to whoever interested ONLY! Spread the words!

1) Heart of Darkness Anthology by Gena Showalter, Maggie Shayne and Susan Krinard
2) Mortal Ghost by L. Lee Lowe
3) Vampire A Go Go by Victor Gischler

*Click on the picture to read the synopsis of the book (linked to Goodreads).

**I know it is just digital copies but I like the book and I thought I want to share with followers of my blog. I never read books from the authors before. However, I think they are a worth read except the Mortal Ghost because I have not read it yet. AND, if you receive copy of any books above from me later, please do not pass it around freely because they are my personal copies. I'm so sorry but if you want a copy, you can request from me and I will be glad to do so. This is a little appreciation from me to all my blog followers only.

Thank you zillions for being such amazing followers!

written in the heart by judith stacy

Title: Written In The Heart
Author: Judith Stacy
Pages: 296
Rating: 3.8/5

Summary (Back Cover):

She could read between the lines, and Caroline Sommerfield knew at a glance that business mogul Stephen Monterey had written off any prospect of joy for himself. But working for this very private man convinced her that her true talent was a gift for living, one she was more than willing to share with Stephen. Given the choice, Stephen Monterey would prefer to remain tied to his desk, hard at work, rather than spend his time with frivolous amusements. But that was before Caroline Sommerfield danced her way into his ordered existence, creating her own special chaos and determined to rewrite the story of his life.

My Thought:

I grow fond of this book when the Caroline is such a witty, bold and very independent woman like I want every female character would be. She never let Stephen charms melt her heart easily. She's very disciplined, organized, and also a handwriting interpreter! There's a part which I like most;

"The writer of this," she said, turning to the final sample, "is confident, enterprising and ambitious. But also obstinate, pigheaded and...sexually frustrated." (she said that with a straight face). Stephen glared over her shoulder. "That's my handwriting."

LOL! Stephen is so obsessed with works and it blinds him to focus on his family. He lost hope in love when his father died, left him and his brother with his crucial uncle who sees wealth and bond by blood as an important empathy to survive in high society.

Apart from that,the storyline was well established, the main characters also well presented and so does the settings. Both main characters relationship is quite well developed from the start towards the end. I also love the secondary characters of Stephen's assistant and his nephew's nanny. Other than that, his aunt has quite annoying character and irritated me very much. I feel like I want to skip reading her parts but of course, I remained proceed. However, I enjoy reading it thoroughly and it was a pleasant read.

the friday 56 #10

Tonya @ Story Time With Tonya and Friends hosted this fun weekly meme, which is you have to;
* Grab a book, closest.
* Turn to page 56, ind the fifth sentence.
* Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of Story Time With Tonya and Friends.

Anthology: Heart of Darkness
by Gena Showalter, Maggie Shayne and Susan Krinard

The Darkest Angel by Gena Showalter

Lysander hated lies. So, according to him, she would never be good enough for him. Which meant he was stupid, and she didn’t date stupid men. Plus, he didn’t deserve her. He deserved to rot in his unhappiness. And that’s what he’d be without her. Unhappy. Or so she hoped.




I never read any of her Lords of Underworld Series but I enjoy reading the anthology. What's your Friday 56?

Happy Weekend Everybody!

teaser tuesdays: the thin excutioner

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along!

From The Thin Executioner by Darren Shan

"The executioner swung his axe - thwack! - and another head went rolling into the dust. There was a loud cheer. Rashed Rum was the greatest executioner Wadi had ever seen and he always drew a large crowd, even after thirty years."

page 9.

What's your teaser for Tuesday??

giveaway flash: books by julie coulter bellon

Another cool giveaway from Linda Weaver Clarke! This week she interviews Author Julie Coulter Bellon – International Suspense Novelist! If you are a suspense and thriller fan and interested on winning a copy of the book, simply leave a comment about the interview at her blog together with your email. You may choose her first book, All’s Fair or her new book, Dangerous Connections if you already have the first book. Click HERE to enter! Ends July12, 2010. OPEN to US and Canada only.

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Summary (Author website):

Dr. Brandon Shepherd is finishing out his tour of duty at a small medical outpost in al-Qaim, Iraq. During an emergency evacuation of two wounded soldiers, the helicopter carrying him and his colleague, Dr. Rachel Fielding, is shot down and they are captured by insurgents. They are chained to a wall and pushed past their limits of endurance while their hope for rescue dwindles by the day.

Back in the States, political opponents Kristen Shepherd and Ryan Jameson are squaring off over a heated campaign. When Kristen finds out her brother Brandon has been kidnapped, both Kristen and Ryan band together and use all of their political connections to find him. They soon find themselves swept up in international intrigue that could cause Kristen to lose everything she holds dear. Will she risk it all to bring her family together once again?

Click HERE to read sample chapter of All's Fair.

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Summary (Goodreads):

Having just finished a tour of duty in Iraq, Dr. Tyler Winthrop is ready to join his father, Craig, for a little downtime in Paris. But when Craig disappears, Tyler is yanked back into the brutal realm of danger and the unknown, and his fate quickly becomes entwined with attractive French counterintelligence agent Isabella Floret as he looks for his missing father.

