What's In Your Heart

by Ines Bautista-Yao, Clare Felise Magno (Book design and illustrator)

Nineteen-year-old Natividad-named after her deceased grandaunt, a fact she thoroughly resents-is nit going to win an award for Best in Goal Setting any time soon. She doesn't even know what her real goals are, aside fro simultaneously pining for and getting over smart, hot, talented, charming Gabe, whose glassy perfection both dazzles and depresses her. Then the universe deals her a wake-up call in three sure steps:
1.) She starts an internship at a preschool, where the kids are chaotic but cute;
2.) She finds an intriguing, potentially life-changing stash of letters addressed to her grandmother from her namesake grandaunt; and
3.) She falls into a weird friendship with Luis, the boy with an infectious smile who seems determined to rescue her from Gabe-and from herself.

Will this wake-up call finally push her life forward or is Natividad, much like her old-fashioned name, doomed to forever live in the past?

Genres: Chick Lit, Romance, Contemporary, New Adult, Contemporary Romance, Young Adult

196 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Reading and writing are close to Ines Bautista Yao's heart ever since she was a child. She graduated from the Ateneo de Manila University with a degree in AB Communication Arts. She has been a teacher at the Assumption College San Lorenzo and the Ateneo de Manila University's English department.

Her debut novel One Crazy Summer was first penned in 2007 when she was pregnant with her first daughter Addie. Being a mother has taken much of Ines' time so she was only able to write 13 pages of her novel. She completed her story in April 2011, while three-year-old Addie was sleeping and inspiration struck her again. Two months later her story was complete. After eight months, her dream of publishing her own book came true. The book was only launched last January 26, 2012, but Ines is already writing her second novel.

Most readers can remember Ines as the former editor-in-chief of K-Zone Magazine and Candy Magazine . At present, Ines is working as an editor of Summit Books. She is also married to photographer Marc Yao, whom she says she consults whenever she's stuck in the middle of a story she's writing.

Sources:
One Crazy Summer Author Ines Bautista Yao on Juggling Writing and Motherhood by Belle Yambao
Spotlight on Filipino Authors: Ines Bautista-Yao

Reviews

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first thing that caught my attention was the cover of this book. Second thing was the author. And the third one was the story, itself. Natividad and I have a lot in common. I'm not going to "win an award for Best in Goal Setting any time soon" either.

But reading this book gave me something more than what I bargained for. I feel for Nat's journey. It almost feels like your blindly doing things for the sake of doing them, or because that what is expected of you. Not knowing what you want to do in your life or finding that one thing that you're most passionate about is really depressing and frustrating.

As the tag line on the book says, "How do you figure out what really matters?" She's gone from pretending to be someone else just to be loved by a guy, to doubting herself on the career she was going to take to eventually finding someone and something that she truly loved.

I can't really find concrete words to say nor am I in any position now to even construct a phrase that would make sense because quite frankly, I'm loss for words. All I know is that Natividad and I have similar ways of thinking, and how we both react to situations.

This book made me laugh, it made me cry and it made me feel nostalgic all at the same time. Something that I haven't really gone through in a while as I'm reading a book. I'm just hoping that I would eventually find that one person and that one thing that make me answer that nagging question, that tag line. It gave me hope, I guess that maybe, you just need to open up and allow yourself to explore things that you haven't in order to truly find what is indeed in your heart.What's In Your HeartWhat's In Your Heart Ines Bautista-Yao

[Yna from Books and Boybands · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yayyyy~

I just finished reading this book, and I am smiling quite ridiculously. I am swimming in a sea of kilig. :""""">

Let me tell you first about the author. I knew Ines, back when she was just Ines Bautista. I was a kid, and I knew her from K-zone magazines. Hah. I am a Summit Media kid. Total Girl, K-Zone, Candy, Cosmo, yep, even WITCH and Monster Allergy. And, of course, I love Summit Books, ever since I read Vince's Life (way back in highschool).

I loved the story. Though I kinda hated Nat at first. I almost want to strangle her or hit her head on the wall or something. Anyway, through the book she finally finds herself.

