Book Review: Hit Your Life's Reset Button by Marc V. Lopez

Title:  HIT YOUR LIFE'S RESET BUTTON

Author: MARC V. LOPEZ

Genre: Non-Fiction, Inspirational, Christian

Pages: 193 pages

Publisher: LIFEDREAM BOOKS by Shepherd's Voice Publications, Inc.

                        Photos by Blogger

Book Talk: Review Marathon

Well, hello blogosphere! It’s been quite a while since well, my last post. Been quite busy with the offline world so I had to put TBBN on hiatus for a while (That means about 4 months!) Woooah!!! But I did not forgot my bookish goals! This year I’m going to surpass that 2015 Goodreads Challenge. I did my reading home works. In fact, what I’m going to share today are the books I read since my last post.

The Witch of Duva by Leigh Bardugo

The Witch of Duva by Leigh Bardugo
Source: TOR
Pages: 43 pages
Goodreads Rating: 4.01 stars
Genre: Fantasy, Fairy Tales, Folk tales, Short Story, Paranormal
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

EXCERPT


There was a time when the woods near Duva ate girls...or so the story goes. But it’s just possible that the danger may be a little bit closer to home. This story is a companion folk tale to Leigh Bardugo’s debut novel, Shadow and Bone.
-From Goodreads~

