MaryCastillo
Member Since: August 25, 2007Reviews
Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen
One of the best books I've read this year. It's gripping, touching and romantic. Once you start it, you won't be able to put it down until the end. And then, you'll wish it wasn't over!
One of the best books I've read this year. It's gripping, touching and romantic. Once you start it, you won't be able to put it down until the end. And then, you'll wish it wasn't over! -
Love Walked In
I resisted reading Love Walked In by Marisa de los Santos for the longest time. But then Barbara de Marco Barrett announced that she was interviewing de los Santos on her blog and when I cracked the book open at Target last week, I realized that I'd... +
I resisted reading Love Walked In by Marisa de los Santos for the longest time. But then Barbara de Marco Barrett announced that she was interviewing de los Santos on her blog and when I cracked the book open at Target last week, I realized that I'd been passing up a gem. I wasted no time falling into this book when my Little Dude went down for his nap that day.
Marisa de los Santos has written an elegant, heartfelt story of café manager, Cornelia Brown whose life is changed when a handsome stranger walks into her café. Cornelia immediately falls for his Cary Grant charm and élan, thinking at last she's found her ideal. Adorable, unwittingly maternal, whip smart and at times totally blind, Cornelia is a character whom all of us recognize in ourselves or our friends. But then the author switches gears and in chapter two we meet Clare, a precocious 11 year old girl whose mother is coming apart at the seams. As a mother myself, her story had me in tears. Even though I had no idea how Cornelia and Clare's stories were connected – and that is all I'll say because I can't give away an important twist - de los Santos' had me.
Most literary novels, or this new breed of novels called "upmarket women's fiction" that's not quite literary, nor chick lit, fail to tell a good story. But in her best-selling debut, de los Santos balances the fine art of elegant prose, engaging characters and a plot that had me gasping with surprise. She's also gutsy. Cornelia's story is told in first person while Clare is told in third. I'm sure writers out there are imagining disapproving contest judges wielding their red pens! But it works
Book club members who want something to talk about, chick lit readers who want a little oomph to their reading and romance readers who love a good love story and classic movie references should read this book. This is a story about love in all of its forms: a man and woman, friend and friend, mother and daughter and especially the love discovered between two people most unlikely to ever cross paths.
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Maisie Dobbs
This was one of the best books I read in 2007. If you enjoy books with an intriguing heroine, a gripping mystery and history, then I highly recommend this first of a four book series.
This was one of the best books I read in 2007. If you enjoy books with an intriguing heroine, a gripping mystery and history, then I highly recommend this first of a four book series. -
Bay Books
One of my favorite bookstores happens to be the one where I signed my very first book. Bay Books Coronado is beautiful gem in downtown Coronado with a large selection of books and magazines, including best sellers as well as the soon-to-be best... +
One of my favorite bookstores happens to be the one where I signed my very first book. Bay Books Coronado is beautiful gem in downtown Coronado with a large selection of books and magazines, including best sellers as well as the soon-to-be best seller. The staff is friendly and more than happy to help you find something to read on the beach, or a book you've been searching for but can't find anywhere else. They offer a well-stocked children's section and coffee bar and host events with authors. And yes, you can find signed copies of all my books - unless they sold out! - at Bay Books. -
The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen by Syrie James
If I had a top ten list of the best books of 2007, this would be at the top of my list. Truly, this is one of the most heartfelt stories I've had the pleasure to read in a really long, long time. This is not only the story of a secret romance... +
If I had a top ten list of the best books of 2007, this would be at the top of my list.
Truly, this is one of the most heartfelt stories I've had the pleasure to read in a really long, long time. This is not only the story of a secret romance that Jane Austen had with an unknown gentleman, but of a writer who overcomes her doubts and her daily concerns for financial security to fully embrace the need to put pen to paper and write the stories from her heart and head. The story was over too soon and I look forward to many more stories from Ms. James.
From the back cover:
What if, hidden in an old attic chest, Jane Austen's memoirs were discovered after hundreds of years? What if those pages revealed the untold story of a life-changing love affair? That's the premise behind this spellbinding novel, which delves into the secrets of Jane Austen's life, giving us untold insights into her mind and heart.
