Thursday, October 13, 2011

Waking Hours By Lis Wiehl with Pete Nelson


Book Description

Welcome to East Salem: A deceptively sleepy town where ancient supernatural forces are being awakened.

A high-school girl is found murdered in a park in Westchester County, New York. The shocking manner of her death confounds the town and intrigues forensic psychiatrist Dani Harris, who is determined to unravel the mystery. All the suspects are teenagers who were at a party with the girl—yet no one remembers what happened. Could one of them be a vicious killer? Or is something more sinister afoot—something tied to an ancient evil?

But it's not just Dani’s waking hours that challenge her. Each night, her eyes open at 2:13 due to troubling dreams—dreams filled with blood, water, and destruction. Is it a clue—or a sign?

Across town, former NFL linebacker Tommy Gunderson finds his security system has been breached by an elderly woman who attacks him with preternatural strength. Before he can process the attack, someone close to him is implicated in the high-school girl's murder. He agrees to help—and finds himself working with Dani, the only girl who could resist his charms when they were in high school.

It will take astute analysis and forensic skills to solve the crime. But Dani and Tommy suspect there's more to the mystery than murder, more to their growing friendship than chance . . . and more to the evil they're facing than a mere human killer.


My Review

This is book 1 of the East Salem Trilogy. It was fast pace at the beginning, but slightly slow down towards the middle. The suspense intrigued me right from the beginning. I kept on wondering actually who's the killer. I like the interaction between Dani and Tommy. Their relationship was slowly developed and naturally. The plot of the story is very good. The authors have done a very good job on weaving in the story of mystery and suspense with the supernatural element. And on top of it, adding the romance element into it. Just when I thought the mystery is solved, the ending made me feels a little confused, which means that I can't wait for the next book!

I enjoy reading it very much. I rate it 5 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.”

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

The Realms Thereunder By Ross Lawhead


Book Description

Uncover a land that has been hidden for over a thousand years.

Beneath the land of Britain, a great army is sleeping. On a visit to an old church, Daniel Tully and Freya Reynolds awaken two ancient knights from a centuries-old slumber. They are kidnapped and taken to an underground city that stands in peril, besieged in all directions by a vicious warhost. Nidergeard is the only thing protecting the upper world's blissful ignorance of mythical forces that have been held at bay since the creation of the world. In order to return home, Daniel and Freya must strike at the heart of the opposer's power.

Fast forward eight years. Daniel, now homeless, still wages what he believes to be a righteous war against those he judges to be evil. Freya has tried to put the past behind her and concentrate on getting an education, a job, and a life. When they reconnect in Oxford, unseen forces begin to ally against them. Daniel is pulled through a portal and into another world. Freya is abducted by someone—some thing—posing as her professor and drugged to keep her in a delusional state. After they finally break free, neither can deny the truth . . . they must return to Nidergeard and resume the battle.

With a thrilling narrative that draws heavily upon British mythology, The Realms Thereunder will quickly establish Ross Lawhead as a major new voice in fantasy.


My Review:

I found the story very fascinating, with lots of old British mythology. It captivates my interest from beginning till the end. The story moves between past and present, but I don't have much problem following the storyline. The plot is good. It is full of adventures, with some twists and turns, just made it hard for me to put down the book. I admire Daniel and Freya who have the courage to fight the evil. The ending is good, made me can't wait for the next book in the series.

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

Note: 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.”

Monday, July 4, 2011

Spring for Susannah by Catherine Richmond




Book Description:

When Susannah goes to Dakota territory as a mail-order bride she finds something she never dreamed she would—true love.

With no prospects for marriage and her parents recently deceased, Susannah Underhill agrees to go west to the Dakota territory to marry her minister's homesteading brother, Jesse. But Susannah is painfully shy, doesn't see herself as worthy of love from either a husband or from God, and lives in constant fear that Jesse is going to ship her back to Detroit.

In spite of her petite size and the fact that Susannah doesn't look like she could survive on the prairie, Jesse quickly discovers that his new wife is a greater blessing than he even hoped for. The years she spent as her father's veterinary assistant allow her to save Jesse's ox and twin calves and to help neighboring farmers with their animals.

But Susannah's feelings of unworthiness are deeply rooted, and she can't believe that Jesse's praise—or the tenderness and love he shows—could possibly last. The thawing of her heart seems almost as distant as Spring in the midst of the winter blanketing the Dakota prairie.


