Author: Mary Kay Andrews
 
Summary from Amazon:New York Times bestselling author and Queen of the Beach Reads Mary Kay Andrews delivers her next blockbuster, Hello Summer.

It’s a new season...

Conley Hawkins left her family’s small town newspaper, The Silver Bay Beacon, in the rearview mirror years ago. Now a star reporter for a big-city paper, Conley is exactly where she wants to be and is about to take a fancy new position in Washington, D.C. Or so she thinks.

For small town scandals...

When the new job goes up in smoke, Conley finds herself right back where she started, working for her sister, who is trying to keep The Silver Bay Beacon afloat—and she doesn’t exactly have warm feelings for Conley. Soon she is given the unenviable task of overseeing the local gossip column, “Hello, Summer.”

And big-time secrets.

Then Conley witnesses an accident that ends in the death of a local congressman—a beloved war hero with a shady past. The more she digs into the story, the more dangerous it gets. As an old heartbreaker causes trouble and a new flame ignites, it soon looks like their sleepy beach town is the most scandalous hotspot of the summer.

Personal Review:When I picked up this tome, I hoped that it would keep me intrigued and that it did. The book has a little bit of everything: unexpected, mystery, and even a smudge of romance. I enjoyed this one and the opportunity to escape everything that is going on in the world around me.

If you don't mind big books and if you want one that will keep you reading til the end, then this may just the one for you!

Disclaimer: I was awarded this book from the publisher. Though I did not pay for the book, the opinions are strictly my own.
 
Happy Reading!

Book Review: Everything

Happy Book Birthday to this one!! Out Today! 

Author: D.C. Stone
 
Summary from Goodreads: Gage and Dani have been through it all: the struggles of life, exciting military service, rocky relationships, and heart breaking deaths. In twenty-plus years of being best friends, they've never faced as big of a challenge as they do now. Can their friendship and hearts survive the ultimate test of time?

Disclaimer: I was awarded this book from Caffeinated PR. Though I did not pay for the book, the opinions are strictly my own.

Personal Review:
This book was just what I needed. I have been personally down a rabbit hole with school work lately and this book allowed me to come up for air. I really appreciated both Gage and Dani and their stories from their past. The characters are what made this book for me.

In general, I dont want to give away too many spoilers. But this book was a quick read, had its steamy moments, its ups and downs, and it kept me reading all the way to the end. I would say it was worth the time.

If you are looking for a bit of romance, then this may be the book for you.
 
Happy Reading!

Book Review: Organized Enough

Author:  Amanda Sullivan 
 
Summary from Goodreads:

This is not a book that tells you to throw everything out and live austerely. You don't need a sock drawer that brings you joy or a kitchen from a design magazine; what you do need is to be organized enough to feel in control and serene. Organized Enough offers a ground–breaking, science–driven method for maintaining organization: it addresses not just the steps of decluttering but also of developing the habits to stay clutter–free. Amanda Sullivan shares the method that has brought great success to her clients—from celebrities to hoarders. With seven concepts to help you define your goals and seven essential habits to keep chaos and clutter at bay, you will learn to reframe how you think about your space, your stuff, and your life.


Disclaimer: I was awarded this book from the publisher. Though I did not pay for the book, the opinions are strictly my own.

Personal Review:
When I was first contacted about his book, I knew that I needed to read it. Any tips and tricks that I can get for decluttering my life are always welcome. I really appreciate that the author takes the time to help you think about what it is that matters to you, what are your goals. By starting there it allows you place to begin and to expand on.

This book kept me engaged and I enjoyed the insights throughout. It was not limited to only your stuff, but also about your life and all of the complexities associated with. All in all, I enjoyed this book.

Thanks for the opportunity.

 
Happy Reading!

Book Review: You Lucky Dog

Author: Debra Finerman
 
Summary:

What do you do when you're attending your own funeral but can't tell the love of your life that you're there, perfectly alive? Your wife doesn't recognize you because you look slightly different. Well, more than slightly. You're now a dog.

