How my dry skin becomes a little bit healthier

So.. My face was super duper dry, and i had dry so much products..

From Loreal's Hydrafresh All day hydration aqua essence (which sting, and make my face felt so hot), Olay Regenerist Micro-sclupting cream (which did not sting too much, but i didn't see any effect on the dry skin), Clinique Moisture Surge Extended (which sting too, so i stop it after a week or so), and at the end, bodyshop's product. I had to say, bodyshop's doesn't sting at all, but it doesn't cure my super dry-sensitive skin.

Anyway, I almost give up and planning to visit a doctor. Yea, i am that worried!

Then i stumbled upon Singapore's groupon promotion..
SGD68 for 90 minutes signature facial in Aster Spring (they say it worth around SGD 160).. 
I know it's kinda expensive! Well atleast, back in my hometown in Indonesia, i can get decent facial with just around SGD30. 

Oh, I did check reviews on Aster Spring, and i found some nice comments on cozycot.com and some other blogs. Aster Spring was formerly known as Leonard Drake.
I knew they have branch in Clementi mall, which is so near. So I called them, explained i have a groupon deal and tried to make appointment.
Usually when there is a groupon coupon for a place, it's gonna be hard to make an appointment with them.

Maybe i am lucky, i called them on tuesday, then i got appointment for thursday.
After fixing time, then i proceed with purchasing the groupon coupon.

Anyway, on Wednesday, they called me to remind me on the appointment. (like!)

My appointment is at 11am. I came slightly early (I took half day leave for this!), and they're still closed.
But at 11:02 (said my watch), there was a lady on the receptionist desk. So i told her that i was there for my facial. She asked me for the groupon print out and my IC. Then she told me to wait for a while at the sofa.
After that, she gave me one lengthy questionaire. I filled what i think my skin has.. Like how dry it is, what products i wore, how many water, softdrink, coffee/tea i drink each days, etc. 

Then the therapist run the questionaire down, and explain to me that it seems that i had a sensitive skin (which is obvious for me), and told me i didn't drink enough water. Well, i drink almost or around 2 L water everyday, but i drink atleast a cup of softdrink (who can ressist Heaven&earth or pokka's green tea!) or a cup of coffee a day. So she said it is not enough, for every cup of softdrink or coffee or tea, you'll need to drink at least 6 cups of water, and we still need the 2 L water.. Woah!

Then she proceed using somekind of UV lamp (i assume) and explained what she saw. Like some redness on the cheek due to sensitivity or dryness, i can't remember. Some white spot due to dusts. Then some spots due to UV from sun. And so on. Then she told me she'll do ultra sensitive treatment.

I purposely didn't use any make up that day! So after changing my clothes with their tubes, we started the facial. She with cleansing my face, then do some exfoliation, and some more cleansing. Then she put on the steam (it was not too hot, thank God). Then another colleague of her did the extractions. It was not too painful, but i don't really have much whiteheads/blackheads, and i do have high pain tolerance.


After that she put some cold cream, and using a cold metal (?) thing to rub my skin. Then she sprayed a somekind of mist. Then she put the mask, and left it for sometime. Not sure how long she left it. I manage to get short nap!Next, she put the serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen.

Then ofcourse, there is the selling part. She told me some products that she would suggest. She suggested the ultracalming serum concentrate, the ultracalming mask, and one more thing which i forgot. She also offered the package promotion, but their cheapest promotion is $888, so i firmly said no to the therapist. 

I like how the therapist keep her friendly attitude, even after i said no. I thought i kinda like the whole facial thing, and my face does look better! So i asked her, if i will take one of the product, which will she recommend most. If i remember correctly, the product price is $65, $80ish, and $100ish. She told me she'll reccomend the serum concentrate. So i go and purchase that one. 
It was around $80. Expensive, right? :( I was desperate for my skin!

Then when i went out for lunch, my friend say my face looks waaaaay better, shiny is the term she used. I'm so happy!
The facial effect lasted around 3 days, then it wasn't that shiny. 

I guess aster spring's facial is good when you want some facial improvement boost.

Oh, and the product, i happily report that it works fine for my skin! My skin is not dry/ peeling anymore, it looks way healthier. But maybe i won't get a new tubes, as $80ish is quite a lot of money to burn! 

Atleast i'll put this post, and thank Asterspring (Clementi Mall, Singapore) for their nice treatment, even with my groupon deal, and not buying any promotion. Kudos! 

Book Review: The Lost Year - Mary Higgins Clark

I'm so excited to live near a library!
I manage to grab the newest book from my favourite author, Mary Higgins Clark :D

The story:
Jonathan Lyons, a biblical scholar, was murdered. The house was almost empty. His daughter, Mariah found his dad's dead body, and saw her mother hiding in the study closet.
The thing is, her mother, Kathleen, got a really bad hit from Alzheimer. She barely remember things when it get worse.
Police suspect Kathleen, since no one else was in the house, and there were no sign of forced entry.
On the funeral day, the priest, Father Aiden, told Mariah that Jonathan told him, he found a sacred letter.
It was believed that Jesus wrote one letter to thank Joseph Arimatea for his kindness. Another believe was, Joseph was the one helping Jesus to study abroad from 9 years, until when He start His ministry. Jesus also knew that His time in the earth was going to end, and He will be buried in a tomb provided by Joseph. Thus, He wrote the one and only letter.
Mariah was beheld by her thoughts, was it her mother who killed her father in rage. Well, Jonathan was having an affair for quite sometime with one of his colleague, Lilian.
Also, Mariah felt she didn't treat her father well due to his affair. She felt a bit quilty for not accepting his father wholely.
On the other side, Jonathan's colleagues are also curious because Jonathan said he found the sacred letter, but apparantly the letter goes missing.
The police held Kathleen for treatment, they are still believing that Kathleen murdered her own husband.
It is now Mariah's task to clean up her mother's name, to find the killer, and save the sacred letter. And maybe her own life.....


My opinion:
Good book! I love Mary Higgins Clark. It is fun to read her book, and to re-connect with her favourite so-called-detectives, Alvirah and Willy. Oh, it was quite shocking to find who the real killer is, but the love-side was quite detectable :p
Also a intriquing part about the Jesus' story. But it was fun to read :)

Gonna try to get Carol Higgins Clark's new book next. Wish me luck!! :D

Book Review: Bittersweet Surrender

I've read this book last March, but forgot to put up a review.
So, the book was from Thomas Nelson Publishers, called Bittersweet Surrender. The writter is Diann Hunt.
I picked this book from BookSneeze, mainly because of the cover. Yes, CHOCOLATES!!

Carly Westlake is an owner of a spa, famous for their chocolate treatment. (hmmmm... I wanted to go to spa, badly! :D)

But the story was a bit dissapointing for me. Maybe because I can't relate to her, at all.
It was good, but not that good.
Okay, back to the plot.

So, Carly is a cancer survivor. She's divorced. Her husband dumped her when she was struggeling with cancer. BAD GUY! :(
Her spa is quite famous, but the business itself isn't that good. There seems to be something wrong with the finance or the way the spa was run. Carly best friend, Scott, helped her managing the tax and financial admins. Scott's wife was Carly's best friend, and helped her managing the spa's stock purchase. She passed away few months back, but Scott remained to help Carly on the Spa. Scott has just found the reason why her spa wasn't doing well, but he kept that as a secret, because it might broken Carly's heart. He was conflicted, and silently promise to keep by Carly's side.
On the other hand, Carly's high school crush, Jake, is back in the hood! And with his daughter! Romance alert!!

anyway...

