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December 31, 2015

Everything I read in 2015!

2015 was a good year for me. I traveled a lot, started my own business and got engaged! Also, I completed my 50 books challenge, yay! I read a lot of comics, so that helped, but I'm happy because I read a lot of different books I wouldn't usually read.



I still don't know if I'm going to stick with the 50 books challenge for next year or if I'm going to try to read more, still haven't decide. Anyway, here are the books I read:


December 29, 2015

Movie Review: The Peanuts Movie

The Peanuts Movie

I loved The Peanuts Movie! It was cute and funny, just as I was expecting. I like the comics and I remember when I was a kid I had a VHS of another one of their movies, I think it was Snoopy, Come  Home!. I used to watch it over and over again, maybe that's why I liked this new movie. It has the same essence, but the animation is modern and the pace of the story a little bit faster. My boyfriend and I watched it this Christmas and he loved it too. It was the perfect plan for that day, watching Charlie Brown and his friend. Totally recommended!

December 27, 2015

Book Review: The one-of-a-kind Cat book by Ciye Cho

The one-of-a-kind Cat book by Ciye Cho
THE ONE-OF-A-KIND CAT BOOK is a whimsical treat for cat lovers everywhere. Dive into its pages to meet Catalina the narcissistic movie star, Kit the steampunk genius, and Guillaume the macaron chef. Browse through letters, notes, and photos to learn about mystery cats from Svalbard and the Amazon. Follow a detective as he unravels the crimes of “Murder Kitties.”

The OOAK Cat Book is a grown-up picture book full of modern themes: a shameless search for fame (or infamy), an obsession with true crime, and our constant need for adventure and kawaii cats. The felines here will guide you to places like Paris, Varanasi, Woodstock, and the Great Barrier Reef.
The one-of-a-kind Cat book was totally different from what I've read before. I didn't know what to expect, being a grow-up picture book, but it was very original and enjoyable. It's a compilation of stories about different cats living totally different lives, as celebrities, hippies, travelers looking for adventures, and even mermaids. All these short stories are accompanied by beautiful colorful illustrations that makes this book easy and very fun to read, I couldn't stop myself for laughing a couple of times!. If you are a cat lover and enjoy illustrations, this book is for you!

More about this book at ciyecho.com/ciyecatsGoodreads.

December 22, 2015

My favorite Christmas Movies

I love Christmas! This year I've been working a lot so I haven't had time to read the holidays romances I like so much, but at least I've been able to repeat my favorite movies :)


Arthur Christmas: If you are looking for a fun and heart warming story, this is it! Arthur is Santa's second son and he loves Christmas. But apparently his family doesn't remember what Christmas is really about...not only gifts.


Love Actually: It just has the perfect amount of romance, comedy, reality and a little bit of that magic we all want in our life.



Frozen: Let it go! Let it go! We don't have snow over here, so it's fun to watch all that snow but also it is a modern fairy tale, and I love those. It's not exactly about Christmas, but it's about family, and after all, Christmas is about family.

There are so many other Christmas movies I like, but those are my favorites and the ones I have to watch this season. Do you have a favorite movie for the holidays? 

December 20, 2015

Movie Review: Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

I know many of you are excited for this movie. Honestly, who wouldn't? I can't say I am a fan but my fiance and his father are, and they were extremely excited to see this new episode.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens is the perfect movie for fans and non fans. It was full of action and it keeps you entertained. For the fans, it's the perfect way to remember the old characters but at the same time be curious about Rey, Finn and BB8. There is still a lot of mystery around these characters so don't expect to discover too much about them. But I'm in love with BB8 hehe.


I like when female characters are more than just beauties, so that's why I enjoyed seeing Rey and Leia in important roles and physically and psychological strong.

I don't want to give spoilers, so go and enjoy your movie. But be prepared for surprises, I'm still at shock with a certain thing that happened, I didn't expect it, at least not so soon.... 

Of course the movie isn't perfect, there were some details I wasn't complete sure about the new bad guy Kylo Ren and Rey, but I really liked it and actually want to see it again. I do recommend you to see the previous movies, at least google about it, in case you don't know anything about this story. It's not entirely necessary, but you will enjoy it so much more.

December 15, 2015

Movie Trailer: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

I'm just too excited about this movie! Are you a fan of the Harry Potter universe? I can't believe how my favorite books are now so much more than just books and it's amazing that somehow the excitement is still the same as when I was a little girl waiting for the books to be were released :)

Anyway, here is the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them first teaser trailer. Enjoy!

December 7, 2015

Holiday #readathon: finish line!


The Holiday #Readathon is over! And I'm proud to say that I read two books and started a third. So that means I'm making two donations, probable three, because you know, it's Christmas!

Books read


Two books were illustrated so they were pretty easy to read and interesting. I'm really liking more and more comics and graphic novels. The other book is about dragons, so obviously I'm curious about it.

