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June 30, 2015

Book Review: The Promise by Robyn Carr

The Promise by Robyn Carr

The Promise (Thunder Point #5) by Robyn Carr
Scott Grant has a bustling family practice in the small Oregon community of Thunder Point. The town and its people have embraced the widowed doctor and father of two, his children are thriving, and Scott knows it's time to move on from his loss. But as the town's only doctor, the dating scene is awkward. That is, until a stunning physician's assistant applies for a job at his clinic.

Peyton Lacoumette considers herself entirely out of the dating scene. She's already been burned by a man with kids, and she's come to Thunder Point determined not to repeat past mistakes. When Scott offers her a job, at a much lower salary than she's used to, Peyton is surprisingly eager to accept…at least for now. She's willing to stay for a three-month trial period while she explores other options.

Scott and Peyton know the arrangement is temporary—it isn't enough time to build a real relationship, never mind anything with lasting commitment. But love can blossom faster than you think when the timing is right, and this short visit just might hold the promise of forever.
After reading The Chance and loving it so much, I was really excited to continue this series and read The Promise. It was a different kind of romance, and sadly I didn't liked it as much as the previous book. I didn't feel that chemistry between the characters and nothing made me feel connected to them.

Peyton arrives at Thunder Point looking for a job only for a few months in a peaceful town where she can set her thoughts after breaking up with her last boyfriend. Her boyfriend was her boss, an excellent doctor but a bad partner and father. So when she gets a job with Scott, the attractive town doctor and father of two little children, she is very protective with her heart and wants nothing that only a professional relationship with him.

Scott is a widowed doctor, excellent at his job, amazing parent and good person. Both Scott and Peyton are ok, but I couldn't see them together. Also, Scott was too quick to fall in love and Peyton was really slow, protecting her heart but at the same time not letting go of her ex and her previous life. I didn't really agree with most of her decisions, I'd have done some things very differently, it just seemed like she didn't want to move on. She kept going back and it bothered me. Maybe that's why I felt like the story was slower that the others and I had to make myself finish it.

It was enjoyable, but not my favorite romance. I hope I really like the next book, The Homecoming.

June 27, 2015

Comics Review: Snoopy, Master of Disguise by Charles M. Schulz

Snoopy, Master of Disguise by Charles M. Schulz

Snoopy, Master of Disguise was a fun book. If you enjoy the Peanuts comics, it's the kind of book you will want to have around and read a couple of pages when you have free time. It doesn't really have a story, it's a collection of Peanuts reprints and you will find Snoopy pretending to be someone else, like Joe Cool or Masked Marvel. I enjoyed it, but really don't have anything else to say, it wasn't impressive, but it was fun and it only took a couple of hours to read it. Maybe I'd have enjoyed it more if I had the paperback edition instead of reading it at my iPad but it was ok.


June 26, 2015

Movie Review: Inside Out

Inside Out

I really loved the new Disney-Pixar movie, Inside Out. Besides the fun and great animation, it has a deep message about emotions, specially the negative ones.

The story is about Riley, a 12 years old girl that has a pretty happy life until her family moves to San Francisco. Everything there is new and scary, and she starts feeling sad most of the time. At the same time the story follows Joy, Sadness, Disgust, Anger and Fear, Riley's emotions. They make sure Riley stays mostly happy, but by mistake Joy and Sadness loose the most important memories in Riley's life and have to work together to get it back. In that journey, Fear, Disgust and Anger take control of Riley while Joy and Sadness travel around Riley's mind, but in the meantime Riley can't feel those emotions and it turns into a disaster.

I love like most of Disney and Pixar's movies, but I really liked Inside Out because it's deeper. I don't think I've ever seen a children's movie that explores a depression, or anything related to the human mind, so it was very original and instructive. It was fun to see how the mind worked as an animation, I've always wondered about how our brain works and I think it's the most amazing thing in the world.

Everyone can relate to Riley, sooner or later. We all have had bad times, like when you don't feel like yourself, everything goes wrong and you start falling into a spiral of emotions until you can't feel anything. I think that's the most dangerous point a person can reach, and I the movie showed that really well. Also, it showed that there it a returning point to any of our bad decisions, and of course everything will get better, specially with the support of your family and friends.

I think it's amazing that Disney and Pixar took the risk of showing something as that in a children's movie, but they did a great job doing a fun and positive movie. What I enjoyed most were the sneak peaks into the parents minds, is it me or we all have those exact thoughts at one time in our life?

Overall, Inside Out is a great fun movie, and I super recommend it! Have you already seen it? Did you like it? Let me know!

