tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14300383390163574032024-03-06T03:10:14.786+08:00Reading Tsinoy : Lyn Ching WritesTime is never wasted on a good book. LYNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00577236385474665122noreply@blogger.comBlogger147125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1430038339016357403.post-83476936765159186632017-07-13T09:22:00.000+08:002017-07-13T09:22:02.031+08:00Book Review: What It Takes by Shannon Stacey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE0yTfLMQgfQ98qnlnfJxmHa75fC4PVyTECY61LofoDlb8xlr24WMRvtmi5HxTxI2kdWia0LHatJ11zuOUDuIVwMp54pLCvb3aAIhV-l5j8IaE7Xg2jCX5GCwTHTeAeStZYR6Fnp5ILZcW/s1600/kowalkk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="300" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE0yTfLMQgfQ98qnlnfJxmHa75fC4PVyTECY61LofoDlb8xlr24WMRvtmi5HxTxI2kdWia0LHatJ11zuOUDuIVwMp54pLCvb3aAIhV-l5j8IaE7Xg2jCX5GCwTHTeAeStZYR6Fnp5ILZcW/s640/kowalkk.jpg" width="404" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12pt;">Book:</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12pt;">What It takes: A Kowalski Reunion Novel
#10</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Author:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shannon Stacey<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Genre:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Contemporary Romance; Women’s Fiction<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Publisher:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Carina Press<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Blurb via Goodreads:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt;">Revisit all of your Kowalski favorites while
falling in love with a brand-new romance in this reunion novel from New York
Times bestselling author Shannon Stacey</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma;"> </span><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt;">Laney Caswell is looking for a change. A
decade's worth of less-than-happy matrimony behind her, she wants peace—movies,
books and, best of all, a new job at the Northern Star Lodge in Whitford,
Maine. Spending the summer living in a camper is her chance to rediscover what
makes her happy, and a perfect transition to her new life.</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma;"> </span><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt;">Being a paramedic in Whitford is nothing like
Ben Rivers's city life, but when Josh Kowalski offers him the job, the lure of
his hometown is too much to resist. Also too much to resist: Laney Caswell. Ben
always thought he'd have a wife and kids, a happy family like the Kowalskis
have all built, but he never made time in his life. Now he's found a woman who
draws him like no other and helps him dream again—and the last thing she wants
is a husband.</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma;"> </span><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt;">When the annual Kowalski family camping trip is
moved to the Northern Star, both Ben and Laney are surrounded by the kind of
happiness they've always wanted but never had. It just might be theirs—if they
can put aside the past and reach for it together.</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma;">My Review:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma;">I have read
all the books in the Kowalski series and of the ten, I still love the first
five the most.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma;">Technically,
the protagonist in this story is no Kowalski, so this is not so much a Kowalski
story as it is that of the neighbor and close friend of the family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, the Kowalskis are still
prominently represented as the setting of the romance takes place in the family
owned Northern Star Lodge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma;">Ben has moved
back to Whitford where he grew up to serve as a much needed paramedic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He often goes to the lodge to visit and
help around, especially after he meets Laney, the newly hired extra hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Laney has been through one hell of a
divorce from a husband who loved being in control of everything and
everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had lost herself and
is now in the process of finding who she once was and who she wants to be
again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Falling in love wasn’t part
of the plan, but then again, it never is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma;">The plot is
something we have all read a lot I’m sure and with books like this, it’s really
all about the execution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stacey’s
storytelling is good, however for some reason, I didn’t feel connected to the
characters as much as I expected to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Maybe because I was overwhelmed by the number of characters in the book
that I was sometimes confused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
then again that’s WHY it’s called a Kowalski reunion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the main characters in the previous books are here plus
their offsprings…. That’s a lot of names and stories to look back on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma;">It did thrill
me to, in a way, reconnect with those whose stories I fell in love with before,
but it also distracted me from the love story of Ben and Laney.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And at some points, it felt like I was
being hurried through the book, as if Stacey just wanted to get it over and
done with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite this, I did
like the book and would still recommend it especially to those who have missed
the crazy family that is the Kowalskis.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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LYNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00577236385474665122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1430038339016357403.post-25602708712964010462017-04-11T12:21:00.001+08:002017-04-11T12:21:23.977+08:00Book Review: ON SECOND THOUGHT by Kristan Higgins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4NG0-p3yOxi1RperIArwp0uCgwsWJwWTK0Nrk-LGW1-MIyXC3Z1ORfFalg4Aap0f8opDIAXxbuB7YxRmFaJ4CSNsERWgJz4EqZw6FJUpT-iSmxIUh9X-AkyoV0xRnkOm4mpch7Ij8iCTd/s1600/KH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4NG0-p3yOxi1RperIArwp0uCgwsWJwWTK0Nrk-LGW1-MIyXC3Z1ORfFalg4Aap0f8opDIAXxbuB7YxRmFaJ4CSNsERWgJz4EqZw6FJUpT-iSmxIUh9X-AkyoV0xRnkOm4mpch7Ij8iCTd/s640/KH.jpg" width="404" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Book:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On Second Thought<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Author:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kristan Higgins<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Genre:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Women’s Fiction<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Publisher:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>HQN Books<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Blurb:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt;">Ainsley O'Leary is so ready to get married—she's even found the
engagement ring her boyfriend has stashed away. What she doesn't anticipate is
being blindsided by a breakup he chronicles in a blog…which (of course) goes
viral. Devastated and humiliated, Ainsley turns to her older half sister, Kate,
who's struggling with a sudden loss of her own.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt;">Kate's always been the poised, self-assured sister, but becoming
a newlywed—and a widow—in the space of four months overwhelms her. Though the
sisters were never close, she starts to confide in Ainsley, especially when she
learns her late husband was keeping a secret from her. </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt;">Despite the murky blended-family
dynamic that's always separated them, Ainsley's and Kate's heartaches bind
their summer together when they come to terms with the inevitable imperfection
of relationships and family—and the possibility of one day finding love again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt;">My Review:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Life is never what we
expect them to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More often than
not, we fight against change especially when it means leaving what’s
comfortable and familiar to us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">All her life, Ainsley has
only ever loved one man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blindly
supportive of Eric no matter what, she is just waiting to marry and start a
family with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">After 40 years of
singlehood, Kate is finally in love and married to the perfect man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All they need now is to conceive the
child both have always dreamed of.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">After 4 short months of
wedded bliss, Nathan dies in a freak accident and Kate, the always poised and
together Kate, can’t get past her shock to grieve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Enter Ainsley who needs to stay with Kate as she had been
kicked out of her conjugal home by her almost fiancé Eric who decided that he
had to get rid of the “corpses of his old life”…… by that he means Ainsley, his
job and everything else that mattered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Kate and Ainsley have never
been close.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their age difference
and the fact that they are stepsisters with parents who obviously preferred one
over the other damaged what could have been a close relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But now they are forced to be together
and help each other heal and move on as they navigate a life they never expected,
but would, if faced together, be even better than what they had.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">I have always loved novels
by Kristan Higgins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ever
since I read Just One of The Guys and the Blue Heron series, I knew I would
keep coming back to read and reread all the books that she would put out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">This is heavier than most
of her other books as it deals with grief in much of the chapters in quite a
slow pace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So much so that I
didn’t feel the pull to keep reading until about halfway through, but once I did
though, it was hard to put down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">An interesting point is
that Higgins used a two character narration so it’s so much clearer for the
reader what exactly these two main characters are going through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both Kate and Ainsley are grieving for
different reasons that they are dealing with in such different ways, and we as
readers go through this slow and painful journey with them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Heartbreaks aside, the
buildup of their sisterly relationship and their new appreciation for each
other comes across clearly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it
is wonderful to see their realization that no matter what, it is family that
ultimately helps you through everything that life throws your way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Of course there is romance
in this book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a Kristan
Higgins novel after all. The romance that both sisters develop is an important
part of why this book works so well, however, it is NOT the main point of their
healing and moving forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
does add so much humor and lightness to the book itself though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I love the extra storyline that is
Jonathan’s life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">This is not as funny nor as
romantic as other Kristan Higgins’ books but it is as well written.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if you want to take a breather from
heavy romance and instead read something about family, then pick up this book.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
LYNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00577236385474665122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1430038339016357403.post-79009135127478277882017-03-05T12:04:00.000+08:002017-03-05T12:06:04.573+08:00Book Review: ANY TIME, ANY PLACE by Jennifer Probst<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">Book:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any Time, Any Place (Billionaire
Builders #2)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">Author:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jennifer Probst<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">Genre:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Contemporary Romance, Women’s Fiction<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">Publisher:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gallery Books<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><b>Blurb Via Goodreads:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZGdGAjfGa9lBZ1L38gWvwwdRt_nfen88s88aeBLEFYeNZZimtEtIQ86x46u3KGug_Q1TuKASzNvRUQ6T1ZIhKCp7VuMjKgrnpbqA-OIDluNhmhCeEQIEhnkD_dLFW-csD82L2fYHeLWvt/s1600/probst+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZGdGAjfGa9lBZ1L38gWvwwdRt_nfen88s88aeBLEFYeNZZimtEtIQ86x46u3KGug_Q1TuKASzNvRUQ6T1ZIhKCp7VuMjKgrnpbqA-OIDluNhmhCeEQIEhnkD_dLFW-csD82L2fYHeLWvt/s640/probst+1.jpg" width="411" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";">HGTV’s</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";">Property Brothers</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";"> </span></i><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";">meets</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";">The Marriage Bargain</span></i><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";"> </span><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";">in this second volume
in the Billionaire Builders series, an all-new heart-wrenching and sexy
contemporary romance from</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";">New York Times</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";"> </span></i><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";">bestselling author Jennifer Probst.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";">When she was a teen, Raven Bella Stratton’s
father was killed in a horrible car crash. The bigger shock was the discovery
of a woman with him—Diana Pierce—and their two fully packed suitcases with
airline tickets to Paris. Devastated by her father’s betrayal, Raven went to
live with her aunt, never truly overcoming the traumatic event. When she
discovers that the mysterious woman had a family with a husband and three boys,
Raven vows to leave the memory of her father behind.<br />
<br />
Until Dalton Pierce visits one night and suddenly her past challenges her
future...<br />
<br />
Leaving his life in California behind to run Pierce Construction with his two
older brothers, Dalton Pierce has enjoyed returning home and studying his
passion of woodworking. But when he visits the local bar with his brothers one
evening, he’s immediately drawn to the smart-mouthed, badass, sexy bartender
who sets his body on fire. Unfortunately, she doesn’t seem as intrigued by him,
and his multiple advances are met with rejection. When he offers to restore the
bar back to its original glory, he begins to work with her on a daily basis,
and falls harder. His plan of seduction slowly weaves a web around them both,
until they are caught up in the spell. But Dalton doesn’t know the secret that
can either destroy them both...or finally mend two broken hearts.</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";"> </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29430750-any-time-any-place?from_search=true"><span style="color: #00635d; font-family: "tahoma"; text-decoration: none;">(less)</span></a><span style="font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><b>My
Review:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">I
am always on the lookout for Jennifer Probst books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After reading The Billionaire Marriage series and the
Searching For series, I am confident that whatever she writes won’t just be
romantic but also heartbreaking and heart pounding in its intensity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijxN2WJIrKzZ0Tzy811HmowOzhhHXItheT1-pT9rZJdKKnnA0H7MXXbxvbgXvWoe3PhFwxmFVMQfI43BdRoSCFizGngf89DpEFiapwhWJWHvI6y5EYh883yg84YkX8114vje1NSkO4t-nE/s1600/probst+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijxN2WJIrKzZ0Tzy811HmowOzhhHXItheT1-pT9rZJdKKnnA0H7MXXbxvbgXvWoe3PhFwxmFVMQfI43BdRoSCFizGngf89DpEFiapwhWJWHvI6y5EYh883yg84YkX8114vje1NSkO4t-nE/s320/probst+2.jpg" width="196" /></a><span style="font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">This
book is the 2<sup>nd</sup> in the Billionaire Builders series though it can
also be read as a standalone (I haven’t read the 1<sup>st</sup>
one…..yet).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The
plot is deeper than Probst’s usual as it deals with tragedy, death and betrayal
that touch the lives of both protagonists.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Raven
was devastated by her father’s sudden death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her heartbreak was made worse by the fact that her father
was on his way to Paris, abandoning her for a woman she had never met, Diana
Pierce.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She hated what her father
did, but she hated the sons of the woman more as they destroyed the reputation
of her father in the aftermath.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">After
years of losing and eventually finding herself and her purpose, she goes back
home and starts a business where her talent behind the bar gets noticed by
everyone, including the Pierce brothers, particularly Dalton.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpfqCQbz10IT5Kj-GlLZ2ORFg51ccT_TUYrOfMhmEdsZ6FQONPPPCslXxn2hZBhmrhuCRbAfvEMLpyUrb62Y8OjYjkSGngB0auGj7fpi7HsjNPz-ofkTOMhr_DGZNZMvAlHkbytDXm1ZlA/s1600/probst+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpfqCQbz10IT5Kj-GlLZ2ORFg51ccT_TUYrOfMhmEdsZ6FQONPPPCslXxn2hZBhmrhuCRbAfvEMLpyUrb62Y8OjYjkSGngB0auGj7fpi7HsjNPz-ofkTOMhr_DGZNZMvAlHkbytDXm1ZlA/s320/probst+4.jpg" width="205" /></a><span style="font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Dalton
is the youngest of Diana’s 3 sons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Of the boys, Dalton was the one closest to his mother and her death
caused a wound that never quite healed through the years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His trust issues are deeply rooted, and
as a result, he has never had a real relationship in his entire adult life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Both
Raven and Dalton aren’t looking for a relationship, but one look at each other
proves an immediate attraction that’s hard to resist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dalton pursues Raven, not knowing her past intertwines with
that of his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And much as Raven
runs the other way, Dalton pushes his way into her life and into her
heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9WcgLXNgVDbsq5LiIJnZsJS_o0S3k8-wI7zfQxhsRJkC_G2hXGPJwaaHZxSCHcE29T7wDzoJ6QOwHGZsPT-bGEM8RxUj5lUpK5xciIXmAw7ThBAkc_amzVtzED7h1DeDLdHjc7aUUZJ05/s1600/probst+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9WcgLXNgVDbsq5LiIJnZsJS_o0S3k8-wI7zfQxhsRJkC_G2hXGPJwaaHZxSCHcE29T7wDzoJ6QOwHGZsPT-bGEM8RxUj5lUpK5xciIXmAw7ThBAkc_amzVtzED7h1DeDLdHjc7aUUZJ05/s320/probst+3.jpg" width="206" /></a><span style="font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">What
I love most about Any Time, Any Place is that though there is that instant
attraction between the two, the time frame is more realistic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re talking weeks and months of
pursuit, relationship development and emotional roller coaster before the happy
ending (yes of course a happy ending….i’m a sucker for it……it’s Jennifer Probst
after all).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not the usual
instalove that seems to proliferate in romance fiction nowadays and I
appreciate it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s more relatable
because of this, as if Raven really could be a friend of mine whose tears I
would wipe and Dalton whose ass I would lick..…I mean kick. Seriously!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The
characters are developed well, including those of the support characters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And since I’m a fan of the first two
series, I liked that there is someone familiar here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Izzy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Probst
interconnects her books by putting one or two characters from old series into
new ones, something which makes me personally more invested since the
familiarity is already there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Brilliant move.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">And
because it’s Probst, lock this book away from your teenage kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sex scenes are fiery HOT that can
give Fifty Shades a run for it's money, with no need for the extra tools (if
you know what I mean).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sexy,
seductive yet romantic…..this book is an enjoyable read.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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LYNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00577236385474665122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1430038339016357403.post-48289365919775893352017-02-19T09:00:00.001+08:002017-02-19T09:51:20.485+08:00Book Review: THREE DARK CROWNS by Kendare Blake<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "tahoma";"><b>Book:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Three Dark Crowns<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "tahoma";"><b>Author:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Kendare Blake<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "tahoma";"><b>Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "tahoma";"><b>Publisher:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Harper Teen</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "tahoma";"><b>Blurb via Goodreads:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";">When kingdom come, there will be one.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ93buBxLIJegvm9cTfa9_zvM4CQFjkU13WzwNQSHihdKdrFX9-o26fIOII828qGw_5T2CeDlEHzfLe5yxLt1_NNauGrjffHv6UV6mEYjwiNSgtA677HMuvDh4NMxFvWD0ArOP39O4Skji/s1600/three+dark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ93buBxLIJegvm9cTfa9_zvM4CQFjkU13WzwNQSHihdKdrFX9-o26fIOII828qGw_5T2CeDlEHzfLe5yxLt1_NNauGrjffHv6UV6mEYjwiNSgtA677HMuvDh4NMxFvWD0ArOP39O4Skji/s400/three+dark.jpg" width="262" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";">In every generation on the island of Fennbirn,
a set of triplets is born—three queens, all equal heirs to the crown and each
possessor of a coveted magic. Mirabella is a fierce elemental, able to spark
hungry flames or vicious storms at the snap of her fingers. Katharine is a
poisoner, one who can ingest the deadliest poisons without so much as a
stomachache. Arsinoe, a naturalist, is said to have the ability to bloom the
reddest rose and control the fiercest of lions.</span><o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";">But becoming the Queen Crowned isn’t solely a
matter of royal birth. Each sister has to fight for it. And it’s not just a
game of win or lose…it’s life or death. The night the sisters turn sixteen, the
battle begins.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";">The last queen standing gets the crown.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";"><b>My Review:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "tahoma";">Dark. Twisted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "tahoma";">Two words that best describes the first book that
was able to drag me out of my reading slump of 6 months. It's not my usual cup
of "happy ever afters" but that's what made reading it fun.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "tahoma";"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "tahoma";">This is about three sisters, triplets, who are
also queens. One is a poisoner (a master of poisons and is immune from it), a
naturalist (one with the power to make things grow and is able to bond with an
animal) and an elementalist (one in control of the elements: fire, air, water).
They are separated as children to be raised by others like them knowing full
well that in time, only one of three can survive and ascend as <b>THE Queen.</b></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "tahoma";"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "tahoma";">Among them, Katharine has had the hardest life.
She is raised by poisoners and has had to endure years of pain and poison to
strengthen her tolerance against them, to no avail. With the ascension year
fast approaching, she has to learn fast or fake her way to winning the crown to
ensure that the throne will remain with the poisoners, as it has been for many
years.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "tahoma";"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "tahoma";">Arsinoe fares better. Living among naturalists
has given her much freedom to roam about and develop close relationships,
especially with Jules who also happens to be an exceptionally gifted
naturalist. But no matter how closely attached they are, or the many hours they
train each day, Jules' talent can not rub off on her queen. For all intents and
purposes, Arsinoe is giftless still, just like Katharine.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "tahoma";"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "tahoma";">Mirabella is blessed the most in that her
elemental gifts came early. There was never a question of her gift or her
beauty. So among the 3, she was judged early as the Probable next queen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJhu8DfmW4fHMsxoTwDaS-_wneKzd9Irj3TSvWo6SjSJNYCbGIHuGLJ1ZVIk8jmHoPukYVGoY7ZwliOrcUFSWg3hgXub6HJk5FfP5Vgj4ec_wjDpPyl8LMxLtwi8eA5T3K2ZkSv-RDLUxd/s1600/one+dark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJhu8DfmW4fHMsxoTwDaS-_wneKzd9Irj3TSvWo6SjSJNYCbGIHuGLJ1ZVIk8jmHoPukYVGoY7ZwliOrcUFSWg3hgXub6HJk5FfP5Vgj4ec_wjDpPyl8LMxLtwi8eA5T3K2ZkSv-RDLUxd/s400/one+dark.jpg" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Book 2 comes out in September </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "tahoma";">They have been trained to believe that it is
essential they kill their sisters as it is the will of the goddesses but
Mirabella has the hardest time accepting it. She still remembers her sisters,
their childhood and how much they loved and protected each other.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "tahoma";"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "tahoma";">So the question is, will Mirabella be able to
convince her sisters to reconcile and rule together, if it is even possible,
before she gets killed? Or will Katharine, the one most manipulated and broken,
be too beaten to even recognize the possibilities? Will Arsinoe?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "tahoma";">The story shifts in different perspectives every
chapter so as a reader, I understood well enough each of the three queens. They
have differing personalities and circumstances so I do not have a favorite. I
can't root for one to live while the other two die. And though Katharine rubs
me off as cold and desperate, she is also the most tortured of all. She is a
product of her miseducation and so deserves the benefit of expanded patience
and understanding. Arsinoe seems strong and weak at the same time but is kind
at the root of it. Mirabella strength is her time honed power but her weakness
lies in the simple fact that she loves her sisters and it could very well lead
to her death in the next book..... though I certainly hope not.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "tahoma";">I do like love stories and all three queens have
one..... sort of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most intriguing
is the friendship between Arsinoe and the suitor Billy.... But that's a toss up
with Joseph's triangle with Mirabella and Jules.... Then again the cruel end to
Pietyr's and Katharine's relationship is one to watch too.... Did it push her
over the edge literally and figuratively?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "tahoma";">The author created an intriguing world and the
writing is smooth save for some moments of slowness plus a number of
unexplained matters like what exactly is a war gift? How do naturalists bond
with their familiars? Are poisoners born or made etc....<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "tahoma";">Like I said, this book is dark and it is twisted.
