Showing posts with label Revell. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Revell. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Book Review: Last Chance Hero

11:32 AM 0 Comments
The inhabitants of Last Chance, New Mexico, could not be more pleased. Dr. Jessica McLeod has opened an office right on Main Street. Andy Ryan, the best athlete the little town ever produced, has ended his short career in the NFL and has come home to coach the mighty Pumas of Last Chance High. Unfortunately, Dr. Jess immediately gets off on the wrong foot when she admits that she's never seen a football game, isn't really interested in doing so, and, in fact, doesn't know a first down from a home run. Meanwhile, Coach Ryan is discovering that it's not easy to balance atop the pedestal the town has put him on. When this unlikely pair is drawn together over the future of a young player--whose gifts may lie in the laboratory rather than on the football field--they begin to wonder if they might have a future together as well.

With the flair that has made her Last Chance books a favorite among readers of contemporary fiction, Cathleen Armstrong draws on the passion Americans have for the traditions of small-town high school football.

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I'll be honest. I'd completely forgotten about this series of books. This sometimes happens as the mom of two boys who keep chaotic schedules. When I first started reading, I kept thinking that something seemed really familiar about the book and sure enough, I have read at least one of the other books in this series. In some ways, this made the book feel like coming home. I already knew most of the characters. I can't say that I always understood Jess' stubbornness, but I certainly know people like that so I did enjoy that she was another totally real character. I enjoyed her story with Andy and catching up with everyone else, but again I'm going to be honest. I didn't enjoy the ending. It seemed abrupt and that there were a lot of loose ends. Now, if there's going to be another book in this series, I'm okay with that. However, I did read that this is the last book in the series and it just doesn't feel concluded and that always leaves me feeling unsettled.

Still, if you enjoy every day life in a small town with some serious sports fanatics and love thrown into the mix...I can for sure recommend Last Chance Hero.
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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.

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Friday, September 25, 2015

Book Review: The Mistress of Tall Acre

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The American Revolution is finally over, and Sophie Menzies is starved for good news. When her nearest neighbor, General Seamus Ogilvy, finally comes home to Tall Acre, she hopes it is a sign of better days to come. But the general is now a widower with a small daughter in desperate need of a mother. Nearly destitute, Sophie agrees to marry Seamus and become the mistress of Tall Acre in what seems a safe, sensible arrangement. But when a woman from the general's past returns without warning, the ties that bind this fledgling family together will be strained to the utmost. When all is said and done, who will be the rightful mistress of Tall Acre?

Triumph and tragedy, loyalty and betrayal--readers find it all in the rich pages of this newest historical novel from the talented pen of Laura Frantz. Her careful historical details immerse the reader in the story world, and her emotional writing and finely tuned characters never cease to enchant fans both old and new.

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I've been slowly easing my way back into book reviews since life got so chaotic around here and I strongly believe that I made a good choice with this book! I loved the characters and the way that the author made everything feel so real. I was drawn into Sophie's life as if she were my best friend. I fell in love with little Lily Cate. Did I mention that there's a bit of mystery and intrigue involved? Honestly, I can't think of a single negative thing to say about this book. I loved the way that the romance aspect of this book didn't overtake the story, but worked alongside it to bring a well rounded book that had a bit of everything.

If you're a lover of historical romance, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this book to you. As a matter of fact, feel free to head on over to Amazon and pick it up right now. That way we can sit down and talk about it later!


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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.

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Friday, September 18, 2015

Book Review: The Memory Weaver

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Eliza Spalding Warren was just a child when she was taken hostage by the Cayuse Indians during a massacre in 1847. Now the young mother of two children, Eliza faces a different kind of dislocation; her impulsive husband wants them to make a new start in another territory, which will mean leaving her beloved home and her departed mother's grave--and returning to the land of her captivity. Eliza longs to know how her mother, an early missionary to the Nez Perce Indians, dealt with the challenges of life with a sometimes difficult husband and with her daughter's captivity.

