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Ivana A. | Diary of Difference (1171 KP) rated Chat Love in Books
Oct 2, 2020
I wanted to read this book immediately after reading the synopsis, and I was honoured when the author, Justine Faeth, approached me and sent me an ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.
The book synopsis is a very promising one. Lucia is having trouble finding a man. After a few disastrous dates, she chooses to follow her friend’s advice and tries Chat Love, an online dating service.
As promising as the synopsis sounds, this book didn’t quite deliver. With Chat Love, I found the whole setting of the book unrealistic. There is a nice background story and a great idea, but it hasn’t been properly executed.
Lucia is an Italian lady. She is a city girl and a business woman. She is searching for love. See, Lucia is under pressure by her Italian family to get married. And I can completely understand that pressure, being born in a country where I have met people with similar beliefs. Lucia’s family thinks that a woman is made to be a mother, and not have a career. They think that if you are thirty and you haven’t got a boyfriend yet, you are useless and unworthy.
And I completely agree with Lucia when she tries to stand up to them and tell them how it’s important for her to find a man she will really love, not just marry in order to please her family. In some scenes though, it appears as if she hates her family, and has very bad attitude towards them. I understand completely where her frustration comes from.
But then, on the other hand, we have a Lucia that is being a hypocrite.
And while this whole book seems like she is searching for her true love, when someone appears and cares about her, she is acting as if she’s not interested. Woman, WHAT DO YOU WANT? She wants true love, and she doesn’t want to be used as a one-night stand, which is completely acceptable. But going on a date with a man for the first time, and telling him you want to get serious is creepy. Even if that is your long-term goal, you DO NOT say it on the first date. It scares people away. It makes people think you are a creep.
Also, given the fact that the synopsis promises an online app, this left me disappointed. During this book, we don’t get to really see a single chat happen through this app. Apart from a few letters from Jake. Honestly, I expected a back and forth conversations with men before a date happens. In the book, we get to see Lucia dating a lot of men. I didn’t stop to count them, but there must’ve been around twenty dates. And all these men had something wrong with them. But she never screwed up.
I will be honest with you now, and you people need to be honest with yourselves. In your life, you will meet people, and some people will make you giggle. Others might make you gag. But sometimes, the reason for a bad date is you. I am only trying to be honest here. I have screwed up a few dates myself, and you must have done the same thing too. That’s life though. We have to move on and try not to blame others for our mistakes. I wish this been represented in this book.
I really wish I loved this book.
I have mixed feelings, because despite all, this book did make me think and bring up discussions with people around the various topics, from family beliefs, to being creepy on first dates, to finding out what you really like. In a summary, as much as I didn’t enjoy it, I also am grateful for this book, for bringing out a lot of things to think about.
If you love chick-lit and short romance funny novels, you might enjoy it. If you think any of this discussion points is intriguing, you might enjoy it. I would love to have a chat and see what you think of this book.
The book synopsis is a very promising one. Lucia is having trouble finding a man. After a few disastrous dates, she chooses to follow her friend’s advice and tries Chat Love, an online dating service.
As promising as the synopsis sounds, this book didn’t quite deliver. With Chat Love, I found the whole setting of the book unrealistic. There is a nice background story and a great idea, but it hasn’t been properly executed.
Lucia is an Italian lady. She is a city girl and a business woman. She is searching for love. See, Lucia is under pressure by her Italian family to get married. And I can completely understand that pressure, being born in a country where I have met people with similar beliefs. Lucia’s family thinks that a woman is made to be a mother, and not have a career. They think that if you are thirty and you haven’t got a boyfriend yet, you are useless and unworthy.
And I completely agree with Lucia when she tries to stand up to them and tell them how it’s important for her to find a man she will really love, not just marry in order to please her family. In some scenes though, it appears as if she hates her family, and has very bad attitude towards them. I understand completely where her frustration comes from.
But then, on the other hand, we have a Lucia that is being a hypocrite.
And while this whole book seems like she is searching for her true love, when someone appears and cares about her, she is acting as if she’s not interested. Woman, WHAT DO YOU WANT? She wants true love, and she doesn’t want to be used as a one-night stand, which is completely acceptable. But going on a date with a man for the first time, and telling him you want to get serious is creepy. Even if that is your long-term goal, you DO NOT say it on the first date. It scares people away. It makes people think you are a creep.
