I hesitated when asked to review Unfinished . It wasn't the book description. After all, who wouldn't be intrigued by this:
This is a true story of a woman who experienced such a profound awakening that she could no longer live the same way, the same life she was just one week before. She could no longer ignore the woman who was screaming to be set free from the ties that bind her to a life she no longer desired or recognized. The transformation to become the woman she really wanted to be has propelled her upon the most remarkable self-discovery journey of her life. She sold her home, gave up her career, kissed her children, grandchildren and friend’s good bye, got into her vehicle and just drove away…ALONE. Where was she going? 30,000km later she finds herself in the most unlikely place to try to piece her life together, trying to make sense of the constant feeling of being UNFINISHED.
Even Suzanne's bio sounded intriguing:
Suzanne Gravelle is 49 Years old and has 3 children, 2 grandchildren who live in Nova Scotia. At the time this book goes to print she is single and homeless by choice, still travelling, seeking that place of comfort she will eventually call home.
She spent most of her life living in Nova Scotia but her formidable years aged 10-25, were spent living on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. She resigned as a Real Estate Agent in Nova Scotia, to embark upon this most incredible journey, driving, exploring Canada and writing this book. To read Suzanne’s extended bio, visit http://bookpromotionservices.com/2011/11/10/suzanne-gravelle-bio/
The Universe, however, has a way of bringing things into our lives just when they are needed. So it was with this book. As I started to read, I could hear Suzanne's voice, as though she were sitting across the kitchen table from me. Her writing flows so naturally you know that she speaks and writes in the same voice. This is a rare thing. Many authors strive for a conversational tone, Suzanne just comes by it naturally. She simply tells you her story, holding nothing back. Her emotions flow freely throughout the pages, whether that emotion is relief, pain, wonder or confusion--or a myriad of others that make their appearance.
As I read, I felt something inside changing, a spiritual uplifting that took away the cloud of confusion that had settled in over the past year. I began to see clearly where I must travel next n m road. No, I won't be hopping in a car and leaving everything behind, that is Ms. Gravelle's journey, not mine. Suzanne's story, however, was a catalyst that allowed my own mind and heart to open up and receive directions from within my own soul. Will this be the experience of every reader? I can't promise that.
What I can promise is that this book will be one readers will want to keep handy and re-read again and again. Much like the beloved stories we heard on our grandparent's knees, it will become a favorite source of comfort. This is an absolute must-read for anyone who has reached a stage in life where they have realized that so much of their lives have been lived for others that they now don't have a clue about how to start living for themselves.
I won't give Unfinished a Rainbow Rating. It impossible for me to put a value on a book that has literally changed my life. My suggestion, however, is to seek out more information about this book and review how others have seen it.
For more information about Unfinished by Suzanne Gravelle, visit http://www.amazon.com/Unfinished-Suzanne-Gravelledp/192700506X and you can follow her journey on her blog – http://ontourwithsuzanne.blogspot.com.
Showing posts with label book review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label book review. Show all posts
T Purchase Unfinished BusinessThe Full Moon Bride by Shobhan Bantwal -- A Review
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book review
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A successful lawyer, Surya hears the clock ticking as she slides past thirty. While her career is a success, her personal life leaves much to be desired. Maybe her answer to love lie in the old traditions of India. Giving in to her parents' wishes that she participate in the traditional bride viewings, Surya fights within her soul, questioning all she knows from an American way of life and comparing it to the tried and true traditions of her parents. Which way is "best"-- or can the only true answer come from within Surya herself?
Shobhan Bantwal takes the art of ethnic writing and applies it in a way that appeals to any woman who has ever felt the pull addition and the modern world. Her characters come alive within the book and you feel as though you are helping your best friend through a crisis, or you must make the decisions. It takes a true artist to be able to maintain an ethnic view and still reach the world as a whole. Having read her previous books, I can say a fine writer has been consistently evolving and has become phenomenal.
After reading The Full Moon Bride you will want to go back and read Ms. Bantwal's previous books. Her writing speaks to the softer side of women everywhere, from every culture. You will immediately understand where her characters are in life and how they feel, not because the author tells you, but because you have been there. The details may differ, but the basics are universal.
You can read an excerpt of The Full Moon Bride, as well as excerpts from her past works, at Shobhan's website . I suggest you put aside a couple of hours when visiting, as you will find yourself unwilling to stop reading once you start.
The Full Moon Bride earns six colors on the Rainbow Scale.
And Twice the Marrow of Her Bones by Susan Petersen Avitzour -- A Review
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book review
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This is my seventh or eighth attempt at what has to be the most difficult review I have ever written. And Twice the Marrow of Her Bones has a fairly straightforward synopsis. Susan Petersen Avizour had a good job, a loving husband and seven children that meant the world to her. Their lives were ones many yearn for--until the day her middle daughter was diagnosed with leukemia.This book follows Susan and her family through the several years leading up to her daughter's death--and into the aftermath. Through weekly updates at her church, a blog written five years later, based on these updates and poems written by Timora, we get to see how Timora's life, illness and death impacted not only her family, but those around her.
What is complicated about reviewing this book is finding words to describe pure emotion. The author holds nothing back in the telling of her story. You feel her pain, the anguish of feeling that all hope is lost. You feel her great pride in a daughter that tries to make the most of every minute she has on Earth.
Words do not flow from the pages of this book. And Twice the Marrow of her Bones is an exercise in capturing and sharing pure, untainted emotion. The subtitle is "A Mother's Memoir" and that doesn't come close to describing this book. The closest description I can come up with is that this book IS a mother's love.
Women everywhere (and men too) will feel themselves in this book. Even if you have not physically lost a child, every parent fears that chance. As your child moves from babyhood to school and from school to adulthood, you feel a sense of loss for the being they once were. Take that feeling and multiply it a hundredfold and you can come close to what a parent feels when physically losing a child.
This is not an easy book to read. You will find the need to step back and get your emotions in check before continuing. You will have not only the wish, but an undeniable need, to hug your own child. You may even find yourself having to force yourself to let them go. In the end, you will feel as though you have been given one of the greatest gifts in existence, a mother's pure, unconditional love.
I am afraid there arent't enough colors on the Rainbow Scale to rate And Twice the Marrow of Her Bones.
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What is complicated about reviewing this book is finding words to describe pure emotion. The author holds nothing back in the telling of her story. You feel her pain, the anguish of feeling that all hope is lost. You feel her great pride in a daughter that tries to make the most of every minute she has on Earth.
Words do not flow from the pages of this book. And Twice the Marrow of her Bones is an exercise in capturing and sharing pure, untainted emotion. The subtitle is "A Mother's Memoir" and that doesn't come close to describing this book. The closest description I can come up with is that this book IS a mother's love.
Women everywhere (and men too) will feel themselves in this book. Even if you have not physically lost a child, every parent fears that chance. As your child moves from babyhood to school and from school to adulthood, you feel a sense of loss for the being they once were. Take that feeling and multiply it a hundredfold and you can come close to what a parent feels when physically losing a child.
This is not an easy book to read. You will find the need to step back and get your emotions in check before continuing. You will have not only the wish, but an undeniable need, to hug your own child. You may even find yourself having to force yourself to let them go. In the end, you will feel as though you have been given one of the greatest gifts in existence, a mother's pure, unconditional love.
I am afraid there arent't enough colors on the Rainbow Scale to rate And Twice the Marrow of Her Bones.