When Eliza is finally given her mother's diary, she is stunned to find that her own memories are not necessarily the whole story of what happened. Can she lay the dark past to rest and move on? Or will her childhood memories always hold her hostage?

Based on true events, The Memory Weaver is New York Times bestselling author Jane Kirkpatrick's latest literary journey into the past, where threads of western landscapes, family, and faith weave a tapestry of hope inside every pioneering woman's heart. Readers will find themselves swept up in this emotional story of the memories that entangle us and the healing that awaits us when we bravely unravel the threads of the past.

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This is a tough one for me. I think that I was at least a third of the way into the book before I really started to enjoy it. Up until that point it was what I would dub as only okay. After that point, I started to become more interested and the book did hold me until the end. Overall, I'd say that the book pacing was slow and not enough time was actually spent covering the actual realities of when she was held captive. The entire portion of her returning to that area was actually a very minor thing so I felt a bit misled when it came to the book synopsis.

If I were to rate this, it'd be 3/5 stars. It's an okay book, but it really just didn't wow me.


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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.

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Friday, July 3, 2015

Book Review: Laugh-Out-Loud Pocket Doodles for Boys

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Rob Elliott's Laugh-Out-Loud joke books have brought laughter to more than half a million households. His last book invited kids into the action as he teamed up with cartoonist Jonny Hawkins to create "Laugh-Out-Loud Doodles for Kids." Now the dynamic duo is back with two brand-new books for boys and girls who love to draw and love to laugh! Packed with jokes that will keep boys and girls giggling for hours, and unfinished doodles for them to complete any way they want, these books keep little hands and minds busy. Perfect for road trips, lazy summer days, or anytime the kids say, "I'm bored!"

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This book is fantastic. No, seriously. I shared this with some younger kids and it was such a big hit that I may need to pick up some of these as stocking stuffers! The jokes are definitely on a child's level and who can resist doodling and coloring? Not a single child that I know, including me!

Honestly, I can't come up with a single bad thing to say about this book. The books are a great size for backpacks, travel packs or just for carrying around. The jokes are funny, the tongue twisters hilarious, and if you don't go pick up one or a dozen, I'll be very sad.

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review.  All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.
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Friday, June 26, 2015

Book Review: Laugh Out Loud Pocket Doodles For Girls

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Rob Elliott's Laugh-Out-Loud joke books have brought laughter to more than half a million households. His last book invited kids into the action as he teamed up with cartoonist Jonny Hawkins to create "Laugh-Out-Loud Doodles for Kids." Now the dynamic duo is back with two brand-new books for boys and girls who love to draw and love to laugh! Packed with jokes that will keep boys and girls giggling for hours, and unfinished doodles for them to complete any way they want, these books keep little hands and minds busy. Perfect for road trips, lazy summer days, or anytime the kids say, "I'm bored!"

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World's shortest review. Fantastic! Awesome! Go buy it now!

In all seriousness, if you have girls, you're going to want this book. It's perfect for travel, for family fun, or just some serious silliness. Don't let this one pass you by.


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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.
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Friday, May 1, 2015

Book Review: The Heart of the Amish

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Everyone has been hurt. Everyone experiences conflict, great and small. Everyone has someone to forgive. But sometimes we just can't bring ourselves to forgive someone who has wronged us or we don't take the need to forgive seriously--not like the Amish do. Forgiving others in order to live at peace is woven into the very fabric of their faith. To the Amish way of thinking, "You can't love the stream without knowing the source. " We must forgive others, they believe, because God forgave us.
"The Heart of the Amish" invites readers into the world of a people renowned for their ability to forgive. Through true stories gathered from a variety of Amish communities, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher illustrates how they are able to release their pain and desire for revenge, and live at peace with others. Her in-depth, personal research uncovers the astounding yet fundamental way the Amish can forgive anyone from the angry customer at the grocery store to the shooter at Nickel Mines. Readers will learn how to invite God into "their" stories, apply lessons from the Amish to their own circumstances, and find the freedom that comes with true forgiveness.

