Showing posts with label Thirteen chances. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Thirteen chances. Show all posts

Thursday, October 08, 2009

Thirteen Chances book review


So, this is the novel in question.

Was it only me who doesn't appreciate the cover? I don't know, the cover of hard-naked man suggests that it's one of those steamy novels I saw on the Romance shelves. Of course, like the saying goes, "Don't judge a book by its cover". This is indeed so here.

I much prefer the covers of the first 3 books.

I must say, Christian's and Emma's story is fast becoming my favourite in all of Cindy Miles' novels. Spirited Away is still my top favourite though.

This is a lovely, lovely PG-rating novel! The story is so heartrending and filled with hilarious moments at the same time.

I especially love the return of previous characters from previous novels. The Dreadmoor gang (my favourite), the Munros, etc. Jason of Dreadmoor has been and still is my favourite! Woo! I enjoyed his parts in this story very much. I can't help but wish that I can hear more about Tristan and other members.

And the way the castle and mist in Wales are describe in the book, wow! It just makes me want to visit Wales... *Sighs*

Christian is a very likable character, like the rest of the male protagonists in previous books. Twelve-century, a ghost (for a better part) and full of chivalry, who doesn't like that? Emma is a great character too.

The plot is wonderful in here, lovers being reunited every 72 years only to fail to be together is refreshing. I feel that the author has improved since Spirited Away.

Thirteen Chances is a good read, sweet and touching with humour mix in. A combination I can't resist.

Can't wait to see what else she's got to offer.

Ha, got my hands on it

Woohoo! I finally got my hands on Thirteen Chances by Cindy Miles! And it's all due to sheer luck and some perseverance.

Alright, so I haven't tried 13 times but I certainly did make useless trips to Kinokuniya and Borders.

Yesterday morning , I went to see the dermatologist at Novena medical centre with my father and than I left for Orchard while my father went to work.

I went traipsing from Borders at Wheelock Place to Kinokuniya at Takashimaya. My destination to be was actually Kinokuniya because I wanted to order some novels. Yes, I was planning to order in Thirteen Chances.

However, I decided to make a trip to Borders first. I don't know what prompt me to do that but it certainly was right. Searched for it under the new releases section to no avail. I was going to give up when I went further down the aisle to the Romance section and 'lo and behold!', 2 copies of Thirteen Chances are sitting on the shelf!

I was grinning to myself as I check the book for defects. Happily paid for it. Oh well, Borders may mark up the prices but I'm willing to pay a little more if it means I can get my books on the spot. I may be the customer and have every right to choose which bookstore to patronise but what's a girl to do when only one bookstore offers the coveted novel.

Walked to Kinokuniya and double-checked the shelves. Already I knew the chances of them to update their shelves are minimal, however, I can't help but to check again. No such luck.

Placed an order for two of Lynn Kurland's novels with the staff.

It felt good and at the same time, I felt a little guilty. To add to my defense, the only things in life I indulge in are branded ice-cream, chocolates and books and some other stuff. Besides, I just got my pay and I haven't treat myself for that traumatic experience, nevermind that I'm suppose to save all...

Went home and started reading Thirteen Chances. I'll do a review for it in another entry.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Great day!

Had a great day yesterday! My mother was due for her eye check-up at Raffles Hospital after her surgery and I tagged along with my parents because I wanted to go to Borders and Kinokuniya.
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The check-up was surprisingly fast and we were on our way to Orchard at about 10 plus.
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We parked at Nee Ann City and I had a curry puff before walking to Ion Orchard to cross the underground linkway to Wheelock Place. I was feeling particularly like the tourists on the walk-way. The sun was not shining too brightly and the streets were quite empty for once. What a lovely feeling!
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This was my parents’ first time in Ion since my father hated crowds. The shops are opened and we decided to shop around later as I wanted to go Borders first. Had a hard time finding the linkway to Wheelock Place since this was only my second official time there.
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As usual, Borders fails to satisfy and amuse me. I’m beginning to feel irritate at it. The books I want are not available, even Thirteen Chances by Cindy Miles which was just released from USA. I get it that importation takes time but why can’t my wish came true?
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In the end, I bought a novel by Lynn Kurland, the only available title at Borders. I’m wondering if they ever take stock and update their collection. This is not funny at all. I asked about the special orders from overseas and it will cost me $6.90 extra for each book.
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Walked to Ion again, this time to do window-shopping. Love the feeling of spaciousness! Decided to do lunch at the so-called famous Food Mall. It was quite empty except for a few patrons as lunch time was still not here.


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Finally found what I’ve been looking for! Royce Chocolate brings back fond memories of the memorable trip to Hokkaido 2 years ago. I remembered visiting the shop in Hokkaido and my auntie buying and sharing the chocolate squares on the bus.
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Royce is tucked away in a small corner at B4 at Ion. The store is awash in blinding white and gives it a clinical yet pristine feel. The various types of chocolates are displayed prominently in glass squares.
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One of the staff served us and let us tried the Champagne and Bitter Nama Chocolates. It is heavenly. Bought a box of Bitter Nama Chocolates which cost $15 and is stored in this silvery material to keep it cool for 5 hours. I’ll try the other products next time. The Potatochip Chocolates looks delicious...

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S$115 (Not by scale)
S$115 (Not by scale)
(Not by scale)
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Did more window-shopping. Gazed in wonderment at the prices of the Swarovski crystals figurines at Swarovski. The lighting effects and the cuts of the crystals make it shine and dazzle. Of course, it makes my hands itch. I’ve a soft spot for cute things. A couple of the crystal figurines caught my eyes and I went squeal.
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Went to ThreeSixty Marketplace located at F4 of Ion. It was so cold in there. And it will no doubt make you feel colder when you see the prices of some of the fruits. $68 for a watermelon, anyone? How about $100+ bunch of the finest grapes from Japan?
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Walked back to Takashimaya and we went to Kinokuniya. I looked for my books and finally bought another novel from Lynn Kurland. That’s it. I’m reserving the other titles from the library in Singapore. No chance in getting Thirteen Chances.
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I asked the Information counter about it and was told it will be here in about 2 week times. Once again, I asked about the special orders and it will cost me no extra to import a book. Wow, Kinokuniya really went my book-O-metre.
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I’ll probably go back in 2-3 week times to see.
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Went to the food section at Takashimaya and bought drinks. The boxes at the various chocolate stores are so pretty and cute! I’d love to get my hands on them.
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Bought some vegetables from Cold Storage and went home.
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What a morning! It’s been quite some time that the 3 of us went out on a weekday, to Orchard no less. One of favourite places in Singapore. Window-shopping is better than none at all.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

I want that novel

Noooo!

Looks like I can't go to Borders or Kino next week. I should wait at least 2 weeks for the shipment to come in before spending money to make a trip to town and ended coming back home empty-handed.

I truly hate the bookstores in Singapore! @#$%*! And the libraries too!

I always envy those who can get books like this *with a snap of the fingers*.

I searched through Borders website in the US and Thirteen Chances by Cindy Miles is selling there. So is BarnesandNoble.com and amazon.com. Arghhh! I want that novel!

I can always ordered it through websites but it will take too long and I'm paranoid about people making off with the credit card number.

Singapore can be so stagnant in advancements...