Review: Rachel’s Day in the Garden by Giselle Shardlow

About the Book

Title: Rachel’s Day in the Garden (A Kids Yoga Spring Colors Book)   
Author: Giselle Shardlow
Illustrator: Hazel Quintanilla
Publication Date: December 23, 2014
Publisher: Kids Yoga Stories
Number of pages: 34
Recommended age: 3 to 6 years

Summary: Experience the benefits of yoga while learning about the signs of spring!

Join Rachel as she and her adorable puppy look for signs of spring in the garden. Crawl like a caterpillar, buzz like a bee, and flutter like a butterfly. Discover spring, explore movement, and learn the colors of the rainbow.

The storybook includes a list of kids yoga poses and a parent-teacher guide.

Kids Yoga Stories introduce you to engaging characters who will get your child laughing, moving, and creating. Reading is good for the mind AND body! The story links several yoga poses in a specific sequence to create a coherent and meaningful story.

This spring yoga story for ages 3 to 6 is more than a storybook, but it’s also a unique experience for children.  Rachel’s Day in the Garden is the first book in a seasonal yoga book series. The summer yoga book is also now available: Ella’s Summer Fun.  The fall and winter ones are in production, coming soon!

AMAZON * BOOK WEBSITE * GOODREADS

My Opinion:

I love this book a lot!

I love the idea that Rachel and her dog, Sammy, exploring the garden while doing yoga, or perhaps doing yoga while exploring the garden? :) It gave me ideas to tell my nieces and nephews that while we're doing exercise outdoor, we'll get to see and learn things, too. So not only you'd be healthier (and more relax), you'd be more richer in experiences and knowledge. So it's definitely good for mind, body and soul. ;)

The illustrations were clear, beautiful, colorful, and somehow brings the joy in me and I couldn't help smiling while going through pages. Maybe it's because Rachel and Sammy seems to enjoy it so much and have those happy faces with them. ^^ 

This kind of book is to be read and enjoyed with children ages 3- 8. But I guess I got that too though I read it by myself. Adult like me can learn and do the simple pose for daily simple exercise. It's so simple that it can be done anywhere. Perhaps in your office after sitting and working for hours? Definitely good for stretching the muscles and relaxation.
Just like the other of her book, the poses in this book were simple and easy to follow. Even if (big if) you don't really get it while reading and going through the pages, there would be list of poses in the end of the book. I also love the fact that there's a Parent-Teacher Guide with tips to get the most out of experiences of yoga stories with young children.

Overall, I really really love and enjoy this book.

***I was given a digital copy for an honest review.

About the Author

Giselle Shardlow draws from her experiences as a teacher, traveler, mother, and yogi to write her yoga-inspired children’s books. This story was inspired by her unforgettable travels to Bali and her desire to share these experiences with her daughter. She lives in Boston with her husband and daughter.

Website - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest - Goodreads

About the Illustrator

Since her childhood, Hazel Quintanilla has been passionate about illustration. This dedication to her art has led very talented authors from around the world to her. She has illustrated more than twenty books, and she hopes there will be many more to come. She lives in Guatemala with her husband and their three beautiful dogs.

A LEAGUE OF HER OWN by Karen Rock: Book Tour – Review, Excerpt plus GIVEAWAY

This is my stop during the blog tour for A League of Her Own by Karen Rock. This blog tour is organized by Lola's Blog Tours. The blog tour runs from 1 till 14 December, you can view the complete tour schedule on the website of Lola’s Blog Tours.

A League of Her Own

By Karen Rock

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Age category: Adult

Release Date: 1 December, 2014

Blurb:

He was attractive, talented…and way off limits.

Heather Gadway may have been a world-class college pitcher and a top university coach, but she's a rank amateur when it comes to managing the Falcons, her father's struggling minor league team. And when it comes to managing her aggravating attraction to Garrett Wolf, their talented new pitcher. It's going to be difficult enough to make it as the first female manager in the league and prove to her overly critical father she's worthy. No distractions. No missteps. And certainly no romances with players. Everything stands between them—including their troubled pasts—even as Heather's world falls apart and Garrett's the one who's there to catch her…

Excerpt

“Are you ready?” She dropped a bag by the backstop, pulled out a blue visor and adjusted it over her head. When she swept off her glasses and peered up at him, his stomach jittered and his breath hitched. He reined in his slipping control and forced an easy smile.

