I was mesmerized... entranced by the many magical creatures spotlighted in this anthology. TBH, I was today years old when I learnt of so many folklores, definitely an eye-opening read and kept me going. As it's all short stories, it was an easy read to finish. Overall, if you are looking for some easy read with mythical elements, please give this book a try. Thanks to the author/editor, Hanna Alkaf, for this e-ARC in return for my honest review.

I could imagine while reading it, as though I'm watching a Diva channel type of movie! The writing is fluid, and the pace is definitely better than the first with more adventurous plots. I find the ending a little comedic, a little rush. I guess I would have preferred a little slow burn or a little dramatic LOL! With that said, I do enjoy this more than book 1! All's well that ends well! Thanks to the author for this awesome book! My rating 4/5.

I‘ve enjoyed this novel which triggered many nostalgic moments. It sure felt like I‘m reading a story out of a Diva channel. It is so relatable, so on point especially when Ruby visited the beach, where she lost her mother, again. From that moment on, with Ruby sort of come to her senses, I find the story became more well-rounded. It was more engaging then albeit a little predictable; I was reading as fast to know how it ends. It's a 4/5 for me.

Though the plot is predictable, I've enjoyed the story, the overall premise! I sure hope book 2 would be better! My rating is 4/5. If you like Gillian Flynn and Sandra Brown, you can give this novel a try before the movie is out. Yes, it has been adapted to the big screen 🙂

Truth be told, I totally enjoyed this novel. IMO, it is a mix of Kevin Kwan and Sophie Kinsella, so Asian romantic comedy... somewhat akin to Bridget Jones, LOL! It was like a Diva movie vibe that I couldn't wait for the Happy Ever After! Anyway, thanks to LibraryThing and the author, Grace Tang, for this e-book. If you are looking for something light and fun to read, why not give this novel a try.

If you are a fan of Kevin Kwan's novels, then you will enjoy reading this. Regardless of some religious and political agenda, I find it entertaining albeit predictable 😅

I've rated this 4/5.

Merry Christmas Litsy! I‘ve posted some postcards recently and I hope it reaches you safely 🙏🏻 I apologise for the late replies as I‘ve been busy. I‘ve also just found out that there will be a postage price hike WEF 2025! As it is, the price is doubled compared to pre-covid days which is equivalent to a normal meal. And now it‘s gonna double up more!!! So I think it‘s best to exclude me from the mail list 😞 unless there‘s a list for emails? ⬇️

Interestingly this book consists of 12 short stories about baba nyonya heritage in fiction. I‘ve enjoyed them, slowly reading them though there are a couple I didn‘t get it. I liked the many educational coloured pics of the heritage like sarong, tiffin and more. It is an easy read so give it a try if you like cultural type of books. I‘ve rated it 3/5.

Thanks to the author and publisher for this copy! I‘m happy to embark on the continuation of Annaliese‘s and Isabel‘s life journey. It‘s a long and winding path whilst both of them discovering themselves in the midst of all the confusion. I‘ve rated this 3/5. It‘s historical fiction mixed with family saga IMO.

Is it just me? I can‘t see the like button, I can‘t see the rate button but I can blindly click on it so that I can post this and I can‘t even stack books. All the small grey buttons are missing for me 😭 the attached photo is just an example 😭

Thanks to the author and LibraryThings for this copy! I hadn't realized this was book 2! It is definitely a well written feel-good love story. From the moment Khara and Riddick met until the end, it was filled with adventure, like a roller coaster ride. It may be predictable (I had guessed the ending to be that), yet it was as emotional and full of surprise at times. With such a lovely and warm ending to boot! My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5.

I am amazed with the many Chinese literature references in this memoir that shaped up this author‘s life. Truly eye-opening and straight to the point, I sympathise with what she has to endure and the harrowing life growing up. I‘m glad she‘s grown to be a strong woman and able to face her demons. My rating is ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5. Thanks to the publisher, LibraryThings and author for this copy 🙏🏻

I‘ve totally enjoyed this novel which has many Asian antiques and chaos. The humour in it made it more enjoyable. I find it a mix of Jackie Collins, Sophie Kinsella and Jesse Q Sutanto. This is actually my first read from this author 😅 I didn‘t join the CRA bandwagon previously 🤣 This Novel garnered ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 from me.

