Dainty Damsel Stories

Book Review: If I Stay by Gayle Forman

noreply@blogger.com (laurice-with-love) — Fri, 27 Dec 2013 08:09:00 +0800

I'll be honest about my thoughts on If I Stay by Gayle Forman. The first few pages captured my interest easily. The story is about a happy family of four. The parents are both into rock while their 17 year old daughter is into classical music. They play electric guitars and drums. She plays the cello. It's a very easy and enjoyable read until the accident. I like how it is abrupt and in a sense, gory, not because of the emotions that come with it, but because of its realness. That's how life is, right? Problems, accidents, or trials strike us at the most unexpected way and at the most unthinkable severity.

As for the plot after that, it is kind of boring. BUT BEFORE YOU CLOSE THIS WINDOW AND RETURN YOUR COPY OF IF I STAY TO YOUR BOOKSHELF, you may want to finish reading this first. I say boring because the plot is just the usual patient visitations in the hospital and flashbacks in between. Other than that, you'll just have to read through it and enjoy the book as it is. When you reach the final page, you'll understand why the author chose to write it simply that way. The book feels raw. There are no baggages of what we call "artificiality or pretentiousness". It's so raw that you can feel and see the reality behind it. You see them as the persons they are and not just another fictional character.

I think the book isn't a story about ~~death~~ at all. It's not about whether you choose to live or die. It's about your choice after we lose everything we love. There may come a time that we'll lose (I'm not saying we will) everything we have. It may be our family...dreams..friends..career...or everything we hold so dear. And when that time comes, what will our choice be? Are we going to stay yet so lifeless? Are we going to dwell on the things we lost? Or are we going to face the pain with courage, accept it, and eventually allow ourselves to see the possibility that great things await us?

You could ask yourself the same thing while reading the book. It seems to be open-ended, but if you read closely, Mia answered these questions. May her answer help you find yours. :)

Book-iography

Title: If I Stay

Author: Gayle Forman

Published: April 6, 2010

Publisher: Speak

Format: Paperback

Pages: 243

Type: 2-book series

Bookshelves: Contemporary YA

Read: December 24 - 26, 2013

Links: Goodreads

Awards:

Rating:

laurice-with-love ♥

Find this review on Goodreads!

Commentary on Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

noreply@blogger.com (laurice-with-love) — Sun, 22 Dec 2013 01:37:00 +0800

As a disclaimer to this blog entry, here's an excerpt from the Introduction of Orson Scott Card's most celebrated novel: Ender's Game.

You could disagree with me, but I believe that what you've just read is a quality of a really good author. Good authors don't just tell good stories; they don't just tell "their" stories. They write stories that can speak personally to each of their readers; stories that their readers can own; stories that the author and reader can share; and these stories are what they both created in their minds and memory.

For this review, I would like to remind you that this is how Orson Scott Card and I painted Ender's Game in our minds and memory. It might be different for you, but I hope you find this review amusing because for me..

Ender's Game is really disturbing. I felt vulnerable while reading it. You know the feeling when you read a text and say, "Ha! I'm not that kind of person. Of course I'm not! Uhmmm..am I?" You're scared of your answer, but still you tear through your own guard and search yourself. Not just search, but see through the very core of your thoughts, principles, and actions.

That's how I felt in Ender's Game. It is, as I said, disturbing. Not in a bad way, though. I like how it brings out the need for you to analyze yourself and the circumstances that you cannot control. And ask, "How am I going to act? How am I going to respond?"

If you think about it, the questions and issues the author poses are actually simple. It's too simple that we overlook some of it in reality. Why? I don't know. Maybe because these are the issues that are simple, but hard to deal with.

There are two issues that had me questioning for days. One is the issue on friendship. It is simple, but it is relevant to all. In the book, teachers isolated Ender to shape his mindset into thinking that he needs to excel on his own because he won't get help from anybody. But he still gained friends despite his isolation. However his teachers made them compete against each other. This made Ender feel he lost his friends. While reading these chapters in Battle School, I kept asking myself:

When does friendship end once competition begins?
Does true friendship end in competition?
Or better yet,
What is friendship?

The second issue that bothered me the most is Ender's struggle with himself. It touches on issues like man's double standards of morality and dualism. Throughout the years Ender was haunted by his wrongdoings. He hates himself for having so much blood on his hands. He hates the fact that he knew that what he's doing is wrong and yet he did it still. Disturbing enough? Yes, but I like how Orson Scott Card made Ender vulnerable to all his readers. It felt like he's naked to the very core of his being and it showed truth about human beings. That we also make mistakes and deal with our personal struggles. That we are also haunted, in one way or another by our past.

I also like how the author set Ender against circumstances that he cannot control--circumstances that sometimes pushed him to make mistakes. Should Ender blame these circumstances? Should we blame the circumstances that shaped us for what we've done? What should we do? Is there hope for us--for people who've done unforgivable things? I leave Orson Scott Card to answer that.

I'm not saying that the novel is free of errors. I found some that I disagree with. There's a lot more issues to talk about, but it'll take me forever to finish it. :) Double standards of morality of I.F., Colonel Graff, or Mazer Rackham. Ethics. Politics. Leadership. Childhood. Siblings. Family.