My review:

I like this story very much. To me, Susannah is strong and with courage. When they lost the crops, Jesse left home to try to get a job at other places. Susannah could not stop Jesse from leaving, but yet she did not give up her hope that Jesse would come home. And she did very well in taking care of herself, and their home during this period when Jesse was gone. Despite other people thought Jesse would have died since it's been months since he had left, Susannah believed he would come home and she trusted him would not leave her alone. I always believe things happen for a reason. Without Jesse around, Susannah learn to become independent, and gained back her faith to God.

I enjoy reading this book very much. I love the ending. Very touching story.

I rate it 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.”

Monday, June 13, 2011

Phantom Evil by Heather Graham




Title: Phantom Evil
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: MIRA Books
Pub Date: 03/29/2011
ISBN: 9780778329534
Author: Heather Graham


Back of the Book: -
A secret government unit is formed under the oversight of Adam Harrison, famed paranormal investigator. The six members he's gathered know a little of the otherworldly—each has honed a psychic talent of their own.

Jackson Crow, part English, part Cheyenne, heads the group. Haunted by his experience with an ancestral ghost who saved his life as a child, and the recent murders of two previous teammates, Jackson can't tell if Adam's demoted him or given him an extraordinary opportunity. Despite his link to the realm of spirits, he's well aware that the living commit the most heinous crimes, with spiritualist charlatans existing merely to fool and seduce the unwary.

To counterbalance Jackson's careful skepticism, Adam Harrison has paired him with Angela Hawkins, a young woman who learned the painful lesson of loss at an early age. A police officer utilizing her paranormal intuition in Virginia, she already has her hands full. But Adam's call to New Orleans is strong.

The case: In a historic mansion in New Orleans' French Quarter, a senator's wife falls to her death from a balcony. Most think she jumped, distraught over the loss of her young son. Some say she was pushed. And yet others believe she was beckoned by the ghostly spirits that inhabit the house—once the site of a serial killer's grisly work.

Whether supernatural or all too human, crimes of passion, greed and desire will cast the pair into danger of losing their lives…and their immortal souls.




The first 1/3 of the book is very slow, for the six members of the team to get together. It picks up after that, and made me can't stop flipping through the pages; anxiously want to know actually what had happened to Senator's wife. There are some part that made me feel creepy - not from the ghost, but from the evil spirit inside the mansion. The story is well plotted. The romance between Jackson and Angela is well blended into the story. The investigation actually revealed more than just about the death of senator's wife. It was not the ghost but the human were the evil one here. I like the ending.

I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars.

Note: I receive the 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.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

A Long, Long Sleep by Anna Sheehan



Title: A Long, Long Sleep

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Pub Date: 8th September 2011

ISBN: 9780763652609

Author: Anna Sheehan


Book Description: -

Rosalinda Fitzroy has been asleep for sixty-two years when she is woken by a kiss. Locked away in the chemically-induced slumber of a stasis tube in a forgotten sub-basement, sixteen-year-old Rose slept straight through the Dark Times that killed millions and utterly changed the world she knew. Now, her parents and her first love are long dead, and Rose—hailed upon her awakening as the long-lost heir to an interplanetary empire—is thrust alone into a future in which she is viewed as either a freak or a threat. Desperate to put the past behind her and adapt to her new world, Rose finds herself drawn to the boy who kissed her awake, hoping that he can help her to start fresh. But when a deadly danger jeopardizes her fragile new existence, Rose must face the ghosts of her past with open eyes—or be left without any future at all.


It took me quite a while to finish reading it, as the starting of the story was in quite a slow pace. It get excited and more interesting after Rose was being attacked and then later she learn that her first love actually still alive. Besides telling what was happening after she woke up, there were also many flash back memories of her past, especially those moments with Xavier, her first love, and also her only friend at that time. Rose was an obedient child to her parents. She loved them very much. However after she learn how her parents had tried to control her, and routinely used stasis as a punishment, she finally speak up and learn to control her own life. The whole story is beautifully written with good ending. 

I rate it 3 out of 5 stars. 

Note: I receive the ARC of this book from the publisher Candlewick Press via Net Gallery. I was not compensated in any ways for writing this review.