The Digital Diet by Daniel Sieberg -- A Review
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I may not be the best one to objectively review this book. Being very much old school, we didn't have a TV until I was twelve. I still value my quiet time--disliking the sound of a ringing phone, being constantly available for anyone who chooses to call (I often leave my cell phone at home) and I find social networks like Twitter and Facebook too fast and too "busy" to remain calm while engaging in them. However, I am surrounded by technology and have daily contact, even within my own home, of people who can't seem to function without it. Multi-tasking is a way of life, I rarely see a pair of eyes when talking --or get a full sentence answer. I could go on and on. The human race has lost track of the joy of silence and the serenity of time alone.
Taking into account the shorter attention span of most people these days, The Digital Diet is written in sections that can be read in a minute or two and picked back up later. The steps in the action plan are small ones that are meant to help break the habit of digital dependence without causing a shock to society's overloaded senses. The purpose of this book is not to take society back into the Dark Ages, but to help everyone be able to enjoy the things we now have yet still keep in touch with family and friends. For example, Day 18's exercise is to send five emails to people you truly care about and letting them know that. This isn't a "I love you guys" post on a group, but a personal email to someone special.
Daniel Sieberg writes without judgment, from a place only those who have been through the fire can write. His words resonated with a truth that will immediately draw readers in and help them look at their lives clearly, without judgment, excuse or blame. Through self-questioning, brief quizzes and other similar exercises, the reader can see just how much he or she depends upon technology. Further, the reader will see what damage may have already been done, emotionally, socially and physically, with this dependence.
Mostly, however, the reader will learn how to enhance their life with technology. They learn how to integrate it into a well-rounded and full life -- without making technology their life. By listing both the pros and cons of various technological items, the author allows readers to examine and decide for themselves whether a certain item is truly necessary or can be limited. He does not make the choices for readers--only lays out the facts.
I believe this book should be in every home throughout the world. It is a book that every person can read and see, if not themselves, than someone they love within its pages. I truly believe the daily stress that is present in the world would be greatly reduced if that were te case.
The Digital Diet earns six colors on the Rainbow Scale.
For much more information about Daniel Sieberg and The Digital Diet: The 4-Step Plan to Break Your Tech Addiction and Regain Balance in Your Life visit
http://www.danielsieberg.com/.
For your own copy, visit
http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Diet-4-step-addiction-balance/dp/0307887383 (print)
and
http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Diet-addiction-balance-ebook/dp/B004J4WM3G (Kindle)
How Frank Lloyd Wright got Into My Head...by Sandy Sims -- A Review
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Who decides your destiny? Ultimately, the Universe works as a partner with us to manifest the things we want. In How Frank Lloyd Wright Got Into My Head, Under Mu Skin and Changed the Way I Think About Thinking, author Sandy Sims takes readers on a journey of self-discovery--his own and theirs. Having an idea inspired by the works of Frank Lloyd Wright, Sandy sets out to make that idea a reality. Along the way, he meets many teachers and learns lessons we often don't stop and listen for. Determined to realize his dream, regardless of how impractical it may have appeared, Mr. Sims learned how rge Universe strives to work with us to help us realize our full potential and our ability to create what we seek.
The companion workbook, Creative Thinking for the 21st Century: An Experiential Guidebook, walks readers through the steps of discovering what they really want from life, clearing the blocks along the path and realizing that each of us has the power to create our own realities.
Sandy Sims writes as though his words are simply written in a journal for himself. He illustrates concepts by showing how came to the realization rather than explaining them in a abstract way. For example, he doesn't give us the dictionary definition of synchronicity; instead, he shows how he needs something and that something appears, or the means to achieving that something appears. He allows his own learning to do the teaching, making the reader feel comfortable and unpressed. The concept seeps into your conscious through osmosis rather than study.
I haven't completed the workbook yet but have been doing the exercises step-by-step. The way they are set up, Sandy Sims assumes you haven't analyzed things too deeply so he starts at the beginning, rather than diving into the deep end and hoping the reader can swim. After each exercise, you are asked to consider what you have learned and how you can apply it--and what you will do to apply the knowledge. He includes a fairly extensive list of further study material for the reader to seek out.
The fact that I'm posting this in the afternoon rather than first thing in the morning is testimonial to how inspiring Sandy Sims is in these two books. I've had a dream for some time now, and reading this had me realizing that, even if it seems impossible, I have to attempt it--and I've worked non-stop trying to get the details in order and devise a plan of action.As it is any time you find yourself truly working with the flow, time becomes meaningless. That this one book enabled me to allow myself to enter that state says more than anything else I could possibly write.
If you have ever had a dream, if you find yourself seeking deeper fulfillment and a direction in life, if you feel you have to rely on luck and not your own power to create, this book is a must read. You will come away from the reading with a new sense of strength and faith in your abilities. The book alone is inspiring, but I highly recommend using the companion workbook. By using both, you not only see the path, but also can figure out the best way to follow it.
This isn't one of those "think it and it will happen" books. Sandy admits that you need to act in order to achieve--and that action will prompt the Universe to help. He also encourages you to think of the times you wanted something and it didn't occur. Explaining that others are also adding energy to what they want and sometimes their wants may be stronger or more along the lines of what the Universe wants. For example, he uses wanting to drive fast and not get stopped. You may want that, but the rest of the people in the area want safety, safety that your speeding will destroy. Their combined want is stronger than yours. Mr. Sims really makes it possible to understand why or why not. He does not judge, only explains.
Ask yourself "Do I have a dream that I want to make reality?" If the answer is yes, this book will give you a strong base from which to launch your journey. Visit Sandy Sim's website now to learn more and find out where you can get your copy.
How Frank Lloyd Wright Got into My Head, Under My Skin and Changed the Way I Think About Thinking earns six colors on the Rainbow Scale of Reading Excellence.
The companion workbook, Creative Thinking for the 21st Century: An Experiential Guidebook, walks readers through the steps of discovering what they really want from life, clearing the blocks along the path and realizing that each of us has the power to create our own realities.
Sandy Sims writes as though his words are simply written in a journal for himself. He illustrates concepts by showing how came to the realization rather than explaining them in a abstract way. For example, he doesn't give us the dictionary definition of synchronicity; instead, he shows how he needs something and that something appears, or the means to achieving that something appears. He allows his own learning to do the teaching, making the reader feel comfortable and unpressed. The concept seeps into your conscious through osmosis rather than study.
I haven't completed the workbook yet but have been doing the exercises step-by-step. The way they are set up, Sandy Sims assumes you haven't analyzed things too deeply so he starts at the beginning, rather than diving into the deep end and hoping the reader can swim. After each exercise, you are asked to consider what you have learned and how you can apply it--and what you will do to apply the knowledge. He includes a fairly extensive list of further study material for the reader to seek out.
The fact that I'm posting this in the afternoon rather than first thing in the morning is testimonial to how inspiring Sandy Sims is in these two books. I've had a dream for some time now, and reading this had me realizing that, even if it seems impossible, I have to attempt it--and I've worked non-stop trying to get the details in order and devise a plan of action.As it is any time you find yourself truly working with the flow, time becomes meaningless. That this one book enabled me to allow myself to enter that state says more than anything else I could possibly write.
If you have ever had a dream, if you find yourself seeking deeper fulfillment and a direction in life, if you feel you have to rely on luck and not your own power to create, this book is a must read. You will come away from the reading with a new sense of strength and faith in your abilities. The book alone is inspiring, but I highly recommend using the companion workbook. By using both, you not only see the path, but also can figure out the best way to follow it.