Later through this book, we'll see how Carly learned some secrets of her family and friends, remembered the past, and yet keep on moving.

You'll have to be patient though, as the plot moves slowly. I think i won't buy this book if i saw it on the store. Truthfully, I read it till the end, just because I hate to not finishing a book.
This review is my own opinion. No one forced me to say good things, or bad things about this book. :)

Book Review: Cherised

I'm on my second-book review this month :)
This book is written by Kim Cash Tate.

To be honest, I expected this book to be like the "First Date" (the last book i read), which was fun, light, and youthful. But not, Cherised is a bit heavier read. The story involved Kelly London, who used to wrote songs. She hasn't been writing any songs after one point of her life where she did abortion. Incidentally, one of her brother found out she wrote a beautiful piece titled "I will Love You", and asked her to sing it in his wedding.
She did, and it blew the audiences. As she sings, she remember her past.

This event brings Kelly to moved in with her brother, and eventually things working out. Her sister in laws thought that God's calling Kelly to write song, and although Kelly sometimes have small faith, they kept being a solid rock foundation, believing for God's to place Kelly perfectly.

It works! And in the journey, Kelly is able to let go of her past, forgive the guy that hurt her, and believing God's for everything. Kelly eventually involved in the making of beautiful album, made by Brian aka Alien, a famous christian rapper. They shared their love for their lost baby, and at the end trusted God to use their story and their songs to brought others to see God's love.

It was a good reading! I cried out a bit, when reading about Kelly's past, her worries, and her struggle to let go. Also it's moving to read about Heather's struggle, who was a broken-hearted girl, used to be mistress, but  at the end realized she is God's beloved, precious, and forgiven.

This book was given to me by Booksneeze, from Thomas Nelson publishing company. In my own opinion, it was good! Read it! :)

Book Review: First Date

First Date is written by Krista Mc Gee. I got this book for free from BookSneeze.com, under a program with Thomas Nelson Publishing Company.
I was looking for something fresh, and I saw the cover on BookSneeze. I knew I had to read this book.
The main lead is Addy. She's just an ordinary girl, trying to blend in. She was chosen to represent her school in a reality show entitled "The Book of Love".
One of the main reason why Abby doesn't want to be on the show, is because she doesn't want to be famous. Her parents were killed when they're trying to stop drug deals in the area. They were missionaries, and Abby was raised by her uncle, Mike.
Abby ended up joining the reality show. The idea of the show is to look for a prom date for the President's son, Jonathon. She entered the show with one focus, to quit as soon as possible. But Jonathon is quite charming, and she soon felt that she has connection with him.
At the first weeks, Abby HATE to be on the show. But days passed, and she felt disappointed at her self, she felt she let her parents, her uncle, her school down, and she felt she let God down. She's too embarrassed to admit that she's a Christian, and she certainly doesn't behave like one.
Until one day her roommate, Kara, asked her whats wrong with her. Abby admitted how she felt being on the show. She even started to be a good friend, and enjoy the luxury given by the show.
There were ups and downs, and lots of lessons that Abby get during the show. But one thing that catch me, was when Abby was sick, and had to be treated in the hospital. She felt disappointed, as when other girls were having fun, she was stuck at the hospital. The day after she was released, she went to a diner with his uncle. They overheard a conversation, a plan to kidnap Jonathon, and subsequently kill the President.
Mike move fast, and let the Secret Service know. They manage to ruin the killing plan.
It was a blessing in disguise! When Hank was planning to kick Mike out of the show, suddenly Jonathon found out that Mike had saved his life, and thanked him on the show, so Hank couldn't kick Mike out.
The story shows how Abby was transformed, she begin to accept God's calling, begin to involve God even in small things like trying to be friendlier to people, even to Hank.
This book is good for light-reading, and it is totally heart warming! It put a smile on my face when I read the end of the story.
Love it!

Book Review: I'll Walk Alone - Mary Higgins Clark

I have just realize i missed the release date for this book :(
It's out sometime ago, last April if i'm not wrong..
And yet, i just know it today! What a awful fan..

Storyline

Alexandra Moreland, known as Zan to her close friends, was already separated with her husband Edward "Ted" Carpenter when she noticed that she's pregnant. When her husband offered her to take a responsibility of the kid, Zan refuses him, as she though he wasn't expecting it. But Ted has been nice and accepted her refusal. So they lived separatedly, and Ted was in a state where he had to pretend to love an artist under his management, Melissa Knight.  Melissa was a huge and famous artist, she was irreplaceable in his company, and he needed the money he get from taking care her. All three of them lived quite peacefully, until one day, when Zan was in a hurry for a meeting with a potential client, she let their son, Matthew, to be taken care by Tiffany. Tiffany was a girl Zan trusted, she's been babysitting Matthew several times. But that day Tiffany was a bit sick, so Zan gave her a drink, and a flu medicine.
Later that afternoon, Matthew was sleeping at the baby carriage, and Tiff take him to the park. Tiff fallen asleep as well, and wake up two hours later, finding that Matthew is gone! It put her into a very stressful condition, and she just didn't know how she's going to tell Zan.

Two years later, Matthew is still gone. No one heard anything about him.
On the other side, Matthew was save with Gloria. All Matthew knew was they're hiding from bad people. And Glory was there to help him hide. They have been moving around several times, and Matthew missed her mother so much. He's been putting soap under his pillow, because it smells just like mommy.

Gloria was an make-up artist, so she could do imposter very well. This task started to iritate her, because it was longer than it intended to do. She also started to like this little boy, as he's so smart. But at the same time, she wanted it all to be done, and went on with her career as an actress. The man who plan all of this said it's going to be done soon. And it will end with a death!

As a catholic, Gloria went to church, she felt guilty. When she saw the Father, Father Aiden O'Brien, at the Reconciliation Room, she was just able to say "I know a murder that someone is planning to commit and I can't stop it." And feeling guily, she didn't tell him the rest. Father Aiden was left in shocked.

It was on Matthew's 5th birthday, that Ted called Zan up for a dinner. And so they had it. In the middle of the dinner, Josh, Zan's dear assistant, rushed in. He showed them a picture taken by a tourist when the day Matthew gone. It seems that the woman taking Matthew from the baby carriage was Zan! Ted can't believe it, and he just went mad at her.

Since then, Zan's life was shaken. It seems that all evidence shown that it was indeed her, kindapping Matthew. Even the baby sitter, Tiff, started to say bad about her, how it is possible that Zan put a sleeping pills into the pepsi she drank. Tiff was a bit irritated because these years, people has been accusing her for being careless. Ted didn't believe her as well. Zan's also getting her bank account drawn by unknown hacker, and some strange purchases appeared on her credit card. The key witness who Zan was talking with during Matthew's kidnap suddenly said Zan was late on their meeting. Her ex-bos, Barthley Longe, has did his best to beat her in every project she's going. Even the new potential customer, Kevin, who first thought he'll give the project to Zan, decided to choose Longe because of these matter. The world seems to be against her.

After dreadful details, Zan was put into jail, but Willy Meehan bailed him out. Willy and Alvirah were a good friend of Zan, since Zan wrote to Alvirah on how she loves Alvirah's article on kidnap. Alvirah liked Zan, and ordered her to re-do their apartment. Since then they're good friends.

Then Zan realized someone has set this trap for her. It was in her mind that the one to blame was her ex-bos, Longe. However, no one believed her, not even the detectives.
With Kevin, Willy, and Alvirah's help, and also the lawyer, Charles, they started to seek for the truth..