And though there are no graphic sex scenes, they are more than implied. Add
that to the violence peppered in the book, I say be cautious about recommending
this to readers younger than 15.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "tahoma";"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">The cliffhanger ending book 1 is a gift. I can't
say it didn't cross my mind throughout the book since it seemed impossible that
two out of three are giftless. All the same it leaves one more than curious for
the follow up book.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "tahoma";"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;"><span style="background: white;">Happy reading!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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LYNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00577236385474665122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1430038339016357403.post-50894531767385175522016-08-05T14:26:00.000+08:002017-02-19T09:06:13.537+08:00Book Review: THE BEAUTY OF DARKNESS by Mary E. Pearson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPDkbq1LjKYTfuuisgk3gF3UVJRRNMvJeKKyjCQyq1Zb2VWMdieFtUZR3opOi9RdfpBlRBbfcbx-RWJa3kxOIv8NoZPGiKN8DZbo2R1gIurlFDVeTMLo5xASmUm3Mu08DffqLHIu0OjvR/s1600/book3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPDkbq1LjKYTfuuisgk3gF3UVJRRNMvJeKKyjCQyq1Zb2VWMdieFtUZR3opOi9RdfpBlRBbfcbx-RWJa3kxOIv8NoZPGiKN8DZbo2R1gIurlFDVeTMLo5xASmUm3Mu08DffqLHIu0OjvR/s640/book3.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">Book:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Beauty of Darkness (The Remnant
Chronicles Book 3)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">Author:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mary E. Pearson<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">Publisher:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Henry Holt and Co.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">Genre:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Science Fiction, Dystopian, YA Fiction,
Romance<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><b>Blurb via Amazon:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";">Lia and Rafe have escaped Venda and the path
before them is winding and dangerous - what will happen now? This third and
final book in The Remnant Chronicles is not to be missed.</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><b>My Summary:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">WARNING:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>DO NOT READ unless you have read Books
1 & 2 of the <b>Remnant Chronicles</b> or are VERY curious about the book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><b>SPOILER ALERT!!! SPOILER ALERT!!! SPOILER ALERT!!!</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: tahoma;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: tahoma;">Last we saw them, Lia had
been gravely wounded after barely escaping Venda.</span><span style="font-family: tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family: tahoma;">Rafe found her by the bank almost lifeless yet he believes that
they would both survive and return to his kingdom of Dalbreck.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: tahoma;">This book begins with
Rafe’s friends and fellow soldiers Sven, Orrin, Tavish and Jeb finding Lia and
Rafe.</span><span style="font-family: tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family: tahoma;">They then make their slow
(due to Lia’s injuries) trek back to Dalbreck, on the way capturing two
unexpected eventual allies, Kaden and Griz.</span><span style="font-family: tahoma;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: tahoma;">The animosity between Kaden
and Rafe is still very much alive.</span><span style="font-family: tahoma;">
</span><span style="font-family: tahoma;">And though Rafe knows Lia loves him, he still has doubts as to what
exactly Lia feels for Kaden the assassin and what happened between them in her
captivity.</span><span style="font-family: tahoma;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: tahoma;">Lia’s gift of sight grows
strong with more frequent whispers and messages from beyond.</span><span style="font-family: tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family: tahoma;">Her fate is set it seems and she
believes strongly that the Komizar, if not stopped by her, will destroy her
home, Morrighan.</span><span style="font-family: tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family: tahoma;">Rafe fears for
her life as the Morrighan court has been infiltrated by traitors who have
placed a bounty on Lia’s head.</span><span style="font-family: tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family: tahoma;">One
of these is a high ranking official whose connection to Kaden is one he
loathes.</span><span style="font-family: tahoma;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim9XkgJJfDG33GPDZCQY3aAnZzFxHKTm8ioLk9ums7c1weMVCyq5SRrA_qfyatNfguezVmRJJSpc_JiyAYYq1ic8jAQGtaR7RB8KiGXAG6HPpaJGM_WC_6oJ54CEP3DKnfPq4k8kHbsG6v/s1600/%25233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim9XkgJJfDG33GPDZCQY3aAnZzFxHKTm8ioLk9ums7c1weMVCyq5SRrA_qfyatNfguezVmRJJSpc_JiyAYYq1ic8jAQGtaR7RB8KiGXAG6HPpaJGM_WC_6oJ54CEP3DKnfPq4k8kHbsG6v/s640/%25233.jpg" width="419" /></a><span style="font-family: "tahoma";">On Rafe’s shoulders now lie
the burden of running the kingdom of Dalbreck as in his absence, his parents
passed away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And since he spent
months trying to save Lia from the Komizar and the vipers in the Vendan sanctum,
the people of Dalbreck do not know whether he lived, died or has
abdicated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His position is in jeopardy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has to fight not
just to make Lia stay with him, but also for his birthright, his throne.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: tahoma;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: tahoma;">So what weighs more for
Rafe?</span><span style="font-family: tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family: tahoma;">Is it love for Lia or love
for his people and his kingdom of Dalbreck?</span><span style="font-family: tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family: tahoma;">And what is Lia prepared to sacrifice?</span><span style="font-family: tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family: tahoma;">Her Prince or Morrighan?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><b>My Review:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">Months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have waited months for this book to
come out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tore through the 1<sup>st</sup>
two books over and over again in anticipation of the last in the series.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And though The Beauty of Darkness is
quite long and does dwell on the political upheavals in both kingdoms of
Morrighan and Dalbreck plus the visions of Lia a tad much, I still enjoyed
the book.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: tahoma;">I deeply love the
relationship of Rafe and Lia.</span><span style="font-family: tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family: tahoma;">For
me it is the strongest point of this series.</span><span style="font-family: tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family: tahoma;">And much as I like Kaden, it was always Rafe who had my heart.</span><span style="font-family: tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family: tahoma;">The romance here is tempered but
not necessarily lacking in that the few romantic scenes they did have were intense.</span><span style="font-family: tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family: tahoma;">Heart pounding, squeal
inducing intense.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: tahoma;">I appreciate that the
author played with Kaden’s character that as a reader, I vacillated between
loving and loathing him every few chapters.</span><span style="font-family: tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family: tahoma;">But in the end, there was no longer any doubt as with whom his
loyalty lies, which is not the same as who he ultimately loves.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: tahoma;">As for Rafe’s friends, I
fell in love with each one’s strength and personality.</span><span style="font-family: tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family: tahoma;">Their loyalty to Rafe as a fellow
soldier, friend and Prince is solid.</span><span style="font-family: tahoma;">
</span><span style="font-family: tahoma;">I love that every one of the four characters, though minor in a sense,
were fully developed and that each had their moment before the end came.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVeYaWvZ3adZFid7prUvXvURSNXhPanqsPV41shms39y5lUhuvTJXbbh7i0AZBKeFp8KbfS8IoM6FRNNAeo5IQ84wB3Uo2LXuMD8CrXFCSRXQsDKnpu609tjRmsWVndQ-hKP7S7S4xQ3fG/s1600/%25232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVeYaWvZ3adZFid7prUvXvURSNXhPanqsPV41shms39y5lUhuvTJXbbh7i0AZBKeFp8KbfS8IoM6FRNNAeo5IQ84wB3Uo2LXuMD8CrXFCSRXQsDKnpu609tjRmsWVndQ-hKP7S7S4xQ3fG/s640/%25232.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">Mary E. Pearson has woven a
tale so well thought out that all possible angles are covered and since, as I
have said before, I am a sucker for happy endings, this was a good read for me.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: tahoma;">That said…</span><br />
<span style="font-family: tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: tahoma;">For all the build up about
the Komizar and his power, his last moments with Lia were lacking.</span><span style="font-family: tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family: tahoma;">It was too sudden….too clean….too
easy.</span><span style="font-family: tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family: tahoma;">I felt a bit cheated.</span><span style="font-family: tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family: tahoma;">Like the anticipation had been for nothing.</span><span style="font-family: tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family: tahoma;">More heart pounding action between the
Komizar and Lia would have been better.</span><span style="font-family: tahoma;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: tahoma;">As for the ending, that
scene with Lia and Rafe…much as I liked what ultimately happened between them,
it was also too abrupt.</span><span style="font-family: tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family: tahoma;">I wish
that it was longer, more heart felt.</span><span style="font-family: tahoma;">
</span><span style="font-family: tahoma;">For all they have been through, I believe they deserve so much more than
the short ending they got.</span><span style="font-family: tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family: tahoma;">Perhaps
this calls for an epilogue?</span><span style="font-family: tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family: tahoma;">Or an
e-novella?</span><span style="font-family: tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family: tahoma;">I can definitely do
with more Rafe and Lia in my life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: tahoma;">In all, I still highly
recommend The Remnant Chronicles.</span><span style="font-family: tahoma;">
</span><span style="font-family: tahoma;">Of the three, the 1</span><sup style="font-family: tahoma;">st</sup><span style="font-family: tahoma;"> book, the Kiss of Deception, remains my
favorite.</span><span style="font-family: tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family: tahoma;">Read and find out
why.</span><span style="font-family: tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family: tahoma;">Happy Reading!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: tahoma;">For the curious, here is
the link to my review of the first book, </span><u style="font-family: tahoma;"><b><span style="color: #660000;"><a href="http://readingtsinoy.blogspot.com/2014/07/book-review-kiss-of-deception-by-mary-e.html" target="_blank">The Kiss of Deception</a></span></b></u></div>
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LYNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00577236385474665122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1430038339016357403.post-819378326220980852016-07-10T19:59:00.000+08:002016-07-10T20:20:50.498+08:00Book Review: IN THIS LIFE by Christine Brae<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVqArNtUgY3YDpgQ_iogTeIEtsja8K3am3oXl09mnfcQhrVaHmEJ6IKyNVZdwx7ncPaxlpPge_I5LB23RWQFWc4bxcjHN9kQobXmxv3uQrmTEttugN5KKVeQsmw3hERr6YVae9Aq00yMQ7/s1600/in+this+life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVqArNtUgY3YDpgQ_iogTeIEtsja8K3am3oXl09mnfcQhrVaHmEJ6IKyNVZdwx7ncPaxlpPge_I5LB23RWQFWc4bxcjHN9kQobXmxv3uQrmTEttugN5KKVeQsmw3hERr6YVae9Aq00yMQ7/s640/in+this+life.jpg" width="412" /></a></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";">Book:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In This Life<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";">Author:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Christine Brae<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";">Publisher:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christine Brae<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";">Genre:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Adult Contemporary Romance<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";"><b>Blurb via Goodreads:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";">Lovers don’t finally meet somewhere,</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">They’re in each other all along.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">RUMI</span><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";">It starts out so simply. Anna runs away to
Thailand, drags her best friend Dante with her and spends a few weeks away,
taking on other people’s problems while getting away from her own. She meets
the enigmatic Jude Grayson, and for as long as it’s clear to both of them that
it ends when they leave, she thinks she’s got the perfect fling planned out.</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt;"><br />
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<span style="background: white;">Or does she?</span><br />
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<span style="background: white;">Anna returns home to find that her life is no
longer the way it once was, and that she can’t stop thinking about him. She
learns through tragedy that nothing she’s ever believed in has turned out to be
true. The worst part? The people she loved were keeping a secret from her. And
that no matter what she does, no matter how hard she fights against it, every
path she takes keeps leading her back to Jude.</span></span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";"> </span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt;"><br />
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<span style="background: white;">This is a story about love, found in a faraway
place by two very unlikely people. It is also a story about friendship and
loyalty and fighting for what you have despite the illogical mystery of fate.
With the struggle between morality and guilt, faith and acceptance, there comes
a learning that even the best-laid plans are powerless against the alignment of
the universe.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">From the beaches of Thailand to the streets of
New York, three friends, Anna, Dante, and Jude will learn the hard way that
once providence steps in, there is nothing in the world that can change what is
truly meant to be.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";"><b>My Review:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Fate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Faith.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">These
are the three main points of the story played out by the three characters Anna,
Jude and Dante. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Of
them I felt for Dante the most because he is loving as he is loyal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have heard people describe love as
blind, stupid, forgiving and impossible. Well, these are all Dante in the
flesh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He loves the impossible
which for me is Anna because her character isn’t easy to love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Imagine being caught between two
beautiful men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One readily
available, the other missing in action.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A sensible woman would go for the first…. The readily available.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The loving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The miraculously patient and kind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Anna loves the other one, Jude, with a passion and
obsession I could not quite understand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It bordered on crazy, at least for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was it a case of loving the one you can’t have? The one who
got away?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It certainly felt like
that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But then again, some people
might say that it’s true love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After all, some couples fall in love within a week and it could last a
lifetime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It could especially last
in the make believe world of books where nothing is unimaginable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here, Love is Love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is raw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is painful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But it is Anna’s truth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The
writing of Brae is lyrical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has
a flow that reminds me of music that can soothe the soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The scenes are not hyper extended
either so the pace is steady.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">One
point I can not fully appreciate is book’s take on religion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe it’s because I consciously stay
away from books with religious themes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Or maybe I just can’t consolidate the idea of religion and sex in one
book….let alone in many conversations by the characters. But again, it may just
be me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The
book is romantic, often melodramatic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some lines that come out of the “mouths” of Anna, Dante and Jude are
ones I believe I could never utter in my entire life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But that’s what romance is isn’t it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t we need drama sometimes?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d rather read drama than LIVE
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So to have them in
writing is more enjoyable than having to go around myself crying over a man who
may or may not love me after 5 years of waiting, which is what Anna does.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Do
I like Anna?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I barely understand how she thinks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I certainly love
Dante.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As for Jude, I will reserve
my judgment until further notice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">What
wins for me in this book is its belief Fate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe in fate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I also believe that everything happens for a reason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So many things happen to these
characters that gives them a full circle ending.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is peace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">After
all, Isn’t that what we romantics look for <b>IN THIS LIFE</b>? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Have
a Good Read!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Read my conversation with author <span style="color: #990000;"><b><a href="http://readingtsinoy.blogspot.com/2015/09/spotlight-on-author-christine-brae.html" target="_blank">Christine Brae</a>.</b></span></span></div>
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LYNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00577236385474665122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1430038339016357403.post-20490867422423723912016-05-27T10:36:00.001+08:002016-05-27T12:46:03.043+08:00Spotlight on Author Jennifer Niven<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">Mental illness and suicide
are not topics I usually associate with Young Adult Fiction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whenever I pick up a copy of my
favorite genre, I expect to lose myself, relax and just delve into a world that
is not my own, where there are a few tears, but none so devastating that it would
affect me deeply.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">Reading the blurb of
Jennifer Niven’s book </span><b style="font-family: Tahoma;">All The Bright Things</b><span style="font-family: "tahoma";">, I already knew I had to prepare
myself for something I possibly wouldn’t enjoy in the shallow way I often want
to with YA books.</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma";"> </span><span style="font-family: "tahoma";">And so I only started
reading it the day before my scheduled interview with the author.</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma";"> </span><span style="font-family: "tahoma";">Maybe I was afraid, or maybe I was
trying to save myself from being devastated.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_u7FyhYVfZCfDLCqxPg7u7uHx5ClpIqZ_0JLP0wKlt40AnHwQbmzMFXLCbHex9y2XvXWfLb84F6v4PWguiZGw7IjIcN-2vTwP9Kr0wF8iVFb-I4C_BeR9BB4qpQs2GqFyjJsOCZcIzSq4/s1600/All+the+Bright+Places.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_u7FyhYVfZCfDLCqxPg7u7uHx5ClpIqZ_0JLP0wKlt40AnHwQbmzMFXLCbHex9y2XvXWfLb84F6v4PWguiZGw7IjIcN-2vTwP9Kr0wF8iVFb-I4C_BeR9BB4qpQs2GqFyjJsOCZcIzSq4/s640/All+the+Bright+Places.jpg" width="419" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">I will not lie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the bright Things is a heavy
book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It does leave the reader
emotionally shaken and heartbroken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But it also made me rethink my ideas on what mental illness can actually
do to a person, slowly but inevitably, if left on their own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">What is most interesting
with the book is that it was written in a two person point of view and both these
persons were suicidal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One was
Violet who suffered from guilt and depression.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other was Finch who had an undiagnosed bipolar
disorder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jennifer Niven was brave
in articulating the thoughts and feelings of Finch because she herself had
one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A person she loved committed suicide
not so long ago and this book she says, is in a way, her catharsis from that
episode in her life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">This is my conversation
with <b>Jennifer Niven</b>:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">Lyn:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jennifer, this is the first YA book you
ever wrote and usually YA books are light and romantic with conflicts that are
in the end resolved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yours was
dark and very serious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why did you
choose that?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">Jennifer:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was inspired by a real story and a
real boy I knew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just wrote
about the boy I knew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are
many things that are different with Finch and Violet but at the core it’s the
story that I lived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also dealing
with mental health stories, I feel that there are so many issue books that
kinda romanticize suicide or mental health issues and I didn’t wanna do
that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to just write it
honestly and as truly as I could write it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What do you think is a big problem with
Mental illness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it the
stigma?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The lack of support from
families? Or the silence?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">J:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think it’s all of that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I lost the boy I loved in real
life, I almost felt like I couldn’t talk about him or mourn him because of the
way he died and it was a really horrible way to feel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember thinking, if I felt this way, imagine how he felt
and other people feel who are suffering from mental health issues and they feel
like they can't speak out or say I need help because of the judgement or the
silence or the lack of interest or support.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s also because you don’t see the
signs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean the characters
Charlie and Brenda, did they even know about Finch’s problem? Or they just
assumed he was being a freak because he takes on different personas and would
disappear for long periods<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">J:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think they just kinda came into it
knowing him as they knew him like <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">this is
Finch, he is weird and he changes his clothes like he changes his personas</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I think they didn’t have all the
information.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And also Finch was
very guarded about what he shared and that was part of it too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He would only let people in so
far.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Violet got the closest but
even she, he didn’t want to put all that he was dealing with on her so he was
very protective of her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">I think
Finch’s parents could have paid more attention and been more involved so I
think they have to shoulder a lot of it.</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma";">
</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma";">But Finch also needed to speak up and say I need help.</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma";"> </span><span style="font-family: "tahoma";">And part of writing the book is to
start these discussions of us needing to talk more about this and that we need
to know that it is necessary to speak up if we need help and we need to be
receptive as people being spoken to.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How did you get into the head of Finch?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or did you base Finch on the person you
loved?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">J:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That really formed him most of all and
knowing him so well and seeing him up close and personal, everything he
struggled with every single day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And also the magic he created by just being him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of that formed Finch the most.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also talked to experts and talked to
people I know who are struggling with depression or have struggled with
suicidal thoughts as well just to verify everything that I am putting into this
character as I knew from this boy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why didn’t Finch ask for help when he
pretty much knew he was suffering through something?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">J:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think he knew what he had which is
bipolar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So when Embryo (the
school counselor) brought that up, it just freaks him out because he always
suspected his father had it and any idea of being anything like his dad…. It’s
bad enough he was named after him but to have what his dad probably had but he
was never diagnosed, with was just too much for Finch to deal with, and I think
Finch was so worried about labels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To him being labeled was dismissing everything else that he was and it
was just categorizing him as bipolar<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Putting him in a box<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">J:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Putting him in a box and the thing is
that when I think about Finch, I think about this wonderful person he became as
I was writing him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Could it have been genetic then?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or a result of bring abused by his dad?
Or just having a dysfunctional family with a mother who has checked out?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">J:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bipolar disorder does tend to run in
families so chances are he inherited it genetically from his dad, so triggers
can come from stressful situations like his father’s abuse. As you see in the
book every time Finch has an episode or he is considering suicide, it comes
from some sort of a run in with his dad or with Roamer (a school bully and
Finch’s former friend).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His mother
is just checked out and shut down in her own way that she can't see what's
happening with her kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But she
feels like a better mother than she is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is so selfish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And she can’t get beyond the fact that
her husband left her<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">J:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sad part is that there are so many
stories like that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately
there are parents like that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some
adults who have read the book say they take issue with it because they think
that’s not realistic because the authority figures are not doing anything but in
my high school, the counselors were not in tune with what kids were dealing
with and we lost kids to suicide because counselors were not paying
attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's not the only
reason but it was certainly a part of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And I hear from teens every single day say “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">my parents just say get over it, you’re just being emotional, you’re
just a teenager</i>”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>or they don’t
wanna hear it at all because they're too busy and I just think why is that
happening?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have said and you’ve written that
you had your Finch but for a long time you didn’t want to talk about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why did it take so long for you to open
up about him?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do people ask you
about him now?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">J:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And now it's so much easier to talk about it because I wrote
this book and writing it was really difficult because I hadn’t talked about it
that much except to one or two people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So it was very scary because I didn’t even know if I could put all that
out there when I haven't dealt with it myself fully.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The reason it took so long is because it was such a painful
experience in so many ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
this let me go back to all the loveliness too because there was so much lovely
stuff about the relationship and about him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I'm so glad that finally I was able to get in there and
get this out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How old were you when THAT happened?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">J:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was not in high school, I was
actually in my 20s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>we were both
in our 20s when I knew him and one reason I wrote it as YA is, one, I just love
reading young adult ,and two, I thought I needed a little bit of distance in
terms of reality in order to write this because otherwise it's gonna be too
much and I'm gonna freeze on the page.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So by giving it to these two characters in high school it just
immediately broke that, it made me feel like okay these are two different
people, but I can give them all the feelings that I had and that he had.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How much of Violet is actually you?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">J:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know I say..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because she’s a writer too<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">J:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is a writer too and she grew up in
Indiana which I did, I'm an only child which she became.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The two things we have most in common
are that if things are crumbling in my world I tend to smile through them and
she loved the boy Finch and I loved a boy like Finch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I always say she was more popular than I was in high
school <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not with this face! (referring to
Jennifer of course)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">J:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you but this hair was very big
back in the 80s…..so…. there are more differences than similarities between us
I think.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the heart of the
story is what's true and a few of the circumstances<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You called yourself a Survivor of
Suicide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What was it like for you
moving from that point?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">J:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did a lot of denial I think.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would try to write some of it out but
it was….i was not ready to face certain things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew him in Los Angeles and I lived there for a long time
and not long after he died, I had to move back to the East Coast where I grew
up because I just had to get away from it and I ended up coming back a few
years ago to LA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it's only
since I've written the book for instance that I've been able to drive by the
street where I found him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So it’s now just a part of your
past.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have cleansed yourself
of it?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">J:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s a great way to put it</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">L:</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma";"> </span><span style="font-family: "tahoma";">Your catharsis is already the book</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">J:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Exactly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it's not why I wrote it, but it's certainly the result
of writing it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This has helped me
find bright places out of that experience and what that is is reaching readers
through telling the story about this boy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Reaching readers before they might do something similar or helping them
realize that they're not alone and that there is help out there for them and
they don’t have to choose that path<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What reactions have you gotten from
readers?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Has someone reached out
with their personal experience?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">J:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Absolutely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has been overwhelming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have heard from thousands of readers across the world
saying… the main message I hear is <i><b><span style="color: #444444;">thank
you so much for writing this book.
You have made me know that I am not alone and that I am gonna get help,
I am going to tell someone how I feel, I don’t wanna end up like Finch, I want
to find the bright places in my life, I want to wander, I want to make the
world lovely</span></b></i> and that is just the best feeling hearing that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I heard from one girl who actually went
to her local Target and she was buying sleeping pills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s 17 years old, she was gonna end
it that day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And my book for some
reason was shelved by the sleeping pills so she picked the book up because it
was so strange that it was there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She opened it and saw the first line <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Is
today a good day to die?</i> And she just thought <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I need to read this</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So she took it home, read it, forgot about the sleeping pills and the
next day she told her parents and she is in counseling now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's that kind of thing that I am
hearing and it is powerful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What got me most is the song that your
loved one left you<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“<span style="color: #444444;"><b>And in two weeks we’ll fly again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps a Chinese dinner then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You make me happy, you make me smile</b></span>”.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is there ever a day that you don’t sing
it in your head?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">J:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t think so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Especially since I’m now back in LA
which is where it happened and also we would wander LA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So many places in LA just because, and
so I think about that when I'm driving around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's a good feeling now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And now I can think about that song, which I do almost daily,
and it's a good thing and it makes me smile too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does it make you sing it?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">J:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It does make me sing it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sad thing is he sang it to me one
time and so I have the melody but it's such a fragment of the melody and it's
so fragile, I try to keep it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I
think about it all the time because I don’t ever wanna let go of that melody.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you ever go back to where you
wandered with him?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">J:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah…at first it was difficult, but now
it has become a bright place.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRHFdeVYkS91yP2CXrudKc3Vvm7Mo7TJyqyejSViSQix_aAZyiwxwW_StlTH1JdqnErS4ZI6cdRPe-c29oEviwSYgAtlcmrRZb_eI1195_0Yp6xoEqsbodolQOKgkdgON_n-h5lFqz7Lbf/s1600/Jennifer+Niven.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRHFdeVYkS91yP2CXrudKc3Vvm7Mo7TJyqyejSViSQix_aAZyiwxwW_StlTH1JdqnErS4ZI6cdRPe-c29oEviwSYgAtlcmrRZb_eI1195_0Yp6xoEqsbodolQOKgkdgON_n-h5lFqz7Lbf/s640/Jennifer+Niven.jpg" width="435" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is your favorite line from the
book?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because mine is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #444444;">You
make me lovely and it's so lovely to be lovely to the one I love</span><o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">J:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Obviously I have a soft spot for the
song for a good reason so that’s probably my favorite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In terms of lines that I came up with
and it surprises me how much readers love this line is <span style="color: #444444;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You are all the colors in one at
full brightness</i></b>.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s
one of those lines that you don’t even remember writing so you think it kinda
came from somewhere else but that’s the line I see the most from readers<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">L: what would you want your
readers to take away from <b>ALL THE BRIGHT PLACES</b>?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">J:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want them to take away the fact that
they aren’t alone and that they are very important and necessary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would say you’re the only you in this
world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that even in the darkest
times, there are bright places around us and that <b>WE</b> could be bright places
also.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">You can catch <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jennifer Niven</b> at her book signing
events on the following dates:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">May 28.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1pm at the Northwing Atrium, SM City
cebu<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">May 29.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2pm at the Mega Atrium, SM Megamall<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">Registration starts at 10am
for both events.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only books
purchased from The National Book Store, National Book Store Express and
Powerbooks will be accommodated.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">A special thanks to Mr. JB
Roperos of the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">National Book Store</span></b>
for arranging my interview with the author.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
LYNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00577236385474665122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1430038339016357403.post-71401205282861131002016-05-26T16:19:00.001+08:002016-05-26T17:02:34.932+08:00Book Review: The Palace Library by Steve Loveridge<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt;">Book:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Palace Library</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE5GaLEgGy5SspNcedUUr4bnleuCo_fFKcy70wq3qD0qNR18yonTjy8YrW3Ycp-Ru_eS97AbrgRvgvS_j1kA-H6-xAoKacIDyqG2M_rtogIVw9YrjPF2fldLCRe-i9lUR1GPlhmiChJIuG/s1600/palace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE5GaLEgGy5SspNcedUUr4bnleuCo_fFKcy70wq3qD0qNR18yonTjy8YrW3Ycp-Ru_eS97AbrgRvgvS_j1kA-H6-xAoKacIDyqG2M_rtogIVw9YrjPF2fldLCRe-i9lUR1GPlhmiChJIuG/s640/palace.jpg" width="420" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt;">Author:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Steven Loveridge<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt;">Publisher:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>CreateSpace<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt;">Genre:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Children’s Fiction, Teens, YA<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><i><b>For this book, I asked my 11 year old daughter Gaby to read and write the review as it is perfect not only because of her age but the genre is a favorite of hers as well.</b></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><i><b>She has contributed to my blog but only when she finds time in between her many other books (she has a LONG list), school work, basketball and soccer training plus guitar lessons. Here is my Little bookworm's review.</b></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt;">Blurb via Goodreads:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";">Three children stumble upon an extraordinary
library in an old house. Armed with magical books, and accompanied by an enchanting
deerhound, they leave through a door that takes them to a world in the past.