“Sure. Would you like to pitch first?” He wanted her to say yes. Going last meant he could guarantee his score only topped hers slightly, just enough to make Holly Springs dust in his tire treads and Heather a dream that’d never materialize.

She angled her head so that her long ponytail slid over her tanned shoulders. The smile she gave him was as sweet as freshly squeezed lemonade, minus the sugar. “I’d like to observe you first, if you’d don’t mind.”

“Observe me?” The question leaped out of him in surprise.

She finished a gulp of her sports drink and lowered it, looking him dead in the eye. “So I can finish taking notes on you.”

He nearly swallowed the sunflower shell he’d just popped in his mouth. Her ego must be out of control if she thought he’d lose. He flexed his fingers and nodded curtly. “It’s your prerogative.”

Dean’s red hair appeared in the dugout, and he jogged around the fence, pulling on his catcher’s mask. “Sorry I’m late!” He dropped two bags of balls beside home plate and squatted behind it. “Who’s pitching first?”

“Looks like me.” Garrett sauntered toward the red clay mound, ignoring his jeering teammates.

“Whatever you do, don’t pretend you’re in a game or you’ll definitely lose,” heckled Hopson, whose comment earned a round of chuckles from the team.

“Go get ’em, wild thing,” put in Waitman, who did an impromptu dance Garrett caught out of the corner of his eye. The rest of the crowd joined in, laughing.

“Ignore them, Wolf.” Dean punched his mitt, his nearly colorless eyes squinting against the sun.

Garrett shrugged. “Who? I don’t hear anything but some whining gnats.” This was actually going to be fun. Pitching contests meant no batters. Nothing but mitt. And his throws would strike it every single time.

“Ohhhhhhhhhhh! That hurt,” guffawed another player, and some made boo-hoo sounds.

“Knock it off, Falcons,” snapped Heather, and the rowdy bunch subsided. Even Garrett gaped at her, surprised. Her voice might be low, but it demanded attention.

“Sorry, Skipper,” murmured the new shortstop. A few kissy noises erupted, then stopped when she turned her head and stared hard into the dugout.

“Thank you, Valdez. As for the rest of you, stay and act like the professionals you are, or leave before I ask you to. All right?” She leaned her defined arms on the padded top of the dugout fence, her shapely ankles crossed. But her casual pose didn’t fool him. She was deliberately acting like this to make him believe her victory was a foregone conclusion. It was the oldest trick in the book. She’d need to do a lot better than that if she hoped to best him.

“Ready whenever you are,” she said, her voice flippant, her lips turned up in a ready-for-anything smile.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

My Review

My very first of Karen Rock and I enjoyed reading it. Always love reading about sport romance though I'm not a big fan of sports. For some people, maybe the details about baseball was a bit too much. Since I knew nothing about baseball, I learned a bit about one thing or two and I liked it.

And what I loved even more was Heather, the female character who bravely taking the chance and managed to show to those all those male in the baseball team that she has something, that she's worth it. Though there were parts when I thought she should be this and that towards her father and Garrett, parts where I want to shake her hard, it was pretty understandable. I could imagine that I might be doing the same thing if I were in her shoes. Nevertheless, I really think that she's tough, smart and cool.

Garrett was pretty okay. I liked the way he interacted with kids in the foster care program, and the way he determined to win Heather's trust. Somehow he made me want to hug him for all the tough times he had all those years.

I loved the way Karen Rock wrote the story and the characters. The romance was sweet, well built with all the ups and downs. I learned about forgiveness (something that was easier said than done), about dealing with your and others' past, about fighting for your dreams and to prove others that you can do it. Definitely a sweet, light and heartwarming story because I felt that way by the time I finished reading it. 

Anyway, I wonder if there would be a story about Dean, Garrett's friend. :D

You can find A League of Her Own on

Goodreads.

You can buy A League of Her Own here:

Amazon (Kindle) * Barnes & Noble * Kobo * eHarlequin

About the Author:

Karen Rock is an award-winning YA and adult contemporary romance author. She holds a master’s degree in English and worked as an ELA instructor before becoming a full-time writer. Currently she writes for Harlequin Heartwarming and her first novel for the line, WISH ME TOMORROW, has won the 2014 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, the 2014 Golden Quill Contest and a finalist in the Published Maggie Awards. The first novel in her co-authored YA series, CAMP BOYFRIEND, has been a finalist in the Booksellers Best and Golden Leaf awards.

