I found this book at the Romance section of an MPH bookstore, so my first impression of this book was that it would surely be about romantic love.

But I was surprised as I read it, I realized that it wasn't really about romantic love, after all. This novel centers on many other issues, such as family relationships, friendship, and most importantly, sisterhood. What makes this book a good read is how the writer explains each character. One character that I think is really interesting in the book is Eliza. Eventhough she isn't the main character in this novel, I was made to understand how difficult her life is and how she goes through with it. Maybe it's personal to me, after all. She struggles through issues such as anorexia, self-injury, and has a difficult-to-deal-with personality. But I can't help but sympathize with her. The main character of this novel, Bay, is described vividly. The most interesting thing about this novel is how the characters of this book are brought together and linked together in a perfect ending. Thus, the perfect summer.

This is a great book about how betrayal and greed can turn people we know into different people. And how love and friendship can help people pull through the hardest of times. All in all, it is a great book and I would really recommend it. Only advice is, don't expect lovey-dovey stuff even though it is located in the Romance section.


The Nine Month Plan (Wendy Markham)

This is one simply wonderful and enjoyable story about an American/Italian woman, Nina, and her neighbour/best buddy, Joe. They grew up together in the Queens, faced many things together, even lost their virginity to each other. Throughout the years, they have gotten so close and used to each other that they simply denied being attracted and in love with each other. Then Joe makes an unusual request : He wants Nina to have his baby!

Nina, meanwhile, had been a very responsible woman all her life. She raised four younger siblings when her mother passed away, and all she ever wanted was to leave the Queens. And she finally had the chance to do so! She planned to leave right after her sister's wedding which was nine months away. Due to gratitude, she decided to have Joe's baby and then leave Queens once she's given birth.

But along the way, Nina finally realizes that she really was in love with Joe, and that she couldn't leave her baby behind.

Witness Nina's predicament, alongside with some quirky characters and funny events.


Do Not Disturb (Christie Ridgway)

This book screams "SEXY!" all the way. The sexiness of this book isn't in a vulgar way, but in a romantic way.

Angel Buchanan, a reporter (and feminist) and secret daughter of the late "Artist of The Heart" Stephen Whitney, is determined to find out more about the father who had abandoned her when she was four. Opportunity knocks when she is assigned to investigate and report on his funeral.

But she didn't count on meeting C.J. Jones, the brother of Stephen Whitney's current wife. They have a stormy affair (with pretty graphic details about their love-making), both admitting to the sexual attraction they have for each other.

When Angel realizes that it isn't lust she feels for C.J., but it's love, C.J. finds out the truth about Angel. He is determined to keep her quiet about her late, not-so-great dad, and asks her to leave.

Ultimately, Angel understands that after all, her father indeed loved her. And now she has to find a way to get to C.J.'s heart...


Falling Leaves (Adeline Yen Mah)

The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter, it is written on the cover. And truly it is, a remarkable true story of Adeline Yen Mah, who was raised by her father and stepmother and had to face many of life's difficulties at the hand of her abusive stepmother.

I found that tears were unavoidable as I read this book, understanding that being somehow being Chinese binds me to the story and traditions behind it. It is a story of acceptance, love and understanding. And how far human beings would go to escape the life they are brought upon.