The Frog Hop: Glamorous Illusions by Lisa T. Bergren

Glamorous Illusions (Grand Tour #1) by Lisa T. Bergren

(Started: May 15, 2013; Finished: May 30, 2013)

Summary/Description:

The first book in the Grand Tour series, Glamorous Illusions will take readers on a pilgrimage through Europe-and straight into the soul. 

It's the summer of 1913 and Cora Kensington's life on the family farm has taken a dark turn. The crops are failing and worse, so is her father's health. Then a stranger comes to call and in one fateful afternoon, Cora discovers that her birth father is a copper king-a man who invites her to tour Europe with her new family. As she travels across America, then on to England and France, Cora faces the hardships as well as the privileges of assuming the family name. And though now she knows more of her true identity, she soon discovers the journey is only beginning. (From Netgalley)

Review: 4 stars
Source: David C. Cook Publishing through Netgalley
Shelf: Goodreads, Shelfari
Available at: Amazon, David C. Cook Publishing

Here is another historical romance that I enjoyed reading. Lisa T. Bergren was able to capture perfectly that certain period and I was able to relive it through my imagination. The balls, the dances, the gowns and other old social scene I would have love to experience if I would be able to turn back time. It was well researched and showcased the appropriate events or situations, the different social classes, the etiquette and the beliefs that the people have during that era. The author also made an interesting set of different characters and she also did a good job in developing them all through out the book. I think character development is essential to a good book. Cora was an unconventional woman who wants to study and teach eventually after she graduates, and she can also do the dirty work, i.e. farming, like men. This shows the element of women empowerment which I also love seeing in a story. She also gives importance to her family and has a strong faith towards God. There were times wherein her decisions are confusing but she would always think rational and eventually find her way. I actually love Will's work. Being on a tour, traveling from one country to another, how can you not enjoy and refuse such opportunity? It awaken the wanderlust in me. I would definitely add the places they visited on my literary map!

It also has a good plot that I cannot wait to explore by reading the next book. It showed a lot of promise and the conflicts given were both thrilling and exciting. I also have to commend the social issues discussed which did occur in that certain period--the importance of appearance, how people irked to socialize with people from a different social standing (i.e not from the kin of old money family, an illegitimate child), etc.

I recommend this book to historical romance fans and those who would love to have a glimpse of Europe.

Here is the trailer of the book, enjoy!

For the quotes I got from the book, please visit my Tumblr:

http://arraabella.tumblr.com/

Happy Reading Everyone!

Plus, GFC will be gone soon so please do not forget to subscribe via Bloglovin, which is a great alternative.

     

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Skater Girl

feather earrings gift from a friend • tank top Forever 21 • plaid polo & denim shorts bought in Malaysia • vintage bag bought in Japan • cap Bench

It has been a long time since I wore something boyish. Oh you know that phase when we all wore the shirt-shorts-or-pants-sneakers combo. I tend to do that a lot when I was in sixth grade and in my first year in high school. It was THE awkward years but I love to run and play and enjoy my childhood so that was my go-to outfit. During that phase in my life, I remember I was so obsessed with my sneakers that I would always wear that instead of slippers and sandals. Don't get me wrong, I love dresses, skirts and heels but I was still so preoccupied with game consoles, books, toys and outdoor activities.

DETAILS:

watch strap used as arm band Asprey • watch Claire's (Japan) 

green bangle bought in Palawan • random bracelets • ring Pampered Pumpkins

espadrilles SM Department Store

Would you believe these were actually my brother's? It was passed on to me since it does not fit him anymore and he rarely used it.

Since I was just going to accompany my brother to his basketball training, I told myself, "why not wear something different for a change. I might still pull of the Skater Girl look." Aside from the comfort I needed to endure a long walk to and from home, the heat was unbearable last May and I want to take these espadrilles for a walk.

