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Showing posts from November, 2016

What The Heart Wants

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This is the second novella by the author that I have read. The length is approximately 35 pages. And yes, this is different from the first one. Since it is short, yet again, it becomes difficult for me to actually summarize it since there is an underlying fear that I might give away too many details. The plot revolves around Love. A married man doesn't love his wife. He has found someone else. The who, what next and why can be best answered if you read this. The language is understandable but yes, this story is meant for people over the age of 18 years. Some relationships are really complex and Layla tries to explore this aspect in this novella of hers. The subject is really sensitive and the narrative does justice to it. The characters are few but well etched. However, the short length inhibits their parts getting developed completely. The story ends with a cliffhanger, hence, the sequel might bring out their strengths better. To sum up, if you need a quick read and

Tonight Only

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Sometimes it is really difficult to rate and review a book that is really short. Yet, I hope to do justice to this story. I read it in one single sitting, it is that short (35 pages in total). Hence, it makes up for a quick read. The plot is really simple. A girl just out of the Police Academy wanting to have fun before getting serious at work. The contents actually make it suitable for people over 18 years. Remove the profanities and sexual content, you have a really simple story. Layla writes in a very conversational style. Her descriptions of scenes and places are really vivid. The best part about this story is the twist that is introduced in the end. There are basically only two main characters out here. If the length of the book had been more, there would have been ample scope to develop them better. The story is way too short for the characters to really shape up. To sum up, this story is really good because it ends with a cliffhanger. There is more to come as sequ

Becoming Phoebe

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In the process of reading Phoebe becoming herself, I discovered myself. I read it in one session straight. The story is about determination and self-esteem. It is a journey undertaken by an orphan whose passion for ice hockey makes her chart a path less trodden by girls. The plot revolves around Phoebe and her tryst with ice hockey. For the why, how, when and what, you need to read the story. Sometimes, life leads us into situations where a stage comes when we feel completely let down. There are moments that draw out the negative emotions of self-pity. Yet, it is during these trying times that strength of character comes to the forefront. It is a strong heart that heals by letting go of a past that haunts and of emotions that hold back. As you read this story, the mind automatically takes you back to those dark moments in your life where many a questions have been left unanswered.  The game of ice hockey has always been associated with men. In this story, the protago

When The Dragon Roars

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When I read the first book in this series, I was intrigued. There were a lot of questions that were left unanswered. So when I did get a chance to read this book, I did not let it go. And to be honest, I was not at all disappointed. This book is even better than the first one. I couldn't help but finish reading it in one sitting. It is unputdownable. This story is about Starks but also about human struggles. In fact, the most difficult thing to come to terms with is the mistakes we make in our lives. This story is about Stark's journey inwards through introspection and self-realization. Introspection is not easy, especially when you know that the fault is yours too. The process of acceptance, of understanding the truth, is a personal one. This has been so beautifully brought out in this story. Also, there is a limit to submission and being on the receiving end. Through Starks, the author has subtly hinted that there is a dragon within every person. The onus is on the

Open Home Closed Heart

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Libby Cole has been one author whose writings I have been following. I have read all the three books in her Hawaiian Heartbreak Series and this is the last one in the series. While the first three books revolve around Kayla, this gives a peek into the life of Tess, her best friend. This story too deals with love. It is about how the initial hatred for and anger against a person slowly gets replaced with love. There is attraction, there is passion, but in the end, it is the mutual feelings for each other that matters. This story is about relationships and romance in the true sense of the term. The story is very simple, in fact, if need be, it can be narrated as a short flash fiction. Yet, what sets it apart is the manner in which it has been narrated. Libby has a distinct writing style and that is what had compelled me to read all her stories. Her stories are not complex but the emotions depicted are. Reading it would make to want to run to the protagonist and give her a h

Bumbling Bea

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When it comes to books where children are the protagonists, I make it a point to share the story with my daughters. If they loved listening to it, then it means the story is really awesome. Bumbling Bea is a story about a little girl and her trials and tribulations in the world of drama. The plot revolves around the emotions and thoughts that occupy a child. I wish I could elaborate further but that would lead to loads of spoilers and that would be like doing injustice to the author. You need to read it to actually experience it. The writing style is simple and appealing. It is easily understood by children except for a few words that exposes them to a different culture like Kabuki. However, besides being a great read, Deborah ensures that her story constantly generates mental images and tugs at heartstrings. The choice of words used reflect the effort that she must have put in to make this story both child-friendly and adult-friendly. There are no antagonists in this stor

Murder And More

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This book promises to deliver exactly as its title. Yes, there is murder and more in the story. It is a mystery novel that is worth reading. I read it in one session straight. The plot deals with a murder, the trials associated with it, the investigations behind it and of course oodles of suspense. On the other hand, this book deals with human greed, disgruntled yet calculative spouses, infidelity and more. The issues that the story touches upon truly reflects the title in an apt manner. Gerald has the writing style that is capable of keeping you captivated and hooked on to your seats. The kind of suspense and aura that is trademark for mystery novels has been woven like magic. His narration makes visual imageries pop up in one's head. The only little hitch is a bit of repetition in dialogues that adds a tinge of monotony to an otherwise wonderful book.Instead of following the cliched route, Gerald has taken pains to describe an era gone by. The architectural descriptions

The Homebirth Baby

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This is the second book I am reading that has been written by Anita. The best thing about her is that she has neither claimed to be an authority on this subject nor has rejected the role of doctors in childbirth. I have never come across books on homebirth and this is my first one on the subject. In this book Anita has brought out the importance of homebirth and how a baby can be naturally delivered by a mother in the confines of her home. There is no doubt that all parents want their babies to be born safely. In fact, the examples that have been quoted also help promote homebirth. However, the author has also stated the relevance of a doctor for cases that have complications. The author is not a doctor, hence, all her efforts had been towards bringing out as much information on the subject as possible. Hence, there are places where the information given may not be enough and the reader would have to research more. Yet, this book is comprehensive, as in, Anita has tried to e