For sure, it wasn't Zan. If she said it wasn't her, so it can't be her, they trusted her.
And at the end, it was proved that some one did imposter her. It started with an ex-cop saying that there was 2 woman looked like Zan.. Which is ofcourse Gloria and Zan..
And Kevin found out that Ted was the one behind this all, since he found a spy-camera in Zan's rooms.

But there is only small time left, will the police able to reach Gloria's house and safe Matthew before Ted's man come and kill them? Will Zan ever saw her son again?


My review
It's been quite sometime since the last time i read Mary Higgins Clark's book. I recall last time, I could guessed easily who is the bad guy. But this time, i think i lose that ability :p
I fall miserably by believing that it was Barthley Longe who set up all these plots against Zan.
But I do like how Mrs. Clark put all the small details, like how Tiff notice the sandals that Zan's imposter looked different. Or how Father O'Brien notice the woman's hand is smaller than Zan's hand..
And she use Alvirah again! Alvirah is still one of my favourite character.. And it's good to imagine how she did good again..
But after finishing the book, and thinking for several seconds, it seems that Mrs. Clark was back at her usual plots after all. She hasn't changed! She put the small details that made us guessed the wrong person, and the bad guy was actually the guy we thought was kind, and how the police was wrong but able to resolve the problems at the end..
Anyway, this book is definetly shouldn't be missed if you're a Mary Higgins Clark's fan
:)

Book Summary: The Duke and I (Bridgerton Series) - Julia Quinn

The first girl in Bridgerton Series..! Daphne's love story is definetly one of the most interesting story written by Julia Quinn. This book is the first book out as Bridgerton Series.

Before we go to Daphne.. We have to know a bit about the hero in this story.. :)

Simon.. his mother passed away when giving birth to him.. And as known by public, Simon's father, Duke of Hastings put much big hope for him. Even when Simon was only 2 years old, his father already give him a pony, a gun and some tutors! A bit to early for a duke's education in his nurse's opinion. But Duke of Hastings didn't care at all. All his life, he had waited for his heir. And when his wife finally gave birth to Simon, he's extremely happy.

Until...

 At 4 years old, The Duke realize that Simon didn't talk.. He's so furious, and nearly hit the nurse. And little Simon started to yell "No!".. The duke was relieved.. But next, he heard Simon said, "Don't you h-h-h-h-h-h--"..
That's it.. The Duke decided that Simon is a moron. He went back to London, and since then it was quite common that people thought Duke's Little boy passed away.

When he was a bit older, Simon and the nurse went to visit his father. The buttler was quite surprised, as they all thought the Duke has no son. Simon managed to learn how to speak fluently, only failed one or two time.. They meet the Duke, and yet, facing his father, he can't control his emotion.. And so, Duke of Hastings ask him to leave, saying there is no place for Simon there.
Since then, it was in Simon's mind to keep being the exact opposite of what his father wanted him to be.

Few years later, Simon grew up, studied in Eton and Oxford (without his father's approval at first, but then knowing his son is good at study, he said nothing) and eventually befriended with Anthony Bridgerton. One day, he was on Lady Danburry's ballroom, and heard a woman voice "No".. He was planing to be present in Lady Danbury's party, greeted her, and left. If he's helping this woman, there is no way no one won't notice him. 

"Nigel," the girl was saying, "you really shouldn't have followed me out here"

But I love you!" the young man cried out in a passionate voice. "All I want is to make you my wife"

He decided to help the girl, but as he stepping out, the girl hit the young man. And rather irritated to find some one actually view that incident, the girl, Daphne, saw him and ask "Who are you?"

But, Nigel, the young man, was still half-councious, asking Daphne to marry him.

Simon finally realized that he was facing Anthony's sister. He was surprised knowing that he did felt something for Daphne. And as Nigel kept on bugging, he can't help but hit him. Daphne, being a nice young lady, thought it was not good for anyone to see this scene. After several chat with Simon, they finally decided to let Nigel be unconcious in that place.

The night hasn't come to end, and after several encounters, Daphne and Simon ended up dancing together. Then, they come into a discussion, leading that they will play a court, so that Lady Bridgerton (Daphne's mom) will stop forcing and questioning her into marriage. And at the other hand, Simon, won't have to deal with debutantee and their mothers.

The following day, Daphne found he got several suitor, way to go as she has got very little gentleman courting her. Simon also decided he had to court her in order to make everyone think that they love each other. Anthony didn't agree at the idea Simon courting his sister. Finding it is neccesary, Daphne and Simon thought it is best to let Anthony knew the plan.

Ofcourse Anthony didn't agree at all at their crazy plan. But Daphne, manage to bring him to fact that it will definetly benefit her, as today, she had encounter men's starting to show their attraction to her.

So, heavy heartedly, Anthony approve the plan.

Slowly but sure, Simon and Daphne grow an affection toward each other. After one incident at

Lady Trowbridge's annual ball, where Daphne and Simon kissed, Daphne realize she did love him. But Anthony can't stand knowing his best friend is courting his sister. He knew Simon to well, he's a woman player! So Anthony and Simon are off for a duel.

Daphne know she had to do something, so with Colin's help, she went to the duel. She asked them all to stop, and she clearly stated the duel wasn't neccesary, as she will marry Simon.
Lady Bridgerton was so relieved. In her opinion, Daphne choose to love a good man. And the girls in Bridgerton family were excited for the upcoming wedding.

 On the other side of London, Anthony manage to come to Simon's house. Atleast, as the oldest of Bridgerton, he has to make sure that his sister is safe and happy. And if Daphne chooses Simon, then he'll accept it.. "I give you my word," Simon said. "I will do everything in my power to keep Daphne safe and content."

It's a wedding for Simon and Daphne.. A joyous and full of laughter wedding!

Everything seemed perfect..

Until Daphne found out that Simon has lied to her. Simon said he can't have children, and Daphne was okay with that because she loved him. That's what matter. It turned out, it's not he can't have children, he just won't have children. They had their very first quarrel.

"Your  actions, your choices—" she continued, her eyes growing very sad, "They have nothing to do with you, with what you want, or what you need. Everything you do, Simon, every move you make, every word you speak—it's all just to thwart him." Her voice broke as she finished with, "And he's not even alive"

Unable to control his emotion, Simon decided to left the house.

Thinking how Simon left her, Daphne felt alone. And she thought, it is time to go home.

So she went back to the Bridgerton House.

Seeing her alone, Lady Bridgerton can't help to ask where her husband be. Full of grief, Daphne manage to ask her mom to let her be home. Few days later, Colin paid visit. He was beyond furious. But Daphne insisted him to stay away from her marriage.

After three week, Daphne decided it is time to say something to Simon. She was writing a letter, when Anthony burst in to the room.

For sure, Anthony was mad. He might as well kill Simon as he let Daphne suffer. But Daphne made up her mind, that her marriage is her problem. Anthony should just stay away. But Anthony also had his mind set. He won't let Simon passed away from this.

After a bit of chat, they decided Anthony will be delivering Daphne's letter to Simon.

Finally Anthony met Simon. He can't help to ask Simon why he did this, "It's obvious you love her. And much as I can't comprehend it, she seems to love you as well"..

Simon could only manage to say that there are things Anthony could not understand.

Anthony stated, he was able to drag Simon to London, but he won't do that. If Simon did come to London, it should be because of Daphne. So Anthony passed her letter to Simon..

Later that day, Simon read Daphne's letter. He was shock. Daphne was pregnant.