You can find and connect with Karen here:

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads * Tumblr * Quarterly Newsletter

There is a tour wide giveaway for the blog tour of A League of Her Own. These are the prizes you can win:

- a 100$ Amazon gift card (INT)

- a set of signed paperback of Wish Me Tomorrow, His Hometown Girl, Someone Like You and A League of Her Own (US only)

For a chance to win, enter the rafflecopter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Chained by Night by Larissa Ione

Title: Chained by Night 

Series: MoonBound Clan Vampire #2

Author: Larissa Ione

Edition: Paperback, 416 pages

ISBN: 1476700184 (ISBN13: 9781476700182)

(Expected) Publication: September 30th 2014 

Publisher: Pocket Books

(GOODREADS):

New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Larissa Ione sets the night on fire with a thrilling new novel of irresistible hungers and immortal enemies in a world as sensual and dark as her Demonica series.

THE FUTURE OF HIS TRIBE

Leader of the vampire clan MoonBound, Hunter will do what he must to save his people from extinction; or worse, a torturous eternity as vampire slaves and subjects of human experimentation. To keep his enemies at bay, he has agreed to mate a rival clan leader's daughter in return for peace between the clans and an ally in the looming war with the humans.

THE LOVER OF HIS SOUL

But survival comes at a price. First, Hunter must break an ancient curse by successfully negotiating three deadly tests. Then he must resist the searing passions of the gorgeous vampire warrior he despises but is bound to mate. Will Hunter stay true to his word? Or will he risk everything for the woman he really loves: the vampire seductress's identical twin sister?

MY OPINION:

Let's see... where do I start? I only know that for all I could remember, this could be the only book, that gave me goosebumps when I received it, ever. I was soooo thrilled.

HUNTER:

As you can read from the synopsis, Hunter is a leader vampire clan who has to mate to his rival clan leader's daughter as part of the deal to save his clans member (read book 1, Bound by Night). It's also part of a plan for vampires to join forces against humans. Hunter despises his rival, and the daughter, Rasha, as well, but the clan safety comes first.

On the day of his mate arrival, vampire-hunter humans strikes and captures Aylin, Rasha's identical twin, who comes along with Rasha as a company. First, Hunter mistakenly her as Rasha, but soon finds out about the truth, and it only makes him longing her for more.

AYLIN (and Rasha)

Rasha and Aylin are total opposite. A bit cliche I guess because you can easily hate the other and feel sympathy to another. While Rasha is tough, hard and seductive (and selfish in my opinion), Aylin is a caring and loving second-born daughter with deformed leg who's being treated badly as if she was the lowest creature and held no meaning in her clan. As a vampire, she has to drink from a male and feed a male also. But there are only unwilling male to give her blood and she never feeds any male in her life because people in her clan believe that she's cursed. While Rasha is bound to mate with Hunter, Aylin is going to be mated with another clan leader, only the worse, maybe the worst. But first, she must accompanies her sister and act as a decoy, just in case if something went wrong.

I loved Hunter, I mean, really, who can resist a tall, dark, tough, caring alpha male lore? But as much as I loved Hunter--I really thought I would fall head over heels on him when I finished reading book one, I loved Aylin even more! I really think she shun over him. She's not perfect, but that made her so perfect. She's tough, caring, with an ability which I thought much better and superior to Hunter's. :D There were many parts of her life, including when it came to telling about the clan leader she's planned to mate to, that made me cringed! No wonder she would rather be dead. There were also parts which involving Hunter, the chemistry between them, and the feeling (and the lust) she had for Hunter, that made me feel like shouting to her, "You go, girl!" or "Come one, you obviously CAN live without him!". Hahahaha... 

Reading this book, I was hooked, sucked, and fell deeper. I felt like riding a roller coaster for there were up and down moments. Yes, of course, there were moments that got me a bit disappointed, despising, and eew-ing, parts when  I thought it's not like I expect. Like I wonder why the author chose that way as a mean for Hunter and Aylin to pass the portal. It felt... weird and... cheap. But only for the first time when they had to enter the other world. I didn't feel that way on the second time when they had to go back to their real world, because it's more...accepted, understandable, considering that Hunter's feeling for Aylin grew more and more. But then I realize I really didn't know what I expect. I only knew I just can't put down the book. After going through half book, things were getting more interesting. The pace, the action, the conflict, the adventure, the chemistry, made me feel like I was watching those Hollywood adventure, colossal, action, fairy tale, paranormal, with romance and erotic sparks, all in one. 