I have so enjoyed this book!!! A compilation of 6 short stories that was entertaining and different yet linked to Grishaverse! The various world built in this was truly unique and worth venturing on. Her fluid prose was a huge plus! I‘ve rated this 4/5 🫰🏻

I've totally enjoyed this book 2, now knowing the past - how they have met - and eventually what happened that led to their fallout. I'm glad to have read this copy, thanks to the author! I can‘t wait to dive in Book 3! My rating 4/5

Overall, this novel was easy to grasp even though it is thick with plots and revolved around many characters. I liked that it has been indirectly sectioned and arranged in such a way that I don't get confused. Moreover, this novel is about magical abilities that truly reminds me of Leigh Bardugo's Grishaverse that I liked! I‘ve rated this 4/5. Thanks to the author for a copy of this book 🫰🏻

Just finished this lovely book in time for April‘s #bookspin #bookspinbingo @TheAromaofBooks ! I totally loved the way it‘s written, the characters, the plots. I was so engrossed and enveloped by the story. It‘s no wonder that he‘s still one of my favourite authors! I hope I don‘t have to wait another 8 years for the next book 🙏🏻 My rating is 5/5!!!

Nicci French used to be one of my favourite mystery crime authors. I still have a few unread titles on my bookshelf, so I thought to revisit this author. Maybe I have aged, or my palate has changed, as it has turned out to be an average read for me now. Tuesday's Gone is the second book from the Freida Klein's series. I have not read any from this series and it can be read as a standalone as I didn't feel the gap. My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5. 👇🏻

I have recently lost my furkid so reading this was a tad emotional for me. Mitch has written such a beautiful memoir and I can so relate to it, feeling the raw melancholy heart aches 😭 There are no words to sum up this lovely book except LOVE ❤️ Definitely a 5/5!!!

This is truly another awesome read from Freida! I was so into it and didn‘t expect that ending! Such twisted plots and dark storyline, I was truly entertained. Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to explore The Inmate 🫰🏻 My rating is 4/5. Dark and filled with mystery, if you like Gone Girl or the likes of it, you can check this out! This is also my #bookspin read @TheAromaofBooks

Overall, it‘s slow paced yet with lots of mystery surrounding the castle. A historical fiction with romance that is quite exuberant and yet melancholy at times. This is book 1 of Rowley Family series about the goings on within Castle Rowley. I‘ve received this from Library Things with much gratitude. My rating is 3/5. Coincidentally this is my pick for #bookspin #bookspinbingo for February @TheAromaofBooks

Now I know why this is a highly rated book! The way the narration works, it‘s definitely expressed with clarity. Well written with great historical background like a legacy or memoir though fiction. I just can‘t stand the pace, too slow for my liking. I‘ve rated it ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5.

There are 10 short stories about local Asian folk lores, some I liked but quite a few I didn‘t. No doubt it‘s well written but the stories do take awhile to set in for me. Perhaps it‘s not my cup of tea, not my kind of genre. Overall I‘ve rated it 3/5. Pick this is you want to explore something new 😅

My first 2024 read and it was the right pick! I just loved the way it was told, such an enjoyable one with all the feels! I hoped that the great books will keep on coming after this🫰🏻This is also my pick for #bookspinbingo
It‘s about a girl abandoned by her family and she has to fend for herself in the marsh. A little like Tarzan but with a different premise, I liked that the story is told until she grows old, with closure and a twist! 👇🏻

A highly rated book which turned out to be the opposite for me. I honestly thought it‘s Greek mythology but it turned out differently that confused me. In the end, though it was well written, the story is not my cup of tea. My rating is 2/5. This is the last book for the year for me and I hope for a better read in 2024!
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!!!

The overall premise of the story dwells on Nora's mundane life and suicidal thoughts, how she finally overcame it and wanting to live her life in the end. It sure is enlightening looking from Nora's point of view, as I would never have thought of dying. It was also a well written book, I liked the clarity and easy to understand prose. This is my last pick of the year for #bookspin 🙏🏻 I‘ve rated it 3/5.
@TheAromaofBooks

Thank you so much @Smarkies I loved it all!!! I can‘t wait to dive into this book 😘 My girl has started with the chocolates without me 😅

Thank you @MaleficentBookDragon for organising this wonderful #jolabokaflodswap ❤️

Merry Christmas and happy holidays ya all 🫰🏻

I‘ve posted mine this morning! Hope it reaches you safely 🙏🏻

#jolabokaflodswap
@MaleficentBookDragon

My #jolabokaflodswap has arrived! I‘m excited and can‘t wait to open it as it‘s my first time joining! Thank you 🙏🏻

@MaleficentBookDragon

This is one journey that I have somewhat enjoy and yet felt a little underwhelmed. The adventure is book related focusing on book lovers weaknesses yet not as livelier, maybe due to the translation. It‘s suitable for young adults, similar to John Connolly‘s The Book of Lost Things IMO. I‘ve rated this ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5.

Thanks to Bonnie Meadow Publishing and Edelweiss for this awesome novel! Awesome as this is my first Forensic Instinct and it can be read as a standalone even though this is no 10! Also I‘ve only read historical romance by Andrea Kane which I‘ve enjoyed thus reading a modern mystery romance is a change from her usual genre and yet it was as good! Kept me on my toes and wondering who‘s the culprit 😅 I‘ve rated this ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5.