You Lucky Dog is the unlikely love story of Jake and Emma, a young couple thrown into a very unusual situation.

Jake and Emma appear to have everything going for them. A young married couple, they live with their dog in the leafy suburbs of Los Angeles. But after a horrible accident changes the course of their lives forever, Jake finds himself alive but living outside his body, and in the body of his dog.

What follows is a hilarious and heartwarming tale of misplaced identity. You Lucky Dog explores the mysteries of life and death, and the enduring power of love, in a heartwarming story for animal lovers and all lovers.

Personal Review:Who could say no to such a cute face? This book was a cute and funny read. I enjoyed the idea of someone being in a dog's body but having a human thoughts. It was told in a perspective that was interesting.

The book itself was a pretty quick read for me. The story line kept moving and I really appreciated that throughout.

Thank you for the opportunity to read!

 Disclaimer: I was awarded this book from the publisher. Though I did not pay for the book, the opinions are strictly my own.

Happy Reading!

Book Review: The Healing Power of Essential Oils

Author:
 
Summary from Book:
Eric Zielinski, D.C., host of the Essential Oils Revolution summits, offers a soup-to-nuts guide to mastering essential oils for vibrant health and well-being, featuring dozens of recipes and formulations for restful sleep, reduced inflammation, balanced hormones, and more.

Achieving true health is not an easy task. For many people, it might be easier to pop a pill or push aside lingering discomfort in favor of finishing everything on your to-do list. In The Healing Power of Essential Oils, Eric Zielinski, D.C. shows readers how to make their health a priority with the life-changing benefits of essential oils. Essential oils are the natural solution to everything from anxiety and depression to deep-seated inflammation. For beginners, Dr. Z teaches everything you need to know to get started, including the top seven oils you should stock from Day 1 and the commonly used techniques and tools. He illustrates daily practices you can follow to enjoy the properties of essential oils, including a five-minute devotional using frankincense and neroli to set you up for a productive and stress-free day, and a simple bedtime routine harnessing the soporific effects of lavender.

Backed by extensive research, Dr. Z also supplies essential oil blends that promote hormone balance, reduced inflammation, improved digestion, increased immunity, and so much more. You’ll be armed with over 150 recipes for every health need, and a special section on women’s health includes dozens of formulations for PMS, fertility, pregnancy, candida, and menopause. Even those well-versed in essential oils will benefit from this thorough approach. With your newfound knowledge, you can begin tailoring an essential oils practice to your unique pain points and lifestyle right away – and start experiencing amazing results.

Personal Review:
I will be honest, I don't know anything about this topic, but I know several people who swear by their oils, so I thought I would check it out to learn something new. It appears that there are ideas for no matter what is going on in your life. This book discusses several recipes for oils that you can use to help you deal with whatever you are going through.

I picked up this book because I am interested in the oils that they use to make bath bombs. I have found that a nice relaxing soak can really help the sore muscles.

This was an interesting book. Thanks for the opportunity.

 Disclaimer: I was awarded this book as part of the Blogging for Books program. Though I did not pay for the book, the opinions are strictly my own. I am sad to report that this program has ended, so this will be my last review for them.

Happy Reading!

Book Review: 10-Day Belly Slimdown

Author: Kellyann Petrucci 
 
Summary from Goodreads:

"This isn't another gimmicky diet--it's a powerful eating strategy that will take your extra pounds off quickly, safely, and permanently." - Mark Hyman, MD, Director, Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Eat Fat Get Thin

"The best gift you can give yourself is a slim, beautiful, healthy belly--and in this book, Dr. Kellyann, an expert I trust, tells you exactly how to get it." - Mehmet Oz, M.D.

The New York Times bestselling author of Dr. Kellyann's Bone Broth Diet reveals her powerful belly-slimming plan that will help you lose up to 10 pounds in 10 days!