This isn't one of those "think it and it will happen" books. Sandy admits that you need to act in order to achieve--and that action will prompt the Universe to help. He also encourages you to think of the times you wanted something and it didn't occur. Explaining that others are also adding energy to what they want and sometimes their wants may be stronger or more along the lines of what the Universe wants. For example, he uses wanting to drive fast and not get stopped. You may want that, but the rest of the people in the area want safety, safety that your speeding will destroy. Their combined want is stronger than yours. Mr. Sims really makes it possible to understand why or why not. He does not judge, only explains.
Ask yourself "Do I have a dream that I want to make reality?" If the answer is yes, this book will give you a strong base from which to launch your journey. Visit Sandy Sim's website now to learn more and find out where you can get your copy.
How Frank Lloyd Wright Got into My Head, Under My Skin and Changed the Way I Think About Thinking earns six colors on the Rainbow Scale of Reading Excellence.
Losing Your Only by Dr. Debi Yohn -- A Review
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Life has an order about it that we have all come to expect, even if we haven't thought about it. We are born and we grow, become adults and usually parents. We grow older and eventually pass on. In spite of this fairly predictable cycle, the order of things sometimes change and we are faced with losing a child. Whenever this occurs, grief seems deeper than we can ever imagine. When the child is our only one, the grief can be even deeper, for not only do we lose our child, we lose our identity as a parent.
Dr. Debi Yohn lost her son when he was only twenty. In her book, Losing Your Only, she bares her soul as she relates the process she went through. This isn't just her story, however, because she offers advice between the pieces of her story. Using her experience, she reaches out to other parents who have lost their only child and helps them understand the process they will go through, giving helpful advice on how to best deal with each stage of the process.
Losing Your Only isn't a "get over and go on" book. I really liked the fact that Dr. Yohn tells readers that they will question. She is honest about the depth of pain. She is also positive in her assertion that things do get better with time. She acknowledges they won't be the same, but they will be better. The author found her greatest strength in spirituality. This book, however, isn't based on any particular religion. She states many times that the parent needs to reach toward their own Higher Power, follow their own cultural beliefs and traditions. What is most important is being able to reach out and accept the love and help of others.
I also found the process described by Dr. Yohn as one that can help any parent, anywhere get through the death of their only child. She brings hope and healing through her words and practical actions a parent can take, not just find a way talk. This is a book that should be available to anyone who has ever felt the loss of a child. It is a subject so often avoided in written material, but it needs to be available--and Dr. Debi Yohn allowed her grief to push her forward to give hope to others.
Losing Your Only rates six colors on the Rainbow Scale.
Thank you for your interest in Losing Your Only, by Dr Debi Yohn. This is a very personal story which helped Dr Yohn discover her purpose – to motivate and support parents and others to live life to their highest potential. The digital version of the book is currently available at http://losingyouronly.com/get-the-book/. If you would like to be notified about the upcoming print and audio release, please visit this page and send Dr Debi your name and email address.
Dr. Debi Yohn lost her son when he was only twenty. In her book, Losing Your Only, she bares her soul as she relates the process she went through. This isn't just her story, however, because she offers advice between the pieces of her story. Using her experience, she reaches out to other parents who have lost their only child and helps them understand the process they will go through, giving helpful advice on how to best deal with each stage of the process.
Losing Your Only isn't a "get over and go on" book. I really liked the fact that Dr. Yohn tells readers that they will question. She is honest about the depth of pain. She is also positive in her assertion that things do get better with time. She acknowledges they won't be the same, but they will be better. The author found her greatest strength in spirituality. This book, however, isn't based on any particular religion. She states many times that the parent needs to reach toward their own Higher Power, follow their own cultural beliefs and traditions. What is most important is being able to reach out and accept the love and help of others.
I also found the process described by Dr. Yohn as one that can help any parent, anywhere get through the death of their only child. She brings hope and healing through her words and practical actions a parent can take, not just find a way talk. This is a book that should be available to anyone who has ever felt the loss of a child. It is a subject so often avoided in written material, but it needs to be available--and Dr. Debi Yohn allowed her grief to push her forward to give hope to others.
Losing Your Only rates six colors on the Rainbow Scale.
Thank you for your interest in Losing Your Only, by Dr Debi Yohn. This is a very personal story which helped Dr Yohn discover her purpose – to motivate and support parents and others to live life to their highest potential. The digital version of the book is currently available at http://losingyouronly.com/get-the-book/. If you would like to be notified about the upcoming print and audio release, please visit this page and send Dr Debi your name and email address.
Harvest Moon by Krista Ball - A Review
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book review
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Harvest Moon, 2010
Paranormal Fantasy
ISBN: 978-0-9865875-0-4
Pages: 35
Word count: 10,000
Price: $2.50
Available in PDF, epub, prc
Krista D. Ball allows her talent full reign in Harvest Moon. I found myself glued to the screen from the start to the end. The twists and turns in plot sent me on a wild ride of surprise, anticipation increasing with each new direction. Part romance, part paranormal and all captivating--this story contains the proper amount of each, making it a story that will appeal to a wide audience.
Harvest Moon is character-oriented. Krista's characters are well-developed without being so developed the reader is left with nothing to fill in. I was able to visualize each one, hear their voices as I read and felt as thugh I knew each one personally. Readers will find themselves drawn into Dancing Cat's world completely, and wishing they could follow her on her journey after the story ends.
Harvest Moon earns six colors on the Rainbow Scale.
 |
| Click here to purchase |
Paranormal Fantasy
ISBN: 978-0-9865875-0-4
Pages: 35
Word count: 10,000
Price: $2.50
Available in PDF, epub, prc
Krista D. Ball allows her talent full reign in Harvest Moon. I found myself glued to the screen from the start to the end. The twists and turns in plot sent me on a wild ride of surprise, anticipation increasing with each new direction. Part romance, part paranormal and all captivating--this story contains the proper amount of each, making it a story that will appeal to a wide audience.
Harvest Moon is character-oriented. Krista's characters are well-developed without being so developed the reader is left with nothing to fill in. I was able to visualize each one, hear their voices as I read and felt as thugh I knew each one personally. Readers will find themselves drawn into Dancing Cat's world completely, and wishing they could follow her on her journey after the story ends.
Harvest Moon earns six colors on the Rainbow Scale.
Wise Mind Open Mind by Ronald Alexander, Ph. D. -- A Review
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Ronald A. Alexander, Ph.D.
ISBN 978-1-57224-643-0
Change is one of the constants in life. Most often, the changes are thrust upon us without our permission, causing us to hold tight to what we are familiar with in hopes it will pass and we can remain "safe". At other times, our souls yearn for change, but something holds us back--fear of the unknown, concern about it being the right thing, and numerous other reasons. Wise Mind Open Mind is about these changes.
Ronald Alexander has spent numerous years as a licensed psychotherapist helping his clients deal with the changes in their lives. At last, he shares his three-step method for coping with the world, allowing readers to benefit from the healing, fear and other barriers holding them back. His method is simple: Let Go, Tune In, Move Forward. The author leads readers to a place where they can access their core creativity and arrive on the other end of the transformation path renewed, stronger and ready to move forward.
