Review: My Own Mr. Darcy by Karey White

My Own Mr. Darcy by Karey White, AF, 2013, 220p, Rating=4.5
Source: Ebook provided by tour host in exchange for an honest review

After being dragged to the 2005 movie Pride and Prejudice by her mother, sixteen-year-old Elizabeth’s life changes when Matthew Macfadyen’s Mr. Darcy appears on the screen. Lizzie falls hard and makes a promise to herself that she will settle for nothing less than her own Mr. Darcy. This ill-advised pledge threatens to ruin any chance of finding true love. During the six intervening years, she has refused to give any interested suitors a chance. They weren’t Mr. Darcy enough. Coerced by her roommate, Elizabeth agrees to give the next interested guy ten dates before she dumps him. That guy is Chad, a kind and thoughtful science teacher and swim coach. While she’s dating Chad, her dream comes true in the form of a wealthy bookstore owner named Matt Dawson, who looks and acts like her Mr. Darcy. Of course she has to follow her dream. But as Elizabeth simultaneously dates a regular guy and the dazzling Mr. Dawson, she’s forced to re-evaluate what it was she loved about Mr. Darcy in the first place.

I didn't want this book to end!  I was tempted to read slowly or take long breaks so as to make the read last but I ended up waking up in the middle of the night to finish it (granted it was a restless night).  I was bewitched.  The love triangle here was done right.  Although it was obvious which man was best for Elizabeth, the dilemma seemed plausible so I did some research.  I rented and watched the "Pride and Prejudice" movie (Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfayden version that this book referred to) last night for the fist time through (in the past, it didn't interest me when it was on TV and would quickly click to another channel) and good golly, I understand now the swooning for Mr. Darcy!  Hence, the spell Elizabeth had at sixteen when she saw Mr. Darcy on screen for the first time made sense.  What girl wouldn't want a misunderstood man with that puppy face screaming I-deeply (abyss deep)-adore-you look?  Ergo, Elizabeth made a point to hold out for her own Mr. Darcy.  This of course made the next six years of dating life scarce.  No one measured up until Matthew Dawson.  But of course he came when she was dating Chad Keller, although pressured by her roommate to give him ten dates, she was starting to fall for him.  Consequently the problematic love triangle ensued and it would be a matter of time in which Elizabeth would realize whether to live the dream or make a new one. 

This was a genuinely fun chick lit love story.  The ending made me melt! 

On sale for $2.99!

Filipino Friday: Kids and Books

Thursday today in the U.S. but Friday in the Philippines

(Go HERE to join the fun!)

Topic:  Kids and Books. What were your favorite books as a kid? Do you still read children’s books? If you would give a book to your younger self, what would it be?

My answer:
Unfortunately I didn't grow up in a family that was into book reading so I didn't have much motivation for reading as a kid.  Hence,  I don't have a favorite book as a kid.  I did have an episode of a reading run during a short period in elementary school but I don't recall what I read (except one ..that's another story though) let alone having a favorite.  From then on my reading experience was sporadic ..mainly just school assigned readings.  It wasn't until 2010 did the reading bug bite me. I have since been a prolific reader.  Anyway, now having young kids of my own I try to provide an environment that supports the love for book reading so, definitely, I still read children's books. 

Below are a few of our favorites (series installments as well) and I'm having a rough time narrowing one to give to my younger self.  But Corduroy by Don Freeman has a special place in my heart because it was the first book I read to my first born that grabbed me so if I had to choose, it would have to be that book.  :)


How about you? I'd love to hear some of your kid reading experiences and favorite books so feel free to write them on the comments.

Teaser Tuesdays: My Own Mr. Darcy

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB @Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along. Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

"Met who?"
"Mr. Darcy. Of course his name isn't Darcy, but it's close to Darcy and if you saw him, you'd be stunned." (11% on my ereader)

Check it out here:

(my affiliate link)

Author-Book Profile + Giveaway: Death of the Mad Hatter by Sarah J. Pepper

Coming November 29, 2013!
Available for pre-order: Amazon | Smashwords
..will also be available at Barnes & Noble and iTunes
YouTube Trailer

: If the king loses his head, then the Queen with a Bleeding Heart would rule the Red Court until Time ceased to move forward. When a second carried on for infinity, every creature in Wonderland would tip their Hat to the misfit girl with a Boy’s name (or was it a boy with a Girl’s name?) who’d end the Reign of Terror. However, it all hinged on the One-Eyed Hare being able to convince an uninspirable Heir that the impossible was indeed possible—like stopping time—and that Love was worth a Beheading. Heads would Roll…
Hearts would Break…
In the end, would it matter who Reigned?

Enter author's GIVEAWAY ..a signed paperback copy of this book .. go HERE.

About author, Sarah J. Pepper:

Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter | Website

I specialize in dark, paranormal romance – think “happy ever after” but with a twisted, dark chocolate center. Real-life romance isn't only filled with hugs, kisses, unicorns, and rainbows. True-love can be more thoroughly described in times of darkness and tribulation. It’s in those harsh moments where you see what a person is truly capable of – both the good and bad. Sometimes prince-charming isn't always on time, and the glass slipper is a little snug. However, it doesn't mean Charming is not Mr. Right, and who says every shoe is the perfect fit?