Are you sick and tired of your belly fat? Frustrated with diets that don't take it off? Angry that you don't look the way you want to look, and can't wear the clothes you want to wear? Naturopathic physician and weight loss specialist Dr. Kellyann Petrucci has spent over 20 years showing people how to do the impossible: take off stubborn belly fat.

After guiding thousands of amazing transformations over her career, Dr. Petrucci has targeted the most powerful ways to flatten your belly--deprivation not included! In The 10-Day Belly Slimdown, you will learn the #1 biggest secret to rapid belly-blasting: "mini-fasting." This simple but revolutionary shift in the timing of your meals means you'll eat within a seven-hour window each day. While you're mini-fasting, you'll never feel hungry--luscious, satisfying bone broth will quench cravings and melt off pounds, collagen-packed shakes will kick your metabolism into overdrive, and "slim-gestion" foods, herbs, and spices will fight bloat, lower inflammation, and cleanse your gut. In combination, these strategies deliver incredible results quickly and safely.

The 10-Day Belly Slimdown includes daily meal plans, batch cooking tips to make meal prep a snap, 80 delicious new recipes, and a sensible maintenance plan. As you heal your belly from the inside out, you'll feel younger, happier, and lighter than you thought possible.

Personal Review:
I picked up this book because I thought that it would offer me some new ideas for foods and that it did! It has some great recipes in it that I want to try out. More to come out!

In addition to the recipes, there are some tips and tricks that help you think about what impacts your stomach. I learned many new things from this book.

Thanks for the opportunity to read. 

 Disclaimer: I was awarded this book as part of the Blogging for Books program. Though I did not pay for the book, the opinions are strictly my own.

Happy Reading!

Book Review: Born to be Wild

Author: Jess P. Shatkin
 
Summary from Goodreads: 
A groundbreaking, research-based guide that sheds new light on why young people make dangerous choices--and offers solutions that work.

Texting while driving. Binge-drinking. Bullying. Unprotected sex. There are plenty of reasons for parents to worry about getting a late-night call about their teen. But most of the advice parents and educators hear about teens is outdated and unscientific--and based on the rates of teen pregnancy, accidents, addiction, and more.

Acclaimed adolescent psychiatrist Jess P. Shatkin brings more than two decades' worth of research and clinical experience to the subject, along with cutting-edge findings from brain science, evolutionary psychology, game theory, and other disciplines -- plus a widely curious mind and the perspective of a concerned dad.

Using science and stories, fresh analogies, clinical anecdotes, and research-based observations, Shatkin explains: Why "scared straight," adult logic, and draconian punishment don't work.

Why the teen brain is "born to be wild"--shaped by evolution to explore and take risks.

The surprising role of brain development, hormones, peer pressure, screen time, and other key factors.

What parents and teachers can do--in everyday interactions, teachable moments, and specially chosen activities and outings--to work with teens' need for risk, rewards and social acceptance, not against it.
 
Personal Review:
While, I do not personally have kids, I thought this book was a very interesting read. It is interesting to hear about the science of adolescence and the stories that go along with it. I studied family science in undergraduate and this book appealed to me in many ways. I appreciated the ideas behind this book.

I would recommend this book for those who want to learn more about the young person in their lives. I thought it had golden nuggets of information and ideas.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book.

 Disclaimer: I was awarded this book. Though I did not pay for the book, the opinions are strictly my own.

Happy Reading!

Book Review: The Shift

Author: Mo Issa
 
Summary from Goodreads: After a devastating family tragedy, author Mo Issa was forced to reexamine his life. Six surprising catalysts helped him rethink his whole life plan. These came from a wide range of sources—from Leo Tolstoy’s seminal classic The Death of Ivan Ilyich to Brené Brown’s TED Talk. With these influences in mind, Issa thought about the way he was living and asked himself whether it was how he really wanted to live his life.