The first thought that entered my mind when I started reading about meditation being part of this process, was that I hoped this book wasn't just another in a long list that told me meditation was all I needed to bring about some magical transformation. It wasn't long before I found out this book is different. Meditation becomes a tool to help the reader brush away distractions so their minds can be open to the creative part of their soul. Dr. Alexander does not promise an easy journey nor miracles, only well-tested methods that have worked for him and his clients throughout the years.
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Broken down into bite-sized steps, the journey seems possible. It is obvious the author has spent many hours perfecting his training skills in order to convey concepts such as mindfulness to his readers. My only regret is that a CD of the included meditations were not part of the book, I feel the reader could have further benefited had they been. Yet, the lack of a CD does not lessen the benefit. The self-evaluation questions scattered throughout the pages are cause for deep exploration--and many "a-ha" moments. I'd strongly suggest reading this book with pen and paper (perhaps a journal) nearby.
For anyone facing a life change, be it self-initiated or enforced, this book will be a great comfort, It empowers the reader to take hold of the change and guide it, rather than allowing the change to lead. This is one book I can see being read many times over.
Wise Mind Open Mind earns six colors on the Rainbow Scale.
***
In his groundbreaking book, Wise Mind, Open Mind pioneering psychotherapist, Dr. Ronald Alexander shares his innovative program for using mindfulness meditation, creative thinking, and positive psychology to transform times of crisis or change into opportunities for greater personal awareness, clarity, and creativity. His original three-step plan includes, learning to let go of resistance to change, learning to tune in to your soul’s deep wisdom or core creativity; and then learning how to move forward based on your newly acquired insight.
Ronald Alexander, Ph.D. is the author of the widely acclaimed book, Wise Mind, Open Mind: Finding Purpose and Meaning in Times of Crisis, Loss, and Change. He is the Executive Director of the OpenMind Training® Institute, practices mindfulness-based mind-body psychotherapy and leadership coaching in Santa Monica, CA for individuals and corporate clients (http://www.openmindtraining.com/ ).
For full details about the Wise Mind, Open Mind virtual blog tour, visit http://bookpromotionservices.com/2010/09/08/wise-mind-open-mind-ronald-alexander/
Beware the Devil's Hug by Marvin Wilson --A Review and more
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Those of you who visit regularly will recognize the name Marvin D. Wilson. He has visited us several times over the years. I'm especially happy for this current visit, for Marvin has written a book that is awesome. I've posted my review below (aong with contest information) but let me first tell you abit about the book and author.
What if a homeless, smelly, ugly, unkempt old man had a hug so powerful it could cure cancer? Cause a prostitute to stop hooking and seek true love? Shake the demons of addiction free from a junkie? Make a Christian want to hug and love a Muslim and visa versa? But rare is the beneficiary of his divine embrace – nobody wants to come near him out of fear.
Marvin D. Wilson has a widely varied and rich life experience background - from Hippie Rock and Roll musician, to nightclub entertainer, to Zen Buddhist minister, to carpenter, to small business owner, to network marketer, to sales and sales training, to skilled trades instructor and adult education teacher, to public speaker and motivational coach, to now in his chosen “golden years” career, a writer and multi-published author with the self-proclaimed, “audacity to write novels”.
Wilson describes his spiritual path as one who is a non-religious, dogma-free, maverick spiritualist Christian, with a strong bent toward Zen, Taoism, and the Law of Attraction, and who believes in the Oneness of all creation and all paths leading to re-awakening to the On e. He is a family man with three grown children and six grandchildren, and works with his son and oldest daughter in their organic compost and vegetable farming business when not writing, traveling, and marketing his books.
Marvin writes primarily in the spiritual/inspirational genre, but likes to pen “cross-over” novels that appeal to a wide variety of readers. His books are uplifting, sometimes weighty, oftentimes humorous, abidingly thought-provoking, meant to instill and create passion and emotion, more than occasionally provocative to the point of controversial, and always “tell it like it is”, real world, no punches pulled writing. He likes to deliver spiritual messages in a non-preachy, often irreverent, sometimes sexy and ribald way, through the medium of an entertaining story.
***
Now for my thoughts :-)
Hugs—they bring comfort to many, disgust and horror to others and a feeling of safety to still others. Some hugs can invoke all these emotions. One hug can’t change an entire life—or can it?
In Beware the Devil’s Hug, Marvin Wilson has once again brought together an unlikely cast of characters whose lives entwine in such a way they weave the very tapestry we call life. Love, hatred, pain and laughter are the threads that bind the tapestry tightly, making it impossible for even one of the characters to remain untouched by all the others.
For those familiar with Mr. Wilson’s work, you won’t be surprised that he does not skirt issues that may cause controversy. He presents what is, leaving his own ego and thoughts completely out of the picture and allowing the reader to fully experience each issue from a perspective within their own soul. Before your experience, for this book is truly an experience, is through, you will question reality, ponder your idea of right and wrong and, if you are willing, get to see the world from perspectives you thought were much different than your own.
For those not looking for a spiritual revelation, that is fine too. The storyline is full of drama, action and a twist that I never saw coming. Beware the Devil’s Hug contains something to please almost any reader, male or female, young or old. It is definitely an adult book, but only the most prudish or narrow-minded will find it offending. Marvin Wilson may not skirt the difficult issues, but he handles them with finesse and a genuine empathy found rarely in today’s world. Marvin Wilson is a modern day Richard Bach – inviting the human race to question, strive and dream—but most of all to open their minds and hearts and embrace all the wonder that lies within each soul.
Beware the Devil's Hug earns the Full Rainbow of Writing Excellence--seven colors!
***
Marvin is holding a contest for those who visit stops on his blog tour and for those who purchase his book.
Hugs Therapy Virtual Tour 2010 – Contest, Prizes and Giveaways
Readers following the tour will have the opportunity to win prizes and receive giveaways in the following manner:
Point System-
· Every comment left will count as one point, be it on that day’s host’s blog and/or The Old Silly’s Free Spirit Blog. A reader can earn two points per day in this manner.
· Each tweet of any post stop will count as one point. Tweeting the host’s post and also tweeting the Free Spirit post that day earns two points. This one is on the honor system, so the commenter should include that he/she tweeted the post(s) in their blog comment.
· Each Facebook tour announcement/message with a link to that day’s host’s blog earns one point. This one is also on the honor system, so the commenter should include that he/she facebooked the post in his or her blog comment.
· Buying an ebook version of Beware the Devil’s Hug earns five points. Reader/buyer must confirm the purchase by emailing the author a copy of the invoice to: marvwilson2020@gmail.com
· Buying a print (paperback) version of Beware the Devil’s Hug earns 20 points. Reader/buyer must confirm the purchase by emailing the author a copy of the invoice to: marvwilson2020@gmail.com
Prizes for Point System Winners-
· Grand Prize – The person with the most points will receive an autographed paperback copy of Marvin D Wilson’s last novel, Owen Fiddler.
· First Runner-up Prize – The person with the second highest point total will receive an autographed paperback copy of the author’s first book, I Romanced the Stone (Memoirs of a Recovering Hippie).
· Second Runner-up Prize – The person with the third highest point total will also receive an autographed copy of the author’s first book, I Romanced the Stone (Memoirs of a Recovering Hippie).
· Third and Fourth Runner-up Prizes – these people will receive an autographed paperback copy of the author’s book, Between the Storm and the Rainbow.
