Starring Me by Krista McGee

Title:         Starring Me Publisher:  Thomas Nelson Pub Date:  July 10, 2012 ISBN:        9781401684891 Author:     Krista McGee Kara McKormick is told she's auditioning to star in a new teen variety show. But it's what she isn't told that could change her life. The feisty New Yorker moves to sunny Orlando to participate in a month-long audition, where she'll live with nine other contestants and an eccentric housemother. Kara knows that the show already has a big-time celebrity lined up for the co-host, but she doesn't know who it is. Chad Beacon quickly rose to fame after winning America's Next Star, but he doesn't want his entire career to be about singing. There is so much more he wants to do-like act. The new variety show sounds like the perfect next step for him, but his parents want him to have a co-star who shares his faith since they'll be spending so much time together. Acting is high on Kara's priority list. But a relationship with God? Not so much. In fact, she's tried to stay away from anything religious. But God is after Kara's heart and He's put people in her life who are showing her there's far more to Christianity than rules and judgment. And just when it seems that Kara's going to have to give up her acting dream, God reveals that she may have a starring role after all-in a story so big only He could write it.

This is a light and easy read. Kara and Chad both are very likable characters. Both Kara and Chad are down to earth people and brought up well by their parents. I like the way Kara handles the other participants. I'm also amazed by Chad on his faith at the God, who believe the God will choose the right girl for his show. The story is a little similar to First Date, the first book in the series, but nonetheless I enjoy it very much. It is an easy read, and yet a page turner. Though Starring Me is more on how Kara finally turn to become a Christian, the story is not preachy at all. And I enjoy reading those audition scene very much. If you need something simple to read and relax, this is a book for you.

I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.


Note: I receive the digital ARC of this book from the publisher via Net Gallery. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back by Todd Burpo, Lynn Vincent

Book Description Deluxe, keepsake edition of the best-selling book and true story of a young boy's visit to heaven after life-saving surgery. Heaven Is for Real is the true story of the four-year old son of a small town Nebraska pastor who during emergency surgery slips from consciousness and enters heaven. He survives and begins talking about being able to look down and see the doctor operating and his dad praying in the waiting room. The family didn't know what to believe but soon the evidence was clear. Colton said he met his miscarried sister whom no one had told him about, and his great grandfather who died 30 years before Colton was born, then shared impossible-to-know details about each. He describes the horse that only Jesus could ride, about how "reaaally big" God and his chair are, and how the Holy Spirit "shoots down power" from heaven to help us. Told by the father but often in Colton's own words, the disarmingly simple message is heaven is a real place, Jesus really loves children, and be ready there is a coming last battle.

I was intrigued by the description of the book and being a non-Christian myself, I'm curious about how real is the Heaven. Honestly speaking, I have no idea what's in the Heaven, how Jesus looks like, whether how real is Colton's description on Heaven, but it's an enjoyable read to me. Some people may think that Colton actually learnt about those things from his father who's a pastor, but regardless he learnt that from his father or he really did go to Heaven and come back, after reading this book I do believe that Heaven does exist. Something that I have not expected is there's no old people in Heaven. And I wonder is this Heaven same as the Heaven in Buddhism.

Another thing that I learn from this book is: God always answer our prayer. However some people may complain, why God did not take away Colton, but He took away their child? Weren't they pray too? I doubt Colton's father could answer this but I do believe thing happen for a reason. If it's yours, it yours. It's just like some babies could survive some natural disaster while some other babies could choke to death from drinking milk from the bottle

I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars.
 

Note: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Dragon and the Pearl by Jeannie Lin

Title:         The Dragon and the Pearl Publisher:  Harlequin Imprint:     Harlequin Historical Pub Date:  September 20, 2011 ISBN:       9780373296620 Author:     Jeannie Lin THE MOST BEAUTIFUL COURTESAN OF THEM ALL... Former Emperor’s consort Ling Suyin is renowned for her beauty; the ultimate seductress. Now she lives quietly alone—until the most ruthless warlord in the region comes and steals her away.... Li Tao lives life by the sword, and is trapped in the treacherous, lethal world of politics. The alluring Ling Suyin is at the center of the web. He must uncover her mystery without falling under her spell—yet her innocence calls out to him. How cruel if she, of all women, can entrance the man behind the legend....