It wasn’t, and Issa realized he had to change. He started working toward a more authentic, spiritual existence. Along the way, he dug deep into his psyche and got to know himself, identifying the habits that helped him focus on his purpose. He is now sharing these habits and more with you!

In The Shift,Issa discusses

the importance of authenticity, 
the connection between the spirit and the mind, 
the need for vulnerability, 
the direct and indirect actions that can help you form good habits, 
the consequences of conforming to society’s standards instead of questioning and challenging them, and 
living a life without regret. 

Issa hopes he can inspire you and give you the tools you need to seek out the true version of yourselves.


Personal Review:In this book, we met Issa who has to take a step back to look at his life and figure out if this was the way he really wanted to live. We explore with him the things that really helped him to become self-aware, like his habits. While thinking about who you are and who you want to be is no easy task, he share with us ways to do so. 

I appreciated the sincerity of this book and about what makes sense for his life. It is encouraging and a very interesting read.

I appreciated the opportunity to read this! Thank you.

 Disclaimer: I was awarded this book. Though I did not pay for the book, the opinions are strictly my own.

Happy Reading!

Be The Parent, Please

 
Summary from Goodreads: 

 “Be the Parent, Please is one of the most thought-provoking and jarring books I’ve read in a long time. When I finished the book, I literally thought to myself, ‘I wish I’d read this ten years ago!’ Engagingly written and filled with fascinating studies, this important book should be a conversation changer.” —Amy Chua, Yale Law professor and author of Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother and The Triple Package

Be the Parent, Please: Stop Banning Seesaws and Start Banning Snapchat: Strategies for Solving the Real Parenting Problems

By Naomi Schaefer Riley

Published by Templeton Press

Hardcover: 192 pages

January 8, 2018; $24.95US; 9781599474823

Description:

Toddlers on tablets. Pre-teens on Tumblr. Thanks to a variety of factors—from tech companies hungry for new audiences, to school administrations bent on making education digital, to a culture that promotes everyone as the star of their own reality shows—technology is irrevocably a part of childhood, and parents are struggling to keep up. What should be allowed? What should be denied? And, given the ubiquity of technology and its inherent usefulness, what do sensible boundaries even look like?

A noted columnist and mother of three, Naomi Schaefer Riley fully understands the seductive nature of screens. For example, an after­noon of finger painting equals enormous cleanup of both house and hands. But an afternoon of iPad games? Just a swipe and a charger. Or what about car rides around town? Always having toys and books on hand isn’t a given, but your game-loaded smart phone is.

Riley draws us into her story and then walks us through the research on technology’s encroachment into each stage of childhood. She then offers "tough mommy tips": realistic, practical, applicable advice for parents who recognize that unlimited technology access is a problem, but who don’t know where to start in taking back control. These tips cover everything from placating an antsy toddler at your local favorite restaurant to best practices for keeping your teens safe from unsavory sites.

Any parent knows the effects of screens on their distracted, cranky, sedentary, and incessantly anxious-about-what-might-be-going-on-without-them kids. Naomi Schaefer Riley brings her experience, research, and no-nonsense candor to help parents prevent the children from falling under the destructive spell of technology.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Naomi Schaefer Riley is a weekly columnist for the New York Post and a former Wall Street Journal editor and writer whose work focuses on higher education, religion, philanthropy and culture. She is the author of six books, her most recent titled, The New Trail of Tears: How Washington Is Destroying American Indians, (Encounter, 2016). Her book, ’Til Faith Do Us Part: How Interfaith Marriage is Transforming America (Oxford, 2013), was named an editor’s pick by the New York Times Book Review. For more information, please visit http://www.naomiriley.com/

 
Personal Review:In full disclosure, I am not a parent. When I was offered this book I picked it up because I am an Aunt. I have family members who are trying to make sense of what is too much screen time and what does that mean for their kids. I thought maybe their would be some insights in this book that helped to enlighten that.

This book was certainly full of information. It talked about the challenge of dealing with kids sometimes and the desire to passify them (of sorts) with technology. I cannot speak to that experience directly, but I can see where that can be the case.