Additional Incentives and Giveaways:
The first reader who purchases a print copy of Beware the Devil’s Hug during the tour (again providing proof via email), pays for rush delivery (if they feel that necessary), reads it, and posts a review on Amazon before the tour ends, will receive a $25 gift certificate to Borders or Barnes and Nobles bookstores, his or her choice.
· Any other readers who purchase a print copy of Beware the Devil’s Hug during the tour and can post a review before the tour ends will receive $10 certificates to Borders or Barnes and Nobles bookstores, their choice.
· All readers who purchase a print copy of Beware the Devil’s Hug during the tour but cannot or do not get a review up before the tour ends, will still be rewarded – with a free ebook copy of Owen Fiddler.
***
Remember, guys, just click the link under the cover art above. You'll also have a chance to read an excerpt there. These prizes are awesome (but the book is even more so). To give you more chances to win, here are the rest of the tour stops:
Elizabeth Spann Craig http://mysterywritingismurder.blogspot.com/ 10/17/10
Joyce Anthony http://joyce-anthony.blogspot.com/ 10/18/10
Stephen Tremp http://www.stephentremp.blogspot.com/ 10/19/10
L. Diane Wolfe http://circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com/ 10/20/10
Patricia Stoltey http://patriciastoltey.blogspot.com/ 10/21/10
Sylvia Dickey Smith http://sylviadickeysmithbooks.wordpress.com/ 10/22/10
Michelle Emrath http://southerncitymysteries.blogspot.com/ 10/23/10
Leeuna Foster http://leeunafoster.com/humorblog/ 10/24/10
Jane Sutton http://janekennedysutton.blogspot.com/ 10/25/10
Mason Canyon (Pamela) http://www.masoncanyon.blogspot.com/ 10/26/10
Arlee Bird http://tossingitout.blogspot.com/ 10/27/10
Helen Ginger http://straightfromhel.blogspot.com/ 10/28/10
Lacresha Hayes http://learntofeelpretty.blogspot.com/ 10/29/10
Kissie http://justkissie.com/ 10/30/10
 |
| Click here to purchase! |
What if a homeless, smelly, ugly, unkempt old man had a hug so powerful it could cure cancer? Cause a prostitute to stop hooking and seek true love? Shake the demons of addiction free from a junkie? Make a Christian want to hug and love a Muslim and visa versa? But rare is the beneficiary of his divine embrace – nobody wants to come near him out of fear.
Marvin D. Wilson has a widely varied and rich life experience background - from Hippie Rock and Roll musician, to nightclub entertainer, to Zen Buddhist minister, to carpenter, to small business owner, to network marketer, to sales and sales training, to skilled trades instructor and adult education teacher, to public speaker and motivational coach, to now in his chosen “golden years” career, a writer and multi-published author with the self-proclaimed, “audacity to write novels”.
Wilson describes his spiritual path as one who is a non-religious, dogma-free, maverick spiritualist Christian, with a strong bent toward Zen, Taoism, and the Law of Attraction, and who believes in the Oneness of all creation and all paths leading to re-awakening to the On e. He is a family man with three grown children and six grandchildren, and works with his son and oldest daughter in their organic compost and vegetable farming business when not writing, traveling, and marketing his books.
Marvin writes primarily in the spiritual/inspirational genre, but likes to pen “cross-over” novels that appeal to a wide variety of readers. His books are uplifting, sometimes weighty, oftentimes humorous, abidingly thought-provoking, meant to instill and create passion and emotion, more than occasionally provocative to the point of controversial, and always “tell it like it is”, real world, no punches pulled writing. He likes to deliver spiritual messages in a non-preachy, often irreverent, sometimes sexy and ribald way, through the medium of an entertaining story.
***
Now for my thoughts :-)
Hugs—they bring comfort to many, disgust and horror to others and a feeling of safety to still others. Some hugs can invoke all these emotions. One hug can’t change an entire life—or can it?
In Beware the Devil’s Hug, Marvin Wilson has once again brought together an unlikely cast of characters whose lives entwine in such a way they weave the very tapestry we call life. Love, hatred, pain and laughter are the threads that bind the tapestry tightly, making it impossible for even one of the characters to remain untouched by all the others.
For those familiar with Mr. Wilson’s work, you won’t be surprised that he does not skirt issues that may cause controversy. He presents what is, leaving his own ego and thoughts completely out of the picture and allowing the reader to fully experience each issue from a perspective within their own soul. Before your experience, for this book is truly an experience, is through, you will question reality, ponder your idea of right and wrong and, if you are willing, get to see the world from perspectives you thought were much different than your own.
For those not looking for a spiritual revelation, that is fine too. The storyline is full of drama, action and a twist that I never saw coming. Beware the Devil’s Hug contains something to please almost any reader, male or female, young or old. It is definitely an adult book, but only the most prudish or narrow-minded will find it offending. Marvin Wilson may not skirt the difficult issues, but he handles them with finesse and a genuine empathy found rarely in today’s world. Marvin Wilson is a modern day Richard Bach – inviting the human race to question, strive and dream—but most of all to open their minds and hearts and embrace all the wonder that lies within each soul.
Beware the Devil's Hug earns the Full Rainbow of Writing Excellence--seven colors!
***
Marvin is holding a contest for those who visit stops on his blog tour and for those who purchase his book.
Hugs Therapy Virtual Tour 2010 – Contest, Prizes and Giveaways
Readers following the tour will have the opportunity to win prizes and receive giveaways in the following manner:
Point System-
· Every comment left will count as one point, be it on that day’s host’s blog and/or The Old Silly’s Free Spirit Blog. A reader can earn two points per day in this manner.
· Each tweet of any post stop will count as one point. Tweeting the host’s post and also tweeting the Free Spirit post that day earns two points. This one is on the honor system, so the commenter should include that he/she tweeted the post(s) in their blog comment.
· Each Facebook tour announcement/message with a link to that day’s host’s blog earns one point. This one is also on the honor system, so the commenter should include that he/she facebooked the post in his or her blog comment.
· Buying an ebook version of Beware the Devil’s Hug earns five points. Reader/buyer must confirm the purchase by emailing the author a copy of the invoice to: marvwilson2020@gmail.com
· Buying a print (paperback) version of Beware the Devil’s Hug earns 20 points. Reader/buyer must confirm the purchase by emailing the author a copy of the invoice to: marvwilson2020@gmail.com
Prizes for Point System Winners-
· Grand Prize – The person with the most points will receive an autographed paperback copy of Marvin D Wilson’s last novel, Owen Fiddler.
· First Runner-up Prize – The person with the second highest point total will receive an autographed paperback copy of the author’s first book, I Romanced the Stone (Memoirs of a Recovering Hippie).
· Second Runner-up Prize – The person with the third highest point total will also receive an autographed copy of the author’s first book, I Romanced the Stone (Memoirs of a Recovering Hippie).
· Third and Fourth Runner-up Prizes – these people will receive an autographed paperback copy of the author’s book, Between the Storm and the Rainbow.
Additional Incentives and Giveaways:
The first reader who purchases a print copy of Beware the Devil’s Hug during the tour (again providing proof via email), pays for rush delivery (if they feel that necessary), reads it, and posts a review on Amazon before the tour ends, will receive a $25 gift certificate to Borders or Barnes and Nobles bookstores, his or her choice.
· Any other readers who purchase a print copy of Beware the Devil’s Hug during the tour and can post a review before the tour ends will receive $10 certificates to Borders or Barnes and Nobles bookstores, their choice.