So Simon went to London as soon as his carriage was ready.

Will Simon accept Daphne's pregnancy? Will Daphne forgive Simon for what he did?

Will they both married happily ever after? :)

Book Summary: An Offer from a Gentleman (Bridgerton Series) - Julia Quinn

An Offer from a Gentleman is the third book from the Bridgerton Series. This book is the story of Benedict, and his dear wife, Sophie.


Sophie's story..

Sophie Beckett was a daughter of Earl of Penwood. She's not a official daughter though, as the Earl clearly stated that she was an old friend's daughter. All the servants never mentioned it, as they all quite adore Sophie. And the Earl didn't care a bit for her. He just make sure that Sophie is well accepted in the house. And he went on with his life, not really care about Sophie.
Until one day, the Earl married a woman, who has 2 daughters. Sophie was so happy that she will have a sister! But she found that the countess hated her.

And so did her first daughter, Rosemary. Her second daughter, Posy, is more friendly to Sophie. She sometimes show kindness and care to her, but most of the time Posy said her mother forbid her to be nice to Sophie.

Until four years later, the earl passed away. And one of the statement in his will is that Araminta, the duchess, will get 2000 a year, unless she take care of Sophie until she turned to 20, and in that case, she'll get 6000 a year. Araminta agreed to take care Sophie, but she left out the details why she wanted to do so.

Lady Whistledown's newest paper was about Lady Bridgerton's upcoming masquerade ball. She also wrote about Benedict and Collin, and how she think both of them are the prime catch of the season.
This made Araminta determined that either Rosamund or Posy is going to marry one of them. So they both have to be on their best appearance.

On the other hand, Sophie never once step into a ball. Araminta has made it clear that Sophie is considered a maid in their family. Lady Whistedown's paper is the only way Sophie can know how it feels to attend a ball.

Reading the first chapter, how Araminta treated Sophie, i kinda felt like reading Cinderella story, so I'll let that aside, and move on to after Araminta and her daughters went for Lady Bridgerton's ball. Sophie saw the carriage went away, and she was thinking to read today's Lady Whistledown paper.
But Mrs. Gibbons, the housekeeper, insist her going. She and three other maids helped Sophie to bath, get dressed, and of course make up.. She is indeed ready to go for the ball. Mrs. Gibbons assure her, that she'll have a great time, but she have to get back before midnight. (Really a Cinderella story?)

When Sophie met Benedict..
Benedict knew nothing about her. He just saw a girl, with utterly beautiful smile, as if she is really happy, her beauty come within, she just glow.
Brushing of the gentlemen surrounding her, Benedict said that she has own him a dance.
And so they danced.. Or actually, as Sophie never knew how to dance, Benedict taught her. Yes, dancing lesson, at a ball..!
The dance was held on a private terrace.. Benedict was a Bridgerton, and it was indeed her mother's ball. So it did make sense that he had a private terrace.. But, Sophie didn't know who he was. Innocently, she agreed to go with him.

They were on the way tp the private terrace, when Colin catch them up. From their apparance, Sophie finally realize, she was facing the two most eligible bachelor, Benedict and Colin..
Colin went away, leaving both of them together.
Benedict was a bit curious.. Why is this lady keeping secrets? She won't give out clue of who she was.
They did dance. It was a great time for both of them. And He's trying to know her identity, but she kept refusing to say who she was. Until the midnight gong was heard.

Sophie run, and she incidentally hit Araminta. Thank God her step mother doesn't recoqnize her. So she went directly to the carriage and went back.
Which left our man, Benedict, gazed at the empty stair. But luckily he still held one of her gloves. It said the initial, SLG, with a family symbol that he didn't know. He decided he'll ask his mother, Lady Bridgerton.

Violet did recoqnize the symbol. It was for Earl of Penwood. And she did curious of why Benedict insist to know that symbol. And so Benedict tell the story to his mother.
She can't believe that he'll like any of Penwood's daughter.. Oh well, Rosemary and Posy seemed not to be his type. And she didn't like the Countess as well.. But if Benedict like them, then she won't object it.

Back at the Penwood House, Araminta was furious to know someone used her satin shoe. Sophie tried to tell her, she could try brushing the shoe. And Araminta ordered her to brush all her shoe, which is waaaay a lot.. Suddenly the buttler announced a gentleman is there to meet Araminta. She was so thrilled, so she order Sophie to reassure Rosemary and Posy are presentable, and that Rosemary locked Sophie on her closet.

It was Benedict afterall. And when he saw both ladies, he knew that his mystery girl wasn't there. He tried to ask Araminta the possibility of any other daughter she had, far relatives, and such. Which made Araminta a bit curious. Then knowing his attempt failed, he went back. But Araminta and the girls spotted him holding a glove. And Araminta come into conclution that the one he's been looking for was Sophie.

Furious as she was, Araminta kicked Sophie out of her house. Sophie was left with no other option, other than to steal Araminta's shoe clip. And then the next morning, she went off outside London.

Two years later..

Sophie was a maid at Cavenders family. There was a party held by their eldest son. Benedict was bored and decided to leave, so he tried to find Philip Cavender who was the host of the party.
Philip was trying to rape her, and Benedict came in time. He saved her, but he was unaware that Sophie was the girl he's been searching for.

Benedict brought her to "MY COTTAGE". It was raining hard, and the housekeepers (Mr and Mrs Crabtree) weren't there. Sophie tried to search for the servant's corner, but Benedict insist that she should accompany him, lightning the fire and dried themselves. Then he asked her help to light the furnace in two rooms, as she is not a servant there.

Benedict was sick. So Sophie slept a bit, and watched him in his room. She must be fallen asleep, as the next morning she was surprisedly waken up by Mrs. Crabtree. But they realize Benedict was sick, and it was the urgent thing. Mr and Mrs Crabtree like Sophie, so they insist to keep her there.
With Mrs Crabtree's full stocked of food, and with Sophie's presence, Benedict went healthier day by day.
Oh, and so did their relationship grew. And Benedict started to realize he like Sophie's presence.
At the same day, Benedict kissed her, and asked her to go to London and lived with him.

Dreams come true?

With a bit forcing Sophie, Benedict managed to get her accompany him to London.
When Violet met Sophie, she tought she met this girl before. There was something familiar with Sophie. But she can't recall. Sophie was hired as an upstair maid of Bridgerton House.
But, one can't expect to enter Bridgerton House without feeling as a family, right?

One day, while trying to escape from Benedict, Sophie incidentally saw Araminta. She tried to hide, but Posy saw her. It might be her fearful expression that made Posy said no word to Araminta. And when they're gone, Sophie stayed hiding for another some time.

And Benedict kissed Sophie again.. It was in his bachelor house..
And since then, Sophie and Benedict tried to stay away from each other.

One day, Benedict asked Violet, how if he married someone with a far lower class than him.
Note that Violet was a good mother, she knew what, or who he's talking about. She assured him, she loved him and will accept what ever his decision is.

At that time, Benedict realize he loved Sophie. And when he went upstair, he saw Sophie played with his cousins, and he come into conclution, Sophie was his mystery girl.
He's mad! Sophie was forced to tell him the reality. Who she was, and such.
So she decided, it's time to leave Bridgerton House.
She said her farewell to Violet, and Violet insist to fetch her with their carriage.
Sophie was waiting for the carriage, when Araminta appeared. MAD. Because of her shoe clip.
Sophie was thrown into jail.