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This isn't my first review of a book written by Suzanne Wood Fisher and I strongly suspect that it won't be the last. She's long been a favorite author and when you combine that with my love of Amish books, well, there was no way that I was going to turn down the chance to read this one. Every chapter starts with an Amish proverb and ends with a section of reflection questions. It's honestly not a bad idea to keep a journal/notebook and pen right on the nightstand with this book. Unless you're crazy like me and sometimes just write directly in the book...which I've been told is a sin... Either way, filled with wonderful stories, proverbs and a chance to reflect on your own life, this book is going into my refer back to bin.

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.
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Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Book Review: Every Bride Needs a Groom

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Small-town girl Katie Fisher is planning her wedding. Sure, her boyfriend hasn't managed to pop the question just yet, but that doesn't mean she shouldn't enter a contest in "Texas Bride" magazine to win the dress of her dreams, right? But when her boyfriend breaks up with her and takes a job in another town--the very same day Katie wins her dream dress--her world is turned upside down. Should she claim her prize? And will the hunky former pro-basketball player who runs the swanky Dallas bridal shop--yeah, you read that right--catch on to her humiliation if she does?
Janice Thompson designs a romance sure to delight, with plenty of fish-out-of-water moments, a hilarious supporting cast, and more of the wedding biz world her readers adore.

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Janice Thompson writes the sweetest love stories and Every Bride Needs a Groom is no exception. While the story itself was fairly predictable, I still enjoyed the characters and how every one of them had their own smaller story within the main story. Katie was sweet and honest to the bone, her family so incredibly small town that it was a bit like being back where I grew up, and those big city folks? Well, they're a whole bundle of fun all in themselves. The book moves at a quick pace, but not so quick that you feel as if you've been left behind. I especially appreciated the epilogue and how the book ended. I can't tell you why though. You're just going to have to read it yourself to find out.

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.
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Friday, April 10, 2015

Book Review: The Creole Princess

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All along the eastern seaboard, the American struggle for independence rages. In the British-held southern port of Mobile, Alabama, the conflict brewing is quieter--though no less deadly. The lovely Frenchwoman Lyse Lanier is best friends with the daughter of the British commander. Rafael Gonzalez is a charming young Spanish merchant with a secret mission and a shipment of gold to support General Washington. As their paths cross and their destinies become increasingly tangled, Lyse and Rafael must decide where their true loyalties lie--and somehow keep Lyse's family from being executed as traitors to the British Crown.

With spectacular detail that brings the Colonial South alive, Beth White invites readers into a world of intrigue and espionage from a little-known side of the American Revolutionary War. Her richly textured settings and characters delight while fast pacing and closely held secrets will keep readers turning the pages.

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The Creole Princess is the second book in the Gulf Coast Chronicles series, but it works beautifully as a stand alone novel. Taking place during the American Revolution, the author managed to pull me into another historical novel full of the worlds of politics and people. The characters are well developed and the ways that their threads intertwine kept me turning page after page. If I had any complaint it was that the ending felt slightly rushed..or maybe that was just me not wanting it to be over quite yet.

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.
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Thursday, March 26, 2015

Book Review: Sand in My Sandwich

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You know that thing when you're in Walmart at noon before you discover you haven't brushed your teeth? Sarah Parshall Perry gets that. She also gets weird things showing up in her bed, her daughter asking for war paint, and her son crawling into a giant blue sock on Christmas morning. Mainly, she gets that conflicted feeling of finding her kids hanging out in the dogs' cages and happily realizing they have stopped getting into trouble for a minute.

According to Perry, "The hardest stuff is the quickest way to God," and readers get to watch the systematic destruction of her carefully planned life, laughing at her missteps, aching at her tragedies, and recognizing themselves along the way. A mother of three children, two of whom are on the autism spectrum, she has experienced plenty of ups and downs, but from the chaos of her "ordinary" life she pulls the universal truths of motherhood, addressing them with humor, poignancy, and a naked honesty that will make the reader think, "That sounds a lot like my crazy life. "Perry helps mothers realize they aren't alone, even if they've fallen off the straight and narrow of their intended path and are instead lying in the ditch next to it. Life's a mess. But as Perry reminds us, it's all for a purpose.