Beyond the door, a kingdom is in crisis.</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";"> </span><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";">The children must unlock the secrets in their
books as they face storms, fight traitors and tackle dragons.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";">The Great Sword of State has been stolen and
destroyed. The Queen reveals an ancient prophecy that says only these children
can replace the Sword and she sends them on a journey that takes them beyond
the world’s end.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";">Without knowing who they can trust, can they
succeed?</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";"> </span><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt;">Gaby’s Review:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt;">The story is about a girl named Grace.
She finds a mysterious door that leads to the Palace Library.
Eventually, she finds out that all the books there are magic. When she
goes inside, she meets a librarian named Edgar.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9_SoEm7jDZR19h_fiK8I81L0JdPBsUJmYPbdlYD0ZjFSR6Nf4rX1vQScyblc3gZmMD47EulAg-hFNzzU52NArG0gIAZ_RwfJJGeGItEkIA975Llmooj2e7UsYJOZDsEzhGp3pPS_Ot0J/s1600/scroll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9_SoEm7jDZR19h_fiK8I81L0JdPBsUJmYPbdlYD0ZjFSR6Nf4rX1vQScyblc3gZmMD47EulAg-hFNzzU52NArG0gIAZ_RwfJJGeGItEkIA975Llmooj2e7UsYJOZDsEzhGp3pPS_Ot0J/s400/scroll.jpg" width="262" /></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt;">When she returns, her Great Uncle Jasper
sends her and her cousins, Eleanor and Harry, with her to the library.
There, Edgar gives them each a magic book. Grace gets a book with star
charts that magically pop out of the pages; Eleanor gets a book about healing
and plants/herbs that you can scratch-and-sniff; and Harry gets a book that can
answer any question of his, but is very cryptic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt;">They go to Clarendon Palace, January 1164
through a portal called the Great West Door. They are accompanied by a
dog named Sophie. When they get there, they meet a man named Master John.
He brings them to the queen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt;">When they meet Queen Eleanor, they also
meet a very suspicious knight named Sir Guy of Caen and, the queen's personal
handmaiden, Eloise. The queen tells them that what they are supposed to
do is reforge the Sword of State, which was thrown overboard during a storm by
a traitor, and find out the identity of the traitor who threw the Sword
overboard.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">They leave immediately to find the blacksmith who will reforge
the Sword. They are accompanied by Eloise. During the ride to the
port, where the blacksmith's house and the ships are, Harry asks about a
prophecy from his book. The prophecy is about the cousins. The
blacksmith's name is Edwin and he's a dwarf.</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma";"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3j39_SQ8GENTCT8w6VtJvPEaICwgQNt_wDmMoXlIGQEuKHZH-4wYps3L944y3M2TKmHXT5tW-gYvH1O-hxFVFPamCkSj_fuUFY7iaa1KGS-L1Z6aQwCRcuACH21SQtFBZbBc5fkBhHYsU/s1600/Pascual_130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3j39_SQ8GENTCT8w6VtJvPEaICwgQNt_wDmMoXlIGQEuKHZH-4wYps3L944y3M2TKmHXT5tW-gYvH1O-hxFVFPamCkSj_fuUFY7iaa1KGS-L1Z6aQwCRcuACH21SQtFBZbBc5fkBhHYsU/s200/Pascual_130.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gaby<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt;">They ride on the king's ship and go to an
island called Hell's Bay. There they are supposed to reforge the Sword.
Will they finish their quest before the door to their home closes?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like this book because it is about a library, and I am a
bookworm so books are my favorite pastime. And I also like this book
because it has plenty of twists.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like how Eloise is so mysterious and I think that makes
readers want to read more and find out more about her. And I like how
Grace is so enthusiastic and happy most of the time. But, my favorite
character is honestly Eleanor because she can be calm when she wants to and she
has a pretty good memory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt;">When Mr. Loveridge wrote this, I think he
gave a lot of thought about the characters because they are described really
well. I am happy I read the Palace Library and am looking forward to
reading the next book of the series, Guardians of the Scroll.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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LYNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00577236385474665122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1430038339016357403.post-8534528086752006702016-05-25T11:46:00.002+08:002016-05-25T18:14:40.074+08:00Book Review: HIDDEN DANGER by Amy Patrick<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxFfeFhyWxfUECQEYeMdo1SmILiIVSUJI5Z5CgMPikTWPssjM_LkTHT3kkrGojZTuya7T8eIgDwBPi5Po1hLwPczKgT03N1ALNnvB7P3xj7xP4Ic5MvW9QBuoTzNSTuek8hGEQAvxEICY/s1600/danger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxFfeFhyWxfUECQEYeMdo1SmILiIVSUJI5Z5CgMPikTWPssjM_LkTHT3kkrGojZTuya7T8eIgDwBPi5Po1hLwPczKgT03N1ALNnvB7P3xj7xP4Ic5MvW9QBuoTzNSTuek8hGEQAvxEICY/s640/danger.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";">Book:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hidden Danger<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";">Author:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Amy Patrick<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";">Publisher:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oxford South Press<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";">Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, YA Romance<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";">Blurb via Goodreads:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";">The Danger is Everywhere...</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";"> </span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";">The Dark Council has struck a shocking and
powerful blow against the Light Court and its human allies, defying their own
king, Nox, and seeking to re-establish Dark Elven influence and domination over
the human world.</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.5pt;"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.5pt;"><span style="background: white;">While Ryann and Lad work to restore production
of Magnolia Sugar Tea, Ava is forced to return to the Dark Court to face Audun,
the cruel and powerful head of the Dark Council, and learn the consequences for
disobeying his orders. With no other choice, she sets off on a road trip with
her former fiancé Culley, whom she does not like and does not trust, and leaves
behind Asher, the intriguing and much too tempting human boy she met in Deep
River.</span></span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.5pt;"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.5pt;"><span style="background: white;">Along the way she’ll discover what Culley’s
mission in Altum was, and the disastrous effect it will have on the human race.</span></span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.5pt;"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.5pt;"><span style="background: white;">But there’s more than meets the eye when it
comes to this mysterious Dark Elven guy with his alluring and deceptive
glamour, and Ava will find herself torn between two possible futures as she
sets her own course through the Hidden world.</span></span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";">My Review:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";">SPOILER ALERT!!! SPOILER ALERT!!! SPOILER ALERT!!! SPOILER ALERT!!!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";">We return to
the Hidden world of the dark elves in Hidden Danger with Ava, Culley and his
evil father Audun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After failing
in her mission to permanently separate Ryann from Lad (in Hidden Darkness), Ava
was ready to run away and hide from the rest of her world but is pulled back in
after promising to help the light elves with the mission to find out what Audun’s
plans truly are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA3orrxJVvwu_krp8-vnil3sfr7Ukfq5c9ZG_a-AREXDwNSMacUXCPilUplm2Y1VWC1acIGWxSOeBVGLBqUNls4cqDpNg5wtmha6BJnFNfBHgfrCFeTwLR7MJmPL-uEqySM3TnvrinPGav/s1600/darkness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA3orrxJVvwu_krp8-vnil3sfr7Ukfq5c9ZG_a-AREXDwNSMacUXCPilUplm2Y1VWC1acIGWxSOeBVGLBqUNls4cqDpNg5wtmha6BJnFNfBHgfrCFeTwLR7MJmPL-uEqySM3TnvrinPGav/s320/darkness.jpg" width="212" /></a><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";">And so she goes
with her fiancée Culley.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Along the
way, she realizes that Culley is not as bad as he wants people to believe he
is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But is it enough for her to
fall in love with him? Especially if she may already have feelings for someone
else.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";">A dark elf
with a conscience, who’d have thunk?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So yes, Nox and Vancia (from books 1 to 4) are dark elves who are
generally trying to do good and work with the light elves, but Ava and Culley
have done so much evil and so much damage that you’d think there is just no
conscience underneath…..but therein lies the difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ava wants a chance at a real life away
from the courts while Culley feels like he has no choice except to obey his
father.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";">In the 4<sup>th</sup>
book Hidden Darkness, we already had a glimpse of what Culley could be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here, it is much more obvious and I
thought…. I hoped… that Ava could turn him around and that they are so perfect
together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHdFMm6wzqXCyFSbL3zuvYVPoNKJY6tgCq5rTeVaKP6xKPEHVKvEoU3EkkomTO9OVzlth-MILqVY5bQrw9QshlaUXAtkXRawEyE2WChFg3s1k2nemWdanSXHTsw6XHr5B1cROQhH2VXlZW/s1600/deep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHdFMm6wzqXCyFSbL3zuvYVPoNKJY6tgCq5rTeVaKP6xKPEHVKvEoU3EkkomTO9OVzlth-MILqVY5bQrw9QshlaUXAtkXRawEyE2WChFg3s1k2nemWdanSXHTsw6XHr5B1cROQhH2VXlZW/s320/deep.jpg" width="213" /></a><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";">Then there is
Asher, the human who falls in love with Ava.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too deep and too fast in my opinion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For some reason, he came across to me
as too annoying, too eager and generally just TOO much!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
character didn’t sit well with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";">But my
reaction could just be because I REALLY like Culley for Ava.</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";"> </span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";">In my head, the bad boy always deserves
a second chance.</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";">
</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";">Either that or my attachment to Culley is unhealthy.</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";"> </span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";">So who does Ava choose?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";">well.......</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";">No worries…as
it turns out, there is happiness for all yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Am I happy I read this
book?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The answer is YES.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do love the series.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>maybe I’m not as sold on Asher but
there is always bad boy Culley.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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LYNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00577236385474665122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1430038339016357403.post-27756625390741651512016-04-22T18:08:00.001+08:002016-04-22T18:08:09.986+08:00Book Review: HIDDEN DARKNESS by Amy Patrick<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZCVqUP5cpOlQlLAHtBd8RSzK13wBwzh9FPplF5O-cIION415Otue4F6Lf0h3bwI4XHWyKtCVqKJgbt-w12tJZrQW-GLkdt-yAOkFfkvaW5bY6ppYXbJCIu0gjYYI1XSZ_w-oZnP8s06_6/s1600/h+darkness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZCVqUP5cpOlQlLAHtBd8RSzK13wBwzh9FPplF5O-cIION415Otue4F6Lf0h3bwI4XHWyKtCVqKJgbt-w12tJZrQW-GLkdt-yAOkFfkvaW5bY6ppYXbJCIu0gjYYI1XSZ_w-oZnP8s06_6/s640/h+darkness.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Book:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hidden Darkness<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Author:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amy Patrick<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Publisher:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oxford South Press<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Genre:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Science Fiction & Fantasy, YA
Romance<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Blurb via Goodreads:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.5pt;">The Darkness is Coming...</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.5pt;">Ryann and Lad are together and in love, but
they are not yet bonded. Wedding plans are underway, but they cannot marry
until the mourning period for his father, the murdered king, ends. Waiting is
sweet torture and gets harder all the time.</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma;"> </span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.5pt;">Nox and Vancia are touring the world with his
band The Hidden and enjoying their honeymoon. They’re also working to convince
the holdout tribes in Europe, Asia, and Australia to disband their fan pods and
sign the new peace treaty between the Dark and Light Courts. It’s the only way
to ensure the safety of humans worldwide.</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma;"> </span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.5pt;">But unbeknownst to any of them, dark forces are
still at work. There are some who don’t support the treaty—or their new king.
And they’ll do anything necessary to restore Elven reign over humanity.</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma;"> </span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.5pt;"><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">When an ambassador from the Dark Court arrives
in Altum, Lad expects relations between the formerly antagonistic clans to
improve. What he didn’t expect is her unique glamour—or her traveling
companion.</span></span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma;"> </span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.5pt;"><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">And Ryann’s own glamour gift is warning her… if
they can’t uncover the hidden truth in time, the much-anticipated royal wedding
may never happen.</span></span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma;"> </span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.5pt;"><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">As the Hidden Saga continues, friendships will
be formed and broken, the bonds of love tested, and beautiful and dangerous new
glamours revealed.</span></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.5pt;"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">My Review:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt;">After Hidden Hope ended, I thought I had heard
the last of Lad and Ryann. Their story closed on a happy note that I
assumed meant everyone lived happily ever after. I was wrong. And I'm
glad.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOS1K68r1m8MouoSA6DD7qQH4cEsJ2AB6CFVSRFK5ME4GDy-id84tG_N-7YkCouRau2as6dPbFojs2JO6dnNCotPKq796jnr1SHV-ghzbYoAmBxJ8NhFPgAhAmU2oWrxvH7Gtq13h_c6f/s1600/h+deep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOS1K68r1m8MouoSA6DD7qQH4cEsJ2AB6CFVSRFK5ME4GDy-id84tG_N-7YkCouRau2as6dPbFojs2JO6dnNCotPKq796jnr1SHV-ghzbYoAmBxJ8NhFPgAhAmU2oWrxvH7Gtq13h_c6f/s320/h+deep.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Tahoma;">Hidden Darkness brings us back to the world of
Light and Dark elves. Though both factions are now headed by
"brothers" Nox and Lad, things are not so stable among the dark
elves. There are still those who want to control humans and will stop at
nothing to get it, despite the fact that their leader Davis, Ryann's father, is
already dead.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Tahoma;">Ryann and Lad are waiting to marry after the
mourning period for Lad's murdered father, the King, has ended. In the
meantime, two emissaries have been sent by the dark council to stay with
them. The problem is these two have unusual glamours they plan to use to
destroy everything between Ryann and Lad. Ava and her fiancée Culley are both
beautifully dangerous and are controlled by the Dark Council. Despite her
misgivings, Ava does what she has to do....so does Culley. Can Ryann and
Lad survive the biggest threat to their relationship and their kingdom?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="background: white;">As with the first three books, I highly enjoyed
reading Hidden Darkness. Much of the book is about the relationship of
Lad and Ryann and its near destruction, but it's also an introduction to two
very welcome characters Ava and Culley. </span></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEM3lCdte-B8Ojki69O-5AufdNEfASNMGlOiBmjVcYsiBzy09LM9AACGfIZfxN3ke_Tg-3xtENZ60L5InKt2PRu9G89cq6kBTk96rrns7dzPLWK7fN8e39iNFevw33_lYxwiog6xfTTkmJ/s1600/h+danger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEM3lCdte-B8Ojki69O-5AufdNEfASNMGlOiBmjVcYsiBzy09LM9AACGfIZfxN3ke_Tg-3xtENZ60L5InKt2PRu9G89cq6kBTk96rrns7dzPLWK7fN8e39iNFevw33_lYxwiog6xfTTkmJ/s320/h+danger.jpg" width="212" /></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt;"><span style="background: white;">Seeing that I am a fan of Ryann and Lad, I
should want both Ava and Culley out of the picture, but on the contrary, I am
now curious about what will become of them. Author Amy Patrick wrote them
in such a way that I sympathized and understood Ava's reluctance about doing
and NOT doing what she is supposed to. As for Culley, I feel like there
is so much more to him than what he shows the world... There must be some
good in him somewhere....and this idea is what keeps me from hating him
completely. The addition of Asher, a human, completes the triangle for
Ava and Culley. I can't wait to read more about them in the next book.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt;"><span style="background: white;">As for Ryann and Lad....wow.....I do love their
relationship. And the wait for their becoming one was painful. But
anything worth something is, so the ending of this book is cathartic in a
way. </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt;"><span style="background: white;">That...... And it has left me in quite a
state. There was a great cliffhanger at the end that I'm now too curious
about. I want to know everything and soon.....waiting for the next book
Hidden Danger will be horrible.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt;"><span style="background: white;">On a side note, I'm still curious about what it
would have been like had Ryann actually ended up with Nox whom I also loved for
her. Still waiting for that alternate ending.....</span></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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LYNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00577236385474665122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1430038339016357403.post-9452730431008737202016-04-08T20:10:00.001+08:002016-04-08T20:10:34.818+08:00Book Review: IF WE WERE A MOVIE by Kelly Oram<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmSul4wlQcWGT4xFgm23lU8HdJhLePV11Ws5f8SrQ_ZgBsnZXG1jW57PBooUcrLYZymBlcTzJaX3Srbf67lm4gOevj0KsQGARkhcv0eZk8Nf21i5x1RfmwTBNJ5EHbzSoBs0xs4iAM_KIw/s1600/if+we.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmSul4wlQcWGT4xFgm23lU8HdJhLePV11Ws5f8SrQ_ZgBsnZXG1jW57PBooUcrLYZymBlcTzJaX3Srbf67lm4gOevj0KsQGARkhcv0eZk8Nf21i5x1RfmwTBNJ5EHbzSoBs0xs4iAM_KIw/s400/if+we.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt;">Book:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If We Were A Movie<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt;">Author:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Kelly Oram<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt;">Publisher:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bluefields<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt;">Genre:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>YA Fiction, Romance<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt;">Blurb Via Goodreads:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt;">Music meets Movies in this sweet college
romance from the bestselling author of Cinder & Ella.</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma;"> </span><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt;"><br />
<br />
NYU freshman Nate Anderson is a triplet who is desperate to escape his wild and
crazy brothers. After they screw things up for him one too many times, Nate
flees his housing situation and takes the first available room for rent as far
from his brothers as he can get.</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma;"> </span><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt;"><br />
<br />
Enter his new roommate Jordan--a quirky LA girl who believes that everything in
life has already been done in the movies. In this heartfelt tale of love,
friendship and family, Nate learns how to deal with his new adult life using
Hollywood films as a guide.</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma;">My Review:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;">The first thing about this book that intrigued me
was the title. As a movie lover and book addict, I figured I couldn't do
better than a mix of the two right? Add to that the fact that the author is
Kelly Oram..... She who wrote THE BOOK that wrenched such emotions from my body
and that which remains one of my favorite YA romance stories ever, Cinder and
Ella.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUj3oyTBu-t-g6JKLZYoKACarvcg-zIEVAYp0VbkaQ3CSTw63xURskdiq8rA7KG5DQB8kzR4iz2fo866W_jjdMoovVMqF6bgA4kOH2QibaSE36GwvWgXgKG6-a1cseoFtHeSeAjwtKvV2v/s1600/cinder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUj3oyTBu-t-g6JKLZYoKACarvcg-zIEVAYp0VbkaQ3CSTw63xURskdiq8rA7KG5DQB8kzR4iz2fo866W_jjdMoovVMqF6bgA4kOH2QibaSE36GwvWgXgKG6-a1cseoFtHeSeAjwtKvV2v/s320/cinder.jpg" width="199" /></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;"><span style="background: white;">This book uses many movies as reference for
moments and directions Jordan's and Nate's lives are heading, as well as titles
for each chapter, which makes me want to watch those I have never seen (like
Sid and Nancy) or re-watch those that I have (How to Lose a guy in 10 days
etc). I can imagine Oram having a blast watching all these movies and
more for research.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;"><span style="background: white;">The book itself isn't melodramatic and in a way,
is predictable in that some angles I have already read elsewhere before.
But being predictable isn't bad if the ride to the end is a good one. And
in this case, it was.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;"><span style="background: white;">Nate is a triplet who is fed up with his two
boisterous brothers. Pushed by fate, he finds himself living in a
beautiful apartment owned by trust fund baby Jordan. Everything goes seemingly
well except for Nate's beautiful but shallow and jealous girlfriend Sophie who
has a hard time choosing between Nate's brothers and Jordan as the lesser evil.
Jordan and Nate are worlds apart in terms of family life but at their very
core, being artists who feel such passion for their craft, they are the same.
And this very factor is why they end up becoming the best of friends and
falling in love. But just when it seems everything is already oh so
perfect, Sophie drops a bomb that kills all joy and hope for both.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWEnthaGO1eXcL8WHMY11VrYC3lsLHUskQs1j_HP__UGLIMO2JXXzcBJ37bzO9lmpYEShyLi1pwqncfjNA6TfGnHMvF8sSNFv4e1LE91MeuOvrhveeY0hrpEjvuXyxGUkO3sYPlmRZjxoc/s1600/libby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWEnthaGO1eXcL8WHMY11VrYC3lsLHUskQs1j_HP__UGLIMO2JXXzcBJ37bzO9lmpYEShyLi1pwqncfjNA6TfGnHMvF8sSNFv4e1LE91MeuOvrhveeY0hrpEjvuXyxGUkO3sYPlmRZjxoc/s320/libby.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;"><span style="background: white;">Compared to Ella’s (of Cinder and Ella) issues which
are many and massive, Jordan's is pretty simple. The only problem she has
is LOVE. Will she get it or won't she? I do like how at the bottom of
every situation and problem, she refers to a movie because she believes there
is no situation in life that has not been tackled in film. And I guess
she is right, based on the many references here and other movies that I am
personally familiar with...... Is there anything left that hasn’t been used in
cinema?</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;"><span style="background: white;">When it comes to twists, If We Were A Movie is
relatively straightforward. Reading it is like riding a Japanese bullet
train: it is relaxing, smooth and it gets to its destination. I
appreciate the storytelling ability of Oram and I always enjoy her endings.
They are well thought out, nicely paced and clean. No cursing. No sex.