I saw more and more stories behind the story. Another conflicts, problems, relationships were about to reveal, and this is why I couldn't wait to read more about the series. More about Myne, more about Rasha, more about the clan (and other clans as well).  I loved that Riker and Nicole showed up quite often in this book. I loved how that Braddon didn't really scare to Hunter though he's a clan leader. Because this way, I can see how the members of the clan see each other to be equal with respect, something that didn't available inside Aylin's clan.

I still think that I don't give the book enough justice for I'm not sure I can express how I feel about this book. This is one of the moment when I dread my ability in written English. -_-

In a very short, I found it to be adventurous, with lots of actions, steamy, and addictive! I really can't wait to read the next book(s)! And I'm not even a paranormal romance fan! XD

This book is part of a must have series. It's a standalone read, but I really suggest you read the first book, Bound by Night, so that you can get a better picture about what was actually going on in that world, especially conflict between humans and vampires, and between clans. When I read this book, I had to check few things from the first book to freshen up my memory a get a better grasp since there's a year time gap between book 1 and book 2. 

BUY IT FROM:

BOOK DEPOSITORY or AMAZON

e-ARC Review: The Rat by Elise Gravel

The Rat
by Elise Gravel

Hardcover, 32 pages

Published August 5th 2014 by Tundra Books

(first published August 14th 2013)

ISBN 1770496580 (ISBN13: 9781770496583)

edition language : English

One in a series of humorous books about disgusting creatures, The Rat is a look at the black rat. It covers such topics as the rat's long, agile tail (it's good for balancing and picking noses), long teeth (they can chew through anything, including books) and disgusting taste in food (delicious electrical wires in tomato sauce, anyone?). Although silly and off-the-wall, The Rat contains real information that will tie in with curriculum.

(taken from GOODREADS)

What I Think

I loved this book. A LOT!

Let's start with the cover. It has a simple, wonderful illustration and first time I saw it, I was caught. Like, I really really had to get it. And knowing it's promoting real information in humorous way, I requested it right away. And I'm not disappointed. At all.

Presented with cute font (one that looks like children hand-writing, I love those kind of fonts!), every page gave a short factual information about rat. There's also one or two BIG word that worked like a theme/title for the page. Although the illustration had said it itself very clear. It also had a little humor, told by the rat, in every page which I think it's cute because I felt like the rat is either helping or encountering the narrator with their own view/opinion.

I don't like rats in real life. I hate it because, yeah, they're disgusting. But I must say I really love these rat characters in this book. 

I'm sure my nieces and nephews will find this book entertaining. Some information in this book helped me to gain more understanding about rat. Especially about how they manage to skip the trap we set most of time. Or how they manage to get into the house, the kitchen, the cupboard and so on. Of course, an adult is expected to read along with young readers to explain more about this and that. 

As an adult who loves cute books with wonderful designs and illustrations, it's definitely a must have. I can't wait to read the other books in the series and collect them all.

BUY THIS FROM

AMAZON  or 

BOOK DEPOSITORY

Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Review: Hello, Bali by Giselle Shardlow

About the Book

Title: Hello Bali  |  Author: Giselle Shardlow  |  Illustrator:  Emily Gedkyz  |   Publication Date: April 23, 2014  |   Publisher: Kids Yoga Stories  |  Number of pages: 52   |   Recommended age: 2.5 to 6 years

Summary: Energize your body and mind with this yoga island adventure book for young children!

Say good day to the magical island of Bali! Join Anamika, one of the Yoga Kids, as she travels with her family to Bali, Indonesia. Surf like a surfer, dance like a Balinese dancer, and sit like a monkey.

The book includes a list of Kids Yoga Poses, Map of Bali, Basic Indonesian Phrases, and a Parent-Teacher Guide with tips on creating a successful yoga experience. This yoga book for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 2 to 5) is more than a storybook, but it’s also a unique experience for children.

My Opinion:

As an Indonesian who has never been to Bali, a beginner in yoga thing, and an illustrated-children-book lover, I found this book was totally fun and helpful.

