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Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Book Thoughts: Left to Love (The Next Door Boys 2)

Wednesday, August 15, 2012 0 Comments

"...the best place in the world will always be next to you. I'm there until you send me away."

- - - - -

Leigh’s life is shaping up to be pretty perfect.

She married the father of a little boy she fell in love with. They live in a nice house, on a quiet street, and her hobby of a sewing business is keeping her busier than she ever imagined. She’s back in touch with her brother who she hasn’t seen since she was a child, and her new husband has an “in” for his dream job when he graduates in the spring.

But when her small symptoms begin to lead up to something big - she has to face the shattering realization that her cancer is back.

Leigh struggles with her new marriage, her faith, her desire to adopt the little boy who calls her mom, and the strength to keep fighting for her life.


- - - - -

Sadness… Tears: Yes, there were some. Happiness: a lot. Hope: Plenty. Love: overflowing. These are the feelings and emotions that stood out reading Left to Love, the continuation of The Next Door Boys by Jolene Perry.

I looked forward to what would happen to Leigh and Brian’s love story and I was so happy with how it continued but I wasn’t prepared for the events that transpired next. I felt sad and scared for Leigh because for how long did she try to step out of the shadow of her sickness. Then it just suddenly comes spiraling back down. I was broken-hearted for her. How could this happen to her? At the same time, I felt frustrated with Leigh when she kept pushing people away especially Brian.  Bri, I was also broken-hearted for him, he’s so lost and didn’t know what to do to make her feel better. And I loved him for doing whatever he can to help Leigh, and he never once gave up and left her side. I admired them both for how they pushed through and fought the battle together.

Then you also have the adorable Nathan; he brought so much happiness to the story. He’s just so cute.

What I also loved in this book was that Leigh’s family and the people around her never left her side and never loosed hope and they really did their best to make her happy. 

This second book dug deeper. It was highly emotional than the first. Some tears fell and I was overwhelmed with a lot of emotions. If you’re an emotional person or you’re a softy, prepare some tissues while reading this. I really liked this as much as the first. This is just so full of love, love , and more love. I am now an official Jolene Perry fan.

- - - - -
My Left to Love Playlist:

  • Keep Holding On - Avril Lavigne 
  • "Keep holding on. 'Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through. Just stay strong. 'Cause you know I'm here for you. I'm here for you."
  •  
  • I Wouldn't Mind - He Is We 
  • "Forever is a long time. But I wouldn't mind spending it by your side. Tell me every day. I get to wake up to that smile. I wouldn't mind it at all."
  •  
  •  I Won't Let Go - Rascall Flatts 
  • "I will dry your eyes. I will fight your fight. I will hold you tight. And I won't let go."


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Thursday, August 9, 2012

Book Thoughts: The Next Door Boys

Thursday, August 09, 2012 0 Comments

“We only see what's close to us, but if we allow ourselves to simply feel, and not see, we can understand so much more.”
- - - - -






With her body still recovering from last year's cancer treatments, Leigh Tressman is determined to be independent. Despite the interference from her overprotective brother, physical frustrations, and spiritual dilemmas— not to mention the ever expanding line of young men ready to fall in love with her— Leigh discovers what it actually means to stand on her own and learns that love can be found in unexpected but delightful places.
- - - - -

What got my attention about this novel was its nice book cover. Sometimes I’m like that I read a book because the cover caught my attention…

I didn’t know that there would be a whole lot of religious things going on in this novel. (They are Mormons.) So, when I found that out, I was a bit apprehensive of how this would affect me reading the story because I’m not one. But hey, this definitely didn’t affect my liking of the story. In fact, it was a good thing; it added a different element in the story that we don’t usually get in other YA novels.

I totally loved the characters in this book.  They are well developed.  I especially loved Leigh. She has a strong spirit and after being sick she doesn’t want to depend much on other people. She wanted to be independent and do things she usually does before. And it’s just so funny how she seemed oblivious that boys are not just being friendly but that they do actually like her. 

Plus, the romance thing... I have a liking to relationships that start out as a friendship thing; one that grows gradually.  

And, having a brother myself, I enjoyed Leigh and Jaron’s moments together. I admired their closeness. 

This is a story about moving forward and finding independence, about love, faith, family, friendship, and a whole lot more. It is inspirational, sweet, romantic, and fun to read.

I felt that I wanted more when the story ended because there’s just so much more that could happen to Leigh's love story. So, I was so stoked when I found out that there actually is a book 2, Left to Love. I cannot wait to read the second book. I’m off to read it now. 


- - - - -

My The Next Door Boys Playlist:
  •  Wonderwall - Oasis
  •  "Because maybe, you're gonna be the one that saves me. And after all, you're my wonderwall"
  • Nothing Like You and I - The Perishers
    "We spent some time together walking
    Spent some time just talking about who we were"
    Stronger - Britney Spears
    "Stronger than yesterday. Now there's nothing but my way. My loneliness ain't killing me no more, I'm stronger."
    Here in My Life - Hillsong United
    "You are my freedom, Jesus You're the reason, I'm kneeling again at Your throne. Where will I be without You here in my life?
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Monday, August 6, 2012

Liebster Blog Award

Monday, August 06, 2012 1 Comments
Wow! Receiving my second blog award from a fellow blogger. It's just so great to know that someone appreciates your blog. Thanks a lot to Bow-ties are Cool from What the HELL is a Hufflepuff?!? for giving me this.