And it leaves no doubt about the future of its protagonists. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;"><span style="background: white;">As with other Oram books, I do recommend this
one. Though Jordan and Nate aren't my favorite Oram characters (yay
Cinder and Ella forever), had they been real people, I would have loved to hang
out with them.... Maybe throw in Colin, Chris and Ty too..... And let's not
forget Pearl the matchmaker. Who is she? Her middle name is Fate
and all that happens in this book is her fault. Read it.</span></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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LYNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00577236385474665122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1430038339016357403.post-75620793640746300252016-03-07T13:07:00.001+08:002016-03-07T18:18:27.134+08:00Book Review: LADY MIDNIGHT (The Dark Artifices)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp26hqGMULqExNG_zkI4_zHkldz2aFclQaMQ6g3MrUjwve56GolkzbBEN0rprwLmZcEkXVt9uCUHqnP5VqdivvmtkCE-vAnbmGGR-ymjhtDuQq0E6mIsHEVh4w5I7B0K-EuzAmd_pwYEbm/s1600/lady.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp26hqGMULqExNG_zkI4_zHkldz2aFclQaMQ6g3MrUjwve56GolkzbBEN0rprwLmZcEkXVt9uCUHqnP5VqdivvmtkCE-vAnbmGGR-ymjhtDuQq0E6mIsHEVh4w5I7B0K-EuzAmd_pwYEbm/s640/lady.jpg" width="420" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "tahoma";">Book:</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma";"> </span><span style="font-family: "tahoma";">Lady Midnight: The Dark Artifices</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><b>Author:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cassandra Clare<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "tahoma";">Publisher: </span><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "tahoma";">Margaret K. McElderry Books</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "tahoma";">Genre:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>YA Romance,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fantasy and Fiction</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">Blurb via Goodreads:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><i><b>The Law is Hard but it is
the Law…..</b></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";">The Shadowhunters of Los Angeles star in the
first novel in Cassandra Clare’s newest series, The Dark Artifices, a sequel to
the internationally bestselling Mortal Instruments series.</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";"> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lady Midnight</i> </span><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";">is a Shadowhunters novel.</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt;"><br />
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<span style="background: white;">It’s been five years since the events of</span></span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";"> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">City of Heavenly Fire</i> </span><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";">that brought the Shadowhunters
to the brink of oblivion. Emma Carstairs is no longer a child in mourning, but
a young woman bent on discovering what killed her parents and avenging her
losses.</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt;"><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">Together with her parabatai Julian Blackthorn,
Emma must learn to trust her head and her heart as she investigates a demonic
plot that stretches across Los Angeles, from the Sunset Strip to the enchanted
sea that pounds the beaches of Santa Monica. If only her heart didn’t lead her
in treacherous directions…</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">Making things even more complicated, Julian’s
brother Mark—who was captured by the faeries five years ago—has been returned
as a bargaining chip. The faeries are desperate to find out who is murdering
their kind—and they need the Shadowhunters’ help to do it. But time works
differently in faerie, so Mark has barely aged and doesn’t recognize his
family. Can he ever truly return to them? Will the faeries really allow it?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">Glitz, glamours, and Shadowhunters abound in
this heartrending opening to Cassandra Clare’s Dark Artifices series.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";">My Review:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";"><i><b>There is nothing more important than love, And
no Law higher…..</b></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3S4LgXHL6ZA7qyx2ReXoC7pKYjEZNKBu2tI3sHV1Baj0TjXcvKFHYUYMy0xFa18SFvQgF93DIxx2zmcCCC2MjSNzUNfJlhD54OOghgT26dyUANjpnmOgfI5TjI5g1Momj3-UynXHOaHt0/s1600/city.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3S4LgXHL6ZA7qyx2ReXoC7pKYjEZNKBu2tI3sHV1Baj0TjXcvKFHYUYMy0xFa18SFvQgF93DIxx2zmcCCC2MjSNzUNfJlhD54OOghgT26dyUANjpnmOgfI5TjI5g1Momj3-UynXHOaHt0/s400/city.jpg" width="263" /></a><span style="font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">I
bought my copy of Lady Midnight 3 days ago (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">it
was released here in Manila, Philippines March 4, 2016</i>) and in as many
days, it has been attached to my hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I haven’t let go, even though I have completely devoured the words over
and over again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Simply put, this
book is amazing, all 669 pages of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One would think that with its volume, I would be completely satisfied
and ready to move on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But NO, on
the last few pages I was more than desperate (a little wailing was involved),
praying that the next instalment wouldn’t take too long because I can’t endure
the suspense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes fellow Cassie
Clare fans, she has another winning series in this one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">If
you’ve read all Shadowhunter novels, especially the last one, City of Heavenly
Fire, you’d know that this book focuses on Emma Carstairs and Julian
Blackthorn. Lady Midnight begins 5 years after the end of the Dark War.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Emma
is still hell bent on discovering who killed her parents while Julian is busy
keeping himself together while raising his brothers and sisters (his father was
killed 5 years prior, his older sister Helen exiled and older brother Mark was
taken by The Wild Hunt) and secretly running The Los Angeles Institute as his
Uncle Arthur, who is actually supposed to head it, is too sick to do so.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0YjdA9XPvKCqXMhZmP3OFz-kb5exSZnXCXxPJc5bSzoBmZLlkRlKlX9RAJHCISrSkQUdlgKmlXkAIf1jwti31nQP6v-n51igp1U1T1VTGR6PcsGDeRWqlI2N7rRGV9S12b7kY7kf_oGY/s1600/clockwork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0YjdA9XPvKCqXMhZmP3OFz-kb5exSZnXCXxPJc5bSzoBmZLlkRlKlX9RAJHCISrSkQUdlgKmlXkAIf1jwti31nQP6v-n51igp1U1T1VTGR6PcsGDeRWqlI2N7rRGV9S12b7kY7kf_oGY/s400/clockwork.jpg" width="260" /></a><span style="font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Then
came the offer from the Fairy convoy to return Julian’s brother Mark <b>IF</b> they
help solve a series of killings in Los Angeles whose victims include the fair folk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So desperate are they to
have Mark back despite the Cold Peace (an agreement that
Shadowhunters and Downworlders will extend no help to the fairies) and finding
the killer of Emma parents, that they agree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mark, who has all but forgotten life as a Shadowhunter, has
a hard time navigating his former world and his family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is also keeping a secret that could
potentially make him leave his family again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Emma
and Julian, having been best friends since they were children, are Parabatais,
which means they are bonded for life as friends, partners and fellow warriors,
it also means that they are forbidden by Law from falling in love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But try as they might, they cannot stop
what is inevitable.....but what should be, isn’t always right, and what is
right, is never easy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><b><i>A bad Law is NO Law….</i><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">It broke my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Julian and Emma…..their strength, their
weaknesses…..it’s just too much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>More than Clary and Jace or Tessa and Jem’s, I find Julian and Emma’s
plight more heartbreaking and hopeless as this involves not just WHO they are
but WHAT they are meant to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They have to fight against everything and everyone, including themselves
to be able to love each other and keep themselves together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And what Emma discovers in the
end…..and what she has to do….. oh the tears.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg37Vl6qWNXjF9ZtjJ6FQEOiJnWN0AO-Cxt-e-gEcJXmLBbr7xyuW3BVdSO9ZJsWGFYT-US_y-U9Ldd-Jl4NRi3xA98pK2rBIgRG6vV8fV9lO0Vkmi9ItwF3kCDCetHM4NgzvkHxL9cXY0h/s1600/tales.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg37Vl6qWNXjF9ZtjJ6FQEOiJnWN0AO-Cxt-e-gEcJXmLBbr7xyuW3BVdSO9ZJsWGFYT-US_y-U9Ldd-Jl4NRi3xA98pK2rBIgRG6vV8fV9lO0Vkmi9ItwF3kCDCetHM4NgzvkHxL9cXY0h/s400/tales.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">Cassandra Clare is an
expert at making the readers ecstatic by giving them everything good and then
wrenching it all back in the end…..or at least at the end of the first books
in her series (I should know since I’ve read ALL of them multiple times).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She can make your heart pound so fast
from sheer joy and give you a headache from too much tears after.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is fabulous really.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As they say, All the FEELS, they are
here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kudos to her for being
unafraid to have characters of different genders (from Alec to Magnus and
now…….it’s someone totally unexpected) and
characters who are “special” in ways that I can not say.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">Much as I would desperately
like to divulge and discuss all the things that make this book different, spectacular, fantabulous and just…….extraordinary, I shouldn't!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a reader I like being surprised….the kind that makes me
fall off my chair…..and I want you to have that too when you read this book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lady Midnight is off the charts PERFECT,
worthy of the hours you will surely devote to reading AND re-reading it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just prepare a box of tissues, water….and maybe your
breakfast, lunch and dinner since I don’t think you’ll be getting off your
reading chair once you’re on the first page.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">Oh and just a tip, if you
haven’t yet, read the <b>Tales From The Shadowhunter Academy </b>before diving into
Lady Midnight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are details
there… stories…characters... history.... that you need to know, before coming into this one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also for the fans of Simon and Izzy?
You just might get your greatest wish here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And do watch out for cameos of your favorite characters from
the previous series.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From that
alone, I am one extremely satisfied and HAPPY reader.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now excuse me while I hold my breath for the sequel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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LYNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00577236385474665122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1430038339016357403.post-63863299930991860392016-02-28T11:30:00.000+08:002016-02-29T16:22:33.917+08:00Book Review: THE GIRLFRIEND REQUEST by Jodie Andrefski<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLht1VzdmeZUcLna95kyWNZmgLs1zEmNMt22VRVR70LKoINEM-GhJTJKR-oQ2OfQ3mEOrw8q2JJMU0qTeDxvVEKg_bZPSG2Wcnq-Z0-FlPkpsrzuRHkAxz2OgOk-RCxpsl9Wki5sHqnvOq/s1600/28356657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLht1VzdmeZUcLna95kyWNZmgLs1zEmNMt22VRVR70LKoINEM-GhJTJKR-oQ2OfQ3mEOrw8q2JJMU0qTeDxvVEKg_bZPSG2Wcnq-Z0-FlPkpsrzuRHkAxz2OgOk-RCxpsl9Wki5sHqnvOq/s640/28356657.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Book:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Girlfriend Request<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Author:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jodie Andrefski<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Publisher:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Entangled Publishing LLC<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Genre:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Romance, Teens & YA<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Blurb via NetGalley:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 14.0pt;">
<i><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Updating best friend
to girlfriend is more than a change of status...</span></i><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 14.0pt;">
<i><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 14.0pt;">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Emma has been best
friends with Eli since she moved to his neighborhood ten years ago. Tired of
being cast in the role of the girl next door, Emma creates a fake Facebook
profile in the hopes of starting an online friendship with Eli, which would
hopefully lead to more. Like...way more. From friend request to In a
Relationship--it all seemed so completely logical when she'd planned it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 14.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 14.0pt;">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Eli can't figure out
what Emma is up to. He’s pretty sure she's the one behind the Facebook profile,
but then again, why would she do something so drastic instead of just admitting
she wants to be more than friends? And who the heck is this new guy he saw her
with? Eli starts to think that just maybe...he missed his chance with the girl
next door.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 14.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 14.0pt;">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Two best friends,
one outlandish ruse. Their status is about to become way more than It’s
Complicated...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 14.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 14.0pt;">
<strong><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt; font-weight: normal;">This Entangled Teen Crush book contains one
fake Facebook profile, two best friends who secretly crave each other, and a
dreaded sex talk with parents...boy crush in the room included. Pushing a
relationship beyond the friend zone has never been so crazy...<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 14.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 14.0pt;">
<strong><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt; font-weight: normal;">My Review:</span></strong><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;">So….another teen story of best friends falling for each
other….. what sets this apart from others is the use of a fake identity via
facebook.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other than that….none.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;">It is your typical young adult story that’s clean, meaning
no graphic sex scenes or nudity, and sweet (oh to be young and in love).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I didn’t like were the unnecessary
factors like that College guy Jake who Emma was supposedly just using to get
Eli’s attention, yet after just one date he oh so suddenly LIKES her and she
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Eli’s abrupt and total
turnaround of looking at Emma as nothing more than a friend to being totally In
love with his best friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
lacked believability.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of
being pulled into the story, I just kept asking “what the hell happened” to
myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Still, it is a nice read if you have nothing else to do and
just want to waste time on a book from which you will have no takeaway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a no brainer story with no need
for analysis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just take the book
at face value, read and recycle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>End
of story.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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LYNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00577236385474665122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1430038339016357403.post-9749018170606247332016-01-16T15:26:00.000+08:002016-02-29T16:22:59.059+08:00Book Review: ENDURE by Sara B. Larson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjAemjLnYaJjBHyxYAe3OUa-5P76hzLqLu-8eRwIYnB2ZzPY5ugzgyiXaqVnNh2qZ8LIAjSO3j0O5qcUN6r6cj12PpDveMgBwvA0RqV5DSiRscw7aletlFS8oU43U8T2yIhlkhKqvv2SCJ/s1600/endure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjAemjLnYaJjBHyxYAe3OUa-5P76hzLqLu-8eRwIYnB2ZzPY5ugzgyiXaqVnNh2qZ8LIAjSO3j0O5qcUN6r6cj12PpDveMgBwvA0RqV5DSiRscw7aletlFS8oU43U8T2yIhlkhKqvv2SCJ/s640/endure.jpg" width="418" /></a></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Book: Endure<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Author: Sara B. Larson<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Publisher: Scholastic Press<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Genre:<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Science Fiction & Fantasy</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Blurb via Goodreads:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;">At last, Alexa and King
Damian are engaged to be married. But their lives are far from safe. The
kingdom of Antion is under siege, and Rylan is a prisoner of the enemy. Even
worse, Alexa remains at the mercy of the evil Dansiian Rafe, who controls her
mind and can force Alexa to kill or harm Damian at any moment. Despite this,
Alexa is determined to rescue Rylan, which soon leads her far from Damian and
deep into enemy territory.</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">When she arrives, what awaits her is deadlier
than anything she could have ever imagined: an army of black sorcerers and a
horrifying plot to destroy the world as Alexa knows it. Will she be able to
gather the strength to free herself, protect the love of her life, and save the
land? Will there ever be true peace?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">Acclaimed author Sara B. Larson has woven a
stunning, romantic, and evocative finale to the Defy trilogy that is sure to
leave readers breathless until the very last page.</span></span><span style="font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;">My Review:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDM3jEOCJqwEh3959hUYfwiT601AJO-lW2BmU_0I6IsL_Z66QU54pvggRvjOBN3mk2MjI-efgeBYuMpwcMld9OeG8JDQVtJeSHVKI6q8Z5LvgHP_z67LetxcTuwfvk-fXFFHmYaTSK_fTV/s1600/defy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDM3jEOCJqwEh3959hUYfwiT601AJO-lW2BmU_0I6IsL_Z66QU54pvggRvjOBN3mk2MjI-efgeBYuMpwcMld9OeG8JDQVtJeSHVKI6q8Z5LvgHP_z67LetxcTuwfvk-fXFFHmYaTSK_fTV/s400/defy.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Reading is an adventure I
embark on, not to pass the time, but to help me imagine the unimaginable.</span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> <span style="background: white;">The
world Sara Larson created in the Defy series is one such adventure.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">The first book DEFY introduced us to Alexa and
her Prince Damian. She is a woman pretending to be a man and serves as a close
in guard to the Prince. She is captured, discovered and eventually falls in
love with the Prince. However to save the prince and the kingdom, she has to
let her love go.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /><span style="background: white;">the second book IGNITE begins with the
former lovers not quite with each other yet not quite apart either since she
remains to serve as his personal guard. Horrible things happen and she needs to
go away to save someone Damian loves but in the end jeopardizes herself and the
one who loves her.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">Fast forward to ENDURE.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">True to the title, Alexa has so much more to
endure here, physically, mentally and emotionally. Even I was a wreck after
reading so many chapters. One has to have a steely resolve to read through
everything she has to go through in this book.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">True. Damian and Alexa are back together and
they are getting married. But there is still that question of getting Rylan,
Alexa's fellow guard and bestfriend, back from the clutches of the black
sorcerer Rafe, who also happens to have Alexa under his spell and can use her
to fight his battles, matters which Alexa chooses not to tell Damian up to the
end. But Alexa is nothing if not loyal and brave, and so she goes, leaves her
king, to rescue the man she knows in her heart she also loves.</span></span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNlK8_s6zvm6ZB4VcIjJi0ltonioplh-c00-C_j2J8XDiGf8GyOELOaZoi5hJVOi3E99CENQIZGm9fzfu7dGerGOEGR8-apqcgC13mV1cNpOt7LRcv-_teWCUX3Mu6BBjaTKSJWX7hKCuM/s1600/ignite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNlK8_s6zvm6ZB4VcIjJi0ltonioplh-c00-C_j2J8XDiGf8GyOELOaZoi5hJVOi3E99CENQIZGm9fzfu7dGerGOEGR8-apqcgC13mV1cNpOt7LRcv-_teWCUX3Mu6BBjaTKSJWX7hKCuM/s400/ignite.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">First let me say that this book is less romantic
than Defy was. More than anything this book is about friendship, loyalty and
courage. Nonetheless I enjoyed reading the few moments the main characters had
in showing their deep affection for each other.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Action. Bloody fights. Heart wrenching loss. This
book has an abundance of. And the loss was a killer. When one by one my other
favorite characters fell, I started wondering how this would end, or if anyone
would still be alive by the epilogue. It was hell. Crying was inevitable for I
felt the loss that Alexa felt. I can honestly say I have never read a book with
this many "important" casualties....maybe ever.</span></span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">But I understood why the author made it so. To
have so much loss, is to have more appreciation for what was left behind. But
still...man! That hurt.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">From Defy to Endure, the author was consistent
with her characterization of Alexa. Yes there was a time she questioned her
worth, but what woman doesn't? ultimately, she knew she had to do everything in
her power to protect what and who she loves. And protect with all her might she
does. As for Damian, we finally see him become the king that he is meant to be.
He still depends so much on Alexa emotionally but chooses to stand by his
people even when he thought the worst about the woman he loves. And Rylan, a
friend you love till the end. He was always a solid character, and the last
chapter proves his worth to all.</span></span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">So much to say and so much I shouldn't. I don't
want to ruin anything that makes this book so hard to put down but I will say
this. Do not dare skip. Do not go straight to epilogue. Do not speed read.
Endure the pain and suffering of loss. Seeing that this is the last of the
trilogy...read slowly, savor the words, cry out your heartache and smile in
triumph for at the very end, Alexa gets what she deserves.</span></span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">Enjoy the book.</span></span><span style="font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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LYNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00577236385474665122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1430038339016357403.post-54258925106560557042015-12-14T19:35:00.000+08:002015-12-14T19:35:33.048+08:00Book Review: NOT OKAY, CUPID by Heidi R. Kling
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDTwPeAUiI72g9jb85RwMdGEi0fX-nnwZIwqveTJmKChTdr9yp8xLPtBCcguYV6qKRsQ-leUdn1yRSxBbPkm8z2Xi374tAegFO83WtacXdgbBuqOcgGZ3Z00s1XfIvz114C1W0uI7K9hs/s1600/cupid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDTwPeAUiI72g9jb85RwMdGEi0fX-nnwZIwqveTJmKChTdr9yp8xLPtBCcguYV6qKRsQ-leUdn1yRSxBbPkm8z2Xi374tAegFO83WtacXdgbBuqOcgGZ3Z00s1XfIvz114C1W0uI7K9hs/s640/cupid.jpg" width="426" /></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Book: Not
Okay, Cupid<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Author: Heidi
R. Kling<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Publisher:
Entangled: Crush<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Genre:
Romance, Teens & YA<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Due Out: January 11, 2016</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Blurb via Goodreads:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Her wicked revenge, or his wicked heart...</span></i><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">Hazel McCallister loves her life. Perfect
grades. Perfect best friend. Perfect boyfriend. Until her perfect boyfriend
cheats on her with her perfect best friend. Now Hazel’s in free fall—until her
best friend’s brother, Felix, gives her the perfect idea. Reclaim her power by
taking revenge on her cheating ex.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">Felix James loves his life. Casual
relationships. Loads of surfing. He’s as drama-free as they come. But he can’t
stand by when his sister steals her best friend’s boyfriend, and the dude
insists it was Hazel’s fault. So Felix vows to help turn Hazel into a girl her
ex can’t resist—so then she can break his heart.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">With an alliance in place, Hazel’s revenge is
all but assured. But with each piece of payback, she feels a stronger
attraction to Felix, even though revenge will turn her into a girl Felix could
never be with. And soon Hazel has to make an impossible choice: revenge...or
Felix, the boy who’s stolen her heart.</span></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">My Review: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt;">Fluffy. Frothy. Shallow. Light.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt;">The story is not unusual. Best friend cheats with the perfect boyfriend. Cue devastation, tears, frustration and
plans for revenge. But as with
every plot there is always a way to set it apart from others. This one however, goes with the sea of
sameness. In other words,
unimpressive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt;">Hazel and Felix are very different in that she’s a
Type A girl while he is known as the La Playa, as in
sleeping-around-with-commitment-issues player. Yet, written with the two different points of view, they are
practically the same person. Sure
Hazel is uptight as Felix is loose, but at the core of it all they are the
same. Which is pretty confusing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt;">There were many references to 80s movies and current
pop culture that makes it so NOW, but it still didn’t distract me from the fact
that it’s so long drawn out with the same thoughts, insecurities and questions
going over and over and over again, sometimes taking up several pages. Imagine one thought stretching to seven
freaking pages! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt;">Nope…. Not a happy reader. I had to flip through many “internal struggles” of the main
protagonists just so I can still have the mental energy to finish the
book. It was like going through a
loop with no end in sight. The
cuteness of the characters ended for me after the first three chapters, it was
just downhill after that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt;">Much as I like reading light romances and Young Adult
fiction, this one just doesn’t cut it.
I’m definitely skipping a reread.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
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LYNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00577236385474665122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1430038339016357403.post-18745449966437722762015-12-12T16:02:00.002+08:002015-12-12T17:35:03.870+08:00Book Review: DEAL BREAKERS by Laura Lee<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisclaflmb4hIs4PhPtAKLTkEKTTbcZgI-T0vVhKe6UpnmmRmxkywwl9qbW7Sp_UuH1MAiZAHICaz66APUFsPj7jUceU9KdXCkXZeaXZbRG-FdXHUtEebfeIhDgccyVawnvE7pjttKmBaBT/s1600/deal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisclaflmb4hIs4PhPtAKLTkEKTTbcZgI-T0vVhKe6UpnmmRmxkywwl9qbW7Sp_UuH1MAiZAHICaz66APUFsPj7jUceU9KdXCkXZeaXZbRG-FdXHUtEebfeIhDgccyVawnvE7pjttKmBaBT/s640/deal.jpg" width="440" /></a><span style="font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Book:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Deal
Breakers<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Author:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Laura
Lee<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Publisher:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>LAN
Fiction LLC<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Genre:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>New
Adult, Romance</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Blurb via Goodreads:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">How were they supposed to
know that one night would change everything?</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">Devyn has life all mapped out. She just needs to
accomplish one more thing before graduating college and becoming a full-fledged
adult—lose her virginity. And who better to assist her than her best friend,
Riley?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">Riley is the self-proclaimed king of fling. His
college years have been filled with meaningless hookups until the one night
that ruined him for all other women. The one night he spends with his best
friend, Devyn. Right before he screws it all up.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">Balls to the wall, baby!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">Now five years later, Riley is determined to
atone for his mistakes and prove that he can be the man that Devyn deserves.
Little does he know that Devyn’s been keeping a secret from him all these
years. A big secret. Now he has to figure out how to win back the only girl
he’s ever loved while navigating the pitfalls of her unexpected revelation.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">Deal Breakers is filled with lots of laughs, a
sexy romance, and an overflowing swear jar.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><b>My Review:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Fast and Easy reading this
book was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Really fast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a way it felt like I was on a
marathon without volunteering for it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The writing itself was fine enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did get curious with the love story and I did like the
main characters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But for the
most part I felt like it could have been better had it been longer with more
depth to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seriously lacked
relationship development and the whole book is one big cliché.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really felt like the writer was
rushing through telling the entire story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A mad dash to the end.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">The story is simple and have
been done lots of times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Best
friends fall in love, best friends have sex, best friends have an accident and
then some.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Devyn is funny in her
innocence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is beautiful but
with a bit of baggage while Riley is just overwhelmingly hot and stupid.... not
stupid the intellectual kind but he was emotionally constipated and hard to
read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh so typical right?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">So they get it on after
being best friends for 5 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then the very next day Riley disappears and leaves her on her own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another 5 years later Riley decides the
time is finally right to get back with his one true love Devyn (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">say what?!?</i>) only to find out that she
is not just unavailable having a new boyfriend and all, but she also has an
extra baggage that looks exactly like Riley, dimples and all! Oh the dilemma!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">But like I said, this was an
easy read for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not too much
drama.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No tears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No heartbreak (<i>for me that is</i>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No anger (<i>for Riley’s stupidity</i>).
Nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just clean reading, all
zoned out and relaxed for a couple of hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I say relaxed but be warned, there is very graphic sex here,
though not the Fifty shades kind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">So if you’re looking for a
book you can find some excitement in and finish really fast with every single
thing being predictable, then pick this up.</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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LYNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00577236385474665122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1430038339016357403.post-55053148009751653112015-11-23T19:40:00.000+08:002016-02-29T16:23:35.152+08:00Are You Ready For Christmas?<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14pt;">A brief change of topic since
it's nearly Christmas and I know many of us have not yet completed our
Christmas shopping. I personally prefer going to one stop shops where I
can get many things for many people all at once. One of these is <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>National
Book Store</b>.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;">No matter how old or young the
receiver, how pricey or inexpensive your budget, people can always find
something to get and give. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">Here are some of the latest products recently
launched at the National Book Store.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5Sp1KPRlken9ECkKBvbQflNUmDQBzGyCGhyphenhyphenL_0lmGf5pQZVXYz4VSy4cfUV1DpEh625k7cODk-BB9O2AGPMcSahTAoyA7E9J7LCDu5ua-3nfLa1lU47mmz05ru0oRkXmsZbuqEMtId45/s1600/DSC06443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5Sp1KPRlken9ECkKBvbQflNUmDQBzGyCGhyphenhyphenL_0lmGf5pQZVXYz4VSy4cfUV1DpEh625k7cODk-BB9O2AGPMcSahTAoyA7E9J7LCDu5ua-3nfLa1lU47mmz05ru0oRkXmsZbuqEMtId45/s640/DSC06443.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwukN-BzZVmHgh7AzvU1599lsq1lkit9e15n_6HGE5vj0fE3rvQLfXuH5TlMLJ6xRZswgXk2ykDvEuRQW5B9KisL19F0GKJJzm2wm5WppWHc5jxApWjoXn2O8811Z9GM6QfTjMEh2PWKLi/s1600/DSC06444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwukN-BzZVmHgh7AzvU1599lsq1lkit9e15n_6HGE5vj0fE3rvQLfXuH5TlMLJ6xRZswgXk2ykDvEuRQW5B9KisL19F0GKJJzm2wm5WppWHc5jxApWjoXn2O8811Z9GM6QfTjMEh2PWKLi/s640/DSC06444.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;">For readers who love to write,
check out <b>A NOVEL JOURNAL</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> These are </span>notebooks whose page lines are chapters of books in mini fonts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With beautiful colorful covers, it’s
perfect for those who love the classics. (<i>ME</i>!)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6vCS1Tq621P_JPbHx2-yJBmuaXyvIMpWCtDc5BqNbpZeU4cNpvm2skX2nH5ZFwboVxxHrhvpYnse8oNZQ5-2ykFxAiHAU6BVrapsVxqLeAXaVbbbYuyKMNdVQCttWpLEres0z_yuP4_Nl/s1600/DSC06432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6vCS1Tq621P_JPbHx2-yJBmuaXyvIMpWCtDc5BqNbpZeU4cNpvm2skX2nH5ZFwboVxxHrhvpYnse8oNZQ5-2ykFxAiHAU6BVrapsVxqLeAXaVbbbYuyKMNdVQCttWpLEres0z_yuP4_Nl/s640/DSC06432.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;">If you want to give
personalized planners and notebooks, try <b>LEUCHTTURM 1917</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are absolutely gorgeous inside
out.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB7W3AXPAX_YAB2kU6EG0KcRp0bOiFSU3GcRUsRER5evJglhw60MF1tHELYyJI6f6WXSHkT6KwL4nu3-t7WljTT5hlqzQ4bELs3JXuzHa1WfEruT6-hS-HWCthU292yen2P5vPPHk2H0Sz/s1600/DSC06449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB7W3AXPAX_YAB2kU6EG0KcRp0bOiFSU3GcRUsRER5evJglhw60MF1tHELYyJI6f6WXSHkT6KwL4nu3-t7WljTT5hlqzQ4bELs3JXuzHa1WfEruT6-hS-HWCthU292yen2P5vPPHk2H0Sz/s640/DSC06449.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoyDqDJltfJhII-u3ykh2a6xVHyZuU4ZXgC5qQHGyRhFe0-_CMIJe22YfmUCnZPT8ya6swUQmnPBaiBcRscUVpHPcCZ0TRik0iKbKmNk3xZWPvn7Y6Sr9eNHC7-3hArmMrsLv_E_91EVg4/s1600/DSC06452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoyDqDJltfJhII-u3ykh2a6xVHyZuU4ZXgC5qQHGyRhFe0-_CMIJe22YfmUCnZPT8ya6swUQmnPBaiBcRscUVpHPcCZ0TRik0iKbKmNk3xZWPvn7Y6Sr9eNHC7-3hArmMrsLv_E_91EVg4/s640/DSC06452.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;">For those who love drawing and
calligraphy, consider <b>Complete Drawing or Complete Calligraphy by Art
Maker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje1dCSNvkLMJcUlCtiwCVVVLBDDjizi5mFMTzNj9_0qrTKoStayQdkM7sgD7Kc1q7XNKJQf2_Rw_9zJr3qJDMzqOBmBxWi4e5wmd_W8gve7k_WLIYDslUbEYSf4CHi4VpKon-Tz6JGtPXV/s1600/DSC06412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje1dCSNvkLMJcUlCtiwCVVVLBDDjizi5mFMTzNj9_0qrTKoStayQdkM7sgD7Kc1q7XNKJQf2_Rw_9zJr3qJDMzqOBmBxWi4e5wmd_W8gve7k_WLIYDslUbEYSf4CHi4VpKon-Tz6JGtPXV/s640/DSC06412.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;">How about using just one pen for
different gradations of color?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>With <b>CHAMELEON</b> it’s easy with no need to mix and blend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBBe0nLr0EmRAe9d420wfu9DGD5JB_pNrlQWTrm7sJ1pQuEfILlMTryhHA3HLD8xmy-yQ_HyB9CBvQKJ95XZo3XCYktDA4Ypeea0WBU5fcx558lpgBoa74uC6xpAAhWIerxTpsC4ydLoiD/s1600/DSC06424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBBe0nLr0EmRAe9d420wfu9DGD5JB_pNrlQWTrm7sJ1pQuEfILlMTryhHA3HLD8xmy-yQ_HyB9CBvQKJ95XZo3XCYktDA4Ypeea0WBU5fcx558lpgBoa74uC6xpAAhWIerxTpsC4ydLoiD/s640/DSC06424.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;">For the artist who wants no
mess, you can give <b>PAN PASTEL</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
highly pigmented, erasable and mixable with no drying time needed.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFagrkkcU7hFKstyVzQN9tv9uRVacPpyj410KHsJ6RsQZ_v2cqjRxlO-aXPiOmKjPY1mlo423maPDezGBfxmnSIqCtR4K2nrs0dOBLmgtYPZ5FEEflze5z4UjydZRcsn8aaVcPlWDCIMZq/s1600/DSC06448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFagrkkcU7hFKstyVzQN9tv9uRVacPpyj410KHsJ6RsQZ_v2cqjRxlO-aXPiOmKjPY1mlo423maPDezGBfxmnSIqCtR4K2nrs0dOBLmgtYPZ5FEEflze5z4UjydZRcsn8aaVcPlWDCIMZq/s640/DSC06448.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;">And don’t forget, a great
<b>COLORING BOOK</b> can help people de-stress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m giving out a few of these myself.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_iVhObgu3zoQWlfeQJRgdSzagW5OesqpzGuyeXDCoaQyXQJbibOWFwGa74KCREW9cD37lnKYCG52sv9wMnMr1BbjstgX3xqfq9gOGcsOQaNbyYzC9u63Hu0ICOyANegy37oPEauVlo4NY/s1600/DSC06410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_iVhObgu3zoQWlfeQJRgdSzagW5OesqpzGuyeXDCoaQyXQJbibOWFwGa74KCREW9cD37lnKYCG52sv9wMnMr1BbjstgX3xqfq9gOGcsOQaNbyYzC9u63Hu0ICOyANegy37oPEauVlo4NY/s640/DSC06410.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Kids get extra inspired when
they use pens and markers that are not only vibrant but smell delicious too!
There’s <b>SCENTOS </b>for that.</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;">How about The Classics in
beautiful leather covers? A set of eight that includes <b>Jane Austen’s Pride and
Prejudice</b> and <b>Lucy Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables</b>? SOLD!!!</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;">For the Homemaker who loves
experimenting with recipes…. There’s <b>BAR TARTINE: Techniques and Recipes</b> AND
<b>The Filipino American Kitchen</b>.</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;">My personal favorite and also
on my own wish list is the <b>Q&A A DAY FOR MOMS: A 5 year Journal.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wouldn’t it be lovely if every day you
could read what you were thinking the year prior and realize how fast things change?</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;">As a mom who takes my kids on
trips a lot, I’m sure to need (and highly recommend) <b>Lonely Planet’s TRAVEL WITH
CHILDREN</b>.</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;">For the exhausted parents who
have kids who hate to sleep, give this book:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>THE RABBIT WHO WANTS TO FALL ASLEEP</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all, It’s not an international
bestseller for nothing.</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>Kate Spade</b> fans would be
thrilled with her line of stationeries, planners, pens and office supplies</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Challenge the creativity of
your god kids with these <b>TWISTIOS MINIS</b>!</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 14pt;">Here are other gift ideas
available at the <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">National Book Store</span></b>.</span></div>
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Special thanks to <b style="color: black;">Ms. Aurora M. Suarez, Ms. Arlene C. Thay and Mr. JB Roperos</b> of The <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>National Book Store</b></span>.<br />
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LYNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00577236385474665122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1430038339016357403.post-38411216144038713042015-10-29T18:05:00.000+08:002015-10-29T18:11:04.164+08:00Book Review: ANYTHING FOR YOU by Kristan Higgins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14pt;">Book:</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14pt;">
</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14pt;">Anything for You</span></div>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Author:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Kristan Higgins<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Publisher:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>HQN Books<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Genre:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Contemporary Romance;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Fiction<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Due Out:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>December 29, 2015<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Blurb from Goodreads:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14pt;">Before you get down on bended knee, </span><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14pt;">you
should be pretty darn sure the answer will be yes. For ten years, Connor
O'Rourke has been waiting for Jessica Dunn to take their on-again, off-again
relationship public, and he thinks the time has come. His restaurant is
thriving, she's got her dream job at Blue Heron Vineyard—it's the perfect time
to get married.</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt;">
<br />
When he pops the question, however, her answer is a fond but firm no. If it
ain't broke, why fix it? Jess has her hands full with her younger brother,
who's now living with her full-time, and a great career after years of
waitressing. What she and Connor have</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is</i> </span><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt;">perfect: friends with
an excellent benefits package. Besides, with her difficult past (and
reputation), she's positive married life isn't for her.</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br />
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But this time, Connor says it's all or nothing. If she doesn't want to marry
him, he'll find someone who does. Easier said than done, given that he's never
loved anyone but her. And maybe Jessica isn't quite as sure as she thinks…</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">My Review:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV5i6fe5eO9FLAHK3LgtKEi4qB6etbxlgV5Jc-3wplJqE-Jz94QIGLiDPHWO5IpX5t6GeOEu-9ez8JDZgkdVr4snWNevneemYDzEDJVL0m6mcuPXuiy-X75sM_Q20rHCO6Sr3EhzW9PX7o/s1600/waiting+on+you.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV5i6fe5eO9FLAHK3LgtKEi4qB6etbxlgV5Jc-3wplJqE-Jz94QIGLiDPHWO5IpX5t6GeOEu-9ez8JDZgkdVr4snWNevneemYDzEDJVL0m6mcuPXuiy-X75sM_Q20rHCO6Sr3EhzW9PX7o/s320/waiting+on+you.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #181818;">The Blue Heron series by author Kristan
Higgins is one I have been devouring many times over the past few years.</span><span style="color: #181818;"> </span><span style="color: #181818;">All the stories are well written, with
very witty dialogues and extremely funny characters.</span><span style="color: #181818;"> </span><span style="color: #181818;">Two of them being the O’Rourke twins.</span><span style="color: #181818;"> </span><span style="color: #181818;">Much as I love the hilarious men and
women who make up the town of Manningsport, there are none better than </span><b><span style="color: #990000;">Colleen
and Connor O’Rourke</span></b><span style="color: #181818;">.</span><span style="color: #181818;"> </span><span style="color: #181818;">I have shared
my opinion on Colleen’s love story <i><u><a href="http://readingtsinoy.blogspot.com/2014/02/book-review-waiting-on-you-by-kristan.html?q=waiting+on+you" target="_blank">(click my review here:</a></u></i></span><span style="color: #181818;"><i><u><a href="http://readingtsinoy.blogspot.com/2014/02/book-review-waiting-on-you-by-kristan.html?q=waiting+on+you" target="_blank"> </a></u></i></span><span style="color: #181818;"><i><u><a href="http://readingtsinoy.blogspot.com/2014/02/book-review-waiting-on-you-by-kristan.html?q=waiting+on+you" target="_blank">Waiting On You)</a></u></i>, now here is the story
of her other half, Connor.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In previous books, Connor was always
portrayed as someone stoic but very funny, loving yet sarcastic, hot (hubba
hubba) and …uh…. Very good with his hands… because HE IS A CHEF guys! (Mind out
of the gutter please hehehe).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here
we finally, FINALLY, get to see the other side of Connor, his patience, his
kindness and his love for one woman and one woman alone, Jessica Dunn, the
woman who has had his heart since he was 12 years old.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyNmoavEROWq7UV7lXWFwLdxj-wnNOAjtU3GVEnS0CRqXSi_LBfdWESMMhwuvt7oRYMErGeakgUyTahHkTcPZtCXzktiYwRdxh5ECzkkI7aNcA6v8PvTwDxZOGUzHu-NDwBrv9MQY4AtO-/s1600/the+best+man.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyNmoavEROWq7UV7lXWFwLdxj-wnNOAjtU3GVEnS0CRqXSi_LBfdWESMMhwuvt7oRYMErGeakgUyTahHkTcPZtCXzktiYwRdxh5ECzkkI7aNcA6v8PvTwDxZOGUzHu-NDwBrv9MQY4AtO-/s320/the+best+man.jpg" width="202" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Connor is not complicated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is a hardworking bar owner and chef
who wants to get married.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has
been seeing one woman for over a decade albeit secretly since the woman in
question prefers it that way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Connor wants to have a family because he truly and fully loves
Jessica.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And while she has never
uttered the words “I love you” to him, he has been the only man in her life for
quite awhile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Jessica’s life is complicated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Very complicated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She practically raised herself and her
brother since her alcoholic parents were less than useless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She also has a reputation since High
School that never quite disappeared….she is/was Jessica Does, as in Jessica
does anyone who wants some.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her
life has changed for the better since getting her degree and working for the
Holland family and their vineyard, and she has moved on and away from the
trailer park, but a shadow has been cast and she believes she can’t be more
than what she is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She also has a big
burden by the name of Davey, her mentally challenged brother who happens to
HATE Connor with a passion because of an incident with a dog in their
childhood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So how can she plan a
life with Connor when in her mind, there is nothing left to give him except for
what they have occasionally?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHco56Z4dxyQn22m0fWeC_6xf2Fg7EzLJGaXDUvLN_fM2YJMFsM-BxZqkX8ErknhJbb_lpHZruPAvcDwyWrWR5OeQdmlzcAAWlX0otWnGW_Y29ADRKOlbGkIJ0h_d4F1RpRR2t_EyqWdvV/s1600/the+perfect+match.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHco56Z4dxyQn22m0fWeC_6xf2Fg7EzLJGaXDUvLN_fM2YJMFsM-BxZqkX8ErknhJbb_lpHZruPAvcDwyWrWR5OeQdmlzcAAWlX0otWnGW_Y29ADRKOlbGkIJ0h_d4F1RpRR2t_EyqWdvV/s320/the+perfect+match.jpg" width="202" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">One thing you’d have to understand about the
Blue Heron series is that it does happen in a small town of Manningsport and as
such, many lives, many characters are intertwined.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So the characters here in Anything for You are the same
characters from the first four books which means a lot to readers like me
because whenever I read a new Blue Heron book, I feel like I’m coming home and
touching base with people who matter to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And yes, corny as it sounds, the O’Rourkes and the Hollands
matter to me a lot and I need to see their happy endings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So this book here is a gift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If Connor had not been
given a good one I would have been very pissed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But as it is my entire face is smiling and I haven’t stopped
rereading my copy since first receiving the ARC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, I went back to read ALL the 5 Blue Heron books the past few
days just because I want to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
Jessica.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her character was always
the aloof one ever since The Best Man (Blue Heron book #1) and I didn’t quite
know if I liked her enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
Higgins has a way of making you LOVE her characters, even the most annoying
ones, so here I was rooting for Jessica to end up with the perfect man, Connor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU8DFukHiadapHel5I4d7l3_xUA_Cps8q__2TS7H5QBlwVqTOmu1Ufszdoaibwyq1eE-VBBGaNSi4gxk76tSGm3o__GQ-_6u71AmDdJqzYCT0D6cmvonx2INuWHV5KjT3R5KkmHkX9789r/s1600/in+your+dreams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU8DFukHiadapHel5I4d7l3_xUA_Cps8q__2TS7H5QBlwVqTOmu1Ufszdoaibwyq1eE-VBBGaNSi4gxk76tSGm3o__GQ-_6u71AmDdJqzYCT0D6cmvonx2INuWHV5KjT3R5KkmHkX9789r/s320/in+your+dreams.jpg" width="203" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">To fully appreciate Connor (and his magical
wit), you’d first have to know where he is coming from, and to do that you’d
have to fall first for Colleen….which is why you have to read <b>WAITING ON YOU</b>
before diving into this one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Better
yet, start from Book #1 for a better and clearer understanding of all these
wonderful relationships and characters I am raving about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, I am <b>Raving</b>….I love this
series.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In terms of romance and
sense of humor, few can compare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Higgins is an author who knows her audience well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not yet ready to say goodbye to
the good folks of Manningsport so hopefully there are a few more up her
sleeve…..perhaps Ned and Sarah?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How about Charlie?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Heck,
there’s always the next generation of the Hollands and O’Rourkes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do I hear a yes?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Please click the links for the reviews of the Blue Heron series:</span><br />
<b><u><a href="http://readingtsinoy.blogspot.com/2013/02/0-false-18-pt-18-pt-0-0-false-false.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">The Best Man</span></a></u></b><br />
<b><u><a href="http://readingtsinoy.blogspot.com/2013/09/book-review-perfect-match-by-kristan.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">The Perfect Match</span></a></u></b><br />
<b><u><a href="http://readingtsinoy.blogspot.com/2014/08/book-review-in-your-dreams-blue-heron-4.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">In Your Dreams</span></a></u></b></div>
LYNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00577236385474665122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1430038339016357403.post-50048480449804579242015-10-18T20:24:00.002+08:002015-10-18T20:24:59.167+08:00Book Review: THE LIBBY GARRETT INTERVENTION by Kelly Oram<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Book:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Libby Garrett Intervention<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Author:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kelly
Oram<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Publisher:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Bluefields<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Genre:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Young
Adult Fiction, Romance<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Due Out:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>October 24, 2015<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Blurb from Goodreads:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Libby Garrett is addicted to
Owen Jackson's hot lovin'. But the sexy, popular college basketball player
doesn't appreciate all of Libby's awesomeness. He refuses to be exclusive or
even admit to people that they're dating. The relationship is ruining Libby and
she's the only one who can't see it.</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">When Libby's behavior
spirals completely out of control, her best friend Avery Shaw and the rest of
the Science Squad stage an intervention hoping to cure Libby of her harmful
Owen addiction. They put her through her very own Twelve Step program—Owen's
Anonymous—and recruit the help of a sexy, broody, hard as nails coffee man to
be her official sponsor.</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9NZr_4kyfIEeuplqy1RUXjWF_xgYEnDKNbZTK5mG1hrUNEo04mN0i6M8vXJhndBVfr8GcL1hAnPQ_duCI7rDEnQfyXgulaPcSUaB8lhVcP-T4PZWZlf7MtZSDcAKaHQyL9U37DKonpfsG/s1600/LIBBY_photo_teasers_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9NZr_4kyfIEeuplqy1RUXjWF_xgYEnDKNbZTK5mG1hrUNEo04mN0i6M8vXJhndBVfr8GcL1hAnPQ_duCI7rDEnQfyXgulaPcSUaB8lhVcP-T4PZWZlf7MtZSDcAKaHQyL9U37DKonpfsG/s320/LIBBY_photo_teasers_2.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Adam Koepp has watched Libby
Garrett for years. How could he not notice the sassy girl with the purple
skateboard and helmet plastered with cat stickers? But in all the years he's
crushed on her, Libby has failed to take notice of him. Why would she when he
was just a nobody high school drop out who served her apple cider several times
a week? Especially when she was hooking up with a guy like Owen Jackson—a guy
with a college scholarship and more abs than Kyle Hamilton.</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Adam finally gets the chance
to meet Libby when his co-worker Avery Shaw recruits him to take Libby on the
journey of a lifetime. With his ability to play Bad Cop and his experience with
the Twelve Step program he's the perfect candidate to be Libby's sponsor. But
will he be able to keep his personal feelings out of the matter and really help
her the way she needs? And will Libby hate him when he forces her to take an
honest look at herself?</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">This follow-up companion
novel to The Avery Shaw Experiment can be read as a stand alone. (But where's
the fun in that?) ;)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx29wXclyYq4rqqastUKQb9q7rjfeFpfXwLOTiSgM0QbDzZ1ogM3BjxlhS_hXdSMDkDcJqKa-ETih-zK3MYRIiRHpOzrGKBWI_5sASMApFL2YlXsH0ND9B3gHDoYKf5WxTuqu3PZcQXb5x/s1600/avery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx29wXclyYq4rqqastUKQb9q7rjfeFpfXwLOTiSgM0QbDzZ1ogM3BjxlhS_hXdSMDkDcJqKa-ETih-zK3MYRIiRHpOzrGKBWI_5sASMApFL2YlXsH0ND9B3gHDoYKf5WxTuqu3PZcQXb5x/s400/avery.jpg" width="256" /></a><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">My Review:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Going into this I had two
things in minds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kelly Oram is a good author judging by
the tears I shed while reading her book Cinder and Ella. Two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have no idea who Libby Garrett
is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Based on the blurb, I knew
that Libby is a character from Oram’s other popular book <b>The Avery Shaw
Experiment</b> which I’ve never read so I was wondering if I should or could skip
that and jump into Libby.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I’m glad I did.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">The Libby Garrett
Intervention is a stand alone book dealing with losing and finding
oneself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Libby is a not so typical
teenage female protagonist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is
overweight, nerdy and sarcastic (oh I love that trait the most.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All these make her so relatable to me
personally because I am all these myself so 2 points for Libby).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The problem with Libby is that she is
addicted to a living, breathing drug, <b>Owen</b>, a gorgeous jock who wants nothing
more from her than hook ups.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or as
a character in the book says, Owen treats Libby "like a prostitute he doesn’t
have to pay".<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKRjqBG7eTFCyqvuFWj64y1x63uJyQ4n31OQdrhy0RPsy6Trlz-Eiy_x-3k01gA_Jj3k_doKtUDu9Q-aSUISLuWcwdFOCcVdod3NdkZCrnzfdBXPSqfUFFCThWz4umkYhKhAokGjeeMXg5/s1600/LIBBY_photo_teasers_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKRjqBG7eTFCyqvuFWj64y1x63uJyQ4n31OQdrhy0RPsy6Trlz-Eiy_x-3k01gA_Jj3k_doKtUDu9Q-aSUISLuWcwdFOCcVdod3NdkZCrnzfdBXPSqfUFFCThWz4umkYhKhAokGjeeMXg5/s320/LIBBY_photo_teasers_4.jpg" width="252" /></a><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Enter Adam, otherwise known
as the Coffee Man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is a close
friend and co-worker of Libby’s best friend Avery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A tattooed high school dropout with problems of his own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> H</span>e has always had a thing
for Libby, so seeing her change from a confident and funny person to a
desperate, I-can’t-NOT-have-sex-with-Owen is more than he can take.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One public indiscretion by Libby and
Owen sends Adam to suggest staging an intervention for Libby.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">A 12 step program is not
exactly a good way to start a relationship, but it is a great way to end one
and to make Libby see what she has become with Owen, and in the process, it
helps Libby realize that she is not as unlovable as what she has believed
herself to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Addiction though is
tough to beat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will she keep going
back to her personal version of crack (Owen)? Or move on to the person who can
help her get her old self back?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuvjPiGmlJgAaVPIpCCJk8JprCe9DvUDd-8cI5k2YUdIFDvj7gh_hyVEQ5tdjKLeq1wdrwjKz4nq2Olp-xkM5u5w3P1nYVDRk7a91uHIh7eQ27Ah72EV_97QBV3uJnq0k9sQUEC6o2L-_Q/s1600/oram4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuvjPiGmlJgAaVPIpCCJk8JprCe9DvUDd-8cI5k2YUdIFDvj7gh_hyVEQ5tdjKLeq1wdrwjKz4nq2Olp-xkM5u5w3P1nYVDRk7a91uHIh7eQ27Ah72EV_97QBV3uJnq0k9sQUEC6o2L-_Q/s320/oram4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">One thing I love about Libby
is her wisecracking ability.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
is smart as a whip and can dish it out like nothing else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The character is LOL funny with a side
of sexy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes I said sexy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is beyond chubby (based on the
description and the beautiful picture on the book cover) but she is pretty
(Again based on the cover model and descriptions in the book).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The thing is, I understand
perfectly her need to be the object of such adulation from a beautiful man and
her need for acceptance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After
all, she grew up bullied for how she looked her entire life so having the
attention of a popular jock is like a dream come true for her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisiryfmKZwxgwkUbRIwCMHWArsb1fK53kWWGz9cuIozQZnXYeBhOcTW00gMkmdEs_N_30v0kcgkwxp31ahhWp5lL-zHcLsQuwGy5g-TU5fPF8Ljw6mylQftAZCS8AlJUOW0izgie2N9prw/s1600/cinder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisiryfmKZwxgwkUbRIwCMHWArsb1fK53kWWGz9cuIozQZnXYeBhOcTW00gMkmdEs_N_30v0kcgkwxp31ahhWp5lL-zHcLsQuwGy5g-TU5fPF8Ljw6mylQftAZCS8AlJUOW0izgie2N9prw/s400/cinder.jpg" width="248" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I like how Oram settled the
issue by <b>NOT</b> making Libby change physically.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She didn’t make Libby go on an exercise spree to lose
weight, nor did she write the story as if being Fat is the reason for her
problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In other words she
didn’t resolve Libby’s dilemma with a miraculous “ugly duckling turned into a
swan” angle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oram made sure the
readers would understand that the problem here is <b>WHAT</b> Libby thinks of
herself….and it’s not a lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Libby
put so much stock on being unlovable because she looked a certain way, she
overlooked the fact that she is beautiful in every other way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>Fat is just fat</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the end, it is how we are as people
and how we treat others that define us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And Libby realizes that with the help of wonderful and supportive
Adam.</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Oram didn’t make Adam the
typical gorgeous, Edward Cullen type of guy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is the anti thesis of a male protagonist: drop out,
tattooed teenager, skinny and thinks himself a loser.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My heart immediately went out to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adam gets Libby because he has been
through the same nightmare of addiction albeit indirectly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is, in his own way, the perfect
hero.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Libby’s hero.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">This is a good read with a
huge helping or sarcasm, wit and laughter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you’re up for a book that will make you want your own
<b>Coffee Man</b>, if not just your own coffee, then read this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now excuse me while I go get a
tall drink of Frapuccino.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Photo Credit: All photos were lifted from Goodreads.com and the author's Facebook account</span></div>
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LYNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00577236385474665122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1430038339016357403.post-28508898745044919672015-09-25T21:03:00.000+08:002015-09-25T21:20:09.750+08:00Book Review: HIDDEN HOPE by Amy Patrick<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Omru-rzSgjypuvJ9ypnHp8NSkanijk7fxaT-W4dQIJ5J42gIzMXsIHPWo-hkQQ_cHGKXJnYARdW4p0ImkpEfXIQK5AZ0nJjQ7930XvQ57Svh36bxBXJXukes4s3lqWRHC23yueLFPyQM/s1600/FINAL+HIDDEN+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Omru-rzSgjypuvJ9ypnHp8NSkanijk7fxaT-W4dQIJ5J42gIzMXsIHPWo-hkQQ_cHGKXJnYARdW4p0ImkpEfXIQK5AZ0nJjQ7930XvQ57Svh36bxBXJXukes4s3lqWRHC23yueLFPyQM/s400/FINAL+HIDDEN+3.jpg" width="265" /></a><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Book: Hidden Hope<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="color: #181818;">Author:</span><span style="color: #181818;">