Also, given the fact that the synopsis promises an online app, this left me disappointed. During this book, we don’t get to really see a single chat happen through this app. Apart from a few letters from Jake. Honestly, I expected a back and forth conversations with men before a date happens. In the book, we get to see Lucia dating a lot of men. I didn’t stop to count them, but there must’ve been around twenty dates. And all these men had something wrong with them. But she never screwed up.
I will be honest with you now, and you people need to be honest with yourselves. In your life, you will meet people, and some people will make you giggle. Others might make you gag. But sometimes, the reason for a bad date is you. I am only trying to be honest here. I have screwed up a few dates myself, and you must have done the same thing too. That’s life though. We have to move on and try not to blame others for our mistakes. I wish this been represented in this book.
I really wish I loved this book.
I have mixed feelings, because despite all, this book did make me think and bring up discussions with people around the various topics, from family beliefs, to being creepy on first dates, to finding out what you really like. In a summary, as much as I didn’t enjoy it, I also am grateful for this book, for bringing out a lot of things to think about.
If you love chick-lit and short romance funny novels, you might enjoy it. If you think any of this discussion points is intriguing, you might enjoy it. I would love to have a chat and see what you think of this book.
The Devotionals (1 more)
The Research
I don’t often review non-fiction books. It’s just not something I like to do. I’m a fiction gal. I love reading a book where I can lost and escape reality for a few hours a day. But, when I have a favorite author, such as Jill Eileen Smith, I will give even a non-fiction book a try. And, I was actually rather excited to read this one, because let me tell you. My life, definitely does not match my dreams. Sure, I have a wonderful husband and two amazing children and a loving father and two gorgeous sisters. But, my health is not great, and my dreams? I dream so much more than this. I fell like I’ll be like this forever and never accomplish anything.
Smith has done a wonderful job with this book. It brings us the stories of 12 women of the Bible and how they dreamed for so much more, but it didn’t match up to what God had in store for them. You see, He is the creator of us all and He is the one that can see our future, know our plans, know what our lives will be like. And, through the tender words that Smith uses, along with the 12 women and phenomenal research she incorporated into the book, we see how life can be when we are disappointed that our dreams are following into line with our life.
Through this devotional, I was able to better understand my own life. I know what I want, I know what I wish I had, I know that I’m going to be disappointed because I’m not fully relying on God to help me with that. If I trust in Him, if I seek out his love and guidance, I won’t be so disappointed when a hope or dream falls short. Smith has once again used her incredible talent to hook me on a book. Her research is exquisite and her writing is filled with emotion and raw feelings.
This is a 5 star devotional book I would recommend to all the women out there. Get lost among the pages, see how these 12 women made mistakes, made choices that effect them and their families and see what God had in store for them. You may find the same hope and encouragement I did. Definitely a book for the keeper shelf and one I’ll share with my family and friends!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Smith has done a wonderful job with this book. It brings us the stories of 12 women of the Bible and how they dreamed for so much more, but it didn’t match up to what God had in store for them. You see, He is the creator of us all and He is the one that can see our future, know our plans, know what our lives will be like. And, through the tender words that Smith uses, along with the 12 women and phenomenal research she incorporated into the book, we see how life can be when we are disappointed that our dreams are following into line with our life.
Through this devotional, I was able to better understand my own life. I know what I want, I know what I wish I had, I know that I’m going to be disappointed because I’m not fully relying on God to help me with that. If I trust in Him, if I seek out his love and guidance, I won’t be so disappointed when a hope or dream falls short. Smith has once again used her incredible talent to hook me on a book. Her research is exquisite and her writing is filled with emotion and raw feelings.
This is a 5 star devotional book I would recommend to all the women out there. Get lost among the pages, see how these 12 women made mistakes, made choices that effect them and their families and see what God had in store for them. You may find the same hope and encouragement I did. Definitely a book for the keeper shelf and one I’ll share with my family and friends!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Robert Capa: A Graphic Biography
Book
'If your pictures aren't good enough, you aren't close enough.' - Robert Capa. 'Robert Capa: A...
Twister
8.0
Rate It
Book
Now that I’ve graduated college, I’m expected to join the family accounting business even though...
Contemporary MM Romance
Sexist, self-absorbed codswallop
This is probably one of the worst books I've read this year unfortunately. It's full of contradictions, too many to go through each and every one. But here are a few.
For one, it claims to be an anti-self-help book but in fact it is, not only that it repeats phrases that other books use often but it reiterates it in a much more uglier fashion by replacing every other word with "f**k".