On the other side of the story, Colin had a very nice brotherly chat with Benedict. Which lead Benedict into conclution that he must mary Sophie. So he went to Bridgerton House, but Sophie wasn't there. His mother said that Sophie disappear just as she tried to find their carriage. It turned out Violet didn't realize that Sophie was sent to jail. Until Hyacinth showed her the latest Whistledown's page about Sophie.

It was now Araminta, the Countess of Penwood, versus Sophie, the maid. Will the judges trust Sophie? Benedict and Lady Bridgerton come to rescue her, and it is now three against one.
And Benedict insist that the magistrate had to release his fiancee. But Araminta insist Sophie stole her shoe clip. Then Posy saved the day, by dramatically asked to be jailed as she was the one who stole the shoeclip. It was a hard day indeed for the magistrate.. Poor him..

And so Sophie got the first turn to tell him the story. She told him everything from the beginning. How she was the daughter of Earl of Penwood, although never acknowledge as one, how Araminta hate her since the first day they met, and how she treated her when the earl passed away, how she turned to be a slave. Posy burstly told everyone that the earl actually left a dowry for Sophie. Araminta can't denied it.

And so that is the highlight of the day. Posy went back with the Bridgerton's family, while Araminta made it clear that Posy was a dissapointment for her. Much to everyone's surprise, Sophie punch her because of that. Yes, not because of how bad she treated her, not because of she took her dowry, but because Araminta didn't treat her daughters equally.

And I could assure you, since then, Sophie was Benedict, as much as he was hers.
:)

Book Summary: It's in His Kiss (Bridgerton Series) - Julia Quinn

It's in His Kiss is Julia Quinn's seventh book of the Bridgerton Series. This book tells the story of
Hyacinth Bridgerton, the youngest of 8 Brigerton childrens.

As the youngest of all, Hyacinth is a little too smart, a little too outspoken, and ofcourse hated (in a good way) but truely loved by his brothers and sisters.. Hyacinth is Lady Danbury's favourite.
No one knew how Hyacinth can handle Lady Danbury. Lady Danbury is known for her sharp opinion on almost everything! But she is Hyacinth's role model, and Hyacinth adores her.

One of Lady Danbury's wish is to make her grandson, Gareth St Clair married Hyacinth. Both are her favourites, ofcourse it will be lovely to have them married.
Gareth is not in a good relationship with his father, Lord St Clair. He once forced into marrying a not-smart girl, Mary Wrotham, who was not quite right in head. Turned out that his father needed money, and he can't let his older son marrying Mary. So it is time for Gareth, his useless son, to be useful. Mary's father will give him money if Gareth married her right away. Gareth decided he can't bear it any longer, and he went away. Since then, the tons would never found a party attended by both of them together. Either one of them will appear.

Gareth's brother, Richard, passed away. And he also found out the reason why his father hated him is because he is not a St Clair. Her mother pregnant while his father is away, and so no one knew who's son he was. However Lady Danbury, her mother's mother, loved him, and supported him, so he could rent a small bachelor house, and able to attend parties of the season.

Each tuesday, Hyacinth will come to Lady Danbury's house, to read novels for her. In my own opinion, the novels they read seems silly :p
And sometimes Gareth dropped by to his grandma's residence. Hyacinth found out how he's devoted to his grandma, and started to like him.

Until, one day, Richard's wife come to Gareth, and give him a book, a diary of their grandmother. It was Richard's will to give it to Gareth if anything happened. The diary was in italian, so he went to Lady Danbury, and share the story to her. Hyacinth was there, and told them she understand a bit of italian as her governess taught her when she's young.

Then Hyacinth started to helped Gareth translated the diary. One day, Hyacinth found out that his grandmother hide a jewelry in St Clair House. She kept on translating, and sharing what she knew to Gareth. In the balls, or theathers, they sometimes talked about it, and making people curious that Gareth is courting Hyacinth. Violet, Lady Bridgerton, was happy finding out that they are close. She thought that her daughter will be a good match with Gareth.

Things happening, and both of them realized they have feelings towards each other. However, Lord St Clair made it certain to Gareth that he is no one, no title, and come from unknown father, and therefor is never a good match for Hyacinth. But love knows no reason, right?

They sneak into Lord St Clair house, trying to find the jewelry. First attempt, they only get a clue, that it was hidden there. They tried searching everywhere, but it was no where to be found.
One day, Hyacinth was reading a novel to Lady Danbury, and she come into this part of the novel

"If you want to know if a gentleman loves you,’ her

mother said, ‘there is only one true way to be sureIt's in his kiss."

And Hyacinth can't resist thinking of Gareth and his kiss. Does he love her?
Suddenly the buttler said that a visitor come for Miss Bridgerton. It turned out that the visitor is Gareth. Lady Danbury was quite surprised as Gareth usually just go right in..
Gareth proposed Hyacinth in front of Lady Danbury!
Gareth is finally engaged to Hyacinth. They were pleased, happy, excited..

One night, they went back into St Clair's residence to search for the jewelry. Another failed attempt. On the way back, they met Lord St Clair. Hyacinth was able to hide, so it's only Lord St Clair versus Gareth now. Lord St Clair manage to insult Gareth.. and Hyacinth heard it all.. She come into conclution that Gareth proposed her, not because of he loved her, but because he wanted to prove that his father is wrong.

Hyacinth won't meet Gareth. She's too upset.. But a chat with Violet, her mother, made her realize, she just simply love Gareth. She's in love.. She's a fool.. A fool in love!

On the other hand, Gareth has come to the conclusion that he must take action. Then the buttler announced that he has a visitor. It was Hyacinth! Using the excuse of the jewel search, Hyacinth come and seek her. At first they talked about it.. till Gareth realize, Hyacinth has something he wanted.. She knew where she belongs. Truth is he just loved her because of herself. So he told her the story of him and his father. How he's not his father's son. Buth Hyacinth, as lovely as she is, loved him, not because of his title. She won't care if he is with a title or not.

Things are going back to it's place. Hyacinth and Gareth are together again..

But they have some mysteries to solve.. Gareth's true father.. and the Jewel.. What will come next? :D

Book Summary: When He was Wicked (Bridgerton Series) - Julia Quinn

When He was Wicked was the story of Francesca (the sixth children of Bridgerton).

Francesca is happily married with Earl of Kilmartin, John. John was a very nice gentleman, who has an older cousin, Michael Stirling. Michael was older, but his father was a younger brother of John's, so the Earl position was given to John. However they both are so close, so that Michael doesn't care about it. He never jealous of John, until, John married Francesca.
It was hard wanting a wife of your beloved brother. But, Michael manage it, becoming a very good friend of Francesca, telling her wicked stories.

One night, John was feeling a bit unwell, while Francesca wanted a walk. So Michael accompany her walking outside. When they comeback, they found John passed away. The grief was too much to bear for both of them. There were many things to handle, and Michael was appointed as the next Earl of Kilmartion. But then, they found that Francesca is carrying John's seed. So, while the tons waiting for her son/daughter, Michael will have to take the position of Earl of Kilmartin.

Several days after that, Francesca miscarriage. She was becoming deeper in grief. Michael, can't stand it all, and decided to stay as far as he could from her. Francesca could not understand, why she had to lose John, then their child, then her best friend, Michael. She confronted Michael. Michael saw her, and his passion to her was to much to bear, and so he asked Francesca to leave. Then, he left London, and went to India. So Francesca had to take care of Kilmartin.

Until four years later, Francesca decided it is time for her to end her mourn, and to find a husband for her own. She went to London to attend the next season. At the same time, Michael is back at London.
Without knowing, they both stayed at Kilmartin house, and finally when they saw each other, Francesca decided it is better for her to stay at her mother's place.