Friday, April 15, 2011

A Bug Collection DVD Box Set



This is the 2nd DVD that I requested from BookSneeze and I'm so looking forward to it. However to my dismay, I still have not received it after 2 months. So I just borrow from a friend who has it so I can submit the review while waiting for my copy to arrive..

There are 3 DVDs in this A Bug Collection DVD Box Set by Max Lucado. Each DVD has 1 episode on them which last 30 minutes. They are: -

1. Milo the Mantis Who Wouldn't Pray
2. Buzby and the Grumble Bees
3. Hailey and Bailey's Silly Fight

"Milo, the Mantis Who Wouldn't Pray" is about prayer and asking help from God. "Buzby and the Grumble Bees" is about misbehaving and how it affects the people around us. "Hailey and Bailey's Silly Fight" is about getting along and make up after fight.

The stories are fun and good moral for the kids. The animation is captivating and lively. The duration of 30 minutes for each DVD is just right to keep the attention of the kids. We enjoy it very much. I hope to receive my own copy soon.

I rate this 3 out of 5 stars.

Note: I receiced this DVD 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.”

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

The Inheritance of Beauty by Nicole Seitz



Title: The Inheritance of Beauty
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Pub Date: 02/08/2011
ISBN:  9781595545046
Author:  Nicole Seitz

At the age of 92 and 90, George and Maggie Jacobs are spending the rest of their days at Harmony House nursing home in South Caroline. Since the last time Maggie attacked by the stroke, she hardly talk to anyone. George and Maggie have known each other from birth and have been growing up together, with Maggie's brother, Ash, in Levy. George has been fall in love with Maggie since he was very young and at the age of 92, he still loves his wife very much.

One day, a mysterious package arrives, followed by a new resident at the nursing home forcing George to remember a past that he does not want to remember - 80 years ago, something had happen and it has changed all their life.

The story of The Inheritance of Beauty is not straightforward. It is narrated mostly by George and Maggie, jumping between present and flash back of their memory. And later part through the letters written by Ash. Despite this is not the first time I'm reading story written in this style, but at the beginning I have some difficulty following the storyline. Until reaching about half of the book, I begin able to grab the essence and started to enjoy reading the story.  

The Inheritance of Beauty is full of mystery and suspense, enough to hold my interest until the end where the truth is revealed. It is also a story about love, friendship and truth. The power of love, the power of the friendship, made George able to face the past and speak the truth. It is a beautiful story.


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

Friday, February 18, 2011

My 2011 CNY

Time flies. CNY for year 2011 finally is over. Ever since I get married, I stop enjoying CNY for many reasons. Not because of the extra expenses although it double my monthly expenses. But more on me don't enjoy it as much as I used to.

When I was young, during CNY everyone sure goes back to visit my paternal grandparents, who were residing with my youngest uncle during that time. I get to meet up with all my cousins. Despite we all have met up in the youngest uncle house, later my parents would still take us to go visit each uncle family one by one. And also it was only during CNY I get to eat those cookies, prawn crackers and not to forget soft drinks like coke. Other time, we don't get to eat and drink this kind of food. I miss those house to house visiting actually, miss meeting up with family members that we don't get to see very often.

However not everyone like to do visiting. There are some people, during CNY is staying at home waiting for people to come visit only. But then how many people will come visit you on first 2 days of CNY, except relatives? And how about if most of your relatives are at different town?

The only thing I'm glad is, both me and hubby are local and we don't have to travel far during CNY. No need to worry about stuck at the traffic jam in the highway, planning what time should leave, packing and unpacking, and not to forget lots of laundry after coming home.

This year CNY I'm determine to make myself enjoy the celebration. Every year CNY Day 1, after having lunch with the MIL and BIL family, I and hb will take the kids to my relatives' house. Ever since my paternal grandparents passed away few years back, all my uncles will gather at my aunt's house after lunch. And then, they will proceed to visit my grand uncle and lastly stop at my elder uncle's house. For the past 3 years, we were running late and we missed the stop at my aunt's house. This year we manage to get there before everyone leave to visit my grand uncle. I only get to meet all my uncles and aunty once a year during CNY. I really don't want to miss the opportunity to meet up with them. Some of my uncles leave quite far away so it always the best I get to meet all of them in one place. And what more, the kids get to meet up with their grand uncles and grand aunty. It is also a chance for me to meet up with my cousins and catch up with them.