Perfect for mothers, this book will encourage, inspire, and enlighten.
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Let's face it. Motherhood is messy. We would all love to pretend that our homes our spotless, our children are always well behaved and dinner is always on the table right on time, but it's just not the case. Sarah shares her story of motherhood with tongue in cheek humor and a refreshing sense of transparency. While I don't have a child on the Autism scale, I do have a special needs kiddo and I remember the looks I would get in stores and such. Knowing that another parent has been there made me smile. Not everyone will relate to every part of this book, but if you're a mom, it's well worth the read!

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.
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Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Book Review: The Trouble with Patience

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Patience Cavanaugh has lost hope in romance. The man she yearned to marry is dead and her dreams are gone with him. Now she is consumed with the restoration of a dilapidated boarding house in order to support herself. Despite her desire for solitude, Jedediah Jones, the local sheriff with a reputation for hanging criminals, becomes an ever-looming part of her life. It seems like such a simple arrangement: Patience needs someone with a strong back to help her fix up the boardinghouse, and Jedediah needs a dependable source of food for himself and his prisoners. But Patience gets more than she bargained for as she explores the depths of the "hanging lawman"--and finds both betrayal and love.




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Another book full of wonderful imagery, even when it's the imagery of just how tough it was to have lived in a time and place that was at times, anything but sunshine and roses. The characters weren't the type that I immediately fell in love with. In fact, it took me a bit to warm up to them. The story, however, pulled me in from the first page and didn't let me go until the last. I will say that the story did drag in parts, but not enough that it made me put it down or walk away from it. Did I mention that there's a mystery that needs solving? You know my weakness for mystery and romance...heck, if this was somehow a cookbook too, I'd never put it down!

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review.  All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.

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Thursday, February 19, 2015

Book Review: The Crimson Cord

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Wife to a gambler who took one too many risks, Rahab finds herself sold as a slave to cover her husband's debt. Forced into prostitution by Dabir, counselor to the Syrian king, Rahab despairs of ever regaining her freedom and her self-respect. But when Israelite spies enter Jericho and come to lodge at her house, Rahab sees a glimmer of hope and the opportunity of a lifetime. In one risky moment, she takes a leap of faith, puts her trust in a God she does not know, and vows to protect the spies from the authorities. When the armies of Israel arrive weeks later, Rahab hopes they will keep their promise, but she has no idea what kind of challenges await her outside Jericho's walls--or if she will ever know the meaning of love.


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How many of us are familiar with the story of Rahab in the Bible? I confess that it's been many years since I had read or heard it and to be honest, when I read the description of the book, it didn't click with me. That's okay. Not all of us fall into the same religious beliefs or level of biblical knowledge, but hopefully we can all enjoy a well written book. This particular book is divided into three sections and each flows seamlessly into the next. I found her story to be fascinating. The book covers not only her life, but the laws of the Israelites and how they were explained to Rahab and how they applied directly to her life. If you're interested in amazing women, Biblical fiction or just a well written book, I suggest that you check out this one.

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review.  All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.

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Monday, February 9, 2015

Book Review: It's Not Who You Know, It's Who You Are

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We live in a culture obsessed with celebrity. When we're not trying to make a name for ourselves, we're following the big names on Twitter, liking them on Facebook, and taking selfies with them if we are lucky enough to run into them in real life. We love winners and we want to be winners. But take it from a man who knows more famous people than most of us will ever meet--it's not who you know that's important, it's who you are inside.
With short, story-driven readings, Pat Williams draws from over fifty years of brushing shoulders with the greats, offering readers motivation to do their best, be themselves, and continually strive to be the people God made them to be. He shows that being a "winner" is more about character, attitudes, values, and faith than it is about coming out on top. Stories from legendary sports figures, leaders, and fascinating people from all walks of life help readers develop true character that speaks for itself.