· All readers who purchase a print copy of Beware the Devil’s Hug during the tour but cannot or do not get a review up before the tour ends, will still be rewarded – with a free ebook copy of Owen Fiddler.
***
Remember, guys, just click the link under the cover art above. You'll also have a chance to read an excerpt there. These prizes are awesome (but the book is even more so). To give you more chances to win, here are the rest of the tour stops:
Elizabeth Spann Craig http://mysterywritingismurder.blogspot.com/ 10/17/10
Joyce Anthony http://joyce-anthony.blogspot.com/ 10/18/10
Stephen Tremp http://www.stephentremp.blogspot.com/ 10/19/10
L. Diane Wolfe http://circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com/ 10/20/10
Patricia Stoltey http://patriciastoltey.blogspot.com/ 10/21/10
Sylvia Dickey Smith http://sylviadickeysmithbooks.wordpress.com/ 10/22/10
Michelle Emrath http://southerncitymysteries.blogspot.com/ 10/23/10
Leeuna Foster http://leeunafoster.com/humorblog/ 10/24/10
Jane Sutton http://janekennedysutton.blogspot.com/ 10/25/10
Mason Canyon (Pamela) http://www.masoncanyon.blogspot.com/ 10/26/10
Arlee Bird http://tossingitout.blogspot.com/ 10/27/10
Helen Ginger http://straightfromhel.blogspot.com/ 10/28/10
Lacresha Hayes http://learntofeelpretty.blogspot.com/ 10/29/10
Kissie http://justkissie.com/ 10/30/10
The Journey to Truth by George Garlick, Ph.D. -- A Review
Labels:
book review,
George Garlick,
non-fiction
1 comments
· George F. Garlick, Ph.D.
· 978-1-933204-89-5
· VMI Publishers
· 2009
· 14.99
For more information, visit George Garlick's website
From the dawning of time, man has pondered many questions concerning the meaning of life, our place in the universe and other equally elusive concepts. Truth has always been near the top of the list. Dr. George F. Garlick has spent a lifetime searching for the truths of the universe. As a man of science, he believes there are answers to everything. As a man of God, he has tried to reconcile the apparent inconsistencies between religion and science. The Journey to Truth shares with us Dr. Garlick’s personal journey and gives us a view into the truths he has found.
In the past, science and spirituality have often battled against each other. It has been like two magnets with the south poles at the forefront, pushing against each other and never coming together. George Garlick takes the known discoveries on science’s south pole and has the foresight to turn the spiritual magnet around. What has resulted is a highly enjoyable book with many “a-ha” moments as the two disciplines come together into a seamless blending.
I enjoyed the way Dr. Garlick compared both science and scripture in a side-by-side manner that allows the reader to envision a compare/contrast chart. Visual readers will be able to follow along effortlessly, seeing how the two disciplines truly do support each other. Normally one to look for inconsistencies that are not addressed, I can say I found none in this book. The author was meticulous in his research and did not skim over inconsistencies, hoping the reader did not see them. With a true scientific mind, every “t” is crossed and “i” dotted.
I had a bit of difficulty with the science part of the book. The author speaks to readers who have a working understanding of scientific principles and I found myself having to re-read some of these paragraphs in order to understand. The understanding did come, but I would have liked Dr. Garlick to simplify some of the more complex areas a bit. The average reader may have difficulty grasping some of the more complex concepts. All in all, however, taking the time to re-read and dissect the passages helps with this.
George Garlick has shared with us one of the most personal journeys a person can take—that of the soul’s search for truth. He allows us to see his confusion, his pain and not knowing and finally his joy at discovering the two disciplines do not have to battle, for they are both necessary to truly understand our universe.
The Journey to Truth is a book I would recommend to anyone who has an open mind and a willingness to question what makes our universe the wondrous creation it is. Be prepared to take your time in reading, for this isn’t light reading’ it, however, is not dry and boring like a textbook. It is full of discoveries and understanding for those who seek answers. Dr. Garlick does an excellent job bringing together two very different disciplines—and he provides an extensive bibliography for those wishing to search deeper.
The Journey to Truth earns five colors on the Rainbow Scale.
The Unexpected Son by Shobhan Bantwal -- A Review
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book review
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| Read an excerpt |
For many years, Vinita carried a secret she believed would forever remain in the past. An innocent-looking note in the mail turns her world upside-down.
Vinita discovers that nothing is as it seemed and her secret is nothing in comparison to that which was kept from her. The time has come to face her past. Will she be able to make amends after so many years -- or is she going to lose everything she holds dear?
Shobhan Bantwal writes with a sophisticated skill you might expect from an author of forty books, not just four. The subjects that run deep within The Unexpected Son speaks of secrets, lies and betrayals. It examines the complex human emotions that take many authors decades to perfect.
I thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Bantwal's book. Her setting and characters are without flaw. The entire book plays out like a dream that surrounds you and makes it nearly impossible to shake off the after-images and return to the safe, yet uneventful, waking you experienced before starting to read.
Once again Ms. Bantwal has created a masterpiece of words that explores the very bases of human emotion. She leads you on a journey you won't soon forget.
The Forgotten Son earns five colors on the Rainbow Scale.
Caves, Cannons, and Crinolines -- A Review
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book review
12
comments
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| Click Here to Purchase |
On Thursday, May 21, 1863, a mortar shell rips through the wall of fourteen-year-old Elizabeth Stamford’s bedroom. Afraid their home is no longer safe, her mama, Susan, rushes Lizzie and her younger brother, Nathan, to the cave, where she plans to live until the siege of Vicksburg, Mississippi, ends. Lizzie, however, has her own plans–to enlist in the Confederate army and help drive General Ulysses S. Grant and his Yankees into the Mississippi River. Her older brothers, Joseph and Willie, are in Virginia, fighting for their cause. Can she do any less?
Caves, Cannons, and Crinolines is the story of one girl and her family’s day-to-day struggle to survive a changing way of life during the War Between the States.
***
I have always found it amazing how people can take an entire book and reduce it to a few simple words. What I have trouble with is how do you convey all the subtle nuances that make the book come alive? Take the above description for example.
Caves, Cannons and Crinolines is told from the viewpoint of Lizzie, who watches as the Civil War changes all she finds steady and true in her world. We follow Lizzie as not only the outside world is changed, but her inner being as well. We feel her fear as she dons boy's clothing and faces war first-hand and we struggle from crying when the war takes from her someone precious. As we read, Beverly Stowe McClure literally takes us back to what it is like to be fourteen. While many of us forget as we grow older, Ms. McClure has held onto that part of herself and writes purely from the perspective of Lizzie' she does not allow her adult self to enter at all, which is very rare indeed.
This book packs a lot between its covers--laughter, pain, fear, anger, and most of all emotional growth that can only come from experience. I applaud Beverly McClure for being able to convey so many subtle messages to her audience, without once sounding as though she's teaching, or preaching. This book is sure to become a favorite part of any girl's library and I imagine many boys will secretly find it among theirs as well. (Secretly because I don't think many young boys will willingly be seen reading a book with crinolines in the title!). To be able to craft a book that appeals to both boys and girls of this age is yet another rare accomplishment that Ms. McClure has achieved. You will never see war the same again once you finish this book.
Caves, Cannons and Crinolines rates a solid six colors on the Rainbow Scale!
