Artemis Fowl

Title: Artemis Fowl

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Pub Date:1 May 2001

ISBN: 9781423132172

Author: Eoin Colfer

In conjunction of Artemis Fowl 10 years anniversary, Disney-Hyperion sent me a complimentary copy of Artemis Fowl book. To be honest, I haven’t even read Artemis Fowl before and I discovered that so far, there’s 7 books in the series, and the story is amazing. The author has confirmed that the series will end in the next book, and the eighth book is scheduled to be released in 2012.

Artemis Fowl is an amazing Young Adult series and I wondered why I did not think about picking up this book before. It’s wicked, highly entertaining is much more satisfying than reading the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling.

If you haven’t read about Artemis Fowl, it’s time you do so. I promise you, you won’t be disappointed.

I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I received a digital copy of this book from Disney-Hyperion via Netgalley and I was not obligated to give a positive review for this. For more information on Artemis Fowl and future release, click here.

Book description:

Twelve-year-old Artemis Fowl is a millionaire, a genius-and, above all, a criminal mastermind. But even Artemis doesn’t know what he’s taken on when he kidnaps a fairy, Captain Holly Short of the LEPrecon Unit. These aren’t the fairies of bedtime stories; these fairies are armed and dangerous. Artemis thinks he has them right where he wants them…but then they stop playing by the rules

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I Almost Divorced My Husband, But I Went On Strike Instead

Disclaimer: I want to do a lot of things, but I don’t have much time to accommodate everything. The article below is open for interpretation, and it’s a result of my attempt at writing a multi- purpose article. The article below is written because:

  • I’m participating in a writing challenge in my writing circle that begins with: Write a coherent article that contains:Queen of the  Nile, Duracell Bunny, battery, Genie, pollution, Disney’s movie, Medieval slave.
  • I need to write a book review that I’ve been procrastinating from writing.
  • My desire to write up a Labour’s Day dedication to all overworked ladies who are wife and mother, but don’t quite have the time to do it, so yes, this is a Labour’s Day dedication.

I don’t know about you ladies out there, but for me, married life is not exactly a bed of roses. If a friend ask me what married life is like, I’d scornfully say it’s like working without the benefit of medical leave or any other advantages that’s applicable to other employees all around the world.’Vacations’ or a ‘medical leave’ is extremely hard to obtained for us wives. Well, at least to me, it is difficult.

Being married sometimes would also mean that you can be subjected to verbal and emotional harassment from your in- laws, and yet, you don’t quite have the rights whatsoever to drag your in- laws to court because more often than not, such action shall undermine your marriage because your other half gets all emotional over it and consequently, the marriage will turn sour and things will be ugly indefinitely.

Ask me how it is like to be a mother… I’d say: Quite like a Medieval slave in a feudal Lord’s household, cuz there’s endless chores to be done, tonnes of responsibility being placed on the shoulder, absolutely no escape, no bloody rest even you’re halfway dead and not to mention you shall also be the subject of society’s scrutiny if you failed to educate your children to be up to par with their peers.

Ask me what’s the advantage of being married… perhaps I’d say free, legal sex, though not necessarily safe all the time. That is an advantage, of course, if you have a libido like a hormonal teenager and your other half is actually good in bed and bent on pleasing you first before pleasing and satiating his own carnal needs.

If you don’t quite fancy having sex or the man is the kind who likes to please himself without taking your needs into consideration, then such legal advantage is of course, not an advantage and it’s just another chore and responsibility in your already long list.

Of course, I’m not saying that marriage and motherhood will be the same with everyone. Some women managed to land themselves some precious catch where their husband spoil them like the Queen of The Nile. They are the Queen of the world and need not lift a finger to even eat.

I only feel that way because at times, I feel that I am not appreciated and being taken for granted. I feel that way because people expect me to do everything and refuse to pick after themselves and see me like some sort of automatic machine that will do everything for them whenever, whatever they want to be done.

They also think that I am not entitled for some good rest. Perhaps, they are under the illusion that I am a Genie. Whatever they want, they’ll just wish it and I shall make it appear. Want a drink? No problem, just state the wish to me and I’ll make it appear. Want something to eat, no problem too, I’ll make it appear in a jiffy. Want money? Want massage? Sure, no problem. I can make it appear too and they do not even need to say the magic word ‘please’ or ‘thank you’.