However, Michael was sick, malaria. And Francesca is the only one that can help. Each and every day, she visited him, taking care of him, and make Lady Bridgerton (Violet) curious. Janet and Helen (John's and Michael's mother) finally arrived at Kilmartin House, they are considered chaperone, so Francesca could move back into Kilmartin House.

From that moment, Michael started to realize, he still in love with Francesca. He can't bear knowing Francesca is finding new husband. Things happening, Michael kissed Francesca, and so Francesca run away from London, back to Kilmartin, while Michael staying at London, drinking, griefing that he can't have her, why he did that silly thing, causing their friendship in the edge again. Colin Bridgerton, had to intervere, and asked why Michael doesn't married her instead as there are no such law forbid them.

Michael went back to Kilmartin, her childhood-house. All the memories of John come through him.. But he knew he had to marry Francesca.. He can't live without her, as much as she can't live without him.. But John? Will memories of John affect their marriage? And there is still the problem of Michael's malaria. Could they live happily ever after?

Book Summary: The Viscount who Loved Me (Bridgerton Series) - Julia Quinn

The Viscount who Loved Me is the second book from Bridgerton Series..
Julia Quinn did impress me with how she manage to collaborate all her books, and relate between one and others.

Anyway, this book is about Anthony, trying to find a wife..
If you recall, on the first book, Lord Bridgerton (Edmund - the father) passed away when all his children are still small.
However, Anthony, being the first kid, felt that he has a deeper bond with his father. Seeing how his adorable, lively, strong father passed away because of bee's stung, made him realize, his life will also ended young. Therefor, he decided not to love anyone. He saw how his mother, Lady Bridgerton (Violet) had to bear losing a person she care most, a person she loved most.

One day Anthony decided it is time to find a wife, and fulfill his duty as a viscount, to have children. The brightest young debutantee at the moment was Edwina Sheffield. Eighteen, smart, blond hair, blue eyes and lovely face, she will be a very good Lady Bridgerton. And most important, he will  respect her, but not love her.

However, all the tons knew that if one wants to marry Edwina, he shall pass her sister's, Kate. Kate was Edwina's step-sister. Both live together with Edwina's mother, Mary. Due to their economic condition, Kate must wait until Edwina's reaching the age of 18 and debuted together in London's season.

Kate simply hate Anthony. For goodness sake, He was a well-known rake. His reputation is so bad, that she can't resist having him in her presence. However, Colin (The third son of Bridgerton), naughty as he is, lied to Anthony and said how Kate adored him. And Colin simply dragged Anthony, and introduced both of them. After several conversation, Anthony realized how Kate hate him.

When Anthony visitted The Sheffield's residence, he brought three roses, one for Mary, one for Edwina, and one for Kate. This simple act touched Kate's heart. No one has ever given her flower. She's usually behind Edwina's shadow. But, she also realize, this prove how good Anthony is in influencing ladies, and that indeed he is a rake.

Several things happened, and Anthony realized how he can't removed Kate from his mind.
Violet, Lady Bridgerton, knew that Anthony had interest in Edwina, and so she invited the Sheffields to Aubrey Hall. During their visit there, Kate and Edwina found how bad the Bridgerton could be when they play Pall Mall. How one try to beat others, and ofcourse, in fun ways.

Also, one time, Kate was out with Anthony, and she decided to told him that she approved him courting Edwina. She realize, deep down, Anthony is a good and loyal man. However, a bee stung her. Anthony still can't get the image of his father's death by a bee's stung, and tried to remove the bee's potion from Kate. They were caught in a questionable position, which lead to the decision of Anthony marrying Kate in the next week.

Since the beginning, before the marriage, Anthony told Kate clearly that he can be a good loyal husband, he will give everything Kate wanted, except one. He can't loved him.
On that moment, Kate realized she loved him, and can't lived without him. Their journey was just started, will Kate be able to remove the bar that Anthony set from them? Will Kate able to stick in a love unreplied?

Book Summary: To Sir Philip, With Love (Bridgerton Series) - Julia Quinn

This book is the 5th book of 8 Bridgerton Series writen by Julia Quinn..
Another lovely historical romance, with the setting mainly in London, around early 1800.

Let me begin with introducing our heroine:
Eloise - the 5th children of Lady Bridgerton (Violet), warm, friendly, chatty..
Philip Crane - Husband of one of Eloise's far cousin, Marina, who just recently passed away..

It all begin with a letter..

Marina passed away at February 1823. Eloise wrote a comforting letter to Philip, offering her deepest condolences, without expecting any reply.. But ofcourse, the manner requires Philip to reply..
His reply, accompanied by a simple red campion flower (Silene dioca), a wild flower that Marina like, surprise Eloise.. She can't ignore how Philip mentioned the flower's name, and asked on her reply, whether Philip is love botanical..

And so the correspondence begin..

Until.. Eloise received a letter, or an invitation to be precise, from Philip, to go to his place, the Romney Hall. He's saying that Eloise and him could determine whether they will be fit, and that Eloise might want to be his wife..

Eloise, being Eloise, can not resist her curiousity. She decided to run, whithout any chaperone, and went to Romney Hall.
Philip, being surprised, was forced to accept her. However, it was him, who invited Eloise.

Philip's children, Amanda and Oliver Crane, do not like her presence. They did some tricks to her. But ofcourse, living with other 7 Bridgerton, Eloise is able to make a sweet revenge. Until, one of their tricks make Eloise fall, and injured her leg and face..

During these, Eloise gets to know, how Philip was never in a good relation with his children. He doesn't even know that his kids are able to swim. Simply said, Philip doesn't know how to be good father, as he do not have a good model from his father. And how he blamed, not his child, not his father, but himself..

Anthony, Benedict, and Gregory come, with a rush and rage. They thought Eloise did another silly things.. And they only offer one solution.. Eloise and Philip have to get married..
They will, ofcourse, but not without proper courting, and it means involving both Amanda and Oliver..

After the marriage, there are several things revealed, on Marina's death, Philip's deepest feeling, his kids' need, and ofcourse their brittle relationship.. These has to be taken care by Eloise, who's learning to be patient.. Eloise.. Patient? Can she? :)

Book Review- Bridgerton Family Series by Julia Quinn

I read different genre of book. I have many favourite author. Julia Quinn is one of them, who i enjoy her words, and how she make connection between her books. Her book will be in historical romance genre.

One of my favourite Julia Quinn Collection is the Bridgerton Family Series..

Lady Bridgerton has total 8 children. Her husband, Lord Bridgerton passed away because of a bee' stung him.. Not a fancy way to die! And during the mourning, Lady Bridgerton (or Violet) found out that she's pregnant.. The Brigerton was famous for their appearance. They are wealthy, well-known, and you can't missed the girl's beautiful faces, or the man's handsomeness (if that even a word)..