I found the book informative. Thank you for the opportunity.

 Disclaimer: I was awarded this book. Though I did not pay for the book, the opinions are strictly my own.
Happy Reading!

Book Review: The Hidden Kingdom

Author: Tracey Hecht and Sarah Fieber
 
Summary from Goodreads: Discover the fourth mystery in Tracey Hecht’s critically acclaimed, non-episodic, middle-grade series featuring the Nocturnal Brigade!

Personal Review:
The crew is back and they are suffering from a drought. In an effort to find water, they set out on adventure and strange things start to happen. Always an adventure with this group.

I appreciate these books because they are informative and educational, yet entertaining. I really enjoy the middle grade series of these books as the crew can be exposed to a new audience. The books create vivid pictures of scenes and I enjoy them.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book.

 Disclaimer: I was awarded this book from the publisher. Though I did not pay for the book, the opinions are strictly my own.

Happy Reading!

Book Review: Noelle

Author: Greg Kincaid
 
Summary from Goodreads: 
 From the New York Times bestselling author of A Dog Named Christmas comes this heartwarming Christmas story about the power of family and the strength and love that comes from our pets.

In this fourth installment of the poignant stories of the McCray family and their lovable canines in rural Kansas, matriarch Mary Ann McCray is determined to shake up Christmas by accepting the role as Crossing Trail's first woman Santa Claus. Mary Ann, always a bit of a rebel, is looking to offer a more progressive voice in the staunchly conservative town at Christmastime and has a few ideas up her red velvet sleeves.

Personal Review:
When I saw the cover of this one, I knew I needed to read it. I have not read the others about this family, but I was able to follow along the story just fine. It was an interesting story set in a holiday setting. I enjoyed the characters and the plot.

Animals and the value they bring to the family are evident in this book. I appreciate that thought and the sentiment that goes along with it.

I enjoyed this book. Thank you for the opportunity.

 Disclaimer: I was awarded this book as part of the Blogging for Books program. Though I did not pay for the book, the opinions are strictly my own.

Happy Reading!

Book Review: The Integrity Advantage

Author: Kelley Kosow
 
Summary from Goodreads: 
You vowed to speak up at work, and then sat silent in the meeting yet again. You told yourself -this time the diet is going to stick, - only to watch the scale inching up. You felt that something just wasn't right about someone who seemed -perfect on paper---until you learned the hard way that your instincts were right.

If you can relate here, you're not alone. Before Kelley Kosow was a renowned life coach and CEO, she constantly second-guessed herself, let others steer her dreams and passions, and played it -small and safe.-

Inspired by the groundbreaking principles of her renowned mentor Debbie Ford, The Integrity Advantage is Kelley's step-by-step guide for facing the fear, shame, and false beliefs that cause us to lose our way. Through life-changing insights, true stories, and proven strategies, you'll learn how to stop fighting with yourself, start trusting your deeper wisdom, and return to wholeness

Personal Review:
I really appreciated that this book made me think. In the book, we get a number of ideas about how to approach the world differently. We get to hear about true stories and experiences that have been tested out.

I feel like this book had a lot of truths that made me think about life and what it is that you want to accomplish from it. You have alot to tell yourself and sometimes you need to listen to your instincts.

I appreciated the opportunity to read this book. Thank you.

 Disclaimer: I was awarded this book. Though I did not pay for the book, the opinions are strictly my own.
Happy Reading!

Book Review: Side Hustle From Idea to Income in 27 Days

Author: Chris Guillebeau
 
Summary from Goodreads: 
The author of the New York Times Bestseller THE $100 STARTUP shows how to launch a profitable side hustle in just 27 days.
 
For some people, the thought of quitting their day job to pursue the entrepreneurial life is exhilarating. For many others, it's terrifying. After all, a stable job that delivers a regular paycheck is a blessing. And not everyone has the means or the desire to take on the risks and responsibilities of working for themselves.