How to Sue a Telemarketer by Stephen L. Ostrow -- A Review
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book review
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comments
Usually, I'd give a brief description of what a book is about, but this title is EXACTLY what this book covers :-) I like it when authors make my task easier :-) What the title doesn't tell you is the wealth of information packed within this short (under 150 pages) manual --information that walks you step-by-step through the process!
I have never read anything that so clearly explained the telemarketing laws. Mr. Ostrow not only explains them, but includes sample conversations you can have with telemarketers--and an entire trial brief. He has done the legwork and includes the cases that are relevant to telemarketing and shows how to apply this knowledge.
Pretty dry reading, huh? Not in the least! The author's sense of humor is evident on each and every page and his pen and ink cartoons are liberally scattered throughout the pages. His use of bold type for the most important points (such as websites) and his chapter checklists all come together to make the material even more understandable. Knowing that Steve Ostrow has over thirty years experience as a lawyer helped add to his credibility for me.
I can't find anything about this book I would change, whether it was to add or leave out. The information included is all applicable and it is complete. The language used takes into account most of us readers to not hold law degrees, yet it is not over-simplified. I do wonder if Mr. Ostrow would consider a companion book that discusses dealing with debt collectors?
How to Sue a Telemarketer rates a solid six colors on the Rainbow Scale.
Join us on the How To Sue A Telemarkter virtual tour. To learn more about the tour, visit http://bookpromotionservices.com/2010/07/05/how-to-sue-a-telemarketer/. You can also learn more about How to Sue a Telemarketer at http://howtosueatelemarketer.com/
I have never read anything that so clearly explained the telemarketing laws. Mr. Ostrow not only explains them, but includes sample conversations you can have with telemarketers--and an entire trial brief. He has done the legwork and includes the cases that are relevant to telemarketing and shows how to apply this knowledge.
Pretty dry reading, huh? Not in the least! The author's sense of humor is evident on each and every page and his pen and ink cartoons are liberally scattered throughout the pages. His use of bold type for the most important points (such as websites) and his chapter checklists all come together to make the material even more understandable. Knowing that Steve Ostrow has over thirty years experience as a lawyer helped add to his credibility for me.
I can't find anything about this book I would change, whether it was to add or leave out. The information included is all applicable and it is complete. The language used takes into account most of us readers to not hold law degrees, yet it is not over-simplified. I do wonder if Mr. Ostrow would consider a companion book that discusses dealing with debt collectors?
How to Sue a Telemarketer rates a solid six colors on the Rainbow Scale.
Join us on the How To Sue A Telemarkter virtual tour. To learn more about the tour, visit http://bookpromotionservices.com/2010/07/05/how-to-sue-a-telemarketer/. You can also learn more about How to Sue a Telemarketer at http://howtosueatelemarketer.com/
Fin, Fur and Fatal By Billie A. Williams -- A Review
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book review
3
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| Purchase Here Read an excerpt here |
February (Ary) England runs a pet shop. She's a very active animal rescue advocate. Unfortunately, it is this very thing a psychotic man from her past uses to lure her into his plans. Rogert has just been released from prisonn, where he spent too short of a sentence for atrocious acts of the past involving not only animals, but Ary's best friend at that time. It takes every ouce of strength for Ary to survive being kidnapped by .
This book immediately caught my attention because I could identify with February. It held my attention, however, because the writing flowed so smoothly that time slipped away as I read. Ms. Williams definitely did her research. The setting and characters were as real as your next door neighbor.
Billie knows how to weave a mystery. More than that, she takes a horrific situation and presents it without gory details, giving just enough for the reader to know what the situation is, but not creating such an adverse reaction you can't go on reading. With a book involving animal abuse, it would have been extremely easy to get me to the point where I couldn't finish. The way Ms. Williams handles such subjects is definitely classy.
I have read several of Billie William's books, but this one stands out. Billie writes each of her books in such a way that you believe she's been right there as the events occur. She engages her reader right from the start and doesn't let go until the last page is turned. Fin, Fur and Fatal was no exception. I am consistently amazed at how Ms. William's mind comes up with things that nobody else can. The little details of events that set her writing apart from others. For example, who would have thought a toilet tank cover could be a weapon??
For anyone not familiar with Ms. William's work, I highly recommend this one as a starting place--it won't be the last!
Fin, Fur and Fatal rates six colors on the Rainbow Scale.
***
Billie's tour is continuing. Please vistit her calendar for a list of the blogs she has visited and those still to come. There are some excellent hosts on this one! Don't forget to leave a comment to be eligible for the prizes and give me a shout if you want any of the ebooks mentioned in this week's first post
**
Billie, I want to thank you for joining us this week. Please come back again; it has been a great week.
Female Nomad and Friends -- A Review
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book review
2
comments
One of the easiest ways for two people to connect emotionally is to share a meal. With this in mind, the recipes inter-mingled with the stories are as varied as the authors. Everything from baked beans to Ho Mok, Grandma's fried chicken to Sun dried Mopane Worms. If the stories alone aren't adventure enough, the recipes will be. Before finishing the book, I knew it was food for both body and soul.
The people in this book aren't famous, rich or powerful --not in the usual sense of the words. Yet, you can't help but feel you are witnessing daily miracles as you read their stories. These are the people that make up this world, your friends, family and the new people that just moved in down the block. Their individual moments are miracles we see every day if we take the time to notice and open our hearts to receive.
I can't help but feel that these authors have found what the world needs to bring about peace on a planet-wide level. Their stories will stay with you, showing up at odd moments, entering your dreams, and causing a subtle change within your soul as you go about your day. You will find yourself smiling more, greeting strangers, and finding more things to cherish. This book does not belong in a particular genre, it is a book for mankind. Are words powerful enough to change the world? Read Female Nomad and Friends and you will know they are.
Female Nomad and Friends rates six colors on the Rainbow Scale.
***
We invite you to join s on the Female Nomad and Friends virtual tour. The full schedule can be seen at http://bookpromotionservices.com/2010/05/17/female-nomad-tour . You can learn much more about Rita Golden Gelman and her work on her website - http://www.ritagoldengelman.com/
Fear to Freedom by Rosemary Trible -- A Review
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book review
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comments
by: Rosemary Trible
Published by: VMI Publishers 2009
ISBN 978-1-935265-09-2
$14.99
To the outside world, Rosemary Trible had it all. She grew up in a loving family, her marriage was full of mutual love and caring and her husband was a rising star in the political arena, so money was never an issue. Rosemary had something, however, that others could not see, or even guess--a deep fear within caused by a horrifying rape at gunpoint. Fear to Freedom is the story of how Rosemary Trible came to find even more within in herself than she realized--faith and strength that allowed her to reach out and embrace God's healing. Once she gained the courage to forgive, her fear was released and she found it her mission to reach out to other women who faced daily fear, teaching them to find that faith in God and the strength within.
This book is very much about allowing God to heal your fears, yet it does not preach to the reader. You feel the author's faith on every page, yet she speaks of God in the casual manner she would speak of an old friend who has been with one since childhood. She does not pretend that healing is easy, even with God. She shares stories of women she has counseled and shows how they struggled and eventually triumphed. All this is done without judgment. You do not get the feeling she is looking for someone to say how special she is for her work, she simply relates what is in a simple, down-to-earth style.
The pictures included caused me a bit of concern. I believe the author's intent was to show that fear can find its way into even the most seemingly charmed life. Yet, it is possible that some readers may mis-interpret this intent and feel that she overcame because she had so many powerful people in her life. The pictures may make it difficult for some readers to relate to the author on an emotional level. If the reader, however, gives the book a chance, they will find it quite easy to relate. Rosemary Trible shows without a doubt that fear knows no boundaries in regards to economic status, skin color, or religion.