Overall, I would love to leave this passage from 1 Timothy 4:12. I think this is the heart of the book.

"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young,

but set an example for the believers

in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity."

To all the children, to the youth, to the young at heart...

...Go. Share your passion and creativity to the world. Let your zealousness make a difference.

P.S. Thanks to this cool blonde photographer for giving me this book! :D

I've Been MIA for 4 months?? WHOA! So sorry! It Feels so good to be back! :)

noreply@blogger.com (laurice-with-love) — Thu, 23 May 2013 22:28:00 +0800

I MISS YOU!

Yup! If you're reading this post, I'm definitely hugging you right now! Oh boy, how long have I been gone? 4 months?!! Seriously?? Oops, so sorry everyone! I know, I know. I missed your lovely posts. I missed commenting on your recently read books. I missed sharing my 365DOTs. :( And... I missed you all. I AM TRULY SORRY for leaving you just like that. :(

If I can just recap the past four months to you....which I think I'll be doing in the next couple of days! *squeal* By the way, I NEED YOUR HELP! SOS!!! As you're all aware, I have a lot of catching up to do! That includes catching up on your stories, testimonies, new books, new covers, new reviews, new news! If you can just help me catch up on some of the latest, talk-of-the-town books, I'd really appreciate that! :) Weee. It's good to be back! :)

Thank you so much y'all! Thank you for the prayers! Thank you for the love! :)

You're all in my prayers! Take care everyone! Don't forget that Jesus loves you! :)

God bless everyone!

Giving Audio Books a try. HELP ME?

noreply@blogger.com (laurice-with-love) — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 19:22:00 +0800

I miss reading. Books. Books. Books. I realized it's hard to juggle reading with college, academic readings, and papers. Sure I get to read sometimes ( like 2x since 2013 started! *sob.sob*), but I really miss reading so I'm going to try something NEW...to me. Bahaha.

*drumroll*

Audio books! I haven't tried this, but I'm up for the challenge. :D I'm also not sure how it goes. Does the narrator changes voice to match the characters? Does the narrator read the lines with feelings? Are there many narrators? Wheeew. I really have no idea about audio books. I NEED YOUR HELP!

Can you suggest the best audio book you've ever read? BEST is defined as:

Compelling narrator
5/5 plot
YOUR FAVORITE

Thanks everyone! :') God bless you all! :)

laurice-with-love ♥

#365DOT Day 12: Serene Night

noreply@blogger.com (laurice-with-love) — Sat, 12 Jan 2013 00:54:00 +0800

Disclaimer:

#365DOT is a blog feature at Dainty Damsel Stories. It features at least one thing, event, or person that I thank God for the next 365 days of 2013. :] If you're interested in joining, hop in! I'd love to hear your stories! :] Just link me back and leave a comment. :'] Yay! A blessed 2013 to everyone!

To be honest, I had a rough day. I was tired, sad, pained. The one thing I just wanted was to simply be home and seek refuge from all the thorns the world is throwing at me. But when I finally got home, I hesitated to go inside so I stayed out and looked at the night sky. It was the most beautiful masterpiece I saw today. The stars were lined in their rightful places. The moon shines so brightly at me. It was a serene night.

I realized then that the rough day I had is just a tiny speck of dust compared to the vastness and greatness of God's plan for me and your life.

If God could arrange the stars in the sky, how much more will God, our Creator, arrange the broken pieces of our lives?

laurice-with-love ♥

#365DOT Day 11: Dinner w/ the 'rents

noreply@blogger.com (laurice-with-love) — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 00:10:00 +0800

Disclaimer:

(Sometimes, the heart speaks louder than words and actions.

So for tonight, I just want to say....)

THANK YOU LORD JESUS. ♥

laurice-with-love ♥

#365DOT Day 10: 6:59 AM

noreply@blogger.com (laurice-with-love) — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 12:04:00 +0800

Disclaimer:

At 6:59 a.m. it was a typical Thursday morning.

At 6:59 a.m. I was waiting in line at the MRT Station.

At 6:59 a.m. people were going about their usual lives.

At 6:59 a.m. some were waiting for a cab; some, buses; and others, the MRT.

At 6:59 a.m. a middle-aged woman in yellow and red was sweeping the streets of EDSA.

At 6:59 a.m. a passerby dropped a 20-Peso bill on the street.

At 6:59 a.m. a policeman saw the 20-Peso bill, but didn't know whose is it.

At 6:59 a.m. the policeman gave the 20-Peso bill to the street sweeper.

At 6:59 a.m. the street sweeper's face was brightened up with her heartfelt smile.

At 6:59 a.m. I took this photo to capture at least a glimpse of God's hand at work.

At 6:59 a.m. I thank God for allowing me to witness His sweet miracles.

At 6:59 a.m.....

At 6:59 a.m. the street sweeper could have stayed at home and left the garbage untouched. But she didn't. She sacrificed and cleaned other people's trash.

At 6:59 a.m. the policeman could have kept the 20-Peso bill to himself. But he didn't. He sacrificed and gave it to the street sweeper instead.

At 6:59 a.m. I could have observed other things. But I didn't. God made me see how He makes all things beautiful.

At 6:59 a.m....