Imperfectly Perfect by A.E. Woodward

Imperfectly Perfect by A.E. Woodward
Pages: 160 pages
Genre: Chicklit, Romance, Contemporary
Pacing: Fast pace
Average Goodreads Rating: 3.93 stars
Format: Ebook
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

~~~THE BLURB~~~

Emma, Tyler and Shane have been best friends since they were kids. Along with their college addition, Rob, the four friends have an exciting life in NYC. In fact, Emma Sloan appears to have it all.

Despite being happy with her current situation, a big family announcement leaves Emma questioning whether she is truly content with her life. With her thirtieth birthday fast approaching she vows to find her 'perfect' man any way she can. But Emma will soon discover that the path of true love never runs smoothly and that sometimes, instead of chasing love, you have to wait for love to find you...
~From Goodreads~

On Isla and The Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins

Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Dutton
Genres: Young Adult, Romance
Average Goodreads Rating: 4.19
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

BLURB

Love ignites in the City That Never Sleeps, but can it last?

Hopeless romantic Isla has had a crush on introspective cartoonist Josh since their first year at the School of America in Paris. And after a chance encounter in Manhattan over the summer, romance might be closer than Isla imagined. But as they begin their senior year back in France, Isla and Josh are forced to confront the challenges every young couple must face, including family drama, uncertainty about their college futures, and the very real possibility of being apart.

Featuring cameos from fan-favorites Anna, Étienne, Lola, and Cricket, this sweet and sexy story of true love—set against the stunning backdrops of New York City, Paris, and Barcelona—is a swoonworthy conclusion to Stephanie Perkins’s beloved series. ~From Goodreads~

On Love, Rosie by Cecelia Ahern

Love, Rosie by Cecelia Ahern
Publisher: Hachette Books
Pages: 443 pages
Genres: Women's fiction, Contemporary Romance, ChickLit

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Format: Ebook
Average Goodreads Rating: 3.97

THE BLURB
Sometimes you have to look at life in a whole new way...
From the bestselling author of PS, I Love You comes a delightfully enchanting novel about what happens when two people who are meant to be together just can't seem to get it right.

Rosie and Alex are destined for one another, and everyone seems to know it but them. Best friends since childhood, their relationship gets closer by the day, until Alex gets the news that his family is leaving Dublin and moving to Boston. At 17, Rosie and Alex have just started to see each other in a more romantic light. Devastated, the two make plans for Rosie to apply to colleges in the U.S.

She gets into Boston University, Alex gets into Harvard, and everything is falling into place, when on the eve of her departure, Rosie gets news that will change their lives forever: She's pregnant by a boy she'd gone out with while on the rebound from Alex.

Her dreams for college, Alex, and a glamorous career dashed, Rosie stays in Dublin to become a single mother, while Alex pursues a medical career and a new love in Boston. But destiny is a funny thing, and in this novel, structured as a series of clever e-mails, letters, notes, and a trail of missed opportunities, Alex and Rosie find out that fate isn't done with them yet.

From the gifted author of PS, I Love You comes this charming, romantic, addictively page-turning novel that will keep readers laughing and guessing until the very last page. ~Excerpt from Goodreads~~

Rowell Holidays: On Fangirl and Eleanor and Park

Like I said on my previous post, I'm definitely posting my Rainbow Rowell holiday experience. Yes, that means Fangirl and Eleanor and Park. 

Photo from Novelsounds

Book Review: The Temple is Not My Father by Rasana Atreya

The Temple is Not My Father by Rasana Atreya
Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Pages: 40
Genre: Literary Fiction, Cultural
Source: Book Review Request
Average Goodreads Rating: 4.08


SYNOPSIS:

Ensnared by a tradition hundreds of years old, a woman fights for her daughter’s happiness.

From the author of 'Tell A Thousand Lies,' which was shortlisted for the 2012 Tibor Jones South Asia award. UK's Glam magazine calls 'Tell A Thousand Lies' on of their 'five favourite tales from India.'

If you like Rohinton Mistry or Shilpi Somaya Gowda,you might like this short story of 40 pages.
~~From Goodreads~~

Book Review: Grieftime by Heather Bulpett

Grieftime by Heather Bulpett
Rating: 2 of 5 stars
Publisher: Book Guild Publishing
Pages: 292
Source: Book Review Request
Genre: dystopian, mystery 
Average Goodreads Rating: 3 stars

THE BLURB:

In a world where life, love and even reproduction are regulated by the state, Lyn reluctantly accepts that she must marry again just weeks after her first husband's death. Supported by her friend Judith, she acquiesces to her every movement being monitored 'in her own best interests’.

Into Lyn's life comes Mikey, a younger man who was once a pupil of hers. Lyn tries to follow the rules and fit into the wifely role that has been allotted to her, learning how to cope with the exuberant, straight-talking Mikey and his large, boisterous family - something she never had as an orphan brought up in a 'dump' home. But a new relationship is not the only surprise Lyn has to face: she feels as if she is being stalked, and isn’t even sure if she can trust her best friend anymore.

As Lyn's world unravels, she is comforted by her new husband and supported by her mysterious 'counsellor' Dylan. But who really has her best interests at heart, and can the heavy surveillance she is under ever be justified? Grieftime is an innovative novel that embraces a world shaped by technology; a world without free will that surely none of us would want to live in.
~~From Goodreads~~

Book Review: Instant Karma by Donna Marie Oldfield

Instant Karma by Donna Marie Oldfield
Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Book Review Request
Genre: ChickLit
Published: July 19, 2014
Format: Ebook
 

THE BLURB

Do you believe in karma? Materialistic, selfish estate agent Siena Robinson doesn’t – until she hits a disastrous run of bad luck that makes her wonder if she has brought it upon herself.

In Instant Karma, Siena moves to the quiet village of Fenville, where the locals are opposing a development that will see a beloved hall and library replaced by new flats and shops. What her neighbours don’t know is that she is one of the developers and stands to make millions from the deal.

But then Siena discovers that her high-school sweetheart, Aiden, is leading the protest and she finds herself acting as a double agent who is torn between her neighbours’ plight and making lots of money.

Will Siena betray her new friends and let greed ruin a second chance with Aiden? And will she ever find out who or what is behind her run of bad karma?
~~from Goodreads~~

Book Review: The Guardian Angels by Rohit Gore

Photo from Rohitgore.com

              

The Guardian Angels by Rohit Gore
Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Received: Free Copy from Author in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher: Grapevine India
Genre: Drama
Goodreads Average Rating: 4.00 stars


SYNOPSIS
The Guardian Angels is the epic and tumultuous story of two star-crossed lovers who weren’t just soul-mates but were also each other’s protectors.

The fates of Adi Mehta and Radha Deodhar are deeply entwined when within days of their first rendezvous they save each other’s lives.

Despite their vast sociopolitical differences, they are drawn to an uncertain future fraught with contrasting ambitions, personas and ideologies.

. . . he is the son of a billionaire, she is the daughter of a socialist.
. . . he is quiet and unassuming, she is a firebrand and spirited.

However, the unexplained phenomena ties them forever – whenever they are in peril, they are each other’s only saviors.

Over the following two decades Adi and Radha live through hope and despair, joy and sadness, and try to decipher their relationship. As the truth of their bond is revealed, they must confront the true nature of love, and ultimately, their destinies.
---From Goodreads---

Movie Monday: Stardust

Late last month, I posted a review of Neil Gaiman's book Stardust. It was an assigned book read of the month by a bookish community Read Philippines. After reading the book, I immediately downloaded the movie from Isohunt, my torrent best friend.

PLOT:

The English village of Wall lies near a stone wall that is the border with the magical kingdom of Stormhold. A guard is constantly posted at a break in the wall to prevent anyone from crossing. At the beginning of the story, Dunstan Thorn crosses over the wall and into the Wall Market. There, he meets an enslaved princess named Una, who offers him a glass snowdrop in exchange for a kiss. Nine months later, the Wall Guard delivers a baby to Dunstan, saying his name is Tristan.

Book Review: Monster by Anke Napp

Monster by Anke Napp
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Published May 19th 2014 by Tredition Gmbh

SYNOPSIS:

In the middle of a heated election campaign for the Governor's seat of Georgia, the FBI is informed of a planned terrorist attack on Atlanta's new Conference Center. Only 24 hours remain to find and disarm the bombs, save the NATO summit and thousands of lives. In a sinister maneuver, the ex-terrorist Shadid is recruited out of prison and teamed up with the Conference Center's project manager Sarah - a woman whose husband has died in one of his former attacks. But crawling through the building's bowels, Shadid discovers more than a time fuse of perfidious ingenuity.
~~~From Amazon~~~

Children's Book Reviews: Say it Like a Snake and Where Are You Pickles

 Say it Like a Snake by Lucy Morse
My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Plot: This beautiful 32 page picture book tells the story of a girl named Sue who couldn't say her S's. With the help of Sam the snake she learns a rhyme that teaches her a great way to overcome her problem. 
 ~~from Goodreads~~



My Review:

I have a 6 year old nephew who is still having a hard time speaking fluently. It's like talking to a robot when I'm with him. It's cute but of course, his parents are still worried about his speaking problem specially with the letter "S".