I do wonder if I’m blue in colour… like that Genie in Disney’s movie Aladdin. I must be a higher class Genie, though… cuz apparently, the wishes people can ask of me is not just limited to 3, and they need not thank me for it because they probably thinks Genies like me won’t get mad and leave them because I’m under some unbreakable, binding contract that will not allow me to leave.

But of course… higher class Genie like me need not to live in an old lamp. I guess I’m luckier than any other Genies cuz I actually live in a house. Thank God for small mercies. I hate to think that I’d be confined in a lamp throughout my tenor as a Genie. I’m terribly claustrophobic, if you must know.

Sometimes, I tend to think I look like some noise pollution technician too, cuz every time there’s noise in the house, I’d be expected to fix it and make the noise go away.

You see, I got extremely sick and tired of that; to be seen like some sort of furniture that blends in the house perfectly. I wanted to be treated like human again, so whenever I feel that it is too much, I’d just go on strike and stop doing whatever I am expected to do. No cooking, no cleaning, no babysitting, no whatsoever.

Enough is enough, and one enough as for what it’s worth, even an employee have their rights and access to annual leave or medical leave. All they need to do is just apply it and they will get it. I should be entitled to some sort of relief too. I ought to be given the rights to say ‘NO’ when things does not sit well with me or when I am exhausted or when I’m ill. And I definitely have to be given rights to have a ‘ME’ time without being disturbed.

After so many years, I have come to realize that I’m not a toy bunny that’s running on Duracell battery that can go on and on without stopping. I’m just a bunny that’s running on a re-chargeable battery, and when the battery is depleted, I need to be recharged so that I can work efficiently again. I want to be appreciated. I need to make people see the importance of the role that I’m playing in the house.

I suppose, some ladies out there are feeling the same; things are too much to handle at times but just dare not voice it out or rant it out for the fear of being judged. It’s all right. I am sure you would know when enough is enough and put a stop to it and set things straight again and make people see you as a human once more instead of just a wish granting Genie or the inexhaustible Duracell Bunny.

Perhaps, you’re overworked and under-appreciated too, but do not know how to stop being overworked and be appreciated once again. Perhaps, some of you are tempted for a divorce. But trust me, sometimes, divorce is not the solution and will not make such problems go away. In fact, sometimes, divorce will only make things worst and brings up more issue.

All you need to do is just say ‘NO’ whenever things gets too much for you and make people see your worth. Don’t know how to do that? Perhaps, this book can help.

Title: I Almost Divorced My Husband But I Went On Strike Instead

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Imprint: Bonneville Books

Pub Date:8 June 2011

ISBN:9781599555171

I Almost Divorced My Husband But I Went On Strike Instead by Sherri Mills. In my opinion, this is a must have book for every wife and mother who overworked and under-appreciated. It teaches you how to turn that monster of a kid and that chauvinist swine of a husband back into an angel they used to be in the most effective and subtle way. I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher Cedar Fort via Netgalley and I must say, this is definitely a self-help treasure. A 5 star book. If you’re an overworked and under-appreciated wife and mum, do yourself a favour and get a copy of this book when it’s released.

Cleffairy: Happy Labour’s Day.

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Shamini Flint: The Woman Behind Inspector Singh Investigates

I’ve been given an opportunity to attend a book event in Kinokuniya, KLCC on 28th April 2011. It’s an intimate meet and greet session where the author Shamini Mahadevan Flint (better known as Shamini Flint) talks about her latest ‘Inspector Singh’ installment, Inspector Singh Investigates: A Deadly Cambodian Crime Spree.

I’m sure most of you have heard about Ms. Flint. She’s an established and a rather famous author in Malaysia, but if you’re not an avid reader and haven’t been keeping yourself informed about the book industry in Malaysia, worry not, I’ll get to that.

Initially, I could not attend the event as it was on working day. The event would have fit my schedule better if it was weekend. But I can’t help it. I begged my way out of work, and sped off to the event.  I did not want to miss it for the world. You see, I felt that owed Ms. Flint some support and at least a decent coverage, considering that she had personally provided me with a Advance Reader Copy of her book around one week before her book launch.