But what if we could quickly and easily create an additional stream of income without giving up the security of a full-time job? Enter the side hustle.

Chris Gullibeau is no stranger to this world, having launched more than a dozen side hustles over his career. Here, he offers a step-by-step guide that takes you from idea to income in just 27 days.

Designed for the busy and impatient, this detailed roadmap will show you how to select, launch, refine, and make money from your side hustle in under a month. You'll learn how to:

- Brainstorm, borrow, and steal to build an arsenal of great side hustle ideas (day 3)
- Apply "Tinder for Side Hustle" logic to pick the best idea at any time (day 6)
- Learn, gather, or create everything you need to launch; then set up a real life way to get paid (days 13-14)
- Start raking in the money by channeling your inner Girl Scout (day 18)
- Master the art of deals, discounts, and special offers (day 21)
- Raise your game: improve, expand, or make more money off your hustle (days 24-26)

A side hustle is more than just another stream of income, it's also the new job security. When you receive paychecks from different sources, it allows you to take more chances in your "regular" career. More income means more options. More options equals freedom. You don't need entrepreneurial experience to launch a profitable side hustle. You don't have to have an MBA, or know how to code, or be an expert marketer. You don't need employees or investors. With Chris as a guide, anyone can make more money, pursue a passion, and enjoy greater security - without quitting their day job.
 
Personal Review:
In this book, we get to know more about those people who take on an opportunity. This can because of interest, because of extra money, or just for fun. The book shares with us some ideas about how to make this a reality for those who aspire to do this. In full disclosure, I am not positive that I would be very skilled at doing that. But this book made me believe that I could possibly do something like this.

I appreciated that the book was honest and gave you practical tips and advice. The words were based on experiences of real life people and I recognize that can be incredibly valuable.

I am glad that I had a chance to read this book. Thank you for the opportunity.

 Disclaimer: I was awarded this book as part of the Blogging for Books program. Though I did not pay for the book, the opinions are strictly my own.

Happy Reading!

Book Review: Devotion

Author: Dobie Houson
 
Summary from Goodreads: Devotion celebrates the magical connection between humans and their four-legged soulmates. Written by an animal communicator, this beautiful and heartwarming collection of short stories honors the love, courage, and unbreakable bonds these amazing partners share as they navigate life.

Anyone who has ever looked into the eyes of their beloved animal companion and wondered what they were thinking will fall in love with this book.

The author, a passionate animal lover, donates a portion of all proceeds to animal rescues and sanctuaries

Personal Review:
You guys know that I am always up for a good animal book. When offered this one, I had to say yes. In this book, we meet a series of stories about the furry friends who make our lives better. I appreciated the range of stories and experiences throughout the book.

If you have a furry friend in your life, this book will probably mean something to you. I know that I am certainly grateful for mine!

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book.

 Disclaimer: I was awarded this book. Though I did not pay for the book, the opinions are strictly my own.

Happy Reading!

Book Review: Ten Kilo and One Million

Author: K.J. Hannah
 
Summary from Goodreads: 
Until she collected one million dollars, mild-mannered Professor Tabatha Davis knew no one-eyed, steampunking oncologist, ate no anatomically correct marzipan, and paid for no Catalina Islands trip. Nonetheless, after winning the FurMeet's jackpot, she became shadowed by a second rate media crew, befriended by a peanut butter and jelly sushi entrepreneur, and was blamed for the python strangulation of a horse whisperer. What's more, she was abandoned by her cat, stumped by infatuations, and nearly killed by a draft horse.

Tabatha's snort-chocolate-milk-through-your-nose-funny story is a must read! Ten Kilo and One Million entertains with stoned visual artists, wild thespians, random academics, and a confused HVAC technician, while, more importantly, examining self-discovery and challenging the worth we attribute to fame.

Personal Review:This book was a quick read with an interesting story line. Several times during the story, it made me laugh. There are some interesting ideas throughout the book and I think they are intended to be symbolic of other life situations.