</span><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Amy Patrick</span></b><span style="color: #181818;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Publisher:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oxford South Press<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Genre:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Science Fiction & Fantasy; YA Fiction<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Release Date:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>September 28, 2015<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: Helvetica;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Blurb via Goodreads:<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Ryann is torn between two kings… two brothers.</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">Lad, the king of the Light Court, is her first
love. Nox, the new king of the Dark Court, came through when she needed him
most and won her heart.</span></span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Helvetica;"> </span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">But Lad has revealed a secret to Ryann that
devastates her and tears at her loyalties. And though Nox and Lad are fierce
rivals for the girl they both claim to love, an even bigger problem threatens
them all.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><span style="background: white;">The unsuspecting human population of the world
hangs in the balance of an approaching war between Dark and Light. Powerful fan
pods have transformed the face of the country. It’s abnormal NOT to be in one
now. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi5P7HK6axdq5k5O46BAzIuZuoGjjWp7F-QVDPXc7A0rB8OHhEFEn0Ab9fz4tOZdraqmau_DTG_Av3y_b996zl0Mp5XLmSxdFvauZJfMSmhQA18N8yGRB5VYBd9r1YAhyzDVWFeWy5OD1o/s1600/deep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi5P7HK6axdq5k5O46BAzIuZuoGjjWp7F-QVDPXc7A0rB8OHhEFEn0Ab9fz4tOZdraqmau_DTG_Av3y_b996zl0Mp5XLmSxdFvauZJfMSmhQA18N8yGRB5VYBd9r1YAhyzDVWFeWy5OD1o/s320/deep.jpg" width="213" /></a><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><span style="background: white;">The Dark Council’s plan is almost accomplished, and they are nearly ready
to reveal themselves and take back rulership of the world, as it was in the old
days, before the history books were written.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><span style="background: white;">Ryann can’t believe the Nox she knows and loves
would allow that to happen, though he is now deeply entrenched in the Dark
Court and seems to be changing by the day. Is his love for Ryann strong enough
to give him the strength to stand against his people and their plot?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><span style="background: white;">Or should she side with Lad and the Light Court,
who appear to have the welfare of humans in mind? He is fighting the looming
danger hard as he can, fully involved now in the world of Fae politics he tried
so hard to avoid.</span></span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Helvetica;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><span style="background: white;">And what can Ryann-- only partial Fae--
personally do?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><span style="background: white;">She will have to learn to balance her own Dark
and Light sides-- and somehow make a the right choice between two tempting
Elven guys-- or face the consequences of a wrong decision eternally and watch
her family and the entire human world fall under the oppression of the Dark
Court.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: Helvetica;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">My Review:</span></b><span style="color: #181818;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVE0OvubeyCEnW3qcoF6wUFSyw-0jLXqCnZxEFAR4uaPzsVDkueG5XFXJ7ERQobxElNbQcSAKg8vKaFDaTFUAE-hZQz6dheZNN3dcXpPfiTBtTKcMlqbAPulqRRjFjX3Cv_tiwgNLrLaf8/s1600/h+heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVE0OvubeyCEnW3qcoF6wUFSyw-0jLXqCnZxEFAR4uaPzsVDkueG5XFXJ7ERQobxElNbQcSAKg8vKaFDaTFUAE-hZQz6dheZNN3dcXpPfiTBtTKcMlqbAPulqRRjFjX3Cv_tiwgNLrLaf8/s320/h+heart.jpg" width="213" /></a><span style="background: white; font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="color: #181818;">Strange flutterings in my stomach came and went
as I was reading this last book in the Hidden series, particularly when the
scenes had anything to do with Nox, the new King of the Dark Court.</span><span style="color: #181818;"> </span><span style="color: #181818;">As I explicitly shared in my review of
the 2</span><sup style="color: #181818;">nd</sup><span style="color: #181818;"> book, </span><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Hidden Heart</span></b> <u><i><span style="color: #351c75;"><a href="http://readingtsinoy.blogspot.com/2015/05/book-review-hidden-heart-by-amy-patrick_28.html" target="_blank">(click here for the review)</a></span></i></u><span style="color: #181818;">, I love Nox and am all for
him getting the girl and his happily ever after.</span><span style="color: #181818;"> </span><span style="color: #181818;">Now the question in reading Hidden Hope is if it is the girl
I’m rooting for that he gets the happily ever after with. </span><span style="color: #181818;"> </span><span style="color: #181818;">THAT one, I can not answer obviously as
I do not want to spoil anything for you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">The story picks up about a month after it ended
in Hidden Heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nox is now within
the Dark Court, navigating the dangers of it with Vancia, the former King’s
adopted daughter and the current fiancée of Lad who now heads the Light
Court.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vancia is extremely
beautiful and is openly devoted to Nox, who happens to be the boyfriend of
Ryann, our main protagonist.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBcFvsuBUCnMKdlwW6GS-aLa5oN5gjAumAwA1pyH26X-PBTsM6GnNCkpVmvBphyHPj_U0HyO2JrjVbUpiBLHpT-YHgbSdBM1x-iExAzNH1imumnxmhKJQcN2Hov6JfwOw_MoCmJKKtfQB_/s1600/sway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBcFvsuBUCnMKdlwW6GS-aLa5oN5gjAumAwA1pyH26X-PBTsM6GnNCkpVmvBphyHPj_U0HyO2JrjVbUpiBLHpT-YHgbSdBM1x-iExAzNH1imumnxmhKJQcN2Hov6JfwOw_MoCmJKKtfQB_/s320/sway.jpg" width="212" /></a><span style="background: white; font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="color: #181818;">Ryann loves Nox and is trying her best to follow
Nox’s instructions for her own safety which is to stay away from the former
king of the Dark Court, who happens to also be her long lost biological father,
Davis.</span><span style="color: #181818;"> </span><span style="color: #181818;">But trying and doing are
two different things especially when Davis threatens the life of Ryann’s
mother. </span><span style="color: #181818;"> </span><span style="color: #181818;">Davis is one of the most
powerful Elf in the world, he has </span><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The Sway</span></b><span style="color: #181818;">, which means he can make people do
whatever he wants them to do. </span><span style="color: #181818;"> </span><span style="color: #181818;">The
ability to influence at it's best and worst. What he doesn’t know and what
Ryann is trying to hide, is that she inherited that power from him.</span><span style="color: #181818;"> </span><span style="color: #181818;">She also inherited the power of empathy
from her mother’s side of the family.</span><span style="color: #181818;">
</span><span style="color: #181818;">She has two great powers which she believes are not useful enough…..or
that she is not strong enough to use at least.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Nox wants Ryann but is unable to be with her
since he is trying to keep their togetherness a secret from his world lest she
be put in more danger than she already is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lad on the other hand, sees her as much as he can, despite
being affianced to Vancia, the childhood friend of Nox.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is no love triangle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a quadrangle filled with thrilling
moments and sweet words that romantics would gobble up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sure did.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglvefxPVzAEFRoI4_utLkkmnWwOLU6e4yqhnHrkzxZE6VjGWyMyJsc2iGlISVoDkXtyf2VZ4_fUJ19Ea4SS4FjUlSFv8sxBLEMToNUyGFPogXojrmaOJHKcGqCdUc4Ke_6X3YRQLt4iiSR/s1600/2+coat+lomo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglvefxPVzAEFRoI4_utLkkmnWwOLU6e4yqhnHrkzxZE6VjGWyMyJsc2iGlISVoDkXtyf2VZ4_fUJ19Ea4SS4FjUlSFv8sxBLEMToNUyGFPogXojrmaOJHKcGqCdUc4Ke_6X3YRQLt4iiSR/s320/2+coat+lomo.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Much as I was sure in Hidden Heart that I
wanted Nox to end up with Ryann, mid book I didn’t know where I wanted to
go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lad is a dream, Nox equally
so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vancia was an extra I thought
I could do without….but no…. she is one of the most important “twists” in the
series that I’m sure readers would also come to love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="color: #181818;">The Lad who was first introduced in </span><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Hidden Deep</span></b>
<u><i><span style="color: #351c75;"><a href="http://readingtsinoy.blogspot.com/2015/02/book-review-hidden-deep-by-amy-patrick.html" target="_blank">(click here for the review)</a></span></i></u><span style="color: #181818;">, the honest yet innocent Lad is back with a
vengeance and all ready to finally fight for what or who he REALLY wants.</span><span style="color: #181818;"> </span><span style="color: #181818;">Nox is too... but at what point can one
measure someone’s love in their world?</span><span style="color: #181818;">
</span><span style="color: #181818;">How can one understand where true love ends and elven glamour begins?
Just who belongs to whom? Oh so very hard to answer indeed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Overall, I love how the author navigated the
plot points in the series.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Everything was put in their proper places and no question was left
unanswered by the end of the book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was satisfied with the pairings as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, should author Amy Patrick decide to write an
alternate ending for those rooting for the OTHER team, I’m sure I would enjoy
that as well (hint*hint**).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Have I given you guys enough hints? No?
well….take my word for it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Read
this series.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I happily recommend
it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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LYNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00577236385474665122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1430038339016357403.post-82002374800495703252015-09-18T21:00:00.001+08:002015-09-18T21:00:06.714+08:00Spotlight on Author CHRISTINE BRAE<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;">From her warm and genuine smile, it was clear how author
Christine Brae is enjoying being back home after having been away for two
decades.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;">A triumphant return too
since Brae, apart from being an author, is also a high level executive at an
advertising agency in Chicago, where she resides with her husband and grown up
children.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Writing is not her full time profession, but it is a
huge part of her life which she now shares with all of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On my end, it was a thrill speaking to
a Filipino author who has captured the imagination, not just of her fellow
Pinoys, but readers from other countries as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bookworm in me could not be any prouder.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhig1zMXiASG8j06gfMqPO-fHNDvph8DYjOddu2NFpb5ZdxQu6VqLR6QTnSQZzT_gPuqASdpppcN_hn7aWee7tNZYalfauZC1_lg0v1i5W6gTZOCqVVpdbftIIvFhr6eYv9NkEzYoD-rBMF/s1600/DSC06189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhig1zMXiASG8j06gfMqPO-fHNDvph8DYjOddu2NFpb5ZdxQu6VqLR6QTnSQZzT_gPuqASdpppcN_hn7aWee7tNZYalfauZC1_lg0v1i5W6gTZOCqVVpdbftIIvFhr6eYv9NkEzYoD-rBMF/s640/DSC06189.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Christine is sweet, friendly and exuberant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A joy to speak to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She reminds me of friends with whom I
can chat the entire day about anything under the sun…..and chat we did.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Here is my conversation with Christine Brae:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Lyn: Welcome back to the Philippines! Gaano katagal ka
ng wala sa Pilipinas?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Christine:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>20 years!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So
you’ve been in Chicago the whole time?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I married someone from there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He grew up in Indiana so we just had
the kids here and then moved to the States<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So how’s
your homecoming?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
crazy, it's great actually.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
a bit nervous because I really kept my life separate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t tell people here that I wrote a book <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZmsfx9-F4V-qGRxVCYatRSzlerxH8o-XZZ9M4tuOyYQ9eg5PHwJ-EQ1HiFI_SiVCmo3mjrkLL6sW83dThgHYicma-RqCi5v2poaOForitTKkJ6tgZG0dmQmRmQqLncye1H9i1cVR-bUj/s1600/DSC06121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZmsfx9-F4V-qGRxVCYatRSzlerxH8o-XZZ9M4tuOyYQ9eg5PHwJ-EQ1HiFI_SiVCmo3mjrkLL6sW83dThgHYicma-RqCi5v2poaOForitTKkJ6tgZG0dmQmRmQqLncye1H9i1cVR-bUj/s640/DSC06121.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did you
imagine when you left years ago that this would happen<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I left I took Eco Accounting at La
Salle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted a career as a CPA,
which I am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t think I’d
become a writer but here it is<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re
actually an executive at an advertising company in Chicago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You still are.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And no I won’t give that up, I love
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do work at an advertising
company and I get to travel a lot, see a lot of cultures and experience so many
things so I wouldn’t give that up and that has helped me with the kids…send
them to college….its my livelihood so I'm not giving that up<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So what
has your family said about your book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Have they read it?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
younger ones are okay with it and my aunts and my older relatives…I was a
little nervous because I'm still……<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kamusta
reaction nila? Because I read your books and wow….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
thought it was beautiful….they said the words were beautiful…. That’s all they
said… so I don’t know (laughs)</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes
because it's very sexy…Not for the faint of heart<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah you
know why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kase that’s reality.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It said
in your bio that you wanted to write about your life and run away as far from
it as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dare I ask which
parts of the book is based on your life?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know
I'm pretty open about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First of
all, my mom died in 2010 and she died without me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I flew in from Chicago too late na, she was gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I was dealing with a lot of regret
so I wanted to write a book that honored her…the imperfect her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I wanted people to see that could
be the most imperfect mother and your child can still love you to death and
your child could still want to be like you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And when I was writing this book I realized that there
were actually two guys in my life that influenced decisions that I have made
and the drive that I have to succeed as I have in my career.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were two guys in my life who
influenced that so I kind of incorporated them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus the fact that romance was a genre that people were
reading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So that’s how it came
about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But the catalyst was really my mom, I wanted to write
about her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes when you read
the book you think na no she’s saying bad things about mom but really I’m
not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm seeing that she was so imperfect
and that she loved her kids no matter what<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbfOPpH7A2ZfOEg1GthHaASdl4etWMtuaAJTqb4L6eSZSJAgFNAjR0pEM8BF8uSh5txl27OgjuB3T_6AKbm6huxQ-hqUcJLdKsOKsVdwD8KyYKtzBRqArtQCIDoZxmR9m3vjlnTsXuz86/s1600/DSC06107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbfOPpH7A2ZfOEg1GthHaASdl4etWMtuaAJTqb4L6eSZSJAgFNAjR0pEM8BF8uSh5txl27OgjuB3T_6AKbm6huxQ-hqUcJLdKsOKsVdwD8KyYKtzBRqArtQCIDoZxmR9m3vjlnTsXuz86/s640/DSC06107.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
that’s all moms naman<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's all
families yeah<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved
that Isa ended up with Alex.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why
did you make it so that the good guy is that one that wins the girl?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because
I have an Alex.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that Alex was
really in the background the whole time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He would tell me you deserve so much more and you need to be yourself,
you need to be able to grow and I wanted to honor….if you saw the dedication in
front….I wanted to honor that, the fact that he really stuck by me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although the reaction by a lot of
readers was no, we’re not buying it, she’s not over Jesse…..and that’s why I
had to write the second book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
had to close it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think
she would always love Jesse because of the 7 years but ultimately, it’s really
Alex that made her who she is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So……you are a full time career woman, a wife, a mother and a marathon
runner<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Half
marathon<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still
you run, you can barely drag me off the bed…. So how do you still find time to
write, work and travel<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well
traveling is good for me because I have the airplane time, the hotel time…so I
write whenever I can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And my
family has always been so supportive that I can basically lock myself up in the
room for 24 hours straight and they’ll leave me alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s how supportive they are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And writers…we live in our heads….and
just the fact that I work for this company and I travel so much and have so
much alone time really helps me find time to write.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I have to tell you from the 1st book to the 2<sup>nd</sup>
book, I lost 15 pounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t
sleeping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would schedule myself
from 10pm to 2am to write every night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That’s just how I accomplished the books<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nag
focus ako bigla sa 15lbs! (laughs)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t
even diet or anything!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The lack of
sleep lang talaga….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So could
we expect more books with a touch of Philippines in it from you?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There always will be a touch of the Philippines,
or a touch of our culture because I feel like the readership especially in the
states who are housewives who stay home with young kids who don’t have the
opportunity to travel at this stage in their lives, they want to sit and they
wanna get away, so I always try to do that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And you know, I got a lot of slack for writing from some
Filipinos na it's too Americanized, that’s not Cebu…oh no Isa is too high
class, she is not reflective of our life here….but at the same time it reflects
our culture whether you’re rich or poor or middle class or whatever you are,
the culture is there, the beliefs are there<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the
places we grew up with are there… Strumms…. Greenbelt…. D’Marks….. kaya it was
familiar<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">FAST QUESTIONS on favorites:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dessert<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bibingka<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Drink</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gin and
cranberry juice<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Book<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thornbirds by Colleen McCullough<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Author<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too many<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8xgDT1Ce_sV9kIboEg10H0Nkp2Aqhm2Skab81NUmhxtFs92b2oSE1D4-RtDahQuqlfMZqatfqUj2sP_agrpWXsPYp_a9iILuLWD1IvCkJKupLcBZNf-wz73Wsaw_lVItWKJvsgXxFNuoe/s1600/His+Wounded+Light.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8xgDT1Ce_sV9kIboEg10H0Nkp2Aqhm2Skab81NUmhxtFs92b2oSE1D4-RtDahQuqlfMZqatfqUj2sP_agrpWXsPYp_a9iILuLWD1IvCkJKupLcBZNf-wz73Wsaw_lVItWKJvsgXxFNuoe/s640/His+Wounded+Light.jpg" width="422" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vacation
place<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paris<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Relaxation<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reading<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hobby<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shopping
(laughs)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Movie<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Splendor
in the Grass<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;">L:</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;">Wow
that’s so…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
know!!! My kids are 26 and 25 na<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Talaga?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What did they say about the books?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have they read it?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’re
not allowed to read it and they're like mom, seriously?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How would you even know if we read it
or not? But yes, my kids are grown so if they read it…they read it<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3dGAgci3yolnfOhljyfXMnSyTCH-H29_xzsXwk5D3urZOfqXYSHoUb-ZrbmJBvHVvSpkANEgCBW8XzHWOJNxy-NEIxZEuQqHpnbNWsqvBiG5yKKQs1Vjm38CEgnjZHRBZ3dRgtohniDPk/s1600/Insipid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3dGAgci3yolnfOhljyfXMnSyTCH-H29_xzsXwk5D3urZOfqXYSHoUb-ZrbmJBvHVvSpkANEgCBW8XzHWOJNxy-NEIxZEuQqHpnbNWsqvBiG5yKKQs1Vjm38CEgnjZHRBZ3dRgtohniDPk/s640/Insipid.jpg" width="406" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
just won’t tell their mom (laughs)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>okay…last, what are your top 3 book recommendations?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C: I’ll tell you the good books that I've read lately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>HAUSFRAU by Jill Alexander
Essbaum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>THE OPPORTUNIST by Tarryn
Fisher and ADULTERY by Paulo Coelho.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">You can catch Christine Brae, along with fellow
bestselling authors Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher at their book signing
event courtesy of the National book store this Saturday, September 19, 2015 at
5pm at the NBS booth at the Manila International Book Fair, SMX Convention
Center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Limited to 200 slots only!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Registration starts at 10am for this event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only books purchased from National Book
Store, NBS Express or Powerbooks will be accommodated<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A special Thanks to Mr. JB Roperos and the National Book
Store<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheLAZKBsGbiAnbVFPKNHN76yTpFQu3Wu8zi2e2p4e0Dp41aSI9D0-6Q4wJQqyvbukXRYsclR3qc33uOjFo1RsJ23z3zgDowvIJ3NiA_GcPcpozir8IiYAFhmuvxWxV4RXZwLDS-hpVWCKr/s1600/DSC06190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheLAZKBsGbiAnbVFPKNHN76yTpFQu3Wu8zi2e2p4e0Dp41aSI9D0-6Q4wJQqyvbukXRYsclR3qc33uOjFo1RsJ23z3zgDowvIJ3NiA_GcPcpozir8IiYAFhmuvxWxV4RXZwLDS-hpVWCKr/s640/DSC06190.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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LYNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00577236385474665122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1430038339016357403.post-83696188473871394682015-09-18T19:50:00.000+08:002015-09-18T19:50:55.370+08:00Spotlight on Author COLLEEN HOOVER<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;">If there’s one word I can think of to describe Colleen,
it would be calm…serene even.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;">I
caught her quietly signing a huge stack of cards for National Bookstore with
her writing hand still bandaged up from signing hundreds of books in the days
prior, at the events in both Cebu and Manila.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;">She simply kept on doing so until it was time for my
interview.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGvkaJepBh2oiRt0VJcWVtCZawd8X9Sdhrxz8d_iYuo5giz4VlsEl-yf68kYK1Bs0BcTnBxxVUI-3GP-mRrfBZ3Qt7LUxcosotATfUf_3FG_dIhNceNdt41Z-55TSsc9jJts6iDr-Nv_eL/s1600/DSC06093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGvkaJepBh2oiRt0VJcWVtCZawd8X9Sdhrxz8d_iYuo5giz4VlsEl-yf68kYK1Bs0BcTnBxxVUI-3GP-mRrfBZ3Qt7LUxcosotATfUf_3FG_dIhNceNdt41Z-55TSsc9jJts6iDr-Nv_eL/s640/DSC06093.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This is a woman who has had 12 books on the New York
Times Bestsellers list since starting only 4 years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A woman who never imagined how her
passion for the written word could take her into the lives of so many.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A writer who masterfully weaves
unbelievable stories and makes the readers care for each and every one of her
characters.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Here is my conversation with Colleen Hoover: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Lyn:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How
has your trip been?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Colleen:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It's my first time in manila and it has been really really good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's probably my favorite trip so far<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw
the book event in Megamall and it was crazy full<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>it was
insane!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
were hundreds of people there!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So
how is your right hand after all that signing? (note: at the time of this
interview, her right hand was wrapped in a bandage)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's
okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I usually don’t sign for
that many in the US and they’re not that enthusiastic either so it was crazy
and it was awesome</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8DOrvupHbE8LyA2NzAyxP2sYLFpZ1cz8KShNYBbf_KVivFwZHX-n8cBp04lEefxhyprIUvQJvp8S40hxNs_w_wB_x1AdAM0qsZIZ5NBaIED0xSVzMeEGWTbYUSSLMpu1RG6roZkRyzKkc/s1600/DSC06080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8DOrvupHbE8LyA2NzAyxP2sYLFpZ1cz8KShNYBbf_KVivFwZHX-n8cBp04lEefxhyprIUvQJvp8S40hxNs_w_wB_x1AdAM0qsZIZ5NBaIED0xSVzMeEGWTbYUSSLMpu1RG6roZkRyzKkc/s640/DSC06080.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So
what<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>was the nicest reaction that
you got from your fans?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think
just walking out and hearing everyone screaming for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know they’re subdued in the US so
it was a different reaction that we’ve never had before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All three of us were just really
overwhelmed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was it
like a rockstar reception?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah we
felt like One Direction<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For your
book CONFESS, you asked your readers to submit real confessions, some of which
you included in the book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which confession
was the most painful to read?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
was one that I included that was probably the hardest about a woman who was
molested by her father and it was still going on and she’s a grown woman and
married and it was just really really sad<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw that
too and that was really hard to swallow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Did you put your own confession in the book?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
didn’t.. (laughs)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
commissioned paintings for CONFESS.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Did you let the artist read your book before the paintings were made?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t
even ask him to actually do that because that’s a lot of work and I was still
writing it as he was painting them so it was hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told him about the scenes and the confessions and just
kind of gave him the idea of what I wanted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a couple of them he had already painted and I bought them