God bless you! :')

laurice-with-love ♥

Waiting on Wednesday #8: If I Should Die

noreply@blogger.com (laurice-with-love) — Wed, 9 Jan 2013 22:14:00 +0800

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

For my eight WoW and 2nd WoW of 2013, I give you...

*drumroll*....If I Should Die!

Book-iography

Title: If I Should Die

Author: Amy Plum

Published: May 7, 2013

Publisher: HarperTEEN

Type: Series (Revenants #3)

Bookshelves: Paranormal Romance, YA

Links: Goodreads

Blurb:

I will not lose another person I love. I will not let history repeat itself.

Vincent waited lifetimes to find me, but in an instant our future together was shattered. He was betrayed by someone we both called a friend, and I lost him. Now our enemy is determined to rule over France’s immortals, and willing to wage a war to get what they want.

It shouldn’t be possible, none of it should be, but this is my reality. I know Vincent is somewhere out there, I know he’s not completely gone, and I will do anything to save him.

After what we’ve already fought to achieve, a life without Vincent is unimaginable. He once swore to avoid dying—to go against his nature and forsake sacrificing himself for others—so that we could be together. How can I not risk everything to bring my love back to me?

Thoughts! :'>

The COVER...uhmm...is absolutely Photoshopped! UGH. They could have done better!! It looks like it was hastened to finish. .____. COVER DESIGNER, kindly edit it! :) You have more like 5 months to make it look better! ^.^

Anyway, I love the blurb of the three books! I like the concept, but I haven't started reading it because I was waiting for this final installment. I don't want any cliff hangers to ruin my mood, so yeah. I'd rather wait for 5 more months to read the complete series than to weep in anguish while waiting after a cliff hanger. OR NOT. :P

Have you read the other two books? What are your thoughts? :)

God bless you! ;)

laurice-with-love ♥

#365DOT Day 9: Baby Sam

noreply@blogger.com (laurice-with-love) — Wed, 9 Jan 2013 10:53:00 +0800

Disclaimer:

Wheeee! I thank God because today He gave us Baby Jana Samantha! ♥

Baby Sam is my churchmate's daughter. Isn't she lovely? Look at those eyes! They're eyes from and for heaven. ♥

I can't wait to play, sing, laugh with that little one!

¹³For you created my inmost being;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
¹⁴I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
    your works are wonderful,
    I know that full well.
¹⁵My frame was not hidden from you
    when I was made in the secret place,
    when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
¹⁶Your eyes saw my unformed body;
    all the days ordained for me were written in your book
    before one of them came to be.

-Psalm 139:13-16

Life is a gift from God! Treasure it!

God richly bless you! :)

laurice-with-love ♥

#365DOT Day 8: Coffee, Stickers, and Stories in between

noreply@blogger.com (laurice-with-love) — Tue, 8 Jan 2013 01:47:00 +0800

Disclaimer:

“Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: "What! You too? I thought I was the only one.” ― C.S. Lewis

I couldn't have said it any better. Thanks C.S. Lewis! Tonight was special because in one sitting God gave me three things to be thankful for. First, I thank God because I finally completed the stickers for my 2013 Starbucks Planner! Eeeeeek! >.< How sweet is that! (^_^) I haven't decided which color to get, though. White or Black? Black or White? Hmmmm? O:)

Second, I thank God because for the first time this year I get to bond with two of my favorite people! ♥ Hooray for Tuesday! Say "HI" to my mentor/leader/friend/brother-in-faith/teacher/father(mehehe, kidding) and to my best buddy/friend/brother-in-faith! :D

Third, I thank God for the meaningful four hours that we spent talking and encouraging one another. I thank God for people like them who aren't afraid to give a part of themselves to help others grow. Sometimes I wonder why I don't have that much friends, but now I do realize why. It's because God has given a handful of true friends. ♥ Thank you, Jesus!

The next time you see a friend, thank him or her! Thank God for his/her/their lives! :) Ooops. Hold it. Don't even pity yourself for not having many or any friend. Don't you see Him? Look beside you, above you, in front of you, around you...Jesus Christ--the BEST friend anyone could ever have--is practically everywhere! He's simply waiting for your call. :)

And oooh! I'm also here. Just call my name, I'll be there. You've got a friend! ;) Haha!

To all my friends (Yes, YOU)... THANK YOU!

God bless us all! :)

laurice-with-love ♥

#365DOT Day 7: Quizzes

noreply@blogger.com (laurice-with-love) — Mon, 7 Jan 2013 22:00:00 +0800

Disclaimer:

QUIZZES?! I'm thankful for quizzes?!! Yes. Apparently, I am. O:)

Today I'm the happiest and most grateful girl on Earth because I had a quiz! :] This isn't really something I'm proud of, but I almost missed the quiz because of lack of discipline. I left home 10 minutes late from my calculated travel time and got stuck in traffic. When I reached the MRT Station, the line was unbelievably long! While on the train, I asked God's forgiveness and asked Him to increase my self-discipline. Jesus forgives! He is full of mercy and Grace. When I reached school 10 minutes passed bell time (we don't have a bell, though), the quiz has just started and I was able to take mine! :D Wheeee! Praise the Lord! :"> Thank You for Your Grace, Lord Jesus! :)

