Holiday Gift Ideas (1)

Coloring Books

Nope this craze still hasn't gone away. Great for relaxing and unwinding after a hard day. Perhaps you know someone who could use a break. There are hundred of coloring books out there, one for every person. Here are a few that I've looked at this year. 

This one I got for Christmas last year and it's amazing!

Gifted from a friend

  

Sent for review.

You can see my write up and some favorite pages here. 

Sent for review: perfect for cat loving friends 

Kid friendly. 

Quotes on ones side, coloring pages on the other.

  

Sent for review. Perfect for animal loving friends

Kid friendly. 

Quotes on ones side, coloring pages on the other.

Mix of animals, not just puppies, a nice variety including pigs and snowman too.

 

Graphic Novel Review: Orange vol 2

Read my Review of the first collection

When Naho begins 11th grade, she receives a letter from her future self about a new boy in school. She's convinced of the truth of the letter from the predictions from earlier that morning. But she's still unsure why she needs to be concerned.

The new boy, Kakeru, will change her life. But unless she watches over him, he will have a terrible future. Naho needs to change the present in order to change the future.

But can she do it?

My Thoughts: I really liked the ending to this book - but I do wish there was an epilogue because I wanted just a little more knowledge at the end. I really liked the concept of this book and the friendships that shone through. I liked the little bit of romance. And the excerpts from the future. A fun read!

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: my Library
Library Recommendation: Great for YA manga collections!

Graphic Novel Review: Orange

When Naho begins 11th grade, she receives a letter from her future self about a new boy in school. She's convinced of the truth of the letter from the predictions from earlier that morning. But she's still unsure why she needs to be concerned.

The new boy, Kakeru, will change her life. But unless she watches over him, he will have a terrible future. Naho needs to change the present in order to change the future.

But can she do it?

My Thoughts: I loved this story. I loved watching the future connect with the past and how it might have changed everything for the better. I felt terrible for Naha - she's super shy and has trouble expressing her feelings. There were times when I wanted to shake her because she had answers but she couldn't put herself out there. My heart broke for Kakeru as the book went on and we learned more about him and the heavy burden he carried. I'm so looking forward to seeing what happens next! 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library

Final Thoughts: I devoured this one - love the premise that you can change the future. A great manga for teen readers!

review: A Girl in a Million

Caroline works as a nurse at a children's hospital. On vacation, she does a favor for a co-worker and meets a man she can't get out of her head.

When he appears at the hospital to take care of one her charges, she immediately falls for him.

The family of the little boy offer her a private nurse placement. She readily agrees, knowing she will see Marius. Could a sophisticated doctor really fall for someone like her?

My Thoughts: A cute manga novel with the tagline "Written in flirty pink ink!" This series was one of my first introduction to manga. I love the sweet romance and the illustrations are cute. All in all, a fun quick read. I do wish they made more of this line. Cover Thoughts: Cute! Source: Inter-Library Loaned