Secondly, the author is actually incredibly sexist throughout the whole book - revealing that this book is for a privileged white, male audience. He flashes his wealth throughout the book by even saying "I come from a wealthy family" and 'this doesn't apply to an Indian family who need an extra $10'. And then talks about his sexual exploits with women, saying that one of his former goals was to "be with more women" - like women are collective objects. He's boastful about sleeping around throughout, referring to women in a derogatory way.
The chapter on false memories and child sexual abuse is shocking, absolutely no disclaimers, just a rookie spouting off information that he clearly had no idea about. He discounts thousands of horrific accounts as if they're something imagined up and to be gotten over with. An extremely precarious viewpoint.
The irony is that the author describes himself perfectly here: "People declare themselves experts, entrepreneurs, inventors, innovators, mavericks, and coaches without any real-life experience. And they do this not because they actually think they are greater than everybody else; they do it because they feel that they need to be great to be accepted in a world that broadcasts only the extraordinary." And this pretty much sums up the book.
For one, it claims to be an anti-self-help book but in fact it is, not only that it repeats phrases that other books use often but it reiterates it in a much more uglier fashion by replacing every other word with "f**k".
Secondly, the author is actually incredibly sexist throughout the whole book - revealing that this book is for a privileged white, male audience. He flashes his wealth throughout the book by even saying "I come from a wealthy family" and 'this doesn't apply to an Indian family who need an extra $10'. And then talks about his sexual exploits with women, saying that one of his former goals was to "be with more women" - like women are collective objects. He's boastful about sleeping around throughout, referring to women in a derogatory way.
The chapter on false memories and child sexual abuse is shocking, absolutely no disclaimers, just a rookie spouting off information that he clearly had no idea about. He discounts thousands of horrific accounts as if they're something imagined up and to be gotten over with. An extremely precarious viewpoint.
The irony is that the author describes himself perfectly here: "People declare themselves experts, entrepreneurs, inventors, innovators, mavericks, and coaches without any real-life experience. And they do this not because they actually think they are greater than everybody else; they do it because they feel that they need to be great to be accepted in a world that broadcasts only the extraordinary." And this pretty much sums up the book.
b.Young (97 KP) rated Return to Oz (The Falken Chronicles Book 3) in Books
May 15, 2018
Quick read (3 more)
A wrong is righted
Sirio Falken
Fantastic ending
Piers Platt did it again!
Holy moly! Piers Platt can most definitely write a great story!!!
I read straight through this one in less than 4 hours and I highly recommend The Falken Chronicles to anyone looking for an awesome sci-fi adventure!
Return to Oz had a perfect balance of action and suspense and left me with an array of emotions at the end.
I absolutely love the transformation of Sirio Falken throughout the entire series, but in this one, we get to really see him for who he is and it was refreshing!
In Escape from Olympus (Book 2) Falken meets the daughter of a man (Sef Weaver) he was in Oz with in Escape from Oz (Book 1).
Return to Oz picks up with the two of them discussing her father and when Falken learns that Weaver did not make it out of Oz, Falken hatches a plan to help Weaver return to his family before he is sentenced to life in prison for good.
To be honest, I didn't know how Falken was going to be able to help Weaver by going back to Oz, or how he was going to get back to Oz at all. But what was clear was that he was willing to do anything to help his friend get out of Oz and back to his family.
It was a treat to get to visit Oz again with Falken under different circumstances. With old friends and enemies, along with some new ones, and a story that was beautifully concluded (but left me still wanting more Sirio Falken) Return to Oz was a ride I'd take again, right along with the whole Falken Chronicles.
I read straight through this one in less than 4 hours and I highly recommend The Falken Chronicles to anyone looking for an awesome sci-fi adventure!
Return to Oz had a perfect balance of action and suspense and left me with an array of emotions at the end.
I absolutely love the transformation of Sirio Falken throughout the entire series, but in this one, we get to really see him for who he is and it was refreshing!
In Escape from Olympus (Book 2) Falken meets the daughter of a man (Sef Weaver) he was in Oz with in Escape from Oz (Book 1).
Return to Oz picks up with the two of them discussing her father and when Falken learns that Weaver did not make it out of Oz, Falken hatches a plan to help Weaver return to his family before he is sentenced to life in prison for good.