[Helping authors promote their books.  Being profiled does not necessarily mean I recommend the book.]

Review: Too Early for Flowers by Kurt Sipolski

Too Early for Flowers by Kurt Sipolski, AF, 2012, 96p, Rating=4
Source: Smashword ebook copy was provided by author in exchange for an honest review.

FROM THE INTERNATIONALLY PUBLISHED MEMOIR:

Too ambitious for her small Illinois town, Iris is determined to see the world with Washington, DC as the first stop. Her plans are curtailed when she marries a handsome young soldier and though apart for long stretches by WWII, they have two boys. Tragically widowed and back home, her youngest in braces from polio, Iris prepares herself for the challenges ahead.

OPTIONED AS MAJOR MOTION PICTURE

What a lovely tribute this author gave of his mother, Iris.  It was not only heartwarming but it gave the reader a personal perspective of what the times and life was like during the budding years of medical breakthroughs, specifically polio.  The polio vaccine would not be introduced until over a decade after the first setting in this book.  Hence, the Sipolski family would be facing primitive views and treatment for the said condition.  At that time (here, 1940s) the public didn't know the cause of such an affliction so it made sense that some believed in old wives tale preventive measures and have disrespectful attitudes about the illness.  Even Iris found herself caught making a derogative remark only later to discover that her second son (the author) would be diagnosed with polio. That, plus being widowed at a young age and having to raise two very young boys, Iris sure had difficult challenges on her plate.  Luckily for Iris, she was strong and patient.  It appeared that every choice she made was in consideration for her boys' well being.  Including to marry again so as to have a father figure for her children.  She was stern and proactive in the care of her polio son and overall set a loving environment for her family.  Thereby instilling confidence, particularly in her children, to go after an enriching life.  Certainly a woman deserving of admiration.  Don't get me wrong, she made mistakes but she lived her life with faith and heart.

Considering that this book was based on a true story involving the author, I got emotionally vested.  I couldn't help but get all choked up at the poignant part regarding the eldest son.  It was the first point where I felt heartache for the author.  There had been several trying times by then but that one incident just struck me hard.  Then the ending took me by surprise and left me feeling uneasy ...too sad.

This really was not all a downer.  In fact, I enjoyed several quiet chuckle moments.  For the most part,  this was a life inspiring piece and contained multiple love stories (I liked Bill).  I'm not surprise that it is optioned for film (read about it here).  I would definitely see it!

One of my favorite quotes:
"Sometimes everything can't be explained for one reason or another. In life you have to kind of look at all sides of things to understand people. That's the difference in somebody being smart and being wise." Iris Sipolski Mondy

My writing background began in Sydney, Australia when I worked as a reporter for Rupert Murdoch's Daily Mirror group. Since then, my pieces have appeared worldwide, including The Desert Sun, Palm Springs Life magazine, the Los Angeles Times, the International Herald Tribune, and many others. I also founded and published San Francisco Gentry magazine.
But my proudest accomplishments are twofold: The memoir on which "Flowers" is based has been published from Palm Springs to Peoria to Paris, and Onfire Films has optioned screen rights to this novella. I am honored that beautiful actress Ksenia Solo will produce and star.
This is a saga of the struggles and triumphs of my late mother, Iris, beginning when she left home for Washington, D.C. at age 18 in 1940. It follows her life.
When I was struck down by polio at the age of 2, she dedicated herself to years of daily exercizes to strengthen my weakened leg, and also to bolster my physical and social confidence. While in braces, Iris taught me that everything is in reach, but I just have to reach higher than most boys.
She inspired me to explore all that life offered, and to see the world. Many years later, I was to return to give her the same kind of comfort and encouragement at the end of her life as it came full circle.
I hope readers will be inspired by this lovely, rare woman.

Filipino Friday: What Species of Book Reader Are You?

Yay, Filipino Friday is back!  ~Yeah I know, it's Thursday ... but it's already Friday in the Philippines!! :)

 

(Go HERE to join the fun!)

This week's topic:  Introductions. Instead of the usual introductions that we have down in the past two years, we will answer this question: What Species of Book Reader Are You?, based on this infographic by Laura E. Kelly.

(click here not image)

My answer:
Here are the main ones I fall under.  Yet there were snippets here and there that could have described me and most were totally not me (like the "Prestige" or "Haters" category)!

The Hoarder:  Love books so much that you collect them by the dozens.  You seldom have time to read all of the books that you collect.  And now it's worse with ebooks.

"It's Complicated" Reader: You are a combination of these things and yet completely different, too.  You refuse to be defined or categorized.  Beg, borrow, steal, devour. And do it all again.

(lately) No-Time-To-Read Reader: Between kids, work, and fatigue simply can no longer find the time to read.

Wordless Wednesday: The Golden Gate Bridge

(San Francisco, California.  Summer family vacay, 2013)

Oh, the wonderful things that man can create!  ~I captured another beaut!!