I was really excited when I received her ARC, you see. This is not the first time that I received an ARC, but it is the first time that I received something from local author/publisher. It is just sad. You see, UK and US publishers approached me all the time and had been giving me tonnes of ARC to read and review, but I’m afraid, local publishers/authors does not exactly give me the same treatment. I suppose it is not a practice for Malaysian publishers to encourage their authors for Blog Tours. So yes… I was really really ecstatic to receive the ARC from Ms. Flint.

I am truly glad that I wormed my way out of work for the Inspector Singh Meet and Greet session. The event was worth my troubles. Truthfully, the meet and greet session was not only fun but enlightening and inspiring as well. Ms. Flint has such witty humour and I daresay that I was not the only one who was charmed with her outstanding attribute.

Ms. Flint starts of the meet and greet session by introducing the Inspector Singh books one by one. She starts off with my favourite Inspector Singh book, ‘Inspector Singh Investigates: The Most Peculiar Malaysian Murder’. I liked this book best not only because it’s very close to home and I could relate to the sarcastic humour she slipped into the book in question, but also because of the issues that she brought up in the book.

Frankly speaking when I first read this book, I was highly amazed and amused by the fact that it’s shelved in Malaysia. I would have thought that it would have been banned or something, considering that Ms. Flint has brought up some sensitive issue in ‘Inspector Singh Investigates: The Most Peculiar Malaysian Murder’.

Ms. Flint then proceed to introduce ‘Inspector Singh Investigates: A Bali Conspiracy Most Foul’  and ‘Inspector Singh Investigates: The Singapore School of Villainy’. Her talks on these two books are brief. I suppose she does not want to spoil the readers with too much details. After all, it would not be a good mystery book if the author tells you whodunnit in her book during the meet and greet session. That would be a true killjoy, wouldn’t it? Yes, indeed, it would be a major spoiler if she did.

Ms. Flint saved the best for last. The star attraction of the day was the latest installment of the series, ‘Inspector Singh Investigates: A Deadly Cambodian Crime Spree’. She read the first chapter out loud to the audiences and proceeds to the Q&A session.

Various questions were asked by the audience, and Ms. Flint answered all of them with witty humour. I find this session highly entertaining and inspiring. I was really scandalized and had a good laugh when she admitted to the audience that when she had author’s block, she would attend various social events like weddings and a funerals so that she could drag her Muse back from going MIA.

She then revealed to us that Inspector Singh will end in the next book, and the setting would be India. I was saddened then, because truthfully, I don’t think 5 books would be enough. At least it is not enough for me for I have come to love the chubby and spunky Inspector Singh.

Being an aspiring author that I am, I could not helped but ask her how long did she take to finish each books. This is one thing one author always ask another. How long did it take to finish writing a book. We don’t ask where the inspiration comes from and whatnot as each author have their own ways of getting inspired.

Ms. Flint secretly smiled and said it’s not for the public knowledge. I couldn’t help but grin, knowing that she must have been a very prolific and quite a speedy author to be able to say this. And my hunch was right, as after being pressured by the audience, she admitted that she would love to tell the readers that she slaved at her desk to write for Mr. Singh and couldn’t honestly say so because that is not the truth. She mentioned that she’s a speedy writer and she doesn’t exactly wait for her Muse to come to her to write. She just write. She also mentioned that all aspiring authors should be discipline if they want to succeed. When it comes to writing and completing a book, you can’t just wait for your Muse to come. You need to just write, get the story out of your head… and let the characters be alive.

I get her point and wholeheartedly agree with her because I too use the same approach when it comes to writing. I call it the NaNoWriMo approach, where you set a certain realistic goal… say 1,666 words per day and never stop til you complete your story. And the trick to do this is to write first, and put the editing way later-when you finish your story, that is. You see, your inner editor is quite a monster and would kill your story before you manage to come to a good end.

So yes, if you want to write and complete your book, just write, and don’t look back until you complete it. One may not realize it, but what makes a good author or a good book is not whether they are published or famous, but whether the author in question managed to complete the story or not. If an author enjoyed writing it, there’s possibility that the readers would too. And it does not matter if the book is published or not.