The poses were simple and easy to follow, and by giving the illustration and information about the pose, which was based on things Anamika found while she's on the adventure, I can help myself to imagine the actual pose. Those simple poses were helpful and applicable, especially for me who often sit in front of computer all day (and night, too).

When my niece and nephew came over, we read it, practiced the poses together and had fun with it. They laughed when they have to pose just like the mountain, swimmers, animals, etc. So I guess even for older children (they're 9 and 7 years old), this book can give so much fun, too. The English was pretty simple that my niece, who's already learn a bit of English, understood it pretty well. Even my nephew grasped the idea based on the informative and easy to understand illustration, though its style was not pretty special for me.
Also, by following the adventure of Anamika in every page, I can also explain them a little to my niece and nephew about Bali, and what you can find there, so that next time they (we) get a chance to go there, we know what it's going to be like.

I enjoyed the information about basic language in the back of the book. And the Parent-Teacher Guide part, I loved it! It helps me to remember what I should do to help young readers like my niece and nephew to gain more info based on what they're reading. It also help me trigger them with more knowledge.

I have to clarify a bit though, about the English-Indonesian translation in the back of the book. In a digital copy I received (maybe some of you got the same copy), "Welcome" is translated as "Selamat Dating"
The correct one would be: "Welcome" = "Selamat Datang".
I guess you can blame the mistake on the auto-correct mode. :D

For me, it'd be great if there's a simple introduction for kids about what is yoga before the adventure starts. Also, an information about how long you should do the pose? Probably count to 5, or 8, or 10?
Overall, I enjoy this book and got curious about the other series from the author.

***I was given a digital copy for an honest review.

About the Author

Giselle Shardlow draws from her experiences as a teacher, traveler, mother, and yogi to write her yoga-inspired children’s books. This story was inspired by her unforgettable travels to Bali and her desire to share these experiences with her daughter. She lives in Boston with her husband and daughter.

Website - Facebook - Twitter

About the Illustrator

Emily Gedzyk is a world traveler who draws her artistic inspiration from the places she’s visited and the people in her life. She hopes to continue her journeys to new, exciting places and to teach everyone she meets that it’s never too early or too late to go out into the world on their own adventures. Her work can be found in our kids yoga books, Sophia’s Jungle Adventure, Luke’s Beach Day, and The ABC’s of Australian Animals.

ARC Review: Daring to Trust the Boss by Susan Meier

Daring to Trust the Boss

by Susan Meier

Paperback, 256 pages

Expected publication: February 4th 2014 by Harlequin (first published February 1st 2014)

ISBN 0373742762 (ISBN13: 9780373742769)

The magic of the Mediterranean

When accountant Olivia Prentiss joins Tucker Engle's company, she's unceremoniously demoted to stand in as his PA! However, Tucker's not in for an easy ride. Olivia's worked hard to get where she is now, and refuses to bow to her gorgeous boss's commands; however fearsome his reputation.

But soon Olivia begins to see there is far more to her boss than meets the eye. And on a business trip to Italy, she sees straight through Tucker's hard and proud exterior to a man with a far more vulnerable edge.

~ My Opinion ~

After reading so many high-tension quite steamy romance, it's kind of refreshing to read a romance that didn't exactly involve something down there, if you know what I mean. :p

It's a sweet fun loving story. The one gives you a warm peaceful feeling when you're reading it and done with it. Both characters did feel the chemistry after few days they met, but they didn't take an impulsive steps to do something about it. The uneasiness made them move back and forth, but it's understandable they wanted to take it slow since they're not so sure about what they actually feel inside, especially for Tucker. It's also understandable how someone who usually good with people suddenly don't know what to do when it involves the one he/she loves. And how dreadful that most of the time an assumption made someone withdraw when he/she supposed to move forward, to fight to get what they want, just because they feel less.

I liked how both characters build a comfortable friendly relationship first before they finally realized how much they want one another. I liked the way Olivia put an ease for Tucker with her comments or answers.

Being melancholic, conservative kind of girl, the only disappointment for me was that they didn't really do it in a traditional way. You know, get married first, and then get the baby. :) This is exactly what happens when you have certain expectations for your characters. :D

There were parts in this novel that I felt like needed to be explored/described a bit more, but I'm not sure either, maybe it's just part of me wanting it a little bit more. I mean, you didn't really loose the flow. 

Thank you, Harlequin and Net Galley.