To be honest, I didn't know how Falken was going to be able to help Weaver by going back to Oz, or how he was going to get back to Oz at all. But what was clear was that he was willing to do anything to help his friend get out of Oz and back to his family.
It was a treat to get to visit Oz again with Falken under different circumstances. With old friends and enemies, along with some new ones, and a story that was beautifully concluded (but left me still wanting more Sirio Falken) Return to Oz was a ride I'd take again, right along with the whole Falken Chronicles.
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated Amish Cooking Class : The Celebration in Books
Feb 25, 2019
The Cooking Class is back! I'm so glad that Mrs. Brunstetter brought us back to the Troyers and Heidi's cooking class. This one was as addictive as the first two, and Mrs. Brunstetter's extremely captivating talent has shone once again!
I loved seeing the Troyers and Marsha and Randy again. They are wonderfully chiseled characters and really come to life with each story. The other characters that Mrs. Brunstetter created for this one really stole a piece of my heart, too! Being married to my own firefighter, I loved seeing Darren Keller's character worked in there. It was definitely an added bonus to an already amazing novel.
I loved the way Mrs. Brunstetter made this novel about the kids. It was such a refreshing change from the first two, though they were amazing, as well. The different familes that Mrs. Brunstetter created really made the story pop. Each family had a different circumstance, different struggles, and they all felt real to me. The inspiring ways that Heidi Troyer helps each family, really shines.
This is definitely a 5 star worthy addition to a fantastically created 5 star series by the Queen of Amish Fiction. Mrs. Brunstetter adds yummy sounding recipes to the book, making this a tasty treat for all Amish fiction lovers everywhere. While this could easily be read as a stand alone, I don't recommend that you read it as one. Grab this one, along with the first two, and take a trip to the Troyer's farm, to the fun of cooking and baking, and to where God is foremost the center of the story! You won't be sorry!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
I loved seeing the Troyers and Marsha and Randy again. They are wonderfully chiseled characters and really come to life with each story. The other characters that Mrs. Brunstetter created for this one really stole a piece of my heart, too! Being married to my own firefighter, I loved seeing Darren Keller's character worked in there. It was definitely an added bonus to an already amazing novel.
I loved the way Mrs. Brunstetter made this novel about the kids. It was such a refreshing change from the first two, though they were amazing, as well. The different familes that Mrs. Brunstetter created really made the story pop. Each family had a different circumstance, different struggles, and they all felt real to me. The inspiring ways that Heidi Troyer helps each family, really shines.
This is definitely a 5 star worthy addition to a fantastically created 5 star series by the Queen of Amish Fiction. Mrs. Brunstetter adds yummy sounding recipes to the book, making this a tasty treat for all Amish fiction lovers everywhere. While this could easily be read as a stand alone, I don't recommend that you read it as one. Grab this one, along with the first two, and take a trip to the Troyer's farm, to the fun of cooking and baking, and to where God is foremost the center of the story! You won't be sorry!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Jessi Bone (48 KP) rated Taming the Troublemaker in Books
Mar 26, 2019
Troublemaker VS Teacher
Autry Hill is the biggest playboy in town or that is what Beth Cooper always thought. Autry has always been up for a good time with a certain type of girl and Beth has never been that type of girl. When Beth bounces back into his life by locking her purse inside his truck everything changes. Who knew locking your purse in the wrong truck could lead to a skunk, jail and a promise to his father that he would finally settle down. Autry is one trouble maker who is in big trouble with one little good girl. Then all of sudden out of nowhere comes little boy who worms his way into Autry's heart. What are they to do when Dylan foster parents can no longer keep him, Dylan needs a new home; can Beth and Autry work together to give this boy the family they all need or will it be all over because Beth cannot see the man that Autry really is. Can one good little girl be enough to make Autry want to be the man he has always wanted to be?
This is my second Kadie Scott book and I am over the moon for her group of characters that make up the Hill Family books. Her easy writing style and how she weaves her tales make you need a little recovery time after finishing her tales. If you are thinking oh typical western romance you would be way off, Yes, it is a romance based on cowboys and ranching but her story goes beyond the horses and cowboy hats but actually to the characters of her stories so you know who they truly are beyond the story. I recommend this book for anyone looking for a funny, read with romance, laughs and adorable cowboy or two.