Ms. Flint’s work is a masterpiece, I must say. She blended humour, mystery and awkward legal predicaments very well in her book. One who appreciate a mystery that’s close to reality would definitely appreciate her books. And if you’re looking to understand certain countries culture, tradition as well as a little bit of law in a non-intimidating way, I would highly recommend Ms. Flint’s Inspector Singh Investigates series.

I have read the ARC of her latest book: ‘Inspector Singh Investigates: A Deadly Cambodian Crime Spree’ and below is my review for it.

Title: Inspector Singh Investigates: A Deadly Cambodian Crime Spree

Author: Shamini Flint

Format: Paperback

Pages: 320 pages

Date of publication: 1 April 2011

Publisher: Piatkus Books

ISBN-10: 0749953470

ISBN-13: 978-0749953478

First of all, I have to say that I find it difficult to start this book, because the first chapter was very descriptive, horrifying and not to mention absolutely morbid. I could barely stop myself from retching when I read the first chapter of Inspector Singh Investigates: A Deadly Cambodian Crime Spree. Ms. Flint did a very good job with the opening salvo.

The opening salvo was too good, in fact that it almost scares me from reading further. But as I flip the pages, I found that it’s not all morbid and the beloved Inspector Singh is as humourous as ever in his investigative endeavor.

I had a good laugh at some point of the book, and I could not guess who had done the killing, even when I was near the end of the book. Inspector Singh Investigates: A Deadly Cambodian Crime Spree is well written and definitely thought provoking. It brought up various issues, especially violence and human rights.

I highly recommend Inspector Singh Investigates: A Deadly Cambodian Crime Spree to all mystery lovers and I rate this book 4 out of 5 star. A must read, and definitely a keeper.

I received an ARC of this book from Shamini Flint/ Piatkus Books. I was not compensated in any ways and I was under no obligations to write a positive review for it.

Book description:

Inspector Singh is in Cambodia – wishing he wasn’t. He’s been sent as an observer to the international war crimes tribunal in Phnom Penh, the latest effort by his superiors to ensure that he is anywhere except in Singapore. But for the first time the fat Sikh inspector is on the verge of losing his appetite when a key member of the tribunal is murdered in cold blood. The authorities are determined to write off the incident as a random act of violence, but Singh thinks otherwise. It isn’t long before he finds himself caught up in one of the most terrible murder investigations he’s witnessed – the roots of which lie in the dark depths of the Cambodian killing fields…

Interested in getting her books after reading all the good stuff about her and her works? Well, her books are shelved in Malaysia. You can get it at your nearest major bookstores like Kinokuniya and MPH. But if you can’t make it to the nearest bookstores, you can click on the book covers below and purchase it directly from the publisher. It is available in both paperback and ebook format.

About the author:

Shamini Flint begins her law career in Malaysia and is currently residing in Singapore with her  husband and her two lovely children. She has also worked in an international law firm in Singapore before deciding that it would be much more adventurous to resign and write about various characters that’s been dying to to make their stories known. Shamini Flint is a dedicated  stay at home mum, writer, part-time lecturer as well as environmental activist.

Shamini hopes to reach out and make a difference to the world through her writing and is well noted in the book industry with her ‘Inspector Singh Investigates’ series as well as various series of children books.

For more information on Shamini Flint and her works, please visit her website at : www.shaminiflint.com. And if you fancy in keeping touch with her, you can do so through her Facebook Fanpage.

Cleffairy: 😀 I’m gonna try to contact Ms. Flint and see if she’d like to do blog tour and if she’d give me an email interview as well. 😀 Support local authors, peeps, trust me, they rock!

Disclaimer: The write ups, review is all mine, but the picture is courtesy of Smallkucing and Mamarazzi as well as www.shaminiflint.com.

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Spellbound

Title: Spellbound

Publisher: Harlequin

Imprint: Harlequin TEEN

Pub Date:28 June 2011

ISBN: 9780373210305

Author:Cara Lynn Shultz

Spellbound by Cara Lynn Shultz hurled me into a world where I thought I’d never be able to go again; my teenage years. Spellbound is not only magical, darkly romantic, but it’s also close to reality in an alarmingly queer way.

