I just finished reading Keeping Miss Kalila by Filipino romance novelist Tara Frejas. I received an ARC (advanced reader copy) from the author herself, and I am so thankful that I signed up to be one of her advanced readers. Luzon is currently on enhanced community quarantine due to the Covid-19 virus, so I am experiencing cabin fever.
This book helped pass the time in a very good way!
Here’s the synopsis from the author:
Keeping Miss Kalila
Release date: Wednesday, April 1, 2020
With a job that she loves, an adorable senior dog, and a baby she fought hard to conceive on the way, life is going well for thirty-one-year old school teacher Kalila Rayos. That is, until her ex-boyfriend and first love, filmmaker Datu Alvez asks if they could try again.
Saying yes shouldn’t be too difficult. After all, she’s still also in love with him and Datu’s efforts to be there for her make her feel she truly has it all. But on top of her worries as a soon-to-be mom, a crisis that hits her school forces her to shift her priorities away from her own desires.
Will the one who got away be strong enough to stay, or will their second chance at love crumble and break her heart once more?
Content Warning: miscarriage (backstory), casual sexism, and verbal and physical abuse from a parent. This book follows #romanceclass guidelines requiring HEA/HFN for romance,
and is Heat Level 3 (at least one “open door” sex scene).
I liked this book because:
The protagonist, Kalila is an empowered woman who decides for herself. She is also a teacher in a consumeristic age, which shows heart and passion for a vocation.
The romantic interest, Datu, is actually a kind person. He does not undermine Kalila’s interests and priorities, and chooses to support her. He is also established in his own career as a filmmaker, which brings an interesting mix to their love story.
The novel included amazing causes like early childhood education for the needy, aspin adoption, and women empowerment.
The supporting characters are also interesting with their own careers and witty remarks.
In these trying times, we need more books to uplift and inspire. You don’t need to pick up a self-help book to feel better. Why don’t you pre-order this novel and discover fiction that drives you to be a better person along the way? Who knows, this might also be the door to meeting people and seizing better opportunities.
To pre-order this book, please click here.
Cover sent by Tara Frejas