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Have you ever really needed a book that you could put down at anytime and you knew it'd be right there waiting for you when you got back, sort of like an old friend? If this makes any sense to you, this is that book. Filled with short narratives from every type of celebrity imaginable, you can read one or you can read ten and when you come back, there is more waiting. This is one of those books that you're going to get from it what you put into it. It can be read casually and you'll just enjoy the stories. It can be read with some depth and you're going to take away a life lesson from each and every one. The author doesn't always tell you what the lesson is, but it is always there. For me, this came at just the right time and it's going into my "life lessons to access" bin of books that sits on top of my dresser. Few make it in but this one won't be going anywhere.

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review.  All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.

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Monday, February 2, 2015

Book Review: At Home in Last Chance

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Kaitlyn Reed and Steven Braden have always had a similar philosophy of life: when the going gets tough, they get going--out of town and away from the problem. Now they are both back in Last Chance, New Mexico, and trying to start over. Kaitlyn is working to reestablish a relationship with the seven-year-old daughter she left behind six months earlier. Steven is trying to prove to his family that he is not the irresponsible charmer they have always known him to be. As Kaitlyn and Steven find themselves drawn to one another, one big question keeps getting in the way: How will they learn to trust each other when they don't even trust themselves?

With emotional depth and characters who leap off the page and into the reader's psyche, Cathleen Armstrong continues to delight her readers and win new fans. Readers will be thrilled to return once more to the small town they've grown to love.

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Whew...for fiction, this book had a lot of emotional depth. From little Olivia to her mom and everyone that surrounded them, this book will have you feeling all the feels, as the kids these days say..or did the other day, anyway. I did have one teensy problem with this book, though. It was book 3 in a series that I hadn't read and while for the most part, it is a stand alone book, there was more than once that I felt as if I was missing some nuance or bit of information that I would have known from reading the other books. Other than that, it was all good and it made me wonder if tiny places like Last Chance still exist somewhere out there in the west.

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review.  All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.
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Monday, January 26, 2015

Book Review: Romancing Your Other Half

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Most married couples know how it goes. You start out in the throes of passionate romance only to have the fire cool over the years--especially when kids come along or life gets too busy. But keeping the romance alive is easier than most people think. Now the author of "Becoming Your Spouse's Better Half "shares the secrets of pursuing romance that won't quit.
With wit and wisdom, Rick Johnson shows men and women how to communicate effectively with their spouses, recapture the feeling of young love, incorporate romance and intimacy into everyday life, understand each other's unique sexual needs, and more. Anyone who has been married more than a couple of years will find useful insights and solid advice that will strengthen their marriage now and into the future.

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When I first chose to review this book, I honestly thought that it was going to be one filled with fun dates and things like that. Reading the book description now, I have no idea why I thought that! My guess is that it was late at night and I didn't thoroughly read what I was choosing. Silly me! That's okay because this book turned out to be a good choice anyway. Filled with sections on communication, love, romance, sex and even woundedness, this is a great book to remind all of us how to be better partners. The author writes in a style that it's like sitting down over a cup of coffee with a friend and just like that friend, you may not agree with every single thing, but you'll take away a lot and perhaps be a bit better for it.

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review.  All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.
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Friday, January 9, 2015

Book Review: The Financially Confident Woman

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Too many women feel like they lack the know-how to take control of their financial lives. But it's not the level of their knowledge that's the problem, says personal financial expert Mary Hunt; it's their lack of confidence. Being in debt isn't a money problem--it's an attitude problem. And Hunt is here to help women develop a confident, capable attitude toward money so that they can take control of their finances.