Spellbound is highly imaginative, wonderfully written and very rich with fantasy element. Kudos to the author for writing such a wonderful masterpiece. I find it hard to put down and it’s something I’d recommend to those who love a good read on a boring Sunday afternoon.

I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I received a digital ARC of this book from Harlequin via Netgalley. I was not compensated in any ways for writing this book.

For more information on this title, please click here

Book description:

Life hasn’t been easy on sixteen-year-old Emma Conner, so a new start in New York may be just the change she needs. But the posh Upper East Side prep school she has to attend? Not so much. Friendly faces are few and far between, except for one that she’s irresistibly drawn to—Brendan Salinger, the guy with the rock-star good looks and the richest kid in school, who might just be her very own white knight.

But even when Brendan inexplicably turns cold, Emma can’t stop staring. Ever since she laid eyes on him, strange things have been happening. Streetlamps go out wherever she walks, and Emma’s been having the oddest dreams. Visions of herself in past lives—visions that warn her to stay away from Brendan. Or else.

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The Scorpion Queen

Title: The Scorpion Queen

Publisher: Red Sage Publishing

Imprint: Red Sage Presents

Pub Date: 1 March 2011

ISBN: 9781603105934

Author: Alexis Ke

I’m quite a feminist in some ways, so, when it comes to reading fiction, I don’t exactly sit too well with stories where the heroines are weak, mindless and submissive. I like strong female characters who hold their own. That is why I hated fairy tales when I was a child. There’s much more to a story for a woman than waiting for a prince to rescue her in a locked tower or just a plain happily ever after at the end of the story.

I enjoyed Scorpion Queen very much because the heroine is one hell of a heroine. This is an adult fiction, yes, but while there’s lotsa steamy scene that can make you sizzle, you may also find strength in the main female character, The Scorpion Queen.

The Scorpion Queen is highly original with dynamics in it, and if you’re the kind of reader like me… one who enjoy refreshing stories with strong heroines in it, I’d recommend you The Scorpion Queen by Alexis Ke. I promise you, you’ll be amazed by this book.

Book description:

Mystical, magical and mysterious.
She’s every mortal’s dream and every mortal’s nightmare.  She will slip into your sleep and entice you, take you to heights you’ve never dreamed but beware, do not cross over without her call, because if you do she will …
Queen Scorpathia is tired.  Many years have gone by since she sought a mate.  Ten decades. It may be anger.  It may be fear but the time has come.  She has entered another’s dream state one last time.  Now she will have to fight more than her fear of losing yet another.  She will have to fight the passion, lust and desires that are plaguing her mind, body and soul.  No one has ever given and taken as much as this warrior and no one will ever again. But will his strength and love be enough to fight the battles raging around her.  Will the powers of her land be enough to bring forth yet another day?  Only time will tell.

I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars, and I received this ARC from Red Sage Publishing via Netgalley. I was not compensated in any ways for writing this review.

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Frost Moon

Title: Frost Moon

SubTitle: Book One, The Skin Dancer Series

Publisher:Bell Bridge Books

Pub Date: 4 June 2010

ISBN: 9780984325689

Author: Anthony Francis

I regret picking up this book in the middle of the night where I plan to relax. This is one book you shouldn’t pick up if you intend on resting or relaxing, because this book definitely will not give you that effect. It’s a gripping tale that will surely get your adrenaline pumping. I could have sworn that my heart beat skipped a few beats while I was flipping tha pages.

This is a truly intriguing thriller. Highly recommended to those who love thrillers and fast-paced stories.

I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I received this ARC from Bell Bridge Books via Netgalley and I was not compensated in any ways for writing this. For more information on this title, please click here.

Product description:

In an alternate Atlanta where magic is practiced openly, where shapeshifters party at the urban clubs and vampires rule the southern nights like gangsters, where demure witches sip coffees at the local cafes and mysterious creatures command the dark caverns beneath the city, Dakota Frost’s talents are coveted by all: She’s the best magical tattoo artist in the southeast: a SkinDancer, able to bring her amazing tats to life. When a serial killer begins stalking Atlanta’s tattooed elite, the police and Feds seek Dakota’s help. Can she find the killer in the dark fringe of the city’s magical Edgeworld? What kind of enemies and allies will she attract among the powerful outcasts and tormented loners, who see her as a threat, a seduction, an unexpected champion . . . or as delicious prey.