Jane Austen has given up writing when, on a fateful trip to Lyme, she meets the well-read and charming Mr. Ashford, a man who is her equal in intellect and temperament. Inspired by the people and places around her, and encouraged by his faith in her, Jane begins revising Sense and Sensibility, a book she began years earlier, hoping to be published at last.
Deft and witty, written in a style that echoes Austen's own, The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen offers a delightfully possible scenario for the inspiration behind this beloved author's romantic tales. It's a remarkable book, irresistible to anyone who loves Jane Austen—and to anyone who loves a great story. From the moment you open the pages of The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen, you won't be able to put it down.
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bareMinerals Original Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF15
I've been using bareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation for three years. It is the only foundation that doesn't make my skin break out and it provides SPF coverage. I can apply this and the bareMinerals Mineral Veil on my entire face in under three minutes... +
I've been using bareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation for three years. It is the only foundation that doesn't make my skin break out and it provides SPF coverage. I can apply this and the bareMinerals Mineral Veil on my entire face in under three minutes. Instead of looking cakey or overly made-up, my skin looks more even-toned, refreshed and healthy. So if you're into the natural look, this is a great product but you can also go glam for nighttime. With the brushes and the other products, Bare Escentuals can add up in cost. But if you clean your brushes on a regular basis, the product goes a long way. -
Hard Rock Cafe
We used to have a Hard Rock Cafe in Newport but it shut down years ago. The food was so-so and really overpriced. I almost cried when I tasted my hamburger because I had to pay $12 for it! It's cool for a drink and checking out the memoribilia... +
We used to have a Hard Rock Cafe in Newport but it shut down years ago. The food was so-so and really overpriced. I almost cried when I tasted my hamburger because I had to pay $12 for it!
It's cool for a drink and checking out the memoribilia. But as a restaurant, it's a no-go for me.
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Kean Coffee
This is a real local's place but with a sophisticated flair. People line out the door for Martin Diedrich's on-site roasted beans and the staff's charming latte art. I come to Kean to write and always get a soy latte with a chocolate walnut... +
This is a real local's place but with a sophisticated flair. People line out the door for Martin Diedrich's on-site roasted beans and the staff's charming latte art.
I come to Kean to write and always get a soy latte with a chocolate walnut rugalach which costs me about $10. It's more than Starbucks but Starbucks doesn't taste this good!
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Adios to My Old Life
Unknown to her dad, Ali Montero auditions for Oye Me Canto, an American Idol-like competition for the next Latin superstar. Going up against formible talents - as well as a vicious performer who does everything she can to destroy Ali's chances at... +
Unknown to her dad, Ali Montero auditions for Oye Me Canto, an American Idol-like competition for the next Latin superstar. Going up against formible talents - as well as a vicious performer who does everything she can to destroy Ali's chances at winning - Ali discovers the depths of her musical gifts, falls in love and becomes TV's newest sweetheart. Teens and adults will enjoy Ali's spunky naivete and relate to her artistic and personal integrity. There's romance, action, drama and one big whopping surprise at the end. After reading Ferrer's descriptions of Alli's performances, you'll wish there was a real Ali Montero on the music scene today. -
Thayers Rose Petal Facial Toner Witch Hazel Aloe Vera Formula
I never used toner before thinking it was an extra expense. But then I found Thayers Rose Petal Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera Formula Toner on sale at Henry's and gave it a try. Now I know why beauty magazines tell you to use toner because... +
I never used toner before thinking it was an extra expense. But then I found Thayers Rose Petal Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera Formula Toner on sale at Henry's and gave it a try. Now I know why beauty magazines tell you to use toner because cleansers don't get all the dirt and grime off your skin!
For the quality, quantity and price you can't find a better deal. I've had the same bottle for almost four months and I use it daily in the morning and at night. The clogged pores I used to see on my nose are pretty much gone. The rose scent is very subtle and it is so refreshing after a long hot, sweaty day.
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