Have you had your read?

Before Ever After, first novel by Filipino author Samantha Sotto.

Practically brought it with me the past days while I went about on my errands. I had it in my camera bag during an event photoshoot even if I knew I wouldn't have the time to take a peek. It was just comforting to know it was nearby. Ahihihi...

Absolutely beautiful!

Simple, easy to read. I like it as it is. No deep extensive (to the point of confusing) detailed description of places and people. Just right. Just like the way I'd like my baked cheese and egg, if by any chance the author Samantha Sotto would somehow divulge the secret ingredient...

Congratulations Ms Sotto!

Beautiful indeed!

The stories go back and forth to centuries-old goings on, to five years ago and to the now. Shelley Gallus is a young widow whose already battered soul is pushed to take the journey to Boracay, Philippines, to confront a man believed to be her (apparently not) dead husband, Max. During their long flight, she listens and shares stories with Paolo, a not so welcomed look-alike of Max (who he claims to be his ageless "Nonno"). Both on the quest for answers. There are also chickens.

Before Ever After is a breath of fresh air. Sad, funny. Light, daring to be what it is.

Congratulations Samantha Sotto!

P.S.

Please come to Cebu? Ahihihi...

(I would like to thank my husband for gifting me the book during a family weekend getaway when we swang by the bookstore...)

By now you must have heard about Samantha Sotto, the Filipino stay at home mom who wrote her first novel "Before Ever After" in the nearby Starbucks while waiting for her son to get off from pre-school.

She scourged the internet for literary agents.

Her very first novel is published by no less than Random House.

It had a book launching last July 27 at National Bookstore (distributor of the paperback version).

Definitely she is off around the globe to promote the book.

Miss Samantha Sotto... please come to Cebu?

Pretty please?

How it changed how I look at the company.

Hey Im a sucker of victory stories. And this book is more than a victory story. It's about saving a life, being born into one. Short and sweet.

Released in 2007, it's Micheal's Gill's story about being fired from a six-figure paying job with 5 kids to feed. Thrown out of his comfort zone. Something that I had been dipping one foot into the past 4 to 5 years...

I love the book!

And of course by now, Micheal Gill is Mike to me. A friend, a barista at a New York Starbucks.

The past months I had been consciously avoiding going into our favorite Starbucks store because it gets way too crowded for me. With the exception during last month's Fathers Day, we treated hubby there as early as 7pm to avoid the crowd rush. Just way too crowded. Opting for a nearby coffeeshop, for the reason of more comfortable seating and calmer environment.

Whenever Ann (my production crew boss) and I go out of town we always have our meals at Starbucks.

Yesterday, I was at my friend Tata's house by 6am. We will be riding together to our 7am call time. Right before leaving, she showed me her new book, "How Starbucks Saved My Life". I have read reviews about it. I asked if we could take it along to kill the time till showtime.

I was hooked!!!

It is beautiful, simple, very lovely story. Any Starbucks fan should get the book! Even the skeptics should get one.

I have always been a Starbucks fan...

Our kids get their Starbucks bears every season. (This photo I took of my little girl in 2008 when she got the Christmas bears).

I got this bag and tumbler in Ngong Ping, Hong Kong (it is very seldom I buy tumbler, only when I go to a new and far out store...like this one in Lantau, up on the mountains)

The bag commemorates 10 years of Starbucks in Hong kong.

My cellphone charm

My hubby favors Starbucks planner every year.

Micheal Gates Gill

Yesterday: Tata and me (with the book) during breakfast in her car, as usual, when beating an early morning call time.

After reading the book and understanding the principles behind my favorite cup of coffee, I have renewed respect for the all people behind the counter.

Yes, I shall once again be going into our fave Starbucks store. No matter how crowded it will get.