Review: Look-A-Like Lawman by Glynna Kaye

Look-A-Like Lawman by Glynna Kaye

(Texas Twins, #4) 

Paperback, Large Print, 288 pages

Published September 18th 2012 by Love Inspired

When big-city cop Grayson Wallace visits an elementary school for career day, he finds his heartstrings unexpectedly tugged by a six-year-old fatherless boy. Gray offers to mentor the child, but widowed mother Elise Lopez wants nothing to do with men in uniform. Now he can't get the struggling Lopezes off his mind. All he can think about is what family means—especially after discovering the identical twin brother he hadn't known he had in Grasslands. Maybe a trip to ranch country is just what he, Elise and little Cory need.

MY OPINION:

My very first of Glynna Kaye, and I enjoyed reading this.

I must admit that it took me by surprise because, well, after reading so many romance novels with a hot steamy and full of sexual encounters, this book was actually a clean romance, with very little kissing scenes. The reason I bought this book? Merely because it had Paul Marron on the cover! I didn't know that it's part of series. I even didn't bother to actually read the back cover. :D

So the series talked about siblings which consisted of two sets of twin and one younger brother. When these two set of twins were very little, the parents separated and took each one of the twins. The father, Brian, took Grayson and Maddie, while the mother, Belle, took Jack and Violet. Four of them just found out when they're adult that they actually have twins. The series were written by different actors. The link between these books, aside that they were siblings, was about the mystery behind the the parentage issue and separation when the parents were young.

As to Grayson himself, as the lead in this book, he's a cop with great characters who met a little Cory, whose father died in a duty as a cop. The widow, Elise, didn't want anything to do with a cop since she didn't think she could handle the agony being a cop's wife. 

The story line was easy to predict, but I really enjoyed reading because it was flowing nicely. I liked both characters, Grayson and Elise, since they're realistic enough. I could actually related to their fears, emotions, hopes and the chemistry. There were times I felt like shaking Elise for trying to be tough and trying to take distance to Grayson. But it's so understandable.

Another surprise for me was that there were lots of sentences talked about God, about how things could be His way to make them see something. There were quite few how the characters prayed silently. I didn't mean it in a preaching way. But maybe that's because I read very different kind of romances previously. :D

One thing I learned for sure, is about to have faith in God, to have faith to receive things bravely. Because most of the time, the fear we have inside was because we lack of trust in God. Noted!

It's a quick sweet and heart-warming reading. I can't wait to read the other books, especially the last one since it's about their parents. There were six of them. This book is the forth.

*NOTE: like most of my reviews, this one could be subjective. 

Freaking Out (edited) by Polly Wells : ARC Review

"When anxiety has you in its grip, it can seem impossible to rationalize your way out of it."

That sweaty, gut-clenching, suffocating, racing-heart feeling. That dull, never-ending sense that something's wrong. Anxiety affects millions of young adults. From phobias to compulsiveness to post traumatic stress disorder, "Freaking Out" chronicles the many guises of excessive anxiety in teens' lives and the havoc it can wreak.

These 13 true stories span the anxiety spectrum, from heightened adolescent angst to full-blown disorders. The triggers for the teens in this book range from the stress of getting into college, to the loss of a parent, to day-to-day social encounters. Their stories explore the different ways each learned to unshackle themselves from the weight of overwhelming worry.

In "Nowhere to Hide," Caroline suffers debilitating panic attacks brought on in part by extreme shyness. In "Exiled," Alana's treatment at the hand of bullies makes her anxiety even worse. In "The Enemy Next Door" Noah grapples with the paralyzing, unexplained fear of dogs that has caused him anxiety since childhood. And in "War Story," Hamid, alone in a new country, must confront his post traumatic stress disorder.

Including an afterword written by psychologist Stacie Isenberg of The Ross Center in Washington, D.C., "Freaking Out" offers young people a vivid understanding of what anxiety feels like, positive tools to minimize its effects, and the reassurance that they can live a full and rewarding life even if they find themselves in its grip.

Paperback, 130 pages

Published June 13th 2013 by Annick Press

ISBN 1554515440 (ISBN13: 9781554515448)

My thought:

It took me quite long enough to finish the book when it's not that thick. Maybe it's because I, myself, have these anxiety disorder symptoms that sometimes I need to stop for a moment to deal with my own anxiety while reading this. :D So one story at a time.