Anyway, I love Mart and Yanna and Toine and her Lola Toni and her mom and her Dad. Basically everyone except Gabe.

I love how the book was written. Especially the ending! The reason why I am swimming in a sea of love and butterflies. :)


**** 4 STARS! ****

[Agay Llanera · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how Nat finally gets that wake up call from her namesake two generations ago, and starts getting her life in order--including letting go of that yucky boy from her past, and all the expectations and lies that went along with that relationship. This is YA through and through, and I loved the MC's transformation, and how family ties played a big part in it. This also made me miss my grandmas. <3

[jyc · Rating 5 out of 5]

★★★★★ // one of the few local chic lit that i enjoyed and loved. this book is about passion; about doing what you absolutely can’t imagine your life without. it tells that story in such a lovely way, with a powerful influence of a woman at the center. what more can you ask for?

[Winter Aragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

There comes a phase that we don't know what we really want in our life. We experienced like what Natividad did.

Natividad is young, smart and head over heels in love with the charming Gabe, but she needs to have a 'real' goal in life to be able to surpass her college internship.

Reading What's In Your Heart while I'm into a life changing decision is just too perfect. I felt Natividad questioning herself is she doing the right thing. Most of the times, we when feel helpless, God sends someone who can help us re-align what really is in our hearts. The determined and kind Luis rescued Natividad and he taught her to follow and just believe in herself. Sending Natividad with the pre-school, reminded me so much why I also feel in love with teaching kids.

'Grand' aunt Natividad's letters to her sister, Lola Toni are incredible. It made my heart leaps in an instant with Antonio and crashed it as soon as it landed near the ending. The surprised revelation at the end was amazing.

If you want a story about knowing yourself, your life goals, breaking your heart but at the same time falling in love with the right person and a totally family-oriented novel, I recommended What's In Your Heart. This is story is a gem, Miss Ines Bautista-Yao! I love it!

[kazia · Rating 5 out of 5]

the slow burn romance friends to lovers trope!!! we really have that redflag guy who we couldn't get away easily because he's the first time of all phase but such a jerk and narcissist and ALL THEY LOVE IS THE CHASE and the idea of having someone who's head over heels on them!! it was clearly an ick when he said that he broke up with leggy miss because she was too focused on herself and now gabe as if thinking he could get nativadad easily the way he does before but GIRLLLL THAT'S SATISFYING WHEN YOU ARE TOTALLY GET OVER WITH SOMEONE WHO'S JERK and plus I've realized that you shouldn't pretend to be someone else, trying to fit in their standards and ideal because true man loves you for who you are. the idea of that a person could actually love you whoever you are is just so amusing and that you will never try to be so hard to impress them and be someone else because it is you, it is who you are, they are fallen in love with!! and that's a proof that love doesn't pressure u but instead brings the best out of you!! ^^^

[kb · Rating 3 out of 5]

This portrays common coming-of-age issues, such as falling in love and figuring out what to do, but what sets this apart for me is how fleshed out the characters are. Owing to the length of the narrative, I got to know most, if not all, of them, and was able to put my self in their shoes at moments in time. Also appreciated how family history played a huge role in bringing this story to a heart-warming close. Just a note: the characters sounded younger than what they're supposed to be.

[Amae Dechavez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to Nat to have more likeable qualities from the start, but I guess all teens go through that phase sometime.

Heart heart for MC's redeeming quality <3 Bonus points for the innocent kilig moments.

Ines is my go-to source for clean, sweet romance <3

[Tracie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I definitely need one. Kudos!

[Ainsley]

.

[Winona Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of my favorite feel-good reads!

[Eloise Coleen ❤ · Rating 3 out of 5]

THIS REVIEW IS FULL OF BLAHS XD Read at your own risk, you were warned ;)

The reason why I bought this book was partly because It'll help me keep my sanity while I am in the process of a long enrollment, and partly because the author of this, was the one who wrote One Crazy Summer, and I freakinly adored that book.

