The Book of Pearl by Timothée de Fombelle

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Without checking out the synopsis, the title and cover of this book piqued my interest. I was really drawn into the story once I've started reading it; from beginning till the end, I highly anticipated the succeeding scenarios in the book.

The narrative of The Book of Pearl is a mix of fantasy and historical fiction that will get the attention of young adults and even much older readers. Even though the start of the story is a little bit confusing, I was able to comprehend what was happening as I continued to read through the succeeding chapters. I was engrossed in the story that is why I was able to finish it within almost 6 hours of reading.

This book of Timothee de Fombelle was first published in French in 2014. Thanks to the translators that it was finally translated into English, so that more readers could be able to read the wonderful story of Joseph “Ilian” Pearl and his adventures from the Kingdoms into our world.

The Girl Who Lived by Christopher Greyson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Reading The Girl Who Lived is like watching a great psychological thriller movie because of how brilliantly Greyson's storytelling is. This is one of those books that readers will try to finish reading in one sitting because that is how interesting and exciting the story is. I wonder now on when will come the time for movie or tv producers to make this a movie or TV series of this excellent novel.

Shug by Jenny Han

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was looking for a light read and this book was in my Kindle for a quite a long time. So, I've decided to give this a chance and I'm really glad that I checked it out. It was really worth the time to stay up late and it's also absolutely fine that I was slightly sleepy during the day just to be able to finish this book.

This sort of reminds me of the book Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen because of the age of the protagonists, which is middle-graders. However, I'm slightly leaning to Van Draanen's work because of the ending and that the two-POV in the story is much better. Also, the conclusion to the story of Shug is a bit disappointing. For me, it's a bittersweet ending and I was even hoping that maybe there's a second installment to the story. But looks like it is to the reader's imagination on what happened to Shug and Jack, if they could see each other again in the future and if they will have a happy ending.

The Scar by Pittacus Lore

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This short story is definitely the best among all the journals and the lost files bonus because aside from the fact that it was written on Six's point of view, it gave us some spoiler on what might happen (in the case that if you still haven't read the rest of the series). Well, I and every follower of this book series are hoping that spoiler that there could be another garde who died is not true. Or maybe there could be a chance that it will reverse.

Crossing Oceans by Gina Holmes

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amazing, outstanding, excellent, remarkable and highly recommended. Those are just some of the things I could say about this debut novel of Gina Holmes. When I bought this, I wasn't expecting that I will not stop turning the pages once I start reading it. I stayed up till 3 in the morning just to be able to finish this novel because I was really curious and excited about what will happen next.

This is the very first novel of Gina Holmes that I've read and I'm looking forward to reading her other books such as Dry as Rain and Wings of Glass.

The Enchantress by Michael Scott

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Finally, I could move on after I finish reading this last installment of the book series. I was quite surprised that it was Josh and not Sophie who save the modern world and destroyed the Danu Talis. I was really rooting for Sophie to be the chosen one because I don't like Josh's attitude on the 4th and 5th book. But after contemplating on Josh's journey, I think it really suits him to make the biggest sacrifice and become a hero.

Josh experienced a lot of emotions such as anger, jealousy, uncertainty, and pride. But after all of these, Dee made him realized that whenever he was in doubt; he should always use his heart. The biggest revelation, I guess, is that Josh became Death or also called Marethyu and who gave the book of Codex to Nicholas.

I am curious about what happened to Sophie who isn't really related to him by blood, which was also revealed in this last book. If it's true that the author will be writing a sequel to this series, hopefully, there could be a chance that Sophie and Josh will meet again.

Gap Creek by Robert Morgan

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I rated this 5 stars because of the way it was written and the twists in this couple's story. But if I have to rate the characters in this novel, I would definitely rate Julie 4.5 stars and her husband Hank only 1 star. This couple is two different souls who just hurriedly tied the knot without even has the slightest idea about each other. Hank was just strong in physique but not on the inside because of how he easily snap and breakdown during problems.

I know that other reviews on this book were not that good but for me, I enjoyed reading it. It showed us that marriage is not pure bliss and that couples must be headstrong and should help each other in times of struggles. And before I could forget, I was really amazed that a man written this because of how he portrayed women/wives stronger than them, guys.

Two Women by Marianne Fredriksson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What I love about this book is on it show that sometimes we meet someone or some people who unexpectedly help us along the way.

Both ladies, Inge and Mira, had a tragic or unpleasant past that they still haven't resolved. But with the help of each other and their families, they were able to settle and overcome what happened in the past.