List of the Children (and the Book list):
*Click on the title to find a sneak peak of the story
1. Anthony (Book 2 - The Viscount who Loved Me)
2. Benedict (Book 3 - An Offer from a Gentleman)
3. Colin (Book 4 - Romancing Mister Bridgerton)
4. Daphne (Book 1 - The Duke and I)
5. Eloise (Book 5 - To Sir Philip, With Love)
6. Francesca (Book 6 - When He was Wicked)
7. Gregory (Book 8 - On the Way to the Wedding)
8. Hyacinth (Book 7 - It's in His Kiss)

One of the pleasure reading these series is how Julia Quinn managed to trap me into this illution of the warmth and joy becoming one of the Bridgerton Family.. They might seem playing around with Violet, their mom, but for sure they all love her. I also adore how the eldest son, Anthony, showed how he manage to run the family, show his strength and capability as the head of the family. The three elder brother, Anthony, Bennedict, and Colin, reminds me of brothers that i wanted.. Although they aren't good at showing it, they are full of love, taken their pride of their sisters, will definetly fight for their sister's honor. Each one of the Bridgerton, have a warm soul, lovely in their own characteristic, and at the end, ended with good, passionate spouse.. Well, that's what fictions are for, i guess..

It's been a pleasure for me reading these books again, I have re-read 5 of them in these 3 days   6 of them in 4 days  7 of them in 5 days (just realize one copy is missing), and will had write the story line and a bit of my opinion for each books when i have time in front of computer and link it afterwards
:)

Book Review: Nature in Finland 2010 - Tarmo Lampinen

I order this book last month, sometime near my birthday.. 

From this website --> http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1989035

How did i ended knowing this book?

• Tarmo Lampinen is an awesome friend, a super kinerd, Kina's "adopted" brother, and of course an awesome photographer.. He tweeted some of his photos, and also post it on fb.. Those were really interesting.. He also had a website, which i forgot the link (note to my self: ask him!), contained more than 100 pictures, of birds, mushrooms, plants, and scenery..

How did i ended buying this book?

• The money from this book's sale will go to his trip to Kinacon (in LA! And I also wanted to go!! But, i guess, i'll go next year!).. oh.. I also had some extra money at that time.. I know the book will be fun.. And Tarmo will definitely enjoy meeting his adopted family, and other Kinerds :)
• I actually thinking of giving this to my sister.. But, after I had it, I know there is an oldddd friend of mine, who will love it more than my sister.. He's been nice to me, i guess it's time to send him something :)

The story behind it's arrival..

I was waiting for Kina's stairwell package.. (order here: www.kinagrannis.com) If you haven't order, you should! It's super lovely, I had id replayed several times already!

Back to the story, I got a notice from post office yesterday, and i thought wooww.. stairwells finally here!! Then I remember my friend sent me something from Mexico.. So I was expecting either one of this.. excited.. yay.. I rush to the post office, lined up, and face the lady there.. She saw my card, and say "well, didn't you see the word here .. AVAILABLE TOMORROW.. so come back tomorrow, at this time".

Sighhh.. >_<

Then the next day, got a class till 13:00.. Had lunch, and I rush back to the post office..

The item finally on my hand.. I saw the sender.. US, Blurb.. Hmm I thought it should be from Kina..

What's this.. I completely forgot about this book..

I found a seat, and open the package.. the package was really big.. like around 30 cm x 40 cm!

And.. it was this cute little book :)

A bit shocking, but lovely!!

On my way back to bus, I open it.. Page by page.. reading the words, seeing the pictures.. lovely!

I chuckle a bit.. Tarmo is quite good in writing the description.. Hmm.. I wonder if people on that bus thought I'm crazy :p

Oh.. and the last page was very surprising.. A bit different from his usual style.. Curious? Buy it! LOL.. Hint: it was a photo of his friend, lovely girl, from california :)

 

 

Going to send this book to Indonesia as soon as my friend reply me with his mail address.. :)

But.. How if i send this book, and my friend ask me to buy tickets for him to go to Finland? Noooo..

Book Review: The Promises She Keeps

What would you do, if you are ill, and counting days before you die? What would you do, if somehow each time you survive from near to death experience, and there is another tragedy happening?

A book by Erin Healy :)

A young and talented artist named Promise is facing death. She tried to keep people remember her by trying to be famous. She actually survives from several accidents.
A character named Zack Eddy asks if he can take photos of Promise so he can draw pictures of her from them. During the shoot, her shawl blows away. Promise dives for to search for it it only to tumble down, almost drawn. Zack takes pictures of her dive to death, but miraculously she lives.
The other character is Chase, who is an autistic artist who fall in love with Promise..
In my opinion, the writer described this character well.
I would say, she has made enough desciption, that even without knowing he's autistic, I could conclude the symtom..
The third character was Porta, she was very cold blooded and hateful. She highlighted the whole story, because it's rare to find such character in Christian fiction.

The story was interesting, as more character being involved in the suspense story..
Other near death experiences always occur with Zack nearby occurs. He shows his photos to his pagan witch mom Porta Cerreto who believes Promise is the Goddess of Immortality and plans to use her for own purpose. As she stalks Promise, she orders her son to kill Promise to disprove her theory.

I would definetly reccomend this book, for a lazy saturday afternoon :)

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Book Review: Two Little Girls in Blue ~ Mary Higgins Clark

Do you believe in TWIN'S POWER?
I always dreamed of having a twin sister..  Starting from the movie i watched long time ago, where there is 2 twin girls, having the ability to teleport to their sister's place, or knew exactly what her sister think..
I also wanted to have a twin daughter.. Which I thought must be lovely.. :)
Anyway.. This book, Two Little Girls in Blue, basically tells a story about twin girls..

The story..
Steve and Margaret Frawley has 2 daughter, Kathy and Kelly. That day was the twin's birthday. After celebrating their kids' birthday, Steve and Margaret went to a dinner in New York. They went home eventually, and their kids are gone! Kidnapped.. The worst nightmare that a parent have..
Eight million dollar. That's the amount asked by the kidnapper.. Steve's company, which is in a bad condition, thought that it's the time to increase their reputation, by helping Steve to pay the sum.
The day came, and Steve manage to give the money. He expect to see both his kids in exchange, however, all he found was a car, a dead-driver, and his daughter Kelly. There's also a note, saying that the driver is sorry, he had killed Kathy and dumped her body.
On the other side, the kidnapper's group was helped by a lady (Angie), who wanted to have a child. Kidnapping both girls have made her dreams came through, and as Kathy is sick, Angie loves her more than Kelly. And when Kelly is returned, Angie held Kathy and threat her as her own daughter.
Steve and Margaret, being broken hearted by the death of Kathy, held a private memorial. However, during the service, Kelly constantly said that Kathy wanted to be home. Margaret heard this, and eventually became anxious.. If Kathy is alive, she should be found as soon as possible.
Lead by Kelly's warning, Margaret found the strength to force the FBI agents, and also her husband, who didn't believe that Kathy is still alive.
Kathy is in a very sick conditions, and Angie started to be mad at her. As Kathy getting weaker, her conditions became more in danger. The FBI agent tried to found her, depending on Kelly's institution. However, as Kathy getting weaker, so does Kelly..
At the end, there are a surprise on who the plan maker for the whole kidnap scenario.. Read it!! :)

My comment:
I actually read this book 3x.. First was around 5/6 years ago, and the last was somewhere around last November. It was great to read about twin's telephaty, and their interaction.
In my humble opinion, in this type of writing Mary Higgins Clark is the best. She manage to involved me on Kelly's feeling, and also Margaret's stress. I felt that, a mother should be loving her kids, and I am really pleased in how MHC express Margaret's feeling and frustration when no one believed her and Kelly.
I enjoyed reading each and every pages.
I really hated Angie, for being so selfish and so ignorance. And also I found the clerk's role a bit weird, why she didn't contact police, but go and check the kidnapper.. And there are a lot of people who actually suspect the kidnapper, but they didn't say a word to the police.. weird..
Anyway, I truly recommend this book.