This is my first historical romance that take place in China during 8th century. The story is very interesting. It is beautifully written with details description of the settings, places, people and even their emotion. It's mostly about the romance between Ling Suyin and Li Tao with minimum actions. It gives a good insight of the position and role of the women during that time. Ling suyin was a very smart and strong lady. She definitely knows how to survive and on her best not allowing others to take advantage on her. She's not only save herself, but she was saying other people's life too. And trying to turn around the situation to make it in favor to her. It's very interesting to see how Li Tao interacts with her. They were attracted to each other and yet they were fear of the relationship, as they were aware of their own destiny and they have no future to be together. I like the little suspense element blended in the story which make the whole thing even more interesting. I like the ending. It's a very good ending.

I enjoy reading it very much and I rate it 4 out of 5 stars.


Note: I receive the digital ARC of this book from the publisher via Net Gallery. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Hermie, a Common Caterpillar By Max Lucado

Book Description This Max Lucado’s Hermie & Friends® best-selling story now available in easy-to-read format! Hermie and his friend Wormie have always felt common. They don’t have stripes or dots, they aren’t very strong, and they can’t find anything special about themselves. But every time they pray, God tells them that He loves them all the time just as they are and that He isn’t finished with them yet. When Hermie becomes a beautiful butterfly, he realizes just how special God’s plan is for him! This classic story has been revised for kids to read and enjoy on their own as a Lever 2 Reader. With fresh new art and a story kids can read themselves, plus a new, low price—this classic story will find a whole new generation of kids who love Hermie and his garden friends!

The kids love the beautiful illustrations of the book. The story is simple and yet pass an important message to the children - that everyone is unique and special; that God has a plan for everyone of us. We should not compare ourselves with others, as my daughter likes to ask me lots of questions about comparing herself to this friend and that friend etc. Not only children, even we as adult we also will tend to compare with other people who we thought are better than us. This is also a good story to teach us to be patience, as sometimes it is just not the right timing yet and we should not simply rush for it. We need to have more faith and trust in God.

I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.


Note: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Menu for Romance by Kaye Dacus

Title:         Menu for Romance SubTitle:   Brides of Bonneterre Book Two Publisher:  Barbour Publishing Inc. Imprint:     Barbour Books Pub Date:  07/01/2009 ISBN:       9781602604551 Author:     Dacus, Kaye From Goodreads: Cater to your craving for fabulous fictional fare with Menu for Romance, where a party planner finds herself torn between the contractor and the cook. After eight years of unrequited love, Meredith Guidry makes a New Year's resolution to find someone new and end her single status before the year's over. And when she meets a handsome contractor on New Year's Day, it seems like her prayers have been answered.Executive Chef Major O'Hara has forsworn relationships, knowing he could never saddle the woman he loves with a family situation like his. But when it seems he's about to lose Meredith Guidry to another man, he realizes he must concoct a menu for romance to win her back.

Meredith Guidry had been having crush for her work mate Chef Major O'Hara for 8 years. With having a traditional mindset, she believed the guy should make the move. On the other hand, Major loved Meredith for very long time too. Due to past experiences, and also struggling with his life and career, he was worried about being rejected and thought that Meredith was better with someone else other than him. I think Major was keeping too much things to himself. If he tells his best friends about his mom, I'm sure he did not have to give up those important things in his life. From many books and even in real life, I have learnt that honestly is important in relationship. Things get so much better after Meredith told the contractor about her feeling with him. Similarly after Meredith learn the truth about Major's mom. We not necessary must suffer or struggle alone. Sometimes it's alright to ask supports and help from family and friends who care for us.

It is an inspirational story. I enjoy reading this book very much. And I'm looking forward to read more books from Dacus. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.


Note: I receive the digital copy of this book from the publisher via Net Gallery. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

The Surgeon's Secret Baby by Ann Christopher

Title:         The Surgeon's Secret Baby SubTitle:   Hopewell General Publisher:  Harlequin Imprint:     KimaniRomance Pub Date:  09/06/2011 ISBN:       9780373862252 Author:     Ann Christopher Sensuality heals. Love cures. Lia Taylor needs Thomas Bradshaw like she’s never needed anyone before. The hunky, super-ambitious Head of Surgery at Hopewell General is the only one who can save her young son. Falling for the seductive surgeon is a prescription for trouble. But there’s no cure for her smitten condition once Thomas brands her with his sensual touch. The scion of a powerful family, Thomas has vowed to devote his life to healing others. Having an affair with the alluring computer wiz and single mother could cost the workaholic doc his career at the prominent, scandal-plagued Virginia hospital. Especially if his explosive secret gets out. But Thomas can’t give Lia up. His diagnosis? A future together filled with all the love their hearts can hold.…

What would be your reaction when one day a woman approaches you and tell you that you are the father of her 8 years old son from the sperm that you have donated to a sperm bank? I would say Thomas handled the whole thing very well. And I admire Lia for her courage to do anything just to save her son, Jalen. She did not have much choice too as none of her family members including herself, is a match to donate the kidney to save Jalen. Besides saving his son, Thomas was very attracted to Lia. Even though Lia was trying very hard to resist Thomas, but she could not deny the intense chemistry between them. And Jalen's a gem! He's smart and witty, well brought up by Lia. He would say something that out of your expectation, making their parents' jaw dropped.

