Rafael Maestri Maestri itibaren Piyai River, Kuala Indragiri, Indragiri Hilir Regency, Riau, Endonezya itibaren Piyai River, Kuala Indragiri, Indragiri Hilir Regency, Riau, Endonezya

Such a great read. Delia is a beta heroine. I don’t think I’ve ever given that term to a girl before, but if there was ever a beta heroine, it would be Delia. She’s completely adorable! She’s part of a long line of witches (skips generations) and has the ability to talk to statues. It’s a gift she enjoys, something that’s a part of her as well as her arms and legs are a part of her. She does hide her gift from people though, after being punished by her parents over the matter. Grant was overbearingly awesome. He’s a take care of kind of person. Sometimes his actions come across to Delia as pushing and unkind, but when you’re in his pov, you really see him trying his hardest to do what he thinks is best, making him completely endearing. Fav parts of the story: The chemistry between these two like to have melted my Kindle! There was so much sexual tension woven into the story. The statues Delia talked to were a charming lot. They became characters I began to care about and I wanted to know more about what they were doing, the shenanigans they were getting into. The mystery tied through out was enough to keep you on the edge of your seat, but not so much all you thought about was the mystery. It really gave me a chance to enjoy the characters and how their interactions continued to affect other parts of the story. It was such a unique story with Delia’s gift!

I feel like Christine Feehan is hyped all over goodreads. Her plot was creative but her writing was plodding. Her exciting plot line was dragged down by Feehan's refusal to just let characters show what they are thinking. For example (pg. 193 - picked at random): Brian returned within a few minutes, his steps heavy, his shoulders slumped. He looked as if the weight of the world was on him. Either sentence would have been enough. But don't worry, Feehan goes on: Joley glanced around her to see if anyone else was watching. Tish knew. Joley could see it in her eyes when she looked at Brian as he walked back toward them. The others didn't notice, but Tish knew heartbreak, and Joley was becoming all too familiar wit it, and there was no missing the pain in Brian's expression. Holy God, unwieldy sentence. Really the passage could have ended with Brian's return and a worried glance between Tish and Joley. Feehan's over-analysis of characters really detracted from a creative plot, interesting paranormal activity and a very intriguing hero.

Falling Leaves by Adeline Yen Mah is an autobiography, illustrating the author's hardship in her childhood. Ever since Adeline's stepsister came into her family home, her childhood seemed to shatter. She was unwanted by her father and step-mother and was bullied by her older siblings. Adeline’s only guidance was her Aunt Baba, Ye Ye (grandfather) and occasionally her older brother James. The reason why she was unwanted was because of her mother’s death by giving birth to Adeline, therefore she was thought as cursed. This novel illustrates her constant struggles through various wars, revolutions, and an attempt to being accepted by her family. I actually read another version of Falling Leaves, but I actually liked this version a lot better. This is because there were many details based not only on her childhood but also after she has grown up. So I recommend reading Chinese Cinderella by Adeline Yen Mah before reading Falling Leaves. I found Adeline’s constant struggles with Niang (stepmother) and her siblings very interesting and sad at the same time. I would not recommend this novel for people who enjoy reading something light and humorous. This is because the outcome of Adeline and her family’s relationship was a very shocking and sad ending. However I did find this novel very enjoyable with many historical aspects of China at that time. Spoilers: I must admit that the betrayal of Adeline’s siblings shocked me greatly even after they have grown up into adults. And I am absolutely furious with Adeline’s siblings for betraying her especially James and Lydia, I could never get over this anger.

This is a very original tale of Tom sawyer and was good to read to young children as it has good morals.