Using the lessons she's learned from her own hard-fought battle with debt, Hunt empowers women to develop nine essential money habits, including giving, saving, investing, rejecting unsecured debt, preparing for emergencies, getting what you pay for, and more. She also includes a six-week action plan to help women get started right away.
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If money handling is not your strong suit, then might I recommend you add this one to your reference shelf? A quick and easy read, the author takes you through her story and how she turned things around while giving great advice for anyone who just needs a few tips and tricks and how to get into the right mindset. If I had one complaint, this is actually a reprint of her book that was released back in 1996 and unfortunately hasn't been updated with things such as automatic bill paying or online banking.

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review.  All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.
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Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Book Review: The Christmas Cat

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After years abroad, Garrison Brown returns home to Vancouver to build a new life. When his beloved grandmother passes away a few weeks before Christmas, Garrison goes to her house to sort out her belongings, including six cats who need new homes. While Garrison hopes to dispense with the task quickly, his grandmother's instructions don't allow for speed. She has left Garrison with some challenging requirements for the future homes of her furry friends--plus a sizeable monetary gift for the new owners. Garrison's job is to match the cats with the right owners without disclosing the surprise gift. Along the way, he may just meet someone who can make him stay.

Humorous and heartwarming, this latest Christmas story from bestselling author Melody Carlson is the perfect gift for pet lovers and anyone in whose heart Christmas holds a special place.

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As a cat lover, I couldn't turn down the chance to review this book and I'm so glad I didn't. This short tome had me smiling and giving my own cats some extra scritches. Poor Garrison with his allergies had me chuckling. I felt like he was the neighbor down the street, someone I knew and those cats, each with their own personality, made me smile because I know just how different each cat can be. As I'm writing this, my little diva is grumbling that one of the other cats dared come near her. After him being here for four years, she still grumbles at him. That's just how she is and each of the cats that Garrison must find homes for had their own personalities. If you'd like a short, holiday read, then this book is a must for your stacks. In fact, I think it'd made an awesome stocking stuffer for the cat lover in anyone's life.

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review.  All thoughts, comments and opinions are my own.
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Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Book Review: Trading Secrets

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Back in fifth grade, Micah Knight got an Amish pen pal, and over the years, they've exchanged many letters--and many secrets. At age seventeen, Micah finally has the chance to meet her pen pal face-to-face. The only problem is that because of confusion about her name when the pen pals were assigned, her pen pal was a boy, Zack Miller. And all this time, Micah's never told Zack that she's actually a girl! While she wants nothing more than to experience life on Zack's Amish farm, she's afraid he'll hate her for deceiving him all these years. But she makes up her mind to face the music--and that's where the fun really begins.
Bestselling author Melody Carlson brings young adults another fascinating tale of worlds colliding, secrets being revealed, and friendships forming. Teens will love this story of miscommunication and mishaps along the way to the truth.
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More young adult fiction! I wish that I could say that I enjoyed this one as much as the others that I've reviewed recently, but I just can't. While the story itself is good and kept me reading, this wasn't a book that I had a hard time putting down when I needed to go and do something else. Also, I really felt that it wasn't always entirely accurate in its portrayals of the Amish community. I'd say more, but then I'd be dipping into spoilers territory so I really don't want to do that. Overall, I'd say the story is cute and perfect for the young adult/tween set, but just not totally my cup of tea.

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Thursday, November 6, 2014

Book Review: At Bluebonnet Lake

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Marketing maven Kate Sherwood’s world is fast-paced, challenging, and always changing. The last thing she wants to do is slow down to a crawl at Rainbow’s End, a dilapidated resort in the Texas Hill Country. But she cannot deny her ailing grandmother’s request to visit the place where she and her deceased husband spent one glorious week (albeit fifty years ago). There Kate meets Greg Vange, the resort’s handyman. But there’s more to Greg than meets the eye–billions more, in fact, as he recently sold his successful software company and is at the resort in search of what’s next for his life.

Kate isn’t looking for romance, but she can’t deny the sparks of attraction that fly every time she and Greg are together. She even starts to see potential in the rundown resort. Could there be a future there? Or will Kate’s long-sought promotion take her back to the big city?