The story of the friendship of Inge and Mira was broadened up to their sons and daughters. And they found not only friendship but a family among them.

Honolulu by Alan Brennert

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

From the beginning till the end, this book will surely captivate any readers by heart. It is filled with stories on how women live during the early 19th century and how they were to able to cope with every struggle they've encountered. If you like reading stories about women empowerment, then you must not miss adding this book to your to-read list.

The Shipping News by Annie Proulx

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I understand why is that there are negative reviews about this book. I also had a hard time finishing this book because there are some parts that are dull or not that interesting. But overall, I enjoyed the 3/4 of the novel and I guess I could only recommend this to those who can devote a lot of time to be able to finish this book.

The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Wife Between Us is a contemporary, mystery and suspense fiction novel that will hook anyone to read what will happen next. I'm not really into this genre and I was not expecting that this book will be this exceptionally amazing. However, after reading this, I was really amazed by how good and riveting it is. It was a page-turner, chilling, intriguing, and mind-boggling till the end.

No, I'm not going to write anything about the story as I don't want to give spoilers to this surprisingly impressive novel. Just take my advice to never miss the chance to read this!

The Runaway Children by Sandy Taylor

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Runaway Children is a riveting, poignant and inspiring fiction novel about the Patterson family — emphasizing the story of Nell and Olive's remarkable story. The story was set during the World War II; it narrates how the Patterson siblings from East End was able to endure being refugee kids, and on how they showed courage and still hopeful amidst some of the trials they have encountered.

Nell and Olive's personalities are to easy to like because they are both charming; Nell is a strong older sister, while Olive's candidness and amusing words could capture the hearts of the readers of this novel. There was a bit of romance in it also that will reminds us that love isn't forced, instead, it just blossoms over time.

I consider this historical fiction a mild narration describing the refugees' experiences during the time of the war. A great read that could even be recommended to high school students; reading this can be finished in a day or two because I'm sure that they will be engrossed with the story.

The Good Liar by Catherine McKenzie

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Good Liar is one compelling novel that will definitely make anyone look forward to what will happen next. The story was split into three accounts: the interview transcripts between Teo and Franny Maycombe; the tale of Cecily and her Grayson family; and the narrative of Kate and her Rings family. It is about the story one year after the massive explosion in downtown Chicago that killed 513 people and also left a lot of injured.

The Initiative was formed in order to regulate the compensation package to be given to the victim’s family; they decide who should be approved and how much they are to be compensated. It was funded by the outpour of monetary donations and the group was worried about the drop off of support. Hence, they come up with the idea to release a documentary about the three victim’s family: the Grayson, the Rings, and about Franny’s family.

Cecily is the chair of the recommending body of the Initiative, while Franny is the co-chair of it. Cecily loss her husband, Tom, in the accident; whereas Franny loss her mother, Kaitlyn. All three women: Cecily, Franny, and Kate, has their own dark deep secrets they try to hide. But circumstances made two of them come out and try to change the fate and protect their loved ones.

Although I found the story of The Good Liar a bit predictable, especially in the story of Cecily and Kate, the ending is rather unexpected. I just wonder what happened to Kate in the end because readers could surmise Cecily and Franny’s story, but as for Kate, it’s quite hard to guess.

The Good Liar is an addictive, interesting, and gripping novel that I really enjoyed. The story of these women, particularly Cecily and Kate, is about the tale of forgiveness, moving forward, friendship, honesty, love for the family, and bravery. One gripping book that is not only very entertaining but also truly astounding.

The Wake Up by Catherine Ryan Hyde

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Wake Up is a compelling fiction novel written by Catherine Ryan Hyde. This is my first time to read a book by Hyde so I didn't set any expectations before reading this. The plot and Hyde's storytelling ability are both unexpectedly exceptional, hence I was able to finish this book within 2 days.

This novel is about Aiden Delacorte and the so-called recent "wake up" that happened to him. Because of the said incident, his life had a 180° turn and one of the changes was how to cope with his girlfriend's younger kid named Milo. In the end, Aiden finally realized that he was like Milo when he was still young, though Milo's case is more severe than his. He was able to sympathize and understand what the kid's going through because of their similarity, and also because of the wake up he experienced.

Probably it's just me, but I believe that Hyde wasn't able to fully impart the intensity of emotions in the characters. Although there's a shortcoming, it didn't greatly affect the entirety of the story of this novel. In general, I had a great time reading this book and would still recommend this to anyone who enjoys this kind of stories.