Lessons:

1. The Grace of Jesus Christ is rich and sufficient.

2. Do your part! Discipline yourself!

3. Learn from every mistake and practice what you learned. :)

Hope this helps! God bless us all! :D

laurice-with-love ♥

#365DOT Day 6: 1st Sunday of 2013

noreply@blogger.com (laurice-with-love) — Sun, 6 Jan 2013 21:25:00 +0800

[ SORRY FOR POSTING THIS LATE. I GOT BUSY OVER THE LAST FEW DAYS. :) ]

Disclaimer:

There's no greater way to spend my first Sunday of the year than listening to God's Word, worshiping Jesus, and encountering His Holy Presence at His Holy Temple. :'> I am especially thankful for today's message because it reminded me of how blessed I am and how great God is! I was blessed to see thousands of people of God lifting their hands and shouting, "Thank You, Lord!" Our church was filled with tears of joy, shouts of thanksgiving, and spirit of gratefulness. Everybody was thanking God for both the blessings and the trials in 2012. I'll always treasure this moment.

How about you? What are you thankful for the year 2012? Job promotion? New books? Good grades? Family? Here's what. Thank God for both the good and bad experiences of 2012 because you wouldn't make it to 2013 if not for His Goodness and Grace. :')

God bless you!

laurice-with-love ♥

#365DOT Day 5: Dawnwatch

noreply@blogger.com (laurice-with-love) — Sat, 5 Jan 2013 21:32:00 +0800

Disclaimer:

Today's Dawnwatch Service at our church will be forever embedded in my spirit. I thank God for this opportunity to gather with other worshipers and corporately encounter Him at the dawn of the day. It's not easy to carry a half-awaken self to church at 4 am, but it's worth it. The presence of God this morning was so thick and tangible I could touch it.

There was one night last year that I cried to God and asked for my identity. At that moment I was at the season of brokenness. I felt so empty and broken. All self-confidence and self-esteem were lost. I felt my dreams slipping out of my hands. I no longer knew who I am. Today God gave me my long-awaited answer. I just knelt down and asked God, "How do you see me, Lord?" Before I knew it tears were streaming down my face because God encountered me at that place. He removed all doubts and walls around me. I knew then that God wants me to completely surrender and entrust everything to Him. No more pretensions. No more inhibitions. No more self-reliance. But more of JESUS. Only JESUS. He is more than enough.

If there's a Dawnwatch Service at your local church, I highly encourage you to attend it. It's an open invitation to encounter God. :]

God bless you always! :']

laurice-with-love ♥

#365DOT Day 4: Icon Pop Quiz with friends

noreply@blogger.com (laurice-with-love) — Fri, 4 Jan 2013 23:27:00 +0800

Disclaimer:

First of all, I THANK GOD IT'S FRIDAY! Wheee. It's the last school day of the week! Despite the fact that I've been back to school for only two days and already loaded with readings and paperworks, I still praise God because He led me through the week! :)

I'm also thankful for Icon Pop Quiz because I honestly enjoyed playing it with my friends! Can you believe that? College students actually know how to have some fun! :D Here's the story. Everyone in my class was busy preparing for the consultation session with our professor. But once some of the groups were done, my friend brought out his iPad. He started playing something and then everybody's huddled around the iPad. Bahaha. That's them at the photo above. :) I was curious so I watched them. It turns out they're playing the cooooolest game of the day! Talk about stress reliever. :D The game's about guessing the icon on the screen. The categories are Famous People, Place, Cartoon Characters, Movies, and Holiday Seasons. In the case of the photo above, it's Scooby-Doo! :D It's fun, isn't it?

I thank God for this experience! :)

Here's the link of Icon Pop Quiz App in case you want to download it. :]

Have fun this weekend! :)

God bless you always! :']

laurice-with-love ♥

Book Review: Flat-out Love

noreply@blogger.com (laurice-with-love) — Fri, 4 Jan 2013 21:39:00 +0800

Book-iography

Title: Flat-out Love

Author: Jessica Park

Published: September 11, 2012

Publisher: Amazon Children's Publishing

Format: E-book

Pages: 345

Type: Stand-alone

Bookshelves: Contemporary YA

Read: December 31, 2012- January 1, 2013

Links: Goodreads

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rating:

What can I say?

For my first book review of 2013, I'll start with something I completely love. ♥

I picked Flat-out Love for at least 3 times in 2012, but didn't get passed Chapter 1 for some trivial yet funny reasons. First time I tried it was over the summer break last year. I read it on my cousin's gadget, but we parted ways so I wasn't able to finish at least Chapter 1. Boohoo. Second time was after reading Ascend by Amanda Hocking. I loved Switched and Torn, but the final installment was beyond frustrating. Ugh. Anyhow I needed to comfort my weeping heart so I picked this up only to find out that one major character in the book is named Finn! Apparently the other leading guy in Switched, Torn, and Ascend is named Finn as well. Obviously I wouldn't want anything, not even a name, to remind me of the Trylle Trilogy. So I didn't read Flat-out Love for the next four months. I tried a third time, but for some reason I couldn't remember I wasn't able to reach Chapter 2.