The end of the book contains devotionals for each chapter. These allow the reader to stop and reflect. It enables them to apply what is conveyed to their own life and situations. I found the devotionals extremely helpful and thought-provoking. I'd like to see them published in a stand-alone book. I can see this book being read not only by individuals, but also as part of healing groups, both within and outside the church. This is not only the author's story, it is the story of every woman who has found herself violated and in fear, in whatever way.
Fear to Freedom rates five colors on the Rainbow Scale.
When Dreams are More -- A Review of The Sorcerer's Dream by Dreamshield
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book review
5
comments
Reading first-person accounts is often difficult because they have a tendency to isolate the reader, rather than give them a point of reference to empathize with the author. This is not the case with The Sorcerer's Dream. Dreamshield writes with such emotion you can literally feel her reaching out and pulling you in to share her journey. Her words come through with a lyrical quality that borders on being poetic.
As you follow Dreamshield on her spiritual quest, you start seeing glimpses of your own path. This isn't to say the reader's path is the same one; rather the reading places the reader in a spiritually open position that is perfect for discovering roads that may have been previously hidden. If the reader is also a Dreamer, this connection becomes much stronger. This book is not only Dreamshield's journey, but can also be the catalyst that the reader is seeking.
Alysa Braceau does not hold back on what she shares. Her thoughts and feelings throughout the journey are put forth without hesitation. You feel the author is a woman comfortable within her own skin, and this comfort creates a trust that frees the reader to fully experience what is written. This is a book for anyone who feels the calling to be more, experience more and to live fully.
The Sorcerer's Dream rates seven colors on The Rainbow Scale.
***
We invite you to join s on the virtual tour for The Sorcerer’s Dream by Alysa Braceau (Dreamshield). The full schedule can be seen at http://bookpromotionservices.com/2010/05/03/sorcerers-dream . You can learn much more about Dreamshield and her work on her website – http://www.dreamshield.nl/ . The book can be ordered on Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Sorcerers-Dream-Dreamshield-Alysa-Braceau/dp/1609101561 .
SPECIAL OFFER - Every time you post a comment on any tour post - you will be entered into a drawing for a $35 Amazon gift card -- so, share your thoughts with us.
Glamour Girl From the Stars by Carlton Scott -- A Review
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book review
2
comments
I have always found the best way to judge the quality of a children's book was to take it to the intended audience, so I got a group of neighborhood kids together and read Glamour Girl From the Stars to them. I also included a couple adults. The reaction was wonderful. The kids all had some comment, whether about PleeDee or the places she visited or about the illustrations. All the comments were positive and this book did exactly what a good children's book should do--it got the audience talking and thinking. The parents gave it a thumbs up also, saying the message was one they believed can't be stressed enough in today's world.
While I had a slight problem with the way the rhyming flowed in one or two spots as I read, it did not phase the children and I would have to say it was a minor issue that did not take away from the book. This is a book I can see belonging in every elementary school classroom and anywhere else that children, especially girls, gather. I can also picture this as a daytime children's program, expanding PleeDee's adventures.
Glamour Girl From the Stars rates five colors on the Rainbow Scale!
***
For more information about this virtual book tour, please visit http://bookpromotionservices.com/2010/05/13/blog-tour-carlton-scotts-glamour-girl-from-the-stars/ You can learn more about this author and purchase his books at http://www.carltonsbooks.com/index.html .
Book Review: Keeping the Wolves at Bay (Media Training)
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book review
0
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This is a fairly short book, but it contains a great deal of information. Mr. Bernstein covers every part of the interview process from preparing in advance to follow up. He has included information from the reporter's point of view to help readers understand why a certain approach is necessary and he gives information on how to deal with the various approaches that may be used.
I had expected a rather dry book, considering the subject matter, but was pleasantly surprised. The book is set up with quotes, examples and many bulleted lists that help hold a reader's interest. The author used only the words needed to get his points across and doesn't include any "fluff". He doesn't make false promises that the reader will be an expert interview subject, but does say that being prepared will make you better. His honesty is a welcome element in a business that is often full of hype that declares whatever method discussed perfect. The author's willingness t6o avoid false promises further leads me to trust his advice and want to put it into practice.
While the advice in this book is focused on crisis interviews, the information can be equally valuable to anyone who is in a position where interview skills are necessary. I would have loved to have had this book available a couple of years ago -- and plan to keep it readily available for the future. The "cheat sheet" included is priceless for last-minute brush-up. This is a must have resource for all who deal with the media.
Keeping the Wolves at Bay: Media Training rates five colors on the Rainbow Scale.
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We invite you to join us on Jonathan Bernstein’s virtual tour this summer – for much more information about the tour, the author and the book, visit - http://bookpromotionservices.com/2010/04/28/keeping-wolves-bay-tour/
Apocalypse 2012; What does the Bible Say? -- A review
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Written by John Claeys
ISBN 978-1-935265-16-0
Published by VMI Publishers
2010
Predictions have always been plentiful, but few are as much so as the coming changes in 2012. Nearly every person you meet has an opinion and the predictions go back centuries, to the ancient Aztecs, Nostradamus and a host of others. There is little, however, to tell us what the Bible has to say about 2012. John Claeys saw this lack of information and used his many years of Bible study to find out. The conclusion of his studying is within Apocalypse 2012.
I must admit I was very curious to see what John Claeys had to say. I started this book with curiosity -- mixed with a good dose of scepticism. I am familiar with the book of Revelations, but not well-versed on the Bible in general. I was hoping this wasn't another "Repent now for the end is near" book, lacking anything of substance to back up the statement. I was barely through the first chapter when I realized John Claeys was a man who knew his subject, and was willing to explain exactly where his thoughts came from.
Mr. Claeys writes in a style that keeps you interested. His explanations include much cross-referencing and details, such as the differences in meaning a word can have in the original Greek the Bible was written in. He guides you on a journey that takes all the "loose ends" in the Bible together, creating a picture that is understandable and actually makes sense. I had many "Now that makes sense!" moments as I read. Unlike many authors who write on the Bible, the author does not just skim over the parts that don't "fit". At one point, he even states that a point may seem contradictory. He then goes on to explain why it isn't as it first seemed.
References to outside sources abound in this book. It is not simply "The Bible according to John Claeys". Apocalypse 2012 is thoroughly researched. An extensive Bibliography section is included for further study and End notes allow for deeper understanding of the material. The author ties the material into current events, illustrating why he has come to the conclusion in the book. What is that conclusion? You will have to see that for yourself. I can say that by the time you reach it, you will understand exactly how and why Mr. Claeys arrived at it.
As I was visiting John's website I noticed mention of the possibility of another book. I look forward to reading any further books that should be published. It is a rare thing for a religious book to make so much sense to me. I normally put them down with more questions than I started out with; it was refreshing to feel the inner workings of my mind take hold of the words within this book and actually feel I was being challenged to explore and learn.
I can honestly say I have absolutely no complaints about this book. For anyone looking for answers on what the Bible says about 2012, or for anyone simply looking for yet another angle they may not have explored, I strongly suggest you give Apocalypse 2012 a try. Once you do, I'd love to have you return here and let me know what you think.
Apocalypse 2012 rates six colors on the Rainbow Scale.
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