June 20, 2015

Book Review: The Chance by Robyn Carr

The Chance by Robyn Carr

The Chance by Robyn Carr
Series: Thunder Point #4
With its breathtaking vistas and down-to-earth people, Thunder Point is the perfect place for FBI agent Laine Carrington to recuperate from a gunshot wound and contemplate her future. The locals embraced Laine as one of their own after she risked her life to save a young girl from a dangerous cult. Knowing her wounds go beyond the physical, Laine hopes she'll fit in for a while and find her true self in a town that feels safe. She may even learn to open her heart to others, something an undercover agent has little time to indulge.

Eric Gentry is also new to Thunder Point. Although he's a man with a dark past, he's determined to put down roots and get to know the daughter he only recently discovered. When Laine and Eric meet, their attraction is obvious to everyone. But while the law enforcement agent and the reformed criminal want to make things work, their differences may run too deep…unless they take a chance on each other and find that deep and mysterious bond that belongs to those who choose love over fear.
I think The Chance is the best book from the Thunder Point series. It's the fourth from this series and it's recommended to read the previous books but you could easily catch up with the story if you decide to start here.

It was great to be back to Thunder Point. It sounds like a small but heart warming town, I think I'd enjoy to live in a place as this and have so many friends. In this book, the protagonists are Laine and Eric, but of course you will catch up with other characters. I really loved Laine, she had such a strong character but at the same time soft and emotional. Maybe it was because I could relate exactly to her feelings...I'm like her, too strong but too soft at the same time, specially with family. 

I also liked Eric, he wasn't the usual hero. He was very realistic, and it was great to see that he had another opportunity for love. He was totally different to what you usually find at romance books, more mature, responsible and also caring but not at all dominant. I enjoy to read romances with those dominant and super sexy males, but I can see myself liking these kind of sweet and supportive men in real like.

Overall, I totally recommend The Chance and the Thunder Point series if you want realistic but also sweet and little bit sexy romances.


June 18, 2015

Picture Book Review: The Soul Bird by Michal Snunit

The Soul Bird by Michal Snunit
This enchanting book has a simple message, deep within every person lives a soul bird, a creature who has thoughts, feelings, and dreams. Sometimes we can tell the soul bird what to feel. Sometimes it decides all by itself. With delightful drawings and poetic text, this book teaches us to listen to our soul bird and find out more about our true selves. When we hear the message of the soul bird, we understand why we behave the way we do. And once we understand our behavior, we can begin to live a happier, more fulfilling life. First published in Israel, The Soul Bird was an instant bestseller. Over the years its magic has spread around the globe, appealing to readers of all ages.
I loved The Soul Bird! It's one of my favorite childhood books, and I re-read it a couple of days ago. It's always a heart warming story, about a bird who is your soul, and he can feel what you feel. Sometimes this bird decides by itself, after all, feelings can be very strong, but the most important message it that most of the time you can make the choice for the bird....you can decide how you want to feel.

It's an important lesson to everyone, children and adults, so it wasn't a surprise when I found out it was a bestseller. The story is very simple, and I was luck to enjoy the illustrations made for the Spanish edition. Check them out (these photos are from my other blog www.historiasimaginarias.com):





The Soul Bird was another gift from my mom (Thank you mom!), and I have appreciated all of these years. Sometimes I like to re-read to remind myself that I can decide to be happy, and this has worked for me to live a happy life no matter how bad my surroundings might be. Definitely recommended!


June 15, 2015

Picture Book Review: The Composition by Antonio Skármeta

The Composition by Antonio Skármeta

Published January 30th 2003 by Groundwood Books
Pedro is a nine-year-old boy whose main interest in life is playing soccer. The arrest of his friend Daniel's father and a visit to the school of an army captain who wants the children to write a composition entitled "What My Family Does at Night" suddenly force Pedro to make a difficult choice. The author's note explains what a dictatorship is and provides a context for this powerful and provocative story.
I read The Composition a few years ago and decided to re-read it since I almost didn't remember the story. It was a gift from my mom, she wanted me to have it since it has meaning to my family's story.

It's a short and beautiful illustrated book. The artist is Alfonso Ruano and he managed to paint a feeling. The story was written by Antonio Skármeta, a Chilean author. The protagonist, Pedro, is a young Chilean boy who spend his days playing and not worrying much, as innocent kids do, until his best friend's father is taken by military man and he heard the word Dictatorship for the first time. He doesn't understand the meaning, but he obviously notices all the changes in his house. His mother cries and his father listen to the radio every night. He's pretty confused, is a dictatorship wrong? Should he support it or not? and then a captain visit his school and asks the children to write a composition called "What My Family Does at Night". 