Risk escalates and trust dwindles as the pair uncovers ties between Tyler’s father’s disappearance and a terrorist plot that could take the war on terror in unthinkable new directions. As lines separating enemy and ally increasingly blur, Tyler and Isabella are sent on a pulse-pounding race through Paris while the security of nations hangs in the balance—and dangerous connections are the only aid to be found.

Click HERE to read Chapter One of Dangerous Connection.

guilty pleasures by laura lee guhrke

Title: Guilty Pleasures (Guilty Series #1)
Author: Laura Lee Guhrke
Pages: 384
Rating: 3.5/5

Summary (Goodreads):

One of Daphne Wade's guilty pleasures is to watch the Duke of Tremore as he works, shirtless, on the excavation site of his ducal estate. Anthony Courtland is by far the most exciting and handsome man she has ever known, and she dreams of one day being able to speak with him without getting tongue tied.

Anthony, meanwhile, only sees Daphne as a hard worker on his excavation team. He considers her a plain young lady and says so in a careless remark to a friend, unaware that Daphne is outside the library door, her heart shattering to pieces. So Daphne decides she will not be so silly any longer. She begins to be tutored in the social graces, forcing Anthony to see the beauty who has been right in front of his eyes.

My Say:

I really have a wonderful time reading this book. Although I never know it is actually a series, the book completely stand out and could be a stand alone book. The plain Daphne finally caught Anthony interest when Daphne asked for resigning the post of a restorer (it's more like an archeologist). Anthony desperation to make her stay finally has a change of heart when he really close and learn about her as her friend.

The connection of the character is superb and believable. Daphne become so stubborn and quite hard headed as she promised herself never let her guard down to Anthony or else, her love will grow deeper and she can't leave the place soon. Pleasurable romance blended nicely and heartwarming. The love story between them really melt my heart and I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book. This will not be the last and I will be looking for her next book in the series.

pride and prejudice by jane austen

Title: Pride and Prejudice
Author: Jane Austen
Pages: 320
Rating: 5/5

Summary (Goodreads):

Pride and Prejudice—Austen's own 'darling child'—tells the story of fiercely independent Elizabeth Bennet, one of five sisters who must marry rich, as she confounds the arrogant, wealthy Mr. Darcy. What ensues is one of the most delightful and engrossingly readable courtships known to literature, written by a precocious Austen when she was just twenty-one years old. Humorous and profound, and filled with highly entertaining dialogue, this witty comedy of manners dips and turns through drawing-rooms and plots to reach an immensely satisfying finale.

My Thought:

This book would the best of Jane Austen book so far! Although Elizabeth character is quite annoying and really irritating, I found her a very confident woman at her time, very bold, bright, proud and always speaks her mind. She has a perfect mix of flaws that drives Darcy crazy and at the same time time, she has a lot of good qualities. And Darcy, even though he's portrayed as a handsome man, I find him rather arrogant and quite cold. So to speak *Pride and Prejudice*.

When pride is everything, prejudice will lead the mind. The bantering between Elizabeth and Darcy is quite charming as they made a progression on understanding each other or perhaps lead to their misunderstandings. Pride and Prejudice is very enjoyable, and quite a page turner as I keep loving the bold quarrel between Darcy and Elizabeth. Ooh I love when they had the harsh conversations. I just drawn into the book and I have to admit this book is really one of the greats.

my monthly books recap: june 10

Hi guys! This post is just my latest update on what I've managed and finished to read for June. So far I've read 13 books this month. Yeay! 5 already being reviewed and the rest is NOT. I know what you'll think. But just lets say, I am a very busy girl, which is 24 hours a day is not enough for a greedy human like me. Hah! Ok, so here's the list;

1) Mary, Mary by James Patterson
2) Jane Austen's Guide To Dating by Lauren Henderson
3) Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
4) Emma by Jane Austen
5) Dear Jane Austen: A Heroine's Guide To Life and Love by Patrice Hannon
6) Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
7) Mansfield Park by Jane Austen
8) Guilty Pleasures by Laura Lee Guhrke
9) Written in The Heart by Judith Stacy
10) Give and Take by Kate Walker
11) The Brazillian Tycoon's Mistress by Fiona Hood-Stewart
12) Temporary Engagement by Jessica Hart
13) A Candle For A Devil by Susanne McCarthy

June also has been a great event of Jane in June hosted by precious Misty @ Book Rat. I've been participating in the event and kind of took an oath to read books as many as I can of Jane Austen or any books related to hers. Frankly speaking, I read only 4 books by Jane Austen and 2 is from Autens' fragment books. That is quite an achievement for me, at the very least.

I have to admit that last month I've been a little bit a 'romance crush junkie' as the remaining books on the list is actually Mills&Boon romance books. Well, I still enjoy reading them. Lighten and brighten up my mood.

So there you go. All in all, I already read 58 books so far this year! Yeay! I plan so little for July. I don't really know what books I'm going to read. The reason why is that I already wrapped up all books in boxes and ready to ship them to home!

Maybe you see a little less of me this month. However, I will always be around ;p

Last but not least, how was your June? I hope all of you have a great read for the last month and enjoy many more for July!