I enjoyed the story and could see it coming to life for a production. There was a lot of vivid images that happen as you read the pages of this book.

I appreciated the opportunity to read this. Thank you.

 Disclaimer: I was awarded this book from the author. Though I did not pay for the book, the opinions are strictly my own.

Happy Reading!

Book Review: The Four Tendencies

Author: Gretchen Rubin
 
Summary from Goodreads: 
In this groundbreaking analysis of personality type, bestselling author of Better Than Before and The Happiness Project Gretchen Rubin reveals the one simple question that will transform what you do at home, at work, and in life.

During her multibook investigation into understanding human nature, Gretchen Rubin realized that by asking the seemingly dry question "How do I respond to expectations?" we gain explosive self-knowledge. She discovered that based on their answer, people fit into Four Tendencies: Upholders, Questioners, Obligers, and Rebels. Our Tendency shapes every aspect of our behavior, so using this framework allows us to make better decisions, meet deadlines, suffer less stress, and engage more effectively.
 
More than 600,000 people have taken her online quiz, and managers, doctors, teachers, spouses, and parents already use the framework to help people make significant, lasting change.
The Four Tendencies hold practical answers if you've ever thought...
· People can rely on me, but I can't rely on myself.
· How can I help someone to follow good advice?
· People say I ask too many questions.
· How do I work with someone who refuses to do what I ask—or who keeps telling me what to do?
 
With sharp insight, compelling research, and hilarious examples, The Four Tendencies will help you get happier, healthier, more productive, and more creative. It's far easier to succeed when you know what works for you.

Personal Review:
If you guys follow my blog at all, you know that I love Gretchen Rubin's, The Happiness Project. I have also enjoyed her other books. To that end, I had to get this one. I am so glad I did.

I really enjoyed this book. In this book, Gretchen further expands her research on the tendencies and what motivates us (or not) to do what we do. I really appreciated the book because it gave me a new frame of how to make sense of the world around me. It also builds on her theories about habits, how we create them, and where we go next.

This book was informative and engaging. I am glad I had a chance to read it.


Disclaimer: I was awarded this book as part of the Blogging for Books program. Though I did not pay for the book, the opinions are strictly my own.

Happy Reading!

Book Review: The Life Changing Manga of Tidying Up

Author: Marie Kondo
 
Personal Review: I first read the life changing magic of tidying up about a year ago. I enjoyed the book and it had a bunch of great golden nuggets in it that made me think about how I organize my life. I really appreciated that.

When I saw that this one was being offered as manga, I had to see what it was like! Same great appeal in a new fun way. I learned again the golden nuggets, but in a story form this time. I really enjoyed this book.

I am glad that I had a chance to read this one. Thanks for the opportunity.

Disclaimer: I was awarded this book as part of the Blogging for Books program. Though I did not pay for the book, the opinions are strictly my own.
 
Happy Reading!

Book Review: Your No Fear Career

In celebration of Bout of Books, here is a review for the Friday schedule!


Author: Robin Fisher Roffer
 
Summary from Goodreads:

THE OFFICE CAN BE A SCARY PLACE

Business can be alluring, but like the jellyfish it can also sting. There are demanding clients, bosses who bully, conniving competitors, and people who like to play politics. It seems that fear, mistrust, anxiety and feeling overwhelmed run through the veins of business leaders at every level.

In her third book, Robin Fisher Roffer reveals the secret to navigating your career fearlessly. With lessons learned from inside the walls of the world's largest media companies, Robin inspires rising executives, business owners and those just starting out to courageously move forward and move up in the face of uncertainty.

LEARN HOW TO LEAD FEARLESSLY

Brand strategist and storyteller, Robin Fisher Roffer provides the rocket fuel that has launched and evolved dozens of media brands all over the world including A&E, Animal Planet, AMC, Bloomberg, CNN, Comedy Central, Discovery, Food Network, FX, History, Lifetime and MTV.