Come December 31st, I was browsing my TBR list for something quick and fun read. I wanted to finish something before the fireworks starts cracking so finally I picked up this book. AGAIN. Apparently it wasn't a quick read. WAIT! Don't get me wrong. It is a quick, light, and FUN Contemporary YA! :"] It's just that the characters are a little bit too nerdy in some way. Our guy, Matt Watkins, lives in a house of intellectuals. His mom and dad are both academes. His 12 year-old sister Celeste is also brilliant, but she has some socio-mental problems. She doesn't have friends; acts like a child; and keeps a flat cut-out board of his "adorable" travelling brother, Finn. So much for a normal family, aren't they?

Julie, with all her apartment mishaps, gets to live with the Watkins for a year. She temporarily stays at Finn's room since he's not around. Although Finn isn't around, Julie was able to befriend him through e-mail and Facebook chat. She babbles about her life. He sends her photos of his volunteer work abroad. Eventually she notices that something isn't really normal with her host family, especially with Celeste. Celeste cannot live without Flat Finn, the cardboard representation of his brother. So he asks Finn, who then tells her a glimpse of what happened, which apparently isn't enough to help Celeste and to satisfy her curiosity.

Eventually Julie and Finn admit their feelings for each other. Matt, on the other hand, stays the same old sweet, nerdy Matt. :"> When things are getting better, Julie discovered the worst. Even her life was broken when that she learned what happened. The question is, how will things fall back into place now that they're broken?

Discover the truth. Hope. Laugh. LOVE. ♥

Enjoy reading! God bless you! :)

laurice-with-love ♥

Find this review on Goodreads!

#365DOT Day 3: Back to School

noreply@blogger.com (laurice-with-love) — Thu, 3 Jan 2013 23:45:00 +0800

Disclaimer:

Ha! I can see those wheels turning in your heads! (^_^) I know. I know. You're all wondering what's got into me to thank God for school. Yes, school can indeed be infuriating, but now that students are back from the Christmas break I thank God for my school. I'll thank Him everyday for it. Not everyone is given a chance to study in a prestigious university for free. All for the glory of God, I'm one of those given that rare opportunity. It's true that every day in school is a battle of survival. I get tired, over-fatigued, stressed-out, what-have-you. But at the end of the day, I grow. I thank God for giving me this chance to stretch myself and hone my skills, all for His Glory!

How about you? What are you thankful for today's class? Your teachers? Friends? Lessons? I'm sure there's something you're thankful for. Pause a second and thank God. :)

God bless you always! :']

laurice-with-love ♥

#365DOT Day 2: Hand-me-downs

noreply@blogger.com (laurice-with-love) — Wed, 2 Jan 2013 23:37:00 +0800

Disclaimer:

Anyone who wants hand-me-downs? Well, I DO! I love receiving hand-me-downs from my sister because she's a walking magazine! Seriously, she's like a cut-out from a fashion magazine! No wonder her stuff are nothing less than elegant. (^_^) So for today, I thank God for these hand-me-downs that I got from my sister. I woke up this morning to see four heels, two bags, and four planners! My sister's an angel! O:) Though the planners were of 2010, I can still use it as journals. Yay! I LOVE JOURNALS! And of course, I thank God for my sister. I love her so much! I'm so blessed to have her! Wheee. It's just the second day of the year and I can't thank God enough for all these blessings! :]

God bless us all! :']

laurice-with-love ♥

Waiting on Wednesday #7: A Beautiful Lie

noreply@blogger.com (laurice-with-love) — Wed, 2 Jan 2013 16:01:00 +0800

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

For my seventh WoW and 1st WoW of 2013, I give you...

*drumroll*....A Beautiful Lie!

Book-iography

Title: A Beautiful Lia

Author: T.E. Sivec

Published: January 3, 2013

Publisher: T.E. Sivec

Type: Series (Playing with Fire #1)

Bookshelves: Contemporary

Links: Goodreads

Blurb:

He saw her first, but his friend made the move.

She settled for the safer choice, but her heart knew the truth.

They love, they crave, they lie.

Garrett McCarthy, Annabelle Parker, and Milo Roberts were as close as friends could get. They shared in each other's joy during graduations, promotions, and engagements. They consoled one another through heartache and loss.

When one of the friend's life is tragically cut short, it's up to the two left behind to pick up the pieces and find out the truth - no matter the cost. As they slowly start to uncover the nature of his deception, and the very powerful people behind it, they begin to question everyone and everything, even themselves.

Everyone has secrets - some do it for love while others do it for power. Those secrets can change perceptions, alter reality and sometimes destroy lives. What do you do when you find out your whole life has been a lie?

Thoughts! :'>

I'm not entirely sure if this is YA Contemporary or not. Nevertheless the blurb caught my attention. It seems that there's some conspiracy and mystery going on here. I'm not a fan of mystery novels, but I'd love to check this out. Besides, the cover is AWESOME. Hoping the story is as good as the cover!