About the Award:
It's an award for bloggers who have less than 200 followers and who have put a lot of hard work in. It was started in Germany and apparently Liebster means dearest, beloved, or favorite.

Award Rules:
1. Each person must post 10 facts about themselves.
2. Answer 10 questions the tagger has given you and give 10 questions for the people you've tagged.
3. Choose 10 people and link them in your post.
4. Give these people 10 questions to answer.
5. Tell them you've tagged them.
6. Remember, no tag backs.

Ten Facts About Me:
1.  I only have one sibling, a brother.
2.  I'm the eldest child yet I'm the smallest in the family.
3.  My favorite NBA team is the Dallas Mavericks.
4.  I love watching home designing/decorating shows.
5.  My favorite color is green.
6.  Shrimp is one of my favorite foods.
7.  I'm an Education graduate.
8.  I love kids.
9.  I don't know how to ride a bicycle.
10. I've been working for almost two years now.


Blogs (yeah, I only have six):

1. http://bookie-wookie.blogspot.co.nz/
2. http://marchellscorner.blogspot.com/
3. http://inmybookworld.blogspot.com/
4. http://bookdiva21.blogspot.com 
5. http://www.quietafternoonswithjessie.blogspot.com/ 
6. http://brain-on-pause.blogspot.com/


Ten Questions from What the Hell is a Hufflepuff?

1. What book have you read more than all of your other books?
    Probably, Anna and the French Kiss.

2. What is your all time favorite movie and why?
    This one’s hard. Can I not answer? Haha.

3. Coffee or tea?
    I’m not sure which since I don’t drink much of these two but I’ll go with coffee.

4. If you could chose one fictional character to be real, who would it be and why?
    Harry Potter, I just love Harry Potter as a character.

5. What is your biggest accomplishment thus far?
    Graduating college with flying colors.

6. What is your favorite summer activity?
    Going swimming, although I can’t swim. Haha!

7. If you could be anything, what would you be?
    Hmm.. Maybe a pianist. I have been playing the piano since I was a kid but I have never been so good at it ‘til now.

8. What is your favorite television show and why?
    As of this moment, it would be glee. Why? Because I so love music and this is like a weekly musical on TV.

9. Who is your favorite character of all time and why? (Doesn't matter if it is from a movie, television show, or book)
     Harry Potter, I think, although I’ve only watched the movies and haven’t got the chance to read the book.

10. Do you have any pets? What kinds?
       I don’t have any pets.

My Questions:
1.  E-book or paperback?
2.  Any favorite author?
3.  Does a book cover affect your want to buy a book?
4.  Where do you usually read?
5.  Ever liked the movie more than the book?
6.  Aside from books, what other things are you passionate about?
7.  Any favorite type of music or singer, in particular?
8.  What country do you most want to visit? Why?
9.  What is your favorite food?
10.What do you enjoy most about blogging?
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Book Thoughts: Endless Summer

Monday, August 06, 2012 0 Comments

"Love Hurt. Honesty made it hurt worse, and I could hardly stand it." 

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Two irresistible boys. One unforgettable summer.  Lori can’t wait for her summer at the lake. She loves wakeboarding and hanging with her friends—including the two hotties next door. With the Vader brothers, she's always been just one of the guys. Now that she’s turning sixteen, she wants to be seen as one of the girls, especially in the eyes of Sean, the older brother. But that’s not going to happen—not if the younger brother, Adam, can help it. Lori plans to make Sean jealous by spending time with Adam. Adam has plans of his own for Lori. As the air heats up, so does this love triangle. Will Lori’s romantic summer melt into one hot mess?





 - - - - -

The weird thing about reading this book is that I started somewhere in the middle. I was just browsing through the e-books I recently got when I came to a certain part of this book that really got my attention. I was engrossed right at that moment that I didn't even bother going to the start and starting the story. I didn't care how the whole story started, I just wanted to continue reading.  So, I reached the end, and that was the only time I started going to the start of the story. Weird or what?

Now, my thoughts...

Wasn't saying that I was engrossed right at that moment also saying I really liked this book? Yeah, it is. Ha! The story is just sooo cute. I really adore Lori's relationship with the boys. Surrounded by attractive boys, how can you not go nuts? Lori was unsure of a lot of things in this book. She has some crazy ideas to get the guy she likes. Then she finally got together with one of the Vader Boys, for real, it was so cute for a while and then it went crazy all over again. This gave them the chance to prove their love for each other and further test their relationship, especially their trust in each other. I love how they fought through the hard times. 

I liked the second part of the book because of the changing point of view from Lori to Adam, it gave a whole new perspective to some parts of the story. Plus, it allowed you to dig into Adam's thoughts on certain things.

Love this book or what? If you're looking for an easy, fun, and cute summer read, check this book out.

- - - - -

My Endless Summer Playlist:

  • Far Away - Nickelback
  • "I'd give it all. I'd give for us. Give anything but I won't give up. 'Cause you know, you know, you know. That I love you, I have loved you all along.
  • I Won't Give Up - Jason Mraz
  • "I won't give up on us. Even if the sky gets rough. I'm giving you all my love. I'm still looking up."
  • How We Do This - Sterling Knight
  • "I found, that nothin' can come from nothin'. So you better come round, I'm down. How do we do this?"
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