Turtles All the Way Down by John Green

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I've finished this book months ago but I have to re-read it so I could refresh my memory. I understand that a lot of readers, notably his fans, were raving about this latest novel by John Green — he vividly depicts how those who experience some mental illness, such as OCD and anxiety, suffers and struggles in their everyday lives.

Green's writing skill is undeniably highly praiseworthy and impeccable but I find that the story of Turtles All The Way Down trying-to-be melodramatic, especially on the love story of Aza and Davis. I've read some of his past works and he became well-known because of this kind of stories. However, I believe that this recent novel of Green is trying too much to be sentimental when it should not; it is like pushing readers to cry or to feel sorrow but there are several that just weren't able to grasp the emotions that he wants to convey.

I still anticipate the novels that John Green would be releasing and I'm looking forward that there might be a happy ending to one or two of his stories in the future.

Krista Kim-Bap by Angela Ahn

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Krista Kim-Bap is a middle-grade fiction book which is about the story of Krista and her Korean family who resides in Canada. Krista was struggling with some of the changes she's experiencing such as the change in her style of clothing, and the change in how her classmates treat here. Because of these changes, her relationship with her best friend Jason was on the rocks. Her sister, grandma and her mom all helped her by trying to let her clear and understand some things, especially on how she must learn to accept what she really is.

Through a school project, she also learned about her Korean ethnicity: its culture and its history, specifically which are related to food. Krista's relationship with her grandma and her older sister has come into good terms after; family is a family and must help each other especially during times of need.

The Wellspring Trilogy: The Crystal Key by Robert Gronewold

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Crystal Keyis the first book in the Wellspring Trilogy written by Robert Gronewold. This young adult and fantasy fiction novel is about Felicity Bough, a sixteen-year-old orphan who was adopted when she was two by her mother's best friend, Lenora. Every year, her birthday wish is to become just like her mother and Lenora, a Doorward.

A Doorward is a caster who helped protect and maintain the mirror was. On her sixteenth birthday, unexpected guests arrived on their doorstep and informed Felicity that she could be more than just a Doorward; she could be a Turnkey just like her dad. A Turnkey is an expert in combative magic who prevents Horrors from the Dark from slipping in the mirrorways.

The first eight chapters of the story tackle character development and world building. Thus if you are waiting for the better part, you have to wait until chapter nine because that's where the conflict begins. In the said chapter, Felicity, Harry and Margo went to the grand unveiling of the new mirrorway central hub. During the event, there was a catastrophe in the venue and Felicity was able to save Harry. However, the Horror grabbed Felicity through the Mirrorgate and then the gate was shattered, making her trapped inside.

If you are a fan of young adult and fantasy fiction, you will appreciate this kind of story even though that it's quite long. It took me a week to be able to finish this 388-page novel, but I could say that it's worth it.

Between Me and You: A Novel by Allison Winn Scotch

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Between Me and You is a fiction novel that tells about the story of the married couple, Ben and Tatum. It narrates the imperfect relationship they have: from the struggles, jealousy, secrets, jealousy and infidelity.

The story was narrated through Ben and Tatum's perspective; the flashbacks dated from their first meeting in the bar where Tatum used to work up to how their lives were entangled in secrets and deceit during their marriage. They both know that they still love each other, but there are instances that they felt one has already fallen out of love.

This novel sort of reminds everyone that there's no such as perfect marriage, but it's up to those who are in the relationship how to work it out. There will be problems that married couples encounter during the course of their marriage; trying to forgive and forget is one of the important factors to consider and remember. And this is what Ben and Tatum did to be able to save their relationship.

The Censor's Hand by A.M. Steiner

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The first book in the Thrice~Crossed Swords trilogy and pretty much concentrated on the character development and world building. Daniel and Miranda's stories are the best for me; on the other hand, Jon's tale is a little bit depressing yet still a good read.

I'm anticipating for the second installment in the series, The Pillow Knife, because I reckon it would be more action-packed than the first. If you enjoy reading fantasy fiction books, mystery, murder, magic, and steampunk, then The Censor's Hand should be on your next read.

Henry the Queen’s Corgi by Georgie Crawley

MY RATING: 5 of 5 stars

Definitely a 5 PAW-pect star for this book! I like the entire story and it's really fun to read how Henry had a great time exploring the Buckingham Palace. Because of his amiable and helpful personality, he won some friends, both human and canine, while he was there in the palace. We could learn from Henry that instead of fighting those who don't like you, try to return their animosity by being patient and kind.

If you're looking for something to read during the Christmas holiday, this is highly recommended because it is a light read and heartwarming at the same time.