Okay so, at first, I couldn't exactly put all my focus on this book,(and maybe that contributed as to why I wasn't very much impressed with the plot) because, AGAIN, I brought this book with me whilst on the process of my Enrollment, yeah, you could picture it out already, Me, waiting on the line, reading, and having someone tap you on the shoulder and tell you that you're next, and then you forget what you read, (in my case, it's frequent cause I have a memory span of a goldfish, yeah, kinda...okay, joke XD) bla bla...Anyway's, going back to the book, I wouldn't necessarily say that it's bad. It isn't bad at all. At least, in some ways, it's refreshing :)

Natividad, the main character was a girl I could relate to, in minimal points, like, how I end up being a klutz at planning and organizing things, and having problems as to orienting my goals in the right pattern, and, how I am (sorry, how I WAS) pathetically obsessed with a guy who always made me feel inferior because he's so out of my league and such dramas (oops, I think this a spoiler, and I also think this is too personal, in my case). But the thing that made this story much brighter was how the letters for the protagonist made everything feel alright. It was just so nice to think that finding a stash of letters from your own grandmother would incidentally make you feel okay, I sorta wished I could find letters from my own grandmum too. So that's it. This book is not only that, it also visualizes on family, relationships with friends, finding and trusting yourself, knowing what you like doing, standing by your preferences, making worthwhile choices and of course-loving someone worth it. This one's not really a stunner, plot-wise, but It definitely could cheer you up, just like how it did when I was waiting in my line ;)

*SPOILER* I personally liked the ending, I mean, It was just so sweet and adorable that I grinned. Not the Epilogue, no; I thought it was rather lost. But the ending was great...really great :)

[M · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reading the first chapter was a bit confusing especially on dialogues of Nat and Gabe. One Crazy Summer is the first book of this author and it was better than this book.

Okay. What I like about Nat, we have this same interest in a guy. Smart guy. I giggled when she mentioned a nerdy guy and cute but others won't see it as hers--that's how I looked at nerdy guy too! I shouldn't be ashamed of being attracted to a guy wearing spectacles.

On Nat's love story, I really don't get it or I just can't relate on her love life. Being in love with Gabe and at the same a rival? At first I thought Gabe was a guy Nat's doesn't like and she got pissed whenever he was around but it turned out that Nat was crazy in love with Gabe and hurt her deeply that's why she was pissed.

What I can relate on Nat, first, midgets and I hate my height. Second, teaching preschoolers and if my dad didn't interfere with life maybe I'll be a preschool teacher because I love children, you just have to tell them fairy tales and teach simple things and lastly, a cluttered mind and being negative about life. I can't fake what I really feel and I believe it's something with my upbringing ( and it's not yet late, there are still ways for a change).

[Kae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nat taught me a lot of things. She is kinda my role model now. I mean srsly. This book just gave me all the Zen Mode i could probably have. For school. For my family. For my friends. And for my heart.

Okay. I just love Natividad so much because we have a lot of things in common. Like 1) we were both named after our grandmothers. Well is not actually my only name but 'Maria' has been there forever. And i hate it a lot. Like really alot. But at the end of the day, its my name, still. 2) we were both broken hearted. Dumped and then they came back. Then dumped again... well hello to you too Nat, because we literally are the same. Only that, you have moved on already... and me, im still trying to get over with my unending and unfathomable lovewhateveryoucallit with my first love. And 3) we both lack confidence and passion... sometimes, this is the kind of person i am.

Tho, im really really trying to be all okay and to be all patched up right now... and i know what to do next, the next time my first love comes back.

Thank you Nat for teaching me to follow whats in my heart. AND squee for Luis. Okay i like Gabe too. More actually. But Luis is just so awesome! <3

[Jay Tria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like Nat figuring out the mess of her mediocre life (as she calls it), it took me more time than usual to root for her too. Maybe because I did see very clearly what kind of a mess her life and her self esteem really were. But soon enough I realized she was getting to me precisely because of that: I care for this girl and I want her to win over her demons. I was cheering on her to the point of shouting to the pages. "Do better! NO, not that boy. The other one!" And ugh, that boy. He really was sweetly cruel. It was so fun to hate him. I relished the feeling. And then the other boy, the one with the savior complex haha. He was fun because he was teasing, and he was fun to tease. And he was sincere too, and quite honest, the kind of honest that Nat needed. I loved that beyond that it was a coming of age story that was aided by letters from the grave, from a different time. It's about family--most of all grandmothers. And to me it was about how sometimes looking back was the best way to have a better road moving forward. Another awesome YA read from Ines <3