Book Review: Mary and Carol Higgins Clark ~ Dashing Through the Snow

Another Christmas Time book from MHC and CHC :)

The story involved Alvirah, Willy, Luke, Norah, Regan and Jake... The setting was in the village of Branscombe, New Hampshire, where people are preparing for the first (and many hope annual) Festival of Joy.
There were a local market, own by a man who's recently wed. His wife is sort-of-full of ego, that she decided to force hum not to give any bonusses as usual to the employee, but only giving them a picture frame!!
The employees, needing money, learn that they have won $160 million in the lottery. Alvirah and Willy understand the joy and pitfalls of lottery winnings as they won $40 million a few years ago.  One of the co-workers, Duncan, decided at the last minute, on the advice of a pair of crooks masquerading as financial advisers, not to play. But he's actually the one providing the numbers, and was incharge of buying the lottery for his co-workers. Then he suddenly goes missing!! These two advisers is a liar ofcourse. They do not have any ability to be a financial adviser at all! A second winning lottery ticket was purchased in the next town, but the winner hasn't come forward. Could Duncan have secretly bought it?
Duncan's lover flew over fom California to New Hampshire, trying to surprice Duncan. However as Duncan missing, she is the one to be surprised..

As Alvirah and Regan is in the village, they started to help finding Duncan, and unfold the mistery.
My Comment:
Yay.. another book!! I love christmas! And I always love this mother-daughter duo's christmas series..
More over, I love Alvirah's character.. hihihi..
Alvirah, a former cleaning lady who won $40 million in the lottery, her husband Willy, Nora Regan Reilly, a mystery author, her husband Luke, their daughter Regan, a private investigator, and her husband Jack, from the NYPD is all in this story.. What more can I ask.. I miss them!!! :)
I recommend this book highly, I just can't put the book off, as I enjoyed it so much.
I totally hate the fnancial adviser's character!! And also the wife of market's owner! huh.. And felt sorry for Duncan and her lover..
I love the final part when everything is unfold.. The workers got their bonusses, and the b*tchy lady got her part for being a b*tch.. ups.. did i say that? lol..

Book Review: Just Take my Heart - Mary Higgins Clark

Just Take My Heart is released on the middle of 2010. I live in Indonesia, so not until late December then I have the chance to have it.

The story is basically about Greg Aldrich, the husband of a Broadway star, Natalie Raines. And Emily Wallace, an attractive 32 year-old assistant prosecutor.
So Natalie Raines live with her friend, Jamie Evans. And she recently tried to divorced Aldrich. Aldrich was too much to handle as he always stalked Natalie, trying to find if she had any lovers.
When Natalie was found dead in her house, Aldrich is the person to be accused, more over, Jimmy, a criminal, said that Aldrich paid him to kill Natalie, but Jimmy didn't accept it. Did Aldrich really plan the murder?
Emily Wallace is assigned to the case. As she spends increasingly long hours preparing for the trial, a seemingly well-meaning neighbor offers to take care of her dog in her absence. Unaware of his violent past, she gives him a key to her home...
Aldrich's trial is making headlines, because it involves a star, murder plan, and romance, what else can the public want? Her boss warns Emily that this high-profile case will reveal personal matters about her, esp. the fact that she had a heart transplant. And guess who the donor is!!
As Emily is getting busy, her dog is being ignored. A nice neighbor offer help. Emily thought that Zach is so nice, and she did ingore her dog too long, so she just simply give her keys to Zach. Without her knowing, Zach is a bit creepy, touches Emily's personal things.. Ewwww...
During the trial, Emily experiences sentiments (guessed it's from the heart?) kinda make her judgement blur?? And the jury decided Gregg Aldrich's fate, but Emily senses something is not right.. Her heart keeps on giving memories about the case (weird).. She keeps on searching informations, and her life is actually on risk...

My comment:
After reading this, I hate to say, that I could guessed the end.. And it's kinda weird if you're in an office and someone had heart transplant and no one knows? I thought at least she would need several days before and after the transplantation. More, the heart source is also weird, is it possible to be a donor without no one knowing?
Then Emily's reasoning and the juror session was a bit boring, perhaps as I'm not into law? I guessed it was too long.. hehe..
This is good to read for a lazy afternoon, but probably better if i borrowed from the library instead of buying it..
I would definetly reccomend her previous books to bought though. But for the sake of MHC, and as I'm good fan, I keep the book at my bookshelf.. :)
Anyway, I always love MHC's book, and after long time not reading her books, this kind of reminds me to her older books. And I do re-read My Gals Sunday after this.. haha..

My favourite author: Mary Higgins Clark

Mrs. Clark is my favourite author. I've been following her books since I was in highschool, and thankful that the library was so good, that they have almost all her books.
I started reading The Anastasia Syndrom, followed by Loves Music, Loves to Dance, and ever since, I read almost all her book.
Someone message my facebook today, and I just realize that I never even had any post dedicated to her.. What a bad fan! :(
Anyway, I'll try to make a review of her books, and post the links beside the list. And I'll try to update it as soon as possible, because there are so many books. I do have read them all, but I might not remmember all, so probably I could review some of her latest books only. And no worries, I'll update the list, if any new book coming..

MHC and CHC:

1. He sees you when you are sleeping
2. Christmas Thief
3. Santa Cruise
4. Deck the Hall
5. Dashing Through the Snow (reviewed)

MHC:

1. Where Are The Children?
2. A Stranger is Watching
3. The Cradle Will Fall
4. A Cry in the Night
5. Stillwatch
6. Weep No More, My Lady
7. While My Pretty One Sleeps
8. The Anastasia Syndrome and Other Stories
9. Loves Music, Loves to Dance
10. All Around the Town
11. I'll Be Seeing You
12. Death on the Cape and Other Stories
13. Remember Me
14. The Lottery Winner and Other Stories
15. Let Me Call You Sweetheart
16. Silent Night
17. Moonlight Becomes You
18. My Gal Sunday: Henry and Sunday Stories
19. Pretend You Don't See Her
20. You Belong to Me
21. All Through The Night
22. We'll Meet Again
23. Before I Say Good-Bye
24. On The Street Where You Live
25. Daddy's Little Girl
26. The Second Time Around
27. Nighttime Is My Time
28. You Belong to Me
29. No Place Like Home
30. Two Little Girls in Blue (reviewed)
31. Ghost Ship: A Cape Cod Story
32. I heard that song before
33. Where Are You Now?
34. Just Take My Heart (reviewed)
35. The Shadow of Your Smile

COMING:  I'll Walk Alone (April 5th, 2011)

 :)

Book Review: Precious Moment _ Storybook Bible

I love precious moments! But at first I thought this book is too expensive.
However, I got it at the end, and like it!

This book is very nice to read, esp. for small kids.
It contains bible stories, and with the lovely pictures of "precious moments icons"..
The story it self is on a large font, so it's easy to be read.
The book basically covers some  classic bible stories, from creation, the eden, flood in noah's time, and until Jesus going back to heaven. 15 stories at the total..
Also some praises and wisdom from Psalm and Proverbs.. And additional stories of faith.. Besides bible stories, there are also simple songs and prayers.




I would suggest to buy this for a "bed time story" time, so the kids can read along.. I'm sure it will add a value to the quality time we have...

I think this book is best for kids up to 10 years old.
Above 10, they may think it's too boring because the stories inside are somewhat popular stories that they might have known.. :)

I got this book from the BOOKSNEEZE.COM.. And ofcourse, this review is based on my personal point of view, and I'm not forced to write a positive comment.. :)