This year, surprisingly MIL did not do any cooking at all. For the 3 days (CNY Eve Reunion dinner, CNY Day 1 lunch and dinner and CNY Day 2 lunch) we either dined out or packed from outside.

This year, I have many new records as compared to previous years CNY. I have done most visiting this year. 9 out of the 15days were spent visiting. Until the kids asks us almost everyday "mommy, today got kai kai?" We went to places that we have never been and solely rely on the Google maps since we don't have GPS. We get to meet up with most friends, even some that I don't get to meet for few years back. We even travel 1 hour just to go meet up and lou sang with some friends. Until the kids keep on asking us "mommy are we there yet? Why so long one?" LOL! I also gave most angpow away this year, until I don't have enough small notes and have to change with my mom. While in the past, I always have half the small notes left.

Lou sang is a MUST for me for CNY. I love yee sang and it is only available during CNY.

Overall, despite some "rushing hours" as we went to do the visiting after dinner during working days, it was quite a relaxing CNY to me.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

These Things Hidden by Heather Gudenkauf




Title: These Things Hidden
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: MIRA
Pub Date: 03/01/2011
ISBN:  9780778328797


Synopsis:

When teenager Allison Glenn is sent to prison for a heinous crime, she leaves behind her reputation as Linden Falls' golden girl forever. Her parents deny the existence of their once-perfect child. Her former friends exult her downfall. Her sister, Brynn, faces whispered rumors every day in the hallways of their small Iowa high school. It's Brynn—shy, quiet Brynn—who carries the burden of what really happened that night. All she wants is to forget Allison and the past that haunts her.

But then Allison is released to a halfway house, and is more determined than ever to speak with her estranged sister.

Now their legacy of secrets is focused on one little boy. And if the truth is revealed, the consequences will be unimaginable for the adoptive mother who loves him, the girl who tried to protect him and the two sisters who hold the key to all that is hidden.


The Things Hidden is a story about family love, siblings love. It started with Allison being released from the jail. Despite it happened 5 years ago but the town of Linden Falls never forget the heinous crime Allison committed in the darkness of that one night. The story covers many thoughts and emotion from Allison, Brynn and other characters that add to the mystery. The narration jumps between characters and intertwines their lives. Despite there are many sub-plots and twists that made the whole thing looks complicated, it is not difficult to understand. The author did a good job keeping the suspense at a high level throughout and it wasn't until the very last chapter the entire mystery is laid out for you. I enjoy reading it very much.

I rate it 4 out of 5 stars.


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

Saturday, February 5, 2011

My One and Only by Kristan Higgins


Title: My One and Only
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint:         HQN Books
Pub Date: 03/29/2011
ISBN: 9780373775576     

Harper James is a divorce attorney back in her hometown. She has a fire-fighter boy friend Dennis. She is going to be 34 years old and she wants to settle down. Thus she has proposed to Dennis. At the same time, Harper received a call from her stepsister Willa, that she's getting married to Christopher, who is Harper's ex-husband, Nick's half brother. 

Harper has not been staying in touch with Nick for the past 12 years after they have divorced. Harper always thought they were too young during that time. Dennis is the man that she is considering settle down with after Nick. However Dennis is not ready to settle down yet. As they could not get the same flight, Dennis took the earlier flight back to home after attending Willa's wedding. Due to some unforeseen circumstances, Harper is stuck and in order to go to the nearest airport to fly back home, she is forced to make a cross-country road trip with Nick. 

During the trip, Harper can't help thinking back all the memories with Nick. Despite they have been separated for 12 years, Nick still loves Harper. In Nick's eyes, Harper is always been the one. Another person that Harper can't let go, is her mother who left her when she was 13 years old. They were very close, like sisters. Harper can't understand why her mom suddenly left the home, and throughout all the years she has just sent 4 postcards. And no news from her ever since. 

Things happen during the road trip. Harper finally realizes she still loves Nick. But she can't just leave her life back in Massachussetts and stay with Nick who is based in New York. Again, she has to leave Nick. Just when she is trying to step back, figuring the next step, something unexpected happen when she reaches home and thing become messy. 