[Katt Briones · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found Nat incredibly frustrating in the first few chapters of the book, and this made me unable to put the book down. We all have that friend whom we just want to hit over the head for being in love / in like with the wrong people, and I saw that particular friend in Nat's character. I was rooting for her and I found her journey funny yet touching. I loved how realistic the story was - even if everyone told you to get over a certain person, you just wouldn't be able to do that in a jiffy. I also liked Martin but Luis just takes the cake. The scene in the crab palace was one of the best kilig scenes I've read. Gabe was a douchebag, but I couldn't help but wonder what was going to happen to him afterwards - I hope he finds his dreaded match *wink wink cough spinoff cough*. 4 stars ;)

[Kevin Arriola · Rating 4 out of 5]

What's In Your Heart is really a good recommendation to read especially for girls. It's not the same as the stories I've read in other books. It doesn't evolve in stories about two lovers on how they connected and disconnected from each other, though having love problems is really part of main character's life. It's the story of a girl, her growth and personal development. It's about a girl who becomes inspired when she discovers something that's part of their family's history. It's woman empowerment given that it's a girl perspective.

I really appreciate how the story is written. I assume that it's true and from the author's bottom of her heart. I love its ending, at least she's been developed and she knows where to go. The content really talks about the title. In the end, all that she's been through have been resolved and she knows what's in her heart.

[Angelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

nakita ko 'to noon sa NBS habang nagiikot-ikot lang ako at pagkakita ko pa lang sa title at cover ginusto ko na agad bilhin. (thumbs up sa nakaisip ng cover design, haha!) Isa 'to sa mga favorite ko dahil sa tingin ko nakakarelate ako sa main character, as in! lalo yung part tungkol sa di niya alam gagawin sa future niya, kung ano talaga ang gusto niya. Yung mga twist and turns sa book yung isa ding dahilan bakit lalo kong nagustuhan 'to. Page turner talaga, mapapaisip ka sa susunod na magyayari. Pero sana matulad din yung ending nitong book sa life ko.

[Venessaa ♡☮♫ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the book. Loved the story.
I mean, what kind of girl wouldn't relate to the story of Natividad "Nat" who likes a guy and would do anything to like her back. Who wouldn't be as heartbroken as her if some guy, like Gabe, would break your heart?
I enjoyed the book and even though it has been with me for a while now and had undergone being unread for the past few months, I'm still glad I picked it up and started reading it.

[Maan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book #41 for 2013: Borrowed this book from BFF Rafa for my A-Z Challenge. Light. A fast read and feel good book.

Favorite line:
I craved the feeling of knowing that someone was always there for you, prioritizing you--or if he couldn't, he'd make it up to you because you were supposed to be the most important thing in his life.

[Angela Gigante · Rating 5 out of 5]

What's In Your Heart is a good read. You could actually feel how the main character (Nathalie) felt about everything. Ms. Ines wrote each character's depth magnificently. I give 5/5 rating for this simply because its the real deal. Ver inspirational and light to read. In my opinion this is her best work published (yet)

[Kerry Lim · Rating 5 out of 5]

wahhh i can totally relate what nat has gone through with her love life :) i cannot put this book down and i finished it the same day i bought it, thats how hooked i am :)

[Avon Bernabe · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.8stars

Unexpectedly, this book grew on me. I enjoyed it. I loved the character development of Nat I loved the ending. :)

[Mira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hated Natividad at first because she's drooling over someone who isn't into her. But then I loved her when she's spending time with Luis. It was a very good read. :)

[Phoebe Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Light romance with heavy slef finding ingredients. Easily digested food for the mind :)

[Lolli Mae · Rating 4 out of 5]

When will I ever find my Luis? Oh Natividad, you lucky girl. :)

[Daphney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Made me love my future profession more. :)

[Aira Irish · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love everything about this story. She's my girl.