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Feast

Title: Feast

SubTitle: Harvest of Dreams

Publisher: HarperCollins

Imprint: HarperVoyager

Pub Date: 1st July 2011

ISBN: 9780061990823

Author: Merrie Destefano

Reading this book, Feast by Merrie Destefano reminds me a little bit of Lewis Caroll’s Alice in Wonderland as well as through The Looking Glass. I’m not quite sure why… but perhaps because of the queer and mind boggling nature of this book.

I couldn’t actually grasps the story for the first few chapter, but as the story goes by, I find this book rather irresistible and rather drawn to the characters in this book.

This is not a bad book to read, in my humble opinion. But to me… this is the kind of book that you’ll need to get yourself in the mood first before reading it.

I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars. I received an ARC of this book from Harper Collins Publisher via Netgalley. I was not compensated in any ways for writing this book.

For more information on this book, please click here.

Book description:

Madeline MacFadden spent blissful childhood summers in  Ticonderoga Falls. And this is where she wants to be now that her adult life is falling apart. The dense surrounding forest holds many memories, some joyous, some tantalizingly only half-remembered.  And she’s always believed there was something living in these wooded hills.

But Maddie doesn’t remember the dark parts — and knows nothing of the mountain legend that holds the area’s terrified residents captive. She has no recollection of Ash, the strange and magnificent creature who once saved her life as a child, even though it is the destiny of his kind to prey upon humanity. And soon it will be the Harvest. . . the time to feast.

Once again Maddie’s dreams — and her soul — are in grave danger. But magic runs deep during Harvest. Even a spinner of enchanted tales has wondrous powers of her own.

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Skipping Stones at the Center of the Earth

Title: Skipping Stones at the Center of the Earth

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Imprint: Bonneville Books

Pub Date: 1 August 2011

ISBN:9781599554884

Author: Andy Hueller

Initially, I thought that I would not like this book, but boy was I wrong. Skipping Stones at the Center of the Earth by Andy Hueller is one tale you wouldn’t want to miss if you’re the kind of people who wouldn’t mind reliving your teenage emotions and fantasy.

Skipping Stones at the Center of the Earth by Andy Hueller is a very absorbing and gripping tale, and if you’re a fantasy lovers, you might want to consider reading this book.

I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars. I received and ARC of this book from Cedar Fort Publisher via Netgalley. I was not compensated in any ways for writing this review.

Book description:

Calvin Comet Cobble lives at Hidden Shores Orphanage—at the very center of the earth. Cal’s life is full of school bullies and mean teachers,but when he meets Mr. E, who can skip a stone clear across Lake Arctic, everything about Cal’s life changes. Told with wit and charm, Skipping Stones at the Center of the Earthis guaranteed to inspire readers of all ages.

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Sequin Pink Bible

Can’t seems to get your stubborn little girls to stop reading fiction nonsense and fairy tales and can’t seems to make them have even a little bit interest in reading the word of God?

Well, fret not, this Sequin Pink Bible is just the thing you need to at least get your stubborn, worldly girls to have interest in biblical studies.

Bible seems to be boring to most girls… but you ought to tell  your little girls that bible are full of interesting stories on beautiful and strong women like Queen Esther in the Book of Esther, Ruth and Baoz, Queen of Sheba, etc, and getting them to be interested in doing so can be easier with this beautiful bible.

Bible description:

A fun sparkly and shiny Bible for little girls embellished with sequins…Cute to carry and easy to read!

A full sized Bible in the International Children’s Bible® translation, the Bible kids can read and understand! This adorable Bible is bound in floral fabric and embellished with shiny sparkly sequins! The cover will invite other little girls to ask “what kind of Bible is that?” and the owner can show her sparkly shiny Bible, thus sharing the “light” of Jesus. Inside, the Bible will have four sweet full color presentation pages in the front, a dictionary/concordance in the back, and the full texts of the Old and New Testaments.

Now your little girl can enjoy having a fun sparkly Bible to take to church and Sunday School.

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