Oh! Look at that, it's going to be released tomorrow. :) Sweet. :)

laurice-with-love ♥

#365DOT Day 1: Cousins

noreply@blogger.com (laurice-with-love) — Tue, 1 Jan 2013 15:08:00 +0800

Disclaimer:

This photo was taken at the wake of my uncle Mike. Though it was a somber event for all of us, I still thank God because of the opportunity He has given me to bond with my cousins. I love my cousins! They're the best! We used to stay up all night playing truth or dare, UNO, and other things when we were kids. Now that we're grown-ups, I thank God because He continues to strengthen and deepen my relationship with them. :]

Wheee. 1 day down; 364 days to go! God bless you! :')

laurice-with-love ♥

365 Days of Thanksgiving (#365DOT) Introduction

noreply@blogger.com (laurice-with-love) — Tue, 1 Jan 2013 12:48:00 +0800

A blessed 2013 to all my readers!

It was a great 2012 for me. Though there were ups and downs, God's faithfulness was ever-present from the beginning 'til the end of the year. His Grace for me and my family never ends; always ready to forgive and to offer second chances. Always ready to sacrifice and love.

Indeed I have a lot to be thankful for.

My family.

My 19 years of existence.

My ministry.

My JIL family.

My school.

My friends.

My newfound interest: reading.

My blog.

My supportive readers.

My work.

My community.

My family's good health.

My good health.

My experiences.

My trials and testings.

And a whole lot more...

I have a lot to thank God for each passing day. This year I want to do the same, but I WANT TO SHARE MY LIFE'S STORY WITH YOU. I know how unpredictable life can get. Sure we know that our existence on Earth starts at birth and ends at death, but the life in-between can be very complicated in some way. We can be very happy one day, then broken the day after. We can reach the peak of our success one morning, then find ourselves in trash a few hours later. However hard life can get, I'd like to show you that it's God's gift that we should all treasure. Even in our darkest day, there is still something to thank God for.

Life is beautiful. Allow me to share at least one thing/event/person/etc that God blessed me with for the next 365 days of 2013. Allow me to share something that I'm thankful for each day. I admit that there will be tough times, but I am confident that God will lead me through each stormy day. I will never run out of reasons to thank God every day.

If you want to join me, hop in and see how blessed you are! :']

Just post one photo of something that you thank God for the next 365 days of 2013. :] Witness how beautiful life is. :)

CHECK OUT MY #365DOT!
Click the caption.

1. Cousins

3. Back to School

2. Hand-me-downs

5. Dawnwatch

4. Icon Pop with Friends

6. 1st Sunday of 2013

7. Quizzes

8. Coffee, Stickers, and Stories in Between

9. Baby Sam

10. 6:59 AM

11. Dinner w/ the rents

12. Serene Night

laurice-with-love ♥

Book Review: Sea of Tranquility (5/5)

noreply@blogger.com (laurice-with-love) — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 22:07:00 +0800

Disclaimer:

If you're one of those who read my reviews, please be advised that the following isn't like any ordinary review I make. This time I give a part of my heart, but looks like I don't. Believe me. You might be seeing a cheese cupcake, but I'm actually giving you a 3-layer chocolate filled cake with cherries, crushed almonds, and chocolate curls on top.

(I don't actually eat chocolates, but give one to Mrs. Leighton and you win her heart.)

Book-iography

Title: The Sea of Tranquility

Author: Katja Millay

Published: September 5, 2012

Publisher: Atria Books

Format: E-book

Pages: 488

Type: Stand-alone

Bookshelves: Inspirational, Contemporary YA, Mature YA

Read: December 18-20, 2012

Links: Goodreads

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rating:

What can I say?

If I tell you my first experience with the book, it might just scare you off and get away from my blog as far as you could. You could miss three fourths of your life, but I'll say it anyway. The first night I read The Sea of Tranquility was during a Christmas Party. Yup. C.H.R.I.S.T.M.A.S.P.A.R.T.Y. I'm pretty sure it still spells that way. I was around page 40 and I still didn't know what to get from it. Everything's a blur, but I continued anyway. Yes, I continued reading this I'm-in-page-40-and-I-don't-understand-anything-yet-book during a Christmas Party. You might be wondering what's gotten into me, but all I was thinking about was what's with the book that made me turn pages after pages. The 2nd day I read it was during our Christmas shopping. Yes, Christmas shopping. While my best friend was rummaging fashion stores after fashion stores, I was at the corner frustratingly trying to read the teeny weeny words from the failed version of an e-pub reader on my cellphone. Then again I was around page 100-something and I was as confused but intrigued as ever. The third day was a self-inflicted insomnia that I actually have, but worked better last night than any other day. I was supposed to sleep after a day's worth of walking 5 miles inside a mall. That's what normal people do, right? Well I'm not one of them. I cleaned myself, went to bed, opened my laptop and READ. Yep, I'm pretty sure that's what I did from ten in the evening to seven in the MORNING. I just read. Then I fell asleep, woke up, did what I had to do, and READ. Again. 'Til it was finished.

Yes, my experiences with this book deserve to be on the FIRST--hopefully not the only--PARAGRAPH you'll read.

I love this book and NO ONE CAN MAKE ME SAY OTHERWISE.
It is "distractingly pretty", if you know what I mean.