This is my second Kadie Scott book and I am over the moon for her group of characters that make up the Hill Family books. Her easy writing style and how she weaves her tales make you need a little recovery time after finishing her tales. If you are thinking oh typical western romance you would be way off, Yes, it is a romance based on cowboys and ranching but her story goes beyond the horses and cowboy hats but actually to the characters of her stories so you know who they truly are beyond the story. I recommend this book for anyone looking for a funny, read with romance, laughs and adorable cowboy or two.
Lindsay (1774 KP) rated Forever a Family (Rosewood, Texas, #8) in Books
Feb 15, 2018
This book was so interesting. I just love how this book ends. I do not want to spoil how it ends. Though this book is a really good read. The book goes to show you how you can be accepted into a community. Have you ever felt you need to belong somewhere but you did not felt like you belong. You just may find that place. This book take you along for a ride that does just that. It about a boy and his mother trying to fit in. It also tell you a story about a veterinary and his family and his life. Though sometimes animals can understand you better then you think. I love the fact this book uses that but also trying to find a yourself and who you love.
What would you do to try and protect your family? Olvia feel she need to protect herself and her son. Though her son is acting out. Will her son change or will they have to leave the town. Zeke seem to understand the boy. Can they both get past their own past? You need to read it to find out. There are event that take place and if they are real event it just so much more to connect with the book. You can learn to read about history that way. This seen to talk about the Texan Fires that was going on at some point.
This book also doe something with romance as well. You can find it out though out the book as well. This book keep my attention and I really did enjoy it to a point i did not want it to end.
You can decide for yourself. I would love to read more from this author any day.
What would you do to try and protect your family? Olvia feel she need to protect herself and her son. Though her son is acting out. Will her son change or will they have to leave the town. Zeke seem to understand the boy. Can they both get past their own past? You need to read it to find out. There are event that take place and if they are real event it just so much more to connect with the book. You can learn to read about history that way. This seen to talk about the Texan Fires that was going on at some point.
This book also doe something with romance as well. You can find it out though out the book as well. This book keep my attention and I really did enjoy it to a point i did not want it to end.
You can decide for yourself. I would love to read more from this author any day.
Lindsay (1774 KP) rated When Grace Sings (The Zimmerman Restoration Trilogy, #2) in Books
Feb 15, 2018 (Updated Apr 9, 2019)
This story continues with Alexa Zimmerman. We are back with the Zimmerman family, with Alexa bed and breakfast known as Grace Notes. We meet the Brauns and their daughter Anna-Grace. Stephen is gifted his grandfather's land. Stephen and Anna-Grace are to stay in Arborville. Alexa seems to be feeling that she is not fitting into the Zimmerman family. Alexa is having doubt about herself and feeling like she an imposter.
We know about Anna-Grace birth parents for we dealt with them in the first book called "When Mercy Rains". When Mercy Rains introduces us to Anna Grace birth parents. Anna Grace is given an envelope that has her birth parents names. Anna-Grace cannot decide if she wants to know or not know her birth parents names and why they gave her up for adoption.
Stephen is dealing with what he wants to do in life. He does not know if he want's his grandfather land in Arborville. He seems to want to sell it, but he does not know for sure. He seems to want to be a teacher. Can he tell his parents or Anna Grace that he wants to be? Stephen decides to have Anna Grace decide if she can stay there or not live in Arborville and if he should keep or sell his grandparents farmland.
We also meet Bailey Forrester who is a reporter and is sent to Arborville to find a story on this community. There are four people looking in the wrong places. Bailey has his Aunt Marit that come through to him. He also tries to want to feel important. Will they all find Grace? What will happen with Stephen and Anna-Grace?
We know about Anna-Grace birth parents for we dealt with them in the first book called "When Mercy Rains". When Mercy Rains introduces us to Anna Grace birth parents. Anna Grace is given an envelope that has her birth parents names. Anna-Grace cannot decide if she wants to know or not know her birth parents names and why they gave her up for adoption.
Stephen is dealing with what he wants to do in life. He does not know if he want's his grandfather land in Arborville. He seems to want to sell it, but he does not know for sure. He seems to want to be a teacher. Can he tell his parents or Anna Grace that he wants to be? Stephen decides to have Anna Grace decide if she can stay there or not live in Arborville and if he should keep or sell his grandparents farmland.
We also meet Bailey Forrester who is a reporter and is sent to Arborville to find a story on this community. There are four people looking in the wrong places. Bailey has his Aunt Marit that come through to him. He also tries to want to feel important. Will they all find Grace? What will happen with Stephen and Anna-Grace?