I feel happy because last year I couldn't read anything and I really wanted to join this time and actually read!.

How did you do on your readathon? Did you read everything you wanted? Are you excited for the Holidays? :)

December 4, 2015

Holiday #Readathon: Starting line + Day 1 Updates!


The Holiday Readathon is starting today! (You still have time to join us!).

My reading list:

Holiday #Readathon!

I'm starting with the easy. I have two illustrated books Sol Diaz, a chilean author. I hope to finish those today and start Dragon Rider tomorrow :)

Challenges I participated today:

Updates Day 1:

- Read 2 illustrated books! Yay!

December 3, 2015

Holiday Readathon 2015!


Hello again! You know I LOVE Christmas, we celebrate a lot this holiday over here in Venezuela, no matter what religion you believe in. We all love the lights, the delicious food, the music and the gifts of course. 

That's why I love participating in the Holiday Readathon! This year it's hosted by Joli @ Actin' Up with Books, and she's keeping the 'donation challenge', which I really like. It's a mini challenge about donating money, food, clothes, whatever you can, and I think it's the perfect way to celebrate Christmas, giving something to someone who really needs it. This year I'm not sure if I can read as much as I want, I'm still getting used to my new job (I work even on saturdays.....ugh) but sunday is election day (which is the perfect day to read because I'm not working). Anyway, my plan is to read 3 books and for each book make a donation to the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists from Venezuela. Their work is amazing and I'd like to help them :)

If you want to join us, SIGN UP HERE!

November 30, 2015

Spotlight: Poppy Peters Mysteries Books + $50 Blast Giveaway

SouthernPeachPie
SOUTHERN PEACH PIE AND A DEAD GUY
(Poppy Peters Mysteries Book 1)
After an injury derails Poppy Peters' ballet career, she gathers the courage to follow in her grandmother's footsteps and attend Calle Pastry Academy in a small-town in Georgia. Poppy has her work cut out for her not only fitting in with her charming (and not-so-charming ) Southern classmates but also proving her worth to her teachers after her first publicly humiliating attempt a making the school's famous peach pie. But Poppy's pastry problems go from bad to worse when she's suddenly accused of stealing expensive black truffles, and her attempt to clear her name goes awry...resulting in her finding a dead body instead! If Poppy's going to survive this culinary experience, she'll need to find the missing truffles and track down a killer, all while honing her baking skills to compete in the school's dessert competition for a coveted pastry internship in Paris. Can Poppy prove she's one tough cookie? Or is her life about to crumble?

**Recipes Included**

October 7, 2015

Movie Review: Hotel Transylvania 2

Hotel Transylvania 2

Halloween is coming and I'm sure some of you will like to enjoy this cute and fun movie! I remember watching the first Hotel Transylvania at tv and really enjoyed it, so when I heard there was a second movie I got really excited.

It didn't disappoint me! This time Mavis and Jonathan get married and have the cutest son Dennys. Dennys is perfect but he seems to be human, not a vampire, and being a little human living in a hotel full of monsters can be very dangerous. So his parents plan to move to California for him to have a normal human childhood but his grandfather Dracula can't accept they move away and is going to do everything for his grandson to release the vampire that must be inside him.

Hotel Transylvania 2 was fun and sweet, everybody was laughing and overall we had a great time. Totally recommended for a not-so-scary Halloween.

September 26, 2015

Comics Review: Deep Dark Fears by Fran Krause

Deep Dark Fears by Fran Krause

Deep Dark Fears by Fran Krause
Expected publication: September 29th 2015 by Ten Speed Press
A charmingly creepy collection of 100 illustrated comics based on idiosyncratic and universal "deep dark fears."
We all have weird fears, from getting sliced to ribbons in subway station revolving gate to getting turned around by the wind while swimming and going too far out to sea. Based on the wildly popular eponymous Tumblr, Deep Dark Fears explores our odd, creepy, and hilariously singular fears. Animator, illustrator, and cartoonist Fran Krause brings these fears to life in vividly illustrated comics based on real fears submitted by readers (plus a few of his own). These "deep dark fears" run the gamut from unlikely but plausible to completely ridiculous, highlighting both our deeply human similarities and our peculiar uniquenesses.
Most of us have fears, believe it or not. Reading this book I realize I'm not the only one that have weird thoughts and stupid fears, but I must say most of these were new to me...some fears were ridiculous, others disgusting and some really scary. 

Deep Dark Fears isn't your typical book. It was peculiar and sometimes weird, but it was interesting to see so many fears illustrated. I read it in just a couple of minutes but it was worth it to spend some time seeing the details in the illustrations.  Apparently this book is a compilation of the illustrations by Fran Krause, who posted them on Tumblr. I didn't know about that so it was new to me, but it kind of left me at peace with my own fears, and thinking that maybe I'm not so crazy as I thought haha.