Every page is a glimpse of some part of a musical piece, whispering it's way to my ears and challenges me to stay put until all pieces are put together into a beautiful melody that I'll never forget. Unfortunately, whatever glimpse of that melody the author slips right into my ear is something I'd rather not listen to. That little melody is too painful. NO. Painful doesn't do it justice. Every single note is drenched in pain. Yes, they're heartbreaking. I can't seem to open my ears to listen to the pain, but my ears are open anyway.

My ears are open because I recognize the pain. I've reached rock bottom just as Nastya and Josh did. I'm not giving a hint about what happened, but they've reached the deepest part of rock bottom, if there's even one. Every page is painful--no--it's full of pain. One because whatever's happening there is true. There always comes a time in our lives when we reach rock bottom and bam--we're never the same again. Either we changed for the best or for the worst. Second because--somewhere in my past, your present, or probably somebody's future--we have our own version of Nastya's vow of silence and Josh's 10 years of building to escape the pain. We just simply tune out the world and tune in to our newly created world...of pity, self-loathing, and regrets.

Nastya and Josh did just that. Only it turns out far worse than they could imagine. The ending wasn't grand. The book isn't grand at all! There's no insta-love. No sparks. No swooning. There's just reality. It's so painful because I know it is real. The ending could have been one of the simplest, yet powerful last pages I've read this year. I hate it for it. It's simple, but it's true--it's real. There are no over-rated dramas or slow motion or sparkle in real-life pain. There's just an awful lot of weeping and gnashing of teeth, but afterwards there's just acceptance, forgiveness, surrender...and The Sea of Tranquility...

I think I know just where my Sea of Tranquility is...I think I know where yours is, too. And yes, I know that you know it. There's just one barrier in-between: DENIAL. Both of the characters subtly acknowledge this. I pray that someday you will, too.

Enjoy reading! God bless you.

P.S.
After sometime, I just got tired of the world I created. There's too much pain, anger, regrets, pity, guilt. I'm the complete carbon copy of Nastya. I, too, lost something I love doing and it damaged a big part of me. But just like Nastya, I did find my Josh--my salvation. Don't worry. He's not just mine. I'd be more than happy to share Him with you. Just like Josh His name means salvation. He is JESUS. In Him I am complete, filled, and loved. He is my Sea of Tranquility. He is yours, too. You know, no matter how many times we deny Him, we'll always have a place in His heart. You will always have a special place in His heart. I pray that someday there's no more denial...only acceptance, forgiveness, surrender...and The Sea of Tranquility. ♥

laurice-with-love ♥

Find this review on Goodreads!

NEW Blog Name + Blog Design!!!

noreply@blogger.com (laurice-with-love) — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 00:46:00 +0800

*squeaaaaal*

Wheeee! I'm so happy to introduce you to my newly designed and edited blog! ^__________^

As you might have noticed, I've changed my blog name thrice! Yup. This is the third time, but I think I'll stick with this. :D I love the name so much!!! It sounds like music to my ears. <3 More than that there's a deeper meaning behind the name, which I'll be sharing with you SOON! :']

Another MAJOR change is the blog design. I've been desperate for months to have a customized blog design with my avatar on the headline. However, things haven't gone the way I planned it because I have no idea on how to digitally illustrate a really cute Madeline-looking avatar. Thank God He led me to this awesome template that I'm pretty much satisfied with! :D

Without further ado, I present my blog from....

SINGING THE MELODY OF MY LIFE

I TELL STORIES

to (finally)

Dainty Damsel Stories

I hope you like it! :) Enjoy browsing through my blog! :'] God bless us all! :]

P.S.

By the way, I have a question. Do you think I should change my URL to daintydamselstories.blogspot.com

or will it confuse my former followers? :] Thanks for your thoughts! :D Godbless!

laurice-with-love <3

Book Review: Model Spy (5/5)

noreply@blogger.com (laurice-with-love) — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 00:12:00 +0800

Book-iography

Title: Model Spy

Author: Shannon Greenland
Published: May 10, 2007

Publisher: Speak

Format: E-book

Pages: 224
Type: Series (The Specialists #1)
Bookshelves: ChickLit
Read: December 15, 2012

Links: Goodreads | Amazon

Rating:

What can I say?

No, you're not mistaken. I give it a 5/5 without a doubt.

If you're looking for a hardcore action-packed series matched with heavy romance, this book is absolutely not for you. But don't get me wrong. Model Spy is definitely a must-read! It is light, funny, and sweet. Yes, innocently sweet. With all the rated-PG books nowadays, this book fits just perfect as a comic relief.

It actually reminds me of Charlie's Angels, but now with six undercover gifted minors ready to fight off some bad guys. The lead character is Kelly James, the 190 I.Q. bearer. She lost her parents in a plane crash when she was six. Never again did she ride on that flying human-transporter. For the next 10 years of her life, she transferred from one foster family to another. The recent one was in Iowa. Though only 16 years old, she's just one year away from college graduation. Talk about genius, huh? She's a computer freak! Yeah, she was able to hack into 9 levels of the US government's computer system for her crush--the really cute 18 year old--David. Little did she know that this was planned by IPNC to get her to join them.