I'm able to relate with those stories and although I know that I'm not the only one, it's quite ... um ... surprising that large number of people suffer this. It also got me thinking, that my problems are not as bad as I thought, at least compared to some of these people. 

Anyway, what I learned from this book is that in the end, these teenagers/young adults were finally able to manage/reduce their anxiety. Mostly it's after they talked to someone to counsel and after they accepted things as the way it is. 

So that's one of the important message in this book: if you suffered from anxiety, or you know someone experience this, go to someone who's capable to help you. A teacher, a counselor, a psychologist. Or if you don't know any, ask your parents / family members / friends that you could trust to help you find any help.

It's definitely a simple-easy-to-read book, yet powerful and helpful enough. Definitely a keeper. I guess I'd (and could) re-read it some other times whenever I need support/inspirations to remind me that I CAN do this. 

Recommended for teenagers or parents or teachers or anyone who have to deal with anxiety.

Thanks to Annick Press Ltd. for providing the ARC via Net Galley.

Review: The Baby Deal by Kat Cantrell

In this Billionaires & Babies novel, award-winning author Kat Cantrell presents an offer that can't be refused... 

When billionaire entrepreneur Michael "Shay" Shaylen becomes guardian to a baby boy, he knows there's only one woman who can teach him how to be a father-his ex-lover, child psychologist Juliana Cane. So he makes her a deal: if she gives him two months, he'll give her a boost in her career. 

She says yes. Suddenly, Juliana has everything she's ever wanted: a home, a child-Shay. But she knows this seductive situation is only temporary. Because even as desire burns between them-so do the reasons Juliana has to say goodbye....

You can check it out on GOODREADS or

You can buy it on Book Depository

Publisher: Harlequin

Published: 06 August 2013

Format: Paperback 192 pages

Categories: Adult & Contemporary Romance

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

My very first of Kat Cantrell.

I must say it's very hard for me to finish reading this book. Not because the book's so hard to like, but because there were parts in this book that reminded me to my fears. To the unwillingness to sacrifice something I desperately wanted to hold on to, to get something that in the end could be so much better. Not for the others, but for myself. For me to be something or someone better.

I loved the way Kat Cantrell tried to tell us that (true) love is about commitment, compromise, effort and sacrifice without losing ourselves. 

I can see that when things didn't work out between Juliana and her ex-husband was not merely because he was not Shay. But mostly because Juliana closed herself because she's too absorbed with her situations/conditions.  She did almost the same thing to Shay back then: walking away, taking distance. All because she didn't brave enough to face the truth and held on to something she desperately want: a baby and a safe-steady life. I loved the thought (from Shay) that whenever you start feeling scared, it's about time to move forward. 

Reading the last Juliana sentences reminded me to the song Raise It Up from August Rush soundtrack:

Sometimes it takes a different kind of dream to make you smile. Sometimes we need another helping hand to show the way

Both Juliana and Shay learned to let go, and both needed another person to make them realize that they had to let go.

It's a wonderful story about love and life. About taking risk and letting go. About sacrifice which in the end would give you something better and make you (and your partner or people around you, too, hopefully) a better person.

Many thanks to Harlequin who provided the ARC via Net Galley.

Review: A Risk Worth Taking by Victoria James

Interior designer Holly Carrington worked hard for her success. Then tragedy struck, leaving Holly the sole guardian of her infant niece. Now she’s swapped her designer purse for a diaper bag, and is going ahead with plans to renovate—and sell—her childhood home in Red River. But facing her past also means coming face-to-face with Quinn Manning all over again...Quinn was the object of her girlhood crush—and heartbreak— and is more gorgeous than ever. He’s also the only person qualified to oversee the renovation. Now they’re butting heads every step of the way... and their attraction is more electrifying than ever! But once the house is sold, Holly needs to return to her real life. And falling for Quinn all over again is one risk she can’t take... 

ebook, 170 pages

Published March 11th 2013 by Entangled: Indulgence

My Review:

I loved it! My very first of Victoria James, and already I couldn't wait for the next two books.

When I requested it from Net Galley, I didn't really expect it to be good. Simply I was just attracted to the cover, and the title. Not really into this old-crush thing, but I got curious. Why not give it a try.