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It seems like it's been a while since I've read and reviewed a contemporary romance. It's been cookbooks, nonfiction, historical fiction and some Amish fiction thrown in for good measure. I'm okay with that but when this book came up next in my stack, I was good with a change of pace and that's just what this book delivered. I found Kate to be a very relatable character. Perhaps it's because I've always felt like I had to live up to someone else's dream for me. Perhaps it's just the name. ;)  Either way, I found the relationship between Sally and Kate to be sweet and genuine. I enjoyed the romances involved in the story and I'll be honest, the resort itself was one that I wanted to find and hide myself away in so that I could enjoy nature and just some down time from every day life. All in all, a very enjoyable read.

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Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Book Review: The Woman Code

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Every woman lives by a code, whether she realizes it or not. It informs how she treats others and herself, how much she expects of herself, and how far she is willing to go in order to find success. But is the code we're living by truly helping us create the lives of purpose and fulfillment we desire? Or are we sacrificing the deeper things for mere achievement?

In this inspiring book, Sophia A. Nelson calls women to live out a powerful life code that will lead them to purposeful and successful lives. With the wisdom that comes from experience, Nelson reveals to women

· the true meaning of "having it all"
· how to take better care of their minds, bodies, and souls
· how to achieve professional excellence without compromising their values
· how to find lasting love and purpose in life beyond their accomplishments
· how to navigate the sisterhood of women, to build collaboration rather than competition
· how to heal from past hurts, rejection, and life's inevitable storms
· and much more

The Woman Code is a way of living, of navigating life's challenges, and of interacting positively with other women. It's a way of pursuing our dreams and our deepest desires. It reveals a universal and timeless set of principles of the mind, body, and spirit that help women balance the demands of work, home, family, and friendship. The Woman Code not only calls on women to practice purpose in their lives, it shows them how to do it with grace.

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Right now, I'm in a rebuilding me period of my life. It's not an easy place to be, but I'm happy that I'm at a place where I want to do it. So often, as I fight the Bipolar demons, it's easy to just lay down and wait it out. This time, I'm taking babysteps to fight back and to find me in all of it. As part of that, I've been reviewing cookbooks, healthy living books and yes, self-help books. As someone with a degree in psychology, it's hard to resist that last category. This book is really meant for those of us who have come from dark places, not necessarily for those who have already found themselves. Even within the first chapter, I found myself nodding. I know that this is a book that will go up on my "self reference shelf."


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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review.  All thoughts, comments and opinions are my own.
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Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Book Review: Stolen

8:30 AM 0 Comments
There is hope, even on the darkest of days

Katariina Rosenblatt was a lonely and abused young girl, yearning to be loved, wanting attention. That made her the perfect target. On an ordinary day, she met a confident young woman--someone Kat wished she could be like--who pretended to be a friend while slowly luring her into a child trafficking ring. A cycle of false friendships, threats, drugs, and violence kept her trapped.

As Kat shares her harrowing experiences, her ultimate escape, and her passionate efforts to now free other victims, you'll see that not only is sex trafficking happening frighteningly close to home--it's also something that can be stopped. Stolen is a warning, a celebration of survival, and a beacon of hope that will inspire you.

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On a day where I received six different review books, this one stood out and called to me. Maybe it was the fact that the author's first name is so close to mine or that she went by Kat, just like I do sometimes...I don't know why the call came, but I have no regrets that it did. Reading through Kat's story, I realized just how vulnerable our children can be; how vulnerable I probably was. I was inspired as I read her story and how she got to where she is today. It made me stop and think, that maybe 38 isn't too late to do something with my life. Maybe I can somehow dig myself out of the financial mess and find a way to a better life for me and for my children. Yes, there is a lot of God mentions in this book, but even if your beliefs aren't in life with that, don't let it stop you from finding a book that tells a harsh reality that can teach you to not only protect but perhaps can also inspire you and your life.

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments and opinions are my own.

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