Overall, it was a light-hearted and easy read. And fun too! I was actually chuckling all the way. The story is sweet and heart-warming. I enjoy reading it very much.

I rate it 4 out of 5 stars.



Note: I receive the digital ARC of this book from the publisher via Net Gallery. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

The Royal Treatment by Lindsey Leavitt

Title:         The Royal Treatment SubTitle:    A Princess for Hire Book Publisher:   Disney-Hyperion Pub Date:  05/03/2011 ISBN:       9781423121930 Author:     Lindsey Leavitt What girl wouldn't swoon over outrageous perks like free jewelry, designer clothes, and the chance to hang out with crush-worthy Prince Karl? But best of all, Desi gets one-on-one time with Genevieve, the head of the super-secret and ultra glamorous Façade agency. She's taken a special interest in Desi's magical abilities. But between Desi's BEST (Betterment of Elite Sub Training) program, starting the eighth grade, trying out for the school play, and dealing with the cute-but-bossy new boy Reed, she's beginning to feel like she's in over her head.  Even worse, when Desi learns a secret about the magic that keeps Façade running, she realizes that not everything is as perfect as it seems. Full of humor and heart, this second installment in the Princess for Hire series shows Desi that the royal treatment may just be masking mysteries, and only she can uncover the truth....one princess at a time!

The story is fun, girlish and suitable for any pre-teen girls who like to read about princess and stuff. It was about the adventures of Desi being a princess for hire for any princess in the world that wants to take a break from the royal life; and the real Desi when she was not on any princess duty. Imagine you get to be a princess, enjoying the royal life even though just a temporary substitute. The story is fun, humorous and filled with good moral values. It is a light-hearted and easy read. While you may enjoy more if you have the first book in the series, but it's alright to read this as standalone too. 

I rate it 3 out of 5 stars.


Note: I receive the digital copy of this book from the publisher via Net Gallery. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Legends by Deborah Smith

Title:         Legends SubTitle:   A Loveswept Classic Romance Publisher:  Random House Publishing Group Imprint:     Loveswept Pub Date:  08/08/2011 ISBN:       9780307796660 Author:     Deborah Smith New York Times bestselling author Deborah Smith evokes the stunning beauty of Scotland in this spin on the clan wars-as a sexy CEO finds himself abducted by a brazen beauty determined to save her village. Elgiva MacRoth descends from a long line of bold Scots willing to fight for their heritage. When her picturesque town comes under siege by a corporate raider, she devises a daring plan to stop billionaire Douglas Kincaid. But kidnapping a man off the rooftop of his penthouse and holding him hostage proves far less complicated than saving herself from his intoxicating sensual assault. The stunning beauty with her golden eyes and fighting spirit make captivity feel like a fantasy. The desire heating up is enough to make them both forget the battle, and surrender to something far more pleasurable. But Douglas has his own dreams for this lovely spot of Scottish land. And he has a proposal that he hopes will convince Elgiva to give up her hard line and give in to him in every way that matters. With a warrior's will, he's fighting for his legacy, his heart, and the woman of his dreams. About the author Deborah Smith is the author of such well-loved novels as A Place to Call Home, Blue Willow, and Miracle. She lives in Georgia.

This is a fun and easy read. The story is simple. And the chemistry between Elgiva and Douglas definitely was there. I like Douglas's dog, Sam that tried not to be sided with either his master Douglas or Elgiva while his master was being held as captive. It was also fun to read how Douglas was trying to torture Elgiva from his cell. And Elgiva loved her people so much that she was willing to risk herself to preserve the place for her people. I like the way Douglas dealt with the situation. He was quick to adjust himself to his environment. And after he had found out the truth and being confronted by Elgiva and her people, he was so cool and settled the whole thing in favour of everyone, including himself.

The story is rather short. You can easily finish reading it within few hours. It is fun and entertaining. I enjoy reading it very much. I rate it 4 out of 5 stars.