Pedro is a very innocent boy at the beginning, and I was stressed about him all the book. Is he going to say something wrong? Is his family safe? It's very short, only a sneak peak into the life of all those families who has been through a political situation as this, but I'm sure any adult would feel protective and worried about Pedro. The end leaves you smiling, which was a great surprise to me.

I definitely recommend The Composition. It has background, maybe that makes it more intense to the people who is connected in some way to that history, but still, in a few pages it gives you a glimpse of how a boy sees a dictatorship and how it affects his childhood.

June 14, 2015

Mini Bloggiesta June 2015 Finish Line

Mini Bloggiesta June 2015 Finish Line

Mini Bloggiesta is over! Did you have fun? I did! I chose goals that were pretty easy so I could relax a little bit.

For the ones who read my first bloggiesta post, you knew I had a race today. It was just 5k, something like the color race but called 'Carrera Color'...basically the same but over here hehe. And it was so much fun! I feel like not only I completed my bloggiesta goals this weekend but also completed another task from my bucket list.

And also, I'm pretty happy because if you know a little bit about soccer you may have heard the 'Copa America' is going on in Chile this year and I've been watching a couple of games...I was happy for Chile's victory but also because today Venezuela won, yay! We aren't very good at soccer, at least not yet (but we are amazing playing baseball!), but it was a nice surprise to watch the team play so well and we celebrated a lot :) You can see some of my pics from this weekeng at instagram (@magabygc) and snapchat (magabygc).

My goals:
  • Write two reviews
  • Update my Goodreads profile
  • Update my review policy page
  • Reply at least 5 emails
  • Archive old emails
  • Comment on other Bloggiesta participants blogs
  • Reply blog comments
I wanted to comment on more posts so I'll keep commenting, specially on your finish line to see how you did. Thanks for the support!

June 11, 2015

Twenty Bookish Questions

I read the Twenty Bookish Questions tag at www.lovelaughterinsanity.com and I thought why not? I want you to know me better so here it is (even with a photo ha!):

1 - Favorite childhood book

The Little Prince and also The Soul Bird (Michal  Snunit).

Favorite childhood books

2 - What are you reading right now?


3 - What books do you have on request at the library?

No library over here, at least that I know of!

4 - Bad book habit

Mmmm...

5 - What do you currently have checked out at the library?

-______-

6 - Do you have an e-reader?

Yep. An old Kindle that I love and I also read in my iPad.

E-Readers: Ipad and Kindle


7 - Do you prefer to read one book at a time, or several at once?

I prefer one book at a time, but sometimes I read several when I'm bored...

8 - Have your reading habits changed since starting a blog?

Absolutely! I used to read a lot before blogging but when I started to share my reviews and meet other bloggers/readers my love for books kind of intensified.

9 - Least favorite book you read this year

Mmm....I'd say Dark Wolf by Christine Feehan because it was a disappointment.

10 - Favorite book you’ve read this year

I've read so many I loved! One of the last ones I read and loved was The Worrier's Guide to Life by Gemma Correll.

11 - How often do you read outside of your comfort zone?

Lately, very often! I love exploring other genres. Right now I'm loving comics and graphic novels.

12 - What is your reading comfort zone?

Romance.

13 - Can you read on the bus?

I don't really use the public transportation but when I ride in a bus, no, I don't read.

14 - Favorite place to read:

My bed. My comfy bed.

15 - What is your policy on book lending?

No lending. Ha!

16 - Do you dog-ear your books?

NO!

17 - Do you write notes on the margins of your books?

No again! Except in veterinary books when I had to study...I'm not proud of it.

18 - Do you break/crack the spine?

Sometimes...I guess...

19 - What is your favorite language to read?

English. Not my first language, but most of the books I read are originally written in English and I hate bad translations.

20 - What makes you love a book?

An original story! If it's something I haven't read before, it will probably make me curious.

What about you? If you want to do the tag, feel free! :)

June 9, 2015

Movie trailer: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2

If you still haven't watched it, here is the first teaser of Movie trailer: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2 which is going to be released Nov 20, 2015. Looks amazing, enjoy!


June 8, 2015

Mini Bloggiesta June 2015

Mini Bloggiesta
Mini Bloggiesta is almost here, yay!

I've participated in Bloggiesta a couple of time and loved it, it's a great way to update your blog and learn new things. Anyway, I'm very excited to participate in the Mini Bloggiesta this weekend. It's only two days, if you want to join us, go here.

My list it very short and simple since that Sunday I already have other plans. I'll be participating in a race and expect to be busy at least all morning....