Truth be told, I was scared to look back and try an outfit that I was so used to wearing before. I even cringe whenever I imagine myself wearing a shirt and pants altogether. But you know what, like what I always say, surprise yourself once in a while by experimenting and do not forget the accessories. It's what makes your look colorful and more interesting. Now, I don't feel so bare.

As I've said in this post, though my style has changed a lot for the past few years, I will always see myself as one of the boys and my guy friends can attest to that.

     

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The Frog Hop: To Be Maria by Deanna Proach

To Be Maria by Deanna Proach

(Started: April 17, 2013; Finished: May 05, 2013)

Summary/Description:

Seventeen-year-old Anya Preschnikov wants to become a famous actress but she's faced with two problems. Her father ignores her and doesn't have any money to support her. At school, she's bullied on a daily basis, yet she believes that she will gain her stepping-stone to stardom if she's accepted by her peers.

All of this changes when Maria Hernandez--an immigrant from Spain--comes to Peach Valley Senior High. Maria knows what it takes to fit in. She's assertive, confident and she dresses suggestively, characteristics that all of the popular kids admire. Yet she sees in Anya what no one else sees: beauty and talent.

When Maria extends her hand of friendship, Anya is elated. Her rise to popularity is about to become a reality, but it ends at a house party when a boy's rude comment sends her into a rage.

Desperate to belong somewhere, Anya and Maria seek new friends outside of school. They meet Alex and Marissa, a young couple who eagerly welcomes them into their world of parties and drugs. Anya and Maria soon find out that Alex is a drug dealer, but they are so lured by his wealth, good looks and aggressive confidence that they can't resist his friendship. They don't know that Alex's gang is at war with a rival gang--one that's run by Anya's older brother, Adrik--until one incident puts their lives in danger's path. To make matters worse, Alex won't let Anya and Maria out of his sight. The two teens are forced to make a decision that's a matter of life or death. (From Netgalley)

Review: 1 star

Source: Sent by the author

Released on: May 01, 2013

Shelf: Goodreads, Shelfari

There are things that are not meant for you despite trying and wanting it to be. That's how I felt when I was reading this book. I tried so hard to understand and even hoped that I reach a certain part wherein I can say that it still has sense in spite all of its shortcomings. I am not speechless because I was mind-blown but because I was so disappointed and so frustrated. It has a lot of social issues that I think the author wanted to address, from bullying to peer pressure, from clique to labels we define ourselves during high school. It was a good thing since there was a goal to be achieved but unfortunately, the book failed to go to that direction. I think it was too ambitious to want to achieve everything when the ideas and the plot were so cluttered. As a reader, I was so confused on what was going on because it always switched from this issue to another without even giving a resolution to the first one. The book also has a lot of characters and events that did not seem to have any connection to the main point of the story.

I also hate the characters and how they did not progress to be better persons towards the ending. First is Maria. I do not understand why Anya wants to be like her or to be friends with her when she was not even a good example or influence. She does not want to study or finish school and just want to settle as a waitress in a restaurant. That's why I don't get why Anya envies her when she's not the rich, straight A student most of us wants to be. Second is Anya. She had the chance to change her life and really be someone in the future but she wasted it for a friendship that gotten her into the worse situations. Oh please. As usual, she wanted to be popular but it had totally gone wrong. I would want to sympathize with her because of the way she was bullied but I just can't shake the feeling of hate that I have towards her since she tends to blame everyone for what was happening to her. Plus, she does not take responsibility for her actions and I hate how coward she is. Patrick was no better. He was the worst friend and admirer I have ever read about. How could you believe your friend's tormentors instead of taking your friend's side? I was disgusted by how he treated Anya. I think he was the worst character because of his cowardice. I just wished they have learned something towards the end but that was not the case.

The book was promising and had so much potential to give the readers a worthwhile read but it had failed to deliver and was poorly executed.

For the quotes I got from the book, please visit my Tumblr:

http://arraabella.tumblr.com/

Happy Reading Everyone!

Plus, GFC will be gone soon so please do not forget to subscribe via Bloglovin, which is a great alternative.

     

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