It was an enjoyable short book, and I would recommend it to anyone who likes illustrations and wants to read something different and original.

September 22, 2015

#Bloggiesta Update!


I was a total failure at Bloggiesta this time....but I have a reason! My mom got really sick and was at the hospital for a few days. We got really worried and scared, but she's slowly getting better.

Honestly, I didn't have time to even open my laptop and I wanted to be by her side the whole day. I think I only managed to clean my side bar before she got sick.... Anyway, I decided to keep my to-do list for next Bloggiesta and hopefully I'll do better :)

How was your Bloggiesta? Did you complete all your tasks?

September 6, 2015

Bloggiesta Sept 17-20 @Bloggiesta #Bloggiesta


Hello! It's time for Bloggiesta again yay!! I really need to work on my blog, lately I haven't been around a lot but that doesn't mean I'm not coming back :) I just need to organize my time and read more hehe

Anyway, here is my to-do list:

❏ write two reviews
❏ update Goodreads
❏ do one mini challenges
clean my sidebar
❏ comment on other Bloggiesta participants blogs
❏ participate in at least one Twitter chat

Maybe I'll add more tasks later, but for now that's it. If you want to join Bloggiesta, go here. Wish me luck!!

September 1, 2015

Spotlight + #Giveaway: Christmas Kisses


Christmas Kisses is a collection from five bestselling and award-winning authors. Set in the snowy town of Echo Ridge in upstate New York, these inspirational romances are sure to delight while you sip cocoa by the fire and listen to Christmas carols.

***Pre-order now for only $.99***
add to goodreads

Win amazing books by each of the authors. Enter below to win - nine different books will be given to nine lucky winners.


Christmas Makeover by Cami Checketts Amazon bestselling author

Chelsea Jamison has been infatuated with Drew Stirling longer than she's loved playing basketball, high-top sneakers, and the Knicks. Unfortunately, all Drew sees is the kid who kicked his trash in the high school free throw contest and not the girl whose heart breaks into a fast dribble when he's near.

Drew makes an unexpected visit home to Echo Ridge and their friendship picks up where they left off as they scheme to make a teenaged boy's Christmas dreams come true. When Chelsea realizes she's fallen for her best friend, she wonders if there is any hope of a relationship with Drew or if she's stuck in buddy-status for life.

The Candy Counter Heiress by Lucy McConnell Amazon bestselling & award-winning author

Someday Reese Gates will own The Candy Counter at Kenworth's; but someday can't come fast enough when the manager threatens to bring in a national candy provider. Reese secretly takes matters into her own hands hoping to save her parents from additional worry and prove herself capable of running the company. Her deception deepens as she ropes computer guru Andy Edwards into helping her expand the business. Reese wanted to shake things up, but she wasn't planning on her heart getting caught in the mix by Andy's stolen kisses. If she can hold it together until after Christmas, then she can reveal her successful online company and her feelings for Andy. Unfortunately for Reese, even the best laid plans can melt like chocolate.

Soda Fountain Christmas by Connie E. Sokol Amazon bestselling author

Keira Kenworth has one focus this holiday season: save her father's old-time department store from bankruptcy. She is not focused on Tayton Wells, the tall, dark, and genius marketing guru from downtown New York, hired to make it happen. He is as doubtful that her nostalgic connect-the-town ideas will succeed as she is about his numbers-first plan. However, it's not just their different approaches that cause sparks to fly. Working together on a fast deadline to save the store before Christmas, the unspoken connection between them grows. But will the tough decisions they face drive them back to their separate worlds, or will they lead to the beginning of love?

Christmas Makeover by Heather Tullis Amazon bestselling author

Jonah Owens thought moving to Echo Ridge to open his art gallery would solve all of his problems. The need to sell his grandma's house adds an unexpected complication. It would be easier if his neighbor didn't have all those farm animals.

Kaya Feidler's family has owned their land for nearly a hundred years--long before the neighbors were there. There's no way she's giving up the animal therapy business she's been struggling to make profitable. She gets a temp job helping Jonah in the gallery. Spending time together is a recipe for romance, but can they overcome their own hangups to be more than friends?

Hope for Christmas by Rachelle J. Christensen Amazon bestselling & award-winning author

Anika Fletcher hates Christmas--its promises of good tidings and hope for the future are as tinseled as the ornaments on Kenworth's Hope Tree. Despite her feelings, Anika wants to maintain her daughter's faith in the magic of the season and gladly accepts a second job working with the handsome Carlos Rodriguez to restore Kenworth's old fashioned soda fountain. Carlos is no stranger to hard times and slowly shares his life of light and joy with Anika as they work together. Just as her fragile soul begins to feel hope again, an ill-timed act of charity changes everything. Anika isn't sure who she can trust or if hope is worth nurturing--especially at Christmas when it's easy to enjoy a kiss and believe love can last longer than the season.