This novel has given me much thought on humans, religions, choices we make and our future. I may not enjoy some of its context but overall, it was an enlightening and engaging read. So in the end, I‘ve rated this 4/5.

This novel reminds me of Nicholas Sparks - John Green type of books. Grief. Sickness. Love lost and love found. I do enjoy Leah Omar's version but with each dilly dally, I became a little more anxious to know how it ends! The self-discovery of their own individual fault was very slow indeed, thus added a little depth to the climax of the story. I liked how it ended and glad that it is a HEA one. My rating is 4/5.

I‘m glad to complete this trilogy and knowing how it ended. It was a chaotic journey with Margrete and Bash, so many hindrance in their way! In the end, it was worth all the effort. It was a nice combination of mortal-nymph-immortal story about revenge, love, empathy and more. My rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. Thanks to City Owl Press and LibraryThing for this awesome trilogy!

The saga continues after the war with Isabel separated from her abusive husband and staying with Annaliese and her hubby. Isabel is doing well as head of music and Annaliese is passionate of her psychiatric practice. A new headmaster and more crooks turned up making the twins very busy. An interesting saga that will continue to vol 4. My rating 3/5. Thanks to Crepuscular Press for this volume!

My first McFadden and this book is filled with lots of twists and turns! Truly an engaging read right from the start, so intense and kept me turning the pages! The ending was not what I‘ve expected as I thought it would be more blood curdling 😅

Oh well, this is a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me. Thanks to Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this early copy!

Now I know why this was a highly rated book. When the ending revealed itself, I was surprised! It wasn‘t who I thought it was! This is by far the best read for me this year! I‘m so glad to finally read it and I‘m having a book withdrawal syndrome 😅 I‘ve rated this 5/5 😘 If you haven‘t yet, go read this now!
My #bookspin read for August! #bookspinbingo @TheAromaofBooks

I had wanted to read a romance book but I also wanted a short one which is why I've requested for this. Fortunately, it was such a breeze reading this novella! Fast paced yet in detail, this author truly knows how to tweak it! Truly was an engaging read until the end and I liked that it was not the typical damsel in distress kinda romance. But yeah… be aware that not many may like the abortion part and it is just a story. 👇🏻

I'm glad to have read this novel as I did enjoy the storyline. I liked how the author has paced the story and not going overboard especially for the romance part. It was a straightforward one that does not confuse at all even though this was her first novel. It has a little excerpt at the end of each chapter, from a ''Journal of an unknown woman, early 1700s", that adds on more to the mystery. My rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️ ??

I‘ve enjoyed this simple, straightforward novel about Kuang, from his arrival in Singapore when he was 5 until when he grew up to became a successful braised duck seller. Atypical Asian lit that‘s enlightening for me. I‘ve rated it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. Thanks to Penguin Random House SEA for this awesome book! My #bookspin #bookspinbingo for July @TheAromaofBooks

Thank you, Ashley! @BookwormAHN
I loved the library card 😘

Thank you, @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 😘 Came home to this lovely card 😍

Thank you, my Litsy buddy @Deifio 😍 I was away travelling and returned home to this lovely card 😘

1. Breaking the Silence by Diane Chamberlain
2. Absolution by Anna Tan
3. The House of Doors by Tan Twan Eng
4. The American Boyfriend by Ivy Ngeow
5. Ikigai by Ken Mogi
6. Shower of Luck by Nadia Ayesha
7. Hanna Alkaf
8. Lily Adler
9. The Weight of our Sky by Hanna Alkaf
10. Silver Lady by Mary Jo Putney
11. Babel by RF Kuang
12. The Seafarer‘s Secret by Carol Ann Collins
Thanks for the tag @Eggs
@Klou #midyearbookfreakout

#usindependence #summerspecial
@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Eggs

#summersun is when my garden is blooming non-stop! There are more but I‘m not good with photo collages so this will have to do 😅 #summerspecial @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Eggs

I‘ve recently started playing this game and it‘s quite addictive 🎉 There‘s a #boat in it! The game is called June‘s Journey. #summerspecial
@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Eggs

I‘ve been busy so I‘ve stopped posting for awhile but I‘m back now. Hopefully I can continue it diligently. So here‘s my first for July‘s #summerspecial #canadaday
I picked this rainbow which is so beautiful.
@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Eggs

Not sure if it‘s just me or the translation, this book is rather dry and uninteresting. I could have skipped it all and just read the conclusion which was good enough. Anyway I was flipping it a lot hence the speed in finishing it fast or else I would have glazed over. Unfortunately not my cup of tea. ⭐️⭐️

This is my first-time reading Fern Michaels and I have been reminded of Diva Channel's drama TV series LOL! The way it was written definitely can be turned into TV or movie anytime! It was easily understood, and I could imagine the plots, the scheme of things and all the excitement that it brought along. Though this is book 35, it was well explained and informed that I didn't get lost or confused. Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Books for this!