Note: I receive the digital copy of this book from the publisher via Net Gallery. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

The Beginning Reader's Bible

When I saw this boook is available in BookSneeze, I can't help myself but to request for a copy. I love bible stories and this book does not disappoint me. It is a very beautiful book. This Bible is set up with 13 stories from the Old Testament, 13 stories from the New Testament, and 12 resources in the back. It is using the actual Bible text from the International Children's Bible® so it can be easily understood by the kids. The stories are short. All pages are beautifully illustrated and the text are also large enough for the kids. Prayers, memory verses and fun activities also are included. As me and the kids are not Christian, so we skip the praying part. But nonetheless we enjoy the stories very much. The Beginning Reader's Bible is suitable for kids age 4 to 8 years old.

I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars. 

Note: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Restorer by Amanda Stevens

 

Title:          The Restorer
SubTitle:     Book I in The Graveyard Queen series
Publisher:    Harlequin
Imprint:      MIRA Books
Pub Date:   04/26/2011
ISBN:        9780778329817
Author:      Amanda Stevens

When Amelia Gray was 9 years old, she saw ghost for the first time. Since then, her father who is a cemetery caretaker tells her the 4 rules that she must remember and follow:

Never acknowledge the dead.
Never stray from the hallowed ground.
Never get close to the haunted.
Never, ever tempt fate.

Now at the age of 27, Amelia Gray is a graveyard restorer. Her latest job is to restore an old Charleston graveyard. However before she can complete her job, a body has been found at the graveyard and she is requested to assist in the investigation together with John Devlin, the police detective who in charge of this case.

Amelia is attracted to John Devlin but Devlin is haunted by ghosts due to his guilt that he holds for his past. Amelia has vowed to keep away from this haunted man but she breaks the rules again and again, making herself more and more dangerous. At the same time, more bodies are found and the killer started to leave the hints at Amelia's blog. The clues to the killer and to his other victims; lie in the headstone symbolism that only she can interpret.

The Restorer is the Book 1 of The Graveyard Queen Series. The story is thrilling and chilling too. It is fast paced, full of mystery and suspense, very well plotted with lots of twist and surprises. At the same time the feelings between Amelia and Devlin, how she struggles to keep away from him, are presented very well. The characterizations are quite vivid; some parts can be quite creepy so if you are the nervous type maybe it'll be better if you don't read it at night. 

I enjoy reading it very much. And I'm looking forward for her next book in this series. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Here is the The Graveyard Queen series book trailer:



The Graveyard Queen Series:
Prequel: The Abandoned (April 2011)
Book I: The Restorer (May 2011)
Book II: The Kingdom (November 2011)
Book III: The Prophet (May 2012)

Click here for more info about this series.


Note: I receive the ARC of this book from the publisher Harlequin via Net Galley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Playful Learning

Title:         Playful Learning
SubTitle:   Develop Your Child's Sense of Joy and Wonder
Publisher:  Shambhala
Imprint:     Trumpeter
Pub Date:  08/09/2011
ISBN:        9781590308196

This book offers fun and engaging learning-based activities for children ages 4 to 8. The subjects covered in this book including reading, writing, math, science, art, music, multiculturalism, and social and emotional development. Through the hands-on projects, parents can engage their children in the fun and creative ways. At the same time, it creates good bonding time for the parents with their children. Each subject area is introduced with an overview of children stages of development, helping parents to understand how their child learns and how they can help. The activities are easy, for example clip counting (putting clips on the cards, count the clips together) , cloud gazing (watching the huge clouds gracefully dance across the sky, evokes an awesome sense of wonder), the life cycle of a seed (watching a simple bean seed sprout).For each project or activity, materials needed are clearly stated, objective and the process are well explained, a More to Explore section and Books to Inspire to further enhance the learning process.

There are 7 subjects covered in this book: -

1. Nurturing young authors
2. The joy of reading
3. Mathematicians at work
4. Scientific investigations
5. Exploration of art and artists 
6. Glowing globally
7. Raising the citizen of tomorrow

The book also include advice for engaging in the learning process with one's children and building a culture within the family that celebrates learning, information on teaching methods and learning models, and creating a space conducive to learning.


Note: I receive the ARC of this book from the publisher via Net Gallery.