She eventually joined IPNC and found a real family. A family of The Specialists. The characters are really loveable. :) I love T.L. so much. He's like Charlie, but a little more father-like. :) I love Bruiser, Mystic, Parrot, Beaker, and Wirenut, too! Yeah, they have cool names like that! Okay they're just code names, but they're cool right? I also love Chapling!!! Aww. He's the other computer geek that Kelly works with. He's so effortlessly funny and lovable. He hasn't walked out from his computer den for hmmm, 15 years (I forgot!)? FINALLY, I LOVE DAVID. He is so sweet! <3

After months of training, Kelly was sent to her first mission.Her mission was to save David's dad who was abducted 10 years ago by some dying terrorist. There's one problem though. She has to go undercover as a model and she's anything but a model. Sure she's pretty, but she isn't composed, confident, assertive. Kelly is a model's complete opposite.

Now that they're in the terrorist's premises, will Kelly keep her model secret identity? Or will she lead the group to trouble? Read this and you'll find out. :) I seriously hope I read this when I was about 14-16. I would totally recommend this to those teens/tweens out there. :) I know you'll have fun. I did! :)

Enjoy reading! :) God bless you! :)

Lessons I Learned

1. Value your family. You'll never know when you'll stay together as one.
Kelly lost her parents when she was six. David's dad was abducted when he was eight. All the rest of the Specialists have no families to return to. I don't know what happened to their families, but I sure don't want to lose mine as such a young age like them. So let's all cherish the times we spend with our families. Love them! Care for them! Although they eat our freshly baked cakes and spaghetti. :)

2. Love your neighbors as much as you love yourself and your own family.
The Specialists have no families anymore, but they have each other. Love your friends because they make a great family. :) Remember, however, to find true friends. Friends that will lead you to the right path. :)

laurice-with-love <3
Find this review on Goodreads!

Book Review: The Star Dwellers (5/5)

noreply@blogger.com (laurice-with-love) — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 00:53:00 +0800

Book-iography

Title: The Star Dwellers

Author: David Estes
Published: September 30, 2012

Publisher: David Estes

Format: E-book

Pages: 368
Type: Series (The Dwellers #2)
Bookshelves: Young Adult, Dystopian
Read: September 29-30, 2012

Links: Goodreads | Amazon

Rating:

What can I say?

I didn't realize I haven't written a review for The Star Dwellers when in fact it is the best book and by far, my favorite among the three Dweller books!!!

Just two months ago, I remember putting my review on hold because I honestly think that my words wouldn't do justice to the action, suspense, and sweet moments this book has to offer! Two months later, I decided to give the review a try. :) So here it goes.

Just like any other series, The Star Dwellers picks right where The Moon Dwellers ended. Adele and Tristan parted ways to accomplish different tasks just when they have only spent a handful of pages together. Adele went with Tawni to venture the Star Realm and save her mother; Tristan, with Roc and Ben to gain the support of the Moon Realm.

Neither of them will have a light task. Trials after trials will block their way from reaching their goals. Adele and Tawni will acquire a fatal disease that eats up their energy and sanity. One more mile long, they're dead. Tristan's situation is nothing better. The Resistance Leaders from the Moon Realm don't trust him, believing he's a spy of Pres. Nailin. No one knew how great a disaster it would be if the Moon Realm and the Star Realm don't agree to unite. With these obstacles ahead, will Adele and Tristan see each other again?

The Sun Dwellers is a sure page-turner! It will make you crave for the next word and the word after that. Prepare yourself for a series of twists and turns because David will surprise you when you least expect it! One more thing, SOMEONE--someone we all love--will die. :'(

HAHA! Enjoy reading! God bless us all! :)

laurice-with-love <3
Find this review on Goodreads!

Waiting on Wednesday #6: Everbound

noreply@blogger.com (laurice-with-love) — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 18:11:00 +0800

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

For my sixth WoW, I give you...

*drumroll*....Everbound!

Book-iography

Title: Everbound

Author: Brodi Ashton
Published: January 22, 2013

Publisher: Harper Collins

Type: Series (Everneath #2)

Bookshelves: YA Books

Links: Goodreads

Blurb:

Nikki Beckett could only watch as her boyfriend, Jack, sacrificed himself to save her, taking her place in the Tunnels of the Everneath for eternity — a debt that should’ve been hers. She’s living a borrowed life, and she doesn’t know what to do with the guilt. And every night Jack appears in her dreams, lost and confused and wasting away.

Desperate for answers, Nikki turns to Cole, the immortal bad boy who wants to make her his queen — and the one person least likely to help. But his heart has been touched by everything about Nikki, and he agrees to assist her in the only way he can: by taking her to the Everneath himself.

Nikki and Cole descend into the Everneath, only to discover that their journey will be more difficult than they’d anticipated — and more deadly. But Nikki vows to stop at nothing to save Jack — even if it means making an incredible sacrifice of her own.

In this enthralling sequel to Everneath, Brodi Ashton tests the bonds of destiny and explores the lengths we’ll go to for the ones we love.

Thoughts! :'>

SEE THAT COVER?? When I saw that cover, it was just as awesome as this cute gif!!! I'd give a Photoshop Award to the one who made that!!! It's pure awesomeness!!! ^___________^ I haven't read Everneath, but it looks really good. So I guess, Everbound is also an awesome read. :) Anyone who read it? :)

laurice-with-love <3