Inspiring executives to embrace change and reach their highest potential, Robin keynotes conferences and leads workshops at powerhouse companies like AIG, FOX, Sony Pictures, Walmart, Mattel, and Microsoft, where she unites teams and galvanizes brands behind an authentic mission, vision and narrative.

In addition to Your No Fear Career, Robin is the author of Make a Name For Yourself, The Fearless Fish Out of Water, and Reinventing Yourself. She lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico where she hikes daily, cooks for friends and raises her daughter Roxy.


Personal Review:
Have you ever wanted to work smarter not harder? Then this may be the book for you. This book was full of ideas about how to make an impact in the work place. I very much appreciated the easy to read nature of this book and it certainly got me thinking!

I think the thing that I liked best about this book was that the author talked from her own experience. She speaks about it from a perspective unique to her and her experiences.

I appreciated the opportunity to read this book! Thank you.

 
Disclaimer: I was awarded this book. Though I did not pay for the book, the opinions are strictly my own.
 
Happy Reading!

Book Review: Footsteps

Author: 
THE NEW YORK TIMES is a daily newspaper published in New York City and distributed internationally. Founded in 1851, the newspaper has won 119 Pulitzer Prizes, more than any other newspaper.

MONICA DRAKE is the editor of the Travel section at the New York Times.
 
Summary from Publisher:
A curated collection of the New York Times‘ travel column, “Footsteps,” exploring iconic authors’ relationships to landmarks and cities around the world

Before Nick Carraway was drawn into Daisy and Gatsby’s sparkling, champagne-fueled world in The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald vacationed in the French Riviera, where a small green lighthouse winked at ships on the horizon. Before the nameless lovers began their illicit affair in The Lover, Marguerite Duras embarked upon her own scandalous relationship amidst the urban streets of Saigon. And before readers were terrified by a tentacled dragon-man called Cthulhu, H.P. Lovecraft was enthralled by the Industrial Trust tower– the 26-story skyscraper that makes up the skyline of Providence, Rhode Island.

Based on the popular New York Times travel column, Footsteps is an anthology of literary pilgrimages, exploring the geographic muses behind some of history’s greatest writers. From the “dangerous, dirty and seductive” streets of Naples, the setting for Elena Ferrante’s famous Neapolitan novels, to the “stone arches, creaky oaken doors, and riverside paths” of Oxford, the backdrop for Alice’s adventures in Wonderland, Footsteps takes a fresh approach to literary tourism, appealing to readers and travel enthusiasts alike.

Personal Review:
Do you love to travel? Ever think about what inspires someone to write what they do? Then this may be the book for you. This book is full of short stories that talk about the experiences that had lead to some of the great works of literature in the world.

My favorite part of this book was understanding why the authors said what they did. It makes me certainly want to go visit those places and to read the books along with the essays. What a wonderful perspective.

I enjoyed this book and appreciate the opportunity to have read it. Thank you.

 Disclaimer: I was awarded this book as part of the Blogging for Books program. Though I did not pay for the book, the opinions are strictly my own.

Happy Reading!

Book Review: Code 7

Author:  Bryan R. Johnson
 
Summary from Goodreads: 
Life at Flint Hill Elementary School may seem normal, but seven friends find themselves on a path to crack the code for an epic life. Whether they're chasing their dreams on stage, searching for an elusive monster fish, or running a makeshift business out of a tree house, can these heroes find a way to work together to change their community?

Personal Review:
In this middle grade novel, seven kids have to come together to brainstorm the key parts of their mural. I enjoyed the short stories throughout and the lessons that they learned along the way. I would be curious to see what the kids perspective on the book would be.

The best part of this book was the characters. I liked that they each had their own ideas on how to approach their lives. I appreciated that very much.

Thank you for the opportunity to review this book.

Disclaimer: I was awarded this book. Though I did not pay for the book, the opinions are strictly my own.

Happy Reading!