The final 12 for this season’s (Season 2) Singapore Idol has been chosen, and I’m happy to report that my two favourites, Mathilda D’Silva (pictured left) and Gayle Nerva, both with powerful vocals, are amongst the dozen finalists. Well done!

This season seems to see a stronger showing from the gals, IMO. I’ll be watching out for the performances of Nurul, Rahimah and Jasmine as well. My daughter is rooting for Gayle while some of the ladies in the office have their eyes on Jonathan. Yeah, that guy’s a crooner alright.

Two weekends ago, Linda Winstead Jones held me spellbound with The Sun Witch, The Moon Witch and The Star Witch, collectively known as the Sisters of the Sun trilogy.

My teenage years were dominated by SF Fantasy and Mystery novels, and there  they were usually devoid of any romance angle. Romance would only be worked into the story as a token sub-plot, and not an important factor to influence the story over much. So imagine my delight when I stumbled upon this series (thanks to P Devi).

However, having heard that this series has mixed reviews, I started on The Sun Witch seeking a break from romance, and what a pleasant surprise it was for me. I simply couldn’t stop turning the pages!

It’s been a year since I started blogging, and what a blast it’s been! I’ve had a great time reading and blogging about books I’ve read, and love, and met many like-minded pals online who share my passion for reading. Goodness, time does fly when you’re having fun.

In fact, I’ve been so immersed in chasing one story after another that I’ve let my blog anniversary slipped quietly by while I was on holiday.  So, to remedy the situation, not to mention and in the process de-clutter my shelves, I’ve registered a couple of books on BookCrossing and reserved them for giving away to mark this mini milestone.
Ok, here’s where I talk a bit more about BookCrossing. For those who’re clueless about this random act of literary kindness, here’s the definition:

bookcrossing
n. the practice of leaving a book in a public place to be picked up and read by others, who then do likewise. (added to the Concise Oxford English Dictionary in August 2004)

It’s really easy for you to get in on the act.  Just choose one of the books I’ve reserved for this occasion, register your interest in reading it via a comment to this post, and I’ll send that book to you.

This month, we’re supposed to read a book that was recommended by someone I know (another blogger, author, friend, family member) or that got a lot of buzz. 

Prior to joining the challenge, I’ve already heard a lot about Mitch Albom  from some friends and my brother. What’s more, a friend from work gave me Albom’s Tuesdays with Morrie and The Five People You Meet in Heaven as Christmas gifts last year. When Angie came up with this challenge, I immediately earmarked this for June’s challenge.

Title: The Five People You Meet in Heaven

Author: Mitch Albom

Year published: 2003

Why did you get this book?
I’ve been hearing about this from friends and family, and besides, since it was given to me as a Christmas gift, I simply have to read it.

Do you like the cover?
The simple cover of the book belies the profound wisdom found inside its pages.

I’m in trouble. I thought that reading Madeline Hunter’s Lady of Sin after a short rest would restore my enjoyment of her work.

But I’m dismayed to find myself skipping all the steamy interaction between the H/H, except one scene and that I quickly skimmed. What do I do?  I’m reluctant to drop this talented author from my autobuy, yet … the plot developments are starting to get a little predictable. I will concede, however, that this is a much more enjoyable read than Lord of Sin, mainly because I’m already familiar with some of the characters, but that could also work against it.

I had already guessed the parentage of the street urchin suspected to be the long lost first son, and therefore rightful heir of the Mardenford title, and by the middle of the book, accurately predicted the outcome of the confrontation between the hero, Nathaniel Knightridge and the heroine, Lady M’s brother-in-law. So the only thing that kept me going to the end was to see if all my hunches were right. And they were … much to my disappointment.

I have to remind myself that this is a historical romance, not romantic suspense or thriller, so I shouldn’t expect surprising twists that would otherwise bend the focus of the story, which is the relationship between Nathaniel and Charlotte.

I’m so addcited to quizzes and tests … and you’re getting this thanks to the timestamp feature of WP.

I’m probably somewhere on beautiful Phuket soaking up the sun.  Oh yeah!