My goals:
  • Write two reviews
  • Update my Goodreads profile
  • Update my review policy page
  • Reply at least 5 emails
  • Archive old emails
  • Comment on other Bloggiesta participants blogs
  • Reply blog comments.
That's it! Wish me luck with my tasks and my race ha! Good luck to you and have fun :)

Update #1:
I finished 3 tasks and I'm working on 'archive old emails'. Also I added another task, reply blog comments.

June 1, 2015

Book Review & Giveaway: Summer in Snow Valley

Summer in Snow Valley


Summer in Snow Valley
Summer in Snow Valley


#1 Bestselling Amazon Authors of Christmas in Snow Valley, have teamed up again with six wonderful summer novellas that are sure to make your summer sweet and sassy!
Catching Caytie by Amazon Top Seller Cindy Roland Anderson
On the night Caytie Holbrook intends to break up with her cheating boyfriend, he blindsides her by announcing their engagement at a dinner party. When Caytie discovers her father is in on the scheme, she runs away from her home in Beverly Hills to hide out at her uncle’s ranch in Snow Valley, Montana. While Snow Valley is a beautiful place, Caytie only plans to stay until her twenty-fifth birthday when she’ll inherit a trust fund her grandmother left her, allowing her to pursue her dream to move to Italy. That is until she meets Jace McAllister, an incredibly sexy—although somewhat grumpy—cowboy who threatens to disrupt her plans.
Tin Foil Tiaras by Amazon Top Seller Jeanette Lewis
Cameron Elliott has come to Snow Valley to coach Annalisa Drake in the Miss Snow Valley pageant, and prove to her demanding boss that she deserves a place at the prestigious Westbrooke Agency. But Annalisa’s handsome and protective big brother, Kyle, is determined to keep his sister from becoming a reluctant beauty queen. As Cameron tries to win Kyle over, Kyle insists some things are more valuable than a title and as crazy as it sounds, Cameron might just believe him.
A Touch of Love by Amazon Top Seller Cami Checketts
Annie Stirland has endured a lifetime of teasing, embarrassment, and isolation due to her speech impediment. When irresistible cowboy, Luke Wilson, seems to be falling for her, she’s certain he’s too good to be true. A tragedy involving his ex-girlfriend proves she’s right. What man can resist sheltering someone they once loved? Annie knows she should walk away, but Luke isn’t ready to give her up.
First Love; Love First by Amazon Top Seller Taylor Hart
Janet Snow doesn’t expect to get caught in a full-blown make out session at her brother’s wedding. Especially not with Michael Hamilton, the boy she’d written off ten years ago. Even though they both agree to no complications, Janet's not sure they can stick to it given their past. After a trip to the hot springs, a helicopter ride, and a proposal, even the most cautious single mother would start to wonder if true love really is just about the timing. Now Janet has to make a choice—play it safe or trust that her first love could also be her last.
Romancing Rebecca by Amazon Top Seller, Kimberley Montpetit
Rebecca Dash loved spending her teen summers swooning over Jane Austin and helping her aunt at the Starry Skies Bed & Breakfast in Snow Valley. But as a recent college grad, she’d rather write sappy romance novels than go out with guys that make her a nervous wreck. When a team of fire-fighters set up camp on the lawns of the B&B and Captain Wade catches her eye, Becca soon learns that there’s more to a happily-ever-after than a flirty fireman with muscles the size of the Montana hills.
Love in Light and Shadow by Amazon Top Seller Lucy McConnell
Mercedes O'Shay has sworn off gorgeous men because they have a tendency to break her heart. When she meets her new neighbor, Chet Bauer, she immediately puts him in the Do Not Date category based on his well-defined muscles and stunning blue eyes. But the more Mercedes learns about the cowboy who reads classics and forges iron, the more she realizes the heart doesn't see in black and white; it sees light and shadows.
My Review

I've read a few Christmas stories at Snow Valley and I wanted to enjoy more of this little town, but this time in summer! So I decided to read it Summer in Snow Valley and as many times when you read a compilation of different authors, you like some stories and others not so much. But all of the stories are clean romance, just a few kisses and very sweet, with happy endings of course!

My favorite story was definitely Catching Caytie. The author really managed in a few chapters to develop realistic characters and make them fall in love little by little. It's always a nice surprise to find a good novella as this one, must of them are so short that everything happens to fast.

A Touch of Love was the contrary...I tried but in the end I skipped it. Luke and Annie's relationship didn't seem too realistic to me, and Annie did whatever Luke told her too. I like characters that have more personality, also it seemed too fast for them to fall in love.

Summer in Snow Valley is a great way to enjoy an afternoon just reading something light, in company of sexy cowboys hehe.

add to goodreads

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