It is a touching love story. It reveals many thoughts and emotions of Harper, on Nick, and on her mother. She misses her mother very much. The relationship between Willa and Christopher, her father and her stepmother, and also relationship of Nick with his family members made her think a lot. The storyline of Harper at presents, her thoughts and frequent flash back of her memory with Nick and her mother, is seamless and well written. The pace is good and enough suspense to make me keep reading, to wonder what actually has happened between Nick and Harper, and if they will eventually get together again. It is a good read. I enjoy reading it very much.

I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. 


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

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Save the Date by Jenny B. Jones



Saving Grace is 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 before they can get a job, and become financially independent to live by themselves. Saving Grace is Lucy Wiltshire's everything.

However, Saving Grace's main contributor Sinclair Hotels has decided to cut off the donation. This has caused big financial problem to Saving Grace. Lucy is in desperate need of donations.

Alex Sinclair used to be a famous playboy football superstar. However due to injury he quits the game and decided to run for the First Congressional District of South Carolina. Although he has changed, but people still think he's a playboy and that does not make him looking good for the congress. To change his image in order to secure his vote, Alex has asked Lucy to be his fake fiancé. In return, she will get paid a lump sum of money after the election is over.

Lucy does not like Alex. But she needs the money desperately to keep Saving Grace. That made her very little choice but to agree with Alex to become his fake fiancé.

Save the Date is a heart warming and touching story. Lucy sacrifices her happiness to marry the man that she thought she loves, to the fake relationship with Alex for the money. She feels guilty lying to the people around her. At the same time, she found out who is her real dad. And she struggles to forgive her grandmother of what the old lady has done to her mom and her. Alex also has his own problems that he could not share. He does not run for the congress for himself. To win the congress, he deserted himself from his family members. Even though he does not like Lucy, but he does not hesitate to help Lucy whenever she needs a helping hand on the issues with the girls in Saving Grace.

There are quite a number of spiritual content in the book. And again, it always made me ponder a lot and reflect myself.

I rate it 5 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.”

Sunday, January 16, 2011

A Silken Thread







Title:         A Silken Thread
Publisher:     Harlequin
Imprint:     Kimani Press
Pub Date:     02/22/2011
ISBN:         9780373534265


Erica Sanders and Brian Lawson are getting married soon. They are deeply in love with each other. However Erica's mother, Karen, prefers her daughter marry another man, Griffin. Erica's father, Wilson on the other hand, welcomes Brian into their family.

Erica and Griffin are very good friend. Since long time ago, they already know that they do not love each other, but just very good friend. Griffin has fallen in love with April, Erica's best friend.

Karen hires a private investigator to investigate Brian, hoping to find something to call off the wedding. But the truth he uncovers is something out of her expectation. Nonetheless, it is good enough to rip both families apart. At the very least, she manages to use it to manipulate Erica.

The more I read, the more I hate this Karen. She thinks the children are selfish because Erica refuses to follow her advice to marry Griffin. But I think getting a private investigator, and go to the extend of making all sorts of lies and things to break the couple apart, this is just too much. Karen does not only break up Erica and Brian, she also tries to break up Griffin and April too. So that Erica and Griffin these two heart broken hearts can get together. I cannot imagine such selfish mother who would like to sacrifice her daughter's happiness for herself.

On the other hand, Brian's mom, Rita is the opposite. Brian's father passed away when Brian was 15 years old. So Rita and Brian have very close relationship. After Brian has finished studying, Rita thinks now Brian has grown up, has his own life, and thus she moves on to do things that she would like to do - get a master degree and go back to working life. To me, this should be the way. 

This is a story about the powerful of love and friendship. I rate it 3 out of 5 stars.








Note: I receive the ARC of this book from the publisher Harlequin through Net Gallery 

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Blood is more thick?

Ever since I found out the girl eats the food behind us, I have been very cold to her. I made her pack her own bag to school. I said No to all the requests that she asked. I did not hug her. I did not talk to her. I scolded her for small little thing. Sigh, I just can't help it. Besides getting mad at her, I also feel heart broken at the same time as she did not feel sorry about what she has done. As if she has done nothing wrong. She still plays with the boy as usual. She still asks for this and that.