because I thought they fit the scene so it was a little of both<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the
paintings were beautiful<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s so
good<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you have them all?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I bought the originals of all of
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I gave one to Tarryn, one to
my mom, one to both my sisters then I kept one<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which
one did you keep?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kept
the one of Owen’s mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That one
I have hung up in the bookstore that I own and it looks really great in there<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your
latest book NOVEMBER 9 is coming out in two months. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What can we expect from the book? Is it inspired by the movie
SAME TIME NEXT YEAR?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
actually don’t know that movie but there is a movie called ONE DAY and it
focuses on one day every year and the couples know each other, kind of like
Sleepless in Seattle but this one’s different in that they meet, they have a
great connection and they have absolutely zero contact except for November9
every year so every chapter is just a different November9<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is this
going to make readers bleed again?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Because your books like Confess and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopeless are so heart wrenching<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can
get a little bit sad but this one is a lot funner than some of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>my other books but it also has probably
one of the biggest plot twist since HOPELESS so I'm excited about that<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What
inspires you to write?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm a
people watcher.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I get my ideas
from everyday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think writers get
inspiration from everything and the challenge to me is narrowing it down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I don’t take inspiration from real
life, from people I know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I try to
avoid that because I don’t want anyone getting mad at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just try to come up with something
new and different and completely opposite of the life that I live.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In terms
of topics, your books tackle the deepest and hardest ones like rape, incest,
suicide, kidnapping….is it hard hard at all to write these things emotionally?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm not
an emotional person and that’s why I think I write about this stuff because
it's not that hard for me like I did Child Protective Services, I was an
investigator for 7 years so I've seen a lot of stuff and I've kind of had to
learn hot to separate my emotions from things but I think the only one that
ever really got to me<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and the
tears almost came out is when I was writing UGLY LOVE.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It doesn’t happen a lot<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ultimately
what do you want your readers to feel after reading your words?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
honestly want readers to read my books and be entertained but I try not to send
a particular message or change anyone’s life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel like that would put a lot of pressure on me so my
main priority is to make sure that when they read my book, they get to escape
their own reality for a few hours or a few days, however long it takes for them
to read it and that they feel good when it ends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm not one that culd write a sad ending.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are a lot of sad things in my
book but I feel like I wrap it up pretty well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are
hopeful in the end<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of
your books have been optioned for film.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Which one will we be seeing first?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Definitely
UGLY LOVE, it is in pre production right now and it's ahead of the rest so
hopefully that would be next year<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you
involved in it?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t
have a lot of involvement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
readers actually chose the actor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The female lead hasn’t been cast yet, I had never even heard of Nick
Bateman before<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s
gorgeous I just saw him online<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is
gorgeous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Readers just kept
commenting and tagging him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
producer emailed me and said we are seeing this on our end too, tell us about
this book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nick read it and I was
on tour and was going to Toronto the following week and he lives in Toronto so
I met with him and his producer so I ended up signing the book over to them
which is kind of odd to sign a book over and already have an actor but the
readers wanted him so it’s good that the readers seem to have a lot of say in
how this movie is gonna play out<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of your
books, which one is your favorite in terms of plot?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In terms
of plot probably HOPELESS but overall MAYBE SOMEDAY is my favorite book<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which
one has the best memories attached to it<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>SLAMMED.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only because it
was my first book, I didn’t have any expectations of it and writing it was so
much fun and the excitement after it was just released, everytime something
would happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love going back
and seeing the posts from way back then and how excited we were<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does it
still surprise you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When people
text or tweet you about loving your work?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes…yes….
I just started writing about 4 years ago so you know I have 12 New York Times
bestsellers now and everyday I’d wake up and I'm like HOW did this happen?
Because it’s all gone so fast I don’t think it has caught up with me yet but
yeah, I still wonder how people outside of my hometown has even heard of the
books.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Has your
life changed so much?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
ton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But then it's still the
same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still live where I grew
up, my kids go to the same school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We lived paycheck to paycheck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We were very poor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We lived
in a single wide mobile home for years and we just built our dream house on the
land that our old house was on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
was able to build my parents a house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You know a lot of good things have come out of it <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What
have your kids said about your books?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How old are they by the way?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My kids
are 9, 11 and 14<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have you
allowed your 14 year old to read your books?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I let them
read SLAMMED if they want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My 14
year old got 4 chapters in and then said This is too much about romance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then my 11 year old read it when he
was 10.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He liked it but he didn’t
go to the 2<sup>nd</sup> one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
might wanna wait a little while for that one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the rest of them they’re too young to read those. And
they’re boys so they read Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Harry Potter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which
male character of all your books is your favorite<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Probably
Ridge from MAYBE SOMEDAY.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why is
that<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel
like he is in a tough position and the situation that he was in, falling in
love with two different girls and the way he handled it, I thought it was very
mature<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How
about female character<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Probably
SKY from HOPELESS.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I liked her
sense of humor and she’s a little bit sarcastic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I put a lot of myself into her<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would
you be willing to write EXTRA novellas of your most popular characters<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have actually thought about that it
just depends on time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm under
contract for certain length of books with the publishers so depending on what
they want and when they want it, that leaves me time to write novellas.</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What
else can we look forward to from you<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tarryn
(Fisher) and I are finisher the third book in NEVER NEVER and that wraps up the
series and it's gonna be out end of January and November9.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I haven't started on my next book
yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trying to get touring over
first then I'm gonna go hoem and figure out what I'm gonna write<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">FAST QUESTION on favorites:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s
play fast questions of favorites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What's your favorite drink:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Diet Pepsi<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dessert<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anything
chocolate<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Favorite
book</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s a
tough one.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps
books that inspired you to be an author?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shel
Silverstein.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I read all the books
he wrote<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Favorite
vacation spot<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Saint Thomas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was really nice<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Relaxation<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t get it a lot<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hobby<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Writing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Movie of
all time<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh
brother where art thou.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's so
funny<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Book
recommendations<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Books by
Christine Brae, Tarryn Fisher (laughs).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m a big fan of the Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s
why it was in Hopeless!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">C:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah I
gave it a shout out in Hopeless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It's a really good book you should read it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;">You can catch Colleen Hoover, along with fellow
bestselling authors Tarryn Fisher and Christine Brae at their book signing
event courtesy of the National book store this Saturday, September 19, 2015 at
5pm at the NBS booth at the Manila International Book Fair, SMX Convention
Center.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Limited to 200 slots only!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Registration starts at 10am for this event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only books purchased from National Book
Store, NBS Express or Powerbooks will be accommodated<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A special thanks to Mr. JB Roperos of the National Book Store</span></div>
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LYNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00577236385474665122noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1430038339016357403.post-52462028457117669572015-09-17T20:06:00.002+08:002015-09-18T18:45:35.076+08:00Spotlight on Author TARRYN FISHER<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;">Writing about one’s life is always difficult, more so if
it’s about broken hearts, broken dreams and a broken self.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;">That’s why I can’t help but admire
author Tarryn Fisher for her honesty.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;">Her book <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The Opportunist</span></b>, she says, is her love letter to the man she
loved and lost.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Reading the book is heartbreaking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The flaws of the main character fully
displayed are raw and painful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During
the interview, I can’t help but try to read the person I saw in front of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tarryn was honest yet secretive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was open but also guarded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A contradiction better understood
perhaps in the pages of her book.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">So here it is, my conversation with author Tarryn
Fisher:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghVqrxDRAjSlcBxL-RK1drfAjqkEykOEewtwTCLhskItFNKMosmUkPrBkMYcjmBh1SOc51uC7nOLmzYbZzc-U64BxBf5w56IB8i4hihDzGnUy77t3AViOdaMcz9-2JQLZ72wO1vZ3A0RCv/s1600/Author+Photo+-+Tarryn+Fisher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghVqrxDRAjSlcBxL-RK1drfAjqkEykOEewtwTCLhskItFNKMosmUkPrBkMYcjmBh1SOc51uC7nOLmzYbZzc-U64BxBf5w56IB8i4hihDzGnUy77t3AViOdaMcz9-2JQLZ72wO1vZ3A0RCv/s640/Author+Photo+-+Tarryn+Fisher.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Lyn:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Your series </span><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Love
me with Lies</span></b> was a rollercoaster ride of emotions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where do you think they went wrong?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was it too much love and too little
trust?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Tarryn: I think that he was healthier than she was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She hated herself and had serious trust
issues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She didn’t want love and
it scared her and that’s why she just destroyed it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was looking for a way out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You said
you love villains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So how much fun
did you have writing Leah?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because
she was so evil, she was so good at being bad.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">T:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know
that one was hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t have
fun writing that one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s the
least read and the least popular of the three except in Australia…everyone there
loved DIRTY RED the most….not that all the villains are in Australia (laughs)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7km5iB5-vvIQnTQ8akhWpJUUqSyHRSZxyuwulWtFqhMXHpcGqBUKbuMnojg3jxAbp5VT7QUVi7S87AGujkxvEKAypCW3lqxVhyphenhyphen5D1na25q1rYvt3a8S7wuiyS9_GSfzcSXt4Icz88evs_/s1600/DSC06149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7km5iB5-vvIQnTQ8akhWpJUUqSyHRSZxyuwulWtFqhMXHpcGqBUKbuMnojg3jxAbp5VT7QUVi7S87AGujkxvEKAypCW3lqxVhyphenhyphen5D1na25q1rYvt3a8S7wuiyS9_GSfzcSXt4Icz88evs_/s640/DSC06149.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But she
is evil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is manipulative,
conniving…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">T:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
there’s a reason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's like even
in real life when you meet a villain, there is a reason why they’re so
rotten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are all born the same
innocent, beautiful babies but something forms us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whether it's parents or…….nurture versus nature<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Leah’s
case it was the parents because she lacks attention<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">T:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes she
has rejection issues and insecurities and she destroyed herself in a different
way because she wanted Caleb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
was trying to hold on to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah
she was a very ugly person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
these…… there’s a real Leah….. these characters are real<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are they
based on your life?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">T:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMlDxNUV1pn8jmqfXe6n0N3EEtPPJ5Q1lN0OxZD_ynVkm_fesZiLXDNVJiRVDOxDW37A7ONrP8RGIxuP0DI1x8_qiITPqRY8SUoPJ-yAN84k7ojs6c_xbbv-vO6k4ctFJjkLqYtB5zgwCz/s1600/DSC06162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMlDxNUV1pn8jmqfXe6n0N3EEtPPJ5Q1lN0OxZD_ynVkm_fesZiLXDNVJiRVDOxDW37A7ONrP8RGIxuP0DI1x8_qiITPqRY8SUoPJ-yAN84k7ojs6c_xbbv-vO6k4ctFJjkLqYtB5zgwCz/s640/DSC06162.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How are
you as Olivia now?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have you moved
on?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">T:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am
writing another romance book because everyone wants to know how I've
evolved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am a healthier Olivia
but also broken because I really did that to my relationship and you can never
fix it<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have
no Caleb now<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">T:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpheCIch36g_T_uw_hi_Pc1oePfz11voEmlfTWQ563XBgb6RzZ3iPq0kWx4RVnZQqeJvCHMXZ70CwLwzXK-jZtpkK-Fspj-Pd2fUkALVw0BswFpj9OzS7fBk_OIYtULbsOOB-8i_8dWXbd/s1600/The+Opportunist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpheCIch36g_T_uw_hi_Pc1oePfz11voEmlfTWQ563XBgb6RzZ3iPq0kWx4RVnZQqeJvCHMXZ70CwLwzXK-jZtpkK-Fspj-Pd2fUkALVw0BswFpj9OzS7fBk_OIYtULbsOOB-8i_8dWXbd/s640/The+Opportunist.jpg" width="412" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least
you gave Olivia the happy ending that you wish you had<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">T:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some
people don’t think it's a happy ending.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I wrote the first book as an apology letter to him, to say sorry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it ends there for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The readers wanted more so I gave them
the other two sides of the story and closed it off for them but for me, my
story ended right there when they parted ways<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did your
Caleb read your story for him?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">T:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No….no<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is he
even aware that this exists<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">T:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is
aware but it's kind of painful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
don’t blame him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know that
I would’ve read it</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
very destructive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I do like
that there’s a happy ending.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
still got back together however it wasn’t a fairy tale ending where everything
was magically perfect because of the cancer, the miscarriages….did you think it
would have been too unrealistic to give it to them?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">T:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t
write that sort of thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like
flaws.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm in love with human
nature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm more fascinated by
flaws than beautiful cover ups.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Life happens and it's so imperfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They missed their chance, they missed their chance to have
children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think that book is a
little bit of a warning like if you find it, protect it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let it in and don’t destroy
everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because in the end
they were together but there were so many broken things in between.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just too
many broken pieces…..is it difficult to write by the way with a friend?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because you have NEVER NEVER series
with Colleen Hoover<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">T:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wouldn’t
do it with another person. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's the strangest thing we
just just click and we love each other deeply so there isn’t selfishness
involved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think if you have a
personal agenda when you're writing a book with someone eventually things are
gonna explode.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s none of that
between us so it's easy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it like
you write a piece?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A chapter?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then you pass it on to her and back?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">T:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did
that and for awhile we were trying to put each other in a bad place so we would
end it (chuckling) somewhere hard and be like “hahaha how’re you gonna work out
of this one”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's
like a challenge for you guys (laughs).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It's like a game<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">(Colleen Hoover, who was a seat away from me signing
cards quipped:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i><span style="color: #660000;">She writes very
mean characters sometimes and I write really nice ones so she would make her
characters do something mean so my chapters…. I would do something nice….we
were trying to counter balance each other…</span></i>)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So when
it goes back to you the characters become mean again<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">T:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apart
from Olivia, Is there something a part of you in your other book characters<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">T:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Caleb is more of what I became.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The things that he loved…I put all of
myself into that character.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
love of flaws….his willingness to love the villain…..coz he was a little bit of
a villain too…. He changed himself by faking the amnesia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He spoke her language in order to reach
her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So yes I put a lot of myself
in Caleb<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still
like him the most though because I feel like he is still the biggest victim
among the three<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">T:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh man a
lot of readers they wont agree with you…they’re so angry with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s a lot of Caleb hate<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well I
like being on the different end (laughs).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>On the other side you are a fashionista and you have a fashion
blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So should we expect a book
with fashion in it from you or are you keeping those two parts of your life
separate from each other?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">T:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
believe that artists should live their art….the way you dress….you write….everything
you do should be an expression of your art, who you are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it keeps you constantly fresh and
motivated and in that mindset.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
don’t know about writing a book on fashion but it's part of me and I'm living
it<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well you’ll
love shopping here…..we are big on fashion in Manila.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Okay so, may I have your top 3 book recommendations?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">T:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To Kill
a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman and the entire Harry Potter series<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">FAST QUESTIONS on favorites:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Favorite
dessert<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;">T:</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;">Crème
brulee</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Drink<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;">T:</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;">Sangria</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Book<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;">T:</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;">Harry
Potter</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Author<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">T:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>JK
Rowling<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vacation
place<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">T:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>England<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Relaxation<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">T:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shopping<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hobby<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">T:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Writing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Movie<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">T: Robin Hood Prince of Thieves<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Piece of
clothing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">T:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A pair
of Rag & Bone jeans<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Type of
shoes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">T:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Boots<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hat<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">T:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fedora<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">You can catch Tarryn Fisher, along with fellow
bestselling authors Colleen Hoover and Christine Brae at their book signing
event courtesy of the National book store this Saturday, September 19, 2015 at
5pm at the NBS booth at the Manila International Book Fair, SMX Convention
Center.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Limited to 200 slots only!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Registration starts at 10am for this event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only books purchased from National Book
Store, NBS Express or Powerbooks will be accommodated.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A special thanks to Mr. JB Roperos of the <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">National Book Store</span></b></span></div>
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LYNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00577236385474665122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1430038339016357403.post-48935245702839180592015-09-17T13:52:00.000+08:002015-09-17T13:52:09.447+08:00Spotlight on Author KIERA CASS<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;">Going into my interview with beloved author <b><span style="color: #351c75;">Kiera Cass</span></b> I
had very high expectations.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;">I knew
she would be nice and easygoing as that is her reputation.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;">What she also is, I happily discovered,
is very warm, kind and accommodating.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;">No airs.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;">No haughtiness.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;">Just a lot of patience and smiles.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvfAoyz0L1PdHa6_XVGjiZyMOkhhw5kTsuKOE1d3H9LH7PPFfEgdIKCe3yoFB4NauIexZ3e7C4ckn6ZKg-fFH9HR-zmLSgPwhMiKUnJ0s7IlBZxR4jUEt2HjTrc6-lSU7zwjFYME9ZZOX4/s1600/DSC06264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvfAoyz0L1PdHa6_XVGjiZyMOkhhw5kTsuKOE1d3H9LH7PPFfEgdIKCe3yoFB4NauIexZ3e7C4ckn6ZKg-fFH9HR-zmLSgPwhMiKUnJ0s7IlBZxR4jUEt2HjTrc6-lSU7zwjFYME9ZZOX4/s640/DSC06264.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;">With simplicity and humility, she talks about her books,
family and faith.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;">Plus her genuine
love for boybands (hello One Directioners!!!).</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;">She is a straight shooter who had no qualms telling me how
she REALLY felt about the would-have-been Selection TV Show (she hated it!) and
what originally happened to The Selection male protagonist Prince Maxon (Gasp!