Holly, a big city girl who had a perfect life, suddenly have to be a guardian for her baby niece when an accident caused her sister and her brother in law died. She decided to go back to her home town, renovate her grandparents' house that her sister planned to live in. But since she thought she couldn't live in it without thinking those people she lost, she planned to sell it. And of course, she needed to hire the best contractor which was happen to be Quinn's company, her old-crush back then. She couldn't forget him even after ten years. And the truth was, same thing on Quinn' side.

So they started to spend days together for the sake of the renovation, although there were, of course, so much more than that. 

I must admit that I have to stop reading after Quinn accused her for being cold because she intended to sell the house. And then Holly said, "That's cold." I felt something chill in my heart. To me, Quinn's reply about he didn't regret getting married, well, THAT'S cold. 

I'm melancholic. And it's my PMS time. Ha! So I got a bit sensitive. :p But my heart was squeezed at that sentence, and I knew how much it hurt Holly. It got me thinking about my love life, although it's not exactly the same. I gotta stop reading for few minutes, wrote down something on my journal, and then tried to hold back myself together, and started to read again. :)

Then it started getting better. I loved the way Quinn teased her. I loved the way they interact. You won't find lots of sex scene, which was just fine because that's not the whole point anyway. I think this book was fun to read, light, simple and sweet.

I guess I loved almost every characters in this book. Holly, after all she's been through, it's so understandable that she's afraid. Quinn, for being sooo adorable. I also enjoy Jake & Claire characters, Ella (she sounds so cute and trusting), and even Mrs. Jacob. Hahahahahaha...

Anyway, I can't wait to read the next book about Claire and Jake. I knew there's gotta be something between them by the time Holly found the pouch she sewed back then with Claire. Oh, I just can't wait. And Evan's.

I'm so glad I requested this book and got some times reading it.

e-copy provided by Entangled through Net Galley in exchange for honest review.

Review: When She Was Wicked by Anne Barton

Some rules simply beg to be broken...

A dressmaker in London's busiest shop, Miss Anabelle Honeycote overhears the ton's steamiest secrets—and (occasionally) uses them to her advantage. It isn't something she's proud of, but the reluctant blackmailer needs the money to care for her gravely ill mother. To make up for her misdeeds, Anabelle keeps to a firm set of rules:

• Never request payment from someone who cannot afford it.

• Never reveal the secrets of a paying client.

• Never enter into any form of social interaction with a client.

Her list keeps her (somewhat) honest—until she encounters Owen Sherbourne, the Duke of Huntford. Not only does Owen nip Anabelle's extortion plans in the bud, the devilishly handsome Duke soon has the sexy seamstress dreaming of more than silks and satins. With Owen, Anabelle enjoys pleasures she never imagined . . . until a scandal from the past resurfaces. Now her rules could mean his family's ruin. Owen's searing kisses carry the promise of passion, but how will he react when Anabelle's most devastating secret is finally revealed?

Mass Market Paperback, 379 pages

Published January 29th 2013 by Forever

Goodreads | The Book Depository

My Thought:

It's my very first of Anne Barton. And, well, it's her novel debut. :D

I got this book as a birthday gift from one of my book best friends. She knew I love anything related to Wicked things. Besides, since I loved When He Was Wicked from Julia Quinn, which the one I had was the red cover version, she thought this novel would be a great pair for that one. :D

While I found Michael Sterling from When He Was Wicked was indeed very wicked, I can't say the same for Annabelle, who I found was not wicked enough, at least to fill my expectation. But perhaps it's due to her lack of experience, compared to Michael Sterling.

The story line was not exactly that great. Things happened too fast in the beginning. How could Owen easily offered Annabelle to live in his house after what she did was unbelievable. I can understand if he's attracted a lot to her, people do silly things when in love/lust. But it wasn't even described very clearly. Also how she easily agreed and got comfortable in his house. 

Somehow, I kept on reading and pretty enjoyed it. I even felt sympathy when Annabelle was forced to leave by Miss Starling threat. But after that, the climax was a bit disappointing. Especially when Rose finally spoke for the first time after two years. When Owen finally proposed to Annabelle, I didn't find it romantic or heart-moving. It felt just ... flat.

Overall, it's a good start for a novel debut. I really hope Anne Barton do a lot better for the second novel. I also hope there would be story about Olivia, Averill, and Rose. ^^

What I Loved about this novel:

- The Cover! It's beautiful.

- The vocabulary explanation under the chapter number, which related to sewing stuff, also a certain action or situation which lead to the beginning of the scene. It's a great way to begin the chapter.