August 14, 2015

Manga Review: Let's Eat Ramen and Other Doujinshi Short Stories by Nagumo, Aji-Ichi

Let's Eat Ramen and Other Doujinshi Short Stories by Nagumo, Aji-Ichi
Doujinshi, otherwise known as independent manga in Japan, is rarely published in English. In fact, it's considered underground and quite exclusive in its home country of Japan as well. Let's Eat Ramen and Other Doujinshi Short Stories finally gives western readers an exclusive look at the elusive world of contemporary Japanese doujinshi manga. Let's East Ramen is a three-part tale of Saeki, a girl who loves ramen noodles. At last, she thinks that she has finally found the perfect ramen shop, but the problem is the shop is completely full of old regulars and she can't get in. Will the timid Saeki ever summon the willpower to reach out and get the ramen that she desperately wants?
I used to read manga a couple of years ago, although I couldn't say I was a manga reader. I just read a few but really liked them. So I saw this one at NetGalley and wanted to try manga again, it has a couple of short stories, all sweet with a little bit of romance, and easy to read for beginners.

The principal story is Let's Eat Ramen, where a girl wants to eat real ramen noodles in restaurants but is to shy to go alone. It's a very simple story, I wouldn't have thought it could have a lot to explore, but it did and I'd like to know more about that girl! Who haven't been too shy sometimes to eat alone?

Doujinshi, as the synopsis explained, are independent manga and most of the time it's only published in Japan, so reading this one felt like a gift. I'll be watching these authors, who knows, maybe I'll start reading manga again!


July 13, 2015

Comics Review: Ms. Marvel (#1 - #16)

Ms. Marvel

I've heard so much about Ms. Marvel, all good things, and since I have been looking for a comic to read for a while this one sounded perfect. I started reading it with high expectations and at first I was a little bit disappointed...but then it got better.

Maybe it was because it has been a while since I read my last super heroes comics, but it seemed like Ms. Marvel wasn't too depth. It's about Kamala Khan, a Pakistani-American girl who feels like she doesn't belong. Her parents aren't very flexible and when they don't let her go to a party with boys and alcohol, she sneaks out and discovers she has powers. I don't think the 'essence' is too original, don't get me wrong, Kamala isn't a generic character and I'm very glad to read about other cultures, but ignoring that, she is just another girl with the same problems, taking illogical and irresponsible decisions (why?), that I keep finding in every YA reading. I don't remember being like that at that age but I don't know, I probably was and my mom was rolling her eyes like I do now hehe.

Ms. Marvel

I decided to continue reading and I'm glad because I did get caught with Kamala's story. It's easy to read, it has some depth moments, but it's mostly light reading and in a couple of minutes I was done. It was interesting to read about a character with a different religion, but also struggling with it. Kamala is very realistic, and I like her fun personality. There are a couple of characters from other comics that are showed in a different light, and were a nice plus. Except for Loki, who I really feel it wasn't the Loki I pictured in my mind...

Overall, it took me a while to find myself caught in this new story but it's getting better so I'm looking forward to keep reading it! Also, I really like her looks and costume...way more realistic!

July 4, 2015

Book Review: The Homecoming by Robyn Carr

The Homecoming by Robyn Carr

The Homecoming (Thunder Point #6) by Robyn Carr
In a small town, reputation is everything. In her latest novel, #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr explores the burden placed on a young man returning home to face his mistakes—the first step in claiming the life he was meant to live ...

At the age of nineteen, Seth Sileski had everything. A superb athlete and scholar, handsome and popular, he was the pride of Thunder Point. Destined for greatness, he lost it all in a terrible accident that put an end to his professional football career when it had barely begun. The people in his hometown have never forgotten what might have been.

Seth has come to terms with the turns his life has taken. But now he's been presented with an opportunity to return home and show his father—and the people of Thunder Point—he's become a better, humbler version of his former self.

Winning over his father isn't the only challenge. Seth must also find a way to convince his childhood neighbor and best friend, Iris McKinley, to forgive him for breaking her heart. With his homecoming, will Seth be able to convince the town, his family and especially Iris that he's finally ready to be the man who will make them all proud?
The Homecoming was more enjoyable that the previous book of this series, The Promise. I love these kind of stories about couples being friends and in love for a long time before getting together. Iris and Seth make a great couple, and their love story was pretty easy and quick. I do feel like some issues, like Seth's father, were left unsolved...it wasn't really explained why he was so grumpy. I think he was very misunderstood. But maybe on another book the author will explain more...

Overall, The Homecoming was a quick enjoyable romance with the perfect happy ending. Seth and Iris aren't my favorite couple of this series but they were cute and ready to be together forever and they left me feeling happy for them.


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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