When I read this children's book, I definitely told myself that this is an excellent exercise for him. I love how the authors have presented the S reading exercise in such a cute and fun read storybook that will absolutely encourage kids his age to read and learn reading "S" words.

Book Review: To All The Boys I Loved Before by Jenny Han

To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is the story of Lara Jean, who has never openly admitted her crushes, but instead wrote each boy a letter about how she felt, sealed it, and hid it in a box under her bed. But one day Lara Jean discovers that somehow her secret box of letters has been mailed, causing all her crushes from her past to confront her about the letters: her first kiss, the boy from summer camp, even her sister's ex-boyfriend, Josh. As she learns to deal with her past loves face to face, Lara Jean discovers that something good may come out of these letters after all.

~~From Goodreads~~
 

Book Review: Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris--until she meets Étienne St. Clair. Smart, charming, beautiful, Étienne has it all...including a serious girlfriend.

But in the City of Light, wishes have a way of coming true. Will a year of romantic near-misses end with their long-awaited French kiss?

---From Goodreads----
 

Reviewing The Fault in Our Stars

I know it’s a bit late to post a review for TFIOS but I’m still having a hang-over from the movie which is really, really not like most of the book-to-movie adaptation where series of things are cut-off and changed. The movie is just like the book. It’s what I actually visualized when I read John Green’s The Fault in our Stars last year.  Well, I didn’t know who would play the roles but Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort did the job really great. I can’t imagine anyone else play the role apart from them after the success of this movie.

Photo from IBTimes

I watched the movie on its first day in the cinemas. It was already out in Cebu at June 5. I was actually looking forward to watch Maleficent that night but upon seeing TFIOS on the cinema schedule, I changed my mind in an instant and I forced my office mates to come along. My office mate are not bookworms like me so when I told them that the story is awesome and tear-jerking, they were having second thoughts since they were thinking that I might spoil them and that maybe the movie is not that nice since I kind of have a different taste on some things and they were thinking that I’m more of a sci-fi and superhero movie/book addict than a tear-jerking teenage love story.

Mitch Albom Booksigning at Philippines

Best-selling author of Tuesdays with Morrie visited Philippines for his book signing tour last Feb. 22 and 23 at Glorietta Manila and Ayala Cebu and I was really happy to be able to attend that awesome event and have a chance to have my book signed by himself.

Photo from www.marcellapurnama.com

Mitch Albom wrote inspiring books namely Tuesdays with Morrie, For One More Day, The Five People you meet in Heaven, Have a Little Faith, The Time Keeper and the newest released "The First Phone Call From Heaven".

On Jerry Spinelli's Stargirl

This is another review on a YA reading challenge in Read Philippines.

 

Photo from Paroxymal

"She was elusive. She was today. She was tomorrow. She was the faintest scent of a cactus flower, the flitting shadow of an elf owl. We did not know what to make of her. In our minds we tried to pin her to a cork board like a butterfly, but the pin merely went through and away she flew"

Synopsis: 
One Friday night, in answer to a hurried call from Kevin, Leo rushed to the football stadium where the school's football team was playing. The band was performing at half-time. Usually the band was not notable, but this night Stargirl was with them on the field. She was the center of everyone’s attention and remained so even after the band left the field. She stayed on the field as the players tried to resume the game. When a policeman came after her, she punted the ball and ran out of the stadium. Somehow, Stargirl’s actions and spirit ignited the fans’ spirit. 

On Paulo Coelho's Manuscript Found in Accra

Sweepbloggers

Thanks to a dear friend of mine that I was able to get hold and read this one-of-kind piece of Paulo Coelho. I have been curious about Paulo Coelho ever since a friend of mine from a youth community kept on talking about his best selling book "The Alchemist". 

SYNOPSIS:


The city of Accra awaits the invasion of the crusaders who have surrounded the gates. There, within the city walls, men and women of every age have gathered to hear the words of a mysterious man known only as the Copt. He has summoned the townspeople to address their fears with truth, hope and comfort. They begin with questions about defeat and struggle; they contemplate the virtues of loyalty and solitude; and they ultimately turn to questions of beauty, love, wisdom, and what the future holds. "What is success?" poses the Copt. "It is being able to go to bed each night with your soul at peace." * * * Now, centuries later, the manuscript containing the Copt's extraordinary insights on courage, solitude, loyalty and loss has been unearthed from a cave in Cairo. A Manuscript Found in Accra is a revelatory exploration of our most enduring and transcendental values, and a testimony to everyday wisdom.
-from Waterstone---