Lost Voices by Sarah Porter

 

Title:         Lost Voices
Publisher:   Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Imprint:     Harcourt Books
Pub Date   07/04/2011
ISBN:        9780547482507
Author:      Sarah Porter

I suppose most of us here grew up in a family and a home who give us love and protection, a place where we feel secure. What happen to those children, where they could not live with their family, either their parents are no longer there, or their parents do not love them? In Lost Voices, these unhappy children will become mermaid. When they are at the most despair moment, they transform into mermaid. Since they are mostly not fairly treated when they were a human, naturally they dislike human. And they also cannot be discovered by the human; afraid what will the human will do to them if the human know about their existence. There is a queen mermaid leading the tribe, the one with the best singing. The mermaids have sweet voice, but their song is a death song, a song which lures the human to death. However one of the mermaid, Lucy, she does not like to sing the Song of death. She would like to make use of her talent in singing, to do something more useful. But this also puts her at odds with her new friends.
 
I tried to read this book several times in the past one month, but only few days ago I was able to pick up the mood and finish reading it. This book is about friendship, letting go and forgive. It is the first book in a trilogy.

I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars.

Note: I receive the ARC of this book from the publisher via the Net Gallery.

Save the Date by Jenny B. Jones

Lucy Wiltshire is managing Saving Grace, a home for 13 homeless girls, who age 18 and above. They cannot go to shelter because they are considered as adult at age of 18, but they are not capable to live by themselves yet. They still need to attend school, and then they need to get a job before they can be on their own. Lucy has been putting a lot of effort on Saving Grace. She wants to help the girls. However running a non profit is not as easy. Lucy has to worry about the funding. The biggest contributor, Sinclair Hotel has just cut down the donation to Saving Grace due to poor performance of the group. And now Lucy has to make sure she get enough fund else Saving Grace won't last for more than 6 months.

Alex Sinclair was a famous football star. He quit due to his injury. Then he decided to run for the First Congressional District of South Carolina for some personal reason. However his playboy image while he was the football star does not make him any good. He has to change his image in order to secure his vote. He has decided to ask Lucy to be his fake fiancé, and she will get paid a lump sum of money after the election is over.

At the same time, Lucy's ex-boyfriend, Matthew Campbell who has left her two years ago, has come back for her. Lucy would very much go back to Matt, but her desperate need of the money to keep Saving Grace, made her left no choice but to agree with Alex to become his fake fiancé.

Save the Date is a heart warming and touching story. It is more than just a romance. Lucy could not accept after she found out who is her real father. She struggles to face and forgive her grandmother, a person she hates since she was very young. She feel guilty has to lie to the people around her, as she cannot tell them her relationship with Alex are not real. And it is a big sacrifice for her, to give up her happiness for the 13 girls in Saving Grace. She actually wanted to get married with Matt if not because of the money issue. 

On the other hand, Alex has his own problems too. He does not run for the congress for himself. And he is desperate to win to show others he's not just a playboy football star.

Again, the spiritual content in the book made me ponder a lot. This is a very good book.

I rate it 5 out of 5 stars.


Note: I receive the ARC of this book from the publisher Thomas Nelson via Net Gallery.

Stealing Time

Title:		Stealing Time
Publisher:		Carina Press
Imprint:		Carina Press
Pub Date:		01/31/2011
ISBN:		9781426891144

Evie Read is dying. She is very ill and doctor said nothing can be done already. On her way home, she met with an accident. James Wesley has saved Evie from the accident but she is badly injured. He is so moved by Evie's determination to live that he makes her immortal — a vampire, like him. Shocked by the change, but Evie eventually is glad that she is given a second chance at life. Evie and James fall in love with each other. Just when they begin to enjoy life together, their life is being threatened and they have to run away.

The first half of the book, focusing on the changes happened to Evie and how she copes with the new life as vampire. It is rather slow and a little long. Things become more excited and more actions, when they started running away from home, and facing other bad vampires, who wants to threaten the peace between humans and vampires. Just when things becoming more complicated, when Evie's human friend get involved, and I expected more actions, it ends abruptly. There is no mention whether there is any sequel to the book, but I feel the story is hanging there.

It is very normal for us, when there are things happen, we will always think what if I do it another way; what if it did not happen; bla bla bla; for Evie in this case, despite given second chance to live, but being a vampire is like a totally different life to Evie. She has to adapt to the rules in the vampire world. And f, which is total different rules from the human world. But first of all, she is not given a choice whether she would like to be a vampire or not. James made her a vampire based on her will - I do not want to die. So do we really have a choice in our life? 

I rate this 2 out of 5 stars.


Note: I receive the ARC from Carina Press via Net Gallery.