Last night, I read a book, about this man who is 40 years of age, consider successful in his life. He loves rodeo and has been winning a lots and thus become famous. However that is not what his parents want. His parents work in the military and his father always wanted him to be in the military as well. But military is just not in his blood. Thus he did not have a very good relationship with his parent. At 40 years old, suddenly he found out that he is not his parents' biological child. His mother took him from the hospital when she found out her newborn son has died. He is shock at the truth and he does not know how to cope and does not know how to face his biological parents. The biological parents have 4 children, 3 sons and 1 daughter. The other 2 sons have died so only left this son. They are hoping to see him. One side is someone who actually has no relationship with him but has raised him up and with him for the past 40 years. Another side is his actual parents but know nothing about him for the past 40 years.

I turned to look at the gal who was sleeping soundly next to my bed. For a moment, I feel like want to hug her and kiss her. She looks so beautiful when sleeping. Sometimes she's like an angel to me; help me taking care of the boy so well. But when she becomes an evil, she made me so mad that I just feel like want to strangulate her and throw her out. Sigh I wish I can be more patient with her. This morning when I woke up, when I saw her face I back to the bad mommy mood again. Sometimes I feel defeated, don't know how to deal with her. We have tried different ways, but seems like all are not working. Sigh. It is so difficult to be a good parent.

Monday, January 10, 2011

2 big rats at home

I was mad to my 4yo during last weekend. I have been telling her same thing again and again, but after a while, she reverts back to the bad habit.

During weekend when the kids are at home, they will keep on asking me for food, non-stop, like every half an hour. Usually I will allow them to take the food, but sometimes I do say no. Or sometimes I feel they have been eaten too much, I will say no too, but will tell them they can have it later, or the next day. Last weekend as usual, the gal asked me for yogurt. And I said yes to her. But the next day I found out that, both of them finished 4 yogurts. Normally I will just allow one at a time. They can have the other one the next day. In addition, I found that all those chocolate that we brought back from wedding reception, are all gone. And she never seek permission before eating those chocolate. I always discourage them to eat chocolate (except chocolate milk and chocolate flavour ice cream). The most I only give them maximum once a week. Past experiences have shown that each time after they take the chocolate, they will have constipation. Guarantee. Thus I avoid let them eat chocolate. Then right after they have their bread with butter and half boil egg, hubby found that they were eating cheese slice, again without asking for permission first! And later in the afternoon, hubby told me, one pack of the cheese slice have finished. It was just opened a week before. This is not the first time such things happen, that both of them have eaten lots of snacks without asking us.

I feel so upset. Not only she set a wrong example to her brother there, she is also making her brother eating so much junk food in between meals. They are not hungry. They just like to eat those snacks. She shares the food with her brother and leaves nothing for us! They have finished the yogurt; they also have finished the chocolate. However each time when we are eating, especially me, they will sure come to me asking me for food! I was very mad at her actually. And I feel so disappointed. It's not that I don't let her eat, but just want her to eat moderately. I did not talk to her for the rest of the day. I told hubby, maybe we should consider getting a lock for the fridge.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa



Title: The Iron Queen
SubTitle: Book III in the Iron Fey series
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Harlequin TEEN
Pub Date: 01/25/2011
ISBN: 9780373210183 


The story continues from The Iron Daughter. Meghan, Ash and Puck all are being banished from going back to Nevernever now. Meghan thought it was over, that she thought she can finally go home, back to school, back to her human life. But an army of Iron fey is approaching the faery world, with the intention to destroy both Summer and Winter Court. Someone claims he's the new Iron King.  

The Summer and Winter Court has united to defend the iron fey army but nothing much can be done. They realise that Only Meghan, the half faery princess and half human can save them. Meghan, Ash and PUck are being summoned back to Nevernever. Once again, Meghan, Robbie, Ash and Grimalkin get together and begin their journey to the iron realm.  

At the same time, the false Iron King is hunting Meghan Chase too; which make her in a much more dangerous position. To save the faery world, Meghan must win the battle against the false Iron King. 

I enjoy reading the whole Iron fey series and so far this book is my favorite. Meghan Chase is smart, brave and has strong leadership quality. And she always put others before her. I like the part about her and her human father. I also like Ash - mature, and always good at handling things. It's a good ending but some how I feel very bitter. There are always things that out of our control, and we always have to choose the right thing to do and what we would like to do. It's like you have a choice, but you have no choice. I can't wait for the next book - The Iron Knight. Wonder when it will be available. 

Note: I receive the ARC of the ebook from the publisher Harlequin Teen through Net Gallery