he died!!!).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Cass is here a few more days to attend the 2015 Manila
International Book Fair upon the invitation of the National Book Store and to
promote her latest book THE HEIR, a sequel to the best selling SELECTION
series.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">The Heir</span></b> stars Eadlyn, the daughter of King Maxon and
Queen America who readers fell in love with in the Selection series.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kingdom of Illea is in turmoil so
as a distraction, Eadlyn is convinced by her parents to begin her own Selection
in finding a husband and consort before she herself becomes Queen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18.6667px;">Here is my conversation with Kiera Cass:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUw56n4a-YPbA4IXcQZVVrafMa6tEm1j8zjpuNw5uMWCs9xOD7D8Jm-VrEDX4xAExSo-dqOOYbXW56_PwUTzsBbcMfmW6SiOiZob4nhC5l2t7G4Ubf6qPBdUpoAFbmipF8U1B22Dv8y-kY/s1600/Author+Photo+-+Kiera+Cass+2015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUw56n4a-YPbA4IXcQZVVrafMa6tEm1j8zjpuNw5uMWCs9xOD7D8Jm-VrEDX4xAExSo-dqOOYbXW56_PwUTzsBbcMfmW6SiOiZob4nhC5l2t7G4Ubf6qPBdUpoAFbmipF8U1B22Dv8y-kY/s640/Author+Photo+-+Kiera+Cass+2015.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;">Lyn:</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;">Your
book THE HEIR is out and I love it.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;">Eadlyn is such a strong character but at the same time she has a lot of
weaknesses.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;">Which part of her do
you think she got from Maxon and which part from her mom America?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Kiera:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
definitely got her stubborn side from her mom and her misjudgment of things
when she thinks she knows what’s going on but she actually doesn’t, that’s a
bit of America too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then
sometimes she is funny and witty without even realizing it, I think those are
Maxon traits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is also very
much her own person like she has her own way of looking at things and doing
things….not always the right way but still that’s her.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-CsJonZIkku51ED9MzKHbvyT_CtcukcnnIWMuoCYYysOs52SCormT3uLG4YntvFibSRw_a47mlXuMeHNKKyftclTnY-F1Ahw5pjXbDxGfwysCkHXwFTLQYgd5RA-0nUxObcsroPulW8Qj/s1600/DSC06231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-CsJonZIkku51ED9MzKHbvyT_CtcukcnnIWMuoCYYysOs52SCormT3uLG4YntvFibSRw_a47mlXuMeHNKKyftclTnY-F1Ahw5pjXbDxGfwysCkHXwFTLQYgd5RA-0nUxObcsroPulW8Qj/s640/DSC06231.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One
thing about her is that she is tough but she always questions her own
importance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is insecure about
who she is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
thinks she has to be and act a certain way in order to have power and then she
sees Camille (the French princess and Ahren’s intended) being her polar
opposite and still getting respect and still she doesn’t feel like she’s
getting the same thing and she’s working so much harder and I think that’s very
confusing for her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eadlyn is
difficult for people because she is stubborn and pigheaded but there is a lot
of room for growth and I hope people will stick around for the 5<sup>th</sup>
and final book to see where she goes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am
definitely sticking around but it broke my heart when Ahren (Eadlyn’s twin)
left so abruptly and I didn’t really expect it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then Maxon broke down because of America’s heart attack, so
what can people expect from the next book? Also do we already have a title?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We do
have a title but I'm not allowed to tell you yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I think the title and cover reveal will be coming up
soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I can't say yet<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s
sad because I'm looking forward to it<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To be
honest with you I hate not telling you because I am the worst at keeping
secrets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is like a special
kind of torture for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hate
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But this book is emotional and
I'm very invested in it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so
excited and I hope people will stick around and consider it<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEher7CCTMHknyOk08NUdztFR2EA8Wif65MhejuE34fYVzkESkXEY3uvPsj_a7bX6-fsmPJP8Gt3S-OvO1_OGd1Cgsb30B0PtXENhBfq9lmj7T7OAmri4kG5VOGV1EqBVUP2qcdY8U_rzjfm/s1600/The+Heir.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEher7CCTMHknyOk08NUdztFR2EA8Wif65MhejuE34fYVzkESkXEY3uvPsj_a7bX6-fsmPJP8Gt3S-OvO1_OGd1Cgsb30B0PtXENhBfq9lmj7T7OAmri4kG5VOGV1EqBVUP2qcdY8U_rzjfm/s640/The+Heir.jpg" width="420" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will it
be picking up right where <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">THE HEIR</span></b> left off?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can tell you that it (picks up) the
following day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will we
see more of Ahren?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because he’s
already married to the future queen of France.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will
at least hear about Ahren.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can
tell you that at least you will still know everything about Ahren’s life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s all I can safely say.... I hate
this…I wanna tell you (laughs)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ahren is
a great brother but I think he is a better boyfriend/husband.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ahren
made a tough choice there and I think it was clear he would do pretty much
everything for Eadlyn and like he said (to his sister) “I had to go give my
heart to Camille before you ask for it”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And I do think had he not run off, eventually she would have made him
stay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He might not have taken over
but he would have been sharing a lot of the burden of Eadlyn and it would have
been unfair to him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After
she threw that glass on the wall, I wanted to throw one too<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A lot of
readers felt the same way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’re
like “<i>he was so great and then he LEFT!</i>” I was like “<i>I know but he had to, don’t
you understand</i>?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least
this way all the concentration would be on Eadlyn and whoever she chooses<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah and
we will have answers to everything in the last book<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Speaking
of the boys, I'm actually torn between Kile and Eric but I love Henri too<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love
him too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is precious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was unexpected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love him, he is adorable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just keep thinking about him wrapping
his shirt around Eadlyn to use as an apron and I was like that is the cutest,
sweetest most precious thing ever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He can’t even say how he feels about her (Henri can’t speak English) but
even without having these deep conversations he is very aware of how deep his
feelings are and he tries to show it in this very simple way…I love him<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is
sweet but what can we expect from Eric.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think
we’re gonna have to get to the Elite pretty soon and we have to narrow the
bunch so she can actually focus on making a decision which she seems very
compelled to do at the end of THE HEIR. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As far as who is going to be front and center, I can’t
say!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I will tell you that I
have a favorite and I don’t think that my favorite is going to make it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will tell you that but I will not
name names.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's not
Hale is it?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will
not say…. I will say nothing about anyone (laughs)… again this is torture for
me too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want you to understand
that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s go
back to <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">THE SELECTION</span></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was there
ever a moment when you didn’t know who America would end up with?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because my vote was 50/50.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like Maxon but I love Aspen…. I'm
actually on Team Aspen<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re
an Aspen girl?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s cool!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will tell you YES, it changed one
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started writing the
SELECTION thinking that I knew America very well and realizing later that I was
putting a lot of words into her mouth and making a lot of choices on her
behalf.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And by the time I got to
the end and got to know her I realized a lot of things had to change so I had
to go and rewrite the book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
once I got to the end of it, I realized I changed her trajectory towards the
end of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So the end of THE ONE
changed one time from what it was to what you have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now I
wanna know<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
wanna know? I will tell you!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can
tell you the original ending.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Originally Clarkson (the King) died, Maxon (The Prince) died…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>**gasped**<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know….Amberly
lived and she adopted America.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
had always wanted a daughter so she got America.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So she
still becomes a princess<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
still becomes a princess and eventually she chose Aspen and they became king
and queen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was totally fine with
this, I thought Aspen would make fantastic king.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is very charismatic and he would have done a great
job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But that was not the choice
that she would have made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maxon
was the harder choice and for her to even make that choice he needed to live,
so he lived by the skin of his teeth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She chose him</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
gonna ask you if you would consider writing an alternate ending for members of
Team Aspen like me because we are waiting for it<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now that
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">THE ONE</span></b> is out, maybe it would be worth writing down on paper just so they
could have it sometime but if anything it would just end up on my website
somewhere…it won’t be in print anywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Maybe when the 5<sup>th</sup> book is out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would go and write the ending that might have been-ish<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please
do! Team Aspen will be waiting and I will be heading that team<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Selection has been optioned for film by Warner Brothers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How is that coming along?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are
still in the early stages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have
a producer, a screenwriter, the screenplay has been written.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am really happy with the direction they
are heading in right now but there so many stopping places there so right now
it’s still very early and there’s not too much to say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think the next step is looking for a
director.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm just waiting to see.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm sure
you have been asked a hundred times over but do you have actors in mind for the
parts<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
never had a dream cast and I think that’s probably best for me because I can't
be disappointed that way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw on
video the TV show The Selection was supposed to be and honestly did you…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hated
it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Exactly!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They changed everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They changed Maxon so much…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t
free to talk about it then but now I can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They were heading in a direction that I think would have alienated the
entire fan base ad I'm not sure why they did that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t understand it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was the 2<sup>nd</sup> incarnation of the script for the TV
show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first one was much
closer to the book but it didn’t get past everything so they rewrote, recast,
reshot where they wanted to take it and I was like WHY are you doing this? To
the point where I tried to do everything I could to get my name off of it
because I was embarrassed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hated
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was nothing redeemable
about any of the characters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
were all jerky and I didn’t like them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I didn’t like any of them so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But thank goodness that is dead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After that experience I've been much more careful about film stuff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a really great team this time
around and I'm working as close as I'm allowed to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know authors don’t control much but so far everything is
going really well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the end of
the day, if I hated it, I wouldn’t support it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wouldn’t tweet about it, I wouldn’t tell you about it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m glad
that didn’t pan out because it was really bad<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
awful!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maxon
was not Maxon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s another
person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So was America!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From fade to black, the
first two seconds of the show, I hated everything about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of the stuff they had in there was
so disgusting I can't even repeat it.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPNqUR6gPuDqDeGFtm0gTowuNrbfeX6EzqZlQ4cZxFrDtQq7_rG0YL3shEQalCCexgiHyWFOgM_fzPyh0Od1Pvk6T_xA4r_RztzahIy73BqVFzyQf_Y9f2hQ1H8gE2rm3so4BqqIhFGF0l/s1600/The+Siren+%2528Out+in+January%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPNqUR6gPuDqDeGFtm0gTowuNrbfeX6EzqZlQ4cZxFrDtQq7_rG0YL3shEQalCCexgiHyWFOgM_fzPyh0Od1Pvk6T_xA4r_RztzahIy73BqVFzyQf_Y9f2hQ1H8gE2rm3so4BqqIhFGF0l/s640/The+Siren+%2528Out+in+January%2529.jpg" width="422" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
rewrote your first book THE SIREN.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It's coming out soon with a beautiful cover. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a
gorgeous cover, it’s on my phone, I can't get over it<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Could
you tell us more about it<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
premise of the story is that the ocean is a living thing and she eats people so
she needs these beautiful girls to sing these ships into their doom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So she takes a small group of people to
support the rest of the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
follow <b>Kahlen.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is a siren and
it’s a temporary thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You're
only a siren for 100 years and then you’re free, you don’t remember any of
these stuff but you get a second shot at life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we follow her and of course she falls in love with a boy
and she can't speak to him because her voice would make him want to drown
himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is so close to the
end, so close to her second life, but she is prepared to throw it all away for
this one person.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How many
books are we expecting here<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's
just one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's a stand alone
novel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is interesting because
once the books are published I don’t touch them again because I know I would want
to change all the sentences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's
not the plot that bothers me but the way I say things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So it was really weird 6 years after
putting this book out and updating it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So my editor came back with a note that said we really don’t need these
first 5 chapters…we don’t need this character…. I'm not sure about this
conversation…. I'm like “oh so we’re gonna rewrite it?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because that’s really the only thing to
do… so it is the same premise and the same characters and the same romance but
an entirely different path to get through it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So if people have managed to find a copy of the book and
read it, I'm hoping that they’ll take it as two different things because I don’t
think you can compare them. They’re written very differently and the way the
story is told is very different on both.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it
modern setting too?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah it’s
modern.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's as if these girls are
real and they are living here and you just have no idea that they are weapons
essentially because they kill people for the ocean but they silently walk
through our world and you just don’t notice them<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So how
do you take adulation from your readers? Because when JB (Roperos of National
Book Store) told me you were coming over I badgered him to give me an interview
slot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I gotta have it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Squeeze me in! poor JB.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s going to be crazy by the way the
next few days for you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s
the thing, coming to the Philippines, that was my first experience like that..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People
are screaming…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah!
This was after…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You had
just two books out then…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes and
I was on a book tour and it was quite chill….it wasn’t crazy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But then I came here and I stepped off
the carpet on the first signing and there were these security guards holding
the girls back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I was like “oh
my goodness this is for me!”. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
if you find videos, there’s this first day and it was of me crying because I
didn’t know what to do with myself<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You were
overwhelmed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
VERY overwhelmed and it's a bit surreal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And it's never normal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's
always a bit surprising.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it's
cool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a very short season
of life where I matter to people and I just want them to know that I appreciate
that they care so much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because
I'm a fangirl too and I know they’re not crazy, they’re just excited and I want
them to know that I know it’s not just a book to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes it's the thing that gets you through the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I get that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’re
inspired by it<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah….
I'm also into bands, into books…I'm into movies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel privileged that people say “this book got me through
a lot of things” and that’s special to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I appreciate it all the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is intense but it is amazing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of the
books that you’ve written, which one holds your heart the most?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s
strange because The Siren was the first book I ever wrote and I thought there’s
no way I can ever love a girl as much as I love Kahlen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then the Selection happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then moving on to Eadlyn, I love
her too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is so precious to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because it’s not like a book, It's
almost like someone’s diary to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So even when a book shuts and the pages stop turning, these people are
still very much in my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's
not like there’s a favorite, they are all just there.</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
like they’re your friends<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah…
they’re like my people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I read
your blog and you are quite open about being a Christian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How has your belief influenced the way
you write and what you put down on paper?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
are probably places that other writers are willing to go that I would probably
shut the door on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But at the same
time I want to be very honest with my characters and I am hoping I've managed
to do that while still being very true to myself because I think being true to
them and not being very true to myself, I don’t think that would work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I feel very fortunate that even though those themes are
not necessarily in the books, that it has given me an opportunity to speak
about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What’s really incredible
is that these young people especially if you just get out there and kind of
present your faith instead of pushing it on them, they are very eager to
talk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to do justice to my
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope that I present Christ
in a way that people understand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
would hate to be a bad example.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
work very hard to be honest because some Christians think they have to be
perfect because Christ is the example and you’re trying to live like
Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The thing is you can never
be perfect which is why you need Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So I try to be honest about my flaws.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So far it has been a very positive thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel very fortunate and I hope I am
setting a good example for my faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If someone came to know Christ because of me, that would be a huge gift.</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People
would like to know you better so let me ask, what is a good day like for
you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A perfect day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
perfect day…. I don’t have to cook (laughs).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just
enjoy the food…let everyone else do that for you here…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes I
would just like to enjoy it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
wish I had more time to read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
love books but now I don’t get to read them as much as I used to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But any day when I get to be with my
kids and they’re playing nicely with each other and they’re not angry….</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How old
are your kids?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My son
is 5 and my daughter is 3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh they’re
at THAT age… like cat and mouse<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yeah!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So there are moments
where they’re just quarreling about every little thing and there are moments
when they’re just playing together and it’s adorable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s the perfect part of my day when they’re playing and
they are just happy…… so the perfect day is when I don’t have to cook, my kids
are happy, Callaway (her husband) is around..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">(Calloway, who was listening to the entire conversation,
jokingly quips:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“oh it sounds like
I wasn’t around…”)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No…you
get to hang out too….. I also like going to the movies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I get to read more…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kind of
just relax..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems like there’s just a lot of
things right now so I just enjoy my downtime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I probably need to do a better job of it honestly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alright.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So here are a few fast questions on
favorites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here we go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Favorite drink.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh my
goodness….. cranberry apple juice<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Favorite
dessert.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know you like cakes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A good vanilla with buttercream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have a cupcake store around the
corner and they have a cinnamon roll cupcake…I love that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I actually have cupcakes upstairs!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Enjoy
it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How about favorite book?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I must
say that in high school, YA (Young Adult themed books) wasn’t a thing yet?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I read this book called The Rapture
of Canaan by Sheri Reynolds and it had a teenage protagonist but it read very
differently and then shortly after, The Perks of being a Wallflower came out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though I have never tripped on
acid, I kind of understood his ways better than hers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So it was good to weigh them side by side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I read both in high school and I read
them for fun and I think they made me realize that reading could be fun so
writing became fun too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Favorite
author<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These
are my friends!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Okay… I will say
that I wanna give a high five to Stephenie Meyer one day because I don’t think
I would have tried to get published if she hadn’t made it sound like anybody could
do it so I owe her one, I'm still trying to get there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Favorite
vacation place<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Disneyworld or home<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Favorite
mode of relaxation<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had
massages yesterday and they were top notch… I would take another one of those
please<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How
about hobby?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do
love my Bible journaling, that has been my new thing this year but generally I
like creating artsy stuff that’s fun<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re
very crafty<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I used to do a lot of
scrapbooking .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also used to be
on a dance team but I don’t have time anymore.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How
about favorite song and favorite movie<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Step by
Step<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>New Kids
on the Block?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>yes….(laughs)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh my
God, it shows my age<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No but I
love boybands….we’re gonna go with it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And my favorite movie is That Thing You Do (directed by and
starring Tom Hanks) which is also about boybands so…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipByo5QlMOynYh0vpkyBd24v0fJljT8qvbKlHumgqNPPu7ARhiYH122VZRraay3UlezljaoKF_YiqwMBvrNXwP_fnc0lJ_NWPp-zBv3psu0z0oFjhlqeqi4W79fKfUBjB_sczjfVhDDmsv/s1600/The+One.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipByo5QlMOynYh0vpkyBd24v0fJljT8qvbKlHumgqNPPu7ARhiYH122VZRraay3UlezljaoKF_YiqwMBvrNXwP_fnc0lJ_NWPp-zBv3psu0z0oFjhlqeqi4W79fKfUBjB_sczjfVhDDmsv/s640/The+One.jpg" width="422" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since
you’ve mentioned it, what is your favorite boyband?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t
tell 17 year old Kiera but I think I will go with One Direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the Back Street Boys know about this
they would be mad yeah…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mine was
N’sync<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh my
God so we don’t even talk to each other<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Definitely…
(laughs)… how about your favorite office supply<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I LOVE
THEM!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh my goodness… maybe post
it notes?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have them all
over the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need them for
plotting purposes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I'm working
on something new and it's a very intricate timeline so every person gets
assigned a color…like different sizes of post it notes, different colored pens….so
I know who I’m talking about because it's very complicated.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">L:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Top 5
book recommendations</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">K:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>okay…
The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender by Leslye Walton that’s
a beautifully written book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery and The Giving Tree by
Shel Silverstein<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">TRIVIA BITS:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The dress on the cover of the book THE ONE is worth
$20,000.00<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Kiera likes One Direction and have seen them in concert
twice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In one of the concerts she
brought a sign that read “Let’s HUG”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Singer Harry Styles saw it and air hugged her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">She likes NKOTBBSB (New Kids on the Block / Back Street
Boys… very 90s)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">She believes that owning your nerdiness is cool (I
totally agree here).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">For Your Information:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Kiera Cass’ book signing events are on the following dates
and venues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Note that registration
for all begins at 10am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only
books purchased from <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>National Book Store</b></span>, NBS Express and Powerbooks will be
accommodated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here they are: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">September 18.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>4pm at the Northwing Atrium, SM City Cebu<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">September 19.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>2pm at the Grand Atrium, Shangri-la Plaza<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">September 20.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>2pm at the National Book Store booth Manila International Book Fair, SMX
Convention Center (200 slots only).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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LYNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00577236385474665122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1430038339016357403.post-62547183883061396652015-07-21T20:25:00.001+08:002015-09-01T15:36:13.576+08:00Book Review: IF YOU ONLY KNEW by Kristan Higgins<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1RKiWS4_vIXncxI25D3EZtsQC6n3znm6zRusvOMiVIsfIVekAQ7XTBt0JQYrVDYW9D81hbafwDo2Q9bv8ynLsoZq14vHMWA0m9YVng-DiVxDM3bpxdWmq8hiRBiJhBmmDiK4_AZ-MQvss/s1600/if+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1RKiWS4_vIXncxI25D3EZtsQC6n3znm6zRusvOMiVIsfIVekAQ7XTBt0JQYrVDYW9D81hbafwDo2Q9bv8ynLsoZq14vHMWA0m9YVng-DiVxDM3bpxdWmq8hiRBiJhBmmDiK4_AZ-MQvss/s640/if+1.jpg" width="404" /></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: #444444;">Book: If You Only Knew<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: #444444;">Author:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kristan Higgins<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: #444444;">Publisher:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Harlequin<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: #444444;">Genre:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Women’s Fiction;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Romance<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: #444444;">Due Out: August 25, 2015</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Blurb via Goodreads:</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Sisterhood in
all its drama, hilarity and tears is at the heart of<i>New York Times</i> bestselling author Kristan Higgins's thoroughly
captivating new novel, featuring the wit and romance that readers have come to
expect from the much-loved creator of the Blue Heron series... </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background: white; font-family: Tahoma;">Wedding-dress designer Jenny Tate understands
the happily-ever-after business, yet somehow she's still involved in her
ex-husband's life. In fact, Owen's new wife may—inexplicably—be Jenny's new
best friend. Sensing this, well, relationship isn't helping her move on, Jenny
trades the Manhattan skyline for her hometown up the Hudson, where she'll be
able to bask in her sister Rachel's picture-perfect family life…and hopefully
make one of her own.</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background: white; font-family: Tahoma;">Her timing couldn't be more perfect, since
Rachel will need her younger sister. Her idyllic marriage has just fallen to
pieces in spectacular fashion after she discovers her husband sexting with one
of his colleagues. Second chances aren't in Rachel's nature, but the desire for
an intact family has her rethinking her stance on adultery, much to Jenny's
surprise. Rachel points to their parents' "perfect" marriage as a
shining example, but to protect her sister Jenny may have to tarnish that
memory—and their relationship—and reveal a secret about their family she's
been keeping since childhood.</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">During this summer of secrets and lies,
temptation and revelation, Jenny and Rachel will rely on each other to find the
humor in their personal catastrophes, the joy in their triumphs…and the
strength to keep hanging on<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: Tahoma;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">My Review:</span></b><span style="color: #181818;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: #444444;">If you are still unfamiliar with author Kristan
Higgins then this would be a good introduction to her talent. Though it is unlike her other books
which mostly centers on thrilling romances with funny heroines and wounded
gentlemen, it is just as well written and interesting as her previous novels,
one of which is a favorite of mine, the very hilarious</span><span style="color: #181818;"> </span><span style="color: #990000;">Just One of the Guys</span><span style="color: #181818;">.</span><span style="color: #181818;"> </span><span style="color: #181818;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: #444444;">There are three basic storylines in</span><b><span style="color: #444444;"> </span><span style="color: #990000;">If You Only
Knew</span></b><span style="color: #444444;">: Jenny’s budding relationship
with Leo (her building’s super), the breakdown of Rachel’s marriage to Adam and
more importantly, Jenny’s relationship with her best friend and sister,
Rachel. The extra storylines: Jenny’s unhealthy relationship with her
ex husband Owen and his wife plus the siblings’ love/hate relationship with
their mother. Both extras are
important parts that make the story whole but I’d rather put them in the
backseat and focus on what I love most.</span><span style="color: #181818;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: #444444;">First, Jenny and Leo. Jenny starts off as weak, as in her ex husband can use her
as a dishtowel and she’d probably still thank him after. She has an unhealthy attachment to Owen
and his new family so she decides to move away from Manhattan and go back to
her hometown. There she finds her true self thanks to the new man in her life Leo, who refuses to be
anything more than a “recreational tool” for Jenny. She eventually breaks him down. But like other Higgins characters, Leo has a deep dark stain
in his life that he cannot let go of.
His secret is such that it has more than destroyed him. So how can a lost man find new love
with someone new? Jenny….oh how I
love her selflessness and kindness, that even when she felt herself falling apart,
she still had the strength to let go with a smile.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: #444444;">Rachel finds herself in a spot where many have
been before:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a seemingly happy
housewife with 3 year old triplets who left everything to raise a family only
to find out that her husband has been having an affair with a younger,
beautiful, single successful woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Oh the dilemma!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure it is
easy to say “let the bastard go, spend all his money, take his kids away from
him and kick the crap out of him…plus spit in his breakfast!” but no.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Higgins tackled this topic with more
sensitivity than I expected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
kept me guessing if Rachel would stay and try to work it out or go build a new
life without the familiar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At one
point I just wanted to smack her for (temporarily…and in the heat of the moment….BIG
mistake) picking her cheating husband over her loyal sister, but then again, we
can never judge a woman whose life is crumbling all around her can we?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: #444444;">Then the best part, Jenny and Rachel.</span><span style="color: #444444;"> </span><span style="color: #990000;">How does one love a sister?</span><span style="color: #444444;"> </span><span style="color: #444444;">With much compassion, loyalty, faith
and trust.</span><span style="color: #444444;"> </span><span style="color: #444444;">That’s what these two
have abundantly. </span><span style="color: #444444;"> </span><span style="color: #444444;">I love how, when
all else fails, the first person they want to be with is the other.</span><span style="color: #444444;"> </span><span style="color: #444444;">More than romantic relationships, it is
family that truly stays together and that is what Higgins points out here.</span><span style="color: #444444;"> </span><span style="color: #444444;">Their bond is strong, so much so that
Jenny still keeps a secret so devastating from Rachel decades after the
fact.</span><span style="color: #444444;"> </span><span style="color: #444444;">Plus Jenny’s fierce
protectiveness over Rachel with Adam is delicious to read.</span><span style="color: #444444;"> </span><span style="color: #444444;">I was waiting for her to bite his ears
off but alas, no such thing…..there is something about a finger, a fall and
cops though so that’s good enough.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: #444444;">Normally I prefer pure romantic novels or
science fiction, so for me to have enjoyed a sister relationship centered book
is a testament to Higgins as a writer.
The romance is understated but nonetheless it was a book I could not put
down. I read it from cover to
cover in a matter of hours. You probably
would too. So read it with your
sister, share a bottle of wine and make a toast to your fabulous selves. Cheers!</span